The Falcon Cry is losing some very influential 8th grade editors this year. Each of the 8th grade Falcon Cry staff members wrote what they want their Legacy at Lively to be as they move on to high school.
This is what they want to be remembered for as they leave Lively Middle School.
Samuel Eusanio
During my time at Lively Middle School, I’ve participated in a lot of electives, including Art, Newspaper, Theatre, Model UN, and semester electives such as podcasting, heroes and monsters, Intro to Law, and Intro to Humanities. 6th grade was a time of transition into middle school, but also out of Covid-19, while 7th and 8th grade were a transition academically. In the newspaper specifically, I’ve been the Co-Editor-in-Chief for The Falcon Cry for two years. This year has altered my view on journalism, especially since I’ve had a role in leading the class with my counterpart Co-Editor-in-Chief. Although I’m not the only one in the position, I’ve been able to help a lot of people with articles and article ideas.
During my first year, roles were decided by a form, and Sam Nash and I would both end up getting the role of Editor-in-Chief. During much of that year we worked together trying to figure out plans for thefalconcry.com, learned about journalism and more. Once we had finally launched on March 1st, 2024, we began working on articles. My first being Puppy Bowl XX, from there on I started to like the class more, and decided to take it the next year. In my second year, I took up more of a leadership role and so did my counterpart as I said earlier. For example, each month Sam Nash and I ask for ideas and work with the class to choose and come up with article ideas. We also check in every day to see their progress and discuss ideas if they’re needed.
I hope when people look back on this period of time they can respect all the hard work made by all of us here on the Falcon Cry, but also throughout this school year. As I should, I hope that The Falcon Cry continues on next year even with no returning students, and that the new generation of students can thrive just like we did.
Jayus F.L.
If I’m being honest, I don’t really know what to write for this article, I’ve waited till the very last minute to actually sit down and write it. But even right now I really can’t decide if I even want a legacy, and I don’t know why.
Here’s my take, the only people I ever want to remember me from this school are almost all my friends. That means that even if we drift apart, or somehow get into a huge fight, or anything else that would tear us apart, chances are they’d still remember me. So the only people I have to worry about are my teachers, but I don’t even know if I want them to remember me either. Don’t get me wrong, I want to stay in their thoughts and ideas, & teachers like Ms. Everett & Ms. Gang are different. But even the teachers I do
really love are going to forget me, & that’s totally okay.
Now, I’m not trying to sound as though I don’t care about my teachers & favorite teachers at that. I love them with all my heart, but these last few weeks of middle school have put my place in this school into perspective for me. I don’t want to be remembered for anything here, or to be remembered by anyone else. I’m the one who will remember Lively, my friends, teachers, & experiences will stay with me forever, that’s all I need.
Quinn Fisher
Before I get into the actual article, I should formally introduce myself. Hi, my name is Quinn Fisher. I’m a volleyball player, a Model UN student, and a member of both the GT Club and NJHS—but most importantly, I’m the Sports Editor (and Assistant Webmaster) of The Falcon Cry. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience in the newspaper program, my journey at Lively Middle School, and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
My Experience with the Newspaper
At the end of my 6th grade year, I missed the day we filled out our choice sheets, so I had to submit mine much later than intended—and didn’t get any of the classes I originally wanted. When I saw “Newspaper” on my schedule, I was concerned. I’ve never been confident in my writing or grammar skills, and I didn’t want to be in a class where that might be spotlighted. Walking into the classroom for the first time, I saw a lot of intimidating faces, so I chose to sit next to the friendliest- looking people I could find—who just happened to be the Sams (our current Editors-in-Chief). Once we all got more comfortable with the space and each other, we began assigning roles. I became the Managing Director of what was, at the time, a still-developing newspaper.
After our first semester, we finally got to work on creating a platform to publish our work, and that’s how The Falcon Cry website was born. Eighth grade came around, and I reapplied for the class, eventually becoming the Sports Editor and Assistant Webmaster. Over the past year, I’ve developed a real passion for journalism—especially investigating student issues at our school, like locked restrooms, the grading system, the dress code, and tardy sweeps (even though I still wasn’t the best at writing). Since then, I’ve also explored other parts of newspaper production like photography and interviewing, and I’ve come to love this “mistake” class choice more than 6th grade me ever imagined.
