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Jann Alexei Uy, a 12th grader, is recognized as the Student of the Month for February due to her Leadership and excellence in Academics. One of Jann's nominators told us that she shows "exemplary leadership in all the classes that she has and takes initiative and leads groups." I then asked Jann if she has had experiences wherein she had to put extra effort to be listened to and be taken seriously as a leader, to which she responded with Yes, I have had experiences like that. It's a difficult journey as a woman because we're often a bit more taken for granted and we are really masked by other people's voices. Another nominator also said that she is a very hard-working student and does extremely well in her dual enrollment classes as well as her AICE Literature class- a class that I take with her and can attest to her performance! I proceeded to ask where this passion for learning originated, and she responded "Well, it all started because of my family. My family always pushed me to work hard and do well in school and you know, be a high achiever so I can be successful in life." Other than her upbringing, she adds that "seeing other people, you know, around me, they also wanted to do better in life, make differences and changes and just be influential and change the world" influenced her leadership. Furthermore, she states that she feels very honored by this recognition and very surprised because she didn't think she was fit for the recognition, but apparently other people thought she was. "I'm very happy that people feel that way about me and very thankful. Thank you," she adds. Lastly, she says 'No, not really, no. I've usually just been more like in the distance, not really trying to put myself out there, but still trying hard to do my best. So I did not expect it," when asked whether or not she expected the recognition.

Aiden Fiveson and Travis Sanders, Authors The SCP Foundation is a fictional organization that contains anomalous objects. Anything that's titled SCP-[ number or letter combination] (i.e: SCP-8800, SCP-[Blank], etc.) is the foundation's database archives, whereas everything else (i.e: warzone shadows of revival, glimmering lights, etc.) is a compilation of events created by T-Net (an A.I. designed by T-Bomber; that gets brought through in the lit fuse arc.) This is the start of the series. To learn more, watch this interview with the co-author, Aiden Fiveson PROLOGUE [T-NET MANUAL OVERRIDE: INITIATING BOOTSTRAP 1037589…] [Ah, we meet again. So, you seek answers as to what happened in my last collection of Researcher Shrapnel’s archives? Let’s talk about it. Parliament mentioned something called a sheut last time. What is that? Well, according to the limited resources I can access, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the shadow (or the sheut) was like a backup copy of the soul. If someone’s soul was destroyed, the shadow remained, and allowed for the person’s soul to be brought back. Parliament and Perception do not have shadows, but their true forms do. So, if Researcher Shrapnel got hold of their shadows, then he could get rid of their souls without worrying about the possibility of them getting rebooted. How exactly did T-Bomber know what was happening with their true form? Well, I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s just say that T-Bomber isn’t… human. But where were we? Ah yes, Shrapnel flying to the Epicentre in order to fight Parliament and Perception, not knowing about the sheut thing. Anyways, bye!] [SHUTTING DOWN BOOTSTRAP 1037589…]) Item #: SCP-8800 Object Class: Urgent reclassification required. Disruption Class: Urgent reclassification required. Risk Class: Urgent reclassification required. Special Containment Procedures: No longer contained. All Foundation resources should be concentrated on recontainment of SCP-8800 at the highest priority. Description: SCP-8800-1 is a standard RYOBI RY 5020 20 in. 50 cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw. However, when there is gas in it and it is revved up, its chain moves roughly at the speed of light. When SCP-8800-1 is placed down onto a flat surface, if it is still revved up, SCP-8800-2 appears, by coming out of SCP-8800-1’s gasoline hole. SCP-8800-2 is a 6’ man, made entirely of smoke. SCP-8800-2 then picks up SCP-8800-1, despite his construct, and charges any living creature nearby with SCP-8800-1 until its chain stops, at