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Bear Facts 25¢ Volume 33 Number 3 December 2009 700 S. Morrow St., Mena, Arkansas 71953 The A PUBLICATION OF MENA HIGH SCHOOL All-region jazz bands include 15 from Mena MENA HIGH SCHOOL students, Chelsea Bodkin, Tori Henry, and Alyvia Castillo, inspect donations to the Toys for Tots Telethon that was held Dec. 5 at Rich Mountain Community College. People from across the community helped with the annual Christmas toy drive. (photo by Jocelyn Gray) SENIOR BAND MEMBERS display the trophy that the band received for winning all superior ratings at the fall marching contest held at Lakeside High School in October. If the band can now get superior ratings at the region concert contest, they will receive the coveted Band Sweepstakes Award. (photo by Rachel Roberts) by Micheal Sterner Musicians from the MHS band traveled to Hope on Nov. 19 to try out for the Region III All-Region Jazz Band. Mena students placed the largest number of students in the jazz band in our school’s history with 15 being accepted. Six of these made 1 st band-1 st chair, the highest position possible. Making the high school first band were Adam Matejek, 1 st chair trumpet; Brent Bell, 1 st chair trombone; Kody Chastain, 4 th chair trombone; and Ryan Matejek, 1 st chair bass trombone. Jordan Newman made the second band as 2 nd chair trombone, and Natalee Ainsworth was a percussion alternate. Those who made the junior high jazz band include Jacob Talamantez, 1 st chair alto saxophone; Allison Austin, 1 st chair tenor saxophone; Luke Callahan, 1 st chair baritone saxophone; Jordan Hooper, 4 th chair trumpet; Ivy Powell, trumpet alternate; Joseph Maddox, 2 nd chair trombone; Race Grubb, 3 rd chair trombone, Lake Ashley, 4 th chair trombone; and Connor Purvis, 6 th chair trombone. The all-region jazz clinic was held on Saturday, Nov. 21. “I think it is amazing how well these students have done,” said senior high band director Nevada Mills. “Jazz is not something that is taught during the school day. This is all done on their own time. I am really proud of all that they have accomplished.” by Jocelyn Gray With people across the nation facing economic difficulties, it is almost a certainty that many children will not get a visit from Santa this year. Not so in Mena thanks to the local Herbert A. Littleton detachment of the Marine Corps League, which sponsored a drive to collect toys. The Toys for Tots Telethon was held Dec. 5 at Rich Mountain Community College, and it was broadcast on RMCC- TV. People from across the community helped with this endeavor. Toy collection boxes were placed in many local businesses. Mena Cosmetology College gave away free lunches and door prizes to those who donated toys. A number of MHS students were involved with this project. The local Teen Council, overseen by Walt Gray, had members walking in the Christmas parade to help advertise the toy drive. Teen Council members also went to RMCC on the day of the telethon to serve pizza to the donors and to provide additional help. Tori Henry, president of the Teen Council, said, “It’s nice to know that because of Toys for Tots, kids who normally would get nothing will now have gifts.” Although an official total has not been announced yet, at least 500 toys have been donated locally to help children in need. In addition, a lot of money has been pledged which can be used to purchase even more toys. Because of the Toys for Tots drive and the generosity of businesses and citizens in the community as well as the willingness of local teens to volunteer their time, many deserving children will now wake up to find toys from Santa at their homes on Christmas. Toys for Tots Telethon provides for local youth Christmas features are on page 4. Basketball action is on page 5. Check out page 8 for Clue photos.

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Mena High School Bear Facts for December, 2009, a student publication

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Page 1: Dec09

Bear Facts25¢

Volume 33 Number 3 December 2009 700 S. Morrow St., Mena, Arkansas 71953

The

A PUBLICATION OF MENA HIGH SCHOOL

All-region jazz bandsinclude 15 from Mena

MENA HIGH SCHOOL students, Chelsea Bodkin, Tori Henry, and Alyvia Castillo, inspect donations to the Toys for Tots Telethon that was held Dec. 5 at Rich Mountain Community College. People from across the community helped with the annual Christmas toy drive. (photo by Jocelyn Gray)

