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Foreword As a high school principal, I receive great satisfaction in knowing that as a result of a positive relationship with a special teacher, combined with the student’s involvement in a special program, all children can succeed. One of my core beliefs is that every child can flourish as long as at least one adult, in this case specifically a teacher, sees the beauty and worth within the individual student and works to help that student appreciate their worth by discovering their own unique talents and abilities. As the teacher provides opportunities for each student to experience success, the student begins to blossom. Ultimately, the guidance and nurturing provided by the teacher helps each student begin their life’s journey and find and pursue their life’s passion. In many instances, the passion becomes the driving force in the choice of the student’s future career. St. Stephens High School is blessed to have many teachers, coaches, and adults who have guided adolescents to future fulfillments. In this book, you will witness the power of two teachers and two programs coming together to facilitate student success. Proudly, the arts program at St. Stephens High School is of exceptional quality as evidence in the work you are about to enjoy. Poet and director Molly Rice, who teaches Theatre Arts, and artist Susan Hardy, who teaches Visual Arts, have collaborated to bring the world of writing and art together as their students partnered with very special elderly participants from PACE @Home to listen and collect the wonderful, life stories in order to interpret those precious memories through art. It was a proud and powerful moment for me as I watched two professional educators work together for the benefit of their students and our community. It was a proud and powerful moment for me as I read and enjoyed these beautiful life stories. I hope each of you is filled with warmth and peace as you wander through this important work of companionable art. DeAnna Taylor, Principal St. Stephens High School

Ars longa, vita brevis. Photo by Jon Eckard

Art is long, life is short. Hello. My name is Molly Rice and I’m the Director/Educator at the Tractor Shed Theatre at St. Stephens High School in Hickory, NC. We are an award-winning program who loves to collaborate within our school and community.

In 2010, we devised a very special project for women and children in crisis called “Reach Out.” The Reach Out project led students into the community where they chose a local charity to help raise awareness and/or funds. The students wrote original plays based on information the organizations supplied them with - usually real statistics and true life stories of abuse and domestic violence that is happening here on our own doorstep. The Reach Out project raised over $1000 cash and stuffed animals, blankets, and personal products for women in need. We were blessed to work with The Women's Resource Center, Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Family Guidance Center, and The Children's Advocacy Center. Our work was done in the name of Zahra Baker. This year I hand-picked actors, musicians, poets and writers to go back out in our community and do an intergenerational project with a local program called "PACE@Home.” PACE@Home is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. Art Instructor Sue Hardy and her art classes joined us in capturing stories and portraits for artistic interpretation in visual art, storytelling, poetry, spoken word, rap, music, and theatre. Our aim was to “torch-bear.” Torch bearing is carrying the story and memories of those who have gone before us with a goal to keep them alive through the arts. We have adopted the title “Ars Longa, Vita Brevis” which, translated from the Latin, means “Art is long, life is short.” The Project included two visits to PACE@Home; original art work – portraits of the elders; full-color reproduction book of art, poetry, stories, lyrics, and oral histories; Musical CD including original music, poetry, spoken word, and oral histories; DVD documenting the project; and two performances – one at the facility and one at school.

I was extremely proud of my student actors, writers, and musicians who tenderly and carefully listened and recorded the life stories of 23 elderly participants. I often feel that teenagers get a bad reputation for being selfcentered. My students constantly dispel this myth. When we returned from meeting our elders, a student said – “That was so amazing! I wish we could do this with our own family stories.” This project has opened my eyes and touched my heart. It was beautiful and important. I’m very grateful for PACE@Home for bringing us in to meet such amazing people. We will carry you in our hearts throughout the rest of our journeys – using your stories/advice “torch” to light our way. Cherish the little time that is given us; we truly are on loan. Special thanks goes to all the staff and participants at PACE@Home, Tanner Helms for his constant support and help in the “Shed”; Principal DeAnna Taylor; our Indiegogo funders: Staci Wilson, Nan Barker, Carol Hartman, Ellen Ball, Phyllis Powers, Thomas Gillian, Carole Creson, Lindsay Barrick, Sonia Mcdonald, Sue Hardy & her drawing class, Samantha Tilkemeier, students Olivia Wilson and Andrew Licout, Tractor Shed Theatre alumni Tanner Helms, Eric Mitchell, and Nathan Cogswell; Carmen Eckard for being with my students while I was away to Ireland and for taking the actors and artists headshots at the back of the book, and always – my loving husband and son, Adrian & Micah Rice, who miss me when I’m away creating art with teens. Director/Educator/Poet

Molce 12/1/12 Nobel Claes Educator of Distinction Regional NCTC Excellence in Overall Production Design 2011 Regional NCTC Excellence in Ensemble Acting 2011 Regional NCTC Superior rating 2011

SSHS Teacher of the Year 2010 NCTC Excellence in Direction 2008 & 2009 Regional NCTC Most Distinguished Play 2008 & 2009 State NCTC "Best Sound/Music Design 2008" State NCTC "Best Choreography 2009" $30,000 Music Video Contest winner

tractor shed theatre 828-256-9841 ext. 409 fax: 828-256-7159 3205 34th St. Dr. NE Hickory, NC 28601

When director Molly Rice first suggested another collaboration between the Tractor Shed Theater students and my Drawing II-IV students, I readily agreed. Having worked with Molly before with Art Speaks, I knew the project would be very meaningful for the students, and highly professionally executed. My 22 drawing students approached this project as professionals, with sketchbook in hand and open hearts. After a three hour session with the participants at the PACE facility, hearing their stories and drawing their portraits, we went back to class to continue the drawings with a guest artist, Matthew Good. Matthew spoke to my students with ease and care, demonstrating how to look for angles in the face and create form through tone. The students continued on their sketchbook portraits in class, creating amazing likenesses through hours of careful tonal layering. The finished portraits spoke not only to accurate appearance but also through a connection to soul. I believe the reason this yearâ€™s project with the PACE centerâ€™s participants touched every students heart so deeply is because of the honesty and sincerity that the students witnessed in the stories, eyes and personal connections of the participants involved. Drawing their portraits while listening to heartfelt and heart rendering life experiences touched all the students and created a sense of family, not unlike their own, as grandparent and child. I believe everyone involved was touched and will appreciate the caring hands that created art for the sake of remembering and celebrating. Sue Hardy Artist/Educator

Matthew S. Good is an artist from Hickory, North Carolina. He is a student of Roger Allen Nelson and Benjamin F. Long IV. matthewsgood@yahoo.com. Please visit his blog at www.matthewsgood.wordpress.com for postings about materials, techniques, inspirations, etc. CV Born: March 31, 1983 – Hickory, North Carolina Private Study with Robert Michael Bock Private Study with Roger Allen Nelson Private Study with Benjamin F. Long IV Fine Arts League of the Carolinas Awards/Grants: 2010 Catawba Valley Arts Council Regional Artist Project Grant Selected Collections: Fr. Robert Ferris – Hickory, NC Fr. Kenneth Whittington – Morganton, NC Private Collection – Tel Aviv, Israel Private Collection – Belfast, Northern Ireland Francois Santini – Montpellier, France Benjamin Long – Lucignano, Italy Benjamin Teeter – Hickory, NC St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church – Morganton, NC Private Collection – Hickory, NC Roger A. Nelson – Blowing Rock, NC Raines Collection – Hickory, NC Eric and Patty Shenck – Hickory, NC Dr. Mark and Anita McManus – Morganton, NC Fremantle Foundation – Florence, Italy

Mention the high school students from St. Stephen in the Gathering Area of PACE @ Home and the participants become talkative. “When are they going to come back…they were so polite…oh, yes…they had such nice manners…I told them my life story…well, not all of it…I wasn’t going to tell them everything… (Several chuckles)…they took my picture…they sketched mine… I can’t wait to see it! ...they were so interested in me...I really enjoyed them…I would like to see them again, when are they coming back?” As one participant astutely noted, “The students were so comfortable. It seemed like they belonged here.” I felt that comfort when I walked into the Gathering Area. Students were sitting with participants, looking them in the eye and listening. Listening… It sounds unremarkable; however, it is extraordinary for youth, or anyone really, to have a genuine interest in an elderly stranger and to laugh, marvel about stories of the past and give someone the gift of being interested in them and their life. A couple participants originally did not want to participate. It didn’t take long; however, until they wanted to receive the gift as well. Soon, everyone was talking, sharing, laughing, listening and having a really good time. At the end of the second day, when the time was drawing to its end and the PACE participants and students gathered to say farewell, they intertwined in a drum circle. There was singing and dancing and drumming and smiling….and tears. I wiped away mine when I saw one of the participants wipe away hers. It was moving to witness the interactions: the spontaneous touching, hugging, smiling, swaying and hand holding. The energy was palpable. Everyone; students and participants alike were obviously having a wonderful time. It’s amazing what comes from listening. PACE @ Home participants and staff received a tremendous gift from St. Stephens High School’s students. Thank you. As the students departed, most with paper flowers behind their ears that the participants had made for them, a couple asked, “Can I come back?” Oh, please do. You make us feel special. PACE @ Home would be honored for you to return. Jane Rollins Program Director

A Visit from St. Stephens High! 40 students? Oh my! What will happen? How will it go? No one knew how the day would flow. When the bus arrived we felt such cheer! It was clear from their smiles we had nothing to fear. As the participants arrived, the students were waiting And meanwhile took elder sensitivity training. Wheelchairs for one-handed self-propel, Sight problems, and fingertip touching Are all a part of the story they would tell. Things they had never thought of Since the day they were born, Walking with walkers, shoe filled with corn! All a part of a training class So they know what could happen As age comes to pass. We teamed up the students with a participant here They now were ready to draw And get stories from one’s so dear. They all worked so hard Until noon time had come And off to the mall, the students did run. To eat and relax and talk of the day, But to also prepare For what else might come their way. So back to PACE they hurriedly came Resumed all their activities and drawings and games

The day went very quickly and we felt in our hearts That we could not stand to see them depart. The greatest thing as they drove away? The students would be back the very next day! The next day arrived And the students were waiting to go As the participants arrived The excitement did grow. As the afternoon continued We all came together We had a drum circle. It could not have been better. After the circle, a student named Logan Came with guitar in hand And performed for us Elvis (He was much in demand!) As they loaded the bus We felt love in our hearts And we hated to see them depart. As a parting gesture, We all sent out a cheer Y’all come back now, ya’hear? Tish & Teresa Director and Assistant Director Of Activities at PACE@Home

