CARTHAGINIAN

OFFICIAL BUZZ OF THE BULLDOGS

Carthage High School Volume 79 Issue 2 December 17, 2010

THE

Check out The Carthaginian

online at chs.carthageisd.org

Students fill the stage. As music begins to play, the boys and girls take

their places and prepare for another night rehearsal. As the dancing begins, everyone falls into place and concentration shows on their faces.

Seniors are currently preparing for the debut of their play, entitled “I’ll Be Seeing You: A Journey of Memories”. The performances will begin the first week of February and will conclude at the beginning of the following week.

“The cast has been working together as a team since the first dance,” director Brenda Milstead said. “They do not complain and

are having the time of their lives. This is what I strive for each year.”

Many of the students in the senior play came to the first rehearsal without any acting or dancing experience. Throughout the rehearsals, the students have learned to work together to learn and polish the skills needed for this big show.

“I feel like I’m rehearsing for a really big movie,” senior Timothy Chhor said. “I am one of the two boy nerds. Throughout most of the play I am a smart, nerdy type-guy, but in the end I become a hunk.”

Some seniors join the cast as an opportunity to get to spend extra time with their classmates, one last chance to bond before they graduate. Others have been looking forward to the

play since they were much younger.“I’ve had Mrs. Milstead as a teacher

for three years now and hearing all the exciting, fun-filled stories she would say about the senior play made me want to participate,” senior Joyce McClure said. “I like having fun with my classmates and getting to know them better before we all graduate.”

Being a cast member means that some sacrifices must be made. They have to give up time on a few school days and on Sundays. Members learn to manage their time between the play and their hectic schedules.

“Working in the senior play is really challenging, but the work pays off,” senior Kaylee Harris said. “Overall, it is an experience that no senior should miss.”

Recently, members of the Key Club collected towels, blankets and

pillows for a service project. The items collected will go to Mission Carthage, an organization that provides shelter, meals and necessities to the less fortunate in our area.

The Key Club is an organization that is supported by local business professionals. Members do service-type projects to help those in need.

“Key Club members make offerings to help those in need,” sponsor Dianne Kelly said. “It is an honor to be part of an organization that believes in helping the community.”

Our Key Club chapter currently has 46 members and the sponsors

are Mrs.Edwards and Mrs.Kelly. “Last year, we only had 15 members and this year we have almost 50,” president Micah London said. “With this sudden influx of members, we are now able to commit to and perform more and more beneficial activities.”

There are five officer positions that are held by students: president, sophomore Micah London; vice-president, sophomore Ashton Robertson; and secretary, senior Ariel Patterson. Sheyenne Adams takes on the role of the treasurer and Madi Stephens is the editor. “My main duty is to hold and direct

the meetings,” London said. “I ensure that we are fulfilling our goals and running as smoothly as possible.”

Currently the organization is working towards earning their Project Patch for the 2010-2011 school year by partipating in the “The Heart of Key Club” District Project. “The Heart of Key Club Project’ enhances students awareness of the community around them,” Kelly said. “It allows students to learn the meaning of giving of themselves to others.

So far they have done service projects under the category of food, shelter, and clothing/toiletries. Next month the organization will work towards spending time with individuals that are in the Panola County Nursing Home. “I like to give back to the community and be able to say that I made a difference in someone’s life,” London said.

WHAT’S the BUZZ

BY TORRANCE BOWMAN

Students prepare for senior play

SANTA LETTERS

KENDALL THOMPSON

PAGE 6

PAGE 9

BY BRIANNA MORGAN

Photo by Sean Finley

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS... OR NOT?

Key ClubOrganization works to aid local charities

Senior PlaySeniors line the stage as they practice one of their many routines for the upcoming senior play. A record number of students auditioned for this years play, and over 50 students made the final cut.

