Gift of Giving - St. Clairsville Home

IN THIS
ISSUE:
High School
2
V O L U M E
Highlights
Grade School
2 ,
I S S U E
4
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 1
3-5
Gossip
Middle School 6-7
Mania
Back in My
8
Gift of Giving
Day
Devil’s Den of
9-
Sports
10
Athletes of the 11
Month
Coaches
12
Corner
Teacher
Feature
From a Guy’s
Eye
12
13
Student of the
14
Month
Upcoming Events 14
St. C Spirit
15
Advice
16
Local, State, and
National News
Political Propaganda
Editorial
Lexie’s Playlist
Games
17-18
19
20
21
212
Celebrate
and Honor
23-24
Interesting
Information
25
Taco Talk
26
Supporters
27
Paparazzi
Pics
28
By: Katelin Gandee
On November 25 ,2011, Jordan Traczyk
Want to donate? Well here are some of
cut 11 inches of her hair for Locks of Love. When the requirements. Your hair has to be 10 inches or
asked why she wanted to donate she said, “I
longer and your hair cannot be bleached. You also
wanted to help kids who lost their hair to cancer.” have to send in a hair donation form if you want
to receive acknowledgement for your donation.
So what exactly is Locks of Love? It is a
You can find the donation form at
non-profit organization, that was started in
www.locksoflove.org.
December 1997, that provides hairpieces to
financially disadvantaged children in the United
Jordan grew her hair for two years to get
States and Canada who suffer from long-term
it long enough to donate. Giving her hair to such a
medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They have
great cause is an example of the true gift of giving.
donated over 2000 custom made wigs.
After
Before
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What a Variety!
By: Ashley Bailey
The annual Christmas Variety Show has delivered
once again! Sweet Harmony, Chamber Choir and even a
number of solo acts performed for audiences at
St. Clairsville High School on December 7th and 10th in the
Middle School auditorium.
happiness to the St. Clairsville Christmas Variety Show.
The show was put on by Mr. Berk.
The show began with the Chamber Choir and
progressed to the solo acts. The students featured were :
Brooke Gould, Anna Davies, Alyssa Lodi, Lauren Jeffries,
Kelsey Knight, Juliana Madzia, Emily Vickers and Lexie
Smith. There were also duets such as Hannah Wakulchik
and Hannah Pagano, Lexie Prichard and Johna Borosh,
Aimee Ratka and Ashley Bailey, Taylor Young and Madison
Keenan, and Bryce Burnette, Austin Holmes and Derek
Shunk singing as a trio. After these outstanding acts were
performed, Sweet Harmony took the stage and afterwards,
Chamber Choir joined them for the finale of Carol of the
Bells. Overall, it was a successful show and brought
Mr. Berk
A Drive to Save Lives
By: Alexis Laurine
St. Clairsville’s own chapter of the National Honor
Society held their annual American Red Cross Blood Drive
on
December 6th. According to NHS Supervisor Justin
Sleutz, this is the 3rd year St. C’s NHS and the American Red
Cross have worked together on the blood drive.
With over 50 pints of blood donated, it’s clear that
many students share the same view as Megan. With each
pint saving three lives, and that coming to the total of about
150 lives that will be saved, the blood drive was deemed a
success.
“I donate blood simply because I am able to donate.
The American Red Cross and NHS greatly
The option of donating doesn’t even exist in my mind,”
appreciate everyone’s donations, and if you missed the
Senior Megan Theaker says, “Every person has a
opportunity of donating, you will have one more chance.
responsibility to donate.”
The NHS will be sponsoring one more blood drive which is
set for this spring.
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Keeping the Holidays Alive
By: Alexis Laurine
Santa Claus is coming to town; St. Clairsville Elementary to be exact. Students from kindergarten to fourth grade
received a visit from the big man himself on December 16th. However, the students in Preschool didn't just receiving
gifts, they gave them too. They visited and caroled at the Forest Hills Nursing Home on December 15 th. Lastly, the
Elementary experienced Polar Express Days, which started on December 5th. All in all, St. C’s Elementary is keeping the
holiday spirit alive.
Kindergarten: Emma Henry
First grade: Jared Holstein
Second grade: Emily Mozena
Third grade: Abigail Perzanowski
Fourth grade: Katie Bond
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Elementary Students of the Month
September and October
Pre-school Students: Jenny Kessler, Kambel Sall,
Gavin Schoolcraft, Logun Probst
Kindergarten students: Ben Lawson, Justin Beckwith,
Matthew Keller, Mason Conley, Alivia DaRa, Landon Matko,
Olivia Meager, Emma Kalo, Riley Maroney, Jenna Gorza,
Nathan Bond, Isabella Brignoni
1st Grade students: Jayson Clark, Casey Kadylak, Madison Mercer,
Hayleigh Harr, Drue Jozwaik, Jocelyhn Zucco, Kyli Breautingham,
Brooke Busby, Kaylee Bain, Grant Swider
2nd Grade Students: Tionna Alexander, Abbey Toothman,
Casadie Dibetta, Madison Stock, Holly Marangos-Fulton,
Jacob Haley, Isabella LaRose, William Smith, Ryan Jeffries,
Caleb Cook
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Elementary Students of the Month
September and October
3rd Grade Students: Megan Vah, Junior Burris, Macey Gross,
Chloe Carpenter, Kira Wakulchik, Kyle Kessler, Will Carson,
Ryan Hoover, Reese Skaggs, Noah Palmer
4th Grade Students:
Courtney Coen, Holly Strope,
Ethan Bethel, Emma Haley,
Madison Dagan,
Tyler Brookover,
Conner Green, Katie Strama,
Lindsey Probst, Katie Bond
Elementary Students of the Month
November
Pre-school: Matthew Jurovcik,
Dino Burk
Kindergarten: Marcus Bush,
Jasun Long, Mason Myers,
Shay Suto, Logan Swetz,
Jacob Meager
1st Grade: Zachary McKeever,
Nathan Palmer, Jonah Mato,
Nathan Witsberger,
Haley Litchfield
2nd Grade: Haven Brak,
Jack Gasber, Lillie McMillen,
Dekotah Namack,
Paige Koshenko
3rd Grade: Jerry Abate, Ariel
Ott, Rhiannon Stotley,
Alexis Birch, Zoie Zielinski
4th Grade: Madelyn Conaway,
Abby May, Keri Klinkoski,
Joey Wissman, Lauren Reed
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Bee Bound
By: Paige Beckett
graders and three poised 8th graders
competing. From 6th grade: Madison
Gillote, Ryhanna Wiethe, Cory Bodkin,
and Shaquille McCormick and from 7th
grade: Paige Beckett, Dan Gross,
Nathan Walls, Paige Foltin, Alex
Madzia, Sarah Heidelbach, and Brenden
Of about 50 middle school
Ryan. The students topping off the
students, only about twenty superb
participants from 8th grade: Merrick
students ranked supreme to compete in Malin, Austin Douglas, and Cassie
this year’s St. Clairsville Spelling Bee.
