Cover Art: Artwork by Huxley Grear, Payton Keuter, and Violet Neller (8th grade)
Cover Design: Sloan Cooper
ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE
Welcome to Stuck in the Middle, a magazine publication where students have the opportunity to express themselves uniquely through art and writing. This year, our students have been challenged to stand firm in their faith, unashamed of the Gospel. Through their work, they have thoughtfully examined cultural events through the lens of faith. From essays on beauty expectations in today’s society to reflections on remaining steadfast in difficult times, their writing and art serve as a powerful reminder that God is always with us. This magazine is a celebration of God’s presence and the incredible talents He has given this remarkable group of students. A special thank you to Mrs. Hemund and all the middle school art students for their impressive and beautiful contributions. It has been both an honor and a privilege to teach this group of students, and I hope you enjoy the magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Ashleigh Bernhardt Essentials of Writing Teacher
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… " Romans 1:16a
Behind the Laughter: The Story of Despicable Me
By Ziva Freeman
What do you call someone who has a lot of minions? A minionaire. Beloved by many, Despicable Me is relatable to children and parents alike. The movie, directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, stars Steve Carell, a famous actor, who voices the character of Gru. Despicable Me is an animated comedy film released in the summer of 2010; the film exploded into a major franchise with spin-offs and prequels centered around Gru and the Minions. There are six Despicable Me (2010) movies in total, including two spin-off prequels: Minions (2015) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). The movies encompass hilarious characters, even…despicable characters one might say. Despicable Me isanimportantmovieforchildrento watchduetoitspopularity,engagingstorylines,andvaluablelessonsandmorals.
Children should watch Despicable Me because it is a very popular movie. According to Forbes Magazine and IMDb, the average number of people who have bought movie tickets or watched Despicable Me is 425 million, compared to the popular Toy Story with 358 million viewers on average. Proudly displayed in stores worldwide, trinkets and toys eagerly depicting popular characters from the movies are widely sold. In addition to three official Despicable Me video games, multiple mobile games also exist, including Minion Rush and Minions Paradise, both of which are very popular among kids. Thesegamesareentertainingandveryfun.Located
in Universal Studios theme parks from Hollywood, California, to Osaka, Japan, Minion Mayhem, is a popular attraction where visitors undergo “minion training.” Aside from the Minion Mayhem ride, Minion Land is a themed section of the park in three of six Universal Studios locations, with one more on the way in 2025. Because of its widespread popularity, Despicable Me isagreatmoviechoiceforchildren.
The storylines in Despicable Me are inventive and complex. Inthemovie,anevilvillain by the name of Gru devises aplantostealthemoon.However,heneedsfunding.Toresolvethis issue, he goes to the bank but is denied a loan unless he presents the SR-6 shrink ray Unfortunately, his evil nemesis, Vector, possesses the shrink ray This weapon is Gru’s key to getting themoneyandbuildingarockettoflytothemoon.Determinedtoretrieveit,Grugathers his yellow companions, the Minions, and heads tothe…adoption center? Itjustsoturnsoutthat Vector LOVES cookies and there are three girls named Margo, Edith, and Agnes living at an orphanage who are girl scouts. When GrulearnsthatVectorhasplacedaveryextensiveorderof cookies, he adopts the girls to use them as an easy way into Vector’s house. Gru, who successfully steals the shrink ray, attempts to abandon the girls at Super Silly Fun Land, but he starts to grow fond of them after spending time with them. Gru’s sidekick,Dr Nefario,believes the girls are a distraction and returns them to the adoption center Slightly upset, Gru continues his plans to steal the moon and ultimately accomplishes his mission. Intercepted by Vector kidnapping Margo, Edith, and Agnes, Gru is forced to give up the moon in return for the girls. When Vector refuses to follow through with his end of the bargain, Gru takes the girls back by force, sending the moon accidentally back to its place and stranding Vector on a satellite. Sometime later, Gru reads the girls “One Big Unicorn” to show his love for them and they continue to grow closer as a family. Providing a lively and enjoyable storyline, Despicable Me reaches into the imaginations of children and promotes understanding in the real world through relatablecharactersinamade-upworld.
The best reason to watch Despicable Me is because the movie contains heartwarming lessons and morals. Throughout the movie, different characters teach valuable lessons thatchildrenand adults alike can learn from. One key lessonisthat teamwork quite literally makes the dream work. When Gru dreams up his plan to steal the moon, this lesson is taughtbytheMinions.Convincedhe must steal the moon, Gru needs a rocket, so the Minions get straight to work and even have fun while doing it. They use their intelligencetobuild a rocket together despite little to no funding. The same Minions use their big hearts to craft a homemade unicorn for Agnes when her previous one is broken. The Minions show us that when people work together andcareforothers,anything is possible. To name another lesson, Gru teaches
us that there is always room for warmth within an ice cold heart.Asasupervillain,Gruinitially gravitates toward being a loner and only interacts with others when it benefits him. He uses Margo, Edith, and Agnes to get what he wants and then believes he no longer needs them. However, as he spendsmoretimewiththegirls,hischaractertransforms,andhebeginstodesire doing good rather than evil. The girls warm his heart. Ultimately, Gru discovers that helping others brings him more joy than being a villain ever could. At its core, Despicable Me teaches people to value those they love, which, in turn, encourages children to show kindness to others andpromotesgoodbehavior
Because of its popularity amongbothchildrenandparents,storylines,aswellasvaluable lessons and morals, Despicable Me is and will continue to be one of the greatest children’s movies of all time. As Gru famously says, “It’s like my heart is a toothandit’sgotacavitythat can only be filled with children.” It is clear to see that every child is important and not every movie is beneficial for them to watch. Parents must choose films that will help support their emotional,physical,andmentalgrowth,movieslike Despicable Me
Breakaway
By Sofia Dunbar
“Two minutes left!” Ilookeddownfield.Thescorchingsunbeamedonmyface.Thegoal seemed about a hundred miles away. SweattrickleddownmyforeheadasIanalyzedthefield.If we won this game, we would go to the championship. We were tied, and the clock was still ticking. Thirty seconds. Luckily, I knew what I had to do. I started dribbling the ball, weaving my way through the other players. I passed it to Jasmine, my best friend, who swiftly maneuvered around a defender and lifted up her leg to kick theballintothebackofthenet.But at the last second, she passed it to me. I shot just as the whistle sounded. We had won! Backin the locker room, everyone was congratulating me. “Great game, girls,” said Coach Roberts. “I have wonderful news! Coming to watch the championship on Saturday is a scout from the elite soccer academy!” My heart dropped while everyone around me screamed in excitement. I had not told anyone I didn’t want to playsocceranymore.
I sulked through the week as the dreaded Saturday finally came around the corner. The crowd cheered as I walked onto the field, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the scout. The whistle blew, andthegamebegan. Everything was going great until the other team shoved one of our players. Obviously, the referee called a penalty, but the opposing team wasn’t so happy and started arguing. The coaches cleared things up, and Coach Roberts called us over to decide who would take the penalty kick. As I thoughtaboutthescoutinthebleachers,IprayedthatCoachwouldnotpickme.“Lola.You’llbe taking the shot.” Oh no. If I made the shot the scout might be impressed andthinkaboutgiving me a scholarship, but if I missed, I wouldlettheteamdown.Undecided,Iwalkeduptotheball. Ithoughtaboutallthetimesmyteamhadbeenthereforme,andIknewIcouldn’tletthemdown even if it meant playing soccer for the rest of my life. I took a deep breathandshot.Astheball flew into the back of the net, I glanced at the scout.Maybehewasn’timpressed,andIwouldn’t getascholarship.Boy,wasIwrong.Afterthegame,hecameovertocongratulateus. “Greatjob,ladies!Ihavesomegoodnews.”Heturnedtome.“Lola,yougotthescholarship.”
As everyone cheered, I felt the air leave my lungs. Jasmine knew something was wrong. Worried,shepulledmeaside.
“What’swrong,Lola?Youjustgotascholarshiptoanelitesocceracademy!”
“Ican’ttellyouhere.Meetmeinthedormsinten.”
IchangedoutofmyuniformandmetJasmineinthedorms.
“Okay What’sgoingonwithyou,Lola?”
I took a deep breath and decided it was time to tellher “Idon’twanttoplaysocceranymore,”I said,tearsinmyeyes.
My heart pounded. I had never said that out loud before. It felt like a huge weight had beenliftedoffmychest.Jasminelookedatmeinshock.
