The best of the best of
English III Honors for
2016-2017
Jayma Barnett
3B
5/24/17
Farmers Begin to Worry due to new Agribusiness Deals
Over the duration of the past decade, many farmers have seen a major change on the business side of
agriculture. The difficulties faced in farming today have not always been this challenging. Men and women who
have spent the majority of their lives farming know for a fact the obstacles needed to be met before the farmer can
make any kind of profit. While farming has never been an easy job, many will say farming has become more
difficult over the years, due to the restrictions and specifications required of the farmer.
In the world of agribusiness, multiple companies strive to build a strong and independent business. Amongst
the vast variety of agriculturally known companies, only the everyday farmer knows them by name. These
businesses are Bayer, Monsanto, DuPont, and Dow. However, both Bayer and Monsanto had always been rivals
when it came down to seed production. Just recently, the two companies have agreed on a deal in which both
businesses would benefit from. The merger from a business standpoint shows profitable growth on both sides of the
companies. Although, from the farmer’s standpoint the deal is just another obstacle in which the farmer must find a
resolution.
Farmer Don Halcomb, from Adairville, KY, shared his thoughts and opinions on the new agribusiness merger
explaining how his family farm has changed over the past decade. Mr. Halcomb stated, “We’re producing our crops
at a loss now, just like the oil guys are pumping oil at a loss” (Picker). The quote Halcomb expressed seems to
clearly prove that the production of crops now are so abundant that the need for the product is still desired; however,
the amount at which the crops are being produced at is causing the product to pile up. In order to keep the
production rate from rising drastically, the farmer must lower the selling price, which lowers his income. A major
difference in which farmers who want to continue doing what they love must make large sacrifices because “the
price of an 80,000-kernel bag of seed corn rose to $300 from $80 in the last decade” (Picker). With the lower
amount of income due to the increase of unsold crops the farmers are soon placed in a predicament because
eventually the need for seeds and other essentials to bring income in such as fertilizer and pesticides start to become
an issue when the money needed for all the items isn’t available.
The specifications created by the Bayer and Monsanto merger have caused multiple farmers to rethink the way
they produce their crops. Since the cost of producing a crop has increased along with the commodity value
decreasing due to a lack of demand, the farmers cannot afford all of the necessities. The agribusiness companies
seem to control the farmers and their farms because they are the ones who set the costs of the seeds with the other
essentials needed to produce successful crops. To meet the crop standards of the USDA, farmers have to purchase
the commonly known pesticides. Even though, the merger of Bayer and Monsanto claims to effectively assist the
farmer with the production of the crops, the merger will forever change the way of farming.
The requirements necessary for an acceptable crop have changed so much over the years. A majority if not all
of the farmers today have been affected by the rules and regulations set by Bayer and Monsanto companies.
Financially the farmers have gotten hurt the most, due to the everyday expenses that they face. With the rising cost
of seeds and pesticides along with the commodity demand decreasing the farmers, make little to no profit.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when we separated into groups and went outside to do
activities, being in a group with Jennifer, Noemi, and Maria was great too!
New York by Gracie Cosgrave
So here is where I type my favorite writing of the year…
The best vacation I have ever been on was spent in New York City! My family and I stayed right in the center of
times square. This city was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Everything was so alive. The night was almost as
bright as the day because the city was lit up with so many lights. The site of the gigantic buildings and the rush of
people and traffic on the streets was so overwhelming, but definitely not in a bad way. It was the most amazing kind
of overwhelming feeling I have ever felt in my life. There was so much to do and so much to see in such little time
but we managed to see as much of New York as we possibly could. My favorite part of the vacation was when we
got to go on top of the Empire State building. The view was absolutely breathtaking and was single handedly the
most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The moment i landed in the city, I just knew it was the place for me. I was
devastated when our trip was over and I even shed a couple tears when saying my goodbye to the city but I know I
will be back there again someday.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when….
My favorite memory was during the scare-venger hunt when someone was hiding with a mask and scared the heck
out of me.
