November/December Tiger Tribune 2023

Tiger Tribune

November/December 2023

In this issue...

Warsaw Tournament Crawford Auction Marketplace Deals Most Likely to....

Clubs: FFA, FBLA, FCA Obscure News New Teacher Interviews

Dress Like a Student Day

On Friday, December 8, SHS faculty pulled out their best camo, Crocs, air pods, and hoodies and showed up dressed like students. Teachers were met with mixed reactions, but all were in agreement that Mrs. Meade (far right) stole the show dressed as Brigham Willis.

Bragging Rights The Skyline High School Nursery team took fifth place in the nation at the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Team members include Lily Poynter, Quincy Hodges, Colten Whitney, and Ada Mabary.

SKYLINE FCCLA Region-10 Leadership Conference At the Region 10 meeting at Silver Dollar City, the Skyline chapter won out, getting us the Spirit Stick, which is available to view in Mrs. Cook’s room.

FCCLA Coat Drive As part of her STAR Event project, FCCLA member Raegan Lewis conducted a coat drive during the month of December. She stated that she has received 124 coats during the drive in addition to many pairs of gloves and several warm hats. Students Recent Events needing warm clothes during the 2023December 4-8- Elementary food drive 2024 school year should see Mrs. Cheek December 6- Meeting day or Mrs. Bryan during school hours.

December 7- Light the Lake Raegan will present her STAR Event December 8- Hat day project in January.

December 12 - Can the Bison

SKYLINE FCCLA

by Faith Moore The Skyline FCCLA had their annual fundraiser. This fundraiser includes a raffle for gift cards, candles, and candle waxes. The raffle Corey Warren-Moore, winners were Kim FCCLA Officer, with his Mrs. Georgie Cook the Logan who won the Thanksgiving lunch.

FCCLA advisor. $50 Mr. Ed’s gift On November 20, card, Amy Johnson FCCLA has 12 kids 2023 the officers and who won the $100 preparing for their Bath and Body Works a couple members STAR events. These made a Thanksgiving include Bryar Evans, gift card, Bryanna Shields who won the lunch for all FCCLA Hunter Jenkins, members. They had Corey Moore, Raegan $100 Bass Pro gift chicken fettuccine card, and Jamie Lewis, Sierra Allen, alfredo, garlic bread, McDonald who won Ella Gordan, Elaina the $100 Amazon gift pumpkin pie, Edge, MacKenna brownies, and more. card.

Shockley, Austin Grandi, Jacob Remember there is a meeting on the first Wednesday of Merritt, Teya Pecora, every month. High schoolers are the last fifteen minutes of 7th hour, and middle schoolers are during their lunch. and Payton Hass.

Also, countdown to Christmas is still happening. Try to find the number for the day when you arrive at school.

veterans day

by Faith Moore At the start of the assembly, the band played “Veterans Day Parade.” After the song, student council president Brody Pratt welcomed and greeted the veterans. Shelby Redd and Raegan Lewis then did the “Pledge of The Skyline Student Allegiance”. Once they were Council started the finished, the Country Men of Veterans’ Day Assembly Note and Skyline Choir sang with breakfast for the “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Veterans at 7:30am.

Next, Haley Long read a Breakfast was made by poem, which was followed by the elementary cooks. It the recognition of attendees included eggs, bacon, read by Colton Whitney and sausage, biscuits, gravy, Ada Mabary. The band then apple and cherry played their last song, “On to turnovers, and cinnamon Victory”. Once finished, rolls. Around 8:00am Jorja Harrison read her essay everybody made their way that she wrote. Then, toward the High School Country Men of Note sang Gym to the assembly.

“Tell My Father”.

Thereafter, veteran and Skyline alumnus Omar Bennett, spoke. Omar is the third grade teacher at Skyline and served 8 years in the Marine Corp. He was followed

by Kiana Grimes who played “TAPS” on the trumpet. Following that, Brody Pratt shared a poem. Which was followed by Country Men of Note and the Skyline Choir’s last song “God Bless America”.

After all that Jorja Harrison concluded the assembly.

meet the teacher

by Faith Moore

Mrs. Chasity Henderson

New math teacher Mrs. Chasity Henderson is a mom of three here at Skyline: Chayla,who is a senior, Kimber, who is a freshman, and Presley, who is in 5th grade. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, riding horses, and riding motorcycles with her husband, Evan. Her birthday is January 6.