which point SCP-8800-2 demanifests, and SCP-8800-1 drops to the ground. Incident 8800-T: MTF Commander T-Bomber entered SCP-8800’s containment chamber at 10:54 P.M. on August 20 during a containment breach of SCP-682. He fills up SCP-8800-1 at the gasoline chamber with rocket fuel, which he then lights on fire, causing a huge burst of flame to come out of the gasoline hole. He starts up SCP-8800-1, and charges out of the room. After 682 was reported recontained, T-Bomber came back into SCP-8800’s containment chamber, the chains still going. He placed SCP-8800-1 on the pedestal, while still running. Sure enough, SCP-8800-2 emerges from the gasoline hole, and slices T-Bomber clean in half. T-Bomber was later given mechanical spider legs to continue his work, and MTF Alpha-5 “Gods of Giza '' was deployed. Once again, all members died in combat, except Commander Anubis. The efforts of MTF Gods of Giza helped slow down SCP-8800-2, but they weren’t enough. Currently, SCP-8800 is roaming the forest of South Carolina. All Foundation resources should be concentrated on recontainment of SCP-8800 at the highest priority. Item #: SCP-8900 Object Class: See Containment Procedures/Hera Disruption Class: Keneq Risk Class: Mercurial Special Containment Procedures: The forest’s entrance is Safe, however, due to the nature of the Domestics and the Keepaway Tribe, the O5 Council is thinking of reclassifying it to Keter.The neighbourhood of Florida has been bought out by the Foundation, with all residents either becoming employees for the Foundation or terminated, with a few exceptions. The homes have been interconnected and the area has been renamed Site thus the Hera class. Nobody is allowed near the Keepaway Tribe without wearing a wire directly connected to Foundation radios. Description: SCP-8900-1 is a pedestal located in a neighbourhood in Florida. When a person steps on the pedestal and says “Dilata Silvae!”, they are anomalously transported to SCP-8900-2, or the Wildforest as some call it. SCP-8900-3, the designation given to the Domestics AND the Ground, are hostile entities that attempt to kill you if you enter. As MTF Commander Anubis once said: “Everything in this place is out to kill you. If you must enter, bring heavy artillery… and soap.” The Domestics are animals that look like domestic, safe animals, but act like their wild counterparts. For instance, a cat that acts like (and has the power of) a tiger, a dog with the power of a wolf, etc. The Ground spews up vines that latch to your feet, and drag you into it. The only way to keep the vines off of you is by rubbing soap on your ankles. The soap to the vines is like hydrochloric acid to us humans, making them dissolve. SCP-8900-4, the Trees that Strangle, are the trees of the forest. They come to life on the summer solstice, once a year. During that time, they strangle anything they come across, and absorb their blood. See Addendum for more info. The only way out of the forest is by using the same pedestal, and saying “Redigendum Silvae!”. The O5 Council is thinking of giving the Keepaway Tribe the designation SCP-8900-5, as they have grown to learn Zulu and how to fight, cook, and live, presumably by anomalous means. Addendum: Discovered by MTF Commander Anubis, who was once a resident. When he saw the pedestal with the inscription on them, he instinctively stood on the pedestal, and read the inscription. After 5 days, he returned, F.U.B.A.R. He says he knew a bit of Latin, such as Dilata and Redigendum. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, he returned to normal duties. The Keepaway Tribe is the self-designation of the children (now adults) that lived in the neighborhood. The children were used as test subjects of the forest by the Foundation. The Trees were discovered when a story from Tribe Leader Isigcilikisha was overheard by Researcher Shrapnel. The dialogue between the Tribe and the Researcher was translated from Zulu to English: Isigcilikisha: …and I saw the trees strangling a Geckosaur, sapping the colour from it… Inyoka: How did you get away? Isigcilikisha: That’s the funny part… I didn’t. Inyoka: What do you mean? Isigcilikisha: The Solstice ended right as my life was being drained… I got away on forfeit. Inyoka: How have I not heard this? Isigcilikisha: I hid you from them. I wanted to get meat for dinner, and well… the trees- Shrapnel: Jesus Christ, Anubis was right! Isigcilikisha: Who is there? The radio comes on. T-Bomber: