Oxford Middle School The Oxford, MI

Paw Print April 2019

By: Hailey May

fter school gets out its summer vacation and you ost people go out of town for part of summer Aknow what that means-family vacation. Most Mbreak. A lot of people go to the lake and go swim- families plan their trips months in advance so they can ming with friends and family. In Michigan alone there plan accordingly. Some people go across the country for are over 60,000 lakes accoding to mlive.com. I person- the summer and some go across the state for a week or ally believe going to the lake is an important memory two. According to travelagentcentral.com over 35% of that people have with their families. Eighth grader Isabel Americans take family vacations every summer. With so Rodriguez says, “I think it is important to go to the lake many people having their summers planned, I checked with your family because you have more fun and those out what a few of OMS students have planned for the are the memories you will carry with you.” summer.

th grader Thomas th grader Aidan th grader Olivia Mihahailovich th grader Hannah Cron says, 6Unruh says, “My 7Headlund says, “My 7says, “My summer plans are 8“For this summer, I will be summer plans are to family is planning on go- to go to Florida. I am extremely going to Oguinquit, Maine with go to Washington D.C. ing to Mexico. I am really excited because my family is down my parents and my grandma, I am with my family. I am excited because I have there. Also, there is a water park really excited because I have not really excited because I not been to the ocean or we go to called Adventure Island been there in a while and I haven’t love road trips.” Mexico.” and its really fun.” gone with my grandma before.”

Check out news stories your peers posted @OMSNews_Now! Page 2 Student Life May/June 2019

Splashing, swimming, laughter and fun. Beaches and pools are always a good spot to spend your summer. Whenever it is a hot summer day you can always rely on a nice refreshing dip in a lake or pool to cool you off. According to a Michigan survey site it says there are about 62,798 lakes in the state of Michigan. About 10. 4 million people own pools in michigan according to a michigan water survey. So spending time in pools and lakes are a great way to start off your summer off.

By: Riley Spurlock

th grader Emma Beggs said that when she is going to 6 th grader Lana Czechowski the pool she brings sodas for a said that when she goes to the refreshing cold drink and she 8 pool, or beach she always brings also brings volleyballs to bring tanning lotion so she can get tan. to play with her family and friends.

Lounging around in the sun, hitting beach balls around is the perfect mix. This is a beach ball and that is my favorite thing to bring to the pool in the summer. I play volleyball with my friends and fam- ily and it is always so much fun. Beach balls were th grader Noah Morely said first made in 1838, according to a Summer survey 7that when he goes to the website. 8th grader Savannah Feltirn said that she beach he brings sand toys and enjoys playing with beach balls in the summer be- shovels for the sand, so he can cause they are light weighted and also because they dig holes and make sand castles. are a lot of fun to play with for volleyball. May 2019 Student Life page 3

By: Lily Nouman

any kids at OMS have summer birthday’s. Quite a few kids love it, while some think it’s frustrating. Kids Mwho don’t have summer birthday’s don’t get as much time to spend with family, and they don’t have the op- portunity to do as many things. Kids who have summer birthdays also have some other really cool things. For ex- ample, kids who have summer birthdays, although it seems irrelevant, they can have a better selection on fruits.

th grader Samantha Zeiter th grader Sumareyah th grader Trinity Moshier 6has a summer birthday 7Hatten says that sum- 8also has a summer birthday and believes it is the best mer birthdays are the best. and thinks they are great too! time to have one! Samantha Sumareyah said, “ You get to She says, “ It is nice because says, “ It is the best time to do more stuff during normal the party can be inside or out- have a party because you can school hours.” Many kids side!” Trinity thinks that sum- have pool parties.” Samantha celebrate their birthday’s dur- mer birthday’s are great and usually stays home during her ing school, and don’t get to she really enjoys them because birthday, but she thinks it’s enjoy their birthdays as much. you have more time to spend worth it. Sumareyah says that its such with family and friends, while an advantage to have a sum- doing the things you like. mer birthday.

ith her birthday in the summer, Jenna Christoff gets to celebrate her birthday on WAugust 6th with her family because everyone is free. As she is turning 12 this year, she has many things she would like to do before she becomes a teenager. Jenna says, “ I enjoy having a summer birthday because it gives me more time to do things I like.” Jenna likes to have either confetti or vanilla birthday cake. Page 4 Student Life May/June 2019

color run is a well known 5 kilometer run that happens By: Evelyn Sawdon Aall across the world. Here at OMS, on the 18th of May, there is one of our own. All students at oxfordschools were able to participate in the color run and even get a t-shirt. At the color run, everyone running gets splashed with tons of bright colors and as they run they can get some Kona Ice while they’re there. The Color Run participants, you get to run around and play with your friends while also getting exercise and getting a bunch of fun color thrown around. When you participate in it, you get a shirt to remember the color run and a color pack to toss around or even throw on your friends after and get to know you are helping your teachers and the school. The color run is a fun activity and it is fun to participate in. There is even going to be another

th Grader Dakota Lizyness commented that he thinks the color run is 6a good idea. He thinks this because its good to raise money for good causes. Also, he said that some advantages to the color run is that you get to raise money and get to have fun while doing it too. He said that he would more likely would have wanted to do the run with his Father. unning through all of the color, 7th grad- Rers Neveah Latvis and Taylor Derey ran in th Grader Jenna Christoff said she thinks that the color run is a good the second race of the day. According to https:// 7idea. She said that this is because it gets people involved and get also thecolorrun.com, in 2019, there will be around kids outside with their friends. Another thing she said wasthat she is super 40 different color runs in the U.S. Which, isn’t happy she got to participate in this because she got to help raise money for including the non-regdistered color runs like a good cuase and it was just overall just super fun. She said that she would ours. Allen Klein for www.brainyquote.com, like to participate in this with her Dad because he is more sporty than her “Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color Mom. your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding th Grader Anne Waite explained that she agrees, she thinks the color some bright colors to the picture by including 8run is a good idea. She thinks this because it lets people get outside humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.” and exersice while hanging out with friends all at the same time. Another thing she said was that she won’t be able to participate in the co,or run because she has a dance compitition. Also, she commented that an advan- tage of having the color run is that you get to be with your friends. But a We raised an astonishing $1,300 for OMS after covering costs of the event! mAY/June 2019 Student Life Page 5