She taught at Wheatland for 2 years previously. This is only her 3rd year teaching.

Her favorite subject to teach is math. She loves hot wings from Adobe's in Springfield, and she also loves all of the coffee drinks that her oldest daughter spoils her with. A fun fact about Mrs. Henderson is that she was supposed to be on the show Big Brother the year of COVID. Her children and this amazing community brought Mrs. Henderson to Skyline. Her favorite drink is Sprite zero.

Her favorite Christmas movie is Elf. Mrs. Henderson didn’t always want to be a teacher. Instead, she wanted to be a pharmacist. She stated that, “God had other plans, and I later realized I wouldn't be able to attend my kids’ sports activities. Her favorite store is the Nike store in Branson.

meet the teacher

by Faith Moore

Mrs. Shelby Brewer

Mrs. Shelby Brewer is a teacher here at Skyline.

She has three children.

Her children include two sons: one is in eighth grade and the older is a freshman, and her daughter who is 23 and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Her birthday is August 24.

Mrs. Brewer has taught at four schools. She taught eighth grade in Arizona and preschool in Washington prior to moving to Missouri, where she now teaches 5th grade ELA. She loves teaching reading. Her favorite dinner is breakfast. She stated that she loves making breakfast burritos for dinner. A fun fact about Mrs. Brewer is that she started college at the age of sixteen. Another fun fact is she will knit and crochet with any spare time she can find. She said, “If I am sitting, I have yarn in my hands.”

When asked what brought Mrs. Shelby Brewer to Skyline she responded with, “My husband and I sold most of our possessions and drove around the country looking for a place to live. We stumbled upon Preston and fell in love with the town and people.” Her favorite drink is an iced Matcha. During Christmas time she rewatches the Harry Potter movies, but she also loves Elf. Her favorite store is a used bookstore or a local yarn store. When asked if she always wanted to be a teacher her answer was yes.

meet the teacher Mr. Steve Sanders

Mr. Steve Sanders is a teacher and coach here at Skyline. He has been married to his wife for 21 years. They have 3 kids, Walker, McKinley and McKaylyn, and he enjoys spending time on the lake, hunting, and watching sports. As he said, “GO CHIEFS!”

His birthday is July 5. He has taught at Mountain Grove for 9 years, Ava for 2, and Hartville for 7 before starting his first year here at Skyline. He believes that all subjects have their positives and negatives. His favorite food varies, but he says, he’s “always up for buffalo wings, pizza, and burgers.” A fun fact about Mr. Sanders is that he just started an online resell business. His hidden talent is that he is called the songbird of his generation.

When asked about what brought Mr. Sanders to Skyline, he responded with, “We moved to our lake house full time and hoped that we could come to Skyline. We feel that it is by far the best school in our area.” His favorite drink varies, but he states he has been on tea kick lately. His favorite Christmas movie is Christmas Vacation.

He considered working in the business field, and that is what his degree is in, but he is glad to be teaching and coaching here at Skyline. His favorite store is “the internet” because he doesn’t like shopping in person.

November/December 2023

FBLA NEWS What’s up and coming in December 2023 and more

Upcoming Events

by Jacob Merritt

On December 11th Skyline FBLA had its annual dinner meeting at Expresso 825. We enjoyed a nice dinner and heard from owner Ashley Berry as the speaker. There were also many great door prizes. The Can The Bison Food drive was a group project by FCCLA FBLA and Stu-co during the December 12th basketball game against Buffalo.

FBLA contest season has started with district competitions and will last through January 10, 2024.

Other projects like presentations are due on January 10, 2024 as well.

The district competition is scheduled for Tuesday February 7 in Bolivar. In addition to the competitions members will attend workshops and network with members from other schools.

Middle School Autism Awareness Campaign The middle school FBLA chapter has been inspired to start an autism awareness campaign. The community service project team of Hudson Pratt, Libby Barker, and Ella Arendt want to promote knowledge and understanding of people with autism. On Wednesday December 6th middle school students could pay $1 to wear a hat and teachers could pay $5 to wear jeans. All proceeds will go to Hickory County Cares, No Child Left Behind At Christmas, and The Show Me Romey Foundation. The team will create a presentation about their project to compete at the middle school state competition in March of 2024.