SENIOR BAND MEMBERS display the trophy that the band received for winning all superior ratings at the fall marching contest held at Lakeside High School in October. If the band can now get superior ratings at the region concert contest, they will receive the coveted Band Sweepstakes Award. (photo by Rachel Roberts)

by Micheal Sterner

Musicians from the MHS band traveled to Hope on Nov. 19 to try out for the Region III All-Region Jazz Band. Mena students placed the largest number of students in the jazz band in our school’s history with 15 being accepted. Six of these made 1st band-1st chair, the highest position possible. Making the high school first bandwere Adam Matejek, 1st chair trumpet; Brent Bell, 1st chair trombone; Kody Chastain, 4th chair trombone; and Ryan Matejek, 1st chair bass trombone. Jordan Newman made the second band as 2nd chair trombone, and Natalee Ainsworth was a percussion alternate. Those who made the junior high

jazz band include Jacob Talamantez, 1st chair alto saxophone; Allison Austin, 1st chair tenor saxophone; Luke Callahan, 1st chair baritone saxophone; Jordan Hooper, 4th chair trumpet; Ivy Powell, trumpet alternate; Joseph Maddox, 2nd chair trombone; Race Grubb, 3rd chair trombone, Lake Ashley, 4th chair trombone; and Connor Purvis, 6th chair trombone. The all-region jazz clinic was held on Saturday, Nov. 21. “I think it is amazing how well these students have done,” said senior high band director Nevada Mills. “Jazz is not something that is taught during the school day. This is all done on their own time. I am really proud of all that they have accomplished.”

by Jocelyn Gray

With people across the nation facing economic difficulties, it is almost a certainty that many children will not get a visit from Santa this year. Not so in Mena thanks to the local Herbert A. Littleton detachment of the Marine Corps League, which sponsored a drive to collect toys. The Toys for Tots Telethon was held Dec. 5 at Rich Mountain Community College, and it was broadcast on RMCC-TV. People from across the community helped with this endeavor. Toy collection boxes were placed in many local businesses. Mena Cosmetology College gave away free lunches and door prizes to those who donated toys. A number of MHS students were involved with this project. The local Teen Council, overseen by Walt Gray, had

members walking in the Christmas parade to help advertise the toy drive. Teen Council members also went to RMCC on the day of the telethon to serve pizza to the donors and to provide additional help. Tori Henry, president of the Teen Council, said, “It’s nice to know that because of Toys for Tots, kids who normally would get nothing will now have gifts.” Although an official total has notbeen announced yet, at least 500 toys have been donated locally to help children in need. In addition, a lot of money has been pledged which can be used to purchase even more toys. Because of the Toys for Tots drive and the generosity of businesses and citizens in the community as well as the willingness of local teens to volunteer their time, many deserving childrenwill nowwakeup tofind toysfrom Santa at their homes on Christmas.

Toys for Tots Telethonprovides for local youth

Christmas featuresare on page 4.

Basketball actionis on page 5.

Check out page 8for Clue photos.

Page 2: Dec09

Page 2 December 2009The Bear Facts - Editorial

Advertising rates are $8 per column inch. For advertising or subscription information, address all correspondence to Bear Facts, Mena High School, 700 Morrow St., Mena, Arkansas 71953.

The Bear Facts, a publication of Mena High School, is published monthly October through May by MHS journalism students and is printed by the Mena Star. The Bear Facts is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, the American Scholastic Press Association, and the Southern Interscholastic PressAssociation.Editorialsandletterstotheeditorreflecttheviewsoftheauthorsanddonotnecessarilyreflectthoseofthestafforschool.Alllettersmust be signed, and all published letters will include the author’s name.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Logan McCourtney; NEWS EDITOR: Jocelyn Gray; NEWS REPORTERS: Marissa Beaver, Jordan Johnson, Leigha Smith, J.D. Pack; FEATURE PAGE EDITOR: Jas Williams; FEATURE REPORTERS: Rachel Roberts, Micheal Sterner; VARSITY SPORTS EDITOR: Matt Edwards; SPORTS REPORTERS: Myranda Vaughn, Jarret Thompson; CLUB PAGE EDITOR: Rachel Collins; CLUB REPORTERS: Sabrina Mallett, Myranda Vaughn; PHOTOSHOP EDITORS: Smith Harrison, Leigha Smith; EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Rachel Roberts; ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST: J.D. Pack; SPORTS COLUMNIST: Jarret Thompson; CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Myranda Vaughn, Smith Harrison; ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS: Leigha Smith, Marissa Beaver, Jas Williams,Jocelyn Gray, Rachel