Poetry, Spoken Word, & Rap William Wordsworth once stated that "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." Poetry is the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts. Poetry also takes on the forms of Rap and Spoken Word, all of which work in metrical form, or verse. Each of the students performing in the form of poetry has individually studied prose and meter. Spoken Word is poetry in motion, spoken aloud and performed rather than read on a page. Rap is a poetic genre of music, a realistic rhyme usually put to a beat. From words on a page to live performances, each form of deliberately placed words takes on its own sound that is individualistic and as unique as the poet. ~ Jakia Propst

“Jean” by Artist Brandon Herrera

“Lee” By Andrew Licout

The Mayor of Shook Town by Andrew Licout “A person is only as handicapped as they want to be” This is what Lee says as he sets himself free Propelling his spirits from his wheelchair As if two wheels could ever steal his will to stand He sits by the creek casting lines and wishes As he fishes for fantasies And reels in realities This escape fills the places and spaces Spawned by that car wreck in ‘79 That bound him to a chair Replacing a pair legs with a pair wheels He feels no regret For me, this is a reality check This man has found a way against all odds to stand up While both legs lie limp He lifts his head toward heaven And thanks God that he still exists And that he only lost his legs and not his life Now he spends his days stretching every minute and moment So that he does not forget He does not forget that his lungs keep on breathing He does not forget that life is too short to be angry And he looks at himself like sees everyone else Worth the life they’re living He does not forget to treat everyone with respect Black, white, green, purple Placing personal preference on the back burner “Always treat a lady like a lady” Lee says No matter what color they reflect on the visible spectrum Lee is color blind in that respect Whether it was a first grade crush Or the unforgettable rush of a rendezvous With a woman he knew by the name of Fluffy Who later became his wife This Mayor of Shook Town is a gentleman by all standards A man’s man With every reason not to be So see yourself and all you do And let this man be a motivation to you To view your life like you deserve to live it And lift yourself up and stand above the person you were yesterday But do not take this lesson from my pen For these are the words of a man who has known pain Like April knows rain And if he can rise again and again Can’t we all?

“Vernie” By Roneise Word

While at Pace I spoke with a woman named Vernie, and she told me a story about when she got into a fight on the school bus one afternoon with another girl over a guy who ended up being her husband of 20 years and blessed her with four kids.

Fighting for the Heart by Julia Parham Sunshine defining an afternoonâ€™s shadow. The ocean of anger bubbling underneath. Twist and turns in the cornfields of oneâ€™s body, With evidence of emotion circling the soul. She solicited him to her liking. Sunk her teeth into his heart. She took the love once known as yours And filled it with deceit. The air is now clouded with hate As her cancerous face makes its way To adventure your paradise, his eyes, Which bathe in the stars nightly. And steal away your happiness, his smile, That is brighter than any florescent Light shining down on your mistakes. But mostly she wishes to take away Your peace of mind, his friendship, Which guided you on this rocky shore of life. So now strands of her rough locks are Entangled in your lanky limbs. You pull down, taking control of the strings. Your puppet dances, adjusting to the pain playing In her bones. You get back what was yours all along. The stop sign comes lurching forward As you realize the error in your ways. You have stooped yourself to the meager Arrogance surrounding you, The arrogance of quarreling for a man. One Grimm fairytale you have slivered through. Finding your prince in this dreadful mess. At least you defeated the evil queen and her rotten apple, Who had him locked in her poisonous grasp. Not an ounce of regret do you feel for this fight For twenty years of marriage and four kids to cradle Are worth a few loose strands And some shedded tears.

“Mamie G.” By Careem Gates

Birthstones by Jakia Propst “there was no time” she said as if the sun had arthritis the golden ring eclipsed on a stiff finger of hands frozen in the past studded with birthstones of lost souls—a reminder that love was. bent joints point in the direction of the departed “how long have I been here” …waiting, for my palms to kiss the horizon she showed baked love lines , calloused over from the care of others her nails like scarlet meteors dancing about the hands of time, swaying like the universe carries its own tune, a line of ashes trailing off the back of them –like a last wish whispered to the constellations if it’s any consolation I’m sorry for the time you spent away from the things you love most for orbiting your life around people who don’t deserve you for the back breaking work for missing the movement for the broken dreams for the love that is no longer for the planetary nebula circling this aging star—for the limitations because when they told you the sky’s the limit they placed these ionized boundaries, a gaseous space of pixie dust double-dog daring you to fly but you don’t need wings when you’re a Red Giant shake the dust and when the jewels align like 12 a.m. straighten your spine stand up tall like you’re walking through New York City’s four corners of publicity you are the oblivious visionary waiting for the day when gig line principles fold like pressed button downs when the painful moments don’t show like varicose veins in the summer time when lavender doesn't make you cry or think about angels and children 15

and what it would be like if the two never shared the same sentence when the world is innocent you will make it grow like an inkling of faith on Mars she saved me the words spread like lipstick on bathroom mirrors or butter on Southern biscuits leaving me slicked with confidence that this world is not finished thank you for showing me that dreams are not defined by a number so believe dream allow the cracked hands to cut in two, the clouds, into the idle unknown spaces of your mind past the sky.

Music Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Music definitely brings out whatever you are feeling within yourself and you can express anything you want when creating it. I’m sure I will take what I have learned during this project and apply it to whatever I do in my life to better myself. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to write and perform music for this show. I feel as if music is a key part to being successful, especially when sharing someone’s personal story. Everyone in the cast has done a great job working with this music group and has done well participating in these songs. ~ Logan Starkey

“Kim Smith” By Brandon Herrera

â€œBlessingâ€? by Jeremiah Sanchez Got me thinkin of heaven, thank you for all of the blessins, this message, was truly destined, for spreadin, redemption before deception, give the lord my confession you hold me up like suspension it's true amen, you know amen (x2) and your like thank you Jesus for the pieces, of my life, there may be weakness, but at least it's, proven to be one of the kind, and I mean this, couldn't dream this, thank you God your so divine, fill my heart and fill my mind, above all's how your defined, and in Oakland elementary you did the work you were assigned, rose like a phoenix, when you need lift, look to the angels in the sky, battlin demons, and it's evident, even presidents die, and you told me the Messiah will come before our eyes, the man with the question musta been a sign, because the lord is a best friend who'll never leave your side, until rapture has arrived, I will swallow all my pride, so of course I come quick as light, with these vivid wicked lines, so don't pull away from me like the quickest river tides. Got me thinkin of heaven, thank you for all of the blessins, this message, was truly destined, for spreadin, redemption before deception, give the lord my confession you hold me up like suspension it's true amen, you know amen.

“Cathy” By Justin Kidd 20

Waiting for the Blue Sky by Logan Starkey Back and forth to Baltimore, Papaâ€™s working hard in the mills, and the hills of North Caroline are painted as a picture in the back of my mind, oh my oh my these times are strange getting used to all of this change and the way these days go by waiting for the blue sky Growing up as the youngest one Five older brothers that pick on me, climbing trees to get away, so many long hard days, and working right after school not quite sure on what to do and the way these days go by waiting for the blue sky

“Hazel” By Artist Instructor Sue Hardy

Sweet to my Tea by Olivia Wilson You’re the sweet to my tea The honey to my bee The pumpkin to my pie The sun to my sky You’re the ice to my cream The sicle to my dream The apple to my eye The when to my why You’re the nut to my tree The flag to my free The lightening to my thunder The curious to my wonder You’re the rush to my river The chills to my shiver The key to my lock The shore to my dock I know sometimes it feels like I say forward, you go back But you keep my on track You’re my best friend And we’ll make it together I look out for you, ‘cause I know you do too

“Luther” By Zach Gonzoles

In my time at Pace I had a very lovely conversation with a man named Luther. Luther and I talked a lot about his family and how he was, and still is, so close to them. Since he was drafted into World War I, I thought it appropriate to write this song inspired by his longing to come home to his parents, siblings, and soon-to-be-wife. I'll never forget the experience I had at pace with and all the other participants. This entire project has been such a blessing to me, so that I may know and learn from some extremely wonderful people, connect with them, and take with me the amazing memory of there life stories in my heart and in this book. Promise by Ashley Barnett "Uncle Sam wants you in the US army! Drafting table this way! Men come choose your numbers... Navy!" I'm scared but I'm going anyway. I will make it, because I wanna see your face...when I come home. I remember how things used to be. To play a game of hide and seek with my kin and the kids from across the street. That was our kind of fun. I don't know if I can go through with this! If it wasn't for the water I'd jump out and run home to you. I swear I'd run until my legs gave out and then I'd crawl. Because I'm coming home, I promise I'll make it back. I can't see the other side I don't know where I'm going? I've got the ammunition to deliver but not the guts. If I was back on farm I know that I'd be up by now; milking cattle and picking crops. This sub is not like long car drive I don't know when I'll be back. I don't know if I can go through with this! If it wasn't for the water I'd jump out and run home to you. I swear I'd run until my legs gave out and then I'd crawl. Because I'm coming home, I promise I'll make it back. But in the year of 1945 a uniform told I me I was done.â€? What college do you want? Clemson". Going out to serve my country who'd ever know that my country would serve me... I don't know if I can go through with this! If it wasn't for the water I'd jump out and run home to you. I swear I'd run until my legs gave out and then I'd crawl. Because I'm coming home, I promise I'll make it back.

