vol.78 no.3

THELONG-VIEW

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Friday Volume 78 201

12.19.2014 Issue 3E. Tomlinson

Longview, TX

FOLLOW US ON

@LH

SLon

gV

iew

@lo

bo

_no

w

MODELS , PAGE 20DRAMA, PAGE 7

.com

VIS

IT U

S O

N

Andrew Rivera // THE LONG-VIEW

if you could

help

you ?

wouldme,

No Home for

the HolidaysInside look at homelessness

near us and how you can helppages 10-11

The Interact Club will host a dance at the Maude Cobb Convention Center on January 10, 2014.

Admission for “Winteract” costs $15. A wristband can be purchased from any member of the Interact Club and will be needed for entry into the dance. The club will use the proceeds to purchase new flags to be used for running during the 2015-2016 Lobo football season.

“There’s been a void in Longview ever since the Black Light Parties stopped,” senior Interact President Tucker Monsour said. “The goal of Winteract is to fill that void and hopefully provide a similar, but different, experience.”

Members of the club will be involved in ticket sales as well as volunteering for the event.

“Hopefully, most [members] will be dancing,” Monsour said. “But some

members will be helping with any task from checking wristbands to DJ-ing the event.”

The Student Wi-Fi was officially released on Dec. 17. Students must visit http://www.lisd.org/BYOD to accept the user agreement before attempting to join the network.

The student Wi-Fi’s release has been stalled due to technical difficulties and various upgrades to the system in order for a smooth performance.

“In anticipation of allowing student-owned devices onto the district network for the current school year, an additional 100 [megabytes] of Internet service was ordered in March for a planned July 1 completion and turn-up,” Director of Technology Bryan Pitts said. “However, [there were] delays in the carrier’s fiber infrastructure build out to our data center, so the job was not completed until [Dec. 8].”

The district Technology Department incorporated the additional bandwidth into the district network [on Dec. 8] and had various tests run on the new circuit for the rest of that week.

NEWS-BRIEFFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 2

FIND OUT MORE AT OUR WEBS ITE at www.lobonow.com

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

LIFESTYLE

FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT

OPINIONS

NEWS

18

15

14

10

7

5

2

Student WiFi Update

Daniel Ballynews editor

Choir, OrchestraHost Christmas Concert

Around the World

China - China recently surpassed the USA and became the largest economical power in the world.

Afghanistan - US and NATO

forces mark end of

Afghan combat

mission with the

ceremonial flag lowering after 13 years

of conflict.

Information gathered from usatoday.com

INSIDEVIEW

the

The choir and orchestra performed their annual Christmas concert at First Methodist Church on Dec. 15. The choir performed three songs together with the orchestra: “And The Glory”, “For To Us a Child Is Born”, and the “Hallelujah” chorus.

“The reason that we did orchestra and choir is because it enhances the experience. The strings and the

voices mix well,” choir teacher Jason McPherson said. “I feel all the hard work rehearsals, and time in class payed off, and thats when it shows is in the concert.”

The choir also performed a cappella “Deck The Halls”, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “What Child Is This”, and “Stars I Shall Find”.

“It was really good,” Junior Jaylon Jackson said, “all the hard work and effort that we put into it payed off, and it really showed.”

James Babbitt staff writer

USA - On Nov. 24, a group

of hackers called “The Guardians of Peace” stole files and private e-mails from Sony and

released the information to

public media.

Nikolas Olsonstaff writer

James Babbitt // THE LONG-VIEW

Meaghan McNamara // THE LONG-VIEW

Interact to Host‘Winteract’ Dance

Flag Men Junior Michael Hanson runs at a football game

Seasonal Symphony The choir and orchestra performed at First Methodist United Church on Monday night

Christmas is the time of year to not only receive presents, but to give back to a cause that’s much greater than oneself. Clubs all around school are organizing events and fundraisers to support the community.

Z Club participated with the Partners in Prevention and Local Women’s Shelter Giving of Gifts on Monday Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mardel’s parking lot. This gave people a chance to drop off needed items such as toiletries and clothes. The girls also made care packages for Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. The packages consisted of toiletries as well.

“I am so proud of the girls,” Z Club sponsor Kassi Madden said, “it is so refreshing to see young girls that can take time to care about others more than they do themselves and constantly look for new ways to serve.”

Student Council member senior Heidy Soto is chairman for the Energy and Environment Committee. The group collected used water bottles with the caps to create a Christmas Tree that is displayed in the College and Career Center. All water bottles were collected in Mr. Hanzik’s room.

“So in order to get the student body more involved to make a green environment in our community,” Soto said, “we asked them to bring water bottles in order for us to put them together into a Christmas tree to participate and encourage them to recycle.”


NEWSFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 3

Adviser

201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy

Longview, TX 75605

Volume 78Issue 2

Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Staff

Staff Writers

Sasha Cantu

Hannah Brown

Daniel Bally

Claire Earnest- Managing,

Abby Jester - Opinions Editor

Hannah Kempkes - Web, Copy, & Advertising Editor

The Long-View is printed by Champion Printing. The Long-View is a free publication distributed each month during the school year. The opinions expressed in The Long-View are those of The Long-View staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LISD ad-ministration or staff. The Long-View welcomes comments on school related issues. Names will be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit letters before publication. The Long-View is self-supported by advertising sales sold by newspaper students. Ads in The Long-View are $6 per column inch, with discounts for large ads.

For more information, contact The Long-View Adviser Sasha Cantu at (903) 663-7181, or email at [email protected].

The Long-View encourages you to submit us letters. It should be no more than 300 words. Include your full name and email or phone number (email and phone number will not be published). We reserve the right to edit for space, spelling, grammar, and libelous statements. Send your letters by email to [email protected] or mail them to The Long-View, 201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605.

Letters to the Editor

News, & Sports EditorAndrew Rivera - Entertainment Editor

Estrella Gonzales James Babbitt Nikolas Olson

Victoria Weaver

Emily Araiza - Opinions Editor

LONG-VIEWTHE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Fundraisers on Campus

Clubs support local causes

PORK JERKYTechnology StudentAssociation (TSA)

SpiritIn the Holiday

Hendel essedit emolupt

CHOCOLATEJROTC

Canned Food Drive CollectionsZ Club collected and donated 574 cans to the annual canned food drive at Maude Cobb Convention Center Nov. 24-25. Students from various clubs participated the food drive.