Collins, Sabrina Mallett, Rachel Roberts; CHIEF TYPIST: Rachel Collins; ASSISTANT TYPISTS: J.D. Pack, Jarret Thompson; ADVERTISING MANAGER: Micheal Sterner; EXCHANGE EDITOR: Jordan Johnson; CIRCULATION MANAGER: Marissa Beaver; STAFF ARTIST: Myranda Vaughn; LIBRARIAN: Sabrina Mallett; PAGE DESIGN by DTP Students: Chelsi Bates, Weldon Beaty, Jennifer Debnar, Zack Fair, Jake Fedor, Candace Ford, Samantha Gough, Justin Grasman, Van Holman, Matt Horner, Jenya King, Anthony Laxamana, Josh Lochala, Matt Marks, Logan McCourtney, Jordon McDaniel, CJ Mos, Erik Owens, Ricky Pack, Eddie Perrine, Courtney Peters, Lake Philpot, Dustin Pitts, Dakota Rapp, Jerry Roberts, Todd Roberts, Brandon Russell, Lauren Shufelberger, Danielle Skinner, Dylan Strong; ADVISER: Randy Lindsey

On the D-L with RRby Rachel Roberts - editorial columnist

What I love about Christmas - After a long day of school with its grueling tests and endless lectures, I walked into my house with a backpack full of homework. I was feeling exhausted and not looking forward to the evening. The house was really cozy, and the smell of pine was everywhere. Curious, I searched through the house to findthesourceofthedelightfulodor.Iwentintothelivingroom,andinthecornerwas a gigantic, real Christmas tree. My mood changed instantly because it hit me that Christmas is near. SomuchgoesonaroundChristmas.Thetreeisthefirstthingthatmyfamilysetsup.We all help out decorating the tree. Of course, every ornament we own has to go on the tree…especially the ones that we have made. Another favorite thing about Christmas is theparade.ItseemsasthougheveryoneinMenacomesouttoseeSantaandthefloats. I love how (after the parade) they light up Janssen Park. Walking around the driving circle and looking at the elves and reindeer always puts a smile on the faces of everyone there. The evening would not be complete without a nice cup of hot chocolate and a walk over to the live nativity scene where the true meaning of Christmas is on display. I love the thought of snow during Christmas break. Just a couple of inches would be enough to get the sled out. This town hasn’t had a good snow for such a long time. Maybe this year! Making a list for Santa is always fun. Yes, I still do it today…writing down things that I would like to see under the tree. I will not apologize for believing in Santa. MyparentsliketobringoutoldChristmasmovies.Wesitinfrontofthefireplacewatching black and white movies. It is a good time to slow down and enjoy some time with my family. I love listening to Christmas music too. It makes me want to sing and dance with the songs. Most of all, I love how the spirit of Christmas affects everyone. People are so happy! It’s almost as if the kid in everyone comes out to play. Yes, Christmas really is the best time of the year. When I think of Christmas, I think about how it is a time of giving. We are truly blessed that we live in a town that is so generous…not just at Christmas time but throughout the year. Mena is a very giving town. Everyone wants to help each other. It seems that the generosity just increases at Christmas. So, hopefully Christmas will bring out the little kid in all of us again this season. Help spread the spirit of generosity and kindness, especially to those who are less fortunate. Have a safe and merry Christmas.