Paige Comito

“A dog is the only thing on thatEarth loves you more than he loves himself.” ~ Josh Billings ogs have been man’s best friend since the begin- ning. They never leave their owner’s side and are the Dbest friends anyone can have, it’s not suprising that many households own at least one. In fact, appromixely 60 million households in the U.S. own a dog according to the Insurance Information Institute. “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” ~ Roger Caras.

th grade Macey Strevel has a fondness towards 8Doxins. “I’ve always grown up with Doxins, at one point when I was younger I had three Doxins running around my house, so I’ve always grown accustomed to them.” Macey currently has a Doxin herself and thinks they make really good pets. IMAGE HERE th grade Keira Billis likes beagles because they’re 7very energetic and like to explore. “They have big ears and short legs which I find pretty cute.” She thinks that beagle’s make good pets.

Trotting through the snow is Sirius, the black German Shep- th grade Brady Fox’s favorite dog breed is the herd Dog. German Shepherd Dogs are the No. 2 most popu- 6Rhodesian Ridgeback. Brady likes Ridgebacks lar dog on American Kennel Club’s list, and rightly so. These because he used to have one, and they’re a nice dog. canines are very loyal towards their owners, and will protect Brady thinks that Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good them to their last breath. But are there other dogs similar to pets, most likely because of their loyal and intelligent the GSD? “I love shepherds because they look so beautiful. temperament. They have a presence about them that lets you know that they will protect you not matter what,” says Lisa Comito. Page 6 Student Life May 2019

By: Ashlynn Redhage ARIES~ March 20- LIBRA~ Septem- odiac Sign, are based on your birth date and April 20. Strengths: ber 23- October 23. Zbelievers claim they explain pre-determined Courageous, deter- Strengths: gracious, personalities and characteristics. Even though some mined, confident fair-minded, social people’s personalities may change over time, their core SAGGITURIUS~ No- personality will always stay the same. Knowing about TAURUS~ April vember 22- Decmeber your zodiac sign can help you better study your own 20- May 21. 22. Strengths: Gener- personalities and help you with your social life and Strengths: Reliable, ous, idealistic, great how well you know yourself. Weather you believe they patient, practical sense of humor. are accurate or not, knowing your personalities that GEMINI~ May 21- CAPRICORN~ De- help you get along with others is important.(https:// June 21. Strengths: cember 22- January 20. www.theodysseyonline.com/the-importance-of-zodi- Gentle, affectionate, Strengths: Responsible, ac-signs). curious disciplined, self-control CANCER~ AQUARIUS~ Janu- June 21- July 23. ary 20- Feburary 18. Strengths: loyal, Strengths: Progressive, emotional, sympa- original, independent thetic LEO~ July 23- Au- SCORPIO~ October gust 23. Strengths: 23- November 22. Creative, passion- Strengths: brave, pas- Entertained and happy, 7th grader Savannah ate, generous sionate, stubborn Bailey sits in front of the computer, searching VIRGO~ August PISCES ~ Febuary 18- about her zodiac sign, which is virgo. Savannah 23- September 23. March 20. Strengths: hasn’t learned much about zodiac signs, and for a Strengths: Loyal, artistic, intuitive, gentle while she didn’t know what hers was. “I don’t know analytical, kind much about my zodiac sign, but I think it is cool learn about what my sign is good at around other th grader Angela Coo- th Grader Natalie people and my personalities,” says Savannah. 6per’s zodiac sign is Sag- 7Bales’ zodiac sign is th grader Cy Charest’s gitarius. Angela agrees that Leo. Natalie agrees that 8zodiac sign is Scorpio. her zodiac sign matches her her zodiac sign matches Cy thinks that her zodiac personality and style. “My her personality and style. sign matches her personal- favorite zodiac sign would “I don’t think there is a ity, but not style. “I don’t re- probably be Leo,” says An- purpose to Zodiac signs, ally think there is a purpose gela. She thinks that zodiac they are just there for to Zodiac signs, unless you sign’s are important to know, fun”, says Natalie. Her are into that kind of thing,” and they are useful, but birthday is on July 25th. says Cy. Her birthday is on doesn’y know the purpose. November 21st. May/June 2019 Fun Features Page 7 Page 8 Fun Features May/JUNE 2019

SUMMER JOKES:

Q: What do you get when you combine an elephant with a fish?

Swimming trunks!

Q: Do fish go on vacation?

No, because they’re always in school!

close Q: Why did the dolphin cross the beach?

To get to the other tide!

Q: Why don’t oysters share their pearls?

Because they’re shellfish!

Q: Why do fish like to eat worms?

Because they get hooked on them!

Q: What is a shark’s favorite sandwich?

Peanut butter and jellyfish!

Q: What is a frog’s favorite summertime treat?

Hopsicles!

Q: What do you call a fish that doesn’t have any eyes (i’s)?

A fsh!

Q: Why should you never blame a dolphin for doing anything wrong?

Because they never do it on porpoise!

Q: Why are fish never good tennis players?