“But… playing soccer has always been your dream.Whatchanged?”
“I never wanted to play soccer I felt pressured into it because my entire family plays, and I didn’t want to let them down.” I looked at Jasmine, trying to read her expression. I had sacrificed so much for asportIneverlovedinthe firstplace.Ihungmyhead.
“I’m so glad you told me.” Hearing her saythose words gave me courage. Iknewitwastimetotell the team. Later that day, I called an emergency meeting.Thegirlsgatheredaroundme.Mybreath quickened, my heart pounded, and my palms grew sweaty. I looked at the girls around me, remembering everything we had been through. We were like a family, which was why they deserved to know the truth. I took a deep breath, swallowedmyfear,andtoldthetruth.
“This team is full of amazing players, and I am lucky enough to call you my friends. I know you will all achieve great things. I think of you as family, which is why I needtotellyousomething I have been keeping from you… I don’t want to playsocceranymore.”
Silence. I started to think I had made a terrible mistake. That’s when the entire team surrounded me in a group hug. I felt proud. Then, an idea struckme.“AndbecauseIwillnotbeacceptingthescholarship,IthinkJasmineshouldgetit.” “Me?”
“Yes!YouarethebestplayerI’veeverencountered,andIwouldn’twantanyoneelsetohavethis opportunity.” Jasmine jumped up and down with joy and hugged me.CoachRobertsspokewith the scout, and after watching footage of Jasmine playing, he gave her thescholarship.Although nextyearJasminewillbeleavingtoplayatanelitesocceracademy,andIwillmissherterribly,I amsogladItoldthetruth.
Champions of the Court
By Sloan Baldridge
Do you know what important event happened on February 17, 1963? On this day, the basketball legend Michael Jordan was born. Jordan, widely regardedasoneof the greatest professional basketball players in NBA history, played the majority of his career for the Chicago Bulls. The team, which was founded on January 16, 1966, is a part of the Central Division in theEastern Conference. Dick Klein was the team’s original owner, while Jerry Reinsdorf is the current owner. The Chicago Bulls franchise has an overall record of 2,392 wins and 2,310 losses. Throughout their history, the Bulls have won six NBA championships with the most famous era being during the 1990s where they earned three consecutive titles. There will never beabetterteamthan the 1996 to 1997 Bulls led by Michael Jordan,ScottiePippen,andDennisRodman. PlayingfortheBulls,Jordanhadone of the most impressiveseasonsinbasketball during the 1996 to 1997 season due to his competitive drive and impressive scoring ability. He was also known as one of the “Big Three” alongside Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Impressively, Jordan, who dominated the sport of basketball, easily averaged 29.6 points per game. Averaging that many points per game, Jordan impressed the world. Complementing his scoring ability, Jordan also averaged 4.3 assists per game showcasing his leadership talents. Jordan did not only score points but also was a team playerwhoassistedand elevated his teammates contributing significantly to the Bulls’ success during the 1996 to 1997 season.
Scottie Pippen was another crucial member of the “Big Three,” and played an essential role as both a scorer, assistant, and defender. In the 1996 to 1997 season, Pippen averaged 20.2 points per game and 5.7 assists per game. Pippen was also an outstanding defender and was tasked to guard the bestofthebestplayers.Oneofthereasonswhyhewassuchagreatdefender was that he was tall and quick and just overall extremely athletic. Pippen andJordanareknown for having insane chemistry. On the court, they worked together so well throughout these two
years creatinganunbeatable.TheChicagoBullswouldnothavebeeninthefightforbestteamif theydidnothavePippen’sathleticism,skill,scoringability,andrecordwinningassists.
The final piece of the “Big Three” was Dennis Rodman. Many might know him for his eccentricpersonalityonandoffthe court. Although Rodman’s offensive game numbers were not as notable as Jordan’s or Pippen’s, his impact on the team was indisputable. One of the biggest impacts Rodman had on his team was his impressive rebounding skills, which helped give the team additional possessions. He averaged 16.7 rebounds per game. He also was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and will go down as one of the best defenders of his generation. Rodman’s defensivecontributionswereinvaluabletotheBulls.
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and DennisRodmanwerewithoutadoubtthereasonthe Chicago Bulls saw such success during the 1996 to 1997 season. Skillfully, these three players carried the team. They formed a dynamic and harmonious team, and the Bulls finished the season with a 69 to 13 record, the best in the NBA, and went on to capture the NBA championship. Jordan had an insane number of points per game, Pippen had an impressive number of assists per game, and Rodmanhad an exceptional ability to rebound and defend. All three players’ skills, teamwork, and leadership played an essential role in the Bulls’ success. As Michael Jordan once said, “I can accept failure; everyone fails at something.ButIcan’tacceptnottrying.”
The “Swi Effect”
By Hailey Vitek
There are many famous couples in the NFL, but none quite like the power couple of Taylor Swift andTravisKelce.SincetheybegandatinginSeptember2023,theirrelationshiphas had a significant impact on both the NFL anditsfanbase.TaylorSwiftisoneofthemosticonic musicians of this decade, and Travis Kelceisastartightend for the Kansas City Chiefs. Taylor Swift’s presence at NFL games has been helpful to the NFL by attracting a broader audience, especially more women, increasing viewership, and making the sport more money due to an increaseofmerchandisesales.
Taylor Swift has significantly increased the number of women who enjoy football. Historically, more women than men have connected with Swift’s music due to its lyricism and relatability. While many of her fans may not have cared about football, they now tune in to gamesjusttoseeher.SinceSwiftandTravisKelce’srelationshipbeganinSeptember2023, there has been anotableincreaseinthenumberofwomenattendinggames,mostofthemhoping for a glimpse of Swift in the VIPbox.AstudyfromSeptember2023foundthat64%ofyounger women enjoy watching football. For some of these newviewers,therewaspreviouslynoreason to watch, but now they have one. Given that football has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, this shifthassurprisedmany.Swift’srelationshipwithKelcehasopenedthesporttoanew audience, particularly among teenagers and women who were once uninterested. Influenced by Swift’spopularity,manywhopreviouslydislikedfootballhavebeguntowatchandevenenjoyit. Since Taylor Swift began attending games, there has been a significant increase in viewership. During her first game, viewership skyrocketed as soon as people realized she was there, reaching about 27 million viewers. Swift continued to attract attention at major events, including the most recent Super Bowl, where the viewership set a record at 123.4 million. The NFL also saw its highest female viewership ever, with a 53% increase in teen viewers, a 24% rise in young adult viewers, and a 34% boost in women over 35. After Swift’s firstappearance,
ticket sales surged by 175%, with 20% of tickets for the same game purchased during her appearance. This phenomenon has come to be known as "The Swift Effect." Taylor Swift’s involvementhassignificantlyboostedbothviewershipandattendanceatNFLgames.
Since Swift’s relationship with Kelce began, merchandise sales have surged. The NFL frequently posted about Taylor Swift, resulting in a significant increase in the sales of jerseys, hats, t-shirts, and accessories. Kelce's jersey sales alone saw a 400% increase, which is an unusually large jump. This growth may continue, especially if someone with Swift’s loyal fan base maintains a connection to theNFL.TheChiefs’Instagramfollowingalsogrewby200,000. Swift’s association with the NFL has boosted the brand’s value by over $122 million in just a few months. Additionally,sponsorshipsincreasedby20%thankstoSwift’sinfluence,generating asubstantialamountofrevenue.
Taylor Swift has attracted many new female fans, increased viewership, and boosted revenue for the NFL. Her relationship with Travis Kelce has inspired many of her fans to embrace football. Asaresult,morepeoplearewatchinggamesonlineandshowingtheirsupport. Fansarealsopurchasingtickets,andmerchandisesaleshavesignificantlyincreased,contributing to the NFL's revenue. In the words of Patrick Mahomes, “I think it’s been cool to see the girls andthewomenthathavereallyembracedwatchingfootball.”
The Bright Side of NIL
By Asher Whitfield
Imagine getting paid to play college sports. Well, this is a dream come true for college athletes. NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness and became officialonJuly1,2021,aftera law was passed in California on August 31, 2019. NIL allows college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness, especially if the athlete is well known and successful at their sport.Manyathleteshavepocketedhundredsofthousandstomillionsofdollarssince2021, all because of the NIL. The positives of the NIL include rewarding hard working players, providingopportunitiesforcolleges,andengagingthediehardfansthatcomealongwithitall.
