Algebra 1 was a difficult class for me. In it, I had to explore the depths of my fluency in working with linear equations and irrational numbers, as well as my experience with tables and graphs. Algebra 1 influenced me to discover my limits and push past them. I discovered my true potential as a learner.
Geometry
I thoroughly enjoyed geometry. As a dancer, I found it easier to connect with geometry through my ballet training; I could relate angles to my movements. I explored geometric transformations, right angles, and their relationships with trigonometry, intertwining mathematics with shapes and more.
Algebra II
I found Algebra II the most difficult course I've taken but learned the most from it. I had to take on the task of determining the roots and factors of polynomial functions. Along with, evaluating sums, differences, products, and quotients of functions. Even though I struggled, this course taught me to carry through my doubts.
Business Finance
In Business Finance, I gained a strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and how to get by in everyday life with money. I learned how to analyze financial statements, assess risks, and make informed decisions to optimize profitability. This knowledge has given me valuable insights into how businesses allocate resources.
Language & Literature
English 9
English 9 challenged me in ways I didn't expect. I read a wide range of books, from Of Mice and Men, which made me think about the value of friendship, to Keep It Moving by Twyla Tharp, which taught me about how I can grow as an artist. Each book had something different to offer, some made me think deeply, others made me feel, and a few just made me wonder why classic literature characters never make good life choices.
Writing was another big part of my journey. I learned how to structure essays, analyze themes, and (somewhat) master the art of not overusing commas. Even though I wasn't always confident in my writing, I improved with every assignment.
Overall, English 9 helped me grow as a reader, writer, and thinker. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me that words, whether in books or essays, actually have power.
Madden Zook John Steinbeck English 1 June, 2021 Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men is a classic novel written by John Steinbeck that tells the story of two friends, George and Lennie, who travel together in search of work during the Great Depression. Set against the backdrop of the American countryside, the book explores levels of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of dreams.
One of the central themes in the book is friendship. George and Lennie have a special bond that is rare during the tough times of the Great Depression. Despite their differences, George takes care of Lennie, and looks out for him like a brother. Lennie, on the other hand, provides companionship and support to George, even though sometimes causes trouble without meaning to. Their friendship shows that even in the toughest times, having a person to rely on can make all the difference.
Another important theme in Of Mice and Men is loneliness. Many of the characters in the book are lonely and isolated, longing for companionship. For example, Candy, an old ranch worker, feels lonely after losing his dog, his only friend. Curley’s wife, trapped in a loveless marriage, is also desperately lonely, seeking attention from other men on the ranch. Steinbeck uses these characters to show how loneliness can affect people differently and how it drives them to seek attention from others.
The novel also explores the theme of dreams and the importance they give to people. George and Lennie share a dream of owning their own piece of land, where they can live freely and independently. This dream keeps them going through hard times and gives them something to strike for.
In conclusion, Of Mice and Men is a powerful story that explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of dreams. Through the characters, George and Lennie, Steinbeck shows us how important it is to have someone to rely on during difficult times and the impact of loneliness on minds and hearts. The novel reminds us that even in our darkest nights, it is our dreams and our connections to others that give us hope and will keep going.
English 10
English 10 challenged me to think more critically about the texts I read and the essays I wrote. I explored both fiction and nonfiction, analyzing books like Shadow and Bone and The Crucible while learning to break down an author's purpose, themes, and language choices. Comparing different genres helped me understand how language shapes meaning, and I practiced supporting my arguments with clear reasoning and evidence in my essays.
Writing also became a bigger focus this year. I worked on improving my grammar, fixing sentence errors, and organizing my ideas more effectively. Along the way, I expanded my vocabulary, making my writing stronger and more expressive. Looking back, I can see how much my analytical and writing skills have improved, and I feel more confident tackling complex texts and structured essays.
Madden Zook English Leigh Bardugo 27, February 2022 Shadow And Bone
Has there ever been a point in life where you just don't feel like you fit in? Have you ever discovered something special about yourself? I bet you never discovered a special gift like Alina Starkov did. Alina is a normal girl who grew up in an orphanage with her best friend Mal, the two were inseparable. If you read this book, Shadow and Bone, you will feel the magical journey as I did.
