Wingspan

Yom Hashoh is known as a national Memorial holiday in Israel, though many Jewish communities around the world commemorate and observe the day also. It was established in 1951 as a day to reflect and remember the tragic events of World War II. The name stems from Hebrew origin, translating in English to “Holocaust Remembrance Day”. The date that takes place falls on the 27 of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, making it land sometime in April or May. This year it takes place on the 13-14 of April. This date was picked because it lands right around the anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising which also took place between April and May and lasted for 27 days. On this day, Israel's Prime Minister and President give a speech and lower their flags to the half mast. Many people who follow the Jewish religion or are survivors of the war light six candles to represent the approximate six million Jewish victims who died during this time. It's a time of mourning where people get together to remind each other of the ones they lost during this time. Whether it be veterans or victims to the war, innocent lives were lost and should not be forgotten.

Get ready to celebrate because April is National Poetry Month, the world’s biggest literary party! Since 1996, students and writers have used this month to show that poetry isn't just about old books—it’s about finding your voice and sharing your unique perspective. You can join the fun by participating in "Poem in Your Pocket Day" on April 30th, where you carry a favorite verse to share with friends. Whether you love rhymes, free verse, or even funny limericks, April is the perfect time to explore how a few well-chosen words can express huge emotions and connect people all over the world.

Enjoy the poems below, one by a famous poet and one by a famous OMS student.

There is another sky,

Ever serene and fair,

And there is another sunshine,

Though it be darkness there;

Never mind faded forests, Austin,

Never mind silent fields-

Here is a little forest,

Whose leaf is ever green;

Here is a brighter garden,

Where not a frost has been;

It is unfading flowers

I hear the bright bee hum:

Prithee, my brother,

Into my garden come!

Drip Drop, the rain won't stop.

It drums a beat on the rooftop.

The sky is a heavy bruised up grey,

Washing the dusty world away.

Windows blur like a foggy dream,

As the gutters turn into a rushing dream.

I watch the road with ripples on the ground,

While soaking the shoes of passing feet.

It smells like wet dirt and fresh cut grass,

While shadows crawl behind the glass.

When the world slows down there is a quiet chill,

While everything stands perfectly still.

Behind the curtains there is always someone who forgot something, or teams curiously looking at each other, while there are others practicing their solo in the middle of the hallway of some random college we've never been to before. There's always some type of quick change in between this big production with over 100 dancers that looks really cool.

For me, it's always the rush that I get every competition weekend from getting at four in the morning. Then there's always that one long break that we get for five hours until the next routine. The dressing rooms are either packed or you're the only one in it. It's so quiet, but then everyone comes back from who knows where and we all start to talk again. Then comes the mid competition sleep for about 30 minutes, waking up and go to watch your studio's routines, screaming for them.

Finally, I hear our choreographer say, “Guys, it's time for awards!” followed by an immediate rush of panic and excitement. We all just start freaking out wondering if we will place or not. My solo got called up two times for awards; when the pictures from my solo were displayed I shrieked. The photographer didn't get all of my good jumps, but instead got my awful floppy tilt jump front and there it was front and center for the whole auditorium to see. Nervously I looked into the audience, but all I could see just a black void. I know they were there, but I couldn't see them. And they couldn't see what had been happening all day behind the curtains.

It's more than it looks….

In late 2025, pennies were put out of circulation due their high cost to produce. A penny is only worth once cent, as we all know, but each penny cost over 3 cents to produce. So, all change payments are rounded to the closest nickel. If your change has 2 cents or fewer, then it is rounded down (Ex. $0.42 is only $0.40) and if it has 3 cents or more, it is rounded up (Ex. $0.53 is $0.55)

Summer is almost here, but we still have one quarter of school to survive! Now is the time to really show academic discipline as we all (teacher's included!) begin to get summer fever. Here are some helpful hints to make these last months the best of the year!

Reach out for help if you are struggling. Your teachers, counselors, and parents all want to see you succeed. Let them know what is going on so they can help you navigate this challenging time of year.

Stick to routines. Although spring time makes us want something new, maintaining habits that have been successful all year will make the final months smooth and stress free.

Plan free-time. Spring means better weather, so get outside to enjoy some unstructured play time. Put the phone down and see what nature has to offer.

Focus on the finish line. Keep your academic goals in mind to keep you motivated in these last few months of school!

Finally, be proud of all you have accomplished this year!