“Joe” By Evan Herman

A Better Place by Bianca Coronado It was love at first sight It felt so right to be by your side When I look at the sky I see the light That shines so bright We were only seventeen but you were so perfect for me And it’s hard to believe, so you took me by the hand looked Into my eyes and asked if i could be your wife And as the years gone by, we promised to stay Side by side, for the rest of our lives \\ But its all different now See I don’t know how I know you’re in a better place And I thank God for amazing grace // God blessed me with you and a beautiful family too And its gonna be hard for me to push through, But as the years gone by we promised to stay side by side For the rest of our lives \\ But its all different now See I don’t know how I will love you through day and night And nothings gonna change my mind //

Storytelling As a folk art, storytelling is accessible to all ages and abilities. No special equipment beyond the imagination and the power of listening and speaking is needed to create artistic images. Storytelling can encourage people to explore their unique expressiveness and can heighten oneâ€™s ability to communicate thoughts and feelings in an articulate, lucid manner. Through these benefits, it supports daily life skills. Itâ€™s an art form as old as creation itself, and in our fast-paced, media-driven world, the art of storytelling is sometimes lost. When used, however, it can be a nurturing way to remind people that their spoken words are powerful, that listening is important, and that clear communication between people is an art. ~ Mackenzie Patton

“Pauline” By Hank Foster

Siblings’ Ways and Lake Days by Mackenzie Patton Pauline grew up in the Highland area. She lived in a Mill Hill with many family members around her. She attended Balls Creek Elementary School, but had to stop going after the sixth grade in order to stay home with her family and take care of her siblings. She had two brothers and one sister, and her job was to keep them out of trouble. Between her siblings, their friends, and a few cousins, it was a full time job! She tried to keep them busy as best as possible, but they weren’t even allowed to go out of the yard! Now Pauline’s family loved to go to the lake together, but even then her duties lay with the children. Instead of being able to go flirt with a boy or go hangout with her friends, she had to keep both eyes on her trouble-prone siblings. Her family had many other past times they enjoyed like going to the mountains or to the clubhouse, but her brother, Bill’s, favorite pastime was always getting in trouble. He would get in heaps of trouble and he would always blame it on his siblings. He perfected this art form; he did this so well that he could even start to convince the children that they did it! Pauline’s family wasn’t perfect – they had some good times and some bad, just like anyone else’s – but I really feel like I learned a good bit about what her childhood was like, well, what life in general was like, back then.

“Walter” By Caitlyn McCloy 32

Wedding March by Madison Stracener What really stood out to me about Walter was his wedding. It was in a Catholic church called the Sacred Heart. It’s a big church that filled over 100 people. Shaking with nerves, Walter began to get ready. He put on his tux and thought everything was fine. That, of course, only lasted for a few seconds as he looked down in horror to find his tux was too short. With no time to fix it, he ran to the chapel and began waiting at the altar. He was so nervous. He began reciting his vows in his head forgetting them at times. He took some deep breaths as the bridesmaids in their pink dresses filed in to wait. Seeing them there he realized it was time. His breathing getting faster, he heard a door open as the Wedding March began playing. Donna, Walters’ fiancée, appeared in her flowing white dress and began her walk down the aisle. Seeing her in the moment suddenly made his butterflies disappear. She smiled and winked at him as she was walking and he knew that he didn’t have to feel nervous anymore.

“Joan” By Jimmy Thao

Street Stickball by Jake Ugolini When Joan was younger she spent her days playing sports. She was a pretty good athlete, but she was mainly known for her skills in a not-so-popular sport called stickball. Joan and her friends would go to the park on weekends to play, and once they all got there, they would start off by picking teams. You know, “1, 2, 3, 4, you’re on my team and everyone else is on that team.” Someone would bring a broom handle to use as a bat and someone would bring a rubber ball – thus naming the game stickball. One time when they decided to play, it had been raining so the field was pretty muddy and they were then forced to play in the road. Now, they rarely ever played in the street, but this was one of those days where they just had to. They started to play and I’m sure you can understand that Joan got a little bit competitive with her friends. They would try to one up each other with a hit or a play, just to prove who was better. So her friend stepped up to the batting area and she just knew she had to hit this ball over everyone’s head. She began going through her pre-hit ritual, stretching and taking a few practice swings. The pitcher threw the ball perfectly down the plate and BAM! She hit a sweet shot that was going farther than any other hit had gone before. They were watching it sail far over the outfielders’ heads when they watched it sail right. Through. A window. Stricken with fear, they ran as fast and as far away as they could from the scene of the crime. You can definitely say Joan and her friends learned their lesson: “Never play stickball in the street.”

“J.D.” By Morgan Murphy

J.D.â€™s Marriage by Kyla Little JD grew up on a farm her in North Carolina. He didn't travel much out of the Carolinas, although a few of his fifteen siblings did. Imagine that, growing up with fifteen other people. Anyway, when JD was around 28 or 29, he enjoyed going to dances every now and then. One time, he was at a dance and saw a lovely girl from waaay across the room. But he was too nervous to talk to her. Eventually, her sister, Betty, introduced them. Her name was Mildred. Of course JD went to a few more dances after that just so he could see her. They eventually got around to talking and before you know it, they were dating! Jd began to fall for the girl that he had only just met a few weeks ago. About two to three weeks later, she got down on one knee and proposed to him! Or so JD says. He even almost said no! But good ol' JD knew he really liked her, so they got married down in South Carolina. They didn't have a fancy wedding or anything. In fact, JD took a dime and a nickel and cut the centers out of them. He placed the dime on her finger and gave himself the nickel. I mean, thatâ€™s what marriage is really about, isn't it? It's not about the fancy things; its' about the love and bond that you share. We could learn a thing or two from JD!

“Tony” By Hank Foster

KYLA: Tony has a great sense of humor and loves to make people laugh. I was able to hear the great stories of his life and share them with my classmates, and now we can share them with you as well. JAKE: Now Tony has had quite the life. I guess you could say he was… well, clumsy. When he was just in the first grade he was playing on a see-saw with one of his school mates. You know the up and down thing on the playground? Well, everybody knows how a see-saw works; one person pushes up and the other goes down and they just go back and forth. Up, down, up, down. Anyway, Tony, you see, was way up in the air and everything was fine… until his friend decided to get off. And if you know see-saws, you know you can go from being up to down in a matter of seconds. Tony, unaware that his friend had departed, had his feet tucked way up under the see-saw. The see-saw (and Tony) came crashing down, breaking fragments in his feet. That wasn’t the worst thing that would ever happen to Tony, but it certainly seemed like it at the time. MACKENZIE: Tony has always been accident prone, but some accidents can be more serious than others. Just after Tony graduated from high school, he stayed out all weekend with his friends – so he didn’t get a lot of sleep. He was on his way to Denver, North Carolina driving on a loonnng stretch of road. Tony, sleep deprived and tired from his long weekend, fell into the soothing rhythm of the road and eventually fell asleep at the wheel. Unfortunately, the road didn’t stay straight forever. Tony hit a curve and his car went flying of the road clipped a telephone pole. He got hurt pretty badly and was sent to the hospital. Things were so bad that the doctor even said, “Tony, I don’t expect you to live much longer.” Many people prayed over him, and after 49 days in the hospital, with a lot of medical attention and a little bit of God’s grace, Tony was able to come home. MADISON: We know Tony’s clumsiness has gotten him into some interesting predicaments with himself, but it has gotten him into some… not so good predicaments with others as well. Tony’s father worked at a furniture factory here, in North Carolina. Eventually, Tony started working with his father at the factory. Every now and then, Tony would goof off with his fellow co-workers. One day, Tony and a buddy of his took a piece of wood and propped it up against a wall. They took a staple gun and stepped back as far as they could to see who could staple the piece of wood from the farthest away. Tony was a pretty competitive person. When he got in his mode, things could get out of hand. Well, Tony’s father had approached them probably curious as to what the boys were doing. Tony, trying to impress his friend and father, took the staple gun, stepped back as far as he could, and shot the staple gun. Well you see because of the distance his aim was a little off and the staple went straight into his father’s foot. As his father writhed in pain, Tony really analyzed the situation and learned something. Work first, play second.

Play Back Theatre Playback is a form of improvisational theatre that welcomes stories from everyone. It is powerful in honoring the voices of people in communities and in helping to build understanding across differences. Playback serves many different kinds of groups. Some of these groups are people who are incarcerated, cancer survivors, gang members, relief workers helping with post-disaster revitalization, teen in interfaith dialogue, and many others! This was started 35 years ago, and now hundreds of Playback companies perform in over 50 countries. Playback has spread so widely because of the amazing ability to create a deep ritual space where any ordinary, extraordinary, hidden, or difficult story might be told and affirmed.

“Mamie B.” By Jonathan Pennell

Through Mamieâ€™s Eyes by Quinn Turk The participant I talked with at PACE was Mamie. She was very quiet the first day we were there but on the second day she opened up a lot more. She said that Christmas and Thanksgiving were her favorite holidays because when she was younger her mother would make dinner and her family would sit down and enjoy the meal together. She loved to go into the kitchen and help her mom cook. Her family lived on a plantation and picked cotton. She told me a story about her and her brother while they were outside. A bug bit her brother and it turned out really badly because he had to get some limbs amputated! Mamie wears bracelets everyday because one of the ladies working at PACE, Teresa, make them for her. Mamie's eyes lit up when we were talking about all of her different jewelry. It was amazing to hear about Mamie's life because it is very different than mine. It was wonderful to be able to see the world out of someone else's eyes through someone else's eyes.

“Maxine” By Alexis Johnson

Maxine by Rachel Jones I was a kid once, I wasn’t always like this. I had a favorite color, a favorite food, and I loved to play dress up even if I wasn’t allowed to. So…Mom, why couldn’t I have friends over? Were you ashamed of me, was I not normal enough, or was it because you didn’t want to clean up? Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore because I have a child of my own now and I will take care of her and let her play dress up whenever she wants, love her like there’s no tomorrow, and let her have as many friends as she wants to come over. I know what your thinking I’m in ninth grade I am in way over my head but mom I’m really not, and dad I’m sorry I always wanted to be your little princess, but I guess I just couldn’t always meet up to your perfections. And this, this is to both of y’all no matter what I go through or what you go through and I know I don’t say this enough but just know I will always love you… to the moon and back again. Maxine’s Monologue by Taylor Rinck Hey, kids! Come on in, dinner's ready. You too Daisy, don't be scared to come in. If my daughter and your best friend comes in to eat , you can too! Just don't be afraid. Now kids before y'all get to talking and fooling around we need to have a serious conversation. Roxanne, Bobby, I know you like having your friends over and I love having them here but they need some rules. Just like you have. First rule is, if you need something don't be afraid to ask. If you're hungry come ask me for some food. I'll be happy to make you something to eat. There may not be to many choices but I'll feed you. If you're scared to go to school because of some silly kid is being mean to you, I'm here to talk to you and protect you. I'm here for all you kids, even the ones that aren't mine. The #2 rule is, if you don't have anywhere to sleep. You come over here and sleep. Don't get worried and not ask! Trust me, I won't yell at you or ask questions if you don't want me to. Rule #3, no drugs please. They just aren't good for you and I want y'all to be in good health. Last Rule, one of the most important ones, be polite and kind to everyone in and out of my house. You never know how far a little kindness will go. i love all of y'all kids and I hope the new rules aren't too hard to follow. Now before I forget, go get yourselves some food before it gets cold. I made chicken pie.