Editorial: Sights and sounds of Christmas Justasthefamiliarsemesterfinalsandhomeworkassignmentsarecomingtoanend, the arrival of the sights and sounds of Christmas is upon us. To many the month of December is a time of anxiety, craziness, and frustration. Teachers and students are all feeling the pressure after an exhausting semester. Lessons that could consume several weeks are being taught and absorbed in days. Students cram for tests knowing full well that one test could mean a whole letter grade difference. This anxiety and craziness are what we have learned to love about the holiday season. It is the longest break of the year! Winter break always evokes thoughts and memories from past years. People certainly celebrate Christmas in different ways; however, many of the traditions are similar. To a lot of people, Thanksgiving is not the end of a holiday but simply the beginning of another. In many homes a tree is set up and decorated. Houses light up the sky of a neighborhood with their glowing bulbs covering the roofs. A colorful wreath orbowmayadornthefrontdoor.SpectatorsflocktotheannualChristmasparadeorenjoythelightingofthecityparkasanofficialwayofwelcomingtheholiday.Simpletraditions such as leaving cookies and that all-important letter to Santa may seem childish, but they are an important part of the celebration. Along with these usual sights and sounds of Christmas, comes the biggest part…shopping! That’s right, shopping. All of the highly coveted toys or games are now being consideredaspotentialpresentsunderthetree.Thismadnessaboutfindingtheperfectgift begins early on Black Friday, perhaps the biggest shopping day of the year. As the criticaldayapproaches,familyandfriendsaremappingoutthebestroutetofindthebestdeals and perfect gifts for their loved ones. The time spent shopping could determine the size of a happy smile on some child’s face or the gratitude of a family member. So as the remaining days of the semester wind down and winter break draws closer and closer, we anticipate the time we will have to spend with family and friends. We rejoice in our time off from classes and tests, and we look forward to gathering together insuspenseasthosegiftsareunwrappedandjoyfillsourhomes. I’m hoping that everyone thinks of December not as a time of anxiety or frustration, but as a time of laughter and excitement. Have a merry Christmas!

Page 3: Dec09

December 2009 Page 3The Bear Facts - Clubs

MHS ART STUDENTS heard guest speaker Gerald Wood, a retired employee for Hallmark Greeting Cards, in November. Wood used a variety of artwork to explain elements and principals of design. (photo by Sheila Johnson)

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PACKAGING BOXES OF FRUIT for the annual FFA fruit sale are Bryan Maye, Andrew VanEmmerik, Monica Griffi n, and Julian Parnell. The fruit sale is a fundraiser that helps pay for various FFA activities. (photo by Rachel Collins)

Art classes host guest speakerby Jarret Thompson

Gerald Wood, who is retired from working for Hallmark Greeting Cards, was a guest speaker in Sheila Johnson’s art classes on Nov. 23 where he shared his portfolio and talked about many of the experiences he had in that career. Wood’s portfolio was filled with pictures of Hallmark stores where he had designed shelving, backboards, and signs to assist customers. He also designed boxes that held some of the merchandise. His knowledge of color was used in all of his designs.

Wood also brought artwork with him of different media. He showed prints, oil paintings, watercolors, and a sculpture. In addition, he used his father’s army medals to demonstrate the mounting, and he explained how they were mounted using the elements and principles of design. “Before his presentation, I was expecting all of these greeting cards, but Mr. Wood never designed a greeting card,” Johnson said. “I really enjoyed his presentation because he was able to talk to the students about different career opportunities that are behind the scenes in a lot of cases.”

MENA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH501 Ninth Street, Mena, Arkansas

479-394-3051Visit our website at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/menafumc/

by Jas Williams

Each year for the past 22 years, MHS agriculture students have had the opportunity to participate in a yearly fundraiser by selling fruit and premium meat to the community. This activity is optional, but many students participate because of a friendly competition created by agri teachers Mike Collins and Bryan Maye. The top seller receives a cash prize of $300. Runner-up gets $200, and the second runner-up gets $100. Students who elect to participate are given their order forms in October. They must have

all orders turned in by the beginning of November. This year’s sale was another success story for the agriculture program. The money raised from the fundraiser helps fund scholarships, leadership events, summer camps, and various career development events for students in the agriculture program. “We’ve noticed over the past fiveyears that the sale’s profit base has started increasing,” Collins said. “The agriculture fruit and meat sale has become a community expectation and a tradition from the school.”

Agriculture fruit/meat salesprovide funds for programs

HELP SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT...

RECYCLE.

