Hickory Creek Middle School seventh graders strive to “Stay Gold”

During the first quarter of the school year, the seventh grade students at Hickory Creek Middle School participated in a “One Book-One Grade” study of the classic novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

This is a coming-of-age novel about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. It tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. At Hickory Creek, the novel served as the basis for exploring the ideas of inclusion vs. exclusion, what it takes to follow your instincts and how individuals relate to those who are different.

Seventh grader Madison Rogers stated, “I loved that the whole class read the novel because we were able to discuss ideas and common goals that we can all live by for the rest of our lives.”

The protagonist in the story is advised to “Stay gold”. This was based on the poem by Robert Frost, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” The definitive quote counsels the character, and the reader, to be true to himself and maintain the aspects of him that are his “gold” or uniqueness.

The district and middle school administration, staff, and parent support organizations are committed to assisting students in continuing to make positive social and emotional connections as an integral part of their curricular studies.

To reinforce the message of the book, the school district’s Family School Partnership (FSP) organization purchased T-shirts for each seventh grader emblazoned with the message, “STAY GOLD!” These shirts are a visual reminder that each student is a valued member of our community.

The seventh grade class was recognized for participating in the “One Book-One Grade” novel study at the first quarter assembly on November 3. Student Madison Rogers spoke on behalf of the class stating, “Staying gold means never becoming limited. Stay true to who you are, not who you are being labeled to be, but true to yourself.”

Photo by Ryan Talaga