By Natalie, a student at Huron Heights Secondary School

At 2:35 am, I find myself staring at the nothingness and void of the ceiling

I give in to the overwhelming temptation to use my phone.

I open one app, and scroll
Scroll
And scroll

3:35 a.m. I remind myself to sleep eventually
“One more video,” I tell myself

4:35 a.m., I find myself continuing to scroll
Forgetting completely about sleep
And I can’t help but wonder
When will I stop scrolling and give myself some rest?

5:35 a.m., still awake and swiping my thumb up on the screen of my phone
It’s too late for sleep now
I’ve already made it this far

6:35 a.m., the sun rises
I’m supposed to be awake now
Time for school

By Cara, a student at Grand River Collegiate InstituteIn the dark, courage blooms,
A guiding light that warmly looms,
Through waves of doubt, through storms of fear,
A leader’s voice is strong and clear.With open hands, they lift us high,
Transforming dreams to touch the sky,
They listen close, they stand beside,
In every challenge, they’re our guide.A sparkle of hope in weary situations,
They put the pieces together,
In unity, they help us see,
The strength in you, the strength in me.

With empathy, they break the mould,
In every story, the truth unfolds,
Leaders shape the path we step,
Inspiring thoughts where no one has thought.

Leadership is not a throne,
But seeds that bloom and grow,
Its trust and kindness, fierce and bright,
A beacon in dark light.

Leaders are kind, caring, helpful people.
Not all leaders are in leadership positions
Not all people in leadership positions are leaders
So let’s stand together.

With every heart and every hand,
We grow together as humans,
Use the power for good, not for evil,
Then, we can grow as humans as a whole.

By Mahnoor, a student at Southwood Secondary SchoolThis short story is about losing something beautiful and not appreciating that which was gained in return. Only after what they achieved was lost, bringing back what the people loved, was it then cherished in return, even though she would never be seen again.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, in a village far away, there existed the beautiful Chimes. Every day at noon, the Chimes would play their enchanting song over and over. The people of the village loved the Chimes more than anything. But one unsuspecting day, everything changed.

The beautiful Chimes had begun their song as usual, but then they suddenly stopped, replaced by a gentle cry from the village edge. At that very minute, that very second when the Chimes fell silent, a beautiful girl was born. The sweet cry belonged to her.

The villagers, noticing that their beloved Chimes had disappeared when the girl was born, grew resentful toward her. They missed the Chimes and did not care for the kind, sweet little girl they had gained.

Many years later, when the girl had grown, she had become a beauty. Her voice and grace mirrored the Chimes the people once cherished. But still, the villagers despised her. Yet, despite all the hate she faced, she remained the happiest and kindest soul in their world—more than you could ever believe.

One day, as the girl skipped across a railway, unaware of the train approaching down the tracks, she met her tragic end.

And at that very moment, when the poor girl died, the clock struck noon—the same time, the same second that the Chimes had stopped all those years ago. But this time, the beautiful Chimes began to play once more. Their song, however, was different—sadder, missing the free, joyous feeling they once held.

But the villagers didn’t care. They were simply happy that their beloved Chimes had returned. They thanked the girl for it, never forgetting her in the years to come.

Author’s note: Appreciate what you have; never let go of the people you love.