Warnings at Waverly Academy Lore

CONTAINS SPOILERS

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RITA HALLOWELL

Rita Hallowell, born in 1831 in Baltimore, Maryland, was the youngest of four children and grew up in her family's general store. Despite her lack of formal education, she acquired basic skills through practical work. Her thirst for knowledge blossomed, and by the age of twelve, she was avidly devouring books and newspapers.

In 1846, during a family trip to New York City, Rita had a transformative experience. She witnessed a spirited debate between none other than Edgar Allan Poe and one of his critics. This encounter ignited her passion for literature. Despite her family's objections, Rita refused to return home, instead seeking her inheritance to attend New York University. Her father's refusal only fueled her determination, and she embarked on her own path to pursue her dreams independently.

After struggling financially for two years, Rita returned to Baltimore, where her parents compelled her to enroll in the nursing program at Washington College Hospital. Despite a challenging environment, Rita continued to educate herself in literature while juggling her nursing studies and duties.

In 1849, fate intertwined her life with Poe's once again, as the beloved writer was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. Rita likely spent every available moment by his bedside before his mysterious demise. Soon after, for reasons known only to her, Rita left Baltimore and never looked back. The exact cause of Poe's death remains a matter of speculation.

Rita embarked on a teaching career at various schools and became a founding faculty member of Waverly Academy. Founded shortly after the Civil War by four influential women—Harriet Ramsey, Rita Hallowell, Mabel Whittier, and Esther Abbott—the institution aimed to provide exceptional education for young girls. In 1866, they welcomed their first class of 14 students, and Rita taught literature there for six years. Despite her vibrant presence in the classroom, Rita was reclusive outside of teaching, leading to rumors about a mysterious past.

Tragically, Rita's life was cut short at the age of 41, and speculations emerged that her death might have been the result of a cruel prank by a student who disapproved of her eccentric behavior. Adding to the intrigue, her cherished cat, Usher, disappeared on the day of her funeral only to reappear whenever strange events occurred at the school. Rita Hallowell thus became Waverly Academy's most controversial and enigmatic founder, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate the imagination.

EDGAR ALLAN POE

Edgar Allan Poe, despite being known for various literary achievements such as inventing the detective story and pioneering science fiction, remains most famous for his terrifying Gothic tales. Poe was a savvy businessman who recognized the value of sensational stories to boost subscriptions and profits for the publications he worked for. He had access to stories of grave-robbing, murder, and premature burials and knew how to exploit the macabre's appeal to captivate readers. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored happy endings, Poe delved into the darker aspects of the human psyche, crafting dramatic and emotionally charged situations that often culminated in horrifying conclusions, earning him a devoted following.

In the 1840s, Gothic literature was already popular, but Poe set his stories in disturbingly familiar settings, using a first-person perspective that lent credibility and made readers feel that the dreadful events could happen to anyone. He believed that a good short story should elicit an emotional response, whether positive or negative, and his tales certainly achieved that.

Poe's own death in 1849 mirrored the eerie and mysterious elements found in his stories. He was discovered delirious in the street and taken to Washington College Hospital in Baltimore, a place rumored to be involved in body snatching and kidnappings for medical research. Despite the efforts of Dr. John Moran and devoted nurse Rita Hallowell, Poe passed away four days later, and the exact cause of his death remains uncertain, adding to the enigmatic aura surrounding his life and work.

Adding to the intrigue, a key was discovered in Poe's pocket, believed to unlock his traveling trunk containing his final works. Literary critic Rufus Wilmot Griswold, one of Poe's enemies, claimed to be his literary executor and sought access to the trunk, possibly to suppress Poe's posthumous fame. However, when the trunk was found weeks later, it contained nothing of value.

Rita Hallowell hid Poe's final manuscript, disclosed to her on his deathbed, to prevent Griswold from getting his hands on it, although details remain uncertain.

MEL CORBALIS

Mel Corbalis, hailing from Greenwich, Connecticut, attends Waverly Academy for Girls in New York as a high school senior with a strong aspiration to major in Art.

Mel comes from a long line of Waverly graduates, making her a legacy student. This tradition dates back to her great-great-great grandmother, who was among the inaugural class of Waverly graduates.

At the age of ten, Mel independently learned to play the cello. She frequently practices her cello skills, sometimes even continuing to play until the dormitory lights are turned off. Demonstrating her commitment to her musical journey, Mel recently borrowed a book on music theory from the library, signaling a desire to deepen her musical knowledge. Her frequent engagement with music hints at a sensitive and artistic side, suggesting that music serves as a means of emotional expression for her.

Mel is renowned for her individualistic style. She sports black hair adorned with striking pink highlights, a pierced nose, and goth-inspired makeup. Her hair is accented with gothic-style barrettes. Annabel's non-conformist demeanor is evident, as she shows little inclination to conform to societal norms.

