Old Trail School Community Poem

responses

I am from...

I am from the beginning of OTS. My grandfather, Dr. William Alva Parks was a co founder in 1920 of OTS. Thereafter, my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins experienced the wonders of OTS. My son, Thomas Hudson Eaton III, ‘92 full filled the family legacy and now is passing this on to his daughter, Anna Elizabeth Eaton, first grade. My pride is overwhelming at seeing the growth and commitment of my family to this fine beacon of education. My husband and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this ongoing legacy. Thomas Hudson Eaton, Jr and Dixie Parks Eaton

Dixie Parks Eaton, mother of alumnus, grandmother of current student, granddaughter of cofounder
Akron, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the Old Trail Library. Full of books and quiet kids reading. I love to read and that is why I love the Old Trail Library.

Samantha Spatz Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the HMAC gym. I am a ball that loves being kicked into goals by kids. The feeling of the net catching me in mid air. In my world, everyone's a winner!

Sam McGowan Grade Three

Together...

Together we are like a big weaving, every one of us is a thread. Each one is unique and special like our personalities and opinions. No matter what each thread is, it will be beautiful in it’s own way.

Rebecca Lin Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the Old Trail stage. The smell of the dusty wood and the taste of the humid air coming in and out of my mouth. The feel of the cold bleachers and the sound of the parents, teachers, and children whispering before the performance. I see the props, kids practicing, and feel the nerves building up.

Penelope Vrobel Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the fort where everyone is equal. Where you can smell pine trees wherever you go. Where you can feel the bark from the trees. Where you can taste the fresh air, and where there are tall trees everywhere you look.

Nick Ross Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the beautiful woods of the Cuyahoga Valley where it smells like a grassland. It feels like bark and sounds like the breeze in your ear. It tastes like fresh grass and I see a lot of trees.

Jude Weigand Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the Old Trail woods. When I walk into the woods, I smell the scent of fresh pine trees. I see forts getting added onto every second that passes. And I hear birds chirping while working on my fort. While gathering sticks, my hand scrapes across rough bark. And when I open my mouth I taste fresh air.

Jayden Li Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the nestled wood of the Cuyahoga. With the nice smell of pine and sound of birds chirping. The taste of a cool breeze in the air and the sight of squirrels playing in the trees.

Holden Tatlow Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the Old Trail swimming pool. I smell chlorine and touch freezing water. I see water and people swimming around. The sound of splashing water, and of people having fun.

Caroline Ferguson Grade Three

I am from...

The Old Trail School playground that fills my mind with happiness. It’s a place where we play basketball and football. We hear happy laughter and see smiles everywhere. It's the most wonderful school in the world. We have fun all day with our amazing teachers.

Carson Worley Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the HMAC Gym at Old Trail. I hear kids running after dodge balls. I see kids having fun and playing. I smell sweat coming kids ' faces. I feel balls hitting me When we were playing a game.

Brody McMillen Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the Intermediate School playground. Where it smells like fresh air. Where it feels like cement and mushy grass. Where there are so many playful and screaming children. Where we play so much we get a dry mouth. Where when we come outside we see basketball hoops.

Arjun Soni Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the playground of OTS. I taste the cool air that came from yesterday's rain. I feel the cold monkey bars that I cling to. I smell the fresh tree scent. I hear the kids laughing and shouting. I can see the big green leaves on the trees rusting in the wind.

Amelia Gradisar Grade Three

I am from...

I am from the Old Trail library. It smells of dry paper. The only sound I hear is the voice in my head, reading word by word. I like the feeling of the smooth pages of each book. I see books and beautiful colors on each book cover.

Alyssa Bowman Grade Three

I am from...

I am from Kindergarten and Early Childhood. I am from Messy Monet and warm days at summer camp. I am from Girl Scout Daisy Troop and weekend birthday parties. I am from a circle of friends and teachers who affirm my roots of Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall. I am a Black Life that Matters.

Eleanor Kaus Class of 2028
Akron, Ohio

Together...

