York Days

The tree blows in the wind like a soft cotton sheet hanging from the line.

The sun is setting producing a sky like never before,

blues and pinks as if it's a sea of cotton candy.

The chair rocks on my old creaky porch as the wind swirls off the ocean creating

a light calming breeze that soothes my soul.

Another day over but a

new beginning to come,

the sun will rise again.

The days are long but go by fast creating memories that will never fade as the sun does.

-Abigail Koch

     We Are With You

  When all is lost and you can't seem to go on,

when the world comes crashing down on you and you do not know where to turn.

 A stray cat longing to be loved

you become invisible

when your light begins to fade with all of your hopes, dreams, and desires as if

     this is the end.

The end of all you ever were, all you are, and all you will ever be…

     but there is hope

With us you can believe,

turn around and walk with us out of the darkness.

When the end seems so near and the future seems so far

walk with us

through the raging storms and sleepless nights we will walk with you.

We are the answer the lonely souls stumble upon when needed most,

through the good and the bad never turning our backs we will walk with you.

Written about The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

By Abigail Koch

Blackbird Doughnuts

Abigail Koch

Located in the bustling city of Boston, Blackbird Doughnuts is no stranger to the bostonians and visitors who pass by daily. A tiny, cozy shop located on Tremont Street. The black and white decor gives it a modern but classic aesthetic. The wooden countertops add to the very precisely decorated interior.

Very tight would be the perfect way to describe Blackbird Doughnuts. No seating or tables to relax and eat your delicious doughnut at. Although there are no places to sit back and enjoy, you would be missing out if you did not stop by and try one of their amazing flavors. The flavors range from vanilla glazed to cranberry lime to the classic signature Blackbird doughnut. The flavors can change daily but there will not be one that will disappoint. Bursting with sugary goodness and bigger than your typical doughnut.

While experiencing a Blackbird doughnut you will get to taste something so fluffy, decadent, and delicious that will not disappoint. I recommend trying as many flavors as possible because they all have their own unique textures and tastes that are like no other. Although it is not your average doughnut it will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you are feeling extra sweet they have their signature ice cream sandwiches served on your doughnut. Not only could you eat one for breakfast but even a snack or lunch or even a dessert because it will be sure to fill you up.

5 Ways of looking at the Stars

Abigail Koch

So high in the sky like a…

plane shining its light

The stars shine so bright.

A flash like

a camera it shoots across my eyes.

Am I a movie star?

Or a shining shooting star?

The stars shine so bright.

An alien's home floats above...

Ufo, but there's no such thing.

The stars shine so bright.

The Gods dancing above,

Shimmering, shining, swaying to their music.

The stars shine so bright.

The sun rises and the darkness fades.

The stars no longer shine so bright.

Kerri Lynch-Delaney

By Abigail Koch

Kerri Lynch-Delaney of  North Quincy High School's class of 1996, is a well know Quincy, MA native. Lynch-Delaney is the former owner of Baby Cakes cupcake shop, and current owner of the trendy, upscale restaurant 16C both located in Quincy. Lynch-Delaney is no stranger to the restaurant world previously working as a waitress, pastry chef, and manager of a restaurant. Lynch-Delaney opened 16C in April of 2016, and it has taken on a life of its own with sheets of exquisite pizza, Quiet Man steak tips, and decadent desserts.

After attending NQHS Kerri attended The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts to further her education and experience in the culinary world. Kerri has always had a passion for working in the food world. While attending NQHS, Kerri was fortunate enough to have a work study, being employed at O'Brien's bakery. Kerri stated, “ Work study was very helpful and I was very fortunate to have that opportunity.”

I had the opportunity to sit down with Kerri and ask her about her experiences at NQHS and if they have had an impact on how she got where she is today. When asked if her experiences in high school were an important part of her life she responded with, “Yes! I loved school, the people, teachers, and the social aspect. I have been friends with my high school friends even after graduating.” Kerri also discussed how she was not always the strongest student but that the teachers at North were always so supportive of her. “None of my teachers ever gave up on me and still support me today by supporting my business.” She explained how special that is to her, still being able to connect with the people who helped pave the way for her success. Her teachers never gave up on her and believed in her instilling the confidence she needed to follow her dreams.