Mel is friends with Corine Myers, who describes Mel as unique and somewhat aloof but still values her friendship. Mel also used to be friends with Leela Yadav, although they've grown apart over time.

Mel is a member of a secret club called the Blackwood Society, which involves wearing cloaks, participating in secretive rituals, and maintaining a strong sense of secrecy and anonymity among its members. Mel values her membership in this society because it represents a tradition that is more than a century old and appeals to her attraction to the unknown and uniqueness.

Mel is accused of plagiarism by her art history teacher, Mrs. Arlington. Mrs. Arlington matched Mel's paper with something on a website called "Paper Trail," which is used by teachers to compare students' papers with those available on the internet to detect plagiarism. Annabel vehemently denies the accusation and seeks help to prove her innocence, stating that she has never cheated on a test or turned in a paper that someone else wrote.

LEELA YADAV

Leela Yadav, originally from Newport, Rhode Island, is currently a high school senior enrolled at Waverly Academy for Girls in New York. Her academic pursuits reflect a strong passion for science, as she aspires to major in Biology.

Leela is a true athletic standout, who has achieved state championships in both soccer and basketball, showcasing her exceptional sports skills. Leela's competitiveness isn't confined to the sports arena alone; she's equally driven academically, even aiming to become her class's valedictorian. She meticulously maintains a high GPA to secure her athletic scholarship and remains unwavering in her pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity like a recent wrist injury. Additionally, Leela had to resort to borrowing an old menu from the school's display case for a nutrition paper she was working on, showcasing her resourcefulness in the pursuit of her academic goals.

Leela's competitive spirit extends beyond sports and academics. She's actively involved in the school community, often engaging in games and competitions with her peers. You can often find her in the rec room, challenging others to games like Air Hockey and darts. She is defined by her confidence and assertiveness.

However, her personal life is currently marred by a complex relationship situation. Leela was in a relationship with Jacob Pryce, a student at the nearby boys' school, Oxborough. Their breakup was tumultuous, as Jacob began dating Leela's roommate, Izzy, while still involved with Leela. This has caused a significant conflict, leaving Leela deeply upset and plotting a strategic way to retaliate. She even suspects that Jacob framed Mel for plagiarism at Izzy's behest.

Interestingly, Leela and Mel used to be best friends during grade school, but their friendship waned as Mel developed interests that differed from the mainstream.

IZZY ROMERO

Izzy Romero, a native New Yorker, is a high school senior at Waverly Academy for Girls. She has ambitious dreams of attending Harvard and majoring in Psychology.

Academically, Izzy stands out as a high-achieving student. She is not only a valedictorian candidate but also holds the esteemed position of student body president. Her dedication and drive are evident as she aims to excel both in her studies and in her leadership role. Possessing intelligence and popularity, she exudes confidence and assertiveness. She is friendly and accommodating when it suits her interests.

With her strategic mindset, Izzy is resolute in her pursuit of valedictorian honors. She believes she deserves to be valedictorian and is determined to achieve it, not just through grades but also by actively participating in extracurricular activities and displaying leadership qualities.

Aware of her popularity, Izzy meticulously maintains a public image, focusing on her appearance and visibility. This popularity, however, is a double-edged sword, garnering admiration from some and fostering negative opinions in others. Her reputation is polarized, with some viewing her as smart, pretty, and deserving of her status, while others perceive her as fake, vacuous, and spiteful. Adding to the complexity of her social dynamics, she has been involved in romantic entanglements with several of her classmates' boyfriends, causing rifts and animosity among her peers.

Furthermore, Izzy is the leader of the Blackwood Society, a secret group at the school that convenes clandestinely in the dead of night for their ritualistic chants. This unconventional "club" diverges from Izzy's usual interests, yet she upholds the society's integrity out of respect for its longstanding tradition.

However, beneath her confident exterior, Izzy reveals vulnerabilities. Anxieties concerning her reputation come to the forefront when a manipulated photograph featuring her and Corine circulates, coupled with the unsettling disappearance of her term paper.

Regarding the enigmatic "Black Cat" mystery, Izzy believes Mel is the perpetrator behind the notes and swiftly places blame based on her suspicions.

MEGAN VARGAS

Megan Vargas's childhood was spent in Concord, New Hampshire. Currently, she is a high school senior at Waverly Academy for Girls in New York, with aspirations of pursuing a major in History.

Approximately 10 days prior, an anonymous individual slid a note beneath Megan's door. The note contained only the following message: “The Black Cat wants you to start packing,” accompanied by a paw print with scratch marks. Roughly a week later, Megan received a second note with the message, "Time’s up."