POINSETTASViewettes

Odyssey Jones // THE LONG-VIEW

FINAL TOUCH Senior Heidy Soto finishes up the Student Council water bottle Christmas tree

Estrella Gonzalesstaff writer

Z-Club // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW

NEWSFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 4


1-New Years

Day-Freedom

and Individual Rights in

Education (FIRE) Essay Deadline 19Martin Luther King

Jr (MLK) Day6Beginning of Second Semester 24SAT Testing

DECEMBER JANUARY

25Christmas Day20Christmas Break Begins

Lobos on

Since 1979, the city of Longview has hosted an

annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade was held on Dec. 4 through the downtown streets. Participants included members of the Longview

High School Band, Cheerleaders, JROTC and

Viewettes. An estimated 40,000 people attended the Christmas parade.

“I enjoy being in the parade every year because it brings so much joy to the people of Longview when they see the Lobo Band marching,”

senior drum major Imani Perry said. “Every year the

experience is more special and cherished.”

The JROTC Cadets led the parade with the presenting of the colors.

“I think it went really well. The cadets had

a good time,” senior Cadet Captain Chase

Floyd said. “It was the best I’ve

seen them in a while

considering this year we have a lot of new people. I liked being in the front.”

The Lobo Cheerleaders rode a float through the parade and showed off their school spirit to the town.

“[It] was a fun experience, spending time with my cheer buddies,” junior Cheerleader Cyan Winn said. “It’s a blessing to have an opportunity like this.”

The Viewettes also took part in the festivities and shared similar experiences in the parade.

“It was bittersweet because it was the last one [for me],” Senior Viewette Lieutenant Carmen Webb said. “But it was fun seeing the little kids and the smiles on their faces.”

Nikolas Olsonstaff writer

Students march in Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 in streets of downtown Longview

31Talent Show Mickey Melton

Auditorium

“It was amazing and fun. It went by quick but it was a great time. Many people told me it was going to be strict, but it was relaxed.”-Freshman Cadet Private First Class Rosemary Rodriguez

FreshResponse

ParadeHoliday Cheer LHS cheerleaders participate in local Christmas parade

All in Line Luciano Perez, Ashaunti Blake, Aurora Ruacho and Kianna Shead represent JROTC at the annual Christmas parade

Mood Music Junior Gustavo Corrales plays the marching tuba at the annual Christmas parade

Jayla Nix // THE LONG-VIEW




We all know about well-known clubs on campus, such as the Viewettes, Interact, and Z-Club, but there are other clubs that receive little to no recognition. Assassin’s Creed, Anime, and Chess clubs are just a few of these many organizations. Knowing the clubs that other students are involved in, and maybe even involving yourself in a few of them, would give the school more of a united, community atmosphere.

In addition to making yourself aware of events at your school, by joining a few new activities you may find yourself enjoying these clubs and making new friends that connect more with your interests than the people you currently associate with. Just because you feel comfortable in your lifestyle now doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t branch out and try something new. Think back to all the times your mom made you try

something new and you actually liked it. High school is the time to take initiative and make yourself try new things to find out what interests you most. If you never try new things, you

could be missing out on so much you never knew you could do. Colleges also appreciate students who widen their level

of participation in extracurricular activities as opposed to discovering and following through with only one thing. Especially freshmen and sophomores could try out many new clubs. Consistency is good, so if you find something you truly enjoy, do participate and stick with it, but don’t be afraid to further expand your comfort zone. You might find something you enjoy even more.

Students should make an effort to involve themselves in the activities and interests present on campus. By becoming more aware of lesser-known clubs, we as a school would be more connected physically and socially. Everyone wants to be recognized and to simply have their turn in the spotlight, and everyone deserves to be.


OPINIONSFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 5

Clubs Without Recognition

Breakdown of little-known clubs around campusSTAFF EDITORIAL

Cartoon by Abby Jester

“You get to go to tournaments and win trophies and medals. It’s [also] great for critical thinking and once you know how to play, it becomes very fun, especially when you play against friends. I became friends with all the chess players and I encourage other people to join the chess club.”-Chess Club, junior Ecstasy Moore

“[This club is] basically for any fan of Assassin’s Creed that has played it and just really enjoys it. The deal is to go and have fun playing [the game] and discuss the story, their favorite character, or the comics. It’s pretty social. I made a lot of new friends [and] I met a lot of new people I didn’t know and actually like.”-Assassin’s Creed Club, senior Danny Rodriquez

“It’s basically a place where a lot of people, teens, that enjoy watching Anime and playing Anime-based games like to come together and just hang out with each other and discuss things [dealing] with Anime.”-Anime Club, senior Christopher Manns

“[Christmas means] celebrating with my family that I haven’t seen in a long time and receiving gifts. At my house, we have fun, we eat and we play games. The only thing I don’t like about [celebrating at my house] is cleaning up afterwards.”-Shamya Espy, 9

“Christmas to me means happiness, enjoyment, everybody joins together as a unit and celebrates it, and [everyone] lives happily ever after.”-Oscar Catalan, 12

Staff offers solution on how to stay positive during season of cheer

OPINIONSFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 6


Religion, family, overplayed Christmas songs and no school. That’s what Christmas is all about, right? In today’s day and age, not everyone has this attitude, and Christmas has become just another opportunity to get new clothes, or the new video game they’ve been pestering their parents for.

Some people celebrate a holiday other than Christmas, such as Hanukkah while some simply celebrate the two weeks of no school that comes with the holiday.

Everyone has their own opinion of what Christmas means. For some, it’s getting their two front teeth or a hippopotamus, celebrating the birth of Jesus or just getting out of school. Some just spend time with family while feasting on a homemade dinner.

Really, it’s up to you.

The Spirit of Christmas

How to Beat the Holiday Blues

Most people are happy when the holidays roll around, full of festive merriment and joy. However, others have trouble staying positive due to typical annoyances, such as overplayed Christmas songs that most people still enjoy hearing and shopping for others’ gifts that they only pretend to like to make you feel better about your gift-giving skills. This makes it hard to participate.

If you’re one of these scrooge people, then have no fear, this list will help you survive the hassle of the holidays.

First step is to remember

you’re not alone. There are always people around who love you and will support you during these dreadfully cheerful times. Next, make an effort in interacting with activities and holiday festivities going on around you. You may not enjoy it at first but surrounding yourself with people you love while doing it might make all the difference. Maybe even try helping with the decorating or participating in the baking that seems to always be going on around this time.