Alina grew as the outcast of the orphanage, the only person who would stay by her side was Mal. She was assigned as a map maker for all her life but she one day had to travel to the dark fold, created by a mysterious shadow-like person, and set camp. Alina was worried as Mal had to go into battle through the fold. She decided to sneak on the boat, and make sure everything would go smoothly. As expected, the boat was attacked by monstrous creatures, covering the boat with screams. Later on, Mal gets injured getting Alina to run over and help. Then, she felt a sharp pain in her back, dragging her away from the boat. All Alina could see was bright lights everywhere. She wakes up and is taken away to the palace, full of magic grisha. She was so torn not being next to Mal but also physically. She meets a beautiful women who is grisha, her power is rare, she can change appearances. The woman was a little cocky for Alina's liking but soon gave in.
As Alina is at the palace, she meets the king and queen of Ravka. She must impress them with her special power but doesn't know how. As she thinks, she feels light bursting out of her as someone touches her hand, it was the dark one named Ivan. It had seemed his touch encouraged her power to ignite. She was shown everything she could be and do but, behind her smile she was sad. Alina didn't want any of this to happen to her, she often wondered at night why she is the "Sun Summoner" but most of all wondered when she would see Mal again. She sent Mal letters evernight, thinking he would respond and take her away from all these responsibilities. Sadly, Mal never wrote back, which crushed her knowing he is fine without her. Everyday was like a rollercoaster, learning about herself and using magic was very difficult for her to digest.
As Alina was starting to feel happy, her teacher pulled her away from the crowds saying "Ivan is tricking you" and "You need to escape". She questioned her, but went on. As Alina is journeying away from the palace she bumps into Mal, as anyone would be, she is mad. The two ran as they explained to each other that the letters never went through. They confessed their love for eachother, battled, sacrificed, and served the kingdom. It is up to you to find out what happened next.
English 11
English 11 pushed me to engage with literature in a deeper, more analytical way. I read and wrote essays on books like Midnight Blue and The Honeys, analyzing themes, structure, and the unique voices of each author. This year's focus on American literature helped me explore diverse perspectives and gain a better understanding of how storytelling reflects culture and history.
Beyond reading, I strengthened my writing skills by tailoring my essays to different audiences and purposes. I expanded my vocabulary through root word strategies and learned to refine my grammar, ensuring my writing was both clear and effective. I also improved my ability to evaluate texts critically, making connections between ideas and understanding how authors build their arguments.
Madden Zook English Ryan La Sala 24, May 2023 The Honeys
The novel, The Honeys, by Ryan La Sala explores wonderful topics, like finding one's identity, the loss of a family member, and mystery. Mars has always been the unseen twin, the shadow of his sister, Caroline. When Caroline dies from a brain tumor, Mars is eager to learn all he can about his sister who'd grown tragically distant. Before the incident, Caroline was acting strange, causing fights and disruption throughout the family, all because of the brain tumor hogging her thoughts.
Mars is genderfluidity, which means he chooses the gender he feels most comfortable with every day, he's a male most days. This has always made him feel excluded from his family. On the day of Carolines' funeral, Mars met the Honeys. Bria, Sierra, and Mimi, Caroline's Aspen camp best friends. After, speaking with them, Mars wants to look, at Aspen, the camp he and his sister would go to all the time, the place Caroline went to before she died. It takes some convincing, but his parents let him go. As he is at camp, he finds strange and unusual happenings.
The longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars's memories begin to drag, it feels like Aspen is making his head feel fuzzy. What could The Honeys be hiding, what are their secrets? This novel truly had me sucked in, the mystery and dramatic occurrences were so interesting. The Honeys, by Ryan La Sala, is an amazing horror, mystery book.
English 12
English 12 was all about sharpening my reading, writing, and analytical skills to prepare for college and beyond. I read a variety of fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction, learning to break down how authors develop ideas across different genres. Through literary analysis, I examined figurative language, word relationships, and the historical context of British literature, gaining a deeper appreciation for how writing evolves over time.
A major focus this year was writing, especially college essays. I spent a lot of time refining my ability to write clearly and persuasively, not just for literary analysis but for real-world applications. I also worked on critically analyzing my own writing and the writing of others, improving my ability to revise and strengthen arguments. Expanding my vocabulary through Greek and Latin root studies helped me express ideas more precisely.
Self Reflection Essay
Do you know a little boy different from the rest? He likes dolls and playing with hair. While on the football field, you would find him mimicking the cheerleaders doing the cheers. He taught himself how to fishtail braid from YouTube videos at the age of four. That's me! I am that boy.