PAGE 3

17thWinter Break begins•Girls Basketball: at Lindale, 5 pm •

28-30Girls Basketball: White Oak Tournament•UIL Academics: Whitehouse Invitational•

4th:

Students return from Winter Break•Girls Soccer: vs. Tatum, 5:30 pm•Girls Basketball: vs Karnack, 5 pm•Boys Basketball: at Chapel Hill, 5pm •

5th:NHS Meeting in B1, 7:35 am•

7th:Girls Basketball: at Gladewater, 5pm•Boys Basketball• : at Lindale, 5pm

10th:Boys Basketball: vs Tatum, 5pm•

11th:Girls Soccer: at Tatum, 5:30 pm •

12th:Key Club meeting in C1, 7:30 am•

c a m p u s ne w s The Carthaginian

2page

December 17, 2010

Bulldog Bulletin:

See Mrs. Quick in Room A-6 for order forms and more information.

attention chs!!2011 Pine Burr yearbooks are now on sale!

Hurry and order yours today -- they’re “like never before”!

$55

What’s the upcoming BUZZ?

STATE CHAMPIONS

85-90, 09-10

MEETINGS HELD

BI-MONTHLY6:00-7:00pm

Bill’s Meat Market

1317 W. Panola St.Carthage,Texas903-693-6122

The Bulldog Store

wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

DEC

JAN

13th-14th

1st Semester Final Exams

14th:Boys Basketball: at Pittsburg, 5:00 pm•Girls Basetball: vs Pittsburg, 5:00 pm• 17thNo School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)•

18th:Basketball: vs Gilmer, 5pm•Girls Soccer: vs Hudson, 5:30 pm • 19th:NHS Meeting in B1, 7:35 am•

21st:Basketball:at Henderson, 5pm•Girls Soccer, vs Longview, 6 pm •

23rd:BPA Leadership Conference, Frisco•

25th:Girls Soccer: at Texas High, 5:30 pm•Basketball: vs Gladewater, 5 pm •

26th:Key Club meeting in C1, 7:30 am •

28th:Basketball: at Spring Hill, 5pm•Girls Soccer: at Nacogdoches, 5:30 pm •

1stBasketball: at •Pittsburg, 5 pmGirls Soccer: vs •Liberty-Eylau, 5:30 pm

4thBasketball: at Gilmer, •5 pmGirls Soccer: vs Center, •5:30 pm

8th:Basketball: vs •Henderson, 5pm Girls Soccer: at Pine •Tree, 5:30 pm

FEB

c a m p u s n e w sThe Carthaginian

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December17, 2010

Dear Santa,Dear Santa, For Christmas, what I

really, really, REALLY want is

that My Little Pony doll with

the rainbow mane. You know,

the one you never brought me

when I was four? Kind of

like that puppy I never got

either. So I take back the My

Little Pony; I want a puppy.

A cute, King Charles Cavalier

puppy with chocolate spots.

But if you bring him, please

leave him outside the back

door, because if Mom hears it

bark, she’ll be ten times more

mad then she already will be

anyways. Thanks Santa! This

means a lot. Especially after

all those cookies I made

you... you owe me.

Love, Payton Peace

P.S. On Second thought, go

ahead and bring the My Little

Pony doll; I can give it to

the puppy to play with . I’m

sure it will like the rainbow

mane...

Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a diamond necklace shaped like a cross. I would like a big screen TV- not too big, but big enough to see! Most of all I want my family to all be together. Nola ManisP.S. Don’t forget the “TURDUCKEN”

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a really Big Ring!! And a trip to Dallas Cowboy Stadium at 4 p.m. on December 17th. Love, Connor Burkhalter

Dear Santa,I would like for all the families in need to receive something they are in need of. I wish I could give them all something myself. I hope they all have a good Christmas. Also, I would like to see all of my family that lives in Colorado. I would like to see us all together as a family again. Love, Curstyn Wilson

Dear Santa,

What I really want for

Christmas is my brother’s

safety in Afghanistan

. I pray

he does his job to

the best

of his ability, and fo

r his safe

return home.

Love,

Tyler Sparks

Dear Santa, For Christmas can I have a new Mustang? They are so pretty and I would have a great time looking at the sky tonight through the glass top roof. Also can I have an umlimited number of iTunes cards? My iPod needs some updating and ya know, new songs come out every day, hence the need for them to be unlimited. Santa, I still never got my pony that I have asked for every year since I was four. Now time is running out, Santa. You better come through. The cookies will be left on the counter near the door. Love, Jessica Pride

Dear Santa, It would really really

really really really really re

ally

really really really really re

ally

really great if you could get

me an iPad. Really though.