As cheesy as it sounds little things like that could be the perfect remedy for when you’re down in the Christmas dumps.

Students’ personal holiday meaningsAbby Jester & Emily Araizaopinions editors

Victoria Weaverstaff writer

Other

What does Christmas mean to you?

Food

Presents

Religion

Family

11.3%

16.4%

3.6%

12.8%

55.9%

Three Step SolutionGIVE BACK : Usually when we fall into these depressed moods, we tend to splurge on ourselves to fill the gap, but you may find giving to others a better solution for your holiday blues.

ENGAGE: Again, putting yourself out there and into the holiday spirit might just do the trick. Don’t force yourself of course, but take it little at a time and slowly ease into it.

BREATHE : Relax. Give yourself time to breathe and remember it’s just a holiday.

1. 2.3.

The Reason for the Season

“It’s my father’s birthday and it’s Jesus’ birthday. It’s just a good time to spend with all family. I wake up early and then we all open presents when my mom comes.”-Daylon Rayson, 11


FEATUREFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 7

The spotlight beats down on their faces, and a sense of melancholy rushes over the audience. Laughs and musical numbers are out

for the season while a more serious and dramatic production is held. The theatre department performed “Look Homeward Angel”, a drama, on Nov. 20, 21, and 23.

“We did it to learn character. The students went way beyond what I expected,” director Pam Mercer-McWilliams said. “It’s a very in-depth story, and the students handled it

really well.” Freshman Max Kelt

played one of the lead roles, teenage dreamer Eugene Gant.

“The show went great. It was a little difficult considering the very little amount of time that we had to put the show together, but we were definitely able to do it,” Kelt said. “All three shows were awesome.”

Other actors shared their insights on the production and how it differed from school performances in the past.

“The play helped me grow a lot. It was the first drama I’ve ever done,” sophomore Alex Lammers said. “It was just a really fun experience.”

For cast member junior Nathan Williams, the play was a new opportunity in a few ways.

“We put the show together in four weeks and it was a very dramatic play which I don’t have a lot of experience in,” Williams said. “It was also the first main part I have received and I had to commit to it a little more.”

Look HomewardAngel Nikolas Olson staff writer

Theatre department

takes on drama

Kills

Logan Test // THE LONG-VIEW

ON HIS DEATHBED Ben Gant (sophomore Sid Montano) lays dying surrounded by his mother Eliza Gant (senior Simone Macklin), his lover Fatty Pert (senior Chandler Parks) and Dr. Maguire (sophomore Alex Lammers)

Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEW

TREE TIME Freshman Max Kelt sits in his backyard and writes in the beginning of the play


SHARING SMILES Junior Mercedes Williams and junior Logan Test act


SMOOCH junior Emily Araiza and freshman Max Kelt kiss onstage

Logan Test // THE LONG-VIEW

DOWN AND OUT Members of the Gant family and more watch as Dr. Maguire (sophomore Alex Lammers) passes out drunk

Simone Macklin // THE LONG-VIEWDissecting the Drama“It was a really awesome experience. We had a bunch of really awesome actors. The play helped us grow as a family.”-Mercedes Williams, 11

“[The play] was very entertaining and it helped

mature the cast. I liked spotlighting for [the play],

and I got to watch the show too.”

-Jared Fried, 9


PAGE 8


Technology has been evolving in a rapid pace. Every day new inventions for needs and wants are created. A new club has sprung out

of pop culture and into schools. Clubs like Animanga and KPOP are becoming more common, and now a new branch off the clubs exists: Assassin’s Creed.

The new Assassin’s Creed club was started by seniors Rowdy Dunlap and Danny Rodriguez. The club started off as just two friends with a love for the video game, but it grew into a group of kids that all share the same common interest.

“We were in French class talking

about how much we like Assassin’s Creed and we just started talking about how we should have a club about,” Dunlap said. “At first we were just joking but the more we got into it.”

Assassin’s Creed club meets every Friday after school from 4:05 to 5:00pm. Members of the group play the latest installments of the series including Assassin’s Creed Rogue and discuss Assassin’s Creed lore.

Assassin’s Creed

The Chess Club has been an all time favorite in any high school genre film and now, thanks to English teacher John Smith, Chess is a new school tradition.

“As a LHS alumni from

the graduating class of 1987,” Smith said “I wanted to give something back to the current student body of my high school alma mater.”

Smith started the Chess club in the 2013-2014 school year. Chess club meets in room 123B in the Global Hall every Thursday after school between 4:05 to 5:30. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join. A membership isn’t required.

The UNICEF club is a brand new addition to the long list of

clubs available to students. UNICEF stands for

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Its purpose is to

promote awareness about global issues

involving children and to raise funds to send to UNICEF. Juniors Siddharth Kortikere, Meredith Novy, Uwa Ihionkhan and Trevor O’Connor are the founding members of the new club.

“I wanted to make people at our school aware of what’s going around the world outside of Longview,” Kortikere said. “Making the UNICEF club really gets people involved and active in helping towards that.”

UNICEF is an United Nations program headquartered in New York City. The program assists women and children in developing countries. Donations will help fund basic needs such as health care, vaccines and education. Meetings are held twice a month in the lower library on Mondays. The club even had a table at Food Fest to help raise money and awareness. The group has a variety of events in the mix to get students involved.

“[In meetings we] mostly plan for future events and brainstorm ideas of what we could do for fundraisers or how we can we raise awareness in our school,” O’Connor said. “ I think helping for such a good cause attracts a lot of people.”

Up in the Club Estrella Gonzalesstaff writer

A look at what goes on in new organizations on campus

UNICEF Club

Chess


IN THE ZONE Members of the Animanga Club and Assassin’s Creed Club play games at their holiday party

Estrella Gonzales // THE LONG-VIEW

Checkmate Chess Club members freshman Althea Beck and sophomore Garrett Flowers practice

John T. Smith // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW

Three moms, two Christmases, but one big happy family. With divorced parents, junior Jenna Luennsman’s Christmas is a little different than the stereotypical family gathering.

“[My parents] have been divorced for eight years,” Luennsman said. “I celebrate Christmas with my mom on Christmas Eve, then that night I go to my dad’s because my sister has Down’s Syndrome and she still believes in Santa so I stay there so I can be there with her Christmas morning.”