“Marlene” By Stephanie Jenkins

Marleneâ€™s Truck by Matthew Owens Marlene grew up on a farm. They had three dump trucks they used to get food for the animals. One was red another green and the last was white. Marlene drove the red one. One day she was driving down a hill, when she lost control and drove into a ditch! The dump truck had to be pulled out with another truck. Everyone was alright but her sister was quite upset with her.

Monologues A monologue is a speech presented by a single character. The majority of the time it is to express their feelings aloud, but sometimes it is to address another character or the audience. A monologue can gives the audience a better understanding to what is in the characterâ€™s thoughts. Turning our stories into a speech was insightful as you strive to know exactly what your subject was feeling. After speaking to my PACE Participant and digging deeper, I understood the importance of true listening. ~Abigail Wilson

“Catalina” By Joseph Reeves

Learn to Fly by Salvador Loza I feel like my children are pulling away from me. This pain is heart-wrenching and it's simply unbearable. My children no longer have time for me. Now most of them are always out doing their own thing now.."Hey mom, I'm going to go eat with my girlfriend who you haven't met" or "Hey mom, I forgot to mention I'll be out doing this that and everything else." Here I am almost in tears not sure of what to do, so I came to you for help. I know I shouldn't be this sad..I know I have to let them go their own way at some point. I know, mom. I know. But knowing doesn't make it less difficult. I feel like a mamma bird watching her babies learn to fly...but I'm holding them back from learning. Only because I know that once they do learn they'll just fly away! Although at the same time I want them to learn so they too can experience life. I want them to see the beauty this world can offer. But at the same time I just want each and every one of them to stay here with me. I know I can't have both though, I guess it just doesn't work that way. So I suppose you're right mom. I have to learn to be strong like you were. Like you are. I have to let my little birds learn to fly.

“Evelyn” By Sydney Starnes

We Live by Faith, Not by Sight by Makayla Wackerhagen

My kids never stopped bugging me about finding a husband. They would always make it seem like they were joking about it when they would say things like “Mama you need to find you a rich man to marry” But I knew deep down there was a serious matter to those statements so I would say “If God wants me to find a husband, he’ll send somebody for that.” Well, it really must have been in God’s will because later on, I got myself a preacher man. And I had fallen in love with this man more than anything. It must have been faith, destiny and all, because I couldn’t imagine myself without this man. I couldn’t see myself being right here where I am and so happy without him and all the glory he’s showed me in life. I love him and still love him to this day. Miles apart and so far away from each other… They say he has Alzheimer’s. But they also say that every time he sees me walking his direction he says “Well, here comes my wife,” and I just think to myself, it really is faith.

“Cecil” By Sarah Russ

I have performed monologues in the past but I have not gotten the chance to write one. At least, not in this type of situation. From this experience I was able to put myself in another persons shoes and be able to sympathize with their emotion. It was an experience and also a lesson within itself. Years by Abigail Wilson It's like it was just yesterday that she was here, my wife. Even though it's been many months that she passed away, they still add up. We were married for 58 years. We always talked about trying for 60 we just... didn't make it. When she was weary and her kidneys were failing her, I tried to make sure to show her I wouldnâ€™t. Seeing her struggle with illness could never take away the image of her when we first met. Her with a friend catching a bus, and me with my friend in a drop top convertible. I whistled, she waved. I guess you could say it was love at first sight because sixteen weeks later we were married. That doesn't seem to really happen anymore, you know? Finding someone to actually commit to and stay with. The last 30 years, were together everyday. You see, I drove a truck and she rode with me. She thought of it as her own little vacation. I guess visiting 48 states can make someone think like that. It's wild how I proposed to her laying in her arms in the back of a truck bed so young. Then years later that's where we ended back up. If I could go back and do it again, I would in a heartbeat. All in all I've lived a pretty good life and I can't complain, but if I can I have no one to blame but myself.

Original Scenes A scene is characterized by dialogue, character development, creation of suspension and giving information. With using scenes, an author wants the reader to forget that they are reading, but rather live the story. It was hard but rewarding work turning our elderâ€™s life stories into scenes. After we wrote the scenes, we auditioned the class members to see who could play our elderly participants from different stages of their life. Reenacting the past helps preserve those special moments. It is like a â€œslice of lifeâ€?. ~ Megan Hainstock

“Judy” By Carter Cummins

Racing Strip by Kayra Perez Characters: -Judy -Girl 1 -Girl 2 -Boy 1 -Mystery guy - Mystery guy’s opponent (silent role) (A school hallway is partially darkened with a faint light. A school girl emerges with books clutched to her chest. She steps upstage, and a stage light appears. She steps into the light.) (Looking out.) Judy: It’s usually after school on Fridays. We meet up for the thrill, rush and adrenaline. (Judy smirks.) The chilled summer air stabs your face like ice sickles. The “vrooooom” cause the cheap leather seats of the 45’ year Chevrolet, two doors to vibrate. The dust from the spinning wheels travel in my lungs, but I don’t care. We’re too busy whoopin’ and hollerin’. Go faster! You usually flip your wig screaming for the driver you want to win. The looser snaps his cap but there are never any accidents, no one gets hurt. The share crops usually show off, flipping their over sprayed hair and smack their cheap red covered lips hoping to grandstand their breasts to the winner. I’m not like that though; I’m just in it for a gas, the fun, the... (A girl calls in the distance.) Girl 1: Hi-de-ho! Judy! Let’s go! Judy: That’s my khaki wacky friend, always looking for a doll dizzy guy at the race... (The girl calls again.) Girl 1: JUDY! Start moving those stompers lets go! Judy: Anyway, come by the race today, it’s a real gas! (Turns on her heel and exit, lights go down.) (While the set changes, chatter is heard between Judy and her friends.) (Waiting outside in a car are two girls and one guy, they look mildly irritated.) Boy 1: Goodness Judy, what took you so long? (He examines her up and down.) What are you wearing?! Your dressed like a fuddy-duddy, a grandma , your... Girl 2: (slugging his arm) lay off, will ya! (Boy 1 makes a face, grimacing.) Hop on in Judy. (With a sympathetic smile on her face.) 59

(Judy hops in the car, ignoring the guy’s comment.) (Girl 2 turns to Judy with a big sly grin on her face.) Girl 2: Guess what!? Your guy is going to be there, the one with the really hot Elvis hair-do! He is racing! (Girls squealing.) Girl 1: You better talk to him before that fat head of a share crop gets to him first! (Guy 1, rolling his eyes) Boy 1: Dressed like that, he’ll pick up a who--... (Attempting to say the word whore.) (Both girl 1 and 2 slug his arm, turn to Judy and try to console her.) (Boy 1 just shrugs his shoulders.) Girl 1: Don’t worry Judy, just try and have fun... Judy: (looking down, speaking quietly) I’ll try. (The engine of the car roars, and the lights go down.) (Music plays while the set changes.) (Two cars are waiting to race; the finishing touches of checking cars are almost done. Judy and the two girls are in a circle talking, they encourage her to talk to the driver she likes. Judy begins to walk over...) Judy: (leaning towards mystery guy) Hey, your new at the strip right? Mystery guy: (smiling big) Yeah, I go to your school right? I transferred a few weeks ago. Judy: (staring hard at his smile) (Voice recording of Judy: Geez, why is he looking at me that way? Does he think I’m a fuddy duddy? Compared to the other girls, I am dressed like a grandma. He probably likes a girl with a big chest. What am I doing? I can’t talk to him, geez! It would be so easier to talk to him without him staring at me like that. I probably have something in my teeth. Gross, I have something in my teeth, is that why he is staring? Why did I even bother coming over here? ) (Mystery guy snaps his fingers at Judy) Mystery guy: Judy, hello, uh, your name is Judy right? Judy: (Snaps out of her daze) yeah, yeah, yeah! Sorry about that.

(Judy feels embarrassed and starts to walk away, mystery guy grabs her wrist.) Mystery Guy: (realizes she is embarrassed and talks gently) hey, wait, just stay here, and talk to me. Judy: (Desperately searching for something to talk about ...) so... who is going to win this race? Mystery guy:(pointing his thumb at his opponent) I’ll bet you 10 cents I’ll leave that fat- head with dust on his pretty little paint job. (Smirking at Judy.) So, uh, baby doll, how about you start the race. Tell us when to go... (Smiling big at Judy.) (Mystery Guy and his opponent sneer at each other) Girl 2: (overhearing the whole conversation) OUT of the way! Bust your chops! Get out of the lanes! MOVE! The race is about to start! Let’s get this started before the black and whites show up! Judy is starting the race (squeezes her hand, gently.) (Judy’s eyes grow big as saucers; she’s excited but nervous at the eyes of everyone on her. She steps back in between the cars .Anticipation builds as she removes the ribbon from her hair, lifts the ribbon and motions the ribbon in the air. Judy: GO! (Engines roar and accelerate. The lights go down. Projections of two cars racing are shown. Cheers are heard. Lights go out.)

