Ms. Ruby Hollis
By Allison Law
“Prejudice is a disease” explained Ruby Hollis, a civil rights activist, who came to our school for a visit on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. She was just an ordinary African American woman who, like almost every other African American person, had to fight for her rights. She told us her story, rather than lecturing us about yet another civil rights icon. She grew up at the top of her class, always trying her hardest, eventually getting herself a full scholarship into college. There, she met other inspired and outraged African Americans who wanted to fight for their rights. They tried everything from peaceful boycotts and sit-ins to smuggling slaves out, risking their very own lives. She vividly described the segregation in Mississippi: separated movie seats, schools, bus sections, and even bathrooms and water fountains. One could not help but to feel touched by her story.
In truth, an actress came to our school to tell us the inspiring story of Ruby Hollis, representing the countless unheard-of lives during that period in America’s history. She may be a fictional character, but her experiences are real.
EMS Winter Showcase
By Allison
Wednesday, December 10, 2008, was the night of EMS’s Winter Band Concert. Both the 7th and 8th grade bands astonished the crowd as they showed their skills in 3 pieces each. The 7th grade band, lead by Mr. Conrad, preformed English Folk Trilogy, Celebrating Hanukkah, and Ancient Voices. They definitely set the standard for the rest of the night, as well as the rest of the year. Fortunately, the 8th grade band members did just as well. Conducted by Mrs. Baggs, they preformed Black Forest Overture, Cavata, and to wrap up the night, the holiday spirited, 12 Days of Christmas. These two bands are bound to live up to Roxbury’s title as one of the best bands in the country!
A week later, on December 17, the EMS choirs took the stage and blew the crowd away with their spectacular pieces. Three choirs sang-the 7th grade choir, honors choir, led by our new music teacher, Ms. Connors, and the 8th grade choir, led by Mr. Saliards. The 7th grade group preformed a number of selections including Masters In This Hall, Winter Wonderland, and Bashana. Creatively, they also used their skills to perform a poem to the audience that was full of enthusiasm and energy. The Honors Choir, a select group, did a spectacular job as well. They sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Coventry Carol, and The Sleigh. Lastly, to close the night, the 8th grade choir showed their talent thorough 4 songs: Joshua, Carol of the Bells, Sir Christemas Good Day, and Oh Say Shalom. Overall, this was a fun-filled night that all the students, administrators, and audience enjoyed.
Ms. Ruby Hollis
By Allison Law
“Prejudice is a disease” explained Ruby Hollis, a civil rights activist, who came to our school for a visit on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. She was just an ordinary African American woman who, like almost every other African American person, had to fight for her rights. She told us her story, rather than lecturing us about yet another civil rights icon. She grew up at the top of her class, always trying her hardest, eventually getting herself a full scholarship into college. There, she met other inspired and outraged African Americans who wanted to fight for their rights. They tried everything from peaceful boycotts and sit-ins to smuggling slaves out, risking their very own lives. She vividly described the segregation in Mississippi: separated movie seats, schools, bus sections, and even bathrooms and water fountains. One could not help but to feel touched by her story.
In truth, an actress came to our school to tell us the inspiring story of Ruby Hollis, representing the countless unheard-of lives during that period in America’s history. She may be a fictional character, but her experiences are real.
A week later, on December 17, the EMS choirs took the stage and blew the crowd away with their spectacular pieces. Three choirs sang-the 7th grade choir, honors choir, led by our new music teacher, Ms. Connors, and the 8th grade choir, led by Mr. Saliards. The 7th grade group preformed a number of selections including Masters In This Hall, Winter Wonderland, and Bashana. Creatively, they also used their skills to perform a poem to the audience that was full of enthusiasm and energy. The Honors Choir, a select group, did a spectacular job as well. They sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Coventry Carol, and The Sleigh. Lastly, to close the night, the 8th grade choir showed their talent thorough 4 songs: Joshua, Carol of the Bells, Sir Christemas Good Day, and Oh Say Shalom. Overall, this was a fun-filled night that all the students, administrators, and audience enjoyed.