Luennsman lives with her mom and her mom’s partner for a week, and then goes to her dad’s for a week. Her sister, 21 with down syndrome, lives with her dad.

“She understands because she’ll ask me what I did at my mom’s when I come back to my dad’s,” Luennsman said. “It makes it better, like if I’m stressed with all the craziness of the holidays she’s always in a good mood and makes mine better instantly.”

Luennsman’s parents have been divorced for half her life, so the majority of her life she has celebrated two Christmases.

“Every year on Christmas Eve I would get to open one present when the street lights came on and one year I fell asleep before they came on,” Luennsman

said. “I woke up in the middle of the night and opened all my presents and tried to hide them and I said the dog ate them all.”

Luennsman’s family’s traditions have changed slightly with the addition of her mom’s girlfriend, but no major changes.

“It’s not too much different, I just get twice the gifts,” Luennsman said. “Our traditions have changed a little bit but that’s normal to me when you bring new people into your family.”

Freshman Marian Frith has a very busy Christmas schedule. Her parents have been divorced for nine years, and she celebrates two very different kinds of Christmases.

“On my mom’s side we don’t celebrate Christmas church wise, but we do have family over, we play games together, and of course there’s food,” Frith said. “Next we go to our dad’s [where] we celebrate Christmas more for what most people know and celebrate it for, when Christ was born.”

Though there is an absence of religious spirit at one house,

there are the similarities of family, gifts, joy, and good food at all the Christmas celebrations in Frith’s family.

“It’s very different from the way I remember it being when I was younger,” Frith said. “We only had one Christmas to go to, it wasn’t as crazy, we didn’t have to drive everywhere, we stayed home, and now there’s so many people in one house because both of my parents remarried, so that means more family joined with ours.”

Frith has up to three Christmas celebrations in one day, spending hours in the car to celebrate the Christmas cheer with family.

“I can handle our big family and all the drama that comes with all of us getting together,” Frith said. “I love my family, but what I do miss from the old ways would have to be not driving for hours. I miss that because now we have to drive forever to get to our dad’s and we always miss part of Christmas with them.”

Despite the long drives, Frith’s Christmases are full to the brim with good tidings from all of her kin.

“I love whenever all of the family comes down and we hang out, play games and tell family stories,” Frith said. “That doesn’t happen a lot so it’s nice whenever we get a chance to.”

A Holiday Separation



PAGE 9

Emily Araizaopinions editor

A look into celebrating winter season with divorced parents

Todd Craig is a man of science at school, but, at home, he’s a man of nature.

Chemistry teacher Craig was raised on game food all his life and is an avid hunter.

“I’ve eaten gain meat since, I can’t even remember when,” Craig said. “I absolutely love it.”

Craig prefers to hunt in October.“[October is] just before all the gun

hunters start, because once the gun hunters start duck season, all the deer

go into deeper cover,” Craig said, “so it is easier to hunt in October than it is any other time of the year, and plus it is not as cold yet.”

Craig cooks and kills both wild game, including turkey, hogs, duck, deer and squirrel, and as well as cattle.

“If I shoot wild game, like a hog I will just take it home and hang it up on a rack, skin it, quarter it up,make some sausage, some jerky, cut a roast up,” Craig said. “If its a cow that we raise or a hog we raise on our property then we will send it to a guy thats a friend of ours, and he has a smoker and he smokes the meat and cuts it up.”

While some people just don’t like it, Craig loves food that he hunts and raises.

“The meat that you eat at a store has very little flavor in it, and thats why people that eat game, that usually eat store meat, won’t like game because it has too much flavor.” Craig said, “I was raised on game animals, and I love the taste of game. My kids love deer meat, they would have it over anything in the world.”

According to Craig, hunting is increasingly rare.

“Only five percent of people in Texas actually hunt, and the bad thing is that five years ago it was seven percent, so in five years it [has] dropped down,” Craig said. “But a lot of these shows like Duck Dynasty and all those shows have got people duck hunting again, so that’s good.”

James Babbittstaff writer

More Than a Man of ScienceChemistry teacherenjoys hunting

James Babbitt // THE LONG-VIEW

WILD MAN Chemistry teacher Todd Craig hunts after school

Emily Araiza // THE LONG-VIEW Emily Araiza // THE LONG-VIEW

While some of our students have no heating, electricity, or even a place to call

their own during this joyous season, you’re staying warm by the fire,

exchanging gifts with loved ones.Not only that, but the amount

of homeless children has increased in recent years. One out of every 30 kids

in the U.S. is homeless, and these numbers are only increasing.

But the issue hits close to home, and anyone can be affected.

“Probably the biggest thing is the diversity of homeless. When you think of a homeless person you usually think of men, probably not women and kids and sometimes we have almost as many women and kids in our shelter as men. Otherwise you usually think of a 55 year old alcoholic - they’re the minority now,” Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Executive Director Eric Burger said. “And so you have a whole mixture of people -- all sizes, ages, backgrounds, some who just lost jobs, some who have had medical problems. [It’s] not like it used to be. People are in a lot tighter situation. You have a lot more single moms, you have a lot more people not working full time jobs but a couple of part time jobs and they actually make it on that but one little hiccup, one illness, one family problem, one death in the family, and boom, that leads

you into homelessness.”In the district, 75 students are labeled as

homeless while two are identified here at school. However, there is a large gray area, according to Special Populations Advisor Melanie Hudson.

“A lot of these kids that are homeless, [but] they don’t want anybody to know. Unfortunately, a lot of the places that some of our students live in, they’re just a dump. We might consider them not a home, but they do,” Hudson said. “We have lots of kids in what we consider to be harsh living conditions, and I’m sure we have a lot of kids on campus without electricity, and no running water, no heat when

it’s really cold.”Being homeless does not only mean that

a child lives out on the street. To

be labeled as homeless,

students

must share a home with another family due to lack of

housing or economic hardship, live in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping ground due to lack of alternatives, live in a shelter, be abandoned in a hospital, be awaiting foster care placement, sleep in a location not designed for living accommodations, live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or similar settings, or be a

migratory child.“Homeless doesn’t mean [they] don’t have

a place [to live],” Associate Principal Melanie Pondant said. “You don’t have your permanent residence. You just move from house to house to house, and this friend’s parents get tired of you or not even that or you don’t want to be there.”

