Maria Burt

From the majestic Green Mountains to the peaceful, blue waters of Lake Champlain, beauty is everywhere you turn in Vermont. The four seasons accentuate the already magnificent landscape. Winter is when the snow arrives, blanketing the countryside and cities alike with a fresh coat of white. Spring breathes new life into the trees and vegetation. Summer is a great time to swim in one of Vermont’s many lakes and ponds, or just spend time outdoors. Fall paints the leaves with hues of red, orange, and yellow.

Discovering Lake Champlain

By Maria Burt
Fair Haven Union High School, Grade 9

Vermont’s history is full of discoveries. Throughout time, people have discovered slate, granite, marble, maple, arrowheads, fossils and, if we look back far enough, we even have evidence of the discovery of our largest body of water, Lake Champlain. The saying holds true, you can find anything if you just dig deep enough.
The best way to explain the discovery of Lake Champlain is to elucidate some things about the person who discovered it. After all, the lake is named after him. Do you know who I’m talking about? If you said Samuel De Champlain, you are absolutely correct.

This Isn't Supposed to Make you Cry

By Maria Burt
Castleton Village School, Grade 8

The kind of merriment my friends and I had was unthinkable. We laughed until we cried. I know we’re getting ready to go to off into the world and we’re just about ready for graduation, but I’ll never forget these last years. The secrets we shared, the laughs we laughed, the tears we cried, the things we saw, and the friendships that were made stronger.
Soon, we’ll go our separate ways. I don’t want this to come to an end, but it has to. We’ve never been closer, but it’s hard to think that I may never see some of my closest friends ever again. We’ll get through this year and hopefully stay in touch. Maybe we won’t be this close anymore, but we still have each other somewhere in our hearts.

How much could you take? I’ll do it. How much can you fake? I’ll prove it. How much can you take? How much will you take?
How much do you want? I’ll buy it. How much do you need? I’ll find it. How much do you want? How much can you take?
How much do you have? I’ll take ‘um. How much can you make? I’ll take it. How much do you have? How much can you take?
How much can you do? I’ll watch it. How much can you risk? I’ll save you. How much can you do? How much can you take?
How much can you take? I’ll do it. How much can you fake? I’ll prove it. How much could you take? How much will you take?
How long will you wait? I’ll hurry. How much can you love? I’ll love you. How much can you see? I’ll see you. How much can you take?
How much can you take?