My Experience at Lively
Back in 5th grade, I wanted change. I’d been with the same group of classmates since kindergarten, and I was ready for something new. My original goal was to get into the Kealing Magnet Program and start fresh, away from my elementary school peers. When I saw that Lively Middle School had a joint
application with Kealing, I applied on a whim. I didn’t get into Kealing’s magnet program, but I was accepted into Lively’s. I wasn’t sure what to do—should I just go to regular Kealing or give Lively a chance? After a lot of thinking (and some persuasion from my grandmother), I chose Lively and
hoped for the best. When I got here, I only recognized one person from elementary school—Zella. I clung to her because she was much more social than I was. Throughout 6th grade, I followed her lead, joining
dance (even though we weren’t in the same class), theater, and the GT Club. But as time passed, I began to discover my own interests, like debate, volleyball, and academic competitions. In the past two years, I’ve played both JV and Varsity volleyball, joined Model UN (the closest thing Lively has to a debate team), and pushed myself to excel in those areas. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
My Advice
To anyone who feels stuck in a space where they can’t grow or be their true self—leave it. I promise there is a space where you will shine and be accepted for who you are. Take that leap. It might be hard in the moment, but it’s worth it. To the upcoming 6th graders: it’s totally normal for change to feel hard (I know everyone says that, but it’s true). Just come into middle school with an open mind and a positive attitude, and you’ll be just fine. In conclusion, my time at Lively Middle School has been long, complex, and full of ups and downs—but overall, it has helped me grow into a better version of myself. I hope this article helped you in some way, whether that’s feeling a little more prepared or a little more inspired to follow your passions. This is my final article for The Falcon Cry—so goodbye, and thank you for reading!
Ceci McArthur
As I graduate from Lively, it’s hard to put into words just how much this place and the people in it have meant to me. Looking back, it’s wild to think about how different life felt not so long ago. The first semester of 7th grade was incredibly difficult. I was stuck in a toxic friendship, I felt alone, and I truly couldn’t see a way forward. But eighth grade had other plans for me. This past year has changed everything. I’ve made some of the most amazing, close friends who mean the absolute world to me. They’ve lifted me up, made me laugh, and helped me find the joy I thought I had lost. I love them so, so, so much more than words can really express.
Theatre has been a huge part of that journey. It’s where I’ve found my passion, my people, and honestly, myself. Being part of something so creative, so alive, and so full of heart has helped me heal and grow in ways I never imagined. Theatre has become like a second home to me and saying goodbye to it feels like being poisoned. Ms. Gang especially has always made me feel so welcome and has never failed to create a safe space for me to be myself in.
Newspaper has admittedly been better than I ever imagined it to be. I joined it because my friend, Sam, begged me to and I figured “why not,” but honestly it was one of the best choices I could’ve made. Ms. Everett’s class has become such a safe space for me and I truly feel happy to be there every day.
I don’t quite know what others will portray my legacy as, but I hope it’s for the impact I’ve left on stage, my personality, or even my colorful outfits.
When I first came to Lively, I hated it. I cried and cried begging my mom to let me transfer. She told me to wait it out a few more weeks and I’m forever grateful I did, if not, who knows where’d I’d be now? Lively has taught me so much and I’ve been able to make life long connections that I’ll never be able to lose, no matter how much I try. I’m scared for high school. I mean the chances of me finding the kinds of connections I’ve had this year all over again is rare, but no matter what, I know I’ll have a place to return to anytime I need to and that is something I’m forever grateful for.
Sam Nash
At the risk of sounding basic, I want my legacy to start with my character as opposed to my
accomplishments. It might make me sound cocky, but I really do pride myself on what I put out in the
world. I have my moments, but as a whole I think I make a positive impact on the people around me. So,
if I could pick, I’d like to be remembered as a genuine, joyful, and kind guy. As for what I’ve done in a
more broad sense, I want to be remembered for my work in my different programs. I do, and have always
done, a lot. Currently, I am a member of varsity theatre, a secretary for the Theatre Council, a chair for
fourth period Model UN, an organizer for the LivMUN conference, the manager of the Dazzler Elite
Dance Team, and, of course, the Co-Editor in Chief of The Falcon Cry. I’ve done a varying amount of
work for each of these programs, but I’d like to think I’ve done enough to be remembered as a valuable
member for all of them.
But, the fact is, I probably won’t be remembered. Chances are that in ten years most teachers and
students will have, at most, a faint memory of who I am. The school itself will likely forget about me
even earlier. My best friends and favorite teachers BETTER remember me, but, other than that, I will
likely fade into obscurity, and I’m not mad about that. I might not make a lasting impression on this
school, on this world; but I know I can and have made little ones. Because whether or not you can change
the course of someone’s life, you can brighten it. Even if its just for a second, you can always leave
someone feeling a little bit happier, and they might not die remembering you, but, with luck, they’ll
remember that emotion.
Alice O.