According to psychiatrist Dr. Jonathon C. Lockhart homelessness can expose children to unstable and inconsistent living environments, which can lead to more difficulties.

“[Homelessness] makes [children] more vulnerable to abuse, and the lack of a consistent and predictable home is associated with anxiety,” Lockhart said. “Homeless children are often more likely to struggle in school, and often receive less frequent medical care.”

To aid homeless students, the district provides six articles of clothing, free lunches,

and school supplies.“A lot of kids come to school,

[and] it’s their safe haven,” Hudson

said.

“They come here and it’s warm, there’s food, some of these kids may not eat again after lunch until they come to school the next day. For some of these kids, the holiday break is a long time.”

According to Hudson, one of the best ways

to help those in need is to simply be nice and humble, especially because homelessness and similar situations are hard to identify.

“You really can’t identify [the homeless kids because they] certainly are not going to let anyone know. Students being more humble

and being more nice to people [would help] because there are kids that come to school with the same clothes on everyday because [that’s] all they’ve got,” Hudson said. “I guarantee you there are kids on this campus that make fun of them. [But these kids] want what everybody else has, so people just

need to be kind to all students because they just don’t know the kid’s life.”

There’s a new way to help on campus, Lobo’s Closet, located just past the

Helping theSPOTLIGHT

Friday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 10


PAGE 11

SPOTLIGHTFriday, 12.19.2014

Nationwide issue affects our students

Homeless

1 in 30 American

children is homeless

2 students at school are officially labeled AND MORE

75 students in the district are affected and identified

How can YOU help?

Hannah Browneditor-in-chief

One illness, one family problem, one death in the family, and boom, that leads you into homelessness.-Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Executive Director Eric Burger

“

”Ja

yla Nix /

/ THE L

ONG-VIEW

These kids may not eat again until they come to school the next day. For some of these kids, the holiday break is a long time.”

-Special Populations Advisor Melanie Hudson.

“

”

CONTINUED

ON PAGE 1

2


PAGE 12


John T. Smith // SPECIAL TO THE LONG-VIEW

Helping the Homeless, cont. from page11discipline center in room 213, Tenth Grade Academic Advisor Tyra Jones’ office. Lobo’s Closet is a place for students to get clothes and other special items if they are in any kind of situation.

“What we do here with our Lobos is we have students maybe in a situation where they’re unable to have uniforms or they’re here on campus and something happens. Maybe they end up messing up their pants or shirt or rip something,” Jones said. “Well, instead of having them call home or be embarrassed by their situation, they’re able to come in here and I can try to fit them in everything that I have.”

On an average day, at least three to five students visit Lobo’s Closet where they can discreetly handle their situations.

“I’ve had some students come to where they just didn’t have it for whatever situation that’s

going on outside of school,” Jones said. “They don’t have uniform tops or bottoms, so I’m able to give them what they need to be able to fit in successfully and not having to worry about that burden and focus on their education and not having to worry about am I going to be in trouble.”

Lobo’s Closet was created this year and is run purely on donations of new and gently-used clothing and more provisions from parents, teachers, students, and the Parent Teacher Organization.

“We started off with one pair of pants and two shirts,” Jones said. “Right now, we’re looking at 200 items, but it’s still needing.”

Lobo’s Closet still lacks many items. Jones requests donations of uniform clothing in larger sizes, longer clothing, shoes, socks, belts, jackets,

personal care items, underwear, hangers, or whatever else can be brought.

“I’ve had several large students come asking, ‘do you have a shirt a I can wear?’ So I say, ‘yes let’s look,’” Jones said. “I hate to say I don’t have that because I don’t have something for them to wear. That’s been the hardest thing. I’ve had to say ‘I’m sorry baby. I don’t have anything for you.’ That breaks my heart.”

When Jones does have the items to give to the students in need, she has been able to find students who benefit from the simple gifts like a winter coat.

“I happened to see [a student] and I just asked, ‘It’s cold outside, and you have a very thin jacket. Do you have a heavier jacket?’ and at first they were like ‘I’m fine, I’m not cold’, and I said, ‘Come with me, come to my office, I think

I might have something you might like,’” Jones said. “I was able to fit them with a hoodie, and they were like ‘Thank you, I just don’t have one. My mother lost her job, so I don’t have one’ and I just said ‘Well I just noticed it’s extremely cold outside and my concern is that you’re warm.’”

This holiday season, consider

giving a meaningful gift to someone who really needs it.

“Last year I got like eight scarves and I love every one of them and I’m a scarf wearer, but let’s just say each one costs ten dollars,” Pondant said. “So I have all of these and someone has nothing to eat and no Christmas presents. Let’s do something more.”

Hannah Brown // THE LONG-VIEW

Taking Inventory Advisor Tyra Jones stands beside Lobo’s Closet



PAGE 13

What you need: Pint sized Mason Jar Nail polish (any color will do) Nail Polish Remover (travel Size) Foot cream or a scrub Pumice stoneNail BrushNail ClippersToe Separator Just fit all of these in the jar and you

can add different color ribbons and tie them around the jar. And now you have a Pedicure in a Jar.

LIFESTYLEFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 14


FindingUnique Ways to Celebrate

1. HOLIDAY CARDSFind some general holiday wishes

cards and go around and put them at doorsteps. You never know who could stand to know that someone cares.

2. GO CAROLINGWhether you’re with family,

friends, or by yourself, you can always learn a few holiday songs to spread the holiday spirit.

3. MAKE A BIG DINNER FOR SOMEONE WHO COULD USE IT

Maybe it’s a friend and their family, maybe it’s your own family, or maybe it’s someone you see often who is all alone, it’s not too hard to find easy-to-make recipes to make a delightful dinner to give to them.

4. RANDOM GIFT-GIVINGYou don’t have to get too crazy,

but simply go buy one or a few affordable gifts, wrap them up real nice, and give them to someone who looks like they might need a little extra holiday spirit.

5. VOLUNTEERThe holidays are a time for

giving, so what better thing to give than your service. You don’t have to spend your whole day, but you could easily dedicate a few hours to help out an animal shelter, nursing home, or Santa at the mall.

6. FIND A FOUNDATIONWhether you search online or

you’re asked at a register, donate a dollar or two to a foundation who needs a little extra help. No, it doesn’t take much time, but the feeling you’ll get from helping out will be awesome and last a long time.

7. MOVIE NIGHTGather up a few classics, such as

How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Story, make some delicious hot chocolate and popcorn, and watch them.

8. UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERSAnyone can go buy ugly Christmas

sweaters, but it would be much more special to go grab a ton of glitter and fluffy Christmas-themed clothing decorations and make your own with your friends. When you wear them out in public and strut your stuff, they will definitely catch people’s eyes.

Abby Jesteropinions editor

Which Classic Christmas Character Are You? Nikolas Olsonstaff writer

Staff finds artsy gift ideas for holidays on social media site

Pin-spirationPedi in a Jar Chocolate Candy Canes

What you need: 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets 4 tablespoons of sunflower oilFew drops of strawberry flavored oilLipstick shavings (any color) Place the pellets and sunflower oil in

a microwave safe bowl. Heat on low to medium heat and then stir with a metal spoon. Use a pipette to put a few drops of strawberry oil. Start adding lipstick shavings and stir. Then use the pipette to transfer lip balm to little jars or container that you will use.

Estrella Gonzalesstaff writer

What you need: 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips2 teaspoons of shorteningUnwrapped candy canesSprinklesMelt chocolate chips and shortening

together in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until melted. Dip candy canes in chocolate. Let candy canes rest on wax paper for two minutes then cover in sprinkles or other item of choice. Chocolate will harden completely in about 10 minutes.

12345

DIY Lip Balm

pinterest.compinterest.com

pinterest.com

Quiz Results

9-12 Elf

Christmas is alright. You’re

Christmas means hard work and making toys. At least you get candy!

only in this for one day a year anyway.

5-8 Santa Claus

13-16 ReindeerChristmas means looking fancy and flying around the world. Too cool.

17-20 SnowmanYou are the emodiment of Christmas. Seriously, you’re even made of snow.

Do you want a white Christmas?

No (1) I’m indiff erent (2) Sure (3) DUH!!! (4)

Bah humbug (1) No school! (2) Wrong reasons (3) YAAAS (4)

Do you look forward to Christmas?

Th e food (1) Th e gift s (2) Th e family (3) Th e weather (4)

What is your favorite part about Christmas?

None (1) A tree (2) Light show (3) Martha Stewart (4)

How much do you decorate?

No (1) Inside please (2) Maybe (3) YES (4)Do you like cold?


SPORTSFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 15

Kickin’ it with Perez

Andres Perezguest writer

Kicker Andres Perez gives his opinionon football program

To most high school football players, the idea of attending a college and playing the sport they love is a dream come true.

From the moment they step onto the field as freshman players to the recruiting process during their last season, these individuals mature from teenagers to young men.

For some of these recruits, it’s about geography: they either want to remain close to home or get as far away as possible, depending on their situation.

For other recruits, it’s all about joining a football program who will give them a chance to get an education when they cannot afford one.

And for others, it’s a calculated decision based on what program gives them the best opportunity to go pro when all is said and done.

No one thinks to base their decision of where to play on whether a football program will actually be around by the time he’s done playing for that school.

Unfortunately for members of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) football team, there is no longer going to be a program following the this years season.

School president Ray Watts met with players and staff members on December 2nd to tell them that the football program was being cancelled. The UAB football jerseys will be hung in the equipment room and will never be used again.

This is the first time that a major college football program has shut down since Pacific University shut down their football program for economic reasons in 1995.

Kickin’ it continued page16

Helpful Hints

Key to Keeping Warm

Nicholas Olsonsports writer

Football Season Wrap Up

Golfers reveal what protects them against winter weather

After an 8-2 season and a wild first round playoff win over Lufkin, the football team’s winning streak came to an end in a loss to Mansfield Lake Ridge in the second round of playoffs on November 22 at Tyler’s Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

“Our kids had to overcome a lot of obstacles, injuries, and off the field issues,” head coach John King said. “We started 0-2 playing some very tough teams but we battled back and won a district title for the 10th time in 11 years. It was great to see them overcome obstacles and be victorious.”

Players including senior quarterback Dezmond Chumley shared King’s appreciation of the season’s success.

“It was a great opportunity to be able to experience Longview Lobo football,” Chumley said, “and it was fun while it lasted.”

Longview traveled to Tyler’s Rose Stadium to face the Lufkin Panthers on Nov. 14. Early in the regular season, the Panthers defeated the Lobos 44-14. In the first round of the playoffs, Lufkin took a 28-7 lead at halftime, but Longview surged back in the second half to tie the game at 35. Senior quarterback Dezmond Chumley amassed 4 touchdowns and completed a two-point conversion to Jordan Wyatt to seal the 43-42 victory.

After an 0-2 start to the season, Longview faced Neville in the “Battle of the Border” game in Shreveport, Louisiana’s Independence Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13. With Longview holding a 19-0 lead at halftime, Neville scored two touchdowns at the beginning of the third quarter. Although the offense was quiet in the second half, Longview’s defense helped them edge the Tigers 19-13.

Riding a 4 game winning streak, Longview traveled to Texarkana to take on Texas High, a team sharing Longview’s 4-2 record. Longview’s running game dominated with junior running back Tylan Miller rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. The Lobos cruised past the Tigers for a 38-20 victory.

“Last year during Regionals, it was cold, windy and rainy, so we had on lots of layers and hand warmers in our pockets and gloves. Coach Palmer drove around to each of us to give us hot chocolate to keep warm.”

Meaghan McNamara

“[During winter] I wear an undershirt, my uniform shirt, and then also my gold hoodie. I also wear winter gloves made specifically for golfers and earmuffs.”

Mya Patterson

1. Bring an extra layer, just in case2. Keep warm drinks in insulated bottles3. Tuck the ends of scarfs in so they don’t get in the way4. Schedule your playing time when the sun is at the highest

Claire Earnestmanaging, sports editor

Lufkin 43-42

texarkana38-20

Neville 19-13

Jordan Houser Michael Palmer

Odessy Jones // THE LONG-VIEW Coya Dyer // THE LONG-VIEW

Sasha Cantu // THE LONG-VIEW


PAGE 16


UAB produced a 16-page strategic planning report that projected the university would need to invest at least another $49 million over the next five years to keep their football team competitive.

Ray Watts says this wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted but the numbers are the numbers. But apparently, he didn’t believe the kids or those within the Birmingham area were worth fighting for.