Have you located the soap yet? Shrapnel: NOT A GOOD TIME! The sound of stabbed flesh could be heard. After 5 minutes of radio silence, Isigcilikisha came on the radio. Isigcilikisha: This is a warning to the SCP Foundation. We have been making progress on our return home. If you wish to continue operations, leave our homes alone. If you do not do so, when we return home, we shall sacrifice your most valuable researcher… what was the name again? Dr. Bright? The radio went out. Dr. Bright was given Class A security for 2 weeks before the Foundation realised this was a bluff, at which point he was returned to normal duties. ERROR: NEW FILE AVAILABLE “WE TRIED TO WARN YOU.” Item #: Wildforest. Clearance Required: None. Object Class: Apollyon/Inevitabilis Disruption Class: Amida Risk Class: Critical Special Containment Procedures: We have gained access to the document. You didn’t heed our warning, so now, you will pay for it. We will release the domestics. We will take the Bright person. And you will regret taking our homes. Description: SCP-8900-1 is the evil entrance AND holy exit from SCP-8900-2, or the Wildforest as we call it. SCP-8900-3, the designation given to the Domestics AND the Ground, are hostile entities that attempt to kill you if you enter. As one of the evil men once said: “Everything in this place is out to kill you. If you must enter, bring heavy artillery… and soap.” The Domestics are animals that look like domestic, safe animals, but looks can be deceptive. Like the Foundation. The Ground spews up vines that latch to your feet, and drag you into it. The only way to keep the vines off of you is by rubbing soap on your ankles. The soap to the vines is like hydrochloric acid to us humans, making them dissolve. SCP-8900-4, the Trees that Strangle, are the demons of the forest. They come to life on the summer solstice, once a year. During that time, they strangle anything they come across, and absorb their blood. The only way out of the forest is by using the same pedestal, and saying “Redigendum Silvae!”. …good to know. The O5 Council is thinking of giving us the designation SCP-8900-5, as we have grown to learn Zulu and how to fight, cook, and live, by reading dropped documents in the forest. For more information on the Forest, go there yourself. Addendum: You have made a grave mistake by adding the exit phrase to the document. We have made it. Folks at the Foundation, this is… …the beginning of the end. NOTE: As long as I'm here, breathing on this green earth (whichever one it is doesn't matter), you will not end the world. The Foundation isn't known for being necessarily cruel, but I am. At least, I'm cruel to those who want to destroy the world. About the authors: Aiden Fiveson, co-author of Shadows and Silvae, is a freshman at St. Lucie West Centennial High School who created the series about two years ago until it started to gain traction with his friends recently. He is 14 years old and comes from Palm Beach.

Ariana Babich is a senior being acknowledged for her unwavering commitment to Goodwill & Compassion. For insight on Ariana's character, Kenzie Kemerson held an interview to delve into Ariana's character, exploring her thoughts on positivity and her feelings on being recognized as the January student of the month. Ariana expressed that being recognized was a pleasant surprise, even though receiving the award caught her off guard. She emphasized the importance of showing kindness and generosity to others, knowing that they may not always receive such positivity from other people or places. Spreading this positivity and caring about others brings Ariana a sense of fulfillment, and she believes making an effort to bring joy to others is a significant endeavor. Ariana's understanding of the impact of not receiving kindness has cultivated her deep appreciation for it. Consequently, she actively focuses on kindness and recognizes when others feel overlooked or neglected. When asked to share a message to the current and future students of Centennial, Ariana provided the simple yet powerful advice of "just try your best to be nice to everyone, no matter what." Interviewing Ariana was delightful, and we eagerly anticipate meeting and talking with more outstanding students at Centennial! To view the video interview, click here. Do you know someone worthy of recognition? Be sure to nominate them for the next Student of the Month through the link in @centenwingspan's Instagram bio.