Here is where I put a picture of me
that is classroom appropriate.
Essence Cummings
Ms. Rosenbaum
English III Honors- Period 3B
Date 23 May 2017
Essence 2017
Just a little summary for of the things that I shared with you from the beginning. When I
was younger my mother signed me up for a dance company called “Dance Unlimited” and she
also entered me in pageants when I was about four years of age. She made sure that I had
everything that I wanted and even provided me with more. I use to believe that I would become a
model when I got into my teen age. Well that didn’t really come to plan. I started having a few
health issues come my way. I always wanted to model for a company of fashion, because I loved
to walk the runway and look pretty. I would watch “America's Next Top Model” and would
image how pretty I would be. To this day as I write this there is this one lady that i truly love
with all my heart. Trudy is the type of relative who make every in the family laugh all day long
and who is very inspiring to me. I haven’t known someone to work as hard as she has before.
She has been a single mother for about four years now due to my father being incarcerated.
My favorite memory in this class was when we had a fun day outside in the hot sun. We had to
stuff our mouth with marshmallows and then run to a teacher’s class across campus to find the
next hit. My other favorite memory of this class was when we had to go out on the hill to play
another game that consist of me getting wrapped in toilet paper and trying to walk. I will miss
Ms. Rosenbaum and this bright class. Have a wonderful summer.
My Birthday Picture Of April 12th 2017
Favorite Writing of the Year My Favorite Possession by Alexis Divietro
So here is where I type my favorite writing of the year…
My favorite possession that was not purchased was my dog. I have a miniature
Dachshund and she is one of the most important things in my life. She was actually a rescue dog
and my grandma convinced my dad to let me keep her. This dog had been with me through thick
and thin. I really hope she lives forever, even though it’s impossible. She is my best friend and I
can not picture life without her. We found her when I was in 7th grade and at that time I was
going through a rough patch in life. My previous dog had died about two months before and the
doctors had diagnosed my dad with lung cancer. This was during middle school when I had one
true friend. This dog really gave me a purpose to wake up in the morning and say, “It’s going to
be a great day!” She is the sweetest dog and she always wants to snuggle with me. The previous
dogs that we have owned were really awesome, but this dog and I had a very special bond. It’s
hard not being with her every second of the day because I always miss her, she is truly one of the
greatest things that has happened to me.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when….
I actually read a book when I didn’t think I could, it was Of Mice & Men and I surprised
myself by reading it twice, once in class and once at home. It was my favorite book I read this
year so far, even though it’s the only book I have read.
Global Warming Speech by Maria F. Flores
Global warming, it is real and it is happening. A lot of people do not give enough importance and interest to this topic
that can affect every single person living in this planet. Most of the people do not think of it as a problem, but the truth is that
global warming is increasing every day and if we do not take care of it, in the future it could be one of the biggest problems that
this planet could face.
Most us know that global warming is the increase in temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere as a result of the
greenhouse effect, human activities and industrial activities that produce water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane,
but do we really know the consequences that global warming is bringing to us? The most common is probably the increase of
temperature in this planet. As reported by scientists from the article Live Science and Global Warming 101 “the average
temperature of the Earth has risen between 0.4 and 0.8 °C over the past 100 years and it will continue to rise”. Another
consequence is the extreme change in weather that is altering our seasons. According to scientists from the article Weather &
Climate Change “winters in the North and West of Scotland are on average 60% wetter than they were in 1961 and the growing
season has increased by up to 33 days”. Another important consequence that global warming is causing is the sea level rise
because glaciers are starting to melt due to the high temperature. According to NASA, “Global sea level rose about 6.7 inches in
the last century. The rate in the last decade, however, is nearly double that of the last century”.