Together friendships formed during our high school experiences have lasted over seventy years! The few of us left remember Old Trail fondly as the place we began to grow into responsible adults.

Susan Thomas Ryan Class of 1949
Roanoke Virginia

Together...

We learn, we live, we thrive, we love, we grow, we celebrate, we support, we remember, we cherish.

The Shaklee Family
Richfield

My Voice...

My voice is an everlasting flame that glows... Brighter each and everyday... I laugh with family and friends... I play my flute with enthusiasm to learn... My voice is unique like all of the numerous... voices at Old Trail School... To grow... As a pupil... As a person... As a seed sprouts... Planted in our beloved national park... Reaching its branches to the sky... Opens its leaves towards the bright sun... Each seed sprouts into a beautiful tree

Caroline Gordon Class of 2020
Akron, Ohio

My Voice...

Quiet I was, but with a smile on my face, became editor of Old Trail's newspaper-- A monthly race Down the long halls I would caper, asking for news for Old Trail's paper. Queried lots of students and teachers taking down news and writing features. And whoosh! Alice was no longer that quiet girl. She'd gotten involved in a monthly whirl. Thanks to many teachers and much experiences at Old Trail. In writing English, I would never fail. Hail to Old Trail!

Alice Witzeman Edwards Class of 1952
Ottawa Hills, Ohio

I am from...

I am from Grandparent's/Special Person's Day, viewing the wonderment of our children to learn. Here I see staff with hands molding like clay, part of what students one day become, both in the world and as human beings.

Don and Jean Dean Grandparents of Evan Dean
Youngstown, Ohio

I am from...

I am from Mrs. T's 5th grade softball games, Skeeter-dog and "skeeterbuggy" car, and the World Series instead of social studies, and "Trading Day" for comic books, playing jacks on the window box, and being one of Blackbeard's dead wives in a French play.

Kim Pierce Gillenwater Class of 1961
Akron, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the sledding hills, warm furry hats, and cold plastic sleds, where many laughs and screams are heard from everyone.

Nola Marshall Class of 2021
Tallmadge, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the fallen branches in the woods delicately arranged into majestic sculpture, creating a massive work of art by Mr. App. (Tim App was an amazing art teacher at OTS, circa 1974).

Bill Henry Class of 1978
Richfield, Ohio

Together...

Together we have shared with you: colorful art in the halls, rhythmic music of The Lion King, favorite poems read aloud, and green shirts and grass on the soccer field. We are your grandparents.

Marcia Crider Grandmother of Megan and Jared
Cleveland, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the very ending of World War 2, from the Old Trail gym that was called a "quonset hut", from something new called a "supermarket" and something magical called "TV".

Frederica Winter Class of 1949
Akron, ohio

Together...

Together we play in the school Together we talk and we write Together we do school.

Caleb and Brielle

Together...

Together we make memories, We play fun games, And read many books. Together can have fun And meet new friends. Together we can do anything.

Reid and Penelope

Together...

Together we love to draw with chalk and markers. Together we love to read books with adventures. Going outside together is something we love to do. We enjoy chasing each other together. And you can never forget we love riding bikes together!

Lela, Tatum, and Khloe

Together...

Together… We are filled with nature. At recess, we are climbing the rock wall and seeing our friends. Together we are fun.

Bridget and Sophi

Together...

Together… We like building with buddies. We like spending time with buddies. We like reading with buddies. We like being together with buddies.

Madeline, Tory, and Will

Together...

Together we play Together on a sunny day We play with dogs Together we laugh and have fun Together we run on a breezy day

Emily and Olivia

Together...

Together, we play tag and hide n’ seek on the playground, Together, we examine the birds and grass through the OTS windows, Together, we sniff the air as we head to lunch, searching for the delicious aroma of pepperoni, Together, we draw and make crafts as we talk and laugh, Together, we listen to our music teachers singing, Together, we are OTS.

Skye and Max

Together...

Together we play on the playground. We play all day and then go inside. We have fun in the sun.