“Buck & Elizabeth” By Brandon Herrera

Finding Handsome a New Home by Teresa Keyes On one cold night (possibly Fall time beginning of winter) at a small farm in Taylorsville. Elizabeth and Buck are discussing about their horse Handsome B Bar, on who’s going to go out to feed him at dinner time. ELIZABETH: Buck, what are we going to do about Handsome? BUCK: Well, we do take turns feeding him every day but (pause and look down at food) it is getting colder and I do not want ya to go out into the cold like that. I can’t afford ya to freeze to death around here. (Looks up at Elizabeth and smile, giggles a little) ELIZABETH: (small chuckle and goes to hold Buck’s hand) ya right, yet I do want to go see him a few times more during this cold season but… BUCK: (cutting Elizabeth off looking into her eyes with concern) ya can’t be out there freezing, if ya do go out there just put on a few sweaters please? ELIZABETH: I will, just because you care Buck. (Smiles) BUT! Ya must go and feed him tonight. (Laughs) BUCK: Awe Liz! I will (smiles) Finishing dinner Buck dresses warmly and walks out into the cold night with a flashlight in one hand and two buckets in another hand with one filled with water and another filled with food. Buck walk back inside to Elizabeth were they discuss more about Handsome. BUCK: (walking into the living room, after the door slams close because of the wind) Woooo! It’s cold out there! ELIZABETH: (Smiling walking over to Buck to help take off his coat) I can tell, ya beard is catching a bit of some frost bites (laughing) BUCK: (Laughing) ya too funny, (smiles and kiss Elizabeth on the forehead) ELIZABETH: How’s Ol’ Handsome doing? BUCK: (Going to put up his coat) He’s just brand new, just hadda show him how much I appreciate him. ELIZABETH: (Sitting on the couch and start to knit) Oh that’s lovely of ya, I’ve been doing a bit of thinkin’ and wondering if we should take Ol’ Handsome to Jeffrey, or let him come and pick up Handsome to stay with him. 63

BUCK: (Pausing for a moment) How we gon’na see him? ELIZABETH: (Smiles, jokingly) Who Jeffrey? BUCK: (chuckles) No, Handsome. ELIZABETH: I know darling, but whenever we like. We just hop into the car and go see em. Of course we gotta check with Jeff to see it’s alright to come and visit though. BUCK: (Sits beside Elizabeth) Oh alright. You should call em now then. ELIZABETH: (Puts down knitting things and grab the phone) BUCK: Ya ‘member the number right? ELIZABETH: (Confidently) Oh of course I do. Elizabeth dials the number, but no one picks up. BUCK: Did you dial seven instead of nine? (Grinning) ELIZABETH: (Laughing) Right! Right! Elizabeth dials Jeffrey’s number and walk into the kitchen. *phone conversation* JEFFREY: Hello? ELIZABETH: Hello? Hey son! JEFFREY: Oh. Hey ma! ELIZABETH: How are ya Hun? JEFFREY: I’m alright ma thanks, and you and pa? ELIZATBETH: I’m alright, ya pa is alright also JEFFREY: That’s good ma ELIZABETH: ha, yeah, I have a favor to ask son. JEFFREY: Sure, anything for ya ma.

ELIZABETH: Do ya think ya can take in Handsome for Buck and I? BUCK: (yelling from the other room) Tell Lil Jeffrey I said “hey!” ELIZABETH: Ya heard ya pa? JEFFREY: Yes ma’am tell pa I said “hey pa!” ELIZABETH: Buck! Jeff said “Hey pa” BUCK: Awe JEFFREY: Ma, I will take in Handsome for ya, when ya want me to come and pick em up? ELIZABETH: Anytime ya need or when ya available. JEFFREY: How about tomorrow then? ELIZABETH: Sounds great son. JEFFREY: Alrighty see ya then ma. ELIZABETH: Alrighty son. (Click) Next morning still a bit chilly outside, Jeffrey have Handsome already set up ready to go. On the porch: Jeffrey, Buck, and Elizabeth talking about days to go and visit Handsome. ELIZABETH: So….Monday, Wednesday and Saturday right? BUCK: How about we throw in Friday? JEFFREY: Well, Mondays and Saturdays are perfectly fine to see Ol’ Handsome. JEFFREY: Um, Friday is an alright day pa. Around afternoon is fine ‘cause I have to work until then. ELIZABETH: Perfect! BUCK: Lil’ Jeffrey, ya still coming to church Sunday right? JEFFREY: Sure thing pa! BUCK: Alrighty then! (Pats Jeffrey on the back)

ELIZABETH: Go on Jeff, gone get Handsome home now. JEFFREY: Yes ma’am Jeffrey walks (offstage) to the car the drive off with Handsome. Buck and Elizabeth wave a “see you later” wave. Knowing they will be able to see Handsome later. Buck gives Elizabeth a kiss on the head and whips the small tear from Elizabeth’s eye. Holding hands Elizabeth and Buck walks into their house. (Off-stage).

“Jim” By Stephanie Jenkins

First & Last Whoopin’ by Megan Hainstock Characters: 1. Boy1 2. Boy2 3. Brother 4. Jim 5. Mother (voice) 6. Girl 7. Principal

Boy1: Directing towards Boy2. What is he doing I don’t understand how he has any friends Brother singing to himself, walking down the hall. Boy2: I mean…He’s a really nice guy. I don’t see why you have so much hatred toward him… Boy1: Are you talking down to me boy!? I’d think twice before doing that again! Brother is getting closer, Boy1 shoves Boy2 into Brother. Boy2: I’m so sorry! He…That...Uhh… Boy1: Why are you running into my friend like that?! Are you trying to dig yourself a bigger hole? Brother: Look…I’m sorry! I…I really didn’t mean to. Boy1: You are pathetic! You’re not even worth my time! Ha I’m going to class! Boy1 walks away from Brother and Boy2. Boy2: Making sure Boy1 can not hear or see. Look…I really didn’t mean to run into you like that. Trust me I know exactly how you feel! Starts messing with hands looking down kind of nervous He pushes me around all the time…If you ever want to talk…Pauses. We can meet up somewhere sometime? Brother: Yeah! I’d love to hang out some time! Are you going to be busy today? Boy2: Actually, no! Do you want to meet you at 5? Brother: Yeah sure! My house? It’s the corner house on James Street. Boy2: Yeah sure! See you at 5 then? Brother: Trying to hold in all his happiness to act “cool”. I guess so! But…I gotta get to class… See ya later! Boy2 and Brother begin to walk opposite directions, hurrying off to class. Part 2: Brother drinking a coke waiting anxiously. Doorbell rings. Brother runs to the door, takes a deep breath and opens it with a welcoming smile. Brother: Hey! Boy2: Hey. Brother: Come on in! We can sit over here pointing towards the couch. Brother and Boy2 walk over to couch and sit down. Boy2: How are you? Takes a deep relieving breath. Brother: I’m good…I guess. I’ve just been letting everything get to me lately, I don’t even know why. Jim is about to walk into the living room and hears Brother and Boy2 talking, so quietly listens curiously. 68

Boy2: Well....Pauses to think. He has been bullying me for a while. I’ve just gotten use to it and now I pretend to be his friend so he won’t push me around like he does you. But he is only doing that because he is insecure… Brother: I just don’t see why he doesn’t like me…I’ve never even done anything to him! I just walked down the hall one day and he began pushing me everyday out of no where! He makes me fell so…Thinks about the proper word to use…Weak! Jim squinting his eyes with an idea, slowly and quietly sneaks away. Boy2: I know…I don’t even want to be his friend… but if I’m not he will crush me to pieces! Mother: Can’t see Mother, you can only her voice. Honey! Dinners ready, come set the table please! Brother: Rolls his eyes, knowing he can not argue. Yells: Yes ma’am! Looks at Boy2. Hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow! Stands up beginning to walk over to the door. But…I have to go set the table! Thank you for coming over to talk! Opens the door for Boy2. Boy2: Anytime! Walking out the door Boy2 continues walking down the side walk as Brother waves with a small smile on his face. Part 3: Boy1: Directing towards Girl. Okay so there’s this guy and I swear something’s wrong with him! Like he goes down the halls singing to his self! Girl: Singing? Boy1: Yes singing! He is an outsider! I don’t see how anyone wants to be his friend! Jim walks down the hall furious. Girl: Pushes Boy1 in the arm gently. That’s mean! Seriously, you take things to an extreme when you really don’t need to! Boy1 turns around and Jim is right behind him…Jim shoves Boy1. Jim: I heard you’ve been talking about my brother! Is that true!? Boy1: Shoves Jim back. Is there a problem with this?! Jim: Yeah! You don’t mess with my family! Boy1 shoves Jim again and instantly Jim swings to punch Boy1. Boy1 doges the swing and Jims fist continues with force hitting the girl. Girl instantly starts complaining and whining Everyone: **Huge gasp** Jim and Boy1 both go to comfort Girl. Jim: Trying to hug Girl and see if her eye is okay. Jim is trying to talk over her loud yelling: I am so sorry! I swear I didn’t mean to! Girl: Ouch! My eye! Help me!! Get me ice! Principal: Running around the corner. Jim! My office! Now! Jim: I swear I can explain myself! Principal: Turns to Girl. Sweetheart someone’s in the way with ice! Turning back around to Jim. You sir! You are in big trouble! Principal drags Jim into office Principal: Boy! You are in big trouble! Looks like you’re gonna be getting some lickins today! Grabs paddle, gently hitting her hand. Lights shut out. 69

“Marjorie” By Elizabeth Huttman

Telling Her Parents by Hunter Short Characters: Marjorie, Boyfriend, Mom, Dad (Scene starts with Marjorie outside on her front porch waiting on her boyfriend. She seems really anxious.)

Marjorie: I’m so scared but so excited all the same. Me and my boyfriend have been together a few months now, but I don’t know what he will say, ya know? I mean what if he gets mad? What if he never even talks to me again? I just don’t know if it’s time to tell him (Touches stomach to feel baby). It hasn’t been long but I can feel the love radiating from my child. I just home he feels the same way. (pause) look at the time! He was supposed to be her 20 minutes ago. Boyfriend: (Comes behind Marjorie to surprise her) Hey there gorgeous. How is my beautiful gal tonight? I missed you so much! Marjorie: Sweetie, I only just seen you yesterday. Boyfriend: I know Marjorie but it feels like forever. I’m crazy about you. Marjorie: You know I’m crazy about you too, but… I need to tell you something. Boyfriend: But Marjorie you don’t understand… (Shyly) I think I’m in love with you. I just hope to goodness you feel the same. These past few weeks I’ve just had this amazing feeling. Marjorie: oh my! I feel the same, I love you. And believe me I’ve had quite a feeling too. (Touches stomach and smiles at boyfriend) Boyfriend: you’re not?.. Marjorie: Yeah it hasn’t been long but I’m positive about it. Boyfriend: Wow really? Are You Serious? Marjorie: what? Does this change things? Are you not “In love” with me anymore? Boyfriend: No, Marjorie, this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. (grabs Marjorie for a big hug) I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m more in love with you now than ever before. Marjorie: I’m so worried everything is going to change. Boyfriend: It’s going to change things a lot. But things will change for the better. 71