I have always been drawn to things that society claims are "girly." Growing up, I couldn't wait to learn new hairstyles and dress up my American Girl Dolls. I was drawn to make-believe and the art of creating. My parents tried to find the perfect sport for me, so they put me in basketball. I would bench myself because "my forehead was too sweaty." and I didn't want my hair messy. Then we tried baseball, but I was the kid who didn't know first base from third and would pick dandelions and build sandcastles in the field.
As a young boy, I knew I was different and that confused me. I observed my brother and his friends playing ball, as I clung to my dolls. Once I even asked my mom "I think God made a mistake. Am I supposed to be a girl?" It made sense to me. I bonded so well with girls and felt so distant from the boys. My interests were similar to the girls I'd play with, but my mom's response was immediate saying "God doesn't make mistakes. You are perfectly you." As a four-year-old, I simply said okay and continued playing with my toys.
Not many years later I developed a general anxiety disorder. I didn't know how or where I fit in and simple things like ordering a meal at a restaurant were difficult. My therapist suggested I try out musical theatre as studies showed positive results linked musical theatre with lowering anxiety in kids. I loved everything about being on stage. It was so freeing to be able to play and create different characters.
At ten, I discovered dance. To me, dance is more than movement. It's a language that allows me to express myself in different and unique ways. It's like a doorway to freedom and expression that has become a form of therapy and release for me. I've always struggled to find the words for how I feel, but through dance, I've found a way to express my emotions, release stress and, in turn, create art.
Dance is where I discovered passion, confidence, and ultimately, me. I train rigorously for hours every week, perfecting the art. However, dance can become overwhelming due to how time-consuming it can be. So I've found ways to keep a healthy relationship with the art form and discovered new interests that help me find a better balance. I started meditating to keep a calm mindset and tame my inner critic. I listen to various meditation guides, but my favorite is beach-themed meditation. Listening to these guides, I've created a place of peace and solitude. I envision a cloudy beach with subtle blue waves and a cool breeze. It's an escape where I like to imagine myself whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Alongside dance and meditation, I've recently started collecting crystals. I love researching their meanings and healing properties, and having a physical object to soothe my anxious energy is comforting. My favorites among my collection are quartz and moonstone. Quartz symbolizes healing and balance, while moonstone represents intuition, nurturing, and emotional healing. The practice of cleansing a space with these stones soothes my spirit and helps me find peace and grounding in a sometimes hectic world.
Throughout my teenage years, I have faced several social challenges that have taught me the importance of courage and empathy. There have been several moments when my peers would leave someone out or make harmful comments about our appearance, calling my friends and me "fat" or "anorexic." These experiences weren't easy, but they showed me with willpower and the right mindset, to stand up for what's right. When I hear hurtful comments, I make sure to step up and explain how damaging their words can be. If I see friends are excluded I advocate to include them. These situations have helped develop my strengths as a loyal, inclusive, and supportive person. No matter what I may be feeling, I always make it a priority to listen to my friends' problems and to treat them like family- because to me, they truly are.
At the same time, I recognize my weaknesses. I know I can be stubborn and often lack confidence. While I have no problems standing up for my family and friends, I find it difficult to do the same for myself. I have a hard time saying no to people which can put me in situations I don't need or want to be in. I also struggle to ask for help, worried that I may be an inconvenience or just the embarrassment of needing help. My lack of confidence surfaces with my anxiety that developed from that four-year-old that was different from the others. Sometimes I can hear a small voice in the back of my head that points out every flaw. Regardless of the challenges I have faced each one has helped shape me into the person that I am and I am learning to love that person more each day.
As I continue to grow, I often think about the quote from Shrek the Musical - "Ogres are like onions. You peel back one layer and you think you know them, but there are more layers to discover." I've always connected to this quote because, I too, am like an onion. With each experience, I uncover new layers within myself revealing more depth and understanding as I go. I'm more than meets the eye. Authentically myself both as a person and an artist.
French 1 & 2
I developed my French skills in reading, writing, and speaking the language. I explored vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, building a strong foundation for communication. I hope to use my French skills one day in France or another French-speaking country to fully immerse myself in the language and culture.
Social Studies
World History
World History took me on a journey through time, exploring the rise and fall of civilizations,
major historical events, and the forces that shaped the world we live in today. From the dawn
of civilization to the present day, I studied how geography, culture, and conflict influenced
societies and their development.
