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Creative Communication is dedicated to promoting the arts and has sponsored student contests for over 20 years. Their philosophy is to be selective so that it is honor to be published. Mrs. Holzwarth's classroom received a free anthology for having more than five poems published for each contest. For the freshmen, over two-thirds of the class's poems were selected to be published. For the middle school students, almost three-fourths of each class's poems were selected to be published.
 

Mrs. Holzwarth, language arts instructor, commented, "This is a great honor for these students. I"m so excited for them. With this great honor, it gives the students the inspiration in continuing to write. Congratulations, for your published poetry!".

 

The student's work is below for your reading enjoyment.

 

 

Blissful Beauty

by Katie Schmid (Freshman)

Joy seems teal

Like the rolling waves of the bright, alluring ocean

I see many schools of fish floating about the water

I hear dolphins chattering amongst their friends, big and small

I smell the ocean breeze in the surrounding world of artistry

I touch the water full of life and wonder through a dreamer’s eye

I taste the salt in the air above the sea creatures’ home

 

Flashing Lights

by Ryan Grover (Freshman)

Sorrow seems bright red

Like the color of the lights on the ambulance I am driving

I see a boy lying on the floor in pain

I hear a mother crying for her injured son

I smell exhaust as I run to the back of the vehicle

I touch the ambulance’s door handle as I help the boy inside

I taste the tears which I cry for this poor child

 

Beach Surrounding

By Jenna Confer (Freshman)

Gladness seems coral

Like a beautiful day spent at the beach with friends.

I see fish swimming on the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.

I hear the coastal oceans washing upon the shore.

I smell the scent of tropical flowers against my nose.

I touch the tiny specks of sand surrounding my feet.

I taste a giant, icy glass of coconut milk under the burning sun.

 

Summer Days

by Taryn Zweygardt (Freshman)

Happiness seems light blue

Like lying down in the grass watching the sky

I see white clouds rolling by in the blowing wind

I hear birds singing their beautiful song in the trees

I smell fresh air and green grass being cut nearby

I touch the soft grass and feel the cool earth

I taste icy cold lemonade which has been freshly squeezed

 

My Safe Haven

by Sophie White (Freshman)

Relaxation seems crystal blue

Like the ocean waves rolling onto my favorite beach

I see the clouds drifting slowly through the sky

I hear the tune to my favorite song

I smell the morning air after a refreshing rain

I touch cold, silky sheets on my queen bed

I taste a cherry popsicle on a hot summer day

 

Pursuit of Happiness

by Trinity Weers (Freshman)

Happiness seems sky blue

Like the brightness family can bring to your eyes

I see the joy of others as they smile at me

I hear the sound of laughter through the light breeze

I smell fresh apple pie baked from a family’s kitchen

I touch the grins that I bring to people

I taste the joy and freedom of many lives

 

The Blues

by Julia Davis (Freshman)

Sadness seems blue

Like the sparkling ocean on a hot summer day

I see a little boy crying for his mother’s grief

I hear a puppy’s plea for its mother on a winter’s night

I smell the lake on a warm summer day winding down

I touch my grandmother’s quilt I helped assemble on a Friday afternoon

I taste my aunt’s cookies on a brilliant spring day

 

The Sport for the Strong

by Joel Hill (Freshman)

Pride seems golden

Like the gold medals I can win from wrestling

I see championships and victories over my opponents

I hear the cheers of the crowd and my teammates

I smell the sweat from my hard work

I touch the new trophy and feel its value

I taste the blood from my accomplishments

 

Summer Fun

​by Jake Hamilton (Freshman)

Excitement seems bright red

Like the color of a bonfire in midsummer

I see many people around the big fire

I hear the excitement in people’s voices nearby

I smell the burgers cooking somewhere off in the distance

I touch the green grass underneath my feet

I taste the burgers fresh off of the grill

 

The Perfect Victory

by Taylor Rogers (Freshman)

Triumph seems gold

Like the sweet victory of winning a competition

I see the medal that will soon be hanging from my neck

I hear the trumpets in the background blaring proud music

I smell the sweat and blood I have shed over the years

I touch the medal and its shining glory

I taste the success I have accomplished

 

To Keep Going

by McKayla Rogers (Freshman)