Marjorie: I’m just scared to tell my parents. I don’t know what they will say. Boyfriend: We can tell them together, we will be doing almost everything together now. Marjorie: Really? That sounds a little bit better. Sometimes I think they like you more than me. Boyfriend: I promise we can get through this. We can go talk to your parents now if you want. Marjorie: yeah I guess we could. They are both in the living room. Boyfriend: Might as well get it over with. Right? Marjorie: I Guess. ( Both of them go through the front door of her parent’s house in to the living room where her parents are sitting.) Mom: what are you youngins’ up to? Boyfriend: Oh I think we’re just going to stay here tonight. How are you ma’am? Mom: Oh I’m fine Just been sewing all day. Marjorie helps me sometimes. Marjorie knows how to make a dress out of old horse feed bags. Isn’t she talented? Boyfriend: Oh, She’s something alright. ( smiles) Marjorie: Mom, daddy, I think we gotta tell you something. Dad: What is it darling? Mom: yeah what is it? Marjorie: promise you won’t get too mad. Boyfriend: (looks at Marjorie) Do you want me to say it?... Well you see sir me and Marjorie and me are expecting a baby. Dad: What?! Boyfriend: Look, I know she’s young and I’m young but, I will take care of her. I promise. Your daughter is amazing. I want to spend my life with her. Dad: Marjorie what were you thinking? 72

Marjorie: I’m sorry dad. Do you still love me? Dad: of course me and your mom still love you. We are just worried about you. We want you to be safe and have a good life. Mom: You know Marjorie I had children at a young age and you have eight brothers and sisters. It’s not going to be easy. Dad: Your mom is right. It’s not easy but if you need help we will he here. We don’t have much but we will love, and support you. Marjorie: Really? I love you! (Marjorie and her boyfriend are outside again.) Boyfriend: I’m glad your parents didn’t get too mad. Marjorie: Yeah I thought they would definitely kick me out and leave me on my own. Boyfriend: Baby, you’ll never be on your own, I’ll always be here. And we will get our own place soon. Marjorie: Really? I don’t want to rush anything but that sounds perfect! Boyfriend: Well I was planning on it soon anyways. I guess he just sped things up a little? (He meaning the baby) ha. Marjorie: Ha. Yeah I guess so. ( holds belly and smiles) Boyfriend: When I see you smile like that it makes me never want to leave your side. Marjorie: Then don’t (takes hand) Boyfriend: (touches belly) what do you think it will be? Marjorie: I have feelings were going to have a boy and he will be just like you.

About the Director Molly Rice has held several residencies teaching poetry, film, storytelling, theatre, and ESL in hundreds of schools, colleges, and organizations in NC, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, and Hungary. While living in Ireland, she wrote and directed over thirty original plays and became a Pushkin Trust Artist for the Duchess of Abercorn. She wrote a teacher’s manual entitled Exploring the Lough – Creative Activities for the Primary School Classroom and was included in Around the Lough, Lough Views, Shore Lines, and Sea & Shore children’s books. She has been published in various webzines and magazines including Poetry Super Highway, Fortnight Magazine, The Stinging Fly, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, and Iodine Poetry Journal. She was a contributor to a major anthology of poetry and art entitled, A Conversation Piece edited by Adrian Rice & Angela Reid (Ulster Museum, Northern Ireland). She was recently published in Voices and Vision: A Collection of Writings By and About Empowered Women published by the Women’s Resource Center of Hickory and The Best of Poetry Hickory edited by Scott Owens. Molly is currently a theatre teacher/director of the Tractor Shed Theatre and editor of the literary magazine “Indian Ink” at St. Stephens High School (SSHS). In her five years at SSHS, she was chosen as SSHS’ Wachovia Teacher of the Year, made a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, chosen as “Outstanding Director” North Carolina Theatre Conference 2009 & 2010, Teacher of the Year 2010, and won $30,000 in technology for her classroom for the winning music video in the eInstruction’s Classroom Makeover contest. She is the district coordinator for the National Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest. Molly currently resides in Hickory, North Carolina with her husband Irish poet, Adrian Rice and their toddling son Micah Wayne Freeman Rice. She is published with Finishing Line Press, Kentucky and her first poetry collection Mill Hill has gained critical acclaim. www.mollyrice.com * This show was co-directed with Senior Honor student Andrew Licout

Actors/Writers Biographical Notes: Honors Students & Seniors Andrew Licout was born on October 10, 1994 in Naples, Florida. He was born to Tania and Omar Licout. His mother, Tania, was born and raised in Key West, Florida. His father, Omar, was born in Cuba and migrated to the States in 1969 when he was just six years old. Andrew has an older brother and an older sister. He has developed a great interest in all areas of the arts. He enjoys all facets of creating, from doodles on notebook paper to directing and acting in theatrical productions. Andrew was introduced to the Tractor Shed Theatre his freshman year in high school and has been immersed in the program ever since. Production experience in the Shed includes the Reach Out project in the fall of 2010, Riddle Ring I in the spring of 2011, Riddle Ring II in the fall of 2011 and Come and Go in the spring of 2012. He developed a love for poetry in high school and is now part of a two-person poetry troupe called Versus. Now in his senior year, he feels honored to be able to work with PACE@Home in order to carry on the stories of the amazing people he met at their facilities. Andrew plans to further his life in the arts as he pursues a career in scenic design and production. Andrew will always view that Tractor Shed as his second home and thanks Molly Rice for sparking his desire to live a life full of art. Kayra Perez is currently a senior at St. Stephens High School. She has been studying theatre arts since seventh grade. For the past four years she has been part of the Tractor Shed Theatre, directed by Molly Rice. She has written poems for functions such as Empty Bowls and FanjoyLabrenz. She has also student-directed and acted in productions such as Come and Go. She enjoys writing scenes, monologues and student directing. She lives with her mother, step-father and brother. She also enjoys being with her family. She plans on attending Fayetteville State for two years to study journalism and hopefully transferring out of state for the remaining two years or more.

Jakia Propst was born June 18, 1995 in Hickory, NC. Her parents are Sonya and Jamal Butler. Jakia has four siblings that are close to her; two younger brothers, Storm and Jace, and an older sister, Shantara, and brother, Tymel. Jakia has been involved in the Tractor Shed Theatre program since 2010, and in 2011 she was stage manager for the NCTC Competition performance of The Riddle Ring. She competed in the National Poetry Out loud Competition for the second time earlier this year where she placed second at the State level. She also helped to direct the Come and Go show for Spring Production. Aside from the theatre, Jakia is thoroughly involved in her writing, academics, duties of the church, involvement in clubs and organizations, and learning to play the guitar. Jakia is also one half of the spoken word duo, VERSUS, with Andrew Licout. Jakia plans to attend college in the fall next year where she hopes to study Political Science and Creative Writing. Jakia thanks Molly Rice for allowing her to be a part of the Tractor Shed and for the amount of time and effort that has been spent on her. No matter where her life may go from here, Jakia thanks the "Shed" for being the starting point of her insightful journey.

Seniors Bianca Coronado was born on May 17, 1995 in

Arcadia, Florida. She was 3 years old when she moved to Hickory, North Carolina with her father Gilberto, her older sister Maggie and her younger sister Kaitlin. Bianca currently lives with her dad, stepmom, two brothers and two sisters. She had attended many schools throughout the years such as Oakwood Elementary School, Jenkins Elementary School and for middle school she went to Northview Middle School for 6-8th grade years. Bianca is now 17 years old and a senior at St. Stephens high school, she has been at St. Stephens all four years after transferring from Hickory High School second semester of her first year in high school. When Bianca was in the 10th grade she entered in the Tractor Shed theatre program as a theatre arts one student, then took a whole semester off and began as a theatre arts 3 student her 11th grade year. She has been working at the Lutheran Nursing home for a year and a couple months in the dietary department of the facility, she enjoys working and helping the elderly at her job. When Bianca graduates from St. Stephens she wishes to attend a college or university to become a nurse or a radiologist and as a play production student her senior year she has enjoyed the tractor shed theater program very much and intends to proceed in the program as well.

Teresa Danielle Keyes is currently senior at St.

Stephens high school. Born October, 27, 1994 and raised in North Carolina, Teresa was always fascinated by theatre arts. Her acting experience launched when she became a freshman at D.H.Conley only as an understudy in the play The Love Knot. Teresaâ€™s main role as Lady Capulet in a short version of Romeo and Juliet shocked many due to her actual on stage acting. Teresa moved to Hickory North Carolina in the second half of her junior year, acting in the show Come and Go and other short plays directed by Molly Rice and other directing students. Teresa now studies theatre arts more and enjoys to writing her own scripts. She also does creative writing to instrumental music and likes to do improvisation on her own time as well.

Matt Owens lives in Hickory, NC, where he has for 17

years. He has been in theatre classes since 7th grade. He lives with his dad brother and good friend. He has one dog named Zeus. Matt likes to skateboard, roller-blade and play video games. He also likes to do parkour and freerunning. Matt wants to be a welder for a living, but wants to keep theatre in his life.

Jeremiah Sanchez

was born March 25, 1995 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He is the youngest of all his siblings with four older brothers and two older sisters. His mother, Deborah Negroni is his only parental guardian, though his older brother, Matthew Gonzalez, has heavily impacted his life. His father, Donald Pinchback, passed away October 30, 2007; an enormous quagmire in the young twelve year old's life. Jeremiah has a dark past that he still holds to himself because he feels some things are better unshared. Jeremiah began hanging with the wrong crowd and started affiliating himself with petty criminals and thugs. During this time is when he found out he had an interest in the art of Rapping. By 9TH grade the troubled Jeremiah was suspended from school for usage of drugs (pill popping) on school property. Shortly, after his suspension Jeremiah began entering classes to help him cope with his misuse of narcotics. He has been clean of pills ever since and has engaged in a life involving dignity and honor. Jeremiah plays an essential role in the ROTC program at Saint Stephens High School and was the Commanding Officer in his unit for 2012. He plans on one day joining the United States Navy due to his interest in the military and his patriotism. Jeremiah He is currently a 12TH grader who is known for his abilities to rap. He has also only had one previous class of theatre (Theatre I) before joining Play Production, which is a hand picked group of individuals known for their talents in Theatre Arts. Jeremiah is incredibly influenced by his theatre class and his teacher Molly Rice. He can honestly say he feels as if his skills are tested every time he steps within the Tractor Shed and he prefers it no other way.

Hunter Adele Short is a senior at Saint

Stephens High School, and she has been in the theatre program for four years. Hunter has been in many productions and has participated in a plethora of projects such as: Art Speaks, Reach Out, The Riddle Ring, and Come and Go. Over the past four years, Hunter has grown as an actor thanks to the help from director Molly Rice. She has been swimming year round for 10 years and has swum for the school since her freshman year. After high school, Hunter plans to go to cosmetology school and someday have her own salon but, anywhere life takes her she hopes to keep art in her future.