Throughout the course, I learned about different populations and how historical events impacted them,
from ancient empires to modern nations. I explored the causes and effects of wars, revolutions, and
cultural movements, gaining a better understanding of how history connects to today’s world.
This class helped me see history as more than just dates and events. It’s a story of people, decisions,
and changes that continue to shape our present and future. Studying world history gave me a new
perspective on different cultures and how our global society has evolved over time.
U.S. History
In my U.S. History course, I learned about important events, people, and ideas that shaped the country.
I studied topics like the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Understanding history helped me see how the past connects to the present and why it’s important to learn from it.
Sociology
I enjoyed my Sociology course for many reasons. I explored how society shapes human behavior, relationships, and institutions. I learned about social structures, cultural norms, and issues like inequality and deviance. This class challenged me to think critically about the world around me, and I found it fascinating to analyze how different social factors influence people’s lives.
Science
Chemistry
I learned about the fundamental principles of matter, chemical reactions, and the periodic table. I was able to explore concepts like atomic structure, bonding, and thermodynamics, gaining a deeper understanding of how chemical processes shape the world around us.
Biology
Biology was a fun course for me. I learned about the principles of life, from cells to ecosystems. One of my favorite experiences was building a squirrel house with a camera inside, which allowed my dad and me to observe and study squirrel behavior firsthand. This hands-on project deepened my understanding of animal behavior and ecology, and I continue to learn from it today.
Electives
Script to Film
For my acting class, we were challenged to create a movie using only Zoom. My partner and I devised a comedic scene about two siblings running late for a concert. Writing and performing this script taught me a lot about creating my own material, teamwork, and making dialogue feel natural, even through Zoom. It was a fun challenge in a virtual setting, and I learned how small details can add realism and humor. Our project placed third, which was an exciting reward of our teamwork and creativity.
We are siblings, and we are supposed to go to a concert. But Madden is running late, and while we are on the phone, his tire pops.
Maybe add in a funny part where Madden mutes himself, and shows him yelling?
INT. DAY - Mia's Bedroom
Mia rambling to herself.
Mia
Ok, I'm just going to call him.
Henry on the phone. Mia calls Henry.
Henry
Shoot. Mia is calling.
Henry answers the call.
Henry
Hey. That's a cute outfit.
Mia
Where are you, you're late, and the opening artist has already started singing.
Henry
I know. I just got back from Rhylie's house.
Mia
What… doesn't she live like 30 minutes away?
Henry
Well… yeah.
Mia
Ok well how far away are you, like are you almost home?
Henry
Mia, don't get mad-
Mia
Just tell me how far away you are, you're wasting my time.
Henry
I'm twenty minutes away.
Mia
Ok… why did you think it was a good idea to go to Rhylies house before the concert?
Henry
I thought I'd be home in time. We were working on a project. Don't worry we'll make it.
Mia
Henry, we have been waiting so long to see Drake and I feel like you don't even care. You know what I'm telling Mom.
Henry
No. Don't tell mom. We'll just miss… I don't know… two songs?
Mia
We're already missing more than just two songs, Just hurry up and get here, please
Henry
Mia, stop it.
Mia
What!
Henry
I'm trying my best. Just chill out.
Mia
Don't tell me to chill.
Henry
Okay. Whatever. I'll try to get home as fast as I can.
Mia
Ok fine.
Henry (Tire pops)(Gasp)
No. No. No.
Mia
Oh my god! Henry, what just happened?
(Henry doesn't answer)
Mia
Henry!
Henry
Mom is going to kill me.
Mia
Henry tell me what happened?
Henry
I think I just popped a tire.
Mia
Your joking right
Henry (sigh)
Mia
Oh my god Henry I'm going to kill you. mom...
Henry
No! Mia be quiet. Please, I'm begging you. Do not tell mom.
Mia
Well… what am I supposed to do, I'm already late and I don't want to miss the whole thing.
Henry
Just give my ticket to Audrey. You'll be fine.
Mia
Are you sure?
Henry
Yeah, it's totally fine. I want you to have fun tonight.
Mia
Oh my god thank you so much I will call her right now, but I really think you should tell Mom.
Henry
Yeah. You're right. I'll deal with the lecture.
Mia
Ok bye…
Henry
Be safe. Bye.