The absence of a boys' volleyball team has been a topic that screeches the minds of students at St. Lucie West Centennial High School for a while now, especially for prospective members. This brings up the big question: why hasn’t the school created a team yet? To initiate our search for an answer, I, with the help of Robert Emmanuel Dy, conducted an interview with the school's athletic director, Mr. Combs, and asked him a couple of questions regarding this matter, hoping to find a concrete answer to the question that many students have been asking themselves. A transcript of the said interview is provided below: Q: [What is] the primary reason why there isn’t a boys' volleyball team? A: So [in] the state of Florida, the governing agency for sports is the Florida High Schools Athletic Association. They set up what sports are available. So, boys' volleyball is one of the sports that they've adopted so it's available for FHSAA. Once they [FHSAA] adopt that sport, the counties have to fund that stipend. St. Lucie County has never adopted boys' volleyball as a sport. So, we could, like one of the local schools, adopt boys' volleyball as a club sport but we wouldn't be a part of the state series- we wouldn't be part of the FHSAA [tournaments]. St. Lucie County doesn't fund the stipend for coaching, so whoever coaches would have to do it voluntarily, and I think that's been [one of] the biggest problems- finding someone that would be willing to coach on a voluntary basis. It's a pretty big-time commitment with practices and travel and all that. Q: How likely is it that we will have a boys' volleyball team soon? A: I think pretty likely. I put out an email earlier and I’ve had a couple of teachers reach out and… [I’ve] seen interest and it’s just a matter of them hosting a meeting. I’ve [also] encouraged some of the boys that have asked me about it to [...] organize and get together. I think if we have the number of boys that we need for a team, I’m pretty optimistic that we could find someone to coach. Q: Are there enough number of people who are interested? A: That's tough to say. I don't think we really had a meeting but individually, kids have [come] to me and said they were interested. You play 6 people in a court at a time, you probably need at least 8-10 kids. So, how serious those 8-10 kids are, I'm not certain. To truly see who would be interested, a meeting of interest could be held. Either way, the boys of Centennial have been wanting a volleyball team- even if that team is a club team.

Note: Please check out @centenwingspan on Instagram to see the full interviews. As silver envelops St. Lucie West Centennial High School in its 25th anniversary, let's take a walk into the stories behind the people that made Centennial what is today- the faculty and staff. Though their fields differ, they share a common thing of equipping our eagles with the necessary skills and lessons before they venture into the real world. What makes this all more worthy of recognition is the fact that they have persevered for many years, with some going more than a decade. With the help of Francesca Josma and the rest of the Wingspan staff, I asked members of the Faculty and Staff some questions that give us a dive into their experiences with working here in Centennial. Excerpts from each of my interviews are written below. What year did you start teaching here at Centennial and how did you hear about it? Dr. Britton: 2010-2011, Mrs. Lewis teaches in the CTE Department and when I was in need of moving schools, I talked to her and said could you put in a good word in with Mr. Lynch (former principal)? I think she did and 14 years later, I'm still here! Mr. Carannante: 2009-2010, I was coaching the freshman basketball team at Jensen Beach High School and I was looking forward to work there (JBHS) but they didn't have a job for me. The Athletic Director there knew the Athletic Director here at Centennial and so, I became [the] assistant basketball coach and [taught] Algebra 2 Honors and Precalculus Honors that first year. Ms. Serynek: Year 2000. I heard about the school after teaching at Head Start. I was interested in being an art teacher here but was told the only available options were Early childhood or culinary arts. I first went into culinary arts, which I enjoyed but switched into early childhood. What attribute of SLWCHS made you stay here? Mr. Carannante: I love it here. I'm lucky to have high-level classes I guess, plus my students are amazing every year. I love coaching the basketball team. I love the whole package of what's going on here. I bought a house right next door that second year and [I've] just been rolling ever since. Ms. Serynek: Honestly, I really liked the staff that welcomed me to the school and made me feel positive about the whole teaching experience. Do you have a favorite/memorable experience here in Centennial? Dr. Britton: The year I got Teacher of the Year for Centennial. When your peers vote you for something like that, that's kind of a deep feeling. So, it's nice to be appreciated. Mr. Carannante: I don't know if I can narrow it down. Got some great successes on the basketball court which really mean a lot to me. [Also] got some successes in the classroom. So many graduations mean a lot me, valedictorian speeches and to see many students after they graduate and checking in with them. So it's one whole package but I don't have a specific one on top of the others. Ms. Serynek: My favorite would be seeing or being involved in the student activities like the graduation ceremonies. But I don’t have just one favorite memory... I liked the holiday dinners too, that’s for the teachers. What changes have you seen that you like? Dr. Britton: Definitely just how much technology is used. Back to 14 years ago, all my papers, quizzes, etc. were on paper. Now, everything is done on Canvas and [there's] access to good calculators with Desmos. I like that the FCAT turned into an EOC which was core-specific instead of the old way. Mr. Carannante: Technology. In 2009 & 10, not everybody had a cellphone and now, everybody's submitting their homework online. [There's] been a lot of technological differences but in terms of everything else, it's really not that different. Kids are kids and some kids are gonna work really hard and go off to college and some kids are gonna do the opposite of that. Ms. Serynek: Mrs. Popwell does a great job at ensuring teacher and student engagement. I also think we see more student activities than in the past. What do you want to improve? Dr. Britton: Just wish I could get everybody to class on time. Maybe we need another minute or two in the bell schedule. Mr. Carannante: We could always improve, right? We could always improve. What advice would you give to eagles? Dr. Britton: Soar high, man! Just keep going. Never give up, never surrender. Just keep working. Mr. Carannante: Just keep working hard. Wherever your goals are, do what you can to achieve them and hopefully the staff is here to help you out. Ms. Serynek: Take advantage of the resources offered to you and do your best while you’re here.

