This is a Movement: Owning Our Stories, Writing Our Endings

Facing past trauma takes courage. By choosing to write, we at Scriber Lake High School are owning our stories--struggles with mental illness, addiction, and abuse both physical and mental--while granting others courage to do the same. Instead of allowing the past to define who we are, we are determining our own futures and providing hope for others struggling to do the same. These are our stories for the Movement. What's yours?

About the Author :
Marjie Bowker has been teaching English and History somewhere in the world for the past twenty years: China, Norway, and Vietnam, in addition to her regular spot at Scriber. She is a co-founder of the Scriber Lake Writing Program and is the author of creating a Success Culture: Transforming Our Schools One Question at a Time and two curriculum guides: They Absolutely Want to Write: Teaching the Heart and Should of Narrative Writing and Hippie Boy Teaching Guide: Transforming Lives through Personal Storytelling. Shalyn Ensz is a former Scriber student who learned how to use an Oxford comma before she learned to walk. Since joining the writing program she has been Student of the Month, Edmonds Daybreaker's Hidden Winner, Lynnwood Rotary's Youth Challenge Award nominee and winner, among other academic acknowledgments. Before and after her early graduation, she has participated in and led dozens of speaking events beyond the Edmonds community and has been recognized by multiple newspapers and magazines for her work in both this year's and last year's book. She hopes to become a fiction novelist as well as follow Marjie's footsteps teaching English in Norway. David Zwaschka has taught English over the last 25 years in Alaska, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Washington, with moments of administration between. His three years at Scriber have been a revelation; he has enjoyed his work with the school's terrific students and dedicated staff. Dave enjoys running, reading, hiking in the North Cascades, and not having any pets. He and his wife, Claire, have two daughters.

Review :
"These stories of young people conquering obstacles are as tragic as they are hopeful and awe-inspiring; the wisdom contained here is proof we are never too old to learn from the young." --Sergeant Aaron Greenmun, Edmonds Police Department "We all have dark moments; it's how we pull ourselves out of darkness that truly defines our strength. These stories are must-reads for all members of our community." --Mayor Nicola Smith, City of Lynnwood "Illuminating the myriad of social and emotional issues affecting a generation of young adults, these authors take us on an incredible journey...showing us the rawness of humanity as well as the resiliency of the human spirit." --Ksenia Koon, Program Manager on assignment for the CTVD at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation One cannot help being moved by the creative, thought provoking and emotional writing of these young minds. I heartily recommend this as a read to help understand the dynamics of our youth. --Mayor Dave Earling, City of Edmonds The amazing power of the written word is so clear in these stories. The reader's heart is opened to the struggles students have encountered, and the authors are empowered by the courage it takes to write and share their stories with others. --Mary Kay Sneeringer, Edmonds Bookshop By engaging in personal healing and giving voice to their trials, these students are reaching out to those who are quietly struggling to tell them they are no longer alone. --Ian D. Cotton, Lynnwood City Council These stories truly amplify the voices and heroism of Scriber Lake's incredible students. Year after year they are given the opportunity to become the storytellers, role models, and advocates they were meant to be. --Natalie Walker, Executive Director, Rain City Rock Camp for Girls