Page 4: Dec09

Page 4 December 2009The Bear Facts - Christmas

Christmas gifts I’d like to giveby Myranda Vaughn

Marissa Willis: my big muscles to Coach TedderKaitlyn Mitchell: a huge bag of candy corn pumpkins to Logan McCourtneyMyranda Vaughn: green hulk hands to Coach TedderMakenzie Davis:Clarkatruckthatdoesn’tcatchonfireDenisha Walker: a smile to Coach TedderJas Williams: a wife to Shane Venters, a nice guy to JJ, and the best Christmas ever to MaggieJeremy Harrison: my basketball skills to Coach TedderRandy Peters: a big bag of Three Musketeers to Flannery and a girlfriend to JonLacie Land: all my love to Cody Standifer and a great season to the girls soccer teamRachel Collins: hearing aides to Cheyenne PeersonJocelyn Gray: holiday spirit to Jarret, a huge bag of popcorn to Christa, and a swollen injury to KrystinRachel Roberts: pills to Emily Callahan that make you tallerJarret Thompson: steroids to the whole football teamZach Orr: drumming skills to Jeremiah FosterEthan Campbell: a cure for cancer to my grandma and all other cancer stricken people in the worldLeigha Smith: a new truck and manlier looking glasses to Damon Newman

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Holiday RiddlesQ. How do dogs say Merry Christmas in Mexico?A. Fleas Navidad!

Q. What did the gingerbread man put on his bed?A. A cookie sheet!

Q. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark?A. Frostbite!

Q. What do you call an Eskimo cow?A. An eskimoo!

Q. How is the Christmas alphabet different from the ordinary alphabet?A. The Christmas alphabet has NO EL!

Q. What did the big candle say to the little candle?A. I’m going out tonight!

Q. What do you get when you eat the Christmas decorations?A. Tinsel-itus!

Q. Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?A. Because it soots him!

Q. How does Santa take holiday photos?A. With his North Pole-aroid!

All I want for Christmas is…by Jordan Johnson

Jas Williams- a Ferrari that would make it down my dirt roadShawn Adams- a weed wacker for my beardMarissa Willis - for Ethan not to hate meAaron Miller- a new truck that doesn’t suckMichael Cabello- for Alabama to win the NCAA ChampionshipRachel Collins- a new oven Jocelyn Gray- parents that will let me keep our Christmas tree up all yearCody Shores- bundle o’scarves and Easy MacJarret Thompson- underwearDevin Broyles- to be just like Jordan JohnsonChanning Moore- to get new wheels and rims for my truckTanner Kesterson- my beautiful girlfriend FaithDamon Newman- for Coach Hunter to realize that he is just a big teddy bear not a big bad wolfAnthony Laxamana-forlifetobelikeitusedtobeandtofindmytrueloveJordan Deramus- a certain someone to realize the Dallas Cowboys own the EaglesJosh Harper- Kansas City to win the Super Bowl and Mark RobertsAustin Hurst- for Michael Jordan to give me his basketball skills and a kiss from Megan MayeJohn Ballentine- world domination

Page 5: Dec09

December 2009 Page 5The Bear Facts - Varsity Sports

Serving Mena for 98 years

and proud supporter of MHS

In basketball action

Ladycats win two, lose two

SENIOR RANDY PETERS looks to pass in basketball action against the Dardanelle Sand Lizards. The Bearcats came out on top, 48-30. (staff photo)

GUARD WHITLEY BORIN attempts to maneuver around a Sand Lizard defender at a home game at Jim Rackley Gymnasium. The Ladycats took a 56-44 victory over Dardanelle. (staff photo)

by Rachel Collins

The Ladycats opened their 2009-10 basketball season with a tough opponent, a very physical Greenwood team. The Ladycats started out slowly in the firsthalf,forcingtheirshotsandslackingondefense. Mena was down 15-30 at halftime. The action began to pick up in the second half, and the Ladycat defense picked up the pace. Offensively the Ladycats began to progress, but it was too littletoolate,andMenasufferedtheirfirstloss of the season, 52-62. Bouncing back from the opener against Greenwood, the Ladycats then took on the Booneville Bearcats for a 39-26 victory. Mena was led in scoring by senior Whitley Borin with 15 points and junior Rachel Collins with 10. Chelsea Anderson hadeight,andBrittanyMoonhadfive. The Ladycats hosted Clarksville at home on Nov. 24. Mena came out determined to play aggressively. The Ladycats pressured the ball hard, which