Violet and Michael

Together...

Together we make Old Trail fun Together we love Old Trail Together we learn from each other Together we are the OldTrail community.

Ryan, Patrick, and Piper

Together...

Together we... Explore the vast nature around us Have fun times with our friends Look up at the beautiful, vast sky.

Taylor and Cristiano

Together...

Together we are like a gym. We jump and play together.

Amira and Matthew

I am from...

I am from deep valleys on foggy mornings From snowy woods and stick forts From the bus, and late to it From cubbys to locker-lined halls From my school, my home, my OTS

Keith Hancock

Together...

Together we laugh and play, together we learn and lunch, together me and my friends go to the playground. Together we zoom to second grade.

Chloe Beard
Richfield

Together...

Together we have lots of fun at recess. Together we do lots of math. Together we read. Together we love Old Trail. Together talk at lunch. Together we do gym, Spanish, science, music, library, cooking, swimming, hiking, pals and art. Together we are happy in our happy school!

Evan Houser First Grade
Kent, Ohio

Together...

Together we lunch and play. Together we learn and play. Together we draw and play. Together we read and play. Together we swim and play. Together we write and play. Together we zoom to second grade.

Chloe Beard

I am from...

I am from Old Trail School. I am from recesses and reading. I am from math and music. I am from science, swimming and Spanish. I am from gym and jump ropes. I am from the best school ever! I am from Old trail School!

Defne Tulay
Medina, Ohio

I am from...

I am from making clay bird sculptures with the friends in my classroom. I am from teachers and students at Tuesday assemblies. I am from sledding with buddies after a lunch of spaghetti.

Malcolm Savage
Brecksville, Ohio

Together...

Together we are strong. Together we make our own world. Together we are more. Together we are Old Trail School.

Jake Lundy

Together...

Together we can build a world of our own at Old Trail School. From art to gym to music to swimming in the pool. Together the students and teacher really cool.

Isla Peck
Akron, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the happy walks through the halls and the energetic feeling in gym class. I am from the taste of yummy desserts in the cafeteria. I am from wild screams and laughs at recess. I am from the good feels whenever I step into room 106. I am from Old Trail.

Noah Price Frist Grade
Bath, Ohio

I am from...

I am from a place down in the valley where the green grass grows. There stands a school that is 100 years old with buffalo as a mascot watching over us all as we walk in the halls at Old Trail School.

Mia Fowler
Fairlawn, Ohio

I am from...

I am from the frosty hilltops that are a sign of a chilly morning. I am from the colorful student paintings displayed in the halls. I am from the cafeteria that is packed with delectable smells before lunch is served. I am from the sounds of children laughing and playing during recess. I am from the precise touch that is used to make clay teapots. I am from Bath Township. I am from Ira Road. I am from Old Trail School.

Rojauhn Pakdel Class of 2020
Akron, Ohio

Together...

Together, we are the class of 2020 who have made many memories together. Each year bonding and creating new friendships and memories. Memories that will always be with me forever. Together as a class we have accomplished incredible goals. Together we are the Class of 2020

Robbie Lemma
Hinckley, Ohio

I am from...

I like to swing on the swings on the playground I like to play at the blocks with my friends I like to nap with my blanket at rest time And I like to be at Old Trail School

Will McGrath Young Fives

My Voice...

My voice is on the slide and the cherry tree outside My voice is skipping and laughing on the ukulele and violin My voice is jumping and playing on the big hill My voice is climbing and dancing at Spring Fling and the 100th Day of School My voice is smiling in the garden with the watermelons and flowers My voice is hiking to Howe Meadow and Indigo Lake My voice is like a trumpet at the Halloween Parade My voice is thinking during the author celebrations My voice is looking forward to learning the cello, the recorder, and the violin like the big kids My voice is having fun with books and blocks My voice is running through the fields and the trees My voice is Old Trail green and white

Young 5s Students (Olivia Ashworth, Cristiano Incorvaia, Max Jakovich, Khloe Kasparek, Brielle Keller, Penelope Khounborin, Michael McCombs, Will McGrath,Sophie McMillen, Matthew Miklos, Piper Price, Tatum Rosenberg)

I am from...