Because they never get close to the net! May/JunE 2019 Student Life Page 9

By Wyatt Ashley here is a lot of changes that Oxford Middle School has made in the 2018-19 school year Some of the changes being new busses, instru- Tments, computer cart, new dress codes, and new phone policies. Some of these changes are well needed, for example, the instruments for the middle school band were in disrepair and now the school has many new tubas and other instruments including a timpani. The school bought the science, math, and language arts classes new chrome books this year so they can do eflecting on the year Landon Mysen, Lucas Smith, and Sam an online curriculum. This is a positive change and RWedicar all in 8th grade said that one change in the school helps integrate technology into learning. This year we was the drinking fountains and the new water bottle filler. They also have new phone policies that the school has put also brought up that the new busses are more comfortable. They in place. A lot of these changes are a step in the right said that for both reasons above their school experience this direction and Oxford Middle School is working every year has improved and is making their school experice better. day to improve the learning of students and try new tactics to keep up with all of the changes to better pre- pare their students for high school and beyond.

ne of the largest Oevents that hap- he pened in Oxford Middle Tschool school for the 2018-19 also has school year is most of the new buses classes got carts of new for this chrome books. Each year. This Chrome book cost over was part of 169 dollars according to a bond that Oxford citizens voted on, the last laptopmag.com. This is the computer cart in election. This was an important upgrade as the 8th-grade gold science class. This is for the the buses started getting older and are falling new online curriculums that Language arts and apart. Many students like these new buses Science are using. Now students use technology and how the interiors are nicer than the older most of the class days and this helps the students buses. that are absent to get some of the work done. Page 10 Student Life May/June 2019

By Cameron Bukoski th grader Logan Blankenship’s goal is hen the school year to “get better friends and to be less anx- comes to an end and 8 W ious about absolutely everything.” Improving summer is only weeks away, stu- yourself when it comes to friends and social dents reflect on what they did this life is a good goal because it teaches you how year and what goals they want to to become a better person and how to interact pursue next year. Whether it’s in with people better. grades, sports, or anything else. Setting a goal for yourself makes you work hard for the thing that you want to achieve and it makes us become better people. Wether your goal is big or small, setting a goal for yourself and achieveing it th grader Lucas Sibu wants “to can be very rewarding because you 7get all A’s and B’s” for his goal for worked hard for it. These are some next year. Improving your grades is a examples of 6th, 7th, and 8th grad- great way to improve yourself and it will ers explaining their goals for next help you get accepted into a good college ,which will help you in the future.

th grader Maxton Myrand wants to 6have “good grades, good teachers, and just to have fun.” Most people want to improve their grades for the years to come. Having fun is also a great goal because it will make you less stressed and helps you focus on becoming more balanced in life. “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires you hope”- Andrew Carnegie. Grades can play an inportant role in improving yourself and setting your goals. People work towards improving their grades so they can get into a good college, and it teaches people to work hard towards something. May/June 2019 Student Life Page 11

By: Cece Nicholson

People would describe their years in many different th grader Sophia But- ways. Whether it was a sad and emotional one or it zu says her highlight was filled with fun and exciting adventures, there is th grader Trent Haner of the year was “bas- always someone or some moment that stood out to says, “My highlight 6ketball season because I got you. Here are what 6th and 7th-grade students say of the year was foot- to spend time with some their highlight of the year was. 6ball season because I really of my friends that I don’t enjoy watching football and usually talk to outside of playing it.” school.”

th grader Grace Morgan says that her highlight of the year 7was getting 100% on her th grader Chase Wil- math summative. “I work liams says his high- really hard light of the year was so getting a 7‘the school musical because good grade I really enjoy acting and it meant a was really cool that I was lot to me, able to enjoy my hobby at Finishing up the school year, students reflect on their which is why it’s my high- school while making new favorite parts of the year. For some, sports are the light of the year.” friends.” students’ favorite part of the year. Over 200 students joined track this year, and 70% of the 30 people I surveyed described it as their favorite part of the year. “I really enjoy track,” says 6th grader Charly Nichol- son. “I like being able to talk to my friends and I find running fun. Page 12 Student Life May/June 2019

By: Anna Rinke ounds of laughter fill the room as some- Sthing funny happens. Almost everyday we alling down the stairs 8th find something that makes us laugh. During Fgrader Devyn Hughes says the school year, many have had funny or em- that things that accidentally barrassing things happen to them, or others, happen always seem funnier. that now, thinking back to it was a good and According to www.thecitizen. funny memory made. Although some things co.tz, on average a person might might not be as funny as we might think it’s laugh about 17 times a day. “A day how we react during the moment that makes it without laughter is a day wasted,” count. said Charlie Chaplin, an Eng- lish comic actor, filmmaker, and composer.

“We don’t laugh because we’re happy, we’re happy because we laugh” - William James, an American philosopher and psychologist www.google.com

th grader Alana Salmo said that during th grader Jeremy Smith’s funniest mo- th grader Victoria Adcock said that one 6the school year a lot of funny things 7ment in school was during the first 8of the funniest moments in school was have happened, but one stands out over semester. He said that he was in the hallway during the first semester in science. It was the others. During the first week of school with his friend when his friend decided to funny because Duke Jackson came in wear- she said that she was walking down the jump down the stairs. As his friend jumped, ing a dress and started to dance. “It was so hallway and tripped and went face first he hit his shoulder on the railing. “That funny, everyone was laughing it was defi- into the ground. “It was so embarrassing at was literally so dumb, but it was so funny-I nitely one of the funniest things that hap- the moment, but thinking back to it, it’s so couldn’t stop laughing.” p e n e d .” funny.” May/june 2019 Student Life Page 13

By Aiden Bowyer and Gracie Chraska

s middle school comes to an end for the 8th graders, they look back on all the memories made during the past 3 years. AGoing to high school is a big deal and students are one step closer to finishing their education and living as an adult. Growing up can be a scary thing, so it is important to take time out of our day to reminisce and think of how far we’ve come and the great memories that brought us to where we are today. th grader Mason Bourgeau says, “my 8favorite part of middle school was DC because I was able to see all the monu- ments with my friends.” Mason is going to miss the teachers the most because he has had a good experience with them all through middle school. He is most look- ing forward to the clubs and opportuni- ties at the high school because he gets to meet new people and make new friends.

th grader Logan Warstler’s fa- 8vorite memory was Mackinac because he got to go to a really cool place with his friends. “I’m going to To end their middle school career at OMS, “Washington D.C. was really fun and I miss the teachers the most because friends are saying goodbye and getting each now have a lot of great memories from most of the teachers were really others numbers in order to keep in touch over there,” says 8th grader Hannah Cron. nice,” says Logan. He is most the summer. According to www.cbslocal.com, Over 300 of our 8th graders here at OMS excited for graduating so he can get only 50% of friendships last into adulthood. “I’m in November went on the D.C. trip. It is a good job. really going to miss my friends over the summer. the biggest trip that our middle school of- I hope many of them will last for a long time,” fers and one of the most anticipated trips says 8th grader Monet Bidock. of students middle school career.