Reporters grilled Watts on what this really is all about and when the decision was made. Between 2010 and 2013, UAB reported no annual debt service on athletics facilities. That’s virtually unheard of in Division 1 sports. UAB ranks in the middle of its peers for annual financial operating deficits when factoring in subsidies, yet only UAB has so far decided to cut football.

A college football program is all about investing in the athletes and in the community. It’s all about forging an alliance with individuals that would like nothing more than to see football exist on a grand platform for the school and the local citizenry.

After all, a thriving football program builds up the economic climate of local regions. However, Watts didn’t have the vision. Instead, he was blinded by the almighty dollar and caved in at the first sign of financial distress.

Have you ever lost a family member? Well to the UAB players, they just lost 105 of them. Football creates a brotherly bond in and out the locker room. These athletes spend most of their time doing football-related activities, and now their whole lives are going to change.

Some will never play another down of football, while others will have to find another football program that will pay for their education. The decision of shutting down UAB’s football program has proven to be much more than just numbers; it will affect the athletes, university, and most importantly the community who never failed to support them.

Kickin’ it continued

Athletes Arising from Middle School Claire Earnestmanaging, sports editor

High school sports benefit from middle school program

Swim

Tennis Soccer

The middle school program has students from Foster, Judson and Forest Park practicing with the high school coaches from swim, tennis, soccer and golf. The program has proven to be successful for these sports. The students go to the high school complexes and practice with the coaches every morning.

Swim Head Coach Daniel Gonzales has taken the extra step by also having select swimmers practice alongside the high school team.

“[The program] has given me varsity athletes that are ready to go as freshmen, in the sense that they will practice with the high school kids in the afternoons,” Gonzales said, “and they see how we do our equipment, how we train, and how we do our drills.”

The middle school program prepares the kids not only to swim, but shows them what to expect as part of the high school swim program.

“They learn all the basics, but most importantly what they learn is about being on the team,” Gonzales said, “about how to behave at the facilities, how to behave as an athlete, [and] how to behave in the locker rooms. That’s what they get out of that middle school program.”

“The program has allowed us to have a

full team”“I get to know the kid, and the kid

gets to know me”

“It makes for a good relationship

and that helps the kids”

-Head Coach Issac Anders

Two coaches discuss the impact of middle school

programs

“It has allowed us to have kind of a screening process” “60 [or] 70 percent [of the middle school kids] want to play in high school”“We’re aware of grade issues, behavioral circumstances, and just how good they are”-Head Boys Coach James Wright

Simone Macklin// THE LONG-VIEW

Jordan Houser// THE LONG-VIEWClaire Earnest// THE LONG-VIEW

&


PAGE 17


www.bracesbysbw.com3006 H.G. Mosley Pkwy. - Longview TX

75605Phone: (903) 753-2151

Proud Supporter of Lobo Journalism

ENTERTAINMENTFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 18


A New Generation

Andrew Riveraentertainment editor

Youtuber writes for young audiences

Not So Shady

I remember when I got my first handheld gaming device for Christmas and being ecstatic to play all the best games anytime I wanted on my Game Boy Advance. My

ultimate favorites were pretty much anything Pokémon and Sonic Advanced 3.

Pokémon has three generations of games for the Game Boy, and I have a favorite game from each of the generations.

Though it wasn’t the ‘original’

game, Pokémon Yellow was a fun remake of Red and Blue with an added feature of a Pikachu as a starter pokémon. Also, like Ash in the animated series, Pikachu follows you around as you travel from town to town.

Pokémon Crystal was my favorite from the second generation, with Suicune as the legendary pokémon.

Sonic Advanced 3 was definitely the most solid of three Sonic Advanced games, with all the main characters available to play, including Amy and Cream. The boss fights after each ‘act’

were the best, and the dual character mode, where you could control and switch off between two characters was great and fun to play. The different special moves you could execute with different pairs was fun to try out

and explore.

Looking back on gemsof Game Boy AdvanceHannah Kempkesweb editor

Shady XV was not shady enough. The lyrics needed to be shady. The meanings of the songs needed to be shady. Basically, this whole album needed to be more shady.

Having listened to Eminem before, I naturally was expecting colorful language and crude song meanings, but some songs, such as “Vegas” by Bad Meets Evil featuring Eminem, and Royce Da 5’9” from Disc One and “Fight Music” by D12 from Disc Two were laced with disgusting and offensive statements.

My favorite song on the whole album was “Twisted” featuring Skylar Grey and Yelawolf. Not only did it have a great beat and meaningful, relatable lyrics, but Eminem actually sang. Maybe that doesn’t come as a surprise to some who may have heard songs he sings in, but I never knew what he was capable of until I heard this one.

Another great song was “Bane” by D12. I was not a fan of most of the lyrics, however, I loved the meaning behind the song (about the villain Bane from Batman: The Dark Knight Rises), as well as the beat accompanying it. Other catchy tracks with creative and memorable lyrics include “Psychopath Killer” by Slaughterhouse featuring Eminem and Yelawolf, “Die Alone” featuring Kobe, “Guts Over Fear” featuring Sia, and “Fine Line”, all from disc one, as

well as the older songs

“Lose Yourself” and “P.I.M.P.” by 50 Cent from the second disc.

I wasn’t a fan of the rest of this album. Most tracks, such as “Y’all Ready Know” by Slaughterhouse and “Right For Me,” sounded like typical rap songs; nothing original or special about them.

There were also many that just made no sense to me, like “ShadyXV.” If a rap song is a good one, it tells a story, not just strings random words that sound cool together. I understand that it’s creative and nice to have other artists featured on your album, but I don’t understand why you would create a whole second disc just to include tracks that aren’t even performed by you and bring back songs from years ago, such as “In Da Club” by 50 Cent, that people have more than likely forgotten about for a reason.

I wouldn’t listen to this album again. I wish I hadn’t heard it at all. Opinions of this album are based more on whether or not you find graphic disgust and vulgarity enjoyable as opposed to genre preference, and I suppose I am just not

one who can tolerate.

Eminem’s new albumproves vulgar, disappointing

housingworks.org

Abby Jesteropinion editor

mtv.com

My entire life, I have never enjoyed books. I find them uninteresting and long. This is the opposite with Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown Up. There are colorful pictures with very nice design edits, as well as funny stories inside.

This book is a self help book, in that author, Grace Helbig, talks about personal stories and experiences in order to help us, but her stories are filled with her witty humor.