not only caused multiple turnovers but also resulted in scoring opportunities. The defense was giving Clarksville a struggle, and several Ladycats were nailing their shots. Junior Jordan Johnson, who had an outstanding game, led the Ladycats in scoring with 14 points. Borin followed with 11 points. Adding to the score were Anderson, Hilary Sherrer, and Megan Maye with nine points each. The Ladycats were able to defeat the Panthers, 58-55. After the impressive win over Clarksville, the Ladycats traveled to Oklahoma to face off with the Roland Rangers. After losing a tough battle to Roland, the First National Bank Classic loomed on the Ladycats’ horizon. “I’ve been very proud of the girls’ efforts and their will to win,” said head coach Heather Clark. “It’s still early in the season, and we have plenty of things to continue to work on. They’ve been playing verywell, and I feel confidentthat when conference play comes around, we’ll be ready.”

by Matt Edwards

Mena vs. Greenwood The Mena Bearcat basketball team opened their season against the Greenwood Bulldogs. The Cats put up a fight,butGreenwoodprevailedbyascoreof 37-48. Logan McCourtney and Daniel Wood each had nine points. Randy Peters had seven, and Austin Hurst had six. Alex Hurst had two points.

Mena vs. Booneville Looking to rebound back after the opening loss, the Bearcats went up against Booneville. Mena had an easy time against the other Bearcats, taking a 55-38 win. Wood led the scoring with 14 points followed by Peters with eight. The Hurst brothers had seven points each, and McCourtney had two.

Mena vs. Clarksville Coming off the win over Booneville, the Bearcats faced off with Clarksville. It was a close game with neither team able to dominate,butatthefinalbuzzertheCatslost to the Panthers 62-68. Peters had a tremendous game with 20 points on the scoreboard. McCourtney followed with 17. Wood and the two Hursts had seven points each.

Mena vs. Dardanelle After the close loss to Clarksville, the Cats set their sights on Dardanelle. Defensively, both teams played well, but it was the Bearcats who came out on top of the Sand Lizards, 48-30. Peters led the scoring with 11 points, and Alex Hurst had 10. McCourtney contributed seven, and Wood had six.

Cats defeat Booneville and Dardanelle

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Page 6: Dec09

Page 6 December 2009The Bear Facts - News

Choirs present annual Christmas concert

COMPUTERIZED BUSINESS APPLICATIONS students who received national certifi cation as Certiport’s Microsoft Certifi ed Application Specialists (MCAS) include Bryar Parks, Alex Betz, Alex Atchley, B.J. Schuller, Lacy Colbert, Adam Matejek, Jasper Davis, Jordan Fuchsberger, Brad Watson, Corey Moon, Daryl Castillo, Tori Henry, and Christa Jumper. (photo by Molly Lindsey)

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CBA students earn certifi cationby Leigha Smith

Students in Molly Lindsey’s Computerized Business Applications classes were able to take Certiport’s MicrosoftCertifiedApplicationSpecialistexam, and 17 of the 24 students who were testedreceivedthecertification. The students, after learning to use Microsoft Word 2007, were given the option to take the exam. The MCAS exam reveals the students’ digital skills for the competitiveglobalworkforce.Certificationmeans that a student has demonstrated proficiency in thenewestof theworld’s

foremost desktop computing applications. Studentswho achievedproficiencyon the exam include Alex Atchley, Alex Betz, Nicole Bobo, Daryl Castillo, Lacy Colbert, Jasper Davis, Alec Emry, Jordan Fuchsberger, Tori Henry, Christa Jumper, Ryan Lowery, Adam Matejek, Corey Moon, Bryar Parks, B.J. Schuller, and Brad Watson. “I am very proud of these students. It shows that they are willing to go above and beyond what is required to pass a class and that they are more than competent in a particular software program” said Lindsey.

by Marissa Beaver

The Bearcat Chorus, Spotlight Singers, and Sixth Grade Choir presented their annual Christmas Concert Dec. 3 at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church. Choir director Ferroll “Tammy” Taylor was assisted by student conductors Erik Owens and Alyssa McClesky. The Accompanists were Jan Puckett and Lauren Herod.

The Spotlight Singers performed In Winter’s Peace; This December (I’llRemember You); O Come, O Come Immanuel; and What Child Shall Come?