I interviewed Liberty Barker and Hudson Pratt about what inspired them to do this and what they hope to achieve.

Hudson said they hoped to inform people about autism while Liberty said that she hopes to educate people and increase their understanding while also making the topic more accepted.

Hudson told me he was inspired by the Show Me Romey Foundation. Liberty told me she was inspired by seeing people use the “R word” as a derogatory term.

Liberty Barker and Hudson Pratt

by Jacob Merritt

Question of the Month What two teams do you think will go to the Super Bowl this year, and who do you think will win?

COACH GRIFFIN

CONNER MILLBERN

AIDEN MEADE

“I think it will be a rematch, Chiefs vs Eagles, and I think the Chiefs will win.”

“I think 49ers vs Dolphins and I think the 49ers will win.”

“I think it will be Ravens vs 49ers, and I think the 49ers will win.”

by Jayden Moppin

Christmas Survey Most likely to...

Snoop for gifts:

Sleigh all day:

Coach Cheek

Mrs. Dampier and Dr. J

Put you on the naughty list:

Win a snowball fight:

Mrs.Cook

Coach Kelley

Christmas Survey Most likely to...

Still take pictures with Santa:

Fall while ice skating:

Mrs. Dampier and Dr. J

Mrs.Cook

Sing off key during caroling:

Steal all of santa’s cookies:

Coach Kelley

Tony

Christmas Survey Most likely to...

Be Scroogy:

Listen to Justin Bieber’s XMAS album:

Coach Cheek

Coach Kelley and Mrs. Dampier

Merry Christmas!

Brayden Whitney

Monthly Beef Cattle Market Report December 2023

A little red truck hauling a Christmas tree.

Morgan Beck

A little red truck hauling a Christmas tree.

Compared to the last report, which was two weeks ago in most locations, markets were all over the place and uneven; however, most sales were 5.00 to 15.00 lower. The supply of feeders was moderate. Uneven futures markets continue to confuse buyers and sellers at the sale barns as big daily swings for no fundamental reasons leave everyone scratching their heads. In the last two weeks the Dec. Live The cattle contract has lost nearly 6.50 dollars and Jan. Feeder Cattle has lost nearly 15.00 dollars. Moisture in wheat country has helped to provide a spark to the lighter-weight calf market.

However, buyers are only interested in calves that are weaned with shots that can be turned out immediately. The first snow of the year fell over the holiday weekend across much of the northern half of the state and much of the southern half managed to get around an inch of rain. The moisture is very welcome although the growing season is over and what little grass that was stockpiled is disappearing fast. Several reports of folks already feeding hay which in the southern part of the state often doesn't start till around Christmas rather than Thanksgiving. Some of the better load lots of 8 wt. steers this week topped out at 228.85 which was 18.00 lower than the top last week however quality was also a factor in play when compared to the special sales last week. Some load lots of 7 wt. heifers topped at 225.25 which was 13.00 lower than the top from some of last week's special sales.

Several heavy 8 wt. and especially into the 9 wt. steers are now seeing a 1 rather than a 2 at the start of the price. Still a few small packages of 4 or 5 wt. steers that may number 10 or 15 head which manage to find the 3.00 market but that has by far become an exception and those calves have to have all the bells and whistles as the average for 5 wt. steers have fallen into the mid 2's now. Boxed beef cutouts were lower for the week. On Friday choice closed at 297.46, down 0.57, and select closed at 265.49, down 3.27 compared to last week. Negotiated feedlot sales as of Friday afternoon came in 66K head. Live sales were reported from 173.00-175.00 and dressed sales at 275.00. Missouri Stocker formula consists of 5011 head with a weighted average weight of 545.18 lbs. and a price value of 251.01, 12.39 lower than a week ago. The steer/heifer spread is 30.23. Supply included: 83% Feeder Cattle (55% Steers, 42% Heifers, 3% Bulls); 14% Slaughter Cattle (2% Steers, 1% Heifers, 89% Cows, 9% Bulls); 3% Replacement Cattle (22% Stock Cows, 59% Bred Cows, 9% Bred Heifers, 9% Cow-Calf Pairs, 1% Bulls). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 51%. Overall we have seen a steady downhill trend all month.