Uncertainty seems purple

Like the eery mists, spring brings every single year

I see the rain droplets trickling down carefully from the sky

I hear the “plop, plop, plop” the droplets make as they hit the ground

I smell the wet dirt in the warm, humid air

I touch one last time, my tense and nervous hands

I taste the salty, gritty mud being flung at my lips as I go with my uncertainty

 

Beautiful Rainbow Forest

by Jesica Pacheco (8th Grade)

My favorite place is the Rainbow Forest

I’m going there to see the butterflies, unicorns, zebras, and much more

I’ll hear animals running and butterflies flying right by me

I might just lie down on the quiet, peaceful ground

I will go back to my Rainbow Forest when I’m feeling down or upset to visit my dream world

I like being there because It Is peaceful and quiet which makes me feel better

 

A Delicate Delusion

by Devin Patton (8th Grade)

My favorite place is inside a bubble. It’s held together

with a created sense of hope and optimism.

I don’t get to choose when I go there, so it’s always a surprise.

When I’m there, I’m building.

I build huge walls around the inside to keep anything from getting in.

When I look around, I see people laughing and smiling.

When they stop smiling, my wall starts to crumble.

All I can hear is music and I want it to be louder.

When I’m there, I think I can do whatever I want, so I do.

When I’m in my bubble, I feel like the happiest person in the world.

But if I’m not careful, it pops and I’ll fall out.

 

Escaping the World

by Hanna Bracelin (8th Grade)

My favorite place isn’t too far away from the ordinary world

When life is too stressful, this is where I find myself

Playing with all my childhood toys is what I do here

I see slides, and all sorts of children’s toys

 Laughter filling the air, along with no care in the world

I choose to be carefree and just play

Going back to my favorite place is in the near future

In my head is where I can escape the world and become a child again

 

The Beach

by Jake Faulkender (8th Grade)   

I go there all the time mostly during the summer.

When there, I play catch on the sand and dive for

 passes in the water.

I watch the water as it flows up on the sand.

I hear the sound of birds chirping loudly among the waves.

I have a great time there no matter when I go.

I am always sad to leave, but I know I’ll be back next summer.

I love the beach more than anything in the world. It’s the best place

 I could be.

 

Football Field

by Luke Lampe (8th Grader)

My favorite place is on a great place I call the football field.

I am going there for the next four years of my life.

I play the great game of football.

I see players using all they have to win the game.

I hear a roaring crowd cheering us on to win the game.

I choose to give the best of my ability to help our team win all the competition  thrown our way.

I will go back there every time a game is in session or whenever my team needs help to win the game.

The football field is a place where my mind can be cleared and where my mind can be set on competition.

 

Nature’s Luxury

by Janeth Perez-Medina

Nature forever glowing; quiet, exciting, relaxing

Perfect visit is when the sun is blazing on nature

I respect nature and listen to the silence there is

Humans and animals stroll around nature admiring its beauty

I rest under a cherry tree

When summer wanders back again, nature and its climate is perfect

When everything is green and summer is at its best point, everything gets better.

 

Stadium Fun

by Emileigh Dinkel (8th Grade)

My favorite place is peaceful, kind, and full of smiling faces. It has purple and gray everywhere I go.

I go to this place every so often to watch football, basketball, and sometimes baseball games.

I usually eat, cheer, and make new friends during these games.

I love watching the games, and having a grand time yelling 

 “GO CATS!”

I see Willies doing push ups and getting the crowd fired up. I see the Wabash Cannonball.

I hear cheering and people singing the fight song. I hear the crowd getting excited when Willies goes to the center of the stadium.

I choose to cheer, play, make new friends, and watch the Wildcats.

I will go back whenever there is a game to watch, and maybe attend college there.

Whenever I think about this place, it puts a smile on my face.

Bring on the Cats!

 

The Place that has My Heart

by Matthisen Witzel (8th Grade)

My favorite place is Brazil.

I just got back from Brazil about three weeks ago.

I helped children and their families learn about God and built long lasting relationships with them.

I saw greenery, and wildlife, but most of all I saw many beautiful smiling faces.

I heard babies crying, kids yelling, and lots of Portuguese being spoken.

I chose to  help with school, play with kids, and I chose to spread God’s love to these amazing people.

I am hoping to go back in two years.

I had the best time of my life spreading God’s love with these amazing people and I know my heart is definitely in Brazil.