Wiggins. The Bee will take place on
From 5th grade, six excited students are December 15, 2011 at noon in the St.
set to spell and they are Kyle Storer,
Clairsville Middle School Auditorium.
Tori Cannon, Katelynn Davenport,
The students participating
Gergory Norman, Nicole Beck, and
took a written test of fifty tremendous
Remi Fordyce.
words just to get into the Spelling Bee.
There are also four nervous 6th The winner of the school bee will
graders, seven
advance to the County Spelling Bee
eccentric 7th
along with the 1st and 2nd place winners
of the program cover design. I recently
sat down with Alex Madzia, last year’s
winner, for his opinions about this
year’s competition.
RDD: Was last year’s County Bee hard?
Madzia: Not really. After studying and
memorizing the patterns of the
different languages, it was easy. I think
the words are easy this year. Last year
was definitely much harder. I think my
competition is the 7th and 8th graders
only because they have a lot of
experience. I still consider the 5 th and
6th graders competition though.
The Belmont County Spelling
Bee is set to take place at 7pm on
Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Ohio
University Eastern.
Team Edward or Jacob?
By: Paige Beckett
“Breaking Dawn: Part 1 was
amazing! Definitely the best yet!” says
Kathy Schramm, a 7th grader at
St. Clairsville Middle School. For the
past four years the controversy has
been viciously stirring. Are you team
Jacob or Edward? Recently I talked to
twenty-one Middle
School students; eighteen girls and
three boys, that are filled with desire for
the latest Twilight Saga movie. Thirteen
say they are team Jacob, mostly because
he is muscular and sexy, but seven
disagree. They are team Edward all the
way. Most of these Twihards believed
the movie was
great and
recommended it to
everyone. Breaking
Dawn: Part 2 will
arrive in November
2012.
Selling Out For Christmas
By: Emily Eaton
How much are people willing to
spend on Christmas? Reported on
www.askville.com , the average
American family will spend $791.10 on
Christmas gifts. “Wow, almost $800?
That’s a lot of money! I only spend
around $50 each year.” says Savanna
Woodford. For some people,
over-spending is a concern. According to
www.eauk.com , in 2010
approximantately 5 million people
experienced money issues, plummeting
into an irreversible debt. Don’t let your
generosity exceed what your wallet can
afford.
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Carry On
By: Emma Hall
“There are around 4,000
children in foster care, and for so many
of them to carry their belongings in
garbage bags is just not right– it’s not
okay and we shouldn’t except it,” says
Carrie Robey, Mission West Virgina
Public Relations Center.
The students can bring in backpacks,
toothbrushes and toothpaste, stuffed
animals, or gently used bags. One
student had donated six stuffed
animals. Attached to each stuffed
animal was a duffel bag, a toothbrush,
and a tube of toothpaste.
All last month the St. Clairsville
“I think this activity went
Middle School’s Care Club, ran by Mrs. really well, especially for doing this for
Henderson-Drake, had been involving
the first time,” said Mrs. Henderson–
the “Carry On” program in the hallways. Drake.
Swish!
Care Club Back Row L-R: Sarah Butler,
Maddie Dwyer, Dan Gross, Alyssa Haller,
Logan Williams. Front Row L-R:
Jada Creer, Sydney Freeman, Jimmy Lodi.
(absent: Zach Bigelow, Faith Hilton)
By: Trey Elerick
The boys and girls 7th and 8th grade basketball teams started their seasons the first week of December. The girls
opened up at Union Local, 7th grade posting a 31-24 win over the Jets. The 8th grade took a 37-35 tough loss.
The boys tipped-off their season at Harding Middle in Steubenville. The 7th grade team finished at a 47-21 loss,
while the 8th grade put up a 54-52 loss. The coaches and players are really looking forward to a great season.
Angels On the Hill
By: Hanna Vera
On Wednesday, December 14th, the Middle School 8th and 7th grade choir, and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band, got us
in the Holiday spirit with a Christmas concert. The 7th and 8th grade choir, taught by Mr. Berk, sang eight songs. The 6th,
7th and 8th grade bands, conducted by Mr. Schwertfeger, played many festive songs including “Bell Carol Rock” and
“Angels We Have Heard On High.” The concert was a great way to kick off the holiday season.
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“Christmas”
By: Chalea Habig
Ho Ho Ho! Its time for old Saint
Nick, and it just so happens that it’s
December and that can only mean ….
CHRISTMAS !! This time, the Red Devil
Dispatch wants to tell you the stories of
four fortunate teachers of the St.
Clairsville Richland City Schools who
were interviewed about their
Christmas's “Back in their Day”.
Coach V states “I like a lot of food”, but
he also said the his main Christmas
dinner consisted of Ham, green beans,
roast beef and shrimp. Also, his wife
makes buckeyes, which he absolutely
loves, but can only get so many because
his kids eat most of them.
The second person interviewed
was Coach McClean. Now his favorite
It’s really nice to know that our Christmas present was a dirt bike he got
teachers weren't always so preoccupied when he was 12 or 13-years-old. His
with teaching and the concepts of
holiday traditions he had “Back in his
schooling and had a time when they
Day”, were having dinner on Christmas
were just like us. Worrying about
Eve and Christmas and going places
waking up early in the morning to open where his family would get together.
presents, spending time with friends
Coach McClean celebrated Christmas by
and family, and enjoying their toys while caroling with their churches and did so
they continuously open more. Now
until he was 10 or 11. He says, “I wasn't
that’s what Christmas is really about.
good at singing” and they told him to not
sing, but move his lips to make like he
The first person to be
was singing.
interviewed for this jolly interview was
Coach V. His favorite Christmas present
His favorite Christmas memory
was an Electric Race Car Set he and his
was when he and his brother got BB
brother got and played with a whole lot. guns and their dad took them to shoot
targets. Coach McClean’s family
Coach V's holiday tradition was
celebrated by hanging with each other
always having a big dinner and spending
and enjoying each others presence. His
time with family. He first spent a good
favorite Christmas food was “All of it.”
while at his grandparents and then went
He loved ham and his mothers broccoli
to his mother’s. Two Christmas's in one
casserole.
…. who could go wrong with that!
The next interviewee was Mrs.
One of his favorite Christmas
Wilson, St. Clairsville's French teacher
memories was he and his siblings
who was raised and from Germany. Her
having matching pajamas. Coach V
favorite Christmas present was a pair of
celebrated his Christmas the
ice skates, which she still has to this day.
“Traditional way.” He and his siblings
One of her holiday traditions was
didn't get to see any of their presents
Advent, where her family and other
until that Christmas morning, but they
friends gathered together, enjoyed each
did get their own sections of presents
others company, awed at amazing
…. which is indeed very awesome. Some
decorations, and celebrated Christmas
activities they did for Christmas was just
for 4 days straight! Imagine the
spend a whole lot of time with his aunts,
presents and food that they all got to
uncles, cousins and siblings, and Coach
enjoy! Mrs. Wilson's favorite Christmas
V always looked forward to doing so.
memory was spending time with her
grandparents. She also celebrated
When asked “What is your
Christmas by having an Open Air
favorite food to eat Christmas day?”