I am from the middle school trips, from the top of a skyscraper in Chicago to the cancelled trip to D.C I am from the Buffalo Mascot, and the trips to the farm I am from first grade buddies in fourth grade and preschool buddies in eighth grade I am from a place where I have made so many memories I am from a place where I have so many good friends I am from a place that has so many good teachers I am from a place where I have learned so much I am from a place that cares about the environment I am proud to say I am from Old Trail School

Sam Lanier class of 2020
Kent, OH

Together...

Together, our school has remained a family, growing larger every year. We have climbed over challenges and skated through easier times, but our family never fractured. Students leave Old Trail at the end of their eighth grade year, but they never leave the close family we have built over these past 100 years. Together, we are strong, we are brave, we are powerful. Together, we are Old Trail School.

Peter McGinnes Class of 2020
Pepper Pike, Ohio, USA

My Voice...

My voice at Old Trail is always heard That’s why my poem is about 100 years old / 100 years ago, OTS started in Akron, Ohio When a group of parents were focusing on a different individual learning style / 100 years ago, important things started to nourish And the OTS faculty started to flourish / 100 years ago, BAND-AID was invented in the form of patches And the OTS kids started to have something to protect their scratches / 100 years ago, RUBBERMAID was founded in Wooster, Ohio, and that was good. The OTS kids were pleased to have new pots for their food. / 100 years ago, new rules were being created and animal rights were already being taught And today the OTS kids can have a Buffalo as a mascot. / 100 years ago, the world was different and everyone was struggling, But for the OTS kids everything was about studying, writing, learning. / 100 years ago, the world was recovering from the First World War madness. And today OTS is all about Respect, Responsibility, Service and Goodness. / 100 years ago, the OTS was founded near the center of the city. And today is the only school inside of a National Park. How pretty! / 100 years ago, it was founded The Old Trail School. And that was so cool! My voice at Old Trail continues to be heard after spending 4 great years in there. And I am happy there is still many more years of learning that I can't spare!

Felipe Moreira - 1st Grade - Class of 2027
Copley, OH

I am from...

I am from a far away country where birds sing all day long. When I joined Old Trail it immediately made me feel that I’m in a place that I belong. I am from a culture of friendship and family. When I joined Old Trail it showed me the same kindness naturally I am from a country where friends stay connected forever. When I joined Old Trail it showed me how the faculty is wonderful and clever. I am from a culture where hugging and kissing friends are the norm. And at Old Trail I found friends that are caring and warm.

Felipe Moreira - 1st Grade - Class of 2027
From Brazil to Copley, OH

I am from...

Room 103. Room 103 makes me feel happy. I love to play and laugh with my friends. I can’t wait until I can see all my friends again!

Ben Grabenstetter ECP
Akron

I am from...

I am from Room 103. Its such a fun place to be. I had fun with friends at the blocks. And I enjoyed all of our talks. I liked playing there and how we would share.

Bradyn Betz ECP
Hudson, OH

I am from...

I am from square dancing with young pioneers at Hale Farm and feasting at heritage potluck dinners, keeping the beat, digging in, savoring... I am from craft fair and bake sales, my purse heavy with quarters, collecting nifty magnets, jewelry, and Rice Krispie squares... I am from the sidelines of track meets and lacrosse games, concerts and plays, clap-outs, walkathons and Halloween parades, cheering and applauding... I am from Spring Fling, carrying heavy tubs of water balloons, witnessing splashes of water and splashes of laughter... I am from drop-offs and pick-ups, the curves of Ira Road, misty mornings and sunny afternoons, Friday evenings with adolescents sweaty from dances and dodgeball, predawn Sundays with luggage and excitement for middle school adventures... I am from two graduations, holding tissues, wishing I could hold back time, yet knowing that Old Trail is a home where my family will always belong.

