"What critics are saying could be the most successful film of all time has just beaten the record for the most Oscars ever won for a single film.
-- Calliope Dean, 8th Grade
The following article is a special May investigation by the OSA Shallot staff, aiming to bring you the very best of the campus' fake news.
Amelia Whitcomb, beloved Literary Arts teacher at Oakland School for the Arts and brilliant screenwriter, has recently released the sequel to her debut short film Youth, entitled Senior. What critics are saying could be the most successful film of all time has just beaten the record for the most Oscars ever won for a single film. Whitcomb went home with 14 Oscars in her pocket. It’s safe to assume her once normal life will never be the same.
Whitcomb has been the center of attention, not only because of her newfound fame. Many students have called her out for acting differently since she won the awards. “She is often bragging in class. She’ll be in the middle of a lesson and go ‘Hey I won like 14 Oscars,’”’ says Mila Boyden, 7th grade Literary Arts student. She’s even carrying a mini Oscar everywhere, and will show it to everyone in the class. I guess to her it is like a flex of power but for us it’s like she’s not even our teacher any more.”
Amelia Whitcomb, beloved Literary Arts teacher at Oakland School for the Arts and brilliant screenwriter, has recently released the sequel to her debut short film Youth, entitled Senior. What critics are saying could be the most successful film of all time has just beaten the record for the most Oscars ever won for a single film. Whitcomb went home with 14 Oscars in her pocket. It’s safe to assume her once normal life will never be the same.
Whitcomb has been the center of attention, not only because of her newfound fame. Many students have called her out for acting differently since she won the awards. “She is often bragging in class. She’ll be in the middle of a lesson and go ‘Hey I won like 14 Oscars,’”’ says Mila Boyden, 7th grade Literary Arts student. She’s even carrying a mini Oscar everywhere, and will show it to everyone in the class. I guess to her it is like a flex of power but for us it’s like she’s not even our teacher any more.”
Boyden is still proud of Whitcomb, even though she hasn’t been acting the same as she used to. “I was proud of her for the achievement. I'm not proud of the way she’s taking the fame. Yes, she succeeded but she shouldn't be rubbing it in our faces.”
When Whitcomb was asked how she felt about her students' accusations she answered, “It saddens me that they don’t understand that I did it all for them, but you know, haters gonna hate.”
The film follows a little boy named Jonathan played by Tom Holland and his grandfather played by Leonardo DiCaprio. It shows the ups and downs of their relationship following his grandfather's treatment. It runs parallel to the original movie and shows more of the effects this treatment had.
Ruby Deetz, 6th Grade literary arts student, says their favorite part was, “When the grandfather decided that he wanted to make sure his grandson, Jonathan, got what he deserved for putting raisins in his oatmeal. And I just connected so much with that because I don’t like raisins at all.”
When Whitcomb was asked how she felt about her students' accusations she answered, “It saddens me that they don’t understand that I did it all for them, but you know, haters gonna hate.”
The film follows a little boy named Jonathan played by Tom Holland and his grandfather played by Leonardo DiCaprio. It shows the ups and downs of their relationship following his grandfather's treatment. It runs parallel to the original movie and shows more of the effects this treatment had.
Ruby Deetz, 6th Grade literary arts student, says their favorite part was, “When the grandfather decided that he wanted to make sure his grandson, Jonathan, got what he deserved for putting raisins in his oatmeal. And I just connected so much with that because I don’t like raisins at all.”
“My favorite part of the film was definitely when the little boy died,” says Boyden. It was really sad and emotional, but I think she did a good job not making it dramatic but still showing the audience their pain. I was crying at the end.”
Although some students think the fame has been going to Whitcomb's head, many students believe she is in the right. Callie Frederick, 8th grade literary arts student says, “I think she’s changed a bit, but really I think that's to be expected, even if she brags a lot, even if she gloats, she’s still our Ms. Amelia.”
The success of the film has had great impacts on Whitcomb. “[It] Really transformed my life. I spend all of my time with my best friends, we travel the world, staying at each other's vacation houses and drawing inspiration from each other,” says Whitcomb.
Frederick is incredibly proud of Whitcomb, “I’m so proud of her. I think she deserves all her accolades and all of her recognition. Even though some people might not agree with that, they’re wrong.” Those feelings are justified according to Whitcomb, “It’s really the validation of many years of hard work and the inspiration my students get from this, they can do it too.”
Although some students think the fame has been going to Whitcomb's head, many students believe she is in the right. Callie Frederick, 8th grade literary arts student says, “I think she’s changed a bit, but really I think that's to be expected, even if she brags a lot, even if she gloats, she’s still our Ms. Amelia.”
The success of the film has had great impacts on Whitcomb. “[It] Really transformed my life. I spend all of my time with my best friends, we travel the world, staying at each other's vacation houses and drawing inspiration from each other,” says Whitcomb.
Frederick is incredibly proud of Whitcomb, “I’m so proud of her. I think she deserves all her accolades and all of her recognition. Even though some people might not agree with that, they’re wrong.” Those feelings are justified according to Whitcomb, “It’s really the validation of many years of hard work and the inspiration my students get from this, they can do it too.”
Some students, including Frederick, feel inspired because of Whitcomb's success. They feel more motivated to work and follow their dreams which she makes a point to keep reminding them to do.
With all that’s happened in the last few weeks following the awards it’s hard to tell if fame has turned Whitcomb into a better teacher, or ruined the literary education these young students were once getting.
With all that’s happened in the last few weeks following the awards it’s hard to tell if fame has turned Whitcomb into a better teacher, or ruined the literary education these young students were once getting.