All I want for Christmas is

a long, slow break and s

ome

good food. Love, Matt Sanford

Dear Santa, Listen I know I have been very bad lately, but I’ll be good now I promise so I will like a slingshot, a bike, spray paint, water balloons, a red wagon, oh and a puppy. Thank you Santa. Love, Montana JacquesDear Santa,

For Christmas this year... I have been a very good girl! I already told you what I wanted when I sat on your lap last weekend at the mall... but I’ll tell you again!! Santa, when you come to my house on December 24 I want you to put a merry-go-round in my backyard so I can ride all day! I also want a Barbie and Ken Wonder Dream House! Baby burps-alot would be nice too, but thats up to you. I’ll be expecting my merry-go-round! Love, Shelby Soape

Dear Santa, I want another state championship! Compete to 3-peat:) That would be the best Christmas gift ever. Love, Kendall ThompsonDear Santa, I want an iPod Touch for Christmas. Love, Phillip Parker

Dear Santa,I would appreciate if you could give the city of Carthage an early present of a third state championship. As well as another state title in baseball. Thanks. Love, Jose Rodriguez

Dear Santa, I would like a new truck that actually stays running when I’m at a red light and stop sign and doesn’t die. I would also like a new phone because mine’s getting old, Those are the main things I want. Thank you. Love, Harley JohnsonP.S. I wouldn’t mind getting speakers for my iPod also.

Dear Santa,I want a laptop computer because I broke my other one. I also want a girl shih-tzu so my dog Zowen and it can have puppies. Thanks, Santa! Love, Carlie Smith

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is to help others and give presents to the families that can’t afford to give their kids what they wanted for Christmas. Love you Santa. Love, Whitney Crabtree

Dear Santa, Why do you torture those elves? They don’t look very happy in real life. I saw some at the mall, and they looked very mean. Did you know that they have families too? They don’t want to make toys all year. Free the elves!! Love, Gabby Sapp

Dear Santa,

All I want for

Christmas is a pet chinch

illa

or a pet bunny. Those are

the two things I want, but I

would be satisfied if

I could

only get one.

Love,

Blanca Sigala

3

Dear Santa,If you could just get me into the college that I want, I promise to never ask for a pony, and I’ll never say that you ain’t real again.P.S. I know LaLa would agree with my statement. Love, Lauren Addington

While gathered around in their cozy living room, the family laughes and

cherishes their time together during the holidays. Sipping cider and hot chocolate, they spend time together, knowing that one of their absent family members is fighting for their country.

Senior Tyler Sparks is one of the millions of Americans who will spend Christmas this year without a family member. His brother, Michael Sparks, was deployed in early November to Afghanistan. Michael is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and will be overseas for approximately six months. “Him being deployed is a scary feeling,” Sparks said. “But you have to have faith.” Michael first enlisted in the military his senior year when he began working with recruiters in the Marines.

“Its been something that he wanted to do since he was eight

years old,” Sparks said. “I’ve always supported him and his decisions, especially when it deals with him serving our country because it instills a lot of pride in the family name.”

While celebrating on Christmas day, one warm heart will be noticeably missing. There will be laughter and smiles as the family gathers together at their grandmothers house, but it wont be the same without Michael there.

“Its going to be very difficult to bear,” Sparks said. “He always says the prayer before we eat and he always is the life of the party.”

Though the Christmas holidays will be more gloomy for tyler and his family this year, he has one optimistic message to send to the American people.

“Our military is fighting hard everyday to defend our freedom,” Sparks said. “Sleep tight America, my brother has your back.”

He goes up stage, heart pumping. He only has one chance to get this right. After performing

with all that he could muster, to the best of his ability, he waits for the final results. The judges turn to each other, and finally look at him with the answer to the question that is lurking inside of him. He qualified. The student sighs with relief knowing that his best was enough.

Junior Eric Ware recently qualified for the state choir competition that will be held at A&M Commerce in January. This is Ware’s first time to qualify for state, but his second year in choir.