Following this, while having dinner at school, Megan found herself struggling to breathe. When she attempted to stand up, she became so disoriented that she toppled over. Consequently, she was swiftly transported to the hospital, and upon arrival, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was turning blue, and her blood pressure had plummeted. It turned out that she had experienced an episode of anaphylactic shock due to her severe tree nut allergies.

Fortunately, the medical team administered a dose of epinephrine, and by morning, Megan's condition had stabilized. This ordeal deeply upset her parents, who promptly took her back home with them. They have yet to determine when Megan will be allowed to return to school. They have been discussing the possibility of legal action against the school for what transpired.

Megan suspects that the "Black Cat" is responsible for tampering with her food. She suspects Izzy Romero of being the culprit due to her spiteful nature. Megan dislikes her roommate Mel for being too unconventional at their traditional school and wishes she could room with Leela.

Ultimately, Megan's parents dropped the lawsuit against the school, and Megan returned after recovering from her allergies. She achieved outstanding academic success and received the O'Brien Merit Award in recognition of her commitment to learning.

CORINE MYERS

Corine Myers, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, now attends Waverly Academy for Girls in New York as a diligent high school senior. Her strong passion for literature is evident as she intends to pursue a major in English. At the school, she serves as the on-call library assistant, showcasing her commitment to academics.

Corine is known for her dedication and seriousness when it comes to her studies. She earned the prestigious "Pen to Paper Award" for her outstanding essay on Edgar Allan Poe, receiving high accolades from the faculty. Corine expresses her confidence in being the most viable candidate for valedictorian, reflecting her competitiveness and strong academic aspirations.

Despite her impressive scholarly abilities, Corine is not very popular among her peers, with some considering her a social outcast. She occasionally has moments of self-doubt and insecurity, appearing socially awkward and uneasy.

In an unfortunate incident, Corine's former roommate, Danielle Hayes, experienced a distressing ordeal when she became locked in a completely dark closet overnight. Given her claustrophobia, Danielle was deeply affected, rendering her nearly speechless when they eventually discovered her the following morning. Regrettably, this traumatic experience led Danielle to withdraw from the school.

Corine's profound and meticulous fascination with the works of Edgar Allan Poe led her to discover that a hidden manuscript by Poe was concealed by Rita Hallowell within Ramsey Hall. To conduct her search for this manuscript without obstruction, Corine recognized the need for the building's occupants to vacate during midterm break, leaving their rooms unattended. To achieve this, Corine decided to resurrect an old legend, employing "Black Cat" notes and well-timed "accidents" in an effort to frighten her fellow students away.

Having previously uncovered Rachel and Kim's secrets months prior, Corine coerced them into crafting and delivering the ominous notes on her behalf, thereby ensuring they would bear the blame if anything went wrong. Unfortunately, her actions ultimately led to her expulsion from Waverly.

RACHEL & KIM HUBBARD

Rachel and Kim Hubbard, who are identical twins, spent their childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They share a scholarship and attend Waverly Academy together, alternating their attendance and pretending to be a single student.

Their mother is deceased, and their father struggled to raise them as a single parent. It's mentioned that their father was "clueless when it came to raising two girls by himself." They were afraid that if they didn't secure scholarships, they might end up in foster homes or face other challenging circumstances. As they only received one scholarship, in Rachel's name, they decided to share it. This provided them with the opportunity to receive a quality education and a chance at a better future.

Rachel / Kim recently failed an AP Chemistry test. Kim regularly attended the class because of her passion for science. However, on a particular day, she fell ill, and to prevent her from receiving an attendance demerit, Rachel filled in for her. Ironically, it happened to be the day when the teacher unexpectedly sprung a surprise test on the class. Since Rachel was not prepared for the material and was unfamiliar with the content of the test, she failed it.

Rachel divulges certain personal information about herself, including her affection for dogs, aversion to cauliflower, and her passion for math. It appears that she harbors some negative feelings or apprehension towards her classmate Annabel. Conversely, Kim has a strong preference for science and regularly incorporates the word "fab" into her conversations. She also has a habit of tucking her hair behind her ear. Interestingly, Annabel is one of the few classmates that Kim seems to have a somewhat positive opinion of.

Corine stumbled upon Rachel and Kim's secret and manipulated them into composing and distributing the "Black Cat" notes, thus guaranteeing that they would shoulder the responsibility if anything went awry. The twins remain oblivious to the fact that Corine is the one exerting pressure on them through blackmail.

In the end, Corine took steps to ensure Rachel & Kim's expulsion. Nevertheless, when news of the incident reached the ears of influential former Waverly students, they stepped in. These alumni not only called for the twins' reinstatement but also generously financed their tuition and boarding fees for the remainder of the school year. Their argument was that Rachel and Kim's audacious act of deception stemmed from their ardent pursuit of a quality education, deserving recognition and encouragement rather than punishment.