Ballet
As a dancer, ballet has challenged me to refine my technique, build strength, and perfect every small movement. I've learned the importance of precision, musicality, and discipline while mastering complex choreography. Beyond just steps, ballet has taught me resilience, grace under pressure, and how to push my limits both physically and artistically. Every class is an opportunity to grow, and I love the challenge of constantly improving my craft.
Acrobatics
Acro has pushed me to develop strength, flexibility, and control while blending dance with athleticism. I've learned to execute intricate tricks, balance seamlessly between power and grace, and build the confidence to take on challenging movements. It's taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to trust my body's capabilities. Every skill I master is a reminder of how much I can grow with dedication and practice.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance has taught me how to move with emotion, fluidity, and intention. It blends technique with creativity, allowing me to explore new ways of expressing myself through movement. I've learned to connect breath with motion, experiment with dynamics, and tell stories without words. Contemporary challenges me to push past traditional structure and embrace artistry, making every performance a unique and personal experience.
Speech/Monologue/Acting
Acting has taught me how to step into different roles, express emotions authentically, and bring stories to life. I've learned to analyze characters, understand their motivations, and use voice and movement to create believable performances. Beyond the stage, acting has helped me build confidence, think on my feet, and connect with an audience. It's a craft that challenges me to be both vulnerable and bold, making every performance an opportunity for growth.
Improvisation
Dance improvisation has taught me how to move instinctively, trust my body, and embrace creativity without limits. It challenges me to explore new movement styles, respond to music in the moment, and express emotions without choreography. Through improv, I've learned to let go of perfection, take risks, and discover my own unique movement language. It's a freeing and inspiring part of dance that allows me to grow as both an artist and a performer.
Jazz
Jazz has taught me how to blend technique with personality, power, and rhythm. I’ve learned to execute sharp, dynamic movements while maintaining control and fluidity. Jazz challenges me to adapt to different styles, from classic Broadway to modern commercial jazz, making it one of the most versatile forms of dance. It’s high-energy, expressive, and always pushes me to perform with confidence and style.
Internship
I had the great privilege to be allowed to have an internship at my dance studio. While I’d take class, I would be an assistant to my teachers, helping and correcting other dancers. With that, I would offer one-on-one lessons to teach little kids how to grow in dance technically. I learned how to step into a leadership role and become a role model for young aspiring dancers in my studio.
Capstone
Working on my Capstone project about my hip injury was both challenging and rewarding. Through this process, I was allowed to reflect on my recovery and discover new depths within myself. I learned that I am willing to work hard to regain my strength, determined to find the right path for my future, and capable of problem-solving through both mental and physical obstacles.
I chose A Dancer's Pivot as my Capstone project because I wanted to share how my injury forced me to change direction and rediscover who "Madden" was. Though this challenge was initially frustrating, I realized my newfound path is even brighter than the one I originally set on. This experience has shown me that change can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities.
Throughout the Capstone process, I faced challenges, especially when looking back on the hardest parts of my injury. It wasn't easy to re-live the frustration, pain, and uncertainty I felt during my recovery. However, reflecting on my journey helped me see how far I've come. Researching PAO surgeries and understanding other people's recovery processes also gave me a new perspective.
Each step of the Capstone project helped me express my experiences. Talking about my journey allowed me to process everything in a fresh, unsoiled way, and sharing my story filled me with pride for how I overcame my struggles. I realized that setbacks don't define me; what matters is how I choose to move forward.
Social Studies
World History
World History took me on a journey through time, exploring the rise and fall of civilizations, major historical events, and the forces that shaped the world we live in today. From the dawn of civilization to the present day, I studied how geography, culture, and conflict influenced societies and their development.
Throughout the course, I learned about different populations and how historical events impacted them, from ancient empires to modern nations. I explored the causes and effects of wars, revolutions, and cultural movements, gaining a better understanding of how history connects to today’s world.
This class helped me see history as more than just dates and events. It’s a story of people, decisions, and changes that continue to shape our present and future. Studying world history gave me a new perspective on different cultures and how our global society has evolved over time.
U.S. History
In my U.S. History course, I learned about important events, people, and ideas that shaped the country. I studied topics like the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Understanding history helped me see how the past connects to the present and why it’s important to learn from it.
Sociology
I enjoyed my Sociology course for many reasons. I explored how society shapes human behavior, relationships, and institutions. I learned about social structures, cultural norms, and issues like inequality and deviance. This class challenged me to think critically about the world around me, and I found it fascinating to analyze how different social factors influence people’s lives.