 

My Amazing Place

by Zoe Sunstrom (8th Grade)

My favorite place to be is Fargo, North Dakota

I will be going there this summer in June

I visit my family and go to the lake while I’m there

I see the clear lake water and the Fargodome

I hear the football fans cheering on the NDSU Bison

I choose to spend time shopping and watching Bison Football

I will go back there next summer with my sister

I love being in North Dakota spending time with my family 

 

Where the Water Meets the Shore

by Coy Cassaw (8th Grade)

A place where the water meets the sandy shore is my favorite place.

We go there when the sun is at its brightest and hottest.

I see the waves crashing on the shore and people skiing across the water.

I hear the birds chirping and the fish splashing in the water.

I choose to sit around the campfire and talk with family.

I will go back there when the summer comes back.

This is my place I go to when I want to forget about the world around me.

 

The Lively Lake

by Madison Tice (8th Grade)

I come here all the time, mainly in the summer

When I am here, I learn different water sports and make new friends

I see people swimming and having fun, beautiful beaches and many people

I hear motorboats roaring, waves crashing on the shore, the screams of laughter from children, and music coming from boats

I choose to have fun and live life to the fullest; I try new things and become excellent at the water sports I have learned

When I come home, all I can think is when I can go back. I never want to come home because the lake is where I can be me

 

My Lovely Place

by Tress LaBarge (8th Grade)

It is where I am alone and happy

I go there when I need to feel loved

I run through fields full of gorgeous flowers

I see bright, beautiful flowers and the most colorful butterflies

I hear the gentle wind swaying the trees side to side and the wonderful sound of birds chirping

I choose to sit on the soft, comfy grass and watch the magnificent animals roam by

I will go back when I am alone

I go back to my dreams always at night

 

My Secret Oasis

by Reagan Beims (8th Grade)

My favorite place is found within my heart, but only I can find it.

I go there when I have troubles with life or need strength to get through the day.

When I’m there, I let Him know everything that has been bothering me plus exciting items which have boosted my spirits.

The images I see are of him and me talking in the clouds.

I hear His deep voice telling what I should do to make things better for my family and me.

While I’m there, I listen to what He says and take every word to heart.

I go back there, to my oasis, every night and every morning.

Prayer has helped me through many things. If I listen, The Lord will answer me with an open heart.  

 

On the Track

by Jylian Laten (8th Grade)

My favorite place is on the track

This favorite place is location behind the St. Francis High School

I am going there in an hour

I do hurdles, run, and be my athletic self

I see people hard at work, running, jumping, and throwing

I hear “runners to your marks, set, go”

I have chosen to do hurdles and run

Sometime today I will go back there

This is my place because I can be myself

 

A Wonderful Place in the Mountains

by Tate Busse (8th Grade)

My favorite place is in Montana at my uncle's secret fishing spot.

I am going to Montana this summer.

When I get there, I'm going to fly fish in the magic river.

I see the beautiful lines on the fish, and the amazing waterfall.

I hear the loud roar of the waterfall dumping water into the river.

I choose to fish all day and then sit around the campfire at night.

I will go back to that amazing place whenever I can.

This place will always be one of my favorite places to go during the summer.

 

My Favorite Sport

by Connor Keller (7th Grade)

Ball in the air about to be caught

A bird flies over the field

Someone yells, batter up, my favorite words

Everyone looks at the pitcher

Ball cracks off the bat when it’s hit

All the people in the stands watch the ball sore

Looking around, trying to find the ball

Laughing starts when the outfielders hit one another

 

Respect for You

by Teagan Landenberger (7th Grade)

Remembering to mind my manners

Expecting the truth and nothing, but the truth

So I never lie to you because I know the punishment of what I do

Patience and silence keeps our visit calm

Excited to hear what you say

Currently attentive only to you

Trying to be the best company I can for you

 

Accomplish in Achievements

by Seth Mosee (7th Grade)

  Believe you can accomplish anything

   Enter anything which challenges you

   Let tons of blood flow till you’re energized  

   Inherit what you and your family hope in

   Extend the belief for yourself

   Venture yourself into trying anything

   Extend your hope inside yourself

 

The Joy of Horses

by Echoe Lennox (7th Grade)