Is global warming real? Is global warming affecting us? Is there something we can do to stop it from getting any
farther? The answer is yes. Even though we cannot get rid of all the factors that are causing global warming we can do certain
activities to reduce the production of gases that affect our atmosphere and would help to decrease global warming. These include:
avoid using a car when traveling short distances, it could emit less carbon dioxide, avoid the use of hot water, there would be less
production of water vapor, recycle and reuse everything you can, so there would be less amounts of waste, plant trees because
they give us oxygen and they also take in carbon dioxide, conserve water to reduce the use of energy it takes to draw and filter
water from underground, etcetera. These are simple activities that us as individuals could do every day to help our planet. Even
the minimum help would result in a big change.
We need to realize that global warming is already happening and we need to treat it soon, the worst is not here yet, but
we can prevent it. Let’s ask ourselves what kind of planet we want for us and for our future generations. We are the only ones
that decide the kind of planet that we want to live in and it is our obligation to take care of it. “The future is in our hands”.
My favorite memory in this class is when we did the scavenger hunt on Halloween because we had a lot of fun while we learned
and interacted as a class. I have many memories of this class, I learned a lot throughout this school year and I am thankful for
that.
This is a picture of me last year.
Favorite Writing of the Year
So here is where I type my favorite writing of the year…
136.
Has technology improved or simplified our lives? Personally I think that technology has both improved and simplified our lives today.
I think these properties come with any major revolution throughout mankind’s history. In particular technology today makes every day work
manageable, in the most literal of ways information and even physical items are a few clicks away. In many major cities you can have items
delivered in the same day that it was purchased. On the other side of the of the problem there is less talking space with people, they are expecting
what needs to be done, be done now. Even for large projects the deadlines are almost unobtainable. This has come at an experience to both work
ethic and work quality, it becomes a matter of thinking “Is it worth all of the time put into it”. We see this today by the way we consume media.
Years ago people would spend hours reading through a newspaper to get informed of the world around them. today people choose what they want
to view, entertainment, sports, politics, and many other sections of media are selectively view what they want to see. Not saying that doing any of
this is inherently bad, but when people get embedded into certain communities they seem to stay there and don’t look around to see what else is
going on. Whether it will be harmful for the world is yet to be seen, only time will tell.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when….
Either of the scavenger hunts or this picture.
Kendall Gillotti
Mrs. Rosenbaum
English 3 Honors
23 May 2017
Favorite Writing of the Year - Why School Should Start at a Later Time by Kendall Gillotti
School plays a very big and important role in our daily lives. So because of it, we’ve grown up getting up
on an early schedule. In elementary school, we had to be at school by 7:00. In middle school, we had to be there by
8:00. And now in high school we have to be here by 8:15. That requires us to get up even earlier than those times so
that you can drive, walk, bike or whatever your transportation may be and still show up on time. Depending on your
morning routine, you probably want to get up and look decent so people don’t realize that yes, you did just get out of
bed. If you don’t, good for you, I’m sure you got more sleep than some. But if you start doing the math, we have to
wake up fairly early to go to school. In more than 40 states, at least 75 percent of public schools start earlier than
8:30 a.m., according to the CDC’s report. Some people also may not realize that people that do sports or other
extracurricular sometimes don’t get home until late in the night. And even then, they might have homework to do
and don’t get to go to sleep until even later than that. So I think the real question here is, how much sleep is enough
sleep? According to Nationwide Children’s, the average amount of sleep that teenagers get is between 7 and 7 ¼
hours when really we need between 9 to 9 ½. Yes, this is partly our fault because, sometimes, we stay up on our own
but for others, that’s not the case. There are many factors to our not being able to sleep including shift in sleep
schedule, early school start times, and social and school obligations (Nationwide Children’s). These factors could
lead to moodiness, behavior issues, cognitive ability issues, bad academic performance, and drowsy driving (also
Nationwide Children’s). Researchers analyzed data from more than 9,000 students at eight high schools in
Minnesota, Colorado, and Wyoming and found that shifting the school day later in the morning resulted in a boost in
attendance, test scores, and grades in math, English, science, and social studies. Schools also saw a decrease in
tardiness, substance abuse, and symptoms of depression. Some even had a dramatic drop in teen car crashes (CDC).
So not only is getting proper sleep and waking up at a later hour benefitting us, but it’s also benefitting the rest of
our community.