Source: USDA

“USDA”

Summary:

Overall throughout Missouri we have seen a downward trend in the cattle market this week. A lot of people are feeding hay and have been feeding hay for way longer than what they usually do in a normal year. We aren’t seeing as many 7-800lb 2 dollar cattle, and it takes really nice 4-500 lb cattle to hit that 3.00 mark. With light weight cattle buyers want the calves to be weaned out with all the shots and ready to go.

Urbana Parade

by Wyatt Sorrell

On Saturday, December 2, in Urbana Missouri, the Christmas parade took place.

The theme of the parade was music through the decades. The Weathered Wisdom Barn float was the first place winner,

A DAY AT THE

CRAWFORD AUCTION

by Wyatt Sorrell

My experience at Crawford auction on November 4th was amazing.

There were a lot of friendly people, and the deals were good. There was everything from guns, ammunition, tools, household items , and tractors and trucks. When I was there I bought a Napa air impact which only cost me 5 dollars, and a handful of miscellaneous tools that only cost me a couple dollars. The most exciting thing is when you raise your card in the air till he says “sold”!

Designed by John Kinslow

Marketplace Deals

by Davin Dahl and Dakota Carlisle

6,500

5,800 2003 6.0L 5 speed 4wd Long bed 240,000 Miles Dean Lupton

2002 Toyota MR2 Manual 253,000 Colton Owens

Limited Time Offer Shop Now

E N I L Y K S

'S T A H W NEW?

FFA

n Sutton

by Kately ey than Kels and Jona

FFA WEEK The annual FFA Fall Week Banquet kicked off FFA day, this year starting on Mon November 13.

Tuesday was Bead Day where students were e encouraged to participat in a rock-paper-scissors tournament.

Wear Your Jacket a Wednesday started with breakfast for community members and FFA supporters.

FFA members competed in the Ag Olympics on Thursday, where they participated in agriculture-related activities, like cow tongue football, driving post, wheel barrow race, hay s. toss, and feed sack race

NOV/DEC EDITION

when Friday was American Day mpete in five students went to co .

South West Fall Speaking t to Eight FFA members wen service Olive Point for a church on Sunday. day FFA Week ended on Mon e & Gold with a special trip for Blu Wildlife Members to Wonders of (below).

T C I R T S I D

FALL SPEAK

ING

On November 17, Kali atelin McCarty, Hailey Long, K Sutton, Holly Hahs, and ted in Kaylynn Morhead compe aking the South West Fall Spe Contest. None of them vel, but advanced to the state le spent all of them did well. They g, multiple hours researchin writing, editing, and es. memorizing their speech in a Each of them competed ral different area of agricultu topics.

Kali - Teach Ag Hailey - Soil & Water Katelin - Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Holly - MO Pet Breeders Kaylynn - MO Sheep Producers

December Events Labor A uction -

Dec. 4 Fruit & Meats delivery - Dec. 6 Chapte r Christ mas Party Dec. 12

Skyline Girls Basketball

WARSAW CHAMPS AND 4TH AT MARSHFIELD

by Ashlen Garrett

November 27th our local Skyline JV and Varsity Basketball girls started off with their first game of the season. The games took place at Warsaw High School. The JV girls placed 4th in the Marshfield tournement and the varsity placed 1st in the Warsaw tournement.

What The Coaches Have To Say About This Season And The Team This Year

Add a little bit of body text We went to each coach recently and asked a few questions and seen what their view on the girls basketball team for this year is.

Coach Sanders:

1.“What do you hope your players learn this year?”

I would like for them to learn how to be part of something bigger than themselves. No one person can win games alone. It takes all of us.

2. “Is it hard to fit in coaching with being a teacher at Skyline School?”

It is. Sometimes I feel like I am always at the school. Honestly though it's not a lot different than our players being student athletes. It takes sacrifice and time management to be successful.

3. “Who do you think will push Skyline girls the most as an oppenent?”

Because of the success our girls program has had in the past I think we will get everybody's best shot. A lot of teams would love to say that they beat us so it will be important that we play hard and stay focused every game.