The NIL motivates players to work hard and stay consistent by rewarding themfortheir efforts on and offthefield.Oneofthebiggestbenefitsisthatithelpsplayersfinancially.College athletes can now earn money for thehardworktheyputin,allowingthemtosupportthemselves while living far from home. Another way it helps is that it encourages professional level development. With all this money that these athletes can make in college if they continue to grind, this will prepare them for professional sports. Also, another majorbenefitishowtheNIL
is helping to grow women’s sports. Obsessed with the game, female athletes, who work hard at their sports, can now sign deals with major brands and gain more recognition. This exposure gives female athletes a gigantic platform to grow their personal brand and expand their career opportunities, which will benefit them in the future.Ultimately,NILallowsathletestotaketheir college sport seriously because they now know theirhardworkcanleadtofinancialsuccessand futuresuccessintheirsport,benefitingthemselvesandtheirfamilies.
Colleges that sponsor these players also benefit from NIL by attracting more and more talented athletes and gaining school exposure, all while wanting to be the best. Since they are dedicated, colleges do all they can to recruit the best athletes and buildstrongerteams.Wanting to be the best, the top 50 colleges have over $170 million invested in NIL deals, which shows how competitive the college sports world has become. At this level, even smaller schools are getting involved by using NIL to attract top athletes and gain more recognition. Dedicated to improving their programs, colleges gain more attention,becomemoresuccessful,andultimately more funding because of NIL. The cycle created by NIL is one where better athletes lead to better teams. All because of NIL, colleges should be respected for thehardworkandeffortthey putintocreatingwinningprograms.
Fans also play a crucial role in the success of NIL and college sports as a whole. Fans inspire athletes to perform their best by creating exciting atmospheres atgamesandcheeringon their favorite players. Some colleges with the finest fans are LSU, Ohio State, and Alabama. These three teams have dedication, tradition, and passion. Being dedicated to their team, these fans stick with their teams through wins and losses, keep traditions alive and show unwavering support. As the NIL continues to grow, schools are eager to recruit top athletes, which in turn attracts more fans. Fans are the best. Overall, the more successful the team, the more fans it draws, creating acycleofloyalty.TheNILgivesathletesandfansbothareasontostayloyaland investedintheirteams.
NIL offers many benefits by rewarding athletes’ dedication, creating new opportunities for colleges, and strengthening the bond between fans and athletes.NIL is not just a money game. It rewards hardworking athletes by allowing them to earn money and gain financial success while still in college. Big colleges can attract top talent, while smaller colleges have more opportunities to grow their developing programs. Lastly, passionate fans fuel athletes to perform their best. Nothing worth having comeseasily,andthisteaches athletes the importance ofhardwork andstayingfocusedontheirgoals.
From Kitchen to Adventure
By Emmalyn Hopper
Papa Louie games have been around since 2006 and have become a highlight of many people’s childhoods. The franchise began with the release of Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack! on November 9th, 2006, created by Flipline Studios, a company founded in Cleveland,Ohio,in 2004. ThePapaLouiefranchiseconsistsofaseriesofgamesfocusedonmanagingdifferentfood establishments. These games are available to play on bothcomputersandphonesandareagreat way to pass time. Papa Louie games are enjoyable because they resemble real-life work experiences,teachorganizationalskills,andaresimplyfuntoplay.
Unless you do not like games, one of the main reasons to play Papa Louie games is that they resemble real-life work environments. Each game takes place in a different food restaurant where the person, who runs the restaurant, must manage their timeefficientlytoget a perfect score and maximum tips. In the game,thescoreiscentered on waiting time, preparation, cooking, and decorations. Sadly, if the individual takes too long on one order,thecustomer will be displeased, andthe player will not get them as a customer again for a while. Working swiftly, players must complete the orders perfectly so the customers keep coming, just like in real life. That is the entire concept of thegame.PapaLouie games resemble real-life work because each game takes place in a different store, players earn tipsforthequalityoftheirservice,andtheyhavetostayorganized.
Compared to real life, another reason to play Papa Louie games is because they teach players to be organized. Upon entering the game, there are instantly a ton of customers for the day, who also place big orders, so players have to work quickly. Chefs must be careful to work fast enough to keep the waiting score at one hundred, because customers will give fewer tips if they wait too long. Players need to be organized to earn the greatestnumberoftips.Althoughit can be challenging, PapaLouiegameseducateplayersinorganizationbecausetherearesomany
customers each day To avoid a low score, players must keep the waiting score at one hundred. Tipsdependonstayingorganized.
Finally, the last reason why PapaLouiegamesaregoodtoplayisthattheyarefun.Since the first Papa Louie game came out, people have played it when they were bored. Enjoyed by many, Papa Louie games have become a popular pastime. Since all the customers are different each day, the game keeps players engaged, making it less boring with new customers. To make the game more enjoyable, the creators allowedplayerstocustomizetheircharacter,whichisone of the first things you do in the game. Thiscustomizationmakesiteasierforplayerstoimmerse themselves in the game, as they can make the character look like themselves. It enhances the overall experience. Papa Louie games are fun to play because many people enjoy them when they are bored, they keep players hooked throughout their shift, and they allow players to customizetheircharacters.
Papa Louie games are great to play because they resemble working in real life, teach people howtobeorganized,andare fun. Papa Louie games teach players how to manage different restaurants, and they help people improve their organizational skills because customers are waiting. These games are also fun to play when people are bored because there are a variety of options. Now go back to cooking those pies, customers are not going to serve themselves!
The Difference in Christ
By Holly Barlow
Have you met a Christian? Christians, who believe in God and Jesus, are just like any other person, except they believe in the Bible. More often than not, though, there is something about a Christian that sets them apart from others. From a simple daily conversation to a celebration, people can often tell someone is a Christianjustbybeingaroundthemandlistening tothem.Butwhatmakesthemspecial?ThedifferenceinaChristiancancomefromtheirmorals, theBible,andtheHolySpirit.
The difference in a Christian can come from theirmorals.BelievinginChrist,Christians follow commandments and morals, principles of how someone should act, that come from the Bible. One of these is John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (ESV,John13:34).Another verse that discusses commandments and moralsintheBibleisEphesians4:32.Thesetwoverses emphasize loving one another, forgiving others, and being kind in daily life. Two other verses that teach Christian morals are Deuteronomy 8:6a:“Soyoushallkeepthecommandmentsofthe Lord your God by walking in his ways” (ESV, Deuteronomy 8:6a) and Colossians 3:17. These verses teach that Christians should obey God's commandments and be thankful. This provides Christians with a strong foundation for how to live their daily lives. The morals of a Christian mightbeonereasonforthedifferenceinaChristian.
Another difference in a Christian can come from the Bible. The Bible contains many short stories that teach Christians important lessons, called parables. One well-knownparableis The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Found in Luke 10:25–37, this parable tells the story of a Samaritan who helps a defenseless man who was injured on the side of the road. Tragically, a priest and a Levite had seen the man before the Samaritan but chose nottohelphim.Whilethis lesson can be difficult to follow at times, it teaches Christians to show love and compassion to everyone, even theirenemies.Anotherparable,TheParableoftheLostSheep,tellsthestoryofa sheep that wandered away, prompting the shepherd to leavetheninety-ninetofindtheone.This illustrates God’s love for humanity and how Jesus activelyseeksarelationshipwithus.Reading these parables provides Christians with examples of how to live their lives while also revealing God’s love for them. This can inspire them to do good and bring them joy, knowing that someone truly cares for them. Additionally, theBiblecontainsversesaboutJesussacrificingHis life to save us, such as John 14:6 andTitus3:5.TheseversesgiveChristianshopeforapeaceful afterlife with God and Jesus if they accept Jesus into their hearts and believe. The Bible is anotherwayinwhichaChristianissetapartfromothers.
A Christian is set apart from others by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity and fills Christians when they accept Jesus into their hearts. Throughout the Bible, it describes how the Holy Spirit’s mission is to help Christians and guide them through its teachings: “But the Helper,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinmyname,hewillteach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that Ihavesaidtoyou”(ESV,John14:26).By living through the Holy Spirit, Christians receive help when they are weak and facing struggles (see Romans 8:26). This guidance inspires Christians to do good when they feel theHolySpirit within them. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit is one of the many reasons a Christian is differentfromothers.
The morals, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are just a few of the many factors that set a Christian apart. Christians draw guidance from the Bible, which teaches them how to live righteously. With the Holy Spirit’s help, they find strength and comfort in their daily lives. These influences are key to what makes a Christian different. So, are you ready to experience the transformation in Christ?