My favorite memory in this class is when we did the scarevenger hunt and we got to go outside
even though it was super hot outside since we live somewhere where we don’t get seasons. But it
was great to not actually do hard work for once and an even greater bonus was Mrs. Rosey even
giving us candy. Good times…
Alexis Hankerson
Ms. Rosenbaum
English III Honors- Period 3B
23 May 2017
All About Me!!!
My favorite RWC writing would have to be the time when I talked about the hardest
thing I’ve ever done. The hardest thing I’ve ever done was having to lose so many family
members in within a few months. Last year of 2016, had to me one of the hardest, most painful,
and horrible years of my life. I lost a total of 3 family members and 2 family friends. My great
grandfather from my dad side happened to die on September 17th, 2016. Then, I lost my blood
cousin Aaron Hankerson on my dad side on October 9th, 2016. When losing, they was very hard
and just unforgettable. But, I lost my other great grandfather on my dad side on October 17th,
2016. It just felt like my world was ending and that my family and I were cursed. My great
grandfather’s both passed away from being very sick. But, what broke me the most was the death
of my cousin Aaron. He was murder but not just murder he was murder executed style by two
men. It still hurts me and my family till this day. We still do not want to believe he is gone. But,
the bad thing is I just had seen him at my great grandfather’s funeral we both broke down losing
our great grandfather. But, now my blood cousin is gone. My family and I could not sleep for
nothing, having terrible dreams back to back. After they passed away my dad mother father
passed away a month later… crazy, right? I had lost three family members within a few months
on my father’s side it felt as if we were losing everyone at a time. All I wish is that I was able to
say “I love yall and wish yall were still here!” R.I.P Great Granddaddy Rat, Great Granddaddy
Riley, Cousin Aaron, Tweet and Trill. #JUSTICEWILLBESERVED
#JUSTICEFORALLOFYALL #RESTUPANDWATCHOVERALLOFUS!! -LOVE LEXIS
My proudest moment this year in English III Honors would have to be me getting help
from Ms.Rosenbaum in my writing. I have always seemed to struggle in writing and reading
throughout life, but with the help of Ms.Rosenbaum pushing me to write more and less it has had
a huge impact on my life. I do know where I would be nor how my writing skills would be if I
never met Ms.Rosenbaum or took English III Honors this year. Thank you for all you have done
to help me this school year. Like you always tell me “I’m proud of you!!” You’ll forever be my
Best friend!!
Sabrina Land
My favorite writing I did this year is: My best vacation was one to North Carolina. I went with
my dad, stepmom (at the time) and little brother. We left Sarasota at four in the morning and
drove all the way up. We made a few stops on the way up for bathroom and stretch breaks. We
drove up the mountain to the friend’s house we were staying at and we got there around lunch
time. The whole ride up the mountain was amazing; the sights were so amazing and beautiful
that the whole car was silent unless someone was pointing things out. The house we stayed at
was just as gorgeous as the nature around it. The house was four stories and in the middle of the
woods, on this beautiful mountain. There was a river with a small waterfall about a half mile
through the woods, slightly below us. The weather was just as amazing as everything else; shorts
type weather during the day and at night it got cool enough outside that we could open the
windows/ doors and enjoy the sounds of the forest along with the weather. We went to the
waterfalls and walked around the tiny town that was on the mountain. I was taking pictures with
our professional photographer friend, Michael. I learned so many different techniques and tricks
from him that I took a whole bunch of pictures. For me, it was the best vacation because I felt so
relaxed and peaceful; and being there made me want to move there when I am older so that I can
enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s nature, on a daily basis.
My favorite memory in this class is when we did all the holiday activities; all the puzzles and the
games we did outside for Halloween. Best times ever! 
Bands to Pink Balloons by Alex Leonhardt
Every day I passed that same pink balloon tied to the pole.
I don't know who tied it there but when it started dying a little, I cried.
It started getting down and then wrinkled and I could feel my soul.
And then one day it fell to the ground and I realized I lied.