Coach Meade:

1. “What are your hopes for the team this year?”

I hope the girls work together to achieve their goals, remain healthy throughout the season and of course, get back to the final four.

1.“How do you feel about district assignments?”

We have a schedule to prepare us for the post-season regardless, but I think the district assignment was good for the team’s confidence.

2. “What do you think will be your favorite game?”

We have a very competitive schedule, so there are a lot of teams that should push us, but I think the team will push themselves the most against Tipton, Fair Grove and El Dorado Springs.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL by Connor Millbern WARSAW TOURNAMENT

COLE CAMP Skyline lost to Cole Camp 54-42. We were down by one at the end of the first half. Defensive of player goes to Aiden Mead. MVP offensive player goes to Parker Owens, scoring 18 points.

CLINTON Skyline won against Clinton 69-38. MVP offensive player goes to Aiden Mead scoring 28 points.

WARSAW

Skyline defeated Warsaw 71-45.

Parker scored 21 points and Aiden Mead scored 18 points. Parker also scored a buzzer beater from the red line to end the third quarter.

Scholar Bowl

by Eli Hunziger

Interesting Fact of the Month: The Holy Roman Emperor during the Third Crusade, Frederick Barbarossa, drowned after his horse slipped in a river.

This month we had a few tournaments. We got third place at Kickapoo. We have qualified to go to nationals in Chicago this spring. To qualify, we have to be in the top 30% in certain tournaments.

“OBSCURE” NEWS

by Austin Grandi and Samuel Schultz

A 12 year old boy stole a forklift just outside of Detroit. He took it from his middle-school and got in a high speed chase of 15 mph with the local police.

The boy evaded the police for about an hour, and managed to hit 10 parked cars in the process.

Source: NBC News

A four man crew was finally charged of stealing a solid gold toilet from Winston Churchill’s birthplace worth six million dollars. The crime was done four years ago, but only now are British authorities charging the perpetrators for the crime. Sadly, the location of the item is still unknown.

Source: New York Times

This month seemed to be full of strange police chases, this one being closer to home. A man was running from the police outside of Kansas City with a 70-foot mobile home in tow. The chase started when the intoxicated driver failed to stop at a traffic light, but doubled down, refusing to pull over.

Source: Fox News

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

ART 1

JACOB MERRITT

ART 2 HOW THE WAS MADE

ART

The first piece of art was drawn with a pencil and then colored with colored pencils. The second piece of art was drawn with a pencil and then colored with markers.

by Jace Yates

CAROLS

ACCORDING TO KIDS

The SHS newspaper staff interviewed Skyline elementary students at recess to see if they knew the words to Silver Bells, a classic Christmas tune.

City sidewalks, busy roads, - Sammy Conley

Dressed in holiday today, - Sawyer Paris

In the air, there‘s a feeling of love, - Max Smith

Children laughing, people walking, - Haisley Garrison

Meeting mouth after smile.

- Easton Chambers

And on every chicken‘s corner, you‘ll hear, - Lucas Feltenburger

Silver bells, silver bells, It‘s Christmas time in the fall, - Luke Hodges

FCA

FCA is having meetings every Thursday from 7:30am to 7:55am.

FCA stands for Fellowship Christian Athletes though, it is not just for athletes. The morning starts with an opening prayer where they take prayer requests.

After they are finished with the prayer, they move on to a fun little game. After a few minutes of playing a quick game they move on to the devotion. After the devotion is finished, they end with an ending prayer where they rock it out.

by Faith Moore

During Fields of Faith, FCA raised money for a Thanksgiving meal.

The Thanksgiving meal is for people who can’t afford a meal for them and their family. They are also planning a Christmas party for December 8, 2023. There will be nachos, games, and an activity devotional. This will occur right after school, and go until the high school boys game starts, where we play Wheatland at 6:00 at home.

Joke of The Month

by Briar Hodges

What do you call it when a snowman has a temper tantrum?

A Meltdown

North Pole Musical The performing arts room was packed beyond capacity on Thursday, December 7, as Skyline Elementary students performed North Pole Musical, a play that was written by our very own Brody Pratt (SHS junior).