“I was very excited and very relieved when I made it,” Ware said. “I

honestly still can’t believe I made it.”Not only did this competition

qualify Ware for the state competition but it also was for a scholarship.

“If I wouldn’t have made it, then there was pretty much no chance for a scholarship,” Ware said. “After high school, I plan on majoring in music, so a scholarship will be a big help.”

Ware has a lot of support surrounding him, from family and teachers alike.

“My family has given me the most support,” Ware said. “I couldn’t ask for more. [Choir director] Mrs. Bauer has also given me a lot of support. So I guess most of my thanks would have to go to my family and Mrs. Bauer.”

BY SEAN FINLEY BY ROBYN CORSHIA

Honor RollStudents earn all A’s during 2nd Six Weeks

SENIOR

S

JUNIOR

S

SOPHOMO

RES

FRESHM

EN

(Back) Matthew Sanford, Daniel Tilley, Colton McNair, Caleb Bogenschutz, Hunter Holland; (Middle) Taylor O’Dell, Heath Bailey,

Courtney Stacy, Mitch Davis, Michael McCune; (Front) Angela Rittenberry, Aimee Chaffin, Jessica Solis, Hannah Hildebrand,

Francisco Monreal (Not Pictured: Payton Peace, Curstyn Wilson)

(Back) Jacob Price, Priscilla Bishop, Courtlynd Miller, Stephen Zhu; (Middle) Kathryn Cox, Brianna Morgan, Sheila Williams, Karalynn

Potter, Jully Zhu; (Front) Alayna Robertson, Kori Hooker, Sarah Clakley, Olivia Boone (Not Pictured: Ethan Gibbs, Broc Jemison,

L’rissa Rawlinson

(Back) Zoen Whaley, Brandon Bishop (Middle) Major Harris, Callie Davis; (Front) Erin Donald

(Back) Tanner O’Dell, Kelsey Digilmormo, Blake Bogenschutz; (Middle) Daniela Escobedo, Caroline Horton, Mackenzie Tate, Marlei English; (Front) La Asia Ewins, Baylee Griffith, Amber Chaffin, Brett May (Not Pictured: Phat Chung)

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feat u r e s The Carthaginian

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Michael and Tyler Sparks pose for a picture before Michael was deployed to Afghanistan. Michael is a 2009 graduate of CHS and is currently serving overseas with the US Marine Corps.

marineStudent’s brother serves country during the holidays

ChoirChoir student to perform at All- State Competition

f e a t u r e sThe Carthaginian

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December 17, 2010

IN THE DOGHOUSE:unrated **The accusations made in this story are fictitious and for entertainment purposes only. All reports have been approved by the alleged defendant. sudoku

the CARTHAGINIAN crosswordAcross:3. ____goes in Christmas stockings5. Santa Clause lives at the ___ pole7. Have Yourself a ___ Little Christmas9. All I Want for Christmas is my two ___ teeth11. He comes on Christmas Eve12. Jingle ___14. Im Dreaming of a ___ Christ-mas

Down:1. ____ Around the Christmas Tree2. Everyone loves ____ the snow-man3. minted candy with stripes4. Rudolph the red ___ raindeer6. People decorate their Christmas ___ every year8. Kids love getting these10. Deck the ___13. Favorite Christmas drink

Bud Worley was arrested for burning down the school while fixing his

famous ‘Bud Burgers.’ Wit-nesses said it was a bit-

tersweet moment but they still want there burgers.

Darla Lister was arrested for boring her students to death, making them read ‘Red Badge of Courage.”

Witnesses say that before the students died of

boredom, Lister made them site all of their evidence on

their worksheets.

Coach Jim Milstead was arrested for disturbing the

peace while yelling for Brenda Milstead to calm down. Witnesses say that Brenda was in one of her frantic moods and that is what triggered Milstead’s

reaction.

Schelice Reyes was arrest-ed for causing harm to a

child. Making the students write lab reports, which ultimately caused their

hands to fall off.

U.S. Army All American BowlStudent and teacher inducted into the 2010-11 U.S Army All American Bowl BY BRIANNA MORGAN

The football team has worked hard this season, and one player plans to do as well on another football team.