LEGOS in Education
By Braden Thyer
“Ninety percent of human brain growth happens beforetheageoffive,and building with LEGOs is a prime example of how play fosters learning” (Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth). LEGOs are a popular toy. The name "LEGO" is an abbreviation of the two Danish words leg godt, meaning "play well." LEGOs were invented in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and the bricks were originally made of wood. The LEGO brick, in its present form, was launched in 1958. Its unique interlocking principle, with built-in tubes, offers unlimited building possibilities. Playing with LEGOs allows creative ideas to emerge through play. LEGOs are an important educational resource because they can be usedasinteractivemodels,helpfostercreativity,andteachresilience.
LEGOs come to life as an interactive model. In many ways, these creative toys, which launched sixty-six years ago, foster collaboration and communication while allowing users to build physical models that can be scanned into interactive computer models. When used in education, interactive modeling with LEGOs drastically enhances STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) skills by integrating technology to explore physical builds in a digital space.Asstudentsengagewiththisimportanteducationalresource,interactive modeling expands physical designsintovirtualenvironments,whereobjects,characters,andsets are brought to life. Initially, oneoftheearlyconceptsinvolvedaplaysetcontainingaplastictray with an antenna array built into it, designed to sense radio frequency (RF) chips inside plastic figures. Moving the RF characters around on the tray triggered various animations and interactions on the computer screen through a game.Enthralledbythesenewdynamicmodeling capabilities, students experimented with more advanced interactive models. For example, participants created flat fish out of LEGO pieces, which were then scanned with a smartphone and imported into a massive digital aquarium, where they could maneuver the fish through underwater swimming adventures. Interactive modeling has opened a new world of LEGO building and play by transforming flat brick models into 3D interactive experiences. LEGOs providemanyinteractiveopportunities.
LEGOs help foster creativity One of the ways LEGOs cultivate creativity is through open-ended play Open-ended toys, which can take many forms, engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving as they follow their own creative designs to build new structures.
Encouraging students to think creatively outside the box, LEGO bricks function like a blank canvas. While LEGOs offer many educational benefits, they also allow builders to bring their designs and dreams to life. Whether at work or play, endless design possibilities inspire students to be creative as they experiment with a variety of ideas. Designs can be quickly modified and expanded as creativity evolves. Enthralledby the limitlesspossibilities,studentsbringideas to life by creating and role-playing characters, landscapes, vehicles, and an endless array of adventures. Through open-ended play, they explore new worlds of their own creation, showcasing their unique self-expressionandimagination.
LEGOs help teach resilience. Resilience is built through social skills like collaboration and teamwork. While building innovatively, children naturally practice essential social skills like sharing, taking turns, and helping each other. Resilience is developed through the give and take of the social interaction cultivated by LEGOs. While children happily build LEGO creations, they learn to communicate with others, listen to their peers, compromise, and build friendships. Because oftheirflexibility,buildingwithLEGOsencouragesmultipleapproachesto design and continued design improvement. The iterative process develops resilience, which remains a valuable trait in students.Undisputedasaneducationaltoy,LEGOscanbeenjoyedby everyone because they are suitable for people of all ages. Resilience is further strengthened by designingandimprovingdesigns.
LEGOs are a vital educational resource because they can improve cognitive skills, promote creativity and imagination, and foster positive self-esteem. LEGOs can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They enhance the educational environment by encouraging teamwork and creativity. Interactive modeling allows for physical and virtual design. Resilienceisdevelopedbydesigningand improving designs. Collaborative skills and teamwork are among the benefits of this versatile toy. LEGOs are intricatelyimportanttoeducation.
How Beauty Standards Affect the World
By Stella Sharp
Have you ever felt sick to your stomach after not looking likeagirlonInstagram?Well, not just one person experiences this. Many people struggle with self-image each day due to the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated bytheworld,specificallyonsocialmedia.Accordingto the Oxford Languages, self-image is defined as, “the idea one has of one's abilities, appearance, and personality.” Beauty standards are societal norms and ideals that define what is considered beautiful or attractive in a particular culture or timeperiodasmentionedbytheFiveableLibrary While opinions on beauty standards may vary, it is undeniable that these standards have had lastingeffectsonbothmenandwomen.Insimple terms, these impractical ideas do not point to the teachings of God that tell humans He solely created people in His view. Beauty standards should be changed due to people struggling with self-image, mental health issues,andnotclinging to words in the Bible for additional support in struggles.
Unfortunately, beauty standards are known to create many lasting effects such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and depression. Among teenagers, over 40% report feeling upset and ashamed about their body image because of the unattainability of the strict criteria for their own looks that can only be altered so much. Self-image in adolescence has been recently attested to create lasting effects leading to depression in early adult years and so on. For example, women and men on a daily struggle to find their worth in themselves. While society will often rely onotherpeople’sopiniontofindtheirworth,theyshouldbelookingfurtherinthe Bible to discover their Christ made uniqueness. Regardless of what one looks like, even if they fit these set “values,” many can still struggle with self-image by feeling as though they are not enough. There is always someone out there, who will look, act, or talk “better,” due to these standards. Seeing these false problems in oneself, can cause the mind to wander and begin to think that they look different than they truly do. Constantly letting other perspectives of beauty influence the mind canfurthercomplicatetheintellect;furtherleadingtomentalhealthproblems that countless thought they would never battle with. Worth is determined by God only.
Encouraged to not follow the evil of the world, humans should all find their self-worth in God whocreatedallwithequalpurpose.
Sadly, beauty standards can often destroy close relationships with friends and families when comparing with others. When compared to friends and family, it can often distract from their heart and solely focus on their outward appearance. Comparing outward appearance can cause constant competition and tension leading to a relationship split up. Additionally, these ethics can cause social isolation and preferring to not participate in social events. In this world, standards are constantly changing and are practically impossible to keep upwith.Goingbackto these standards, beauty regulations are often themainsourcethatcausemanygeneralhealthand social difficulties People, who often seek validation in worldly things, must develop beliefs on heavenly ideas. The only limit is the mind. Unachieved by many, people frequently think that once they “achieve” this set standard, they will be content and happy with their lives while in reality,theirlivescanonlybefulfilledoncetheylearntotrustinGodduringdifficulties.
False viewings of oneself can possibly alter their minds because people have the unawareness of God’s perfect image He created them in. To combat this,peoplemustrecognize that God knew of their existence before they were even born into this world. God, who always comforts one’s anxiety, will always be thereeveninthetoughestmoments.Backingthisupwith scripture, Genesis 1: 27 (ESV), perfectly describes God’s reason for His creation, “So God created man in his own image in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Reassuringly, this resonates with previous information by explaining that Godpurposely crafted each creation with a plan. Although many people want to look “worthy,” we still must know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s eyes. He will never forsake His followers.Appreciatedbymany,peoplecanalwayscomplimentothersandmakethemfeelloved by sharing positive affirmations that reflect the teachings of the Lord. In all, having these negative thoughts in one’s head can often mislead themfromthetruthofGod.
Because social media is not going away, all should be aware of the lasting effects of beauty standards such as mental health issues and self-image. Beauty standards can affect every person no matter the gender, race, or religion. It is often pushed aside because “everyone struggles with it.” While being true, this gives everyone a larger reason to be concerned about it. All can improve checking up on one another because no one has a perfect life with no struggles. It is important to not onlyremindotherstonotadhereto the world’s ideas of true beauty, but also remind one’s own self that God created themuniqueinHis ownperfectview.Everyonespendsthemosttimein themind,somakeitagoodplacetobe.
The Benefits of Baking
By Bo Billings
What benefits does baking offer? Baking is the processofcreatingfoodusuallybyusing ingredients such as flour, eggs, andsugar.Unlikecooking,bakingrequiresspecifictools,precise measurements, and unique techniques. Baking has gone from being an important survival skill into a popular and enjoyable hobby. In additiontocreatingdelicioussweets,bakingisbeneficial because it is a useful skill, a creative and engaging hobby, and a calming activitythatsoothesthemind.
Baking is a valuable skill that allowspeopletocreatedelicioustreats. From making sweet, homemade cookies tocraftingabeautifulwedding cake for a new marriage, baking plays a significant role in many lives. Because baking is such a valuable skill, it has grown in popularity worldwide. Beyond personal enjoyment, baking can serve a greater purpose. Bakers can contribute totheir communities by providing fresh goods for events, celebrations, local markets, and more. Whether making pastries for a special occasion or simply as a creative pastime, baking offers meaningful benefits and brings people together.