Elementary students had been practicing two nights per week during the month leading up to the performance to memorize their lines and their dance moves. Audience members were surprised that evening when superintendent, Jason Pursley, announced his sincere hopes to one day build a new facility to house future performances.

Pursley appealed to play-goers to help him achieve this goal by voting yes on a no-tax increase bond issue, which is currently in the research phase. He stated that he is looking over the financial details with experts in the field and will provide more information to the public as it becomes available.

The surprise announcement was met with applause by parents and students alike.

Cub of the Month November

Mrs. Hicks: Lucas Feltenberger and Vera Merino, Ms. Pratt: Zaylee Brown and Elijah Hammond, Mrs. Evans: Claire Wise and Laila Reynolds. Mrs. Acker: Laryn Stokes and Trinity Gentry, Mrs. Melton: Ava Jerett and Layton Henry, Mrs. Horn: Aubrey Crawford and Bonnie Peterson, Mrs. Moss: Emarie Poynter and Cole Johnson, Mrs. Darby: Paylin Parrack and Tristan Redding, Mrs. Mashburn: Luna York and Baylen Stokes, Mrs. Mabary: Layne Carter, Gavin Todd, and Addy Franklin, Mrs. Anderson: Wyatt Bishop, Ethan Lamar and Hadley Trujillo, Mr. Bennett's: Nyla Yates, Cataleya Glor and Cooper Lawrence, Mrs. Brown: Jayden Downey and Lyndsey Moralas, Mrs. Gentry: Memphis Helmig and Ainsley Luther, Mr. Hutchinson: Maycee Horn and Alex Greenwell

Senior Spotlight

by Camden West

This is AJ Dampier

This is Maddox Moore

If I could pick any type of cheese to be, I would be mozzerella because it’s the best. My favorite Skyline memory would have to be my first year of men in tights. If I could change our mascot, I would change it to a monkey because I love monkeys. If I could tell the younger classman anything, it would be to work hard and stay humble.

If I could pick any type of cheese to be, it would be pepper jack because I think it taste the best and melts the best. My favorite Skyline memory would be when we would get pizza on our way home from away games. If I could change our mascot, I would change it to a hog.

Advice I would give to younger classman would be that your first two years of high school are the hardest, but don’t give up.

Weston This is Weston Stoner. Weston __________________________________

is active in football. If he were a cheese, he would be pepper jack because it is spicy.

Weston’s favorite Skyline memory is breaking chairs in Mrs. Cook’s class. If he were to change our mascot, he would change it to a squirrel, because they have a lot of energy.

Weston’s words of advice are “Sit by the smartest kid.”

Stoner __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

__________________________________ This is Colton Whitney. Colton is a very active FFA and Student Council member. If he was any type of cheese he would be muenster cheese because it is bold and stands out among the rest. Colton’s favorite Skyline memory is when the teachers caroled in the hallway. If he were to change our school mascot, it would be to a beef cow or bull because of the people to cow ratio in our county. Colton’s words of advice are “Be active and always live in the moment!”

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

Colton __________________________________ Whitney

Laney This is Laney Allen. Laney has __________________________________

by Cela Anderson and Shayln Owsley

Allen __________________________________ attended Skyline since preschool. If she were any type of cheese, she would be colby jack because it’s the best. Her favorite Skyline memory was eating a whole pizza with her friends Shaelyn and Ally at the office. If she were to change our school mascot she would choose a dolphin. Laney’s words of advice are “keep your head up and always be kind!”

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ This is Mackenna Poynter.

Mackenna is in FFA and loves going to the high school football games. If she were a type of cheese she’d be cheddar because it’s her favorite. Her favorite Skyline memory was attending all the football games this year. If she were to change our school mascot, she would change it to an otter. Mackenna’s words of advice are “be yourself because people are going to judge you either way.”