As a Centennial High School student, I believe it's time to reconsider the way we perceive and prioritize school clubs. These extracurricular activities aren't just a box to check on college applications; they are invaluable platforms for personal growth, skill development, and community building. High school clubs offer a unique space for students to explore their interests outside the confines of traditional classrooms. Whether it's a debate club, robotics team, or environmental group, these clubs foster a sense of belonging and provide a chance for students to express themselves beyond academic achievements. Moreover, participation in clubs equips students with practical skills that go beyond textbooks. From leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, these skills are essential for success in the real world. By taking clubs more seriously, we can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the challenges they'll face beyond high school. Additionally, clubs serve as avenues for social connections and friendships. High school can be a challenging time for many students, and clubs create a supportive environment where individuals with similar passions can come together. Strengthening the importance of clubs encourages a positive school culture and helps combat feelings of isolation. Furthermore, colleges and employers increasingly value well-rounded individuals with diverse experiences. By acknowledging the significance of clubs, we are not only enhancing our personal development but also positioning ourselves for future opportunities. This shift in perspective can have long-lasting effects on our academic and professional journeys. In conclusion, it's time to move beyond the notion that clubs are secondary to academic pursuits. They are integral to our holistic development, offering a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Let's take high school clubs more seriously Eagles, recognizing them as crucial components of our educational journey.

Dylan Romano is an 11th grader who is being recognized for his indisputable achievement in Sports. To know more about Dylan, Chloe McGuinness conducted an interview to get a splash of his thoughts on the recognition given to him. He feels pretty honored, and he believes that "there's a lot of other people that probably deserve it" but he feels nice having been chosen since he did not expect it all. Romano's passion for bowling started at a very young age, around 6 or 7, due to being surrounded by his parents who are both bowlers. He finds it fun and he likes winning which makes the sport rewarding for him. Furthermore, Romano started bowling as a serious sport at around 2020-2021 and he's been practicing ever since. He says he would rather go to the bowling alley than stay at home and do nothing because he gets to meet a lot of new people and feel the whole community. Lastly, his message for people who want to get into the sport is to practice a lot, which will be frustrating, but worth it in the end. It has been a pleasure interviewing Dylan, and we cannot wait to meet more of Centennial's brightest stars! Do you know someone worthy of this same recognition? Be sure to nominate them through the link on @centenwingpan's Instagram bio.

Friends are funny things in life, One of them could be your husband or your wife. You love each other, isn’t that grand? You're willing to let them hold your hand. Sometimes you'll get into a fight, And you'll be content with their absence in your sight. Yet you will always make amends, When you realize you were meant to be friends. So cherish each other, You never know when you'll lose one another. Whether it be a best friend, a husband, or wife, You've been given a special one to cherish for life.