Logan Starkey is currently a senior at St. Stephens High School. This is his first year in the theatre program and he is really enjoying it. Logan has been active in band here at Saint for four years. He plays many instruments, but guitar is his favorite. Logan has been performing live in the community since 8th grade. He is also involved in athletics here at Saint. He has played basketball and track/field all four years and loves it. Logan is really looking forward to working more in the Tractor Shed and with Mrs. Rice.

Juniors Megan Josette Hainstock was born April 11,

1996 in Tecumseh, Michigan. Megan spent the first of her years traveling throughout Georgia, Florida, and Michigan with her father, Shawn Hainstock, her mother, Mendi Hainstock. After Meganâ€™s parents divorced she moved back to Michigan to live with her father, step mother, Hope Hainstock, and her three sisters. Her 6th grade summer, Megan and her family moved to Hickory, North Carolina and have been living there ever since. Megan is currently a junior enrolled at St. Stephens High School. She has been highly involved with theatre, cheerleading, color guard, winter guard, and track through out her high school career. Megan plans on receiving a degree in the medical field and proudly serving in the U.S army. Determination is a key factor of Meganâ€™s personality and hopes to use this to help others through out her life.

Salvador Loza was born on November 28, 2012, in

Manuel Doblado, Mexico. He lives with both his mother and father. He has two younger siblings, one a boy of six years old and the other a girl of ten years old. He is a junior at Saint Stephens High School. This is his third year involved in the Tractor Shed theatre (TST). He has taken advanced classes in theatre. Salvador also took Musical Theatre with Mrs. Rice. He loves to act, dance and sing. Salvador is also very skillful at technology and usually runs any sound and video for TST shows. Apart from the Tractor Shed theatre program, Salvador took Drama in 8th Grade and performed in the play Grease.

Taylor

Rinck

was born November 26th, 1995. Taylor just turned 17! On the day Taylor was born, the doctors thought that they were going to have to perform a C-section. They managed to deliver her naturally!! It took 33 hours to be born. She was born in Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. When Taylor started school she began a year earlier than she was supposed to for her age. She was 4. She started in a private Christian school, Solid Rock Christian Academy. Taylor stayed in private school until she was 10. Taylor was active while she was in private school. She was a singer for the Christian Family Academy band. She auditioned and made one of the four vocalist positions. She also was part of the drama class. She was one of the characters in the big production, Fiddler on the Roof. She also has been in all the church Christmas plays. Taylor has since been a part of the drama class for her entire high school career. Also while in private school and afterwards, Taylor has been in gymnastics and cheer. Taylor was on competitive cheer teams such as Spirit Elite All-Stars, Carolina Cats All-Stars, and Odyssey. Taylor began cheering for Jacobs Fork Middle School and Fred T. Foard High School when she entered each school. Taylor loved cheering for the school teams! Basketball season was her favorite. This is Taylorâ€™s first time acting in the Tractor Shed Theatre program.

Makayla Wackerhagen

was born in Georgetown, South Carolina. At the age of about two she moved to Hickory to live near her grandmother. She is now a junior who and attends Saint Stephens High School. She went to the elementary school Webb A. Murray and was required to take drama classes. This is where Makayla would soon discover that she loved acting. She always volunteered to act in scenes for her classroom and in the third grade she was casted as the main role in, Alice in “Alice in Wonderland” for her school play. In fourth grade Makayla’s drama teacher gave her a scholarship to take acting classes at the greenroom theatre where she would go on to be casted in a production they had held. Makayla took drama classes during seventh and eighth grade also. In eighth grade she was a part of ACT and played as Mrs. Lynch in the play “Grease” Makayla’s freshman, sophomore, and junior year she attended an audition only advanced theatre class at SSHS with director Molly Rice. She has been in reach out projects and productions since.

Abigail Wilson was born unto Gregory and

Victoria Wilson on December 7th, 1995. She is 17 years old and currently a junior at Saint Stephens High School. This is Abigail's third year in the Tractor Shed program; she has participated every semester since her freshman year. Abigail's time is occupied with spending time with family and friends, school work, and work. She hopes to attend Winston Salem's School of the Arts high school program for Theatre her senior year. If she is unable to attend, she will gladly continue a fourth year at the Tractor Shed.

Sophomores Ashley Barnett has lived in the same state, same town and same house for her entire life. She was born on April 12, 1997 in Hickory North Carolina. She has a loving mother named Lisa who calls her booger and a father named Troy who's called her monkey ever some she was young. Her sister, Megan and her take care of their 2 dogs and a fish together. One day she'd like to see the world and help those in need. Ever since she was little she'd had a big heart, "I wish my arms were bigger so I could hug the whole world", she used to say. As she grew older, her caring thoughts for others did not change. She began to write outside of her daily elementary English assignments, poetry in 6th grade. They weren't loud poems or very deep but they did wash up something that, to Ashley, would blossom into a vast ocean of limitless possibility. Once Ashley began middle school she involved herself in a group called 'Odyssey of the Mind'; a creative thinking theatre competition group. This new theatre experience thrilled her to the point where she decided to continue into Theatre 1 and then Musical Theatre in high school. High school was a whole different kind if ball game for Ashley. The lesser

control and fast paced work of things was exciting, it made her eager to learn and lend a hand. Her theatre teacher Mrs. Rice truly impacted her production of visual art and poetry. This class gave a new perspective to art and shed some fresh light on things she never even knew intrigued her. She kept (and still keeps) a journal of poems along with her thoughts beliefs and morals contained within the pages. Ashley's mind, through theatre, has developed layers of underlying truth and wonder to what her senses are noticing. "Theatre has opened my eyes and I no longer sleep walk." says Ashley. The next year she heard the advanced theatre class would be doing a community project at Pace@Home and she simply HAD to join. If not for this project Ashley would never have met Luther, an elderly man who constantly reminded her how important family was.

Rachel Jones was born in Hickory, North Carolina on April 4, 1997. She has lived there with her father, mother, and two sisters her whole life. Rachel is a very outgoing girl who loves to run, swim, film, bike, and much more. She has been involved with musical theatre and in play production, an audition theatre class. Rachelâ€™s attends St. Stephens High School and is currently a sophomore. Rachel makes excellent grades and plans to use her intelligence to pursue in her career. When Rachel finishes highs cool she plans to go to college and become a missionary and follow in the field of nursing. Rachel is a very hardworking student and hopes to do a lot with her life. Kyla Little was born on November 16th, 1996 in Hickory, North Carolina. She was raised by her father, Nelson Little, and her neighbors, Billie and Jack McMahan, who kept her while her father was working. Kyla was a cheerleader her 7th, 8th, and 9th grade years. She took Molly Rice's theatre 1 her 9th grade year and decided she wanted to advance. Kyla is currently in the 10th grade in Mrs. Rice's play production class. She has always had an interest in the arts and wishes to further her education in that area. Kyla was recently a finalist in the world-wide poetry video contest for Nortonâ€™s Anthology.

Mackenzie Patton was born and bred right here in

Hickory, North Carolina. Her parents are Jon and Kim Webb and Bryon Patton. She is currently a 15 year old sophomore at St. Stephen’s High School. This is her second year taking Play Production, and she loves “The Shed” and everyone in it. She started acting at a young age and got hooked right away. Mackenzie was runnerup in the district level of the National Poetry Out Loud Poetry Recitation Contest last year. In her spare time (apart from theatre) she enjoys playing volleyball, decorating cakes, listening to lots and lots of music, and participating in the student politics club, JSA. Mackenzie doesn’t quite know what she wants to do in the future, but she has considered going to school for special effects makeup. She dreams of one day traveling to New York City and seeing a real Broadway show (after visiting Keith Haring’s Pop Shop, of course).

Quinn Turk is very excited to be a part of this show and

has had a lot of fun putting it together. He has also been in The Christmas Bus, Kids Say the Darndest Things, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, Grease, Hairspray, Annie Jr., Peter Pan, and The Riddle Ring. He is the Sophomore Vice President at St. Stephens High School and, in addition to his theatre classes at school, takes classes at Clater Kaye Theatreworks. Quinn would like to thank the seniors in the production for a great last show with them.

Olivia Wilson was born on July, 12, 1997 in Hickory, NC and has lived here all her life with her mother and older sister. She attended Clyde Campbell Elementary where she joined the Chorus and found an interest in music and theatre. Olivia performed in two shows at Clyde Campbell, the second in which she played a starring role. Encouraged and inspired by her chorus teacher, she took two years of chorus, and two years of theatre at H.M. Arndt Middle school. During that time, Olivia was a part of the Honors Chorus and A.C.T. program. She played the role of Frenchy in A.C.T.’s production of Grease. She later worked backstage at Clater Kaye Theatrework’s Hairspray and performed in their Andrew Webber: a Tribute showcase. Last year as a freshman at Saint Stephens High School, Olivia took Theatre I and Musical Theatre. She performed in Musical Theatre’s showcase that year. This year is Olivia’s first year in Play Production and her first show with the class. She is excited and enthusiastic about Ars Longa, Vita Brevis and has appreciated and loved the experience so far. Olivia likes to read, write, sketch and paint in her free time and is looking forward to more experience in theatre and music with the Tractor Shed Theatre. 82

Freshmen Julia Christine Parham was born November 9, 1997

at Frye Regional Medical Center. After birth she went home to Denver North Carolina where she lived for the first 5 years of her life. She then moved to Hickory, North Carolina where she lived with her mother, her older brother, and her older sister. Julia attended St. Stephens Elementary School and when she was 8 her father had a baby named Ryan with his girlfriend. She is currently a freshman at St. Stephens High School where she stays involved with theatre and writing. After high school Julia wants to travel the world and write stories about the people she sees on her adventures.

Madison Stracener was born August 1st 2012 in Hickory, North Carolina. Her two parents, Tracey and Phillip, have raised her along with Hailey, her sister, Kurt, her brother, and Zelda, her other sister. She is currently a freshman in Play Production and is enjoying her year in the class. Politics, photography, baking, and of course acting are four careers that she is thinking about. She is in her school’s political club, JSA, to help further her education in politics. She is also in Student Council, a group of kids helping make decisions for her school and the FOR club, to help bullying prevention. This is Madison’s first production that she will be in.