The Bearcat Chorus sang The Little Drummer Boy, Jinglin’ Bells, and We Wish You.

The Sixth Grade Choir performed We Are Lights; Sing We All Noel; Antiphonal Hosanna; Child of God; Children, Go Tell It; Santa Claus, Santa Claus, You Are Much Too Fat; and May Peace Always Be With You. The concert concluded with the Bearcat Chorus and Spotlight Singers performing Carol of the Bells and Wonderful Christmastime.

Check us out on the web!Beginning December 18, see The Bear Facts in full-color at http://170.211.34.2/bf/Dec09

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Page 7: Dec09

December 2009 Page 7The Bear Facts - News

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by Sabrina Mallett

Seniors: Natalee Ainsworth (2) Lucas Gandy (3) Cody Shores (3) Jordan Deramus (4) Cherie Schmidt (7) Zach Roppel (11) Matt Marks (13) Zach Smith (13) Cameron Wagner (17) Angel Watson (21) Devin Ward (22) Erik Owens (23)Juniors: Jenya King (8) Aaron Johnson (9) Jeremy Harrison (15) Jennifer Howard (15) Krystal Saulsbury (15) Josh Lochala (17) Tiffany Cecil (24) Dylan Foster (24)Sophomores: Victoria Boydstun (2) Logan Bryant (6) Samantha Gough (7) Kamara Taylor (7) Taylor Maechler (9) Jessica House (14) Britain Morris (14) Madison Ralls (14) Brock Harvey (15) Sean Hensley (16) Dakota Rapp (16) Christopher Romero (16) Steven Arnold (19) Amanda Dollarhide (20) Chance Strother (21) Hannah Knittig (24) Amber Lane (25)Freshmen: Brooke Price (1) Kayla Bates (8) Angela Brown (9) Joesph Maddox (10) Courtani McCauley (10) Ashley Fruen (13) Taylor Miller (14) BJ Schuller (14) Stephanie Vidrine (15) Kyle Williams (15) Haley Herron (17) Cassie Gear (18) Brittney Duvak (19) Jacey Holland (21) Jade Allen (23) Gabby Lewis (23) Tiny Shores (23) Makala Williams (23) Samantha Henry (26) Autumn Cunningham (27) Brittney Cunningham (27) Justin Martin (28) Ryan Spencer (31)

December Birthdays

Students in Julie Gordon’s world history classes held a food drive in Novembertobenefitthelocalcommunityon Thanksgiving. After they completed a social studies literacy prompt about volunteerism, the s tudents were challenged to beat other classes and to beat the record of Gordon’s internship students from Waldron last Thanksgiving. The MHS students collected a total of 1,231 cans plus Kool-Aid. This total included cash which was equated with canvalue.Afterafiercecompetition,the

fourth period class came out as winner with a total of 460 cans. Everything collected in the food drive was donated to the Optimist Club and the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Food Pantry. The food was then packaged in baskets which were donated to needy families at Thanksgiving. “I want to thank the MHS faculty for their support and patience,” Gordon said. “Our class motto is ‘From MHS to the world; we’re making history.’”

WORLD HISTORY STUDENTS in Julie Gordon’s fourth period were the big winners in the class competition for a Thanksgiving community food drive, collecting 460 cans of food. Overall, the MHS students collected 1,231 cans and Kool-Aid which was donated to the Optimist Club and the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Food Pantry. (photo by Myranda Vaughn)

History students have food drive

SENIOR HIGH CHEERLEADERS performed their competitive routine between the basketball games at Jim Rackley Gymnasium on Dec. 4. The next day, they performed in competition at the Summit Arena in Hot Springs. (staff photo)

Support our Patrons Shop in Mena

Page 8: Dec09

Page 8 December 2009The Bear Facts - Play Photo Spread

Clue

: The Musical

Page layout by Dakota Rapp

Okay, mess up my carpet one more time and it’s back to the dog pound.

Now, all those who prefer pepperoni raise your left hand. I told her not to mix Diet Coke with her Mentos. They’re looking at me again; aren’t they?

I’m a vampire, and I can fly!

Quick! Act innocent. It’s my parents.

Isn’t this the tryout for American Idol?

Swing batter, batter...swing!

We’re all in this together...oh wait, wrong play.