Horses are the gateway to my happiness

On a sad day they always lift my spirits and

Remind me of great times

Summer is my favorite season so

Everyday I can ride them

Sorry if you’re jealous, but they have my heart

 

The Sport of Fall

by Hunter Helton (7th Grade)

Frowning because I was tackled

Open for a deep pass

Other team down by 30

The opponents are furious

Breaking tackles every run

At the 50 yard line and still running

Left them planted in the grass

Leaving with a state championship trophy

 

Summer is Blossoming

by Lauren Johnson (7th Grade)

Summer fun at the lake

Wading in the lake is my favorite

Inshore wind is coming

Many fish swimming around your feet

Mud between the toes

Ice cream breaks are always a grand time

Newts running all over the place

Getting sunburned over and over again

 

America’s Favorite Pass Time

by Draven Houtman (7th Grade)

Ball boy hands the bat to the competitor

A finest hit I’ve ever seen, but the

Short-stop just snagged the ball

Every fan started to cheer,

But then the umpire called an out

And all the fan began to squeal

Low and behold the final inning

Lastly, we started winning

 

Sweets of Easter

by Mason Schmid (7th Grade)

Eat lots of chocolate bunnies

After the church service

Searching for Easter eggs

This is a fun time for children

Eating lots of marshmallow peeps then  

Round and round their stomachs go, “Ooo…, I think I’m feeling sick.”

 

My Sister Hannah

by Shelby Wolff (7th Grade)

Trying to do her best in school

Eager to learn new things everyday

Everytime wears a huge smile on her face

Never gives up on herself, no matter what

A plus student every single time

Gives a huge effort to get those A+’s

Excited to learn about poisonous frogs

Really enjoys doing the impossible in school

 

In The Grandstands

by Kaleb Hays (7th Grade)

Fun for the whole family

Outstanding players to watch

Opponents are whimpering with fear

Telling the opposing team to get out of here

Best thing to watch on Friday nights

Astonished to see how hard the players hit

Loud cheering is what I hear

Loving how amazing our Indians are

 

Together

by Taylor Kinzer (7th Grade)

Forever with me in times of need

Right there when I need a shoulder to cry on

Ice-cream buddy for us in summer

Excited to hang out with everyone

Never running out of things to say

Determined to always be there for him/her

 

Bow Equipment

by Cody Baxter (7th Grade)

Always dependable to use

Reliant when the time comes

Ready for any task or problem

Out runs any animal, no matter what the speed

Wanting a target or animal to become a new victim

Scavenges for a another target to take down

 

A Farmer’s Life

by Wyatt Hilt (7th Grade)

Hard working in the field all day

Everybody count in the farm operation

Little people not working late at night

Pushing and pulling the implements here and there

Everybody tired after the big day

Replowing the fields season after season

 

Silly Puppies

by Bryce Raby (7th Grade)

Becomes a pup

Runs out the door

Uses a sock as a toy

Sits on our laps

Enjoys our company

Runs around the house

 

My Sports

by Joslyn Ketzner (7th Grade)

Beat the other team we’re playing

Attack the basket with the ball

Seventeen is my jersey number

Knock the other players out

Engage into the the game

Tall people blocking my shots

Bruises are battle scars

Attendance at the game

Lots of pressure at the last second

Last game of the year was the best

 

Prosperity

by Alex Queen (7th Grade)

Hope everywhere

Apparently time flies

Playing in the yard

Peace and tranquility all over

Inability to be sad

No anger anywhere

Exceptionally exciting

So much fun in the air

Smiles fill the air

 

Team Fun

by Jessica Confer (7th Grade)

View the court

Over play your opponent

Love the game

Listen to your coach

Encourage your teammates

Yell when you are ahead

Be a leader

Always stay strong

Lock the game in your heart

Leave as a winner

 

Summer Vacation

by EmmaLee Archuleta (7th Grade)

Sand beneath my feet and between my toes

Underneath the boiling hot heat

More places to explore like Hawaii and California

Melting chocolate ice cream dripping off my hand

Everyone’s at the pool to get cool

Ready to go back to school and to learn

 

Hanging with Friends

by Christina Frink (7th Grade)

Riding a bike with my friend Shalyn

Over the hill, we go laughing

Landing at the end with a thump

Laughing even harder than before

In comes Shalyn, rolling behind me 

Not knowing she was coming so fast

Gone, we like the wind