Senior Kendall Thompson has been selected as a member of the 2011 U.S. Army All-American football team. Thompson will participate in the All-American Bowl on Jan. 8 U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the San Antonio Alamodome. The event will be televised on NBC at noon.

“I didn’t know how to react, but it was a great feeling to know that I had been picked for this event,” Thompson said. “I haven’t met many of my teammates, but I do know a couple because they are going to Texas too. I

will meet the others when we practice from Jan. 2 until Jan. 7 in San Antonio.”

Thompson is one of only 90 players selected across the nation, from all high schools football players, to compete in the bowl. Players are selected only after displayingexemplary performance on the field. Leadership, strength, teamwork and determination are also qualities that the recruiters look for in the players selected.

“Kendall is an unbelievable leader,” Coach Jenni Morgan said. “He makes the right choices, even when nobody is looking. He always gives one hundred and ten percent in everything that he does.”

Family members are excited that Kendall was selected to participate in such an honorable event. They are proud of him fpr applying the right values in life as he has grown up before their eyes.

“I’m very thankful for him and hope he keeps up the good work,” grandmother Peggy Thompson said. “He always put God first in everything that he does, and he always has a positive attitude. I am confident that Kendall will be an excellent representative of both the Carthage and our family.”

The Army All-American Bowl takes place each year as a chance for the nation’s future college football

stars to display their talent on the field. Many of the nation’s most well-known and respected football players, including Vince Young and Tim Tebow are alumni of this annual game. Thompson is the third Carthage High School athlete that has been selected to this team in recent years.

“I think that I can offer a lot to my teammates,” Thompson said. “I sacrifice myself for my team and I try to be a leader, on and off of the field. This experience will allow me to meet more people, play with good athletes, and improve my skills.”

Photos by Courtney Stacy

Senior varsity football player Kendall Thompson was chosen to participate in the U.S. Army All American Bowl.

sp orts The Carthaginian

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December 17, 2010

Spotlight:Tambra Mitchell

Lady Dawgs prepare for district play

The Lady Dawgs are currently preparing for district competition. They will begin their

district season with a game against the Gladewater Lady Bears on Jan. 7.

“Everybody is stepping up and it makes a more competitive practice,” Coach Peggy Stapleton said. “At Diboll, the girls did their best because they were confident and ran the plays correctly through all quarters.”

The team is learning to read defense better and earn more points on offense as they intend to go farther in playoffs.

“During practices, we try working

as a team,” junior Kathryn Cox said. “We do a lot of running, talk about defense and improve our shots.”

Junior Kathryn Cox has been pushing herself since this is her second year on Varsity. She is trying to help her team in every way to do their best.

“I intend to improve my skills by pushing myself in practice every day when we condition, shoot, or go through our plays,” Cox said. “I love the challenge of being the best team on the court.”

BY BRIANNA MORGAN

BasketballBY CK WILLIAMSQ: What grade are you in?A: 10th

Q: What position do you play?A: Post

Q: How long have you been on varsity? A: Ever since the 9th grade.

Q: What are your pre-game rituals? A: I like to listen to music before every game.

Q: What is the hardest part about playing basketball?

A: Trying to come back when you are losing by a lot.

Q: What inspired you to start playing basketball? A: My cousin.

Q: What do you say to your teammates to encourage them? A: No matter what, always play your hardest and keep pushing until the end. Q: Do you think you and your teammates have the ability to make it to playoffs? Why? A: Yes, I have confidence in us. I know that if we work hard, we can do well this season.

Q: What do you look forward to this season?A: Winning district and making it to playoffs. I just hope we have a good season.

SPOT LIGHT

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Playoff Playback

Bulldogs head to state championship, strive for ‘3-peat’BY TORRANCE BOWMAN and BRIANNA MORGAN

Tonight the Bulldogs (13-2) will be playing the Coldspring-Oakhurst

Trojans (14-1) at 4 p.m in the Dallas Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, TX for the 3A Division II State Championship.

“I feel like the guys had a good start to their practice this week,” Coach Chris Smith said. “We are all excited and ready. Coldspring-Oakhurst is a good team and they will be a great challenge against the Bulldogs.”