th grade teacher Mrs. Werner’s th grader Daisy Kuhn says, “My th grader Cassie Kroon 8favorite memory from when 8favorite memory is Master of 8says that her favorite she was in middle school was 8th The House because it’s really fun memory from this year was grade graduation because she felt to watch.” Daisy is going to miss the Mackinac trip for the 8th like she finally got through it. Her her friends the most because she is grade music students.”I really favorite memory since she’s been moving away. She is most excited to enjoyed Mackinac because teaching here is watching the stu- make new friends at her new school I got to hang out with my dents grow every year. “I’m going to make it more enjoyable. friends and enjoy a concert to miss how genuinely nice the with them.” high school. class of 2023 is,” says Mrs. Werner. Page 14 Student Life May/ June 2019

By Keaton Linn

andusky’s own theme and water park, Cedar Point has voted #1 theme park in the U.S by Amusement Today 16 consecutive times. One of Cedar Point’s most recognizable ride is the Top Thrill Dragster, a 420-foot coaster that o r l d ! ” is right in the middle of the park so you can’t miss it. This coaster is the second tallest coaster in the world and Sthird fastest in the world. Another noticeable coaster is at the front of the park-Gatekeeper, a ride that goes through keyholes that make you go over the top of people entering the park. The second best coaster in the USA by Amusement Today is Millenium Force at Cedar Point. This coaster is 320 feet tall and goes 90 miles per hour down a 90-degree drop straight-down. If you are a thrill seeker, this park is recommended for you. On top of all this, in honor of Hallow- een, Cedar Point hosts an event called Halloweekends, where people can go through haunted houses, get scared while walking through Frontiertown, on the way to Steel Vengeance and Maverick. Cedar Point has every person dream with dares and scares.

edar Point Shores is an outdoor water park located on Cedar Point grounds If you plan on going to Sandusky, but it is too hot for Cedar Point, go to their waterpark with 8 slides, 2 lazy rivers, and other places for younger Ckids. There is an admission fee for Cedar Point Shores but it is worth it. ther than just rides and slides, Cedar Point also has different restaurants and arcade games to try. For example, they have 3-point games where you can win a flag, jersey, or basketball. The restaurant they offer are Starbucks, OPanda Express and some other treats you can get are funnel cakes, slushies, and frozen lemonade.

One of the most known rides at Cedar Point, the Millennium Force, is a roller coaster that’s all steel and built in 2000 as the 14th roller coaster built at Cedar Point. Also, according to cedar- point.com it was “the tallest roller coaster and the first to top 300 feet.” Ava Gordon says, “It is one of my favorite rides at the park and everyone should ride it.”

“ R o l e r C a s t p i f h W Riding the newest roller coaster at Cedar Point, Steel Vengeance is the tallest hybrid in the world (half wooden and half steel). Ac- cording to cedarpoint.com, this coaster has broken over 10 world records and is 205 feet tall with a 90-degree drop. A person named Mercer Bank said this quote about Steel Vengeance after rid- ing it.“The ride will last 30 seconds, but the hairdo will last the WHOLE day”. May/June 2019 Student Life Page 15

By Tessa Saussele

he end of the year field trip, Cedar Point is something that almost everyone is looking th grader Will Philbrick’s favorite Tforward to. Ceadr Point is a reward for maintaining the good grades and meeting the 6ride at Cedar Point is Gatekeeper. requirments in order to go. Then, picking the right partner and planning what rides your He like the ride because of the twist are going on are crucial. Everyone is fired up for different reasons, either with anticipation and the turns and how it doesn’t just for the roller coasters or hanging out with friends. No matter what part is their favorite, go straight up and straight back down everyone is excited for a day to celebrate a good year. and there is an inversion at the top. Crowd Favorites th grader Brody Burns says this is hen Mrs. Werner’s and Mr. C’s his first time ever going to Cedar th grader Brady Warman’s favor- 8 classes were surveyed on what Point and he is most excited about W ite ride at Cedar Point is the Iron part of cedar point was their favorite. 7 going onto the roller coasters. He is Dragon. This is his favorite ride be- excited to go on every ride, but is least cause it goes over the top of the water Mrs. Werner’s class, which has 31 excited to go onto the Dragster. so you can see the fish and it was tall total students, said that 0% of them and fast but not super tall and fast. said that hanging out with friends th grader Lexi Acton says she is re- or family is their favorite part. 28 8ally excited for Cedar Point and she is most excited to ride the biggest roller students or 90% said the roller th grader Zander Brown said his favorite ride at Cedar Point is Mil- coaster and hang out with her friends. coasters were their favorite part. 3 8 “I’m not that nervous to ride the roller lenium Force-the 2nd tallest in the coasters because I’ve been to Cedar students or 10% said that the world. He liked it because its coaster Point before,” says Acton. waterpark was their favorite part. is fast, has massive drops, and gets his adrenaline pumping every time. Mr. C’s class was surveyed and 31% of the class said that their favorite part th grader Brad Cardona is is hanging out with friends and family. th grader Alana Gizinski says, “I’m thrilled for Ceadr Point again. 8 really excited for Cedar Point be- Cardona says, “I am most excited or favorite the 8 50% 16 student casue I am excited to eat the food and for the roller coasters and I am roller coasters the most. Lastly, hang out with my friends.” Also, the most looking forward to the Drag- 19% likes the other events that Cedar Point ride she’s most excited for is the Top ster and the Millennium Force.” holds the most. Thrill Dragster . Page 16 Student Life May/june 2019

Elizabeth Rice

Moving to high school is a big jump for 8th graders. Some kids might describe this change as a new adventure and others might not be look- ing forward to it. Preschool was the first level of our lives, then el- ementary each change is exciting but scary. Now middle school is level 3 but all these 8th graders are moving to the 4th levle,high school.I asked a few 8th graders some questions about moving out and this is what they had to say.