Larissa Kosmos, Mother of Alex '20 and Sofia '17 Zunt
Broadview Heights

Together...

Together...we are at our morning meeting. We are happy together being with our teachers and friends.

Anthony Alexander, ECP

Together...

Together our voices at Old Trail loud, funny, and silly

Elle Parker

My Voice...

Toys, Nature, and Friends

Elle Parker

I am from...

Ohio

Elle Parker

My Voice...

My voice can be loud like a giant whale, but can also be quiet like a mouse.

Sam McGowan
Medina, OH

Together...

Together we play in the blocks. We make towers, race tracks, and train tracks! And we build ANYTHING!

John McGowan
Medina, OH

I am from...

I am from cafeteria, filling my belly with mac & cheese, meatball subs, and so many more favorites!

Lucy McGowan
Medina, OH

Together...

Together we laugh, Together we run, Together we go to Old Trail and have fun, Together we do GoNoodle, Together we smile.

Harrison Archer

I am from...

I am from the river valley, With railroad tracks aline, The train whistles blow, As the wind loudly whines, Around the school, Walls of brick, With massive doors, Around the halls, Children chatter, Their voices, Chirp like birds.

Willakenzie Archer

Together...

Together we fight...We are friends..We protect each other..And we won't wait till the end..We listen to each other and forgive again..All we know is we won't lie ever again.

Oliver Hadrys

My Voice...

My voice is more powerful than wind, My whisper is louder than ever, My talking voice is majestic and it will always be forever

Oliver Hadrys

I am from...

We whisper at the science trip, And listening to the water drip, We dip our straws in our water, And saw a mother with her daughter, And saw dead animals that were slaughtered, And then drank more water.

Oliver Hadrys

Together...

Together we are a family….. We are strong like the whistling winds in the air….Together we are the beautiful sounds of the symphony orchestra waiting to be heard….. We are the chirping birds flying in the crisp air…..Together we are the laughter that is always filling the air…..Together we never ever bail…..Together we are Old Trail.

Hannah Walter

My Voice...

My voice is loud for all to be heard, when we sing some beautiful words. My voice is quiet with teachers teaching, waiting for us to learn. My voice is strong for friends to hear, I always love when they are near.

Hannah Walter

I am from...

I am from the cold snowy days in January of our woods, huddled around, people reading, snow on the ground, freezing as can be, with lots of trees looking as frozen as can be. I am from the big trees of our trip to CVEEC, the warming campfire with all huddled around, were all together no one else is around, we hike and hike until it is night, then get up when it's bright, and see the beautiful sight. I am from the playground filled with laughter, leaves upon the ground, laughing, talking, screaming so many sounds, we all have fun, and when the day is done, are echoing voices will fill the sun.

Hannah Walter

Together...

Together we are stronger. Together we are braver. Together we are kinder. Together we are greater. Together we are better. Together we are higher. Together we are united.

Corinne Seink

I am from...

I am from a place where the hills are welcoming and the breeze is friendly. A place where people play and learn and have fun playing kickball and gaga ball, flying on the swings with friends in hand.

Corinne Seink

Together...

We are… The doors that say Welcome! This beautiful day We are.. The torch that symbolizes Old Trail! To all of the faces. We are the voices that say: Hi! In every way We are the words that float around Saying: oh! And Ahh Waying… More than a pound! This beautiful day.

Luke Pizor

Together...

Together at OTS, we take turns playing on the swings and slides.

Katherine Dunn, ECP
Akron, OH

My Voice...

Our voice Represents the place of green The place of white The place of nothing mean The place of everything right His voice Represents the air around Swishing thoughts about The things that are found Not short, not stout Her voice Represents the blue Of the ocean of halls Leading the students through To the teacher’s calls Their voice Represents the doors Waiting to be opened Up to many more To a legacy without an end.

Luke Pizor

I am from...