Christmas, where everyone shopped at
markets, had tons of fun in the Town
Square, ate and had a good time. Some
activities she did with her family was
caroling with her family. Mrs. Wilson's
favorite food was “Roasts of all sorts”,
and of coarse ham, green beans, and
mashed potatoes.
Our final person interviewed is
known well from the St. Clairsville Elementary School, Mr. Moe. His favorite
Christmas gift was a Sega Genesis, which
is an arcade system. One of his
Christmas traditions was to open one
present on Christmas Eve and he
celebrated Christmas by getting
together with family. Mr. Moe's favorite
Christmas memory was baking
chocolate chip cookies and decorating
the tree for the holidays. He loved being
with his family and celebrated
Christmas in the traditional way. Finally,
Mr. Moe's favorite food for Christmas
was “Mashed Potatoes.” He still of
course loved the other food as well. It is
really nice to know that our teachers
were just as holly and jolly as we are.
Happy Holidays, and have a Merry
Christmas!
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The New Kids on the Blocks
By: Sarah Holtsclaw
Step up, take your
mark, BOOM, it’s winter and
for the members of St.
Clairsvilles boys and girls swim
teams that means three things:
eat, sleep, and swim. This year’s
teams include first year
members: Faith Baldwin,
DJ Beck, Quentin Clark,
Allie Coe, Sarah Holtsclaw,
Jesse Machovina, Garrett Olexo,
Aaron Perkins, Alyssa Purman,
and Falon Weidman. These
swimmers are constantly
improving their times and
placing in higher heats;, they
can only go up from here!
Brick Squad! FSU!
The returning
swimmers Michael Blackwell,
Emily Delong, Marisa Dwyer,
Eric Eaton, Michael Eaton,
Carly Falcone, Alaina Fasola,
Victoria Hall, Megan Hendershot, Dan Kennon, Erica Strope,
and Nicholas Tobin continue
to succeed by winning relays
and events.
On the morning of December 10th the teams travelled
to their fourth meet, the Dover
Invitational. Good luck in the
rest of your season, Devils!
Hoops for a Cause
By: Mattison Young
The St. Clairsville faculty (and others) in the area
played in a charity basketball against the Belmont County
Eagles on November 30th at St. Clairsville’s gym. The Eagles
are a special needs team and enjoy playing the game of
basketball. Playing for St. Clairsville was Bruce Stiles, Tony
Ciroli, Christa Truchan, Walt Skaggs,Diane Thompson,
Mike McKeever, Jim Rocchi, Dawn Daubenmyer, Stacey
Agnew, Justin Schwertfeger, and Kelly Rine. The Eagels
took a big lead at the beginning of the game, but in the end
it was a tied game. According to Mr. Stiles, he said the game
was exciting and was fun to see how excited they got when
they made a basket. Also, to keep up the spirit, Denise
Skaggs, Ann Jefferies, and Victoria Gabis played the role as
Making a Deal with
the Lady Devils
By: Kayla Dusz
The St. Clairsville Girls’ Basketball Team started their
anticipated season with a home opener against Martins
Ferry. Senior Alexis Emrisko says, “The outcome of the
cheerleaders. All proceeds of the game went to the stadium
improvement project and Tomorrow’s Corner.
score wasn’t what we wanted, but the fan turnout made up
for that.” The scorers for the game against Martins Ferry
were Alexis Emrisko with 14 points and Lauren Figura 10
points. The girls second game was against the Bellaire Big
Reds. The rivalry was shown in the last quarter of the game
when the Lady Devils came out with a 57 – 54 win. Emrisko
said, “It was our first win, and we all played to our potential
and never gave up.”
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Double Dribbling
By: Morgan Fincham
Bouncing off with a new basketball season, the
your St. Clairsville team December 23rd against Weirton, and
St. Clairsville High School boys’ basketball team won their
December 30th against Martins Ferry! Every team needs
first game Friday December 9th against the Union Local Jets. their crowds’ support!
Making the first points of the season, Jerrid Marhefka who
had an outstanding game! The crowd and the crazies filled
the stands and cheered on Dan Monteroso when he hit his
1,000th point of his high school career! Union Local played
their best and pushed themselves but unfortunately for
them the defeating score was 81-39! Come out to support
180 Spilt
By: Izaac Wiley
The pins are flying and the pins are all bowing down to the
Red Devil’s boy’s Bowling team. The Red Devil’s Bowling
team is off to a striking start. The red team has opened the
season with a 3-0 record and is led in scoring by Junior Wes
Miller with a 192 average. The gray team has opened with a 3
-1 record and is led by DJ Beck. Junior Wes Miller and
Freshman Zach Oliver both have achieved scores over 200
points in a given game, which is outstanding. The two are
going to need to strike up some big numbers as will their
fellow teammates if thy want to beat their rival Martins Ferry
on January 10th. The team is in a better position this year and
is looking to have a very successful season.
are set to play Buckeye Local on January 10th once returning
from a long break. The team is going to have an uphill battle
but the team is more than capable of turning this season
around and striking opponents down and not sparing any
pins.
The other side of the alley is the girls’ team. Junior
Paige Kelly leads the girls’ team with a 128 average. The girls
Ready to Go!
By: Abbey Maroon
High expectations for the men in singlets who are
here at St.Clairsville High School has everyone a little
nervous, but they are ready to pin down the season.
not just one, but as many wrestlers as he can, to the state
tournament this year. Potential state wrestlers include, Justin Callarik, Dalton Nolte, Fabio Cracolici, Nick McEndree, Angelo Curcione, and Chase Holcomb.
St.Clairsville won their match against Edison on
December 7th, 2011 with the final score 28-13. Senior Fabio
Cracolici added to this score having two pins. Heating up the
match gave the Devils confidence for the rest of their season
and they are looking forward to OVAC’s and State’s this year.
Joel Sansone second year head coach is ready to send “We’re ready to wrestle someone else,” says Timko.
“I think that we’ve all worked to the best of our
abilities and if we keep it up we’re all going to have the
results we want.” states Alex Timko, sophomore, 106 weight
class.
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Look At Who We Have In Our Corner!
By: Paige Hashman
I know I couldn’t go days with eating nothing more than salads, but
Dalton Nolte and the rest of the wrestling team do it all the time. Wrestling might
be the most disciplined sport out there. Wrestling at class 160, Dalton Nolte
dominates. His goals for the season are to go to OVACs and the Buckeye 8. with
the Red Devils hosting their first tournament Wednesday December 7, 2011
beating Edison and Bellaire, the Red Devils as a team are off to a good start!
Take a Dive into This
By: Dakota Woodford
Swimming her way into this swimming season is “Athlete of the Month”
Sophomore Carly Falcone. Carly Falcone has been swimming for 14 ½ years and is always leading the team. You may not
know Carly, but Red Devil Dispatch caught up with her to find out more.