th Grader Joey Abdu 8was asked how he felt th grader Logan Wilmot going into high school, and 8was asked how he felt he said, “Not good, because about leaving the middle it’s scary going somewhere school, and he said “I’m n e w.” excited for high school be- cause I think it will be bet- ter for the middle school .”

th grader Grace Butzu 8was asked if she was nervous for high school,and she said “ Yes, I’m nervous for losing friends but i’m th grader Maddie John- excited for making new 8ston was asked if she friends.” likes being a middle school or if she would rather be This huge building is Oxford High School. This is where all the 8th a junior high and she said graders are going next year to be 9th graders. According to www. “I rather be a junior high schooldesigns.com Oxford High school is 262,000 square feet. I asked because it just seems easier Cecelia Nicholson how she feels about the size of the high school, and because people know what she said, “Its to big because I feel like im going to get lost.” their doing.” May/June 2019 Student life Page 17

By: Brianna Penzien his world is a crazy place. There are many different types of technology and advancements in society. Although there are Ta lot of fascinating things, there are also a lot of sad and broken parts. For an example, there is a lot of littering, bullying, and cheating just in our small town. However, students here at our school can make a impact on these issues. Weather you know it or not, you have potential to do great things in our world.

th grader Jesse Lemon helps out th grader Alanna May thinks litter- 6the world by taking a special needs 7ing is a common issue is littering. student to choir everyday. He adds, “I She adds, “A way we can fix this issue think a common issue in this world is by coming into groups and cleaning would bullying.” Lemon also thinks up trash on our roads and just around more kids need to take stand againt out town.” There are many different bullying churches and organizations that are making a effert to clean up.

th grader Katelynn MS’s seceratary 8Bilbey gives some OMs.Barkmen advice to people who thinks there is a lot are making a differ- of potential in the ance. She states, “People students at OMS to that are taking a stand make a differeance in should come up with this world. She says, “I new ways to make a dif- think people need to ferance that could make be more kind to each f we come together as a community we can get things happen faster.” other.” That is just one much more done than if we were by ourselves. Just There are many different I easy thing we could ways we could change in Oxford alone there are over 4,000 people (city- do to make our com- the routine on how we data.com). “We all could do a orginization that helps munity a better place. go about taking a stand. people out for free in our community called Oxford Cares to make a differance.” said Hailey May. Page 18 Academics may/June 2019

By:Holden Jones fter a year of long, hard work and intense studying Aand research, at last we are almost at summer. The The golden medal. Signifying a year end of homework, tests, and studying and the begin- of grades that were never below an ning of the beach, being with friends, and relaxing. A, the golden honors award is always However, before it is all over, our great school takes the accompanied by a golden medal, the time to reward the students who have worked the hard- only medal given out on honors night. est and have kept their grades high while impressing Students rewarded with this medal their teachers and peers. Honors night is a night meant enter the small group of elite students to recognize those students with medals and certificats that have kept a 4.0 all year. 7th grader that symbolize their acheivements in the past year. It Kyle Kavc earned it last year and is one of the graetest honors in this school and is an stated that he has worked hard all year amazing moment for the students necessary. Regard- this year in the hopes that he may get less of the fact that some students may not be able to this award once again. go, honors night is a great night as it brings attention to those elite students who constantly work hard in school and perform at their highest ability possible. Several rewards can be earned throughout the night, based on In our school, there your achievemnets as listed below. is no honor greater than the Gold honors award, signifying the incredible achievement of maintaining a 4.0 all year. As Gold Silver one of the few students to acquire this award he Gold award is the he Silver award is last year, 7th grader Kyle Kavc stated that get- Thighest award possible Tthe award reserved ting the award “felt really nice [as his] hard at honors night and is reserved for students with a grade point work paid off and [he] got recognized for only the handful of students average of 3.5-3.99. Like the for his hard work.” who managed to maintain a 4.0 bronze award, it is presented to grade point average througout students as a certificate that The excellency awards are always the year. It is the most difficult proves the student had an a fun and exciting award to get, as it shows you feat to accomplish and very average grade of an A-. beyond grades where you really excel and what you few students are capable of this might even have a future in. For many students, there is a each year. To the students who specific class where they wish the most to get an excellency manage to uphold a 4.0 they award. This usually stems from working extremeley hard at are awarded with not only a a class or hoping to have a future in a job that includes this certificate stating that they had specific subject. 8th grader Troy Zeiter stated that, above either all A’s or A+’s, but all, he hopes to get an excellency award in Geometry also a golden medal. Excellency since it is an honors class. Awards For every 6th grader the first Bronze xcellency awards are more specific honors night is always a fun and exciting event, he bronze Eawards that signify a student excelling in as they learn about the rewads all middle schoolers get Taward is an award a specific class, rather than exceling in every when they work hard enough and persevere through the for students who have class as a whole. Every teacher gets to recom- hard parts of the year. 6th grader Nolan Mauser said that maintained a grade point mend around 10 students, except for honors he is excited and hopeful for his first honors night be- average of 3.0-3.49. It is classes who get to recommend more. These cause “it will be an awesome time for [him] to hang presented to students who students will earn a certificate that proves that out with his friends and celebrate.” have acheived it in the they were excellent at that specific subject. form of a certificte and Anyone is eligible for excellency awards, signifys getting an aver- but it is typically reserved for students age grade of a B in with A’s in that class. classses. May/June 2019 Academics Page 19

By: Katherine Lewis

he 8th grade orchestra earned all ones at Festival this year and last, so they were given a special op- Tportunity to go to State Festival. The orchestra voted together and decided to take this chance and go to States. On May 4th, they went to State Festival where they were required to play harder songs for judges who are more strict at rating. The 8th grade orchestra spent weeks rehearsing for State to make every song perfect. In the end, the orchestra recieved the highest rating of a one. Also, some dedicated musicians might participate in orchestra camps and auditions over the summer to improve their skills.

th grader Dylan th grader Norah th grader Jackson 8Morris plays the 8Chapa plays the 8Brandt plays the viola. He says he felt violin. “I loved having bass. “I feel like we that they did relatively the opporutunity to did very well at State good at State Festival. play for more judges Festival and Mr. Ber- “We could’ve improved for State Festival. Also, ezney is a good teacher. our rythm on a few I plan on going to Blue I’m going to miss him songs, it was off in Lake over the summer. next year. We kind some spots.” As the I love going to Blue of messed up on one school year comes to Lake because there are of the songs with the an end, some musicans always new people to counting but overall, might be doing things meet and you get to see we did good and it was over the summer., “I old friends as well,. The a great expirence to do plan on auditioning for songs we play are also something at a higher different orchestras this really fun and challeng- level and play for more summer.” says Morris. i n g .” judges.”