Kerri was always interested in working, and often put that first. She played softball at North her freshmen year and said “ I was not the greatest”, realizing working at the bakery was her thing. Kerri talked about how North has given her many fond memories that she still remembers today. One of her favorites was being able to hangout and get to know the students in the Learning Center.

It is safe to say Kerri Lynch-Delaney has had many successes in her life, and she credits a lot of it to her experience at North Quincy High. Kerri wanted to leave current NQHS students with some advice. “It is the most fun fours years, such a good time. The problems you will have in high school are minuscule in your future. Lastly, don’t stress about what you are going to do in your future because you will never really know.”

Kerri Lynch- Delaney former owner of babycakes. Photo courtesy of Gary Higgins/ Patriot Ledger.

Dyslexia

School has never come easily to me. As an honor roll student you would never guess that I was and still am the girl who struggled. My whole life I have seen things differently than others, sometimes seeing words that do not exist, or even missing them as if they were never there. I have always felt that I was viewed as being different by my peers, that they thought I was dumb.

This past month I was diagnosed with dyslexia, which is a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence.This diagnosis only  made sense due to the struggles I had faced in the classroom for as long as I can remember. Although this diagnosis is recent it is evident that I have had it my whole life.

Before I was diagnosed with dyslexia I always stayed after school for extra help, attended tutoring, and frequently requested one on one time with teachers. I am the girl who always asked too many questions, or needed extra time to finish tests, studying late into the night reading notes over and over until I could clearly understand them. I am the girl who has learned how to do things on my own. I feel like I have worked harder than my classmates, and have been rewarded with good grades.

Although dealing with dyslexia without knowing it caused me anxiety and worry, it has shown me that no matter what is thrown my way I am capable of overcoming it with my hard work, determination and perseverance. I have realized my strengths and weaknesses.The long hours of studying, the hours spent after school, to better myself academically, and to teach myself how to live and understand my life with dyslexia has been something I would never change. Knowing I have dyslexia gives me the extra drive to succeed even more in the classroom.

Many times in life we are faced with things that are hard to overcome, but we can not let them define who we are. This is something that I have come to know all too well. Dyslexia is not something that will just disappear one day. It is not something that will slowly begin to fade. It will always be there and I will always have to learn to live with it, but it will not define me.

David Charles Thomson: NQHS Graduate

David Charles Thomson: NQHS Graduate

By: Abigail Koch

Many say some of the fondest memories you will ever have are from high school. It's a time for discovering who you are as a young adult and who you want to be. You begin to learn your strengths, weaknesses, and true passions. It's a time to meet new people and start fresh, creating an identity for yourself. Your high school becomes your second home for those four years you attend. Creating bonds with the peers, teachers, coaches, and staff.

It has been 8 years since David Charles Thomson walked the halls of North Quincy High. A lot has changed with both Thomson and NQHS, but a lot has remained. Thomson has achieved many things in his young life and credits it all to North Quincy High. Thomson is a graduate of the class of 2008, and a veteran. He served 8 years in the Army Reserves, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 - 2011. He has earned his Associate's Degree, and serves on the Boston Fire Department. Thomson is a father of two, to one year old Vannah, and 2 years old Wyatt. Thomson is married to NQHS graduate of the class of 2009, Chelsea Thomson. When asked about his experience at North Quincy High he expressed his gratitude for all the people he met throughout his four years, and how they were always there for him through the ups and downs. He talked about the opportunity of being able to meet his future wife, and how NQHS created memories that will last a lifetime. Thomson stated “ Those times and experiences are what made me the person I am today”, demonstrating how much of an impact NQHS can have on you for the rest of your life.