RDD: What’s on your ipod right now?
Carly: Country &some rap
RDD: After high school do you want to keep swimming in your life?
Carly: I’ll do it to stay in shape, unless I get a scholarship.
RDD: If you could get one thing and it could be anything for Christmas what
would it be?
Carly: I don’t care. Anything is fine with me, I’m just happy I get to see my
grandparents.
RDD: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Carly: Hang out with friends and sleep. But I never have time because of
swimming.
RDD: Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Carly: For swimming, Rich Riedel and Ernie Banks.
RDD: What’s something that no one knows about you?
Carly: I hate pop, more than anything.
RDD: If you had to pick a sport to play besides swimming/track what would it be?
Carly: Basketball and volleyball.
Although swimming takes up most of Carly’s time, she still finds time to hang out with family and friends. Good luck
this season Carly!
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Jump off a “Cliff”
By: Mattison Young
Many students and
staff at St. Clairsville know
Kim Clifford as the 12th grade
English teacher and the
varsity boys’ basketball
Mr. Clifford
coach, but there is still so
much more to learn. There are things that Coach Clifford likes
doing other than teaching and coaching.
RDD: “What sports did you play in school?”
Clifford: “I played football early on and I played basketball
too, for Bellaire.”
RDD: “What’s your favorite holiday and why?”
Clifford: “It’s tied between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Those are two holidays where all your family comes
together.”
RDD: “What room in your house is your favorite and why?”
Clifford: “My favorite room is my garage. It’s turfed and all
redone in sports.”
RDD: “If you had to take your kids or your grandkids to the
beach, who would you take and why?”
RDD: “Why did you choose basketball over football?”
Clifford: “I would take my kids. I don’t think I can keep up
with my grandkids.”
Clifford: “It’s just always been a passion of mine.”
RDD: “Why is Ryan your favorite son?”
RDD: “What do you like to do in the off season?”
Clifford: “Ryan is not my favorite son. They are all equal.”
Clifford: “I like to do carpentry work and fix the house up.
And I’m really enjoying being a grandfather, too.”
Whether he’s correcting grammar, dribbling a
basketball, or jazzing up his house, Coach Clifford still finds
time to be a family man. Keep up the great work Coach!
Permanent Residence
By: Bryce Burnett
Almost every sophomore has to go through
biology in school. At St.Clairsville, we are blessed to learn
from Ms. Gibeaut. With 3 years of teaching experience, Ms.
Gibeaut knows everything about biology. Let’s learn a little
about her.
RDD: If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
Ms. Gibeaut: “1.World peace, our soldiers could come
home.
RDD: Where did you receive your
education?
3. A permanent job at St.C”
RDD: Do you love your job?
Ms. Gibeaut: “Ohio State and Wheeling
Jesuit.”
Ms. Gibeaut: “Yes, I do, because there’s never
a dull day.”
RDD: Have you always wanted to be a
teacher?
Ms. Gibeaut loves her job at St.C. Let’s
try to keep her here. Thank you for everything
Ms. Gibeaut.
Ms. Gibeaut: “No, I was actually
studying to be an environmental
consultant.”
RDD: What are some of your hobbies?
Ms. Gibeaut: “Volleyball, softball,
motorcycling, and white water rafting.”
2. Homes for all the homeless people and
animals in the world.
Ms. Gibeaut
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What Women Want
By: Chris Baker, Bryce Burnett,
and Abbey Maroon
It’s the most wonderful time of
the year! Wait, only if you’re a single guy.
Christmas for taken men can turn out to
be extremely terrible. Spending your
Christmas money because from past
experience the day after Christmas is the
best way to shop due to the lack of
expensive things left.
So, what do women really want
for this holiday? Possibly a Lexus parked
outside of their house with a big red
ribbon on it, just like the commercials.
Would they want something basic like
some nice Bath and Body Works and
inexpensive necklace? As realized in
previous columns, the world may never
know what women want.
everything you’d expect a man to say, he spending should be a crime but hey, if
must have a happy wife.
you don’t want this whole relationship
to be awkward you might want to head
On the other hand from a
on out to the mall. Oh yeah, tell her
teenagers perspective, “ Women want
Merry Christmas!
love and comfort,” says Turner Provost.
Now notice from the teenagers point, of
view no gift is mentioned. It seems men
have the love part down but not so much
the gift.
Now, from the actual woman’s
mind. ‘Bath and Body Works, scented
candles, nail polish, and things from
Tiffany Jewelers in New York City,”
states Miss Jeffries, history teacher.
Okay so gifts, gifts, and more
gifts, but that was from a woman’s mind,
let’s see if the teenage mind changes at
“Teenagers would want to be
all, “I want pink sparkle UGG boots,” says
treated with a nice extravagant gift, with
Megan Poglialunga 12th grader.
my wife she wants my appreciation and
my time.” -Mr. Watt high school
So, even more gifts! Women are
Guidance counselor. Time and a gift,
a hard type to understand. Money
Words of Wisdom
By: Nathan Teater
Is it really better to give than
receive? Now deep down inside you
would rather receive. For example, what
if you go out and buy something for
someone special and they hate it? My
advice to you is I hope you bought
something that you also like or it looks
like your going to have to do some
re-gifting.
Giving Her the Perfect Gift…
By: Kody Barnes
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The A-Train is Rollin’ Through
By: Bryce Burnett
Choo, Choo! The A-train is rolling’ through with Cody
So when Cody’s not spending his time fighting off
Jackson aboard. This student of the month is keeping up his
women just to get out of his front door, he’s working on his
grades and spending time with his model railroad. Let’s hear model railroad or rail fanning keeping the train world alive.
what he has to say.
RDD: How much time have you spent on your model railroad?
Cody: “I’ve spent almost 200 hours with it, and I’d say I have
at least another 100 to go.”
RDD: What’s your favorite type of train?
Cody: “The CSX SD80MAC”
RDD: What do you do in your free time?
Cody: “I work on my model railroad; I also play
the band, and enjoy railfanning”
in
RDD: How often do you railfan?
Cody: “Once a month”
Sophomore Cody Jackson, railfanning.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Hilles
Christmas Break: Dec. 22– Jan. 2
School resumes Jan. 3
End of 2nd 9 weeks: Jan. 11
ACT registration: Jan. 13
SAT test date: Jan. 28
Martin Luther King day: Jan. 16
Elementary parent Teacher Conferences: Jan. 19 3:30-6:00pm
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Deck the Halls!
By: Alexis Laurine
The St. C gym was packed Wednesday, December
The Concert Band performed several Christmas
14th as St. C’s own Band and Choir were rocking around the Classics such as Thou Prince of Life, O’ Christ our Lord,
Christmas tree for the annual Band and Choir Christmas
Themes from “The Nutcracker”, Early American Hymn,
Concert. The concert included performances by the Concert Arabian Dances, and Sleigh Ride.