Baking is also an incredibly enjoyable and interesting hobby. Many people find it to be a fun and rewarding way to spend their time. It allows people to express their creativity by decorating various treats. Unsurprisingly, baking can also provide an enjoyable way to pass the time. Bakers are able to experiment and try new recipes in hopes of creating something new. In addition to this, baking can also beaproductiveactivityassellinghomemadegoodscanprovide an additional source of income. Baking also can be a creative challenge, encouraging bakers to experiment with new recipes and techniques. Baking as a hobby, can result in delicious snacks,
party food, and even food for a special occasion. In total, baking is quite a fulfilling pastime enjoyedaroundtheworld.
Enjoyed by many, baking has a unique way of calming the mind, especially after a long day or during stressful moments. Funnily enough, sometimes the best way to unwind is by coming home and baking. The simple act of measuring ingredients,mixingbatter,andwatching dough rise can be incredibly soothing. The sweet aroma of afreshlybakedcake,warmfromthe oven, can instantly lift a person’s mood.Similarly,thecomfortingscentoffreshgingerbreadcan help melt away stress. Beyond its calming effects, baking provides a sense of accomplishment. There is something deeply satisfying about taking the time to create the perfect cakeandseeing the finished result. Overall, baking helps peoplerelax,relievestress,andexperiencearewarding senseofachievement.
Baking offers valuable benefits. It is a meaningful skill, an enjoyable hobby, and a calming activity that helps relieve stress. One reason baking is importantisthatitallowspeople to create delicious treats, from party snacks to cakes for special occasions. This makesbakinga great way to provide for both the baker and their community. Beyond its practicality, baking is also a funandengaginghobby.Notonlyismakingacakeanenjoyableactivity,butitalsoserves as a creative and rewardingwaytopassthetime.Additionally,bakingcanhaveasoothingeffect on the mind. The simple pleasure of smelling a freshly baked treat, like a pie or cookies, can bring comfort and relaxation. Baking also helps reduce stress by providing a sense of accomplishment. There is nothing quitelikethesatisfactionofpullingtheperfectcakeoutofthe oven. Loved by people all over the world,bakingofferscountlessbenefits,makingiteasytosee whyitremainssuchacherishedactivity.
Animal Testing
By Buckley Goddard
Have you ever wondered what animal testing does to animals? Animal testing refers to scientific experiments conducted on live animals that can often cause them pain, distress, or harm. Scientists use animalstostudydiseases,testproducts,medicines,vaccines,cosmetics,and more. The United States ranks third in the world whenitcomestoanimaltesting.Itisestimated that close to eighty millionexperimentsareconductedannually,whichoftenmeanstheanimalis killed in the process. Luckily, there are solutions to solve animal testing like computational and mathematical models to replace animal testing. Animals should be valued for their companionship and role in the ecosystem, not exploited for testing. Banning scientific experiments on animals is essential because they are living beings, animal testing is unethical, and alternative methods exist to find answers.
All animals have a life and should be treated with compassion, love, and respect. Animals provide wonderful companionship, caring for their owners and offering comfort and support. They also provide essential resources, suchasdairyandeggs,whichpeople consume daily. It would be wrong to deprive people of these resources. In addition to providing food, animals help maintain balance in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds, controlling pest populations, and performing other important environmental roles. Animals have lives worth living, anditiswrongtoharm ortakethemaway
Animal testing does not benefit humans in any meaningful way and is morally wrong. It fails to predict how the human body will respond to diseases or chemical treatments.Infact,animaltestingfails92percentofthetime,so why continue using it? Given its high failure rate, whyputanimals'livesatriskorspendmoney on experiments that are likely to fail? Unethically, animals have rights and are not able to give permission fortestslikehumansare.Animalsusedinexperimentsarelivingbeingsthatfeelpain and fear, just like humans. As compassionate individuals, we must protect animals from harm rather than allow ittohappenfreely Animaltestingisparticularlycruel,asitcancauseimmense suffering, fear, and distress while exposing animals to harmful chemicals or disease-causing injections.
There are many solutions available to eradicate animal testing both now and in the future. Human tissuecanreplaceanimaltesting,withbothhealthyand diseased tissues being used. Volunteers can donate their tissues, making this method more relevant to human health. For example, human tissue can replace rabbit irritation tests. New technologies, such as computer models, can also address the issue ofanimal testing. Computers can "model" aspects of the human body, allowing scientists to study specific parts more clearly. In addition to computer models, cell cultures offer another innovative solution. Scientists can grow cells in a 3D structure that mimics human organs. Devices have already been precisely programmed to replicate the lung, heart, kidney, and other organs. These are just a few examples of how human alternatives and technology can help prevent animal testing.
Animal testing should be illegal because it harms earth’s creatures, is inhumane, and there are viable solutions to prevent it. Animals provide valuable resources, such as food and companionship. Testing animals exposes them to toxic materials and causes them distress. Alternatives,suchasusinghumantissueandtechnology,can replace animal testing and potentially yield more accurate results. Next time you purchase a product, check to see if it has been animal-tested. “Mice are mice, and people are people. Ifwe look to the mouse to model every aspect of the disease for man, and to model cures, we’re just wastingourtime.”-Dr.CliftonE.Barry
A Closer Look at Hurricanes
By Sofia Dunbar
Hurricanes, a disastrous storm that destroys towns and cities, but why do they happen? Hurricanes can have many effects on communities. The worst hurricane was the Galveston Hurricane, which hit in the Gulf of Mexico, and affected many states aroundit.Hurricanestake people’s houses, and it takes an extensive amount of time torebuild.Althoughhurricanesmight not seem like a big deal, it is important to take warnings and precautions, learn how they can form,andknowtheimpactithasonpeople.
In our communities, we have heard of hurricanes on the news andmaynothavethought much of it, but it is important totaketherightprecautions.Worryingabouthurricanesisnatural. Especially during hurricane season. When authorities tell people to evacuate, listen. Hurricanes can cause major damage and flooding. Unfortunately, notallhousesaremadetowithstandthese fatal hurricanes, so it is importanttotaketherightstepstoprepare.Overlookedbymany,special equipment is available toputonhouses,whichkeepsitfromgettingdemolishedbystrongwinds or floods. Sometimes hurricanes unexpectedly turn at the last minute becauseofthedirectionof the wind,sosomethinkitdoesnotmattertosecurehomesorevacuate.Butthatisnotalwaysthe case, so it is best to be prepared for anything. Unlike other natural disasters, hurricanes have a
few days of warning so we should use that to our advantage.
Hurricanes are tropical storms that produce rainfall and extremely strong winds. Discovered by Father Benito Viñes, director of the Meteorological Observatory of the RoyalCollegeofBeléninHavana, we now know thathurricanesareformedintheocean, which often start as a tropical wave. A tropical wave is an area of low pressure that moves gradually through warm and moist tropics. If a tropical wave is formed in the Atlantic it is called a hurricane,butifit is formed in the Pacific, it is called a typhoon. Still, both are extremely alike. Fascinatingly, weather conditions are crucial for a hurricane to form. Near thetropics,intheCaribbeanorinthewaters around the Cape Verdean islands of West Africa is where most hurricanes and typhoons are formed. Knowing how a hurricane forms can help people look out forsignsofanypotentialthreatsinthearea.Without knowing that these storms areformedbytropicalwaves wecouldnotbewarnedbyauthorities.
A hurricane isoneofthescarieststormsthat both people and land can experience. If strong enough, hurricanes can obliterate structures, homes, trees, and power lines. Afterward, it can take weeks, months, or even years to fully cleanupthedamage.Forexample,it took two years to recover from Hurricane Ian. Many people had to leave their homes, and the storm caused deadly floods, resulting in further destruction and loss of life. Nothing is worse than losing a loved one. Hurricanes changepeople’slives,andalthoughweoften hear heartbreaking stories in the news, it's different when you’ve lived through such a challenging experience.
Hurricanes can impact people in unimaginable ways, but thankfully we understand how they form and can predict when one is approaching, allowing us to warn others. Listening to warnings and taking precautions can save lives. It’s easy to dismiss hurricanes as an overreaction, but for those who have been through one, the fear is real. As Anderson Cooper once said, “Anyonewhosaysthey’renotafraidatthetimeofahurricaneiseitherafooloraliar, oralittlebitofboth.”