Norah Chapa th grader Norah Chapa says that her 8orchetra got an overall rating of a 1 (the highest score). Chapa states that her or- chestra practiced for a few months in order to prepare for State Festival. “We could’ve payed more attention to the counting.” Page 20 Student Life May/june 2019

By: Michael Duong very year, robotics teams from all over the world in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program come together and battle it out to see who is the best. The World Champi- Eonships were held in Detroit, Michigan and Houston, Texas. This year, FTC team TOWR 5291 was lucky enough to be selected by the lottery to participate in the World Championship competition in Detroit. In the lottery, a team’s chance of being selected is greater if their team has been around longer. This made them the first FTC team from Oxford to participate in the World Cham- pionship. In the World Championship, most of the FTC teams are made up of high school students. However, since the program is so big in Michigan, FTC is restricted to middle school students. Less than 10% of teams at Worlds were middle school teams and the rest were high school. With 15 team members and hundreds of hours of work and dedication, TOWR competed amongst teams from Taiwan to Italy to Romania and England. TOWR was able to place 11th and be the 10th highest scored match without penalties out of 160 teams. Intensely competing, team TOWR completes the chal- This was the best out of the 13 middle school teams. The students on TOWR lenge of lifting off the ground just as the match ends. had a rare and amazing experience meeting people from all over the world There were 160 FTC teams all competing in the De- who are engineers like them. troit World Championship. “Seeing everyone coming together was amazing and all of the thousands of people oes.” “To create a nology her world whe watching was surprising,” says 8th grader Wyatt Ashley. d tech re scie e an nce nc an

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grader Katie Rustoni(left) is a builder and 6thgrader Tristan 8thAlex Foster(right) works on 7thgrader Kiley Krajcarski is a the engineering notebook. Penzien is a builder and is on They both are on the drive builder and the drive team for team for TOWR. Katie’s also does CAD TOWR. Tristan’s favorite part of robotics was for TOWR. favorite part of “meeting new people, mak- Kiley’s favorite robotics is that ing friends, and having fun.” part of robot- she meets new people who became her For Alex, her favorite part of robotics is “everything ics was “ learning how things work.” friends. Tristan’s favorite part of the because it’s the best thing on Earth.” Both Katie’s and Kiley’s favorite part of the competi- competition was using the robot in the Alex’s favorite part of the competition was meeting tion was “seeing the other robots and actual competition because “it was very people from all over the world. If Katie could change their teams because we’ve never been exciting.” If Tristan could change one one part about the competition it would be how well before.” Kiley liked all of the competi- part of the competition, she would have the team did. Alex, on the other hand, would’ve tion and wouldn’t change anything for more time to build the robot because “it made it so that there is only one World Champion- it. was hard to get the robot built in time.” ship competition so she could meet all of the teams. Page 21 Staff MAY/June 2019

By: Sarah Spearing

very new school year provides Eteachers with new challanges, but also new opportunities. Whether it’s different lessons, students, or just general school curriculum, no school year is the same. Some years may have similar, or even the same lesson plans as the year before, yet there is always something that changes in a teacher’s schedule. OMS teachers are able to teach the students in their classrooms, th grade language th grade math teacher th, 7th, and 6th grade while still working on their lessons be- 6arts teacher Mrs. 7Mrs. Brown states 8choir teacher Mrs. hind the scenes, and possibly working Kimiec says that next that next year she would Flynn says that one of on future lessons and projects. Each year she hopes to start like to focus on how her goals that she would teacher’s delivery of lesson plans could an online notebook in different students learn like to accomplish for differ from other teacher’s, providing Google classroom, since and to understand their teaching next year is to them with a classroom atmosphere her classroom now has strengths and weaknesses have a composer come that is unique to them. access to chromebooks, in her classroom. to OMS and compose and wants to start using a song with the choir technolgy more in her students. classroom.

Throughout many years, OMS has been through many teach- ers and students, yet the staff ith around 1,200 students and teachers continue to keep Weach year at OMS, and about OMS a welcoming building. a 21 to 1 teacher to student ratio, Mr. Smokovitz, who got teacher although many classes have more of the year for the 2018-2019 than 30 students, OMS teachers are school year has been at OMS constantly working their hardest. for five years, and in the Oxford The OMS website states that their school district for eleven years. vision for their students is “to create Mr. Smokovitz says that one a world-class education today to thing he wants his students to take away from his teachings is shape tomorrow’s leaders by be- “that they have the ability to do ing better everyday” and it clearly amazing things, whatever that shows they are trying their best to means for them” fulfill that goal. Page 22 Athletics May/ june 2019

By Leilah DeGasperis “We do more kicks than a he Aqua Club is a swim team that has many soccer player, more flips Tlocations around the nation including one at than a cheerleader, and Oxford High School. The Aqua club’s symbol is a dol- more yards than a football phin because our coaches want us to fly high. Aqua player,”said anonymous. has lots of swimmers of all ages. From swim lessons Everyday, an Olympic swim- to competing on a team, Aqua can offer something mer swims on average about for everyone. The program was founded by Olympic 5,468 yards and that is about swimmer Nimrod Bar-Or. This is what some of the 3.1 miles. The length of this swimmers said about this program and their experi- pool is only 25 yards. “I ence... swim a mile to two miles ev- ery practice and I get pretty tired” said 8th grader Shy- anne Hoyt

th grader Norah Wright said th grader Elyse Bishop th grader Kiera Souliltis her favorite part of the team is said her favorite part says here favorite part 8 6 7 swimming with her friends and about Aqua Club is the about Aqua is that everyone constantly improving. One of her encouraging coaches. “They is so nice to each other and goals as a swimmer in Aqua is to are wanting to help me get the practices are what every get to a higher team and beat her better,” Bishop said. One of swimmer can do. “The im- personal records. “One of my over- her goals is to get faster times portant part of swimming is all goals is to get stronger,” Wright while on the team. to try my best,” says Souliltis. said. May/June 2019 Athletics Page 23

