Directions Volume 32, Issue 2
December 18, 2009
Winter Formal
by Natasha Redlin
The sophomore class of 2012 is sponsoring the first Knox High School winter semi-formal Saturday, Jan. 16. Freshmen through seniors are welcome to attend, and others from outside of Knox High School may come with prior approval from Mr. Bendicsen. Rumors of the dance being shut down and only open to sophomores are completely false, according to class sponsor Mr. Elliott. Tickets are $7, while refreshments and snacks will be available for a small fee. The sophomore winter formal committee
Knox High School
Knox Hosts First Winter Formal
is setting aside all collected funds from the dance to apply toward the 2011 prom. “From an economic standpoint, I think it’s a good idea to raise money for the 2011 prom,” said sophomore Jacque Ryan. Freshman Erica Pick added, “I think it’s a great idea to help raise money, and we’ll be having a great time dancing and spending time with friends.” Attire for the dance is semi formal. Boys should wear dress pants and a nice shirt with an optional tie; girls are encouraged to wear dresses. Jeans are not permitted.
Fundraising for the formal is underway with committee members looking for donations to be used for auctions at upcoming basketball games. Anyone with items to donate for auctions should contact Mr. Elliot in the band room. Plans are also in the works to host a fish fry at the Moose Lodge next month. Junior Grant Warren said, “I think the formal is a good idea. It’s always good to get ahead with fundraising for prom. It also gives everyone a chance to look fly.”
Bikers Roll in for Christmas
by Rachael Winebrenner
The time of year when the spirit of Christmas fills the air and the stores are never empty is here again. But while most children are anticipating the arrival of Santa and are busy making lists and checking them twice, other children are not so lucky. It isn’t news to anyone that America’s economy is in a funk; unfortunately, that means for some, Christmas shopping is not within the budget. Lucky, caring volunteers are changing the holiday outlook for them. In our own Starke County, A.B.A.T.E motorcycle organization helps unfortunate families during the holidays because volunteers believe no child should wake up on Christmas morning with empty stockings. A.B.A.T. E. stands for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, and members Terry and Debbie Young plan and organize Toys for Kids, an outreach program designed to help families in need. A.B.A.T.E works year-round to collect donations for Toys for Kids, and the program has seen much success in its nearly 20-year existence. This year, A.B.A.T.E has raised $9,000 and will be assisting 77 families (that’s 182
await delivery in car trunks outside. Besides gifts and a Christmas party, this year members David Winebrenner and Jeff Weber were able to procure 109 turkeys donated from Nash Finch where they both work, which means that each family will also receive a turkey for their Christmas dinner. For people interested in helping A.B.A.T. E., it isn’t too late to donate. Although the shopping has already been done for this year’s Christmas, the organization accepts donations all year round and stockpiling has already begun for next year’s holidays. Drop boxes can be found at many local businesses in Starke County, and donations such as new and gently used toys, cash or checks are encouraged. An A.B.A.T.E member tries out one of the new “hogs”
children) in Starke County. Money raised is used for shopping at Walmart in Valparaiso, where presents and a new bike are purchased for each child. Fifty to 60 volunteers invite the children to a Christmas party, where they receive stockings stuffed with goodies and sit with Santa, while stashed presents
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Santa’s A.B.A.T.E. loot is stashed away until the big day.