I am from… The three way place The place where all begun The place where all embrace The beginning of learning fun. I am from… The rooms that tell Which is right and which is wrong The place of stories told well, The place where nothing’s too short or long I am from… The halls where order is spoken Where investigation is had The halls where nothing is broken The halls where nothing is bad. I am from… The place that’s good Where nothing is bad The place where all could The place where none are mad.

Luke Pizor

My Voice...

My voice is strong and beautiful. My voice is heard by my friends and teachers. I listen to what others have to say as well

Katherine Dunn, ECP
Akron, OH

Together...

Together we kids rolling down grassy hills, having picnics in the grass. Together we are friends, sledding down icy and snowy hills.

Leah Petras

My Voice...

My voice is like a flower, coming out when it’s ready, and staying hidden when it’s not. My voice is like a star, surrounded by others. My voice is my voice, and it's not an echo.

Leah Petras

I am from...

I am from the colorful parachute that Mrs. Wilson hangs in her classroom, feeling cozy and friendly inside. I am from cold nights at ski club, falling and sliding down the hills late at night. I am from the noisy hallways of OTS. Where everyday begins and ends.

Leah Petras

Together...

Together we can fly on a swing/up and down, back and forth/but staying in the same spot/friendships never wavering. Together we can touch the clouds and beyond/reach the lowest valleys/without leaving that sunny spot/on the soft, green grass.

Kiran Murthy

I am from...

Akron, OH.

Katherine Dunn, ECP
Akron, OH

My Voice...

My voice is a song / fine by itself / but when blended with others / is as sweet maple syrup. My voice is the woods / sometimes quiet, sometimes loud / but with that same pull that seems to say / “Come in, come in.”

Kiran Murthy

I am from...

I am from the rain and shine of CVEEC / the cool nights and the peaceful woods / and the campfires crackling away. I am from the hushed laughter in the hall / the chatter on the playground / And the friendships better than any others.

Kiran Murthy

Together...

Together we are a school that's filled with more than 350 students learning from home watching and listening, waiting for their next break

Annie Markarian

My Voice...

My voice is quiet while listening to my teachers talk about subjects and filling my brain with knowledge. My voice talks to my friends at the car line and as I see my mom’s car come by I wave to my teachers.

Annie Markarian

I am from...

I’m from a computer screen looking at all of my classmates, watching them write one word at a time, waiting impatiently for the day to end as the clock ticks one second at a time.

Annie Markarian

Together...

Together at Old Trail School we have a lot of fun. Together we also have a great time with each other. Together we can play and do things with everyone. Together we care for each other.

Theodore Gilbane, ECP
Akron, Ohio

My Voice...

My voice is strong. I like talking to my friends in morning meeting and they like hearing me. My voice is happy every day. I use it to talk to everyone at Old Trail School

Theodore Gilbane, ECP
Akron, Ohio

I am from...

Old Trail School. I like playing with my friends in the blocks. And I also like playing in the kitchen. And I also like playing with Gigi in the kitchen. I like playing in the studio. I like Old Trail School and I miss my teachers.

Theodore Gilbane ECP
Akron, Ohio

I am from...

I am from room 103. I loved to play with blocks along with talks with my friends and teachers a lot.

Milan Haghnazari
Fairlawn, Ohio

I am from...

I am from Room 103. I like to play in the blocks and the kitchen.

Nicholas VanBuren

Together...

Together at OTS we like to play during the day. Together we eat lunch, we like it a bunch. Together we read and learn, we are becoming real book worms. Together we draw potatoes, sometimes we even draw tomatoes. Together we like to play blocks and have funny talks.

Graham Ferraro ECP Room 103
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Together...

Together we play in room 103 with trucks and blocks until it's time to go to the kitchen.

Jackson Tupta
Peninsula, OH

Together...

Together we are friends. Together we play outside. Together we are having fun.

Joseph Liptak

My Voice...

My voice can be quiet and shy like a mouse and Loud like an elephant.

Joseph Liptak

I am from...

I am from the elementary playground, from the swings, from the turning slide from the extra recess with Mrs. Wilson.

Joseph Liptak
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