By: Olivia Clark xford Middle School has many sports ranging from track to bowling. But the O most popular sport in the world, soccer, is missing from the middle school. Many students enjoy playing soccer and would gladly try out if OMS had a team. School soccer is much cheaper for families compared to cllub soccer. As cited in trottiernews.org the average travel soccer team costs around 1,000 whereas a school soccer team only costs students to spend about 150 dollars on equipment. There also many more benefits that a soccer team could bring to Oxford Middle School.

th grader Isabella Hurst says she would th grader Christian Gibson says 6gladly try out if OMS had a soccer 6he would try out to see if he would team. According to grasshppersoccer.com, like playing soccer. As stated in nfhs. 250 million people around the world play org, there was around 28,000 kids who soccer. Isabella thinks that a lot of people played soccer in Michigan as of last year. would try out for the proposed soccer Christian stated that he thinks a lot of team. “I think OMS should have a soccer people would have fun playing soccer team because a lot of people at our school at OMS. “My favorite part of soccer is enjoy playing soccer, and there’s no soccer probally scoring.” team.”

icking a soccer ball is fifth grader KRyan Clark. Accoring to acitvekids. th grader Taiyonna Cox says she would com, youth sports participation drop th grader Norah Chapa wouldn’t try 7try out becasue soccer is fun to play as player stop playing around middle- 8out, but she thinks having a soccer with your friends, and it would be fun high school age. Having a soccer team at team would be good for OMS. As stated for a school.team. As stated in acitvekids. Oxford Middle school may help athletes in trottiernews.org, club soccer teams com, families who have an income of less continue to play soccer without having average 1,000 dollars. Therefore, having than 25,000 are less likley to participate to worry about paying for expensive club a school team would greatly benefit in sports due to the cost..“I think a lot of teams. “...it would be cool to play with students, cost wise. When asked if she people would try out becuase they’re are a people you know from school next year.” thinks OMS should have a soccer team, lot of people who are good at it.” Norah said, “Yes, because soccer is just as big of a sport as football.” Page 24 Community/World News May/June 2019

By: Sarah Mojek

other’s Day is a day to show gratitude towards the mothers of the world. People like to celebrate Mother’s Day with cards, Mflowers, and brunches. Families tend to gather together on this day and often have special traditions. Mother’s Day occurs on the 2nd Sunday of May and this year it fell on May 12. Many students at OMS also celebrated by spending time with family.

On Mother’s Day children th grader Keele Eberhard said that on Mother’s Day she usually give 6spends time with her mom and thanks her for being so nice their mother to her. When asked about Mother’s Day gift ideas she suggested a gift. Ac- “flowers, necklaces, and jewelry.” She said that she believes Moth- cording er’s Day is important because “mothers are the person who gave to Eastern you life and you should be thankful for that.” She also said she be- Floral, about lieves it is important to spend time with your mother on Mother’s one-quarter day because “your mother is the person you are celebrating.” of flowers purchased every year th grader Zoey Moore says of Mother’s Day, “We typically are for 7celebrate my birthday and other people’s birthday because all Mother’s Day. my cousins have May birthdays and it’s easier to celebrate that Abraham way and my aunt, my uncle, my mom, and my grandparents all Lincoln once come to one house and we celebrate Mother’s Day and eat a good said, “All that dinner.” When asked if she believes Mother’s Day is important I am, or hope she said, “I think it is important because our moms do a lot for to be, I owe us and it’s one day we can give back.” She also said that she thinks to my angel it is important to spend time with your mother on Mother’s Day mother.” because “it’s a day to appreciate her and all that she does.”

th grader Liam Zelenock said that he makes a card for his ou don’t succe “If at first y ed, try 8mother and gets her a gift for Mother’s Day. When asked about gift ideas for Mother’s Day he responded, “A common one that almost everybody does is a flower and something that they’re doing it the way your mother told interested in.” He also said that he thinks Mother’s day is both important and unimportant because “it is really nice to respect eginnin your mother and she would do almost anything for you, but it is he b g.” -Unk you to in t nown also commercialized.” May/JUNe 2019 Community/ World News Page 25

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By: Lauren Schmidt

th grader James McClear th grader Savannah Bailey 6really likes watching real- Recently, there has been a debate over 7doesn’t really like reality TV. ity TV. “ My favorite reality whether reality TV is good or bad. “I feel like a lot of parts of it TV show is the Bachelor or The good side of reality TV is that it might be scripted. It’s just re- Bachelorette,” he says. He can be really entertaining, give people ally fake,” she said. She doesn’t and his mom watch The inspiration, and help people be able have a favorite reality TV show Bachelor togther. to bond over common interests. On because she doesn’t like it. the other hand, the bad side of reality TV is that it can seem fake or scripted, can be a bad influence on kids, and some people simply find it annoy- ing. So, what the students of Oxford th grader Caylee Beebe Middle School think of reality TV? th grader Mariah Mitchell 8likes to watch reality TV. “I 8really does not like watch- like the Bachelor because even ing reality TV. “ It’s just way though it’s dramaticized, I find too fake for me,” she said when it really entertaining to watch,” asked why. She also said that she said when asked which real- the drama can just be too much ity TV show was her favorite. sometimes in those shows.

Watching reality TV online has become a huge phenomenon not only in the world, but also with the students at Oxford Middle School. In fact, according to www.webster.edu, more than fifty percent of the prime time televison audi- ences tune into a reality TV show. “ It’s just really entertaining to watch,” says 6th grader James McClear.