Summer
By Palmer Bibb
Although winter, spring, and fall each have their own charms, none can compare to the joy and freedom of summer. Winter produces frigid temperatures, icy roads, shorter days, and less sunlight. Spring, which brings beautiful blooms, also triggersallergiesformany.Fallmarks the start of school and creates less free time. In contrast, summer offers perfect weather, an abundance of free time for vacations, and endless outdoor activities, making it the season everyonelooksforwardtomost.
Filled with wonderful weather, summer is great for a variety of reasons. With more sunlight, the days are longer. Basking in its golden rays, one can relax. Not only does sunshine brighten your mood, but it also has health benefits, such as boosting Vitamin D levels and improving overall well-being. Sunshine is medicine. Unlike other seasons that require layers of clothing to keep warm, summer allows for a relaxed wardrobe of t-shirts and shorts. The warm weather makes it easier to enjoy outdoor activities without the hassle of heavy clothing. Who wouldn'twanttoenjoythesun'swarmthwhileindulginginfun,casualattire?
Summer also brings the luxury of time off as there is no school or homework to worry about. With fewer responsibilities, the possibilities for relaxation and adventure are endless. Families often take this time to travel to new destinations, visit theme parks, orexploreoutdoor activities like camping. The freedom to try new foods, experience different cultures, or simply relax at home is one of summer's greatest pleasures. While travel can be exciting, it canalsobe tiring, and summer provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. Whether it's action-packed activities or socializing with friends, summer offers theflexibilitytobalanceboth adventureandrelaxation.
Of all the seasons, summer offers the most favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Although the sun is beneficial, the heat can sometimes become extremely overwhelming. Luckily, a refreshing swim in a pool helps cool the body and beat the heat. Excited to explore, anyone can clear their mind and see the beauty of naturebyhiking.Natureitselfhasasoothing quality that makes outdoor activities all the more enjoyable. After physical activities, hunger often follows. Heating up the grill, people can invite the neighbors to enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs, which are summer classics, perfect for sharing with friends and neighbors. While similar activities are possible in other seasons, they are best enjoyed in summer when the weatherisperfect.
The delightful sun and summer breeze, the ability to relax or be active, and the endless things to do outside is why people cannot wait for summer to arrive. Summer weather provides more time outside, the ability to wear lightweight clothes, and is necessary for a human’s physical and emotional well-being.Withoutthestressofacademicwork,itistheperfecttimefor people to discover new places, try new activities, and enjoy hobbies. Participating in sports or spending time outdoors is a fantastic way to pass the time and stay healthy. Whileeveryseason has its charm, summer remains the most beloved, offering an abundance of opportunities for enjoymentandrelaxation.
A Christmas Story
By Noah Palmer
Buried in the heart of the South, where the green grass grows, barbeque graces every home, and the Grizzlies reign supreme, I lay in the cushions of the comfy room. The fireplace crackles and pops as I read the day’s newspaper. Jim struts in, telling me about Santa. “Santais themeaningofChristmas,”heinsists.
I look up from my paper and reply, “Jim, although Santa is great and all,heisnotthetrue meaningofChristmas.”
“Thenwhatis?Isitgettinggiftsunderthetree?” Jimasks.
“Christmas,” Iexplain,“isabouttheImmaculate ConceptionandthebirthofJesus.”
“Whoisthat?”Jimasks.
“In thatseat,sittightandgetcozy,Iamgoingto tell you all about the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph…” It all started in a town called Nazareth when anangelappearedtoMarywhile she was sleeping. Mary was frightened by the angel Gabriel. Amazingly, the angel told Mary that she would have a baby, but this was impossible because Mary wasavirgin.Thiswas later known as the ImmaculateConception.One canreadLuke1:26-38.
I continued, “The angel also toldMarythather son would be named Jesus and would be the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.Later,theangelGabrielwenttoJoseph,Mary’sfuture husband, and told him that Mary would have a son, who would be the Messiah and save the world.
Before all of this, an angel appeared to Elizabeth and Zachariah,tellingthemtheywouldhavea child, even though they were both old and childless. At first, they didn’t believe thattheycould haveachildattheiroldage.Theangelsaidtothem:
“‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he willbegreatbeforetheLord.Andhe
must not drink wine or strong drink, andhewillbefilledwiththeHolySpirit,evenfrom hismother'swomb.AndhewillturnmanyofthechildrenofIsraeltotheLordtheirGod” (ESV,Luke1:13-16).
This child would be named John the Baptist and would be important to Jesus's story later. However, Mary and Joseph had a big problem: Jesus was supposed to be born in Bethlehem of Judea,asprophesiedintheOldTestament.LuckilyforMaryandJoseph,CaesarAugustusissued a decree that there would be a census, and each person wouldhavetoreturntothetownoftheir ancestry. Joseph was from Bethlehem, so they began their long journey there. Traveling many miles, they had to ride on a donkey because Mary was pregnant, and it would have been dangerous for her to walk that distance. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, they found there was no place to stay. The censushadcausedthetowntobeovercrowded,andtherewasno room in any inn for Mary and Joseph. In Bethlehem, they had no choicebuttostayinahumble place. After Jesus was born, Mary laid him in a manger, which was a feeding trough for the animals.Luke2:6-7states:
“And whiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoher firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because therewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.”
Near the place where Jesus was miraculously born, there were shepherds tending to their flock when an angel appearedtothem.TheangeltoldthemaboutthebirthoftheMessiah.Then,more angels came down from Heaven, singing praises. Surprised by the sight of the angels, the shepherds decided to go totheplacewhereJesuswasbornandpraiseHim.Meanwhile,Herod,a malicious king, heard about Jesus, who was said to be the King of all people, and he became angry Wise men from the east were looking forJesus.TheywenttoaskKingHerodwherethey could find Him. Herod was jealous and asked them to find thebabyandreturntohimtolethim know where Jesus was. However, the wise men realizedthatHerodwaslyinganddangerous,so they did not return to him. Instead, they gave Mary and Joseph gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
“That,son,isthetrueChristmasstory,”Isaid.Jimwasastonished. “Wow,”heproclaimed.“ThatwassuchanamazingnarrationaboutJesus.” I replied, “Jesus is the savior of all of us. He saved us from all our evil, and He is the Son of God.JesusisKing.”
Jim had been very interested, and for a long time, I had told him many magnificent stories of Jesus. I convinced Jim to come with me to church every Sunday I then gave Jim a Bibleandtaughthimhowtoreaditandlearnfromit.
Combat in the B-1 “B-One” Bone
By Joshua Hawn
As I walked down the aging tarmac, I questioned my choices before hopping into the supersonic weapon on wheels. As I satintheejectionseat,Ilookedatthebrightyellowhandles. I hoped and prayed that Iwouldnothavetousethem,fortheywouldsendmeoutofthetopofa burning airplane at incredible speeds. As we started the taxi, we ran all the pre-flight routines needed to get in the air. While takingoff,Itookonelastlookoutthewindowbeforepushingthe throttleforwardandrocketingawayfromtheislandofDiegoGarcia.
