Stand-up comedy has always been shocking and offensive. The taboo of jokes you wouldn’t be allowed to make is half the fun, and of course, this is fine. [...] Some comedians do take it too far, though, digging in their heels deeper and deeper, becoming more and more offensive for recognition and shock-laughs.  -- Declan McMahon, 9th grade

"Queer subtext as a supplement for real representation hides the validity, complexity, and beauty of LGBTQ+ stories. It implies that our stories aren’t as important or worthwhile to tell as those of heterosexual people, and that queer characters can’t be good role models for young children." --Gemma Jackson, Grade 9

"I like reading, and I read a whole lot. If I had to guess, I think I must have read at least 100 books over the course of 2021. And I still managed to greatly enjoy them, even if I finished most of them within a week."--Isaiah Kahn, 6th grade