"But you promised, you promised to me that you won't wither.
You said to me and crossed your heart that we'll hold hands."
I said that I could never even think about living without her.
So every day I get up and buy a pink balloon and rubber bands.
And I tie a new one onto the pole and lie.
I made you a promise that I will never die.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when I turned in my work and got a good
grade on it. Also eating and going outside were pretty fun, but not when it was hot.
Kendal Little
Favorite writing:
2.) What if School Sports were Dropped?
It would be awful if school sports were dropped. In some cases, school sports keep students
out of trouble. In other cases, school sports are pathways to a student’s future. If a student
pursues college, but the cost is too high, sports may be the only other option. For example, my
passion is basketball, and I plan on playing at the college level at either The University of Notre
Dame, or another school that is in Florida. I plan on using basketball as my ticket into college. I
would be lost without school sports. There are other people that would be affected by this
decision as well. Band members would have no place to perform. Also, coaches would have no
job, coaches enjoy their job as a coach, and without school sports they would have no way of
doing so. Many people would be affected, not just athletes. Team bonding is a way for some
students to make friends and grow stronger relationships, and without school sports, this would
not happen.
Favorite memory:
My favorite memory in class was during our scavenger hunt thing. It was fun and it was nice to
be out of class not doing actual work at our desks. :)
Favorite Writing of the Year (When I Am a Parent) by Angel Paramoshin
My favorite writing of the year was my final essay piece of RWC #4 – “When I Am a Parent.”
This piece vehemently described how my viewpoint of a parent affected my decision to never
have kids. Sure, the reality of the word parent is locked to having offspring that is the same race
as you. Being met with respect for this piece did help me mentally that night I wrote it. Having a
Boston, Whippet Boston, and a new tabby cat is very tolling on my sanity. It is like having the
old, middle, and young hierarchy of children. The whippet whips everyone with her tail, the
stocky younger dog tries to eat the young cat and beat up the older whippet, while the kitty is
harassed by both older siblings. However, I am sure we can agree to disagree on the definition of
a parent. We should also agree to agree that kids are born evil and that they must be watched
24/7 and taught to be good and quiet.
My favorite memory/proudest moment in this class is when I read and analyzed Of Mice and
Men. I just enjoyed how simple, but complex Steinbeck’s writing style is. The details were
intricate and true to the beginning of the 20th century. My favorite part of this memory is reading
Crooks background and how he wished to own a farm or at least be back with his father, but
George talks in disgust at Candy and Lenny telling Crooks of their dream for the farm.
Don’t mind the fact that
the photo is inverse, yellow
screened instead of green,
and my butt chin is showing
a lot more.
“What Effect is Technology Having on our Society?” by Noemi Rico
Technology is many things for many people. What does it mean to you? Many hear the word technology and automatically think
cellphone, computer, or game system. What it actually is, is a very addictive thing. Many teenagers spend most of their time on cellphones,
maybe because of the social media and gossip. Not only is technology affecting our society by loss of eyesight but by loss of communication.
Many more problems are coming from technology nowadays also.
Some negative effects could be back pain, fatigue, or even arthritis in fingers and wrists. When someone is lying on the couch
watching movies, they could feel pain, or when they do not feel like getting up, not even to go get a water, that is called fatigue. Arthritis in the
fingers and wrists are likely to be caused by texting. So many people are communicating by text messaging, that they do not realize they are
losing their way of thought (Walker). We are so used to using technology every single day, that when we don't have it, we completely shut down.
We have become vulnerable to many simple things we usually do with our advanced machinery. Examples could be walking to a store or even a
ride on a bike to the store. Many people now even drive their car to the store that is about one block away. Effects like these do not just last for
months or years, they can last a lifetime.
Many argue that technology has more positive things to offer than just lazy people, but from this point of view, it only seems as if
things are getting worse by the day. Coming out with newer technology only enhances children to obsess with getting the new top thing. An
example would be my brother, he is addicted to his new Xbox live, we used to have a Xbox 360, but now we have the newer one. Not to mention
the amount of money it may cause to even get a new phone. Phones nowadays are about $300 to $700. That will also cause parents so much
stress just to pay off the phone, imagine having to pay a $650 iPhone 7. That is insane to even think about.