It all started after the attacks of September11,2001.AtthePentagon,thereweredebates underway about how America would respond to the horrific terrorists behind the hijackings. I was on my way tothebasetograbsomethingsfrommyofficewhenmybosscalled.Hetoldme that if an attack was necessary, my squadron and I would be the first group deployed. I still remember thechillIfeltwhenhesaidthis.HowwouldItellmyfamilythatIcouldbedeployed? Predictably, a few days later, I was told to get ready for combat. After grabbing my phone and backpack, I made my way down to the C-17 Globemaster, and beforeIknewit,wewereonour way to Diego Garcia. The flight was bumpy, but the landingwasincrediblysmooth.WhenIgot out, I noticed one thing: It was the smallest island I had ever seen, barely big enough to hold a runway. We talked to a few other people and then made our way to where we were staying. It
was an old canvas tent with cots and blankets. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get the job done. The island was calm. Over the next few days, I learned whoIwouldbeflyingwith.Iwas happy with the group and knew that together, we could accomplish almost anything. When the day finally came, I went down to the briefing room and waited for what felt like an eternityfor the rest of the guystowalkin.Thechaplainthenwalkedinandledusinaprayer Afterward,we had our mission briefing where we were informed on things like the weather These things told us how our avionics would perform. One of the biggest things we had to watch out for was weather that could interfere with our targeting pod. The pod was crucial for identifying targets, and its performancedependedheavilyonweatherconditions. The weather also provided insights into how the enemy was managingtheirdefensesystems.Afterthe briefing, we went to the Aircraft Flight Equipment tent to check our gear We then walked down the taxiway and hopped into our crew’s B-1Lancer This menacing aircraft, whichthepilotscalled“theBone,” was the plane that would take us deep into enemy territory and hopefully back out safely As we examined our cockpit one last time,oureyesscanned over the vital components. We looked over the ejection handles, the wing sweep mechanism, the throttle, and much more. Disengaging the brakes, we started ourtaxiandafewshortmomentslater,pushed the throttles forward and sped off towards Afghanistan. The majority of the flight was quite calm, but we all knew what was coming. As we neared the border, we made sure our offensive and defensive systems were good to go. As we approached our target area, we scanned the desolate skies for enemy missiles andjets…Nothing.Whenwearrivedatthetargetarea,wedroppedour payload of twenty-four GPS-guided bombs, which each weighed two-thousand pounds, and immediately turned back. As we did this, ourdefensesystemsscreamedatus.BEEP…BEEP… BEEP. It was an SA-2. This terrifying weapon could take down an airplane in seconds. We quickly took evasive action, soaring left, right, and left again, dumping flares like mad as we signaled to AWACS that we were being targeted by an angry missile. Fortunately, the missile broke off and chased one of our flares, just like a dog chasing a cat.Relievedthatitwasoffour tail, we all exchanged looks and turned to theLordtothankHim.Wethensafelyflewhomeand landed. As we stepped out, we were met with a cheer from the airmen, all clapping and celebrating our safe return. After saluting the general who sent us on the mission and removing ourhelmets,wewalkedbackintoourbuilding.
As we walked through the hallway in our service dress, we stopped to talk foraminute. After getting in formation, we walked in on cue and sat down. We listened for about thirty minutes, and then we were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Excited by what had just happened,wesmiledforapicturebeforewalkingoutsideintothecrisp,coolair.
An Unknown Planet
By Violet Neller
My heart pounded, and my legs shook as I squeezed my eyes shut, praying I wouldn’t be noticed. A bead of sweat dripped down my face as I heard an unruly growl and heavy thump. The alien dragged itselfdownthe hall while I hid behind the wall, holding my breath. It came next to the wall where I was hiding and stopped. I wanted to cry. I can’t believe my life is going to end; I haven’t evenaccomplished anything; I thought to myself. Everything had been fine at first. The crew and I had set off to explore new planets and environments on a spaceship designed by renowned engineers and scientists. It had a modern, sleek look with blue lights and was made to accompany our everyneedonourjourney.Above a planet, we had yet to explore, we suddenly started experiencing problemswiththecontrols.Itwas like there was something on the planet that interfered with our power. The ship went dark and bright red lights started blinking, hurting my eyes. The ship started spinning uncontrollably as everyone braced themselves for impact soon to come. I grumbled as I tried to pry myself off the ground. The lights were still annoyingly blinking as everyone pulled themselves together. My ears rang and my head throbbed. I must have hit it hard in thecrash.Idullyheardthecaptaincallouttoseeifeveryone was okay. The rest of the crew and I managed togetupwithinafewminutesandstartedgetting some first aid to those who were injured and finding out what went wrong with the power. We managed to figure out that this planet held a rare mineralthatinterfereddirectlywithoursource
of power Fortunately, we had a backup power sourcecalledreservesifsomethinglikethiswere tohappen.
Unfortunately, the crash had damaged those reserves. “It’s fine,” the captain called out, “it will only take a few minutes to fix if we split up and work together.” Once we split intoour groups, grabbed our flashlights, and started our ways to our designated locations, there was a loud bang! The ship shook while we all looked at each other, eyes wide. The bang was then followed by another, then another, then another At that point, the ship was shaking while I realized something was trying to get in. Just then, the shaking stopped, and we heard a loud shriek. I instantly jumped into action as me and a few others ran into a nearby weaponry room and grabbed a couple weapons. We only had so much time to load it with our limited ammunitionbeforeweheardanotherscream,thistimecloser Myheartbangedinmychestlikea drum as we scattered across the room into different hiding places. I heard a low snarl enter the room which made me hold my breath. It was completely silent besides theblaringalarmsofthe ship when suddenly there was a small sound. Someone had dropped something. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back as the alien flew into action to attack whoever caused that sound. There were screams of terror andpain,abangingnoise,thealien’sgrowling,thensilence once again. I don’t know how long I stood frozen in place. Was it minutes? Hours? I was terrified. When I finally worked up the courage to peek through the doors of the storage closet, my heart stopped. Messedupfromthestruggle,theroomlayinruin.Showingastruggle,broken glass and fallen ammo and weaponry was all over the place. I cautiously steppedout,preparing for the worst. When I confirmed the alien was gone, I called out to the others saying, “Is everyone okay?” They slowly stepped out from their hiding places as I inspected for the body. However, there was none. It looks like the alien took her with it. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. Based on who was here and who was missing it looks like Mallory got attacked. I didn’t knowherwell,butIhadseenheraround.Iwasatalossforwords.
“We have to keep going,” said Veerinalow,quietvoicewithagrimlookonhisface,“Wedon’t know who else has survived other than our group and we need to get the ship working againor elsewe’reallgoingtosuffer.”
As much as Mallory’s friends wanted to mourn the loss, they knew he was right. We nodded and got to work, quicklydecidingtosplitintogroupsoftwo.Whiletheothersixwereto go to the other three reserve locations, me and Veer were set to go fix the reserves in the West Wing, the farthest one. I knew it was going to be dangerous; we havenoideahowmanypeople are alive and how many aliens there are butit’sfineaslongasatleastsomeofthecrewsurvive. We split up, saying our final goodbyes, knowing some of us aren’t going to make it, and went ourseparateways.
It had been a couple minutes, and we were about halfway there. Then we heardit.Loud thumping steps slowly approach. We’d been spotted. Scared for our lives, we started sprinting instantlythrowingthestealthpartoutthewindowknowingwewerecaughtanyway. “Go!”Veerhowls,“I’llholdthemoff!”
Having no other choice I kept running, never looking back. I don’t know howlonghe’ll be able to hold them off, but I know it won’t be long with our dinky weapons. While thinking that to myself I heard Veer scream out in pain. They had got him. Now they were coming after me. I cursed as I made a sharp turn, narrowly dodging the alien launching itself at me. Made another turn and it was a dead end. I pressed myself against the wall holding my breath. The
alien came next to me and stopped. I prayed it wouldn’t notice me as I trembled. It sniffed and looked around, trying to find where I had gone, then it just--walked off. I collapsed, my legs feeling weak. I thought I was dead meat. No, I thought to myself, I have to keep going, the reserve’s room is just down the hallway Pushing myself off the ground, stillshaking,Ichecked behind the wall and made a run for it. When I got to the room, I immediately got to work. Pressing all the buttons I neededtoand pulled the lever The ship's bright, fluorescentlightsturnedback.
“Yes!” I called out not being able to helpmyself.
This meant the others made it! Suddenly, a gas was released. I recognizedit,itwaspartofthetraining. It was a gas that is safe to humans yet deadly to most aliens. However, since this was an undiscovered species, we didn’t know if it was going to work. However, we had no other choice. I cautiously stepped out of the room, clutching my weapon. As I was walking down the halls toward the control room, I heard something collapse behind me. I whipped around, aiming my weapon, only to see the alien on the ground, unmoving. Relieved the gas worked, I cheered out loud. I turned around, ready to start sprinting to get to the others. However, IstoppedinmytracksasIfeltaglobof something slimy on my shoulder. I swiftly looked over, having a sinking feeling in my stomach, when I saw the alienstandingoverme.
Life as a Christian
By Grace Tebbe
As the bell rang, a cold breeze hit me as I pushed open the doors. When I breathed, I could see my own breath, and I felt my nose turning red. Step by step, I pushed through the breeze,tryingtogettothehospitaltovisitmymom.
Sadly,mymomhadbeenseverelysickforthepasttwoweeks,anditdidnotlooklikeshe hadgottenanybetter.Thinkingaboutmymom,IsometimesstartedtowonderifGodhadleftme ormyfamilybehind.IknewwhattheBiblesaidaboutthis,butIcouldnothelpthinkingaboutit. As I entered the hospital, I started looking for my mom’s room number. Swarmed in my thoughts, I finally found her room, and as I opened the door, I saw my dad and my best friend, Amber,besideher.