Upon initial viewing of La La Land, viewers tend to fall into one of two categories. They either love it and recognize the profound message it imparts or despise it because of what they perceive as a “disappointing” ending. It is entirely reasonable to dislike a film due to personal preferences of movie endings, whether you lean towards classic “happily ever afters” or more realistic conclusions. However, most people fail to grasp the concept and overarching theme of La La Land and heavily misjudge the film. While it remains a point of controversy whether the ending should have been different, I believe it was perfect. La La Land exemplifies the message of fulfilling dreams at the cost of relationships and love. This theme is impressively pushed through symbols, music, lighting, and overall effects that aren’t easily noticed until the viewer analyzes deeper. The film is seemingly split into two “acts” exactly halfway through the film, as a play or musical might be. In “Act 1”, or the first half of the movie, the opening number sets the stage for the realm of dreamers in Los Angeles. This city is renowned for embodying the dreamscape, a place where aspirations can become reality but also where the boundary separating illusion and real life is often blurred. It is widely known that many people move to LA in hopes of achieving their dreams, especially artists. When we are introduced to Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist, the movie explores the dichotomy between illusion and reality as Mia faces countless rejections and Sebastian struggles with opening his own jazz club. After another rejection at one of Mia’s auditions, she stumbles upon a small jazz club, the melodious notes seeping through the walls captivating her curiosity before she enters. Within, Sebastian is playing a distinctive melody on the piano, a tune that will resonate significantly throughout the film. While this plays, Mia is completely drawn in. All other noise and surroundings fade into obscurity, leaving the screen focused solely on her- who is enthralled with Sebastian’s performance. This exact enchanting effect is bestowed upon Sebastian in the form of a spotlight while all background gradually fades. Once the song ends, Mia approaches to compliment him. However, her admiration is short-lived as Sebastian is promptly fired for playing jazz instead of the holiday setlist he was ordered to play. He shoves past Mia in frustration. When they meet again at a party months later, they click instantly, and they evidently are irresistibly drawn to each other. The rest of the first half of the movie plays out like a musical. It features a vibrant primary color motif in costuming, providing a whimsical quality. This is the beginning of how the film uses color to depict the relationship between Mia and Sebastian. The cinematography amplifies this through striking lighting and effects, mirroring what Mia sees: a city where anything is possible. The two characters are deeply in love, and throughout many endearing, fairytale-like encounters and dates, they encourage each other to pursue their dreams. Sebastian supports her acting and her plan for a one-woman show, and Mia designs a name, “Seb’s,” and a logo for his future jazz club; an idea that he dismisses. Now, the color palette begins to change from primary colors to a blending of them to symbolize their connection. During their famous dance, the sunset becomes a blending of blue and red, two primary colors, into purple. The jazz club is now lit orange. During their song, “City of Stars”, green lighting pours in through the windows. They share a first kiss after a very magical and romantic dance at a planetarium, where the imagery of flight and stars accentuates the overwhelming sense of love and adoration between them. The screen, reminiscent of classic cinema, gradually narrows in on itself and goes dark, as if evoking the familiar sensation of an impending “The End!” screen. This marks the end of the first act and the sweet, comforting phase of dreaminess. The movie then begins the second act with an opening shot, which seems like the beginning of a movie. At this point forward, all of the songs become diegetic; the characters are now aware that they are singing. Upon hearing a somewhat tense phone call between Mia and her mother regarding financial matters, Sebastian decides to focus on making more money. He reconnects with Keith, an old friend who previously offered him a position in his jazz band, and Sebastian decides to join as a means of income while he saves up for his own club. Mia consents, attending his first show. Immediately, it becomes apparent to both Mia and the viewers that the band plays an entirely different genre of jazz that Sebastian wouldn’t ever want to play. The highly popular, “modernized” take on jazz sets a slightly jarring, awkward tone, leading Mia to leave the concert after being shoved away from the stage by fans. From here out, their relationship begins a gradual descent. Even while living together, they see each other less with Sebastian touring with his band, and with Mia heavily focusing on her one-woman show. The scene that sends their relationship crashing is Sebastian’s surprise dinner for Mia. Both characters are bathed in green lighting, a comforting blend of the two primary colors as seen earlier. It is established here that Sebastian is gravitating toward a long-term commitment to his band and plans to embark on more tours. He wants Mia to accompany him, but she is determined to focus on her show. Mia is stunned by his decision, since it is apparent that he doesn’t genuinely enjoy the music he’s playing, prompting her to confront him as his whole character before has been focused on true, classic jazz.  