Another thing that happens in our society that relates to technology, is cyberbullying. In high school, this is where students find their
sense of freedom (Rhodes). In the internet, they have endless freedom to encounter; internet ends up being the roadway to cyberbullies who
torture others to find something amusing. Many cases of cyberbullying, can lead to potential life threatening situations. So many students have
committed suicide from major cases of this such thing. This power on the internet can be so addictive that the bullies are finding themselves
unstoppable, until something terrible happens for example jail time if caught. So not only does technology affect us with bullying but by making
us less controllable to even ourselves.
Technology affecting our society is not just a thing that could easily go away when you find a problem, it takes time; many kids are
adapting to having their technology at all times, without it they will not be able to function. We lose ourselves with this sort of thing. We have to
do something to prevent this or our generation will grow up to be dependent of others or technology. Staying away from technology could
possibly prevent these things to happen. An amazing quote i found on google, is “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care
of itself.” by-Henry Ford
This quote relates to the topic that something should be done to prevent these effects on our society and together that will be possible.
 My favorite memory of this class is when Maria, Jayma, Jennifer, and I won the Fahrenheit 451 race.
Jennifer made us run upstairs to Mrs. Van der Kaay’s room for one of the challenges given to us. That was
an unforgettable moment because that was the first time I ran in front of people in high school that was not
in my gym class.
 This is me replying to a snapchat, I chose this picture because I was tired and wanted to go to bed early.
My Home – Philip Sapp
28. On the street that I used to live on there were a lot of things happening. I was the only house
in the street in the middle of nowhere. My street was not paved, it was gravel. This meant it was hard to
walk barefoot on it or ride a scooter along it. I hated making the quarter mile walk to the end of the road
to take the trash out. There were all sorts of trails around my house. For fun, I would take my BB gun
and go along these trails shooting lizards. At one point, I had to take a break from shooting them
because there were none to be found. On my road there were banana trees that hung almost onto the
road. Every time that I was with my dad coming home I would reach out and try to grab the leaves,
many times unsuccessful. One time I grabbed one and a 10 foot leave came with it, I felt cool.
My favorite memory is when my group walked all of the way to Mrs. Van Der Kaay’s room and
forgot the clue.
An Alligator on a bicycle by Abi Smith
An alligator on a bicycle? Boy, what a sight. Cycling around the neighborhood like it was normal.
Doug called his wife and told her to stay at work. Elizabeth (Doug's wife) was very confused.
“Funny you said that honey, because I am already on my way home” she says. “Great!” Doug
shout sarcastically knowing his wife is going to get attacked. “Honey I will be okay. I'll see you in
a few!” And with that she hung up. “Idiot” Doug whispered to himself as he began walking
towards the couch. Just as he was about to take a seat, the alligator road by his window.
Kisses... It was blowing kisses! Little’ ole Doug was astonished, can alligators even do that!
Miss Elizabeth of course had to come home right then. “No!” Doug screamed as the alligator
approach the car. Only if he could save his wife. Prepared, Miss Elizabeth knew what to do.
Quietly, she exited the back door and tiptoed right behind the gator. Ramming into the alligator
was her best option. She quickly jumped on top of the gator and started to hold it down. The
gator and Elizabeth fought for a good ten minutes before the gator finally gave up. Usually, she
would have been easier on the alligator but today she was not in the mood. Very soon after
Elizabeth defeated the alligator, Doug came outside to help her inside. “Well, that was crazy,”
Doug jokingly stated. “X-out fighting an alligator on my bucket list,” Elizabeth says. “You know, I
have not heard the kids at all” Doug says. “Zoinks Doug! You forgot to pick them up from
daycare!”
My favorite memory in this class was reading of mice and men lol
Congratulations
class of 2018!
I am proud of you!