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

Mackenna __________________________________ Poynter

CREATIVE WRITING Chromebook #6

by Alyna Colin

Oh,Chromebook number 6 how you’ve hurt me You lied to me. flipped upside down to trick me You turned around and stabbed me in the back How dare you act like you were 6 when you were actually chromebook number 9

Disfunction

by Steven Trigg Disfunction follows We fight about the small things Our lives will not be better

America’s Pastime

by Carter Millbern

America’s pastime game Baseball is the name Crack of the bat Dives for the ball Effort on every play Fight to win Games get exciting Home Runs are fun to watch Innings can take a while Just to score one run Kids look up to the legends Like Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. Managers like Dusty Baker Nods and signals Outfielders wait while Pitchers get their sign Quietly fans, watch excitingly Ready for the action Snacks await for Those who are hungry Unless you brought food of your own Victory awaits for those who are Willing to play Yelling and cheering Xray of broken bones Zip goes the ball when the pitcher throw

Christmas

by Payton Hass

Crunchy frost Cooling peppermints Lit-up cross Padded in footprints Blazing fires New mittens Ruthless buyers Family traditions Wrapping presents Evergreen trees Minty essence Bowing on our knees Red Santa hats Sugar cookies Cuddling cats Eating lots of goodies Delicate snowflakes VIsiting family Making cheesecakes Telling stories of fantasy

9

Christmas Changes

by Teya Pecora Imagine a night in late December. Christmas Eve more than ten years ago. Consider a small, white cabin in the suburbs of a big city. Most noticeable is the lack of heat when you walk in; but there's the little tree in the center by a wall with a little angel on the tree top providing Christmas spirit for the little ones. Just today the excitement for Santa pierced through the cabin.

A woman with auburn hair is rushing, almost sprinting through the crowded space to get things ready. She is wearing light grey sweatpants and a worn, oversized t-shirt. She is fast like a cheetah; three little ones wandering around while preparing for the events of the evening; but she is gentle,maintaining her calm attitude, making sure everything is done perfectly. “Alright, sit down on the floor, guys.”

The people to whom she is speaking are my brother, sister, and myself. We are five, three, and two years old; she is twenty- three. We are mother, son, and daughters, and we have been in and out of this cabin for as long as I can remember. I’m young, but I have many memories of being in this space. It’s all basically one room; one kitchen, one bedroom, one living room all connected with a closet the size of the shower and bathroom, not much bigger. Just enough room to get in and get out. She tries her best to make it work for a family of five, though. She calls me monkey, referring to my “monkey” feet. She was really young when she had me, and she is still really young.

As she settles us down, she says “Okay, you guys can all open one gift that Santa's elves brought early. Ready?” She was trying to put on a good face, to seem just as excited as the kids were. However, you could tell something was off, that she wasn’t feeling the Christmas spirit. It was such a small tree and there weren’t that many presents to go under it either. For us, it didn’t matter. Presents were presents and we were lucky to get anything. But, to her it meant so much more.

Looking back, I can see the distress in her eyes.

The next morning, each of us got up off the thin, black futon in the corner and ran to the other side to wake up our parents. Once awake, we saw the presents Santa Claus had brought and were ready to rip into all of them. Mom and Dad sat on the bed, steaming coffee cups in hand, watching the faces of their children light up with excitement.

Although we weren’t bothered byt the small tree, the few presents we were able to get, She was.

As I get older it all makes more sense. All she ever wanted was to give her children more than she had received growing up. She was a young mom with three young ones, all aged five and under. But even with how hard she tried, she couldn’t live up to her own expectations. This was her fifth attempt at making a Christmas special and she couldn’t make her expectations a reality.

Thirteen years later, that look of distress is gone. She’s been able to make those dreams a reality. In the beginning of each Christmas season she always verbalizes her expectations and how they aren’t going to happen. But every year she exceeds her own expectations. These things don’t bother her much anymore.

Instead of sitting in that shack-sized cabin, worrying about it not being enough, she's sitting in a place five times the size of the cabin knowing that she no longer has to be afraid of her kids living the way she did. Being older, I realize the stress she went through and I’ve watched the changes over the years. I appreciate every bit of effort she's put in over the years and I hope she knows she has always done perfect.

CHRISTmas

by Lainey Tucker On a starry night Three wise men see a bright star They traveled with gifts Camels leading way Frankincense, myrrh, and gold Handed to Jesus No room in the inn Born in a manger he stays Who lays in the straw King Herod is mad He orders to kill a boy In swaddling cloth Wise men trick the king Wanting to save the Savior Jesus is the King

From the Skyline High School Faculty

! s a m t s i r h C Merry

Have a safe, happy, and relaxing Christmas break!