Choir, Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, and Sweet
The last St. C group to perform was Sweet
Harmony.
Harmony. They sang For You and For Me, which featured
The Concert Choir entertained the audience with
Sophomore Lexie Pritchard, Joy Unspeakable, Light of the
songs such as By Candlelight, Sleep Little King, and Love has Stable, which featured Senior Lexie Smith, and Jolly Old St.
Come. The Jazz Band played We Wish You A Merry
Nicholas. Lastly, for the big finale the band and choirs comChristmas, You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch, and Feliz
bined to sing Carol of the Bells.
Navidad, which featured a solo by sophomore teacher Justin
Both Mr. Wayne Berk, choral director, and Mr.
Sleutz. Next, the Chamber Choir took the spotlight as they
Justin Schwertfeger, instrumental director, would like to
sang Follow That Star and Gloria. They also featured
thank everyone for their continued support of the Music
Sophomore Kylee Laurine in a Hebrew song called Al
Program at St. Clairsville.
Sholsha D’varim, and Sophomore Ayla Stewart in Mary Did
You Know.
Fork in the Road
By: Paige Hashman
Nobody understand how hard it
is to overcome the hardships of being
disabled. It’s harder to go to college, get a
job, and even fall in love. If you want to
help the disabled youth in our schools, go
to the “Middle of the Road Café.” In this
restaurant, the kids learn to prepare,
cook, and serve food, take orders, make
change, and interact with the customers
in order to prepare them for the real
world. The café is open on Thursdays for
all staff and you place your orders ahead
of time with Miss Truchan, the advisor.
The menu at the café shows much
diversity for being in a classroom. They
serve turkey, steak, and chicken salad
sandwiches, baked potatoes, chips, and
fruit cups. All funds go towards Miss
Truchan’s classroom activities.
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Penny For Your Thoughts
I have a great group of friends, but sometimes the
things they do to me as a joke really hurts my feelings. I
don't want them to think I can't take a joke, but hiding my
books and emptying my locker is getting old. I'm glad they
get a laugh at my expense. Please help me know what to do.
Dear Penelope,
My best friend of many years moved away and we
stopped speaking. She recently returned to St.C and I
haven't heard from her. I have been told by several people
that she has changed and I wouldn't want to be friends with
her. Should I listen to them or try to contact her in hopes of Dear Butt Of The Joke,
I know exactly where you're coming from. I think
regaining our friendship? What do I do if she doesn't want to
everyone's guilty of pulling pranks on their friends that go a
be friends?
little too far. For example, I always tie up my friends' cars
with yarn, or fill them with balloons. But if it bothers you
Dear Best Friend Betrayal,
that much, just talk to them about it. Tell them it was funny
It wouldn't hurt to at least talk to her. If you guys
the first couple times, but now it's just irritating, and it's
were best friends at one time, why shouldn't you? And If
she's changed for the worse and doesn't want to be friends, making you upset.
brush it off and move on. Don't let people tell you what you
Dear Penelope,
wouldn't want. If you want to, go for it. Don't base your
About a month and a half ago, I had break up with
actions or opinions off of other peoples'. That's one of the
my
ex-boyfriend.
It was devastating. I turned to one of my
worst things you can do in any situation.
best friends for comfort and to help me get my mind off
things. One thing led to another, and now we're dating and
Dear Penelope,
I am a current teacher at St. Clairsville High school, I've never been happier. However, he and my ex have
and lately I have been noticing that when I start presenting mutual friends. They never really talked before, but now my
ex is constantly contacting him through Facebook, Twitter,
my lessons, most of my students' eyes start to glaze over,
texting, everything. He's talking to one of my girl friends that
and they seem to be in another world. Do you have any
he's never showed interest in before. It doesn't bother me
suggestions on how I can spice up my lectures or make my
that they're talking (I'm completely happy with my current
class more relevant and enjoyable for everyone?
boyfriend) But it bugs me that he's trying to stay one person
away from me. Like, I don't want him in my life.
Dear Out Of Touch,
Make your lectures fun. Relate what you're
Dear Stalked,
lecturing to everyday teenage life- video games, music,
That has to be one of the most irritating situations,
celebrities, general pop culture. Get them out of their seats,
ever.
Tell
him to knock it off. Or, if you don't want to make
or just wear a funny hat or something. It's not hard to get
any
waves
in the pool, just ignore it and let it happen. You
the attention of teenagers, you just have to find a way to
don't
have
to hang out with him. You don't have to do
keep it.
anything you don't want to. Just let yourself be happy with
your current boyfriend, and ignore everything else.
Dear Penelope,
Have a question for Penelope? Feel
free to leave it in the Penelope box
inside the door in Room 309.
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Death to the Deficit
By: Frankie Berardi
For months, the American people have waited to find out the result of the economic Super Committee, however; by
the end of November, they hadn’t reached a conclusion. The lawmakers and Republican presidential candidates say that they
want to look on previous proposed plans. In the past year, there were three different plans proposed and the Super
Committee’s Troomey plan.
Courtesy of baraelkarsan.com
Courtesy of librarygrape.com
Simpson-Bowles
Presented by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, the plan would be enacted over a
ten-year span, and save four trillion dollars from the national deficit. The plan inevitably failed to receive a 14 super majority
vote to be considered in Congress.
Ryan Plan
In relation to the Simpson-Bowles plan, the Ryan plan, proposed by Budget Committee Chairman, Paul Ryan, would
save 6 trillion dollars from the deficit. This plan failed because senate democrats complained that it was too harsh on
Medicare.
“Gang of Six”
After the Ryan Plan, a collaborated group of senators proposed the “Gang of Six” plan which would save four trillion
dollars from the deficit over 10 years. This plan was defeated because both parties criticized it for “not doing enough,” and
the system’s “outrageous tax heights.”
Troomey Plan
Created by senator and Super Committee member, Pat Troomey, the plan would raise revenues, while reducing the
number of tax credits and deductions, but lowering the top rate from 35 to 38 percent. This plan ended up failing because,
although favorable with people out side the committee, the committee members did not fancy the idea.
Despite the tremendous variety of the four plans, the congressional body stands divided and unable to make a
decision, but they “promise to get things on the right track and by pulling out these old plans, a quick decision can be made.”
The American people wait to see if our great leaders can negotiate or if they will continue to volley the deficit plans back
and forth.
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Police Brutality or Public Insanity?
By: Frankie Berardi
As the nation’s economy
continues to fall into disparity, protest
movements have formed all over the
country. In late November, the Los
Angeles police decided enough was
enough and risked themselves against
thousands of people in an attempt to
end Occupy L.A.
At 12:30 A.M. November
30, the city of Los Angeles declared the
occupy movement an unlawful
assembly and gave protesters ten
minutes to leave or be arrested. The
city council did prepare for a likely
fight by blocking off roads leading to
the freeway, Hollywood, and
downtown L.A.
yelled comments including; “Police
Brutality,” “Please do the right thing,”
and “madness,” but despite their pleas,
the police did not stand down and
easily overpowered the protestors.