What do you get if you cross a dog and a fiilm studio ? Collie-wood ! Page 26 Community/World News May/June

By: William Owen

ybersecurity is a very demanding field with many options th grader Jack Bracci Cavailable for students to study. The average pay for an IT 6says he is very interested security analyst is $233,333 a year according the the leading IT in a cybersecurity job. He analyst company DICE, with top salaries going up to $380,000 a got interested in cyberse- year. Cybersecurity jobs are in demand. In fact, there are roughly curity from having access 1.5 million job openings for cybersecurity jobs right now, and to computers for most of there are expected to be at least 3.5 million openings by 2021. his life, and enjoying work- Since there are so many jobs that are so high-paying, there are ing on them; and he likes it some people that have started to look into cybersecurity oppor- because of how good at it tunities now. he feels. The area of cyber- security he is interested in is protecting people against threats online. th grader Lucinda Haselton 7says that she is interseted in a job in the cybersecurity field. She said she hopes to work for a consulting com- pany, or people that can come to your home and help figure Cybersecurity jobs are majors field these days and there out security vulnerabilities. are also conventions being based on them. the 2019 She says the thing that started MCISSE Convention was for CyberPatriot competitiors, her interest in cybersecurity and a lot of people talked about jobs there. There are was that she liked to work with going to be at least 3.5 million jobs in cybersecurity computers and she finds it fun. in 2021, according to DICE, a cybersecurity analyst She also is part of the Cyber- company. Zee Abdelnabi, a cybersecurity professional, Security club here. said at the convention “Cybersecurity is an easy th grader Paul Ziegler profession to get into, because nobody will try to get into 8is interested in a job in such a seemingly hard field.” cybersecurity, because he thinks it seeems cool to be able to help counter cyber attacks. Something that he would like to do is white hat hacking, or being hired by a company to hack into their product to determine it’s safety. Paul thought that the Cybersecurity club sounded fun, and that is what got him mAy/June 2019 Community/World News Page 27

By: Dale Schmalenberg

n July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong, took humanity’s first arraged with craters for billions of years, ever since it was Ostep on Earth’s only natural satellite, the Moon. The Bformed, and due to theMoon’s lack of atmosphere, there is U.S. would send men to the moon 5 more times, until 1972, no way for the craters to disappear, so they still remain on the when there were just too many obstacles for NASA to con- Moon’s surface, the same reasons foot prints from 1969 are still tinue sending men to space. Now, private companies are on the Moon’s surface. According to google, the Moon is about 4 looking closely at the Moon, ready to go back. Companies billion years old, and is about 1000, mi across. 8th grader Wil- such as SpaceX, Rival Company, and Blue Origin are a few liam Maxlow says, Yes, we should go back to the Moon because we have new technology that we could use to gather information private companies who are looking to go back to the Moon, we could not get to before.” but what is there to do on the Moon? We have samples of moon rock from half a “Th century ago, and the Moon arke h e m Cl o is a very hostile envrion- r o u n ment, with temperatures h i t s r ranging from 260 to -280 t A h

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th grader An- th grader Keegan th grader Ethan 6thony Barnarn 7McDonough des 8O’Dowd thinks thinks that NASA not think that we that twe can now re- should bsend men shoudl go back to cover more informa- back to the Mooon the Moon because he tion and learn morea again because it sees no reason tyo go bout the Moon with would be an excel- back. He says that if the new technology lent research op- we were to go to back we have today. He portunity. He thinks that we should go to to the Moon we should go to the Moon thinks that it will be a better idea to go to the Moon before Mars because we should before we go to Mars because we could the Moon before Mars because it is closer. become more experienced at travelling to set up a sort of a base there. If he had the If he had the chance, Ethan would like to different places first. Anthony says that chance to go to the Moon he would go go to the Moon because he would like to if he had the chance he thinks it would because it would be pretty cool to leave leave Earth and explore things in space. be a great opportunity to go back to the Earth. Moon. Page 28 Community/World News May/JUNE 2019

by: Dominic Crocenzi emorial Day is celebrated with parades, prayers gatherings, and cer- M emonies to honor the fallen soldiers. Many ceremonies are held at or near national cemeteries honoring the soldiers who died fighting in the war. Memorial Day is a good day to thank veterans for their service and to par- ticipate in at least one of the many events held on Memorial Day

th grader Jeremy th grader Jeremy th grader Andrew 8 Wray says he “goes 7 Smyth celebrates me- 6 Mentier says he out to eat with family morial day with family celebrates memorial day and when they are done because its good to honor by “going out with his they go and celebrate at soldiers who died for our family and celebrates at a their house.” freedom and liberty. restaurant sometimes.”

rs. Stitzel says she had r. Thaler says he had rs. Gibson says she had M“a member in the Army M “father in the navy and Ma “Great-Uncle, Grand- here are many memo- who was her brother and I was also stationed in many ma, Uncle and cousin all in T rial day celebrations was moved from too many countries and states such as different forces like Air Force, and ceremonies but the countries and states such as Virginia, Italy, California and Army, and Navy.” They all Boy Scouts wreath Laying Georgia, Afghanistan, Italy, more.” Mr. Thaler’s father served longer than 4 years and ceremony is really impor- Germany and more.” Her served in the navy for 25 are greatly appreciated in her brother served in the Mili- years and has lost many close family. They were stationed tant because that’s when tary for 31 years and She says friends to war. He visits the mostly in the U.S. but some the Scouts place wreaths in he “lost many friends in the graves of many fallen friends were stationed in Europe. unknown graves or known war” and other close people and family and honors them. Mrs. Gibson celebrates Me- graves to honor the graves to him. To honor his friends Mr. Thaler talks to veterans, morial Day by watching the that have not been visited. who were lost in the war he shares and listens to their parade, praying, and listening This is just one of the mil- Mrs. Stitzel’s brother goes to stories and him thanks them to the veterans’ stories. Mrs. Arlington Cemetery to honor for their service on Memorial Gibson honors fallen soldiers lions of ceremonies and them. Mrs. Stitzel contacts her Day to honor the men who by visiting her family’s graves celebrations in the U.S. and brother and prays for him and fought for this country. in a national cemetery near other countries honoring others on Memorial Day and Kalamazoo, where her grand- fallen soldiers. attend a ceremony with other ma is buried. may/june