The two go back and forth, and the seven-minute scene ascends into a heated argument. The green lighting recedes from Mia’s character, while Sebastian remains illuminated, symbolizing their growing disconnect. When he finally reaches a breaking point, Mia storms out in frustration. The final breaking point in their relationship occurs when Mia’s long-awaited play finally debuts. Busy with a photoshoot, Sebastian does not show. Hardly anyone did, and those who were there insulted and mocked her. This takes both characters to their lowest points, as Mia flees to her hometown after Sebastian attempts to apologize. In a brief summary, Sebastian gets a call from a casting agent looking for Mia and he manages to find her, convincing her to try again. At first, she is reluctant, but she eventually auditions, which becomes one of the highlights of the film. She delivers a meaningful performance about her aunt and her passion for acting. Once finished, she and Sebastian discuss their future, and they admit that they will always love each other, leaving uncertainty about where their relationship will go as Mia would have to move to Paris if she was chosen. The film jumps five years in the future. Mia has become a successful actress. She is married and has a kid, but not with Sebastian. She and her husband come across a jazz club while looking for a place to have dinner, and upon entering, she notices the name of the club: Seb’s. The realization dawns on her, and she follows her husband inside. Sebastian notices her in the audience and their gazes share a significant moment. The lighting in the club is now blue and red, signifying that they are no longer connected. After a meaningful pause while their gazes linger, he sits at the piano and plays their notorious song from the beginning of the movie. The enchanting effect envelops them both, all fading to the darkness behind Mia and the spotlight shining on Sebastian. The melody triggers a montage, showing what could have been- an alternate version of events where they stayed together. It revisits their entire journey but alternated- as if they know exactly what to do and what not to do. For instance, they have their own house, Sebastian turns Keith down immediately, Mia’s one-woman show thrives (and Sebastian attends), and the scene switches to what seems like a set, involving dancing and cardboard cutouts. Mia is chosen for the same audition, and she and Sebastian go to Paris together. They dance in a star-like background, a callback to the scene in the planetarium from the first act. They sit down to watch a film of what could’ve been their life. There are strong parallels to what she and her real husband did, where they went to Seb’s and sat together, much closer, and more intimate than what we saw earlier with her current husband. As the music slows and becomes melancholic, it cuts back to reality, with Sebastian at the piano. Mia and her husband make their way out, but she looks back to Sebastian, who gazes back at her. They share a long and meaningful look, exchanging smiles, recognizing the life they could have had together- a mix of sadness and acceptance. This ending sequence, a fantasy of what could have been, transitioned back into a musical. It would make sense if the ‘ending’ halfway through is meant to depict how Hollywood films typically conclude with the relationship on a perfect high note, but they don’t show what happens after, which is usually not so perfect (second half of La La Land). This pushes the theme that LA and the people who go there to achieve their fantasies live a façade. As it embraces the bittersweet reality of life’s complexities, La La Land leaves an indelible mark on its audience, encouraging them to consider the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.

This time of year, we think of Christmas, the annual religious holiday celebrated on December 25th in Western churches. Hence, we often dismiss the many other significant holidays celebrated by various cultures worldwide. Listed below are some international holidays to take note of: St. Nicholas Day – The feast day on December 6 of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and of sailors and children, among many other groups, and was noted for his generosity. Bodhi Day - Buddhist holiday commemorating the day Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni Buddha, experienced enlightenment. Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe - Celebrated on December 12 every year in Mexico. Devotees honor the day when the Virgin Mary made an appearance to a young man on this day in 1531. Immaculate Conception Day - Roman Catholic dogma asserting that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved free from the effects of the sin of Adam also known as the “original sin”, from the first instant of her conception. Hanukkah - Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev in December and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights. Yule - “Yule” comes from Old English geol, a very similar meaning to the word jól. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. Boxing Day – In Great Britain and some countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, celebrates (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. Kwanzaa – A nonreligious festival celebrated by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional values. Zarathrost Diso – A Day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion. It is a commemoration of the death anniversary of the prophet Zoroaster. It is observed on the 11th day of the 10th month. Diwali – For five days there is a light festival that celebrates good over evil and/or lightness over darkness. The holiday follows the lunar calendar and usually comes during October or November Three King Day - In Mexico and many other South American countries, three Wise Men bring people gifts and leave presents near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also called Epiphany and a grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism to pay homage to the Three Wise Men.

Nominees: Jon Batiste- World Music Radio Olivia Rodrigo- GUTS Janelle Monae- The Age of Pleasure Lana Del Rey- Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Miley Cyrus- Endless Summer Vacation boygenius- the record SZA- SOS Taylor Swift- Midnights Choose your pick in the comments below!