In the Middle

Memorial Day began after the American Civil War as a way to honor soldiers who died in military service. Originally called Decoration Day, people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and wreaths.

The Civil War (1861–1865) caused more American deaths than any previous conflict, leading communities across the country to create memorial traditions for fallen soldiers. In the late 1860s, many towns held springtime ceremonies at cemeteries.

One of the earliest widely recognized observances took place in 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of a Union veterans’ organization called the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed May 30 as a national day of remembrance.

The holiday was known as Decoration Day because people decorated soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags. The date of May 30 was chosen because flowers would be in bloom across much of the country.

After World War I, the holiday evolved to honor Americans who died in all wars, not just the Civil War. Over time, the name “Memorial Day” became more common.

Middle school students across the country have the opportunity to showcase their writing skills and patriotism through the annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

The nationwide competition invites students in grades 6 through 8 to write essays based on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “What is Patriotism to Me?” The contest encourages students to reflect on America’s history, today’s society, and their own personal views about patriotism.

More than 120,000 students participated in the program last year, making it one of the largest youth essay competitions in the nation. Along with improving writing and critical thinking skills, students also have the chance to compete for awards and scholarships. Across all levels of the contest, more than $1.2 million in prizes and awards are distributed each year.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has recognized the Patriot’s Pen program by placing it on its National Advisory List of Contests for participation.

The contest is open to all students in grades 6–8 who attend public, private, or parochial schools, as well as homeschooled students.

The Patriot’s Pen contest provides students with a meaningful opportunity to express their opinions, honor their country, and strengthen their writing abilities.

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer—it is a time for Americans to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Across the country, families gather at parades, ceremonies, and memorials to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. As we observe this important holiday, it is also a chance to learn the vocabulary connected to Memorial Day and better understand the meaning behind the traditions we celebrate each year.

No Such Thing as Perfect Teaches an Important Lesson

Have you ever felt like you needed to be perfect all the time? Have you ever worried about making mistakes or disappointing people? The book No Such Thing as Perfect by Misako Rocks explores these feelings and reminds readers that nobody is perfect.

This juvenile fiction book focuses on the life of Emma, a girl who struggles with feeling compared to her sister Julia. Emma loves basketball, but she feels ignored because her mom pays more attention to Julia and always expects Emma to do better. Throughout the story, Emma begins to feel stressed and frustrated from trying to be perfect all the time.

Things start to change when Emma takes care of a dog named Lexi, who turns out to be a talking guardian spirit. Along with other characters like Nala and Lillico, Emma slowly learns that making mistakes is normal and that perfection is impossible. The story shows how trying too hard to be perfect can make people unhappy and anxious.

By the end of the book, Emma learns to accept herself for who she is. She realizes that mistakes help people grow and that being “imperfect” is what makes everyone human.

I thought this book had a really strong message. It is a great book for readers who feel pressured to never make mistakes. I liked how the author showed that nobody can truly be perfect, no matter how hard they try. The lesson in this story is important because it encourages readers to be more confident in themselves and not be afraid of making mistakes.

Overall, No Such Thing as Perfect is an inspiring and relatable story with an important message about self-acceptance and confidence.

If you walk through the halls before first period or listen closely during lunch, chances are you’ll hear someone talking about Geometry Dash. The colorful rhythm-based platformer has remained one of the most popular mobile and computer games among students for years — and it’s easy to see why.

Created by Robert Topala, Geometry Dash challenges players to guide a small cube through obstacle-filled levels while music plays in the background. The controls are simple: tap to jump. However, the game quickly becomes much harder than it looks. One missed jump can send players all the way back to the beginning of the level.

Part of the game’s appeal comes from its fast-paced gameplay and energetic soundtrack. Each level is carefully timed to music, making players feel as though they are part of the beat. Songs such as “Stereo Madness” and “Electroman Adventures” have become recognizable to many gamers.

Another reason for the game’s popularity is competition. Students often compare which levels they have completed or challenge each other to beat difficult stages. Some players spend hours trying to conquer famous “demon” levels, which are considered the hardest in the game. The feeling of finally completing a difficult level after dozens — or even hundreds — of attempts can be extremely satisfying.

What also sets Geometry Dash apart is creativity. The game includes a level editor that allows users to create and share their own custom levels online. Some players have built levels that look like works of art, featuring complex designs, animations, and perfectly synchronized music. This creative aspect has helped the game maintain a strong community for more than a decade.

Despite its popularity, some students admit the game can become frustrating. Repeating the same section over and over can test anyone’s patience. Still, many players say that challenge is exactly what keeps them coming back.

In an age where games constantly change and trends disappear quickly, Geometry Dash has managed to stay relevant through its combination of music, skill, and creativity. Whether students play for a few minutes between homework assignments or spend hours mastering impossible jumps, the game continues to be a favorite among gamers at school.

One thing is certain: as long as students enjoy a challenge, Geometry Dash is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

May’s Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on emotional well-being and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Michael Phelps has become one of the most recognized athletes to speak publicly about depression, anxiety, and the pressures of elite competition. After years of struggling privately, he chose to share his experiences in hopes of helping others feel less alone.

Phelps has explained that despite his success, he often battled feelings of isolation and emotional exhaustion. By opening up about therapy and mental health treatment, he challenged the outdated belief that athletes must always appear strong and unaffected. His honesty inspired many people to seek help and begin conversations about mental wellness in their own lives.

The connection between Water Safety Month and Mental Health Awareness Month is deeper than it may first appear. Swimming and water activities can improve physical health, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. At the same time, mental health awareness reminds us that true wellness includes both physical and emotional care. Michael Phelps represents the importance of balancing achievement with self-care, safety, and mental resilience.

Today, Phelps continues to advocate for healthier communities through public speaking, youth programs, and partnerships that promote wellness and emotional support. His story reminds people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that learning lifesaving skills like swimming can protect and empower individuals of all ages.

As May brings attention to both water safety and mental health awareness, Michael Phelps stands as an inspiring example of courage in and out of the pool. His legacy is not only measured in gold medals, but also in the lives he has influenced through advocacy, education, and compassion.

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest international soccer (football) tournament in the world. It is organized by FIFA, which stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

Teams from countries around the world compete every four years to become world champions. Players first go through qualification matches, and the best national teams earn a spot in the tournament.

Some important facts about the FIFA World Cup:

• The first World Cup was held in 1930.
• The tournament usually lasts about one month.
• Millions of fans watch the games around the world.
• Famous players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pelé became legends through the World Cup.
• Brazil has won the most World Cups in history.

The most recent men’s World Cup was won by Argentina in 2022. The next FIFA World Cup will take place in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Poetry is back in the spotlight! After some time away, Poetry Corner has returned as a regular feature in our school newspaper, giving students a place to share their voices, ideas, and creativity. From funny rhymes to thoughtful verses, this space is all about celebrating student writers. Get ready to read, enjoy, and maybe even submit a poem of your own.

On Memorial Day we pause and stand,
Remembering heroes who protected our land.
With courage and strength, they answered the call,
Giving their best, giving their all.

Flags wave softly in the bright spring sky,
As we honor the brave who were willing to die.
Their sacrifice gave us freedom today,
And we remember their service in every way.

Families gather, flowers are laid,
Tributes of love and respect are made.
Though many are gone, their spirit stays near,
In our hearts and memories year after year.

So on this day, let us proudly say,
We thank our heroes on Memorial Day.

Do you have an opinion? A story to tell? Come and join the school newspaper with us. Have fun with your friends and report on happenings throughout the school.

Email: abugge@gboe.org
Location: GMS, 175 Lanza Ave, Garfield NJ 07026
Phone: 973-272-7020