The Dawgs defeated the Brownwood Lions 35-28 last week to advance

to the state game. “Our practices are longer

and more difficult, but we are more prepared for our games,” senior Lovis Hall said. “At previous games, we learned to respond with different plays and switch the plays in certain situations and we need to do the same tonight.”

Senior Anthony Morgan passed for 11 completions on 19 attempts for 140 yards and three touchdowns to receivers Jalen Claiborne, Edward Pope, and Cortlyn Ware.

1. The Bulldog offense prepares for a play during the Quarterfinals game against Argyle on Dec. 3 at Tyler Rose Stadium.

2. The Dawgs huddle around their trophy after winning the Area championship. The game was played against the Canton Eagles on Nov. 19 and ended with a 56-27 win for the Bulldogs.

3. The team lines up while the band performs the school song following the Argyle game. The Bulldogs beat the Eagles 44-27 to earn their spot in the semifinals.

4. Sophomore Xavier Allen reaches to make an interception in the game against Dallas Madison.

5. Junior Michael McCune dives for a touchdown while fighting off the Dallas Madison defense. The Bulldogs won the game against the Madison Trojans to win the title of 3A-II Regional Champions.

6.Junior Tasker Shannon charges down the field in a play against the Canton Eagles on Nov. 19 at Longview Lobo Stadium. Crew

Senior runningback Hunter Holland had 36 carries for 307 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“I feel excited that we are one of the only 3-A teams to win a back-to-back championship,” Claiborne said. “We played well enough against Brownwood, but we need to stop more runs if we want to achieve another championship.”

With a win tonight this would be the third straight 3A state championship for the Dawgs.

“It makes me feel great that we could show everybody that

we could pull off three back- to-back state championships, even when nobody believed that we could,” senior Dustin Works said. “All of our hard work is finally paying off and it would be awesome to win state every year that most of us have been on Varsity.”

Faculty

opinion The Carthaginian

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December 17, 2010

The Last BarkOn the 12th day of Christmas, what would you want your true love to give to you?

Freshmen

Sophomores

Seniors

Juniors

I would like to be able to go on a shopping spree to

whatever store I want.

-Cassandra Aguirre

Lots of money and quality time to spend with all of my family and friends.

-Wade Davis

It wouldn’t really matter as long as it came from his heart. I would love anything he gave

me.

-Kinsley Radcliff

12 drummers drumming! -Dylan Hunt

I would want a 3peat state championship and be able to spend lots of money, and lots

of time with my family.

-Noemi Olvera

Their time, because it is the one gift that can be spent with

you, instead of on you. Time spent makes memories, and memories make a life worth

living.

-Lauren Addington

The return of all servicemen and women to their families.

For me personally, a trip around the world including

Antarctica.

-Illene Richter

I would want her to give me something truly from her heart, something I would always remember.

-Marcus Williams

One urn of understanding, two containers of compassion, three thimbles full of trust (a little goes a long way), four measures of mercy, five tubs full of temperance, six fathoms of faithfulness, seven globs of goodness, eight kilometers of kindness, nine pitchers of patience, ten pints of peace, eleven jars of joy and twelve layers of love; for the love of my life (after jesus), is my wife!-Stan Davis

I would just want her to give me the ability to have as much fun as i can this holiday season.

-Clint Cage

o p i n i o nThe Carthaginian

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December 17, 2010

The Carthaginian Staff

Editor-in-ChiefSean Finley

Design EditorChelsea Campbell

Staff WritersTorrance Bowman

Robyn CorshiaBrianna Morgan

CK Williams Shelby Wise

Adviser Jayme Quick

PrincipalTim Ratcliff

Superintendent

Dr. Glenn Hambrick

MembershipsILPC,TAJE,Quill &

Scroll and JEA

The Carthaginian is produced by members of the journalism department of Carthage High School and published by Champion Printing in Center, Texas. This publication is the original work of students. No part of the newspaper may be reproduced in any form without permission of the staff. It is the policy of the newspaper to encourage readers to submit story ideas items of interest, illustrations and letters to the editor for publication. The staff reserves the right to edit

libelous or inappropriate material. Comments and views expressed in The Carthaginian are those of the staff and individual writers and do not necessarily coincide with the beliefs or opinions of other students, faculty members or the administration of CISD. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are interested in submitting information or a letter to the editor, please contact the journalism department at (903) 693-2552, ext. 267 or in CHS Room A-6.