By the time things had died
down, police had arrested over 200
protestors, one of which made the
After protestors began to
comment; “The night had been a blast,
slowly shuffle out of the park in
I’m willing to get arrested, it’s easy to
which they were camping, and the talk the talk, but you gotta walk the
ten minutes were up,
walk.” The tents still remained, but
approximately 500 helmeted police public workers continued to remove
in bulletproof vests stormed the
them until late the following day, and
premises to douse the remaining
within a few days the park was
people. People began running
functioning like always.
when the officers started firing
rubber bullets, but some would not
leave. The remaining protestors
Courtesy of the biglead.com
U.S. Abandons Pakistani Air Base
By: Frankie Berardi
At end of November, NATO
(North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
bombed Pakistan, killing twenty-four
soldiers, and with tensions growing
stronger between Pakistan and
America, the U.S. military decided to
remove its presence at an air base in
the Middle Eastern country. In the past,
America used a base in Shamsi as a safe
haven, among the many clashes that
occur in that part of the world, but out
of fear of a possible engagement with
Pakistan, the military will leave the
country.
for the United States Drome Program,
but with the severing of the two
countries relationships, after Pakistan
accused the U.S. of aiding NATO in the
attack, the Dromes will be relocated to
either Afghanistan or return home to
America.
The United States does not condemn their involvement in the bombing, but assures the Prime Minister of
Pakistan that America will be completely removed from the country, “as
soon as possible.” Due to the accusations from Pakistan, the U.S. has
As of December 4, 2011, cargo
stopped receiving aid from the nation’s
planes arrived in Shamsi to collect
former Middle Eastern ally for the war
weapons, equipment, and technologies in Afghanistan and Iraq.
and bring them back to the home land.
This event has been considered
The base also served as headquarters
by some people to be positive, by
“speeding up the war,” while some
people believe that, “America cannot
afford to lose that base.” Conclusively,
as the wars near their close, U.S.A. has
officially left Pakistan in the sands of
the Middle East.
Courtesy of wordbullitin.net
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Intellectual Godfather
By: Frankie Berardi
As the contest for America’s
next great leader becomes more
transparent, there are still candidates
who believe that the straw polls mean
nothing. Congressman Ron Paul is one of
these individuals, claiming that he can
still “climb to the top, despite what the
polls say.” The 2012 election is Paul’s
Courtesy of silencertalk.com
third try at 1600 Pensyvania Avenue,
for illegal aliens.
after his failure in 1988 and 2008. He
Ron Paul is currently in sixth
now believes that his “chance has come.”
place for the republican nomination, and
Representative Paul originally
continues to drop in the polls; the
served as a physician in the Air Force,
American people are already
and later worked as an obstetrician and condemning his political fate, saying,
gynecologist, before his entrance into
“He has no chance.” In fact, there have
the political realm in 1976. As a Texas
been rumors leaking from his campaign
representative, Ron Paul has the most
that voters may see Ron Paul as a third
conservative voting record of anyone
party candidate in the general election.
since 1937, and has the backing of the
This scares many republicans who fear
tea party for which he was labeled its
that with a split in the Republican Party,
Intellectual Godfather.
President Obama is likely to receive
re-election.
The Republican has many ideas
that make him favorable among
With his falling numbers, Paul is
libertarians, but appear “too extreme”
now turning his attention away from
for both Democrats and Republicans.
republicans and toward the
These views encompass withdrawal
Independents because with their
from North Atlantic Treaty
backing, he could be the Republican
Organization, rejection of World Trade
nominee.
Organization, and birthright citizenship
Congress Sues the President
By: Frankie Berardi
For nearly a year now, the
Energy and Commerce Committee has
been investigating the discrepancies
behind the Solyndra loan. After the
White House passed a 535 million
dollar loan to the Solyndra company,
the country was soon to discover that
the money obviated and the company
died.
With this added detail,
Congress is considering using the
Energy and Commerce Committee to
sue the White House, for their “fault.” If
Congress would go through with the
threats, law makers would hold
hearings at the subcommittee level, and
then the full committee. Experts
opinions vary, but within time, America
speculate, that if an “event of this
will know the truth.
magnitude occurred,” then the full
House would have to vote. They would
then likely refer the event to the District
of Columbia’s attorney for charges
against the White House. With the
House majority Republican, if the
attempt to sue reached the final stages
of the process, it could possibly enact.
The country now waits to find
the answers to its many questions such
as, “Is our nation so corrupt that we
would sue the President?” While others
believe that, “It’s a good thing, the
president wasn’t doing anything.” The
Courtesy of visit2uni-
Random Politicians Views
R. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman—“My plan is the Ryan plan.”
D. Senator N.Y.—“The one good consensus we have both Democratic and Republican sides, is that we have to
reduce the deficit.”
Super Committee member Pat Troomey—“I think there’s a chance to work with some of the more moderate
members of the Democratic caucus, who make progress, who realize how important it is.
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The Angry Beaver:
The Thoughts, the Views and the Opinions of One
Angry Mammal
By: Addy Beaver
It's that time of the year again- Snow, two hour
delays, hopeful wishes for cancelations and early dismissals.
And of course, Christmas. A bearded, fat man who breaks
into your house, eats your cookies, and parks his reindeer
on the roof of your home, taking the chances of possibly
caving in your roof. But hey, he leaves everyone presents,
that seems like a fair exchange. (Or at least, it will be if he
leaves me that Macbook I asked for.)
In all seriousness, what's with the reindeers
names? Prancer? Vixen? Commet? Cupid? I thought Cupid
was a diaper-wearing, arrow-shooting, "giver of love." And
why does Santa have so many alias'? Chris Kringle. Santa.
Old Saint Nick. Saint Nicholas. Father Christmas. Is this guy
on the lam or something? Like, is he running from the Polar
Police?
And why is it so bad for Americans to be
overweight, but it's okay for Santa? Hasn't he heard of
Zumba or Richard Simmons? Give up the coca, Nick. Maybe
this year, my chimney won’t be missing a few bricks.
But, the thing that gets me the most is why does
Santa have an army? I mean, I understand the guys at the
mall and stuff get the kids wishes and tell him, but there's so
many forms of communication, why can't the kids just tell
Santa directly? Like, Santa Email or something.
But in all seriousness, I want to wish happy
holidays to everyone. And I want to thank my little cousins,
Ana-Rose Woollard, a fifth grader at St. Clairsville Middle
School, and Amelia Woollard, a second grader at St.
Clairsville Elementary School, for helping me come up with
ideas for this particular article. They're firm believers in
Santa, and they keep reminding me that this season is
supposed to be full of love, magic, and times with friends
and family. Happy Holidays everyone!
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A MUSIC MOSAIC
By: Lexie Pritchard
Just like any other human, I start the day off with a boring, monotonous routine but,
my routine has to include listening to music the second I wake up. Therefore, I’m downloading
music pretty often and I think I’ve got a pretty good stock. I learned early on that I’m the type
of person where once I have something new and interesting, I always want to share. So here
are the changes I’ve recently worked into my library. Show and tell was always my favorite
part of the day, anyways.