“Wherehaveyoubeen,Kelleigh?”Amberwhispered.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Iasked.
“Oh,wait,Iforgotyourschooldidn’tgetahalf-daytoday,”repliedAmber. As she said this, my dad came over and gave me a huge hug. He led me over to my mom, who did not look well, and for the rest of the day, I stayed beside her bed. When we had to leave, I waved goodbye, imagining that she was waving back. Once we exited the hospital, I waved goodbye to Amber and hopped into my dad’s car. During the drive home, I kept thinking about my mom and how lonely I had been ever since I found out she was sick. I always tried to believe that God reallydid care abouther,butsofar,it did not look that way.
Onceweenteredourdriveway,Iquicklygotoutofthecarandranintomyroom.
I felt tears streaming down my face. I spent the rest of the night crying myself to sleep, wonderingifthiswouldbemymom’slastChristmaswithus.
Iwokeupthenextmorningtomydadyelling,“Kelleigh,areyoudressedyet?”
Ishoutedback,“No!WhatdoIhavetogetdressedfor?”
Heyelled,“We’reattendingchurchtodaywithAmber.”
I suddenly got up from my bed and started searching my closet for the nicest clothes I owned. When I finally selected my outfit, I went straight to doing my hair Afterward, it took meabout ten minutes to finally leave my room and eatbreakfastwithmydad.Hestartedtheconversation bywhispering,“So,howdidyousleeplastnight?”
Iwhispered,“Good.IjustwishMomcouldbehere.”
Heresponded,“Iknow,honey Iwishshewasheretoo.”
After this, we were silent. My dad then broke the silence by whispering, “I think it is time to headtoAmber’schurch.”
InoddedinagreementasIleftthetabletograbmycoat.AsmydadandIleftthehouse,I started to think about what the sermon would be about today During the ten-minute drive to church, I debated whether it would be about Christ’sresurrectionorJesusdyingonthecross.At church, my dad parked the car, and we both walked to the entrance. I immediately saw Amber, and we caught up with her We all walked into church and took our seats as the sermon was about to start. Once the preacher came on stage and started praying, everyone got silent. After the prayer, he went straight into his sermon. As I was listening, I heard something thatchanged mywholemindset.
“You are not alone,” thepreachersaid.“Godisalwayswithyou,eventhoughyoumaynotknow it.” He also preached, “Even though everyone goes through hard times, that does not mean we shouldlosefaithinGod.”
After he said this, I felt better, realizing that I was notaloneandthatGodwasbymyside.Once the sermon ended, we waved goodbye to Amber and left the church. Aswefoundmydad’scar, we got a call from the hospitaltellingusthatamiracle had just happened. The nurse practitioner said thatmy mom had suddenly started getting better and that her illness was beginning to go away. Immediately, we drove to the hospital, and the doctor was right. Overwhelmed by my emotions, all I could thinkabout was how much better my mom looked, and she could eventalkalittlebit.
Shewhispered,“Iloveyou.” Iwhisperedback,“Iloveyoutoo.”
After this brief conversation, my dad and I left the hospital happy.Afterafewmoreweeksinthehospital, the doctor said that my mom could come home with us. My dad and I started crying happy tears as we realized she would be spending Christmaswithus.We drove to pick her up from the hospital on Christmas Eve,andshewhispered,“MerryChristmas,honey.” Iwhisperedback,“MerryChristmas,Mom.”
This story teaches a solid lesson: being a Christian may not always be easy, but there is a great reward in theend.
Penelope Vs. P ions Class
By Quinlan Key
A broom zipped past my face. “Woah!” I shrieked. Thewindblewmyhairintomyface, and I stumbled forward a bit. The student looked back. “Sorry!” he yelled. I recovered and looked around. I was halfwayacrossthebridgetoCelaria.Itwasabeautifulsightonthatbridge.
To my left, I saw giant, beautiful ancient statues of grey. On my right was the giant ravine the bridge crossed. It was a bit terrifying knowing only the bridge keptmefromfallingfromsucha height. In my time observing, I had somehow already reached the end of the bridge. In front of me was another statue, likely of Headmaster Arisonium. Above that was a sign that read, “Celaria, School of Sorcery and Magical Arts!” A big smile formed on my face, and Isquealed inexcitementtofinallybehere.
“Penelope!YouareLATE,”boomedavoicecomingfrombehindthestatue.
I peeked around the statue to find a staff member, who I assumed was an assistant to the headmaster. “Follow me at once to the registration hall. The restofthenewstudentsarealready
there waiting.” The assistant turned around and walked off, and I quickly followed behind. Elegant engravings trailed the old stone walls of the halls; it was magnificent. As the assistant opened the door to the registration hall, the murmuring of voices hit my ears like a wave. Deteriorated by age, I found a creaking chair and sat down. To my left was an odd-looking girl with purple hair and a scar across her left eye. “You excited as well?” she almost whispered. I supposeshenoticedmestaring,orIdon’tthinkshewouldhavesaidanything.
“Very!”Ireplied,lettingoutasmallgiggle.Shewasdressedinacloakthatmatchedherhair,and aminusculeliningonhershouldertoldmehernamewasAscari.
“Clink!” Everyone went silent and turned their heads to the front of the hall. There stood the headmaster He carried himself with such grace that heseemedunreal.Youcouldfeelthepower of magic emanating from him. “Welcome, all! I thank you for enrolling in…” And on he went. I’d say his speech lastedalmost45minutes,anditboredmequiteabit.However,therewasalot of good information. I was also introduced to many of the teachers who would be handling our concerns and, obviously, teaching our classes. The rest of my first day went well. I attended “Basic Magic Theory” and learned all about the school and magic! I also figured out that after becoming a Senior Thaumaturge (also known as a fifth-year), it was possible to join one of the four factions: Ataraxy Brilliance,thelightandhealingmagicfaction;ArcaneTranscendence,the soul magic faction; EmpyreanofAvala,theelementalfaction;andlastly,AbyssalReverence,the dark and corrupt magic faction. It was hard to sleep that night, processing all the new information and the fact that I wasfinallyhere.Ididmybesttosleep,knowingthatthenextday I would be attending Potions class. At home, I knew from experience that I wasnotgoingtobe good at it. I always struggled with things like that. It turned out I was roomed with Ascari and one other person. Although I didn’t get along well with the other person, we madeit work. Finally, I felt myself drifting off to sleep. The next morning, I opened my eyes to find sunlight flooding the room. Ascari and the others were already up and at breakfast. Quickly, I got ready, ate in my dorm, and prepared for Potions class. Navigating the giant school, I gotlostafewtimes, but I finally made it to the Potions room. In the center stood three teachers. Themainteacher,knownasa Theurgist, was accompanied by two assistants, knownasconjurers.Aclock tower chimed, and we began. The teachers each spoke inturn,givingusdifferentstepstocreate the potion we would be making. Nervously, I put each ingredient in. The problem was stirring—not which way, but for the right amount of time. I clearly did something horribly wrong, as the next thing I knew, my face was charred from ash. Screaming, the students ran away. The teachers were yelling, but they seemed calm. Because of their calmness, I felt
comforted, although that didn’t last long. I heard something roar from behind me. “Oh my gosh…”Ispoke.IhadmessedupsobadlythatIhadcreatedanentireslimemonster Everyother student had alreadylefttheroom,andtheteachersranupbesideme.“LevisGladius!”onecalled next to me. Equipped with hisstave,alongswordoflightformedattheendofit.Heslammedit down onto the slime monster and split it in half. The enragedmonsterseemedtoslowdownbut simply reconnected in the middle and continued rampaging. The second teacher yelled, “Ignis Tempestas!” I looked around us. A storm of fire was forming around us, and it seemed to be working against the monster!Formysake,anotherteacherusedaspelltocreateabubblearound me to protect me from the storm. I wish Ihadheardtheincantation,butthestormwassoloudit drowned everythingout.TheTheurgisttookherstave,raisedit,andcastanamazingspell,which IbelievedtobeanArcanespell.
With that, and the firestorm going on, it took down the horrid slime monster Everyone cheered, and students returned to the room. This was a normalthing!Theteacherskeptmeafter class to let me know that this type of thing had happened a million times before, and I had no need to worry as I wasn’t in trouble. In fact, the teachers all gave me extra help. If I remember correctly, two good thingscamefromthat:Ibecameanamazingpotionmaker,andIfinallyslept well.Classescontinuedasnormalafterthat,andIactuallymadeupwithmyotherroommate.