A legacy is defined as the long-lasting impact of particular events or actions that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. As a student I feel I haven’t impacted my school enough to leave a legacy, but the legacy I hope to leave is through the influence I have had on the people I have met at Lively and the friendships I have created over the years. Above all, I hope I have positively impacted those who I love. I hope my story is told through the bonds I have formed at this school, and the people I have met through Lively. I cant put this year into words. I have never been more excited yet so sad that a school year is ending. I mean I spent 3 years at this place, I have been through so much to make myself who I am. I am excited for the future and there is a lot more to come so I want to take one more moment to thank all of the wonderful people who have shaped me into the person I am today. I love you all dearly and I will never forget all we have been through together.
Ellie R.
When I think about my time at Lively, I don’t just think about the classrooms, or the quizzes, or the cafeteria food or anything like that. I think about the people; the ones who made me laugh when I really needed it, who helped me grow without even realizing it, and who reminded me that middle school doesn’t last forever, even though it feels like it. There were ups, downs, moments of both awkwardness and confidence but every moment helped shape me into somebody bolder, prouder and much more myself, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I’ve tried a lot of things at Lively, some stuck, some didn’t. In 7th grade, I joined the dance team and learned resilience, focus and how to tell a story without saying a word. I also experimented with Mock Trial that year, which was somewhat stressful, but still enjoyable and more importantly, a source of a lot of great memories. I didn’t continue either of them in 8th grade, but in no way do I regret them. This year, I joined the school newspaper and learned a lot about writing, deadlines, current events,
punctuality and the consequences of procrastination.
But, there’s one part of this school that shaped me into who I am now most of all. From the very start, I was finding my place in the theatre, not on the stage but behind the scenes. I’ve found that there’s something truly magical about collaborating to bring a story to life and knowing that without you and your team, the magic just isn’t there. Throughout my journey in this program I found focus, passion, confidence, leadership skills and most of all, a home that I’ll be leaving soon, though it will never leave me. I’ve struggled, succeeded, made mistakes, learned from them, made so many friendships, and grew a lot as a technician and person overall.
So what do I want my legacy to be? While I may leave behind some trophies in the trophy cases and some articles in the newspaper, that’s not all I want to be remembered for. I want to be remembered as someone who was always there when people needed me, who always tried my best and who was able to grow, thrive and find a home here at Lively.
To the next group of students walking these halls: try new things, this is your biggest opportunity to find who you are. Enjoy these three years, it’ll be over before you know it. Be yourself, but most of all, don’t be afraid to take the time to find yourself. These three years gave me so much; amazing friendships, self-confidence, lasting memories, but the most important connection that I made was with myself, I hope you can achieve the same.
Violeta Sanchez
It’s hard to believe that it’s already my last year at Lively, and honestly I’m tearing up just thinking that once the summer is over, I won’t be entering those blue doors ever again. Luckily, memories are forever and I still have one more week before then to make the most of my Lively experience.
Throughout my time here, my general focus has been keeping all As, and frankly, the thought of making an impact or legacy hadn’t really crossed my mind until this year; my last year of middle school. Surprisingly enough, I became the Copy Editor of The Falcon Cry and halfway through the year I joined varsity theatre. Although I didn’t make as huge of an impact as I would’ve liked, one of my hopes is that at least deep in somebody’s memories, I’ll be remembered for my commitment to these programs.
Another one of my defining factors is my sense of style. My taste has vastly changed from previous years, as I now tend to dress in fun, brighter colors. I also receive compliments that typically lean towards how I dress. So, I’d like to think that my sense of fashion is a way that I’ll be remembered at Lively.
In a different sense, I’d like to think that I’ll be remembered for my willingness to help others. Legacy is a hard thing to imagine for an 8th grader, in my opinion, but in the end, I hope to be remembered for the little things, like simply giving a compliment or smiling at someone. You might not understand what I mean by the little things, or think that’s what most goes unnoticed, but altogether they make the biggest difference.
Larke Sorensen
I really struggled with this assignment. Before this year I didn’t even know if I wanted to remember Lively, let alone be remembered here. But this year changed that; I was involved in things I love doing. I was captain of the Royal Blues dance team, I did competitive theatre, I was one of the dance captains for Mean Girls Jr., and I was the managing director of the Falcon Cry newspaper.
Being involved in these activities has shown me that I do want to be remembered. I don’t know that I’d say I want a legacy, but if I did, I’d hope that it would involve being a good leader and a safe space for the people I care about. I would want it to include being a good friend and most importantly, I would want people to remember the best of me.
Advisor’s Note from Ms. Everett: These 8th graders have had a profound impact on me and on the Falcon Cry as a whole. Some of them have been on the newspaper staff for 2 years and literally helped us launch. Others joined this year and helped the newspaper flourish. Even if they think that they have no legacy or lasting impact at Lively, every time someone reads an article in the future at Lively Middle School, it will be because of the hard work of this group of students that made TheFalconCry.com what it is today.