First off, did anyone else watch the new Lady GaGa music video for Marry the Night? I
died a little inside, it was that great. In my opinion, she is a true artist and as much as Lady GaGa is scrutinized for her
creativity, for lack of a better word, I think she is so talented. So, go check that out and while you’re there, look up Savannah
Outen’s cover of that song. She made it all acoustic and it provokes completely new
emotions after you listen to original.
While I am on the topic of covering music, the blog: http://www.copycats.tumblr.com/ has
completely captured my heart. It is just a compilation of different artists who have
covered, or basically re-sang, popular music. I think it truly captures the appreciation most
people have for just pure, organic, covers and how they really show originally.
So, as I’m looking through my archives, I rediscovered my love
for this one specific artist: Bon Iver. Now, to me, Bon Iver screams “Hey! It’s raining! Come here,
listen to my music, and ponder about your life. I’ll keep you company”. The lead singer’s voice is
just so melodic and that is really showcased in one the fans’ favorites, Skinny Love. The lyrics of
that song are pure poetry and for me, I have so much respect for lead singers who avoid auto-tune
and play their own instruments. So… Bon Iver? Check and Check. Check plus, actually.
Now, if you’re looking to rock out, look no further. Find an open
space, a loud speaker, an alter-ego, and plug this band in. The Pretty Reckless definitely rock out
hard. The fact that the lead singer is a girl is something to be applauding in itself. Well, okay,
maybe I’m biased but, it is really good music according to reviews on iTunes and many music
blogs. Its bass line is a little heavier than a Paramore song would have but, it’s not as intense as
The Foo Fighters. It truly is original. Check out their songs Make Me Wanna Die and Medicine,
those make me want to fight crime and wear a batman-no, batwoman- mask.
Well, go look up those bands/blogs/covers/songs out and give them a listen. They’re all very
different but, I hope you like them. As for the KISS FM lovers, the top four songs right now are
Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO, It Will Rain by Bruno Mars, We Found Love by Rihanna, and Good Feeling by Flo Rida. Phew, all
that music talks makes me want to go sing! So, until next time, I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom.“After silence, that
which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
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m a n r t a c w s v e a h
p r e s e n t s a e f i o
s n o w m e n t b o l t l
u b g s l m d u g o n t i
e p n v j l s n n m w e d
s d e c o r a t i o n s a
s s g c y o m s p e s n y
o t g s y p t e p m r i s
y d n a c l s h o n o o n
n o o n e a i c h h s p v
w m g t u j r m s c t y e
y t o a a a h y a n s d l
c e a w c r c r e f o n t
Christmas
santa
reindeer
presents
family
snow
joy
elves
snowmen
eggnog
decorations
feast
shopping
candy
cold
mistletoe
chestnuts
poinsettia
bows
holidays
22
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Living Young
By: Morgan Fincham
Forever young, I wanna be
forever young. Younglife started in the
year 1941 and the Ohio Valley was
introduced to it in 1971. Valerie Bennett is the Younglife leader for St.
Clairsville and Union Local, and meetings take place every Tuesday night at
the Ruritan building in St. Clairsville.
That’s not all, though! We do
things other than just club every week.
We have fall weekend, all valley, and
camp every June. Fall weekend normally takes place in November and it’s
just a weekend with Younglife members all around that join together and
have a blast! All Valley is taking place
December 12th in Wheeling in the
What’s Younglife? We dance to
Stone Room. This is when every
songs, play games and put on skits, the
Younglife club in the valley joins
last 10-20 minutes is always dedicated
together for the night. Younglife Camp
to talking about God and our
in June takes place at Lake Champion
relationship with him.
or Rockbridge and people from all
around the United States come together for six days and everyone gets meet
new people, this is on June 16th
through the 21st, you can’t miss it!
Club is over for this semester
other than All Valley, but it starts back
up February 7th. We’re hoping to see
you there! Come dance, sing, and have
a good time!
2012
By: Olivia Dibetta
With December 21, 2012 drawing closer and closer, more people are falling into the rumors about the world
ending, but that’s all they are—rumors. Most of the things
that 2012 believers stand on are blown out of proportion or
taken out of context.
The thing you might hear associated the most with
the world ending in 2012 is the Mayan calendar. It is a true
fact that the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012,
but it doesn’t say anything concerning the significance of
the date. The calendar we use in American today ends on
December 31 every year, but that doesn’t mean anything.
Nostradomus is also something you may think of
when you hear about the world ending in 2012. Michael de
Nostradome, better known as Nostradomus, published his
predictions for the future in the 16th centuries. Many people
believe that he predicted Hitler and WWII, Hurricane Katrina, and even 9/11. So, if he predicted that the world will
end on December 21, 2012, it must be true, right? But he
didn’t. Nostradomus actually predicted that a comet would
strike the Earth in 1999 and end the world. In a letter he
wrote, he said his predictions ended in 3797, he never specifically mentions 2012.
Some rumors even say that the Bible predicts the
end of the world in 2012, but this one might be the most far
off of any of the rumors. Though it does say that before the
end, there will be massive earthquakes, major global wars,
poverty, and famine, it doesn’t give a date. With the hard
times people are facing now, it’s not hard to see how this
might be interpreted as the end. However, the Bible also
says specifically “No one knows the day or hour when those
things will happen.” That doesn’t sound much like a 2012
prediction.
Although some rumors point to the world ending
on December 21, 2012, it is highly unlikely that will happen.
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Not Your Typical Relationship
By: Isaac Wiley
Ahh, the holidays, they can be the best and worst
game prices and I love not having to worry about taking
times of the year. If you have that special someone, it is most time away from my true love, Xbox.
likely not the best time of the year for you. However, if you
When you are single and a gamer, this season is the
don’t have that special someone, it can be the best time of
time of the great stock up! The great stock up is when you
the year!
take all of your hard earned money and blow it all on the
Personally, I prefer having that special someone this hottest titles like there is no tomorrow. So I ask you, how
time of the year because you get to enjoy the frustration of
could a guy afford excessively violent, time consuming,
trying to find the perfect gift. If you have a special someone deafening video games and a girl? The answer is you can’t! I
you are lucky because the air this time of the year is filled
mean video games control your life, like a girl. Video games
with joy and love. (The season sets one out in search of a
cost you money, like a girl. Video games make you angry,
significant other.) Benefits of a special someone are endless like a girl. Video games keep you guessing, like a girl. Video
and include going to see Christmas lights, ice skating,
games make you hate your life, like a girl. So video games
watching Christmas movies and yelling at one another
are like a relationship, except it never ends.
because neither of you can sing Christmas carols without
So if you want to go through all of the shenanigans
small children running in horror covering their ears. The
and jump through hoops like a trained monkey, by all means
cons of this mushy stuff are it is expensive and too time
go for it. If you want a relationship that breaks your bank,
consuming.
turns your mouth into a portable bathroom, but you still
The holiday season for a ‘forever alone’ person like
myself is the greatest time! This season is the best for single
guys, especially if you are a gamer! I love the cheap video
love it at the end of the day, then the gamers relationship is
for you! I am a lazy person and I love knowing when I wake
up my true love is only a few feet away me.