Freedom of speechBY SEAN FINLEY

Every time you hear the phrase “Happy Holidays,” someone cries, “They’re trying to take

Christ out of Christmas!”But I don’t think Christ would have camped outside a Best Buy for a week to get a flat-screen television.And I don’t think Christ would have fought over a GPS system at Walmart. If you want to put “Christ” back in Christmas, you have to do more than unfairly focus on giftsharing for the goodwill of all men.

If we cut through the right-wing efforts to inflame their easily provoked base, we can examine what is really happening here and learn something valuable about the socially conservative mind. Our starting point is to ask what would lead an ordinary person to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”? Perhaps the person simply wants to wish someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in the most efficient manner possible. “Happy

holidays” accomplishes this quite well. However, this is probably not the speaker’s motivation in most cases. Perhaps the speaker does not know his or her audience well enough to know the listener’s religious beliefs. Thus, “Happy Holidays” is selected because it covers all possible holidays that the listener might celebrate such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. But why would the speaker do this? Why not simply assume that everyone one encounters is Christian? By opting

Has political correctness gone too far?for “happy holidays,” the speaker is recognizing that not everyone shares his or her beliefs and that those who do not are still deserving of respect. Is this political correctness gone too far? Or simply a healthy sensitivity to cultural differences? Whatever the case may be, people should keep their feelings personal and remember what’s truly important this season.

in December...FREEDOM OF SPEECH

a d s The Carthaginian

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December 17, 2010

The Pine Burr staff is now collecting used electronics (inket cartridges, cell phones and

more) to be recycled --

Please drop-off your items in Room A-6!

You could win a free yearbook!

brac’sSTEAK • CHICKEN • SEAFOOD & BUFFET

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903-693-5412

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10% Student Discount with ID Card

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Drive Thru Hours7:30 am-5:30 pm (Monday-Friday)8:30 am-12:00 Noon (Saturday)

1510 W. Panola St.Carthage, Tx 75633

Proud Supporters of the Carthage Bulldogs!

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CENTER936.591.9075

MARSHALL903.935.5039

1109 W. PanolaCarthage, TX

Panola College is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and

without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

arts & EntertainmentThe Carthaginian

11page

December 17, 2010

All Time BestChristmas Movies

Pink Friday Nicki M$9.99

Nelly5.0

$11.99

I am World Tour

$17.99

Loud $11.99

The Beginning

$13.99

Eat Pray Love (2010)$16.99

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)$21.49

Inception (2010)$24.99

Grown Ups (2010)$16.99

shopping for XMAS?Rock Band 3

$58.50

Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Opti-cal Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD$366.05

Donkey Kong Country Returns $47.99

All of these products will be available for purchase by Christmas 2010.

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6” Display, Graphite - Latest Generation$139.00

12page

12page School organizations

participate in eventsBY CHELSEA CAMPBELL

photo essay The CarthaginianDecember 17, 2010

Happy Holidays!erry Christmas!!i mean.. uhh...

Sophomores Emily Dodge, Kelby Cameron and Major Harris pause to look up at the artwork surrounding them at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Sophomores in Pre-AP classes recently took a trip the various Dallas museums, including the Nasher and the Dallas Holocaust Museum.

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Sophomore Jacob Boniol receives a new iPod from Army Recruiter Staff Sargeant Villegas. Boniol was the winner of a raffle held during the U. S. Army All-American Bowl presentation for Kendall Thompson.

The Bulldog Band marches down Panola St. during the annual Carthage Christmas Parade. The parade was held on Dec. 6. The band donned Santa hats and played various Christmas songs throughout their march through the downtown area.

TSA members Sam Pierce and Dillon Cowan work together on their assigned task during a recent Leadership Conference in Kerrville.

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Varsity and JV cheerleaders cheer together at each playoff game. Here, cheerleaders pose during the playoff game vs. the Argyle Eagles.

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