Another nice aspect is that this is not a book you read from cover to cover. You can look at the table of contents and find a chapter you think will help you, or you could just open the book to a random page and go from there. The book is also filled with weird acronyms to help you. For example, in the chapter “How to Interview for a Job” she gives the acronym “WORK POOT” which stands for “Want Organize Research Klean, Prep, Original, On Time, Talk Back”.

Grace Helbig is a new type of author that peaks my interest in books. While she can be very humorous in the book, there are times when she talks about serious matters in her life. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think that any young teenager with a sense of humor will like it too.

Remembering The Classics

wikipedia.com


ENTERTAINMENTFriday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 19

Coming Out On TopEditor earns opportunity to meet ANTM finalist

To be honest, when I was a child, America’s Next Top Model was my guilty pleasure. I remember watching Cycles (seasons) 3 and 4 in my bedroom and loving every minute of it. The series just finished Cycle 21, and the finale frustrated me to say the least.

On Dec. 5, at the America’s Next Top Model finale episode premier, I got the honor to meet one of the finalists of the show, Will Jardell, because he is roommates with a friend of mine.

Standing at six foot five inches, I have never felt shorter in

comparison. While his height is intimidating, he is a very sweet and humble person. At the finale party I attended, there was a line of fans wanting a picture, and he took a picture with every single fan who wanted one. It is nice to see a high fashion model who does not have a massive ego.

In the finale, we started out with four models, but ended with only one. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire episode because my anxiety gets to me. At the party, every single time one of the judges said something positive about Will, the entire room decided that it was alright to scream as loud as possible and miss whatever the

next person was saying. I refuse to spoil the finale

because spoilers are against my religion, but I will say that I do not personally agree with the choice the judges made. I will leave it at that.

If you have not seen this show, I recommend it because it’s very interesting watching these models go on this journey. The show is full of drama and amazing modeling that occasionally will leave you with your jaw open. The show gives the audience a nice insight as to what models have to deal with and how it is not all rainbows and butterflies. With that said, go watch the show, and then come talk to me about it so I can rant about it to someone.

christoricolado.wordpress.com

This year has seen many new music genres come to the forefront of the scene, but classic rock seems to always get lost in that mix and has been forgotten more often than not. Sadly, some of these classic rock bands have stopped making music or changed their sound, however, AC/DC’s Rock or Bust is a clear example of real, classic rock at its finest.

I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t heard a classic rock album released since a few years ago or because I have an undying love of rock ‘n’ roll in general, but this album had me singing along at the top of my lungs within days. The first two opening tracks sound a bit too similar for my liking, but I couldn’t find much else wrong with it. Sometimes the lyrics did

seem a little repetitive but looking back on previous AC/DC albums proved that it’s just their style.

What I loved most about this album is that the band hasn’t left their roots. The guitar riffs, sounds and lyrics all stay true to the classic

rock way. It’s amazing to me, especially since we’re in the age of technology and pop rules the world currently. I loved the feeling of being transported to the 70’s, back to the days where Led Zeppelin dominated the stage and The Who could be heard blasting from every car radio. Those are the kind of things you can’t see or hear anymore.

This album captured everything classic rock symbolizes and more importantly

captured my attention. Though they’re much older than they were when they first started making music, I think AC/DC will continue rocking out for

years to come, and hopefully, put out another amazing album.

Forever IconicVictoria Weaverstaff editor

AC/DC’s new album Rock or Bustproves that classic rock is here to stay


acdc.com

Classically ChristmasENTERTAINMENT

Friday, 12.19.2014

PAGE 20


Holiday cartoon films to keep spirit alive this season

Who could forget this one? If you have not seen this film, please put down this tabloid newspaper, go find the movie, watch it, love it, and then come back to me.

Even though the film came out in 1965, it is still relevant today with a message that can apply to today’s kids. The entire message of what the true meaning of the holiday is something that we still question today. Characters like Snoopy, Lucy and Schroeder all obsess over presents, decorations and a Christmas pageant, rather than understand that Christmas is about spending time with your friends and family and being grateful for what you have.

In the film, Charlie Brown is truly saddened and depressed by his friends being materialistic and superficial and not knowing what the true meaning of Christmas is,

so when his friends give him the challenge of picking out a Christmas tree, he picks probably

the saddest little Christmas tree I have ever seen. The tree only has a few branches, stands about two feet tall, and cannot even bear the weight of one measly ornament.

This tree ultimately helps everyone realize that it is not about how

big or fancy your tree is, or how many presents you get,

it’s about being with each other and loving every minute of it.

While the movie does display Christian beliefs, if you are not a Christian,

it does not mean you should not watch it. Regardless of

the religious tone in the film, it is still a quality movie that kids

and adults can enjoy together, and hopefully understand that Christmas is not

just about receiving gifts.


Can’t wait until I

get to show my kids this

classic!

“

”

This film is probably in my top five favorite Christmas movies of all time. I have always

had a love for this film due to the hilarity of it, and the fact that the story kept me interested because

I had no idea what was going to happen next.The story is that Grandma had to

leave on Christmas Eve in order to go get her medication for Alzheimer’s that she forgot take. Ironic, I know. On her way out of the house, Santa’s reindeer could smell the

food Grandma was holding and got so excited, the reindeer trampled over her. Santa brings Grandma back to the North

Pole for treatment, and keeps her there for a year because she now has amnesia.

Interestingly enough, Santa did know the identity of Grandma until her grandson, Jake,

sent an e-mail to him, but shouldn’t Santa know who everyone is? Food for thought.

The next year, Santa decides to not do Christmas because he believes that there is no feeling in the holiday anymore, and that people are like Lucy, Snoopy, and Schroeder in that they only look at the materialistic side of Christmas. Anywho, one of Santa’s elves takes Jake to the North Pole to see his Grandma, and then he meets Santa, who is different than he expected. The story hits another bump in the road when money ridden cousin Mel tries to sell Grandma’s shop for her own profit. Nothing makes me more angry than cousin Mel.

The film is amazing because I think it is extremely funny, the story plot is great, and the film reiterates the theme that Christmas is about being with friends and family who care about you, not the presents that do not have the capability of feeling.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

A Charlie Brown Christmas

tutsking.com

clipartpanda.com

imdb.com

vol.78 no.3

Documents

district network

afghanistan us

cominsideviewthethe

txfollow us

comvisit us onandrew

district technology

choir teacher jason

annual christmas concert