As the AP Literature and Composition exam approaches, students in Dr. Schmalzle’s class have found a creative and meaningful way to prepare by bringing literature to life right outside their classroom. Students have been writing quotes from their favorite books along the sidewalks, transforming ordinary pavement into a vibrant celebration of storytelling.
This year, eighty-four students will be taking on the challenge of the AP Literature and Composition exam, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the test. In the days leading up to it, they have reflected on the works that have shaped their reading journeys. Some have chosen timeless lines from classics like The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men, while others have shared personal favorites from independent reading, including The Alchemist and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The result is more than just a study activity; it’s a moment of connection. Students bond over shared passages, discover new books through one another’s choices, and leave behind a temporary but powerful mark of their time together. Although the chalk drawings will soon fade with the next rainfall, the memories created in the classroom will last far longer. As these students head into their exam, they carry not only their knowledge of literature, but also the inspiration and camaraderie built along the way.