Jake Ugolini was born on April 27, 1998 in Hickory, North Carolina. Jake is fairly new to the arts but has always had an interest for it. He is a 14 year old freshman that has played sports year round his whole life whether it’s Football, Wrestling, Tennis, or the Arts he always has his game face on and is ready for a challenge. His competitive nature brings the best out of him and he is known as a caring, fun guy. Jake also finds time in his busy schedule to take part in Student council and the Friends of Rachel Club. He is a role model for many and was voted the freshman class secretary. Lastly Jake’s parents have always been there for him and he wouldn’t be where he was today without them. Headshots by Carmen Eckard

About the Art Instructor Susan Hardy Born in Rochester, New York, on September 3, 1952, she realized she wanted to pursue art from a young age. She took art lessons from our local art museum on Saturday mornings in painting, clay and drawing. Sue left Rochester to attend the University of Arizona for her freshman and sophomore years, majoring in studio art. She finished her degree in Art Education from Towson State University in 1974 and started teaching in Maryland at a middle school. Traveling to many states for her husbandâ€™s career, she became certified to teach in Connecticut, Arkansas, North Carolina and Missouri. She has been teaching for 12 years in NC and 11 at Saint Stephens. Raising her three children and teaching students has been her world and passion. Collaborating with Mrs. Rice for Art Speaks and the PACE project has been rewarding for both the students and herself, as the connection with others either through student interaction or intergenerationally provides insight into the worth and value of all peoples. These students will take away from this project meaningful memories and an appreciation of family and story.

Intermediate Drawing Alexis Johnson was born on November 20th, 1995 in Hickory, North Carolina. She recently started attending Saint Stephens. Before, she went to Bunker Hill. Art for her is a stress reliever. She is an honors student. Alexis hopes to attend UNC Chapel Hill and become an orthodontist. Visiting PACE was touching for her. She believes it was neat hearing their stories and she hopes they enjoyed her as much as she enjoyed them!

Evan Herman was born on July 19, 1996 in the small town of Hickory, North Carolina. He has lived in Hickory all of his life but he plans to move after high school. Evan has taken art classes since 7th grade and has taken summer art programs two years in a row. These classes have helped him expand his art style and how to apply things he sees in real life onto paper. Evan hopes to pursue a career in animation and work on the production of cartoons or movies. Careem Gate was born in Heidelberg, Germany on March 19th, 1996. He is the son of an American soldier and a native German; however he was born on an Army base â€“ granting him dual citizenship. Careem settled into the Barracks, but at the tender age of 3, he moved to America. Due to language attrition he lost the while German Vocabulary because nobody spoke it to him. Careem then lived in Hampton, Virginia. When he was in elementary school Creem was chosen for excel Art and once a week he went to a special school to practice. At the awkward age of 16 he moved to Hickory, North Carolina. Here his art was affected by the Pace program. Careem learnt that life is short, but art is immortal. Careem hopes to leave his artistic thumb print on the world as his legacy. Joseph Reeves was born on June 22, 1997 in Rockingham, NC, later moving here to Hickory. He now goes to St. Stephens High school. He has always loved drawing, ever since he could use a pencil. He has taken a lot of art classes, and plans on taking more, and eventually getting a career in art. Joseph loved doing this project because he got to meet new people and hear new stories. It also showed him that life is short but his art lives forever. Knowing this and doing this project has only made him want to pursue art more. Roneise Word May 21 year 1995 was when Roneise Word was born in her hometown Dallas, Texas .She lived there for a while. It was rare she lived in an apartment because she usually lived in trailer parks. She also never lived anywhere long, she always moved. Around 5th and 6th grade she moved to North Carolina .Since then Roneise has had a successful life. Now here she is at SSHS, taking good classes like pottery, drawing, and painting. They have taught her to be creative and really understand the concept of art. Her classes recent drawing project was of their Pace drawings, for her it was really inspiring and made her think about what a good life she has and that she should never waste a moment.

Carter Cummins was born on March 19, 1996 in Quebec, Montreal. Carter did not remain there for an extensive amount of time though. He moved to North Carolina when he was still an infant and spent most of his life here although he visits Canada quite often. Carter is taking mostly honors classes at the moment, and he has three AP classes next semester. These classes will help him excel at his career as a politician. He is still a kid at heart and always will be. He never met his grandmother, so it was a wonderful experience being able to meet individuals of the elder community.

Zach Gonzales was born June 14th, 1997 in Hickory, North Carolina. He is 15 years old and a sophomore at St. Stephens high school. He plans on pursuing his football career into college and while in college majoring in Theology. This project taught me a lot and was a big influence on his life. He learned life was short; love your family and friends everyday. Live each day like itâ€™s your last because you never know when it is. Wake up each day, get on your knees, and thank God you are alive.

Elizabeth Huttman was born in Kingston, New York on January 20th, 1997. She lived there until she was three and then her family moved to North Carolina. Currently, Elizabeth lives in Hickory, NC. If she ends up staying in this state and country, then she will most likely move to Ashville. Elizabeth is a sophomore at Saint Stephens High School and is obsessed with Manga, Comics, mythical creatures, hats, and the Oxford Comma. So far she has taken 2D design, Drawing 1, and Sculpture 1. Right now she is only taking Drawing 2 and next semester Elizabeth will be taking Painting 1 and Sculpture 2. Art is her life. Ever since she was little she loved to draw and spent most of her time indoors doodling her favorite Manga characters and making up her own. In the future Elizabeth hopes to become a professional Mangaka or Comic artist.

Morgan Murphy was born in Maryland on August 23, 1996. She lived there with her mother and father until they got a divorce when she was two years old. Morgan’s mother and she had to move in with her grandparents in Hickory, North Carolina until her mom could save enough money to buy them a house. Eventually Morgan’s mom met her step-dad and they got married and he moved in. Then, a few years later it was too crowded and they had to move halfway through her sophomore year. Luckily, she didn’t have to leave Saint Stephens High School. Morgan has taken art history, drawing I, drawing II, and pottery so far. Art is an important part of her life and has impacted her greatly. She has gotten the chance to paint murals for a few churches around the country and has even had her work published in a magazine. Morgan feels so lucky to be able to participate in the PACE drawing project. She has learned so much from the elderly participants and they just warmed her heart.

Proficient Drawing Hank Foster was born in Reston, Virginia on August 11, 1996. As a young child he moved to several places around Virginia and North Carolina. When Hank was four, he moved to southeast Alaska. After eleven years he moved to southern California. Last summer Hank moved back to Hickory, North Carolina. He has taken three drawing classes at Saint Stephens. He hopes to take AP Art classes his senior year. The PACE drawing project helped him connect to the past of the PACE citizens.

Justin Kidd was born on November 13, 1995 in Hickory, North Carolina. He has lived in North Carolina all 17 years of his life. His favorite subject in school is history, which is what he wants to major in when he goes to college. The PACE project affected him because it made him realize how quick life goes by. It also helped Justin become more caring and understanding.

Stephanie Jenkins was born on December 13th here in Hickory. She has lived in Hickory all of her life. Before taking Drawing III this year she took Drawing I, II, and 2D Design. Stephanie looks forward to taking more drawing classes and even painting class. She began drawing at a very young age and has enjoyed the thought of being creative to this day. The PACE @ Home project has expressed the importance of family and using art to record memories. She has learned that life may be short but art can express life forever.

Jimmy Thao was born in Pamona, California on August 6, 1995. He has been living in North Carolina for most of his life. He is currently attending St. Stephens High School and has been attending for three and a half years. Art had never been his type of thing until he was influenced by his brother. Jimmy’s brother showed him most of the things Jimmy knows today. With art, he is able to express himself through lines and color. His major goal is to become a dental hygienist. The PACE project has made him realize just how much our senior citizens have gone through. They have been through pain, love, and happiness which we will all go through one day. They are a wonderful influence to the younger generation. Caitlyn McCloy was born on October 28, 1994 in Hickory, North Carolina. She has lived in Hickory all her life. She has taken six art related classes in her four years of high school. Caitlyn loves taking art classes because you can really express yourself through your art work. Taking all these art classes has made her open up a lot more. She really enjoyed going to PACE @ home to listen to everyone’s stories of how they grew up. She was very grateful to be a part of an amazing project like this. Participating in this project made her realize how precious memories and family truly are. Jonathan Pennell was born on August 1st in 1996. He was born in Hickory. He grew up in Taylorsville where he attended three different schools. Jonathan finally moved to Hickory where he attended Clyde Campbell and then went on to H.M. Arndt Middle School where he took art both years to advance his skills. After passing all these classes he went to Saint Stephens where he is still attending and so far has taken four art classes and he is not stopping there. The classes have definitely taken Jonathan’s drawing skills to the next level and they are fun to attend. His PACE drawing that has been completed was an amazing project. It showed him that there are many people who are so unfortunate than others. It makes him feel good inside when he got to connect with those people. He honestly hopes that he can do more projects like this that show just how amazing this person is. 88

Advanced Drawing Andrew Licout was interested in visual arts at a very young age. He began taking his artwork seriously as a freshman in high school. He has taken every drawing class offered at Saint Stephenâ€™s and in his senior year is taking an Honors and AP visual arts courses. Andrew finds art fascinating because he believes that the ability to create is the highest form of knowledge a human can attain. He is seeking to build on his artistic interests by way of further education. Andrew wants to combine his love for theatre and visual arts and study scenic design in the future.

Sydney Starnes currently is a senior at St. Stephens high school. She is 17 years old and has lived in hickory all her life. Out of the four years at high school she has taken a total of six art classes, including 2-D design, Drawing 1-4, and photography. Sydney does not plan as pursuing a career in art; she does it mostly as a hobby.

Brandon Herrera was born on February 20, 1994 in Mexico and at a very young age he moved to the United States. He moved around the west coast before finally moving across the United States and settling down in North Carolina. While in North Carolina he lived in Taylorsville for about 2 years before moving to Hickory. He currently resides in Conover, North Carolina where he attends Saint Stephens High School as a senior. During his time he has taken a variety of art related classes such as; pottery, drawing, and painting. Brandon plans on pursuing a career dealing with art after he graduates form high school. The Pace project has made him realize that time is precious and that it should be spent doing what you love to do. He would like to send out a big thanks to the staff and participants of the project for this great opportunity to further his art. Sarah Russ was born on January 25, 1995 in Winston Salem. She has lived in Winston Salem, Hickory, and Ontario, Canada. She has taken four drawing classes and a sculpture class. Sarah has always loved drawing and both of her parents had also loved drawing. Her love of drawing and drawing skills may have been inherited from them. Drawing is the best way for her to express herself. In the future, she is considering illustration or animation. She has enjoyed participating in the PACE project and loved hearing the stories that everyone told. 89