Nancy Li., Fae Elysia, acrylic on canvas.
This piece takes a glimpse into the world I saw as a child — where fairies breathed in sunlight and the forest whispered stories. It is a reflection on growing consciousness: when imagination becomes introspection, when seeing turns into understanding.
Winners and Runner Ups
Prose
Winner: ‘Rover’ by Effie Li - a minimalist piece of writing that demonstrates a natural understanding of the rhythms of language.
Runner up: ‘Cycles of Paranoia and Exclusion in American Identity as Portrayed in Arthur Miller's The Crucible’ by Anonymous - a perceptive--and timely--recognition of the sands upon which American identity is built.
Honorable Mentions: ‘Character Study’ by Anonymous and ‘Washed of Sin’ by Katherine Chen.
Poetry
Winner: ‘The First Day by Elize Nocente - Through its striking imagery and distinctive voice, this poem transforms an ordinary classroom experience into a crisis of identity. The metaphor of writing as something to be mined and exploited effectively captures the speaker's complicated relationship with talent and self-worth.
Runner up: ‘Fractions’ by Aspirant - Who doesn't love a good math poem, especially when the language and logic of math is used to develop complex ideas about individuality, societal division, and power? The strength of this poem rests in the author's ability to let the central conceit build naturally, resulting in a thoughtful and cohesive piece.
Visual Arts
Winner: ‘In Bloom’ by Nancy Li - A striking painting that explores the tension between between stillness and transformation, suspended in time.
Runner up: ‘Frog and Flowers Contest’ by Anonymous - Through precision, focus, and attention to detail, the artist captures the likeness and beauty of nature.
New Media
Winner: ‘Bonaparte’s Hunt’ by Ellen Ma - Bonaparte’s gulls preying on sardines at the White Rock Pier — a snapshot of the elegance of predation.
Runner up: ‘ Portrait Study’ by Katherine Chen - A stunning portrait that conveys poise and refinement through form and value.
Note from the Editor(s)
We are truly ecstatic to present this TENTH! edition of the Frog and Flowers Magazine. This started out as a dream, but now has become a constant reality at our school and in our lives. With the recent departure of the G12s and other departures in the heart of the F&F, we hope that the pebbles in this issue continue to shine and reflect themselves in the muddy pond of life.
Peace, frog, and flowers,
- Effie, Elize, Ms. Ferreira
ps. how did the year go by so quickly? a mystery….