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The Best Time of the Year
By: Katelin Gandee
In the U.S., many kids begin a
countdown towards Christmas as soon
as they see the Christmas lights,
waiting impatiently for Santa Claus to
bring them presents. In England,
instead of waiting for Santa they wait
for Father Christmas who, to us
Americans, looks like Santa from
Narnia. In France, they celebrate St.
Nicholas Day which is like another
Christmas! Last but not least, in Spain
they are singing Feliz Navidad at the
top of their lungs!
But now back to Christmas,
here in the U.S. There are some things
you might not have known about, such
as the first state to recognize the
Christmas holiday officially was
Alabama. Thank you Alabama! Also,
you know those red flowers that
everyone seems to have? Well they’re
called Poinsettias and they were
brought into the United States from
Mexico by Joel Poinsett in the early
1800’s and in contrary to common
belief poinsettia, plants are non-toxic,
but they do bother most people’s (mine
included) allergies.
The next thing is a good thing
for girls, not so much for the guys,
more diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
Now here is something very interesting
if you ask me, if you received all of the
gifts in the song “The Twelve Days of
Christmas,” you would receive 364
gifts! That’s a lot of gifts! Now the very
last thing is you know how almost
everyone calls Christmas, X-mas? Well
some people think that someone took
the “Christ” out of Christmas but in
Greek, X means Christ that is where the
word “X-mas” comes from.
So there you go, some
Christmas facts about Christmas, which
I doubt you knew. So when you’re
texting your friends ‘Happy X-mas’ or
‘Merry X-mas!!’ think about some of
these cool facts!
Santa Claus
By: Olivia DiBetta
“His eyes- how they twinkled!
His dimples, how merry! His cheeks
were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like
a bow, and the beard on his chin was as
white as the snow.”
–Clement C. Moore
The idea of Santa Claus
has been around almost as long as St.
Nick himself. As far back as the 8th and
9th century in Europe, it was tradition to
be visited by your fireside by a man in a
fur hat who made the winter a little less
harsh. Saint Nicolas was born in the 3rd
century in Myra, which is now a part of
Turkey. His rich parents died when he
was young, but he used his inheritance
to help those in need. Though he helped
the poor, the sick, or anyone else who
could use it, he had a special love for
children. He would toss money into
people’s homes at night, but if the
windows were locked, he would toss it
down the chimney.
During the Middle
Ages, churches were dedicated to him
and built in his honor. He is known all
around the world; in France he is
known as Père Noël and Shengdan
Laoren in China. While in the United
States, children leave Santa Claus
cookies and milk on Christmas Eve
night, in England and Australia, children
leave cherry and mince pies for Father
Christmas.
As a Christmas
tradition, children hang their stockings
and write letters to Santa. Studies show
that girls’ letters are longer and more
polite than boys’. They ask for more
things but they also include gifts for
other people. In Wayside School Gets a
Little Stranger, Louis Sachar says,
“Whenever you give someone a present
or sing a holiday song, you’re helping
Santa Claus. To me, that’s what
Christmas is all about.”
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CHRISTmas
By: Ashley Bailey
“Give me my freaking gifts!” These tend to be the
adorable expressions that little children say on the dawn of
Christmas Day. However, these kids are spoiled. Christmas
is not about the money your mom squanders on you every
single year. Christmas is about praising your Lord Jesus
Christ; hence the word ‘Christ’. It is also about the
traditions we Americans have evolved over the years; such
would include putting decorative bulbs on a pine tree,
buying cheap gifts for your family members, eating another
Thanksgiving meal and putting tacky decorations around
your house. However, children also wait for Santa Claus!
Many Americans are still confused as to why parents are
okay with this ridiculous custom. Why would they let some
strange man enter the house in the middle of the night,
while everybody is sleeping, to eat their food and leave
them gifts? Also, many would assume children would be a
little frightened. I guess people are willing to do anything
for free gifts. So, remember when Christmas comes your
way, gain 20 pounds, purchase ridiculous decorations and
worship Jesus. Then, perhaps you may possibly have a
somewhat decent Christmas after all.
70 Years After Waking the Sleeping Giant
By: Cody L. Jackson
It was an early December morning in Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii when the radar, a new tool still being perfected,
picked up a squad of incoming planes. The commander in
charge wrote the radar signal off as USAF B-17s that were
due to arrive that morning from California. There was just
one problem: the planes weren’t friendly. Even though the
Japanese Empire had a peace agreement with the United
States, they broke it with an early morning surprise attack
on Pearl Harbor. Their mission was to destroy any United
States Naval and Air Force equipment whether they be LSTs,
aircraft carriers, planes, hangars, or other such targets of
military importance. During the attack, four battle ships
were sunk, three were damaged, and one was grounded, as
well as two destroyers were sunk. 155 aircraft were
damaged and 29 were destroyed. 2,402 soldiers were killed
and 1,247 were wounded. As for civilians, 57 were killed
and 35 were wounded.
The attack on Pearl Harbor ultimately resulted in
the United States involvement in World War II.
2012 Here We Come
By: Alexis Laurine
moved the New Year to January 1st and
formed the Julian calendar, which is
Another well-known tradition
what we use today.
is the symbol of the holiday, Baby New
Year. He represents the “rebirth” of the
Along with New Year’s comes
New Year’s – A holiday
year. Lastly, the kiss when the clock
its many traditions. The most common
absolutely everyone knows of, however,
strikes midnight is another popular
tradition would have to be the making
not everyone knows the history behind
tradition.
of resolutions for the year to come.
it. The earliest recording of New Year’s
They vary from weight loss to spending
So whether your making a
dates back to 2000 B.C. with the Early
more time with family to getting
resolution to lose weight, or kissing
Roman Calendar. The Romans originally
organized. Although majority of people your lover when the ball drops at
used March 1st to ring in the New Year
make resolutions, less than half will
midnight, the New Year brings many
until 153 B.C. In 153 B.C., Julius Caesar
follow through with them.
traditions and resolutions with false
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The Red Devil Dispatch would like to thank those who have supported us
this year. If anyone is interested in donating or advertising with us, please
call 695– 1584 or email [email protected]
Greg Bizzarri,
Richland Township
Trustee, and family


Jackson’s Wrecker
Service


Ann Jeffries
Mr. and Mrs. Robert O.
Wagner

St. Clairsville
Girls’ Volleyball

Red Devil Boys’
Basketball

Red Devil Football

Chase Garan Fan
Club


Sarah Gibeaut
Dolores Pytlik


Justin Sleutz

Joyce Zeiher

Susan
Fitzsimmons
St. Clairsville
Track
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