The standard one time talent show performance does not cut it. Neither does the one­-time creative writing assignment in English. An original video shared to a mere number of friends, or the once a year art exposition at the library: does not suffice the expression of passion.

Students at NKHS can be seen scrolling through feeds on social media. Whether it may be cover songs, newly released video announcements, or page advertisements, this content appears to encompass a significant portion of what is seen online today. They all spread a similar message: no more “one time thing,” but create, release, and embrace your “calling.”

About a year ago, seniors Greg Zola and James Wilson pondered the idea of starting a collective group of artists who specialized in different musical voices and styles. Zola and Wilson along with seniors Joyce Omaiye, Matthew Vergun, Amalia Attias, Caterina Maina, Chris Squillante, Isaiah Ferrara, junior Connor Kennedy, and sophomore Griffin Keefe make up the music group known as “The Mellow Sponge.”

The difference between this up­incoming group and the array of artists out there is simply in the size and diversity of this “art group.” Together, the combination of alternative­hip hop, psychedelic, pop soul, indie folk, and hard rock-­metal-­blues musical stylings makes beautiful art. This variety has contributed to their online success and promotion by peers.

Keefe said, “I wanted to be a part of something where I can share the music I truly love making.” The Mellow Sponge Music Group can be found on Facebook, where they announce newly released albums and covers from their Soundcloud account. They also post other information about the group.

The evident goal of these talented artists is to not only play music, but spend time with friends as high school draws to a close. And as Zola said, “[We’ll] hopefully get famous off of it.”

Students also reach out to the online community sharing their lifestyles with others, for impact and relation. Senior Michaela Sullivan has contributed to The Coalition Against Pediatric Pain online “#talkingback” blog, providing perspectives of kids and teens living with chronic conditions. She openly discusses her battles with both Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) affecting her collagen and joints, as well as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) affecting her heart rate and blood pressure. When presented with the opportunity to blog for this organization, Sullivan said, “I jumped on it.”

She leaves a lasting message on her readers, advocating respect and perspective on those with invisible illnesses. “Even if one kid in my situation read it, they’d get that much needed assurance that they’re not alone,” said Sullivan.

Students also tackle the internet through YouTube. Seniors Travis Hunter, Zavier Lineberger, Nick and Lucas Malley, Nick Richard, and Samuel Jager make up the comical YouTube group, NKBANGERS. The channel ranges from interview skits to music videos to even small films. “We were bored and had a camera so we just went at it and let the creativity flow,” said Hunter.

Production of videos started as early as seventh grade, but became completed short videos freshmen year. “We film pretty much every weekend together and we travel a lot to scenic places to film,” said Loberti. Junior year then became a significant time to create and release longer­length projects such as “WALL-­EIY,” and the “Jamestown Documentary film.”

NKHS alumni Hailey Cassidy and Laura Creese even hosted a film festival for their senior project last year, in which the NKBANGERS works of “Zavier L.’s Day Off” and “Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk,” were huge hits with the audience. NKBANGERS continues to produce countless videos, and their subscribers and Facebook followers can’t help but laugh at the ludicrous genius that takes place.

Looking towards the future Jager said, “most of us will be separated because of college…although we hope to continue making videos, it will be more challenging and so our future plans remain unknown.” Even if this is the case, sometimes you just can’t “cry over spilled milk” but “put on your Sunday clothes” and “don’t let go.”

Continuing with the theme of “don’t let go” the same is for senior Leigh Ann Rodgers. “There hasn’t been a time where I remember not having a camera in my hand,” said Rodgers. Throughout her years of traveling with family, photography naturally came along.

Rodger’s work ranges from landscapes and wildlife, capturing subjects many people are afraid of, such as wolves, and experimental photography with smoke or steel wool. Steel wool photography is a long exposure shot in which the steel wool is put into a stainless steel whisk, tied to steel wire, and spun in a dark location. “My favorite place to do this is Taylor Point in Jamestown because you get the bridge in the background and it’s also perfect for stars, observing the Milky Way,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers hopes her photography will take her all over the world while working for National Geographic and experiencing different cultures of people. Photography is her one true passion that will never fail to inspire her.

So whether through music, writing, comedy, or photography, NK students have and will continue to make an impact online. Supportive friends and peers signify success through positive feedback and recognition. For this reason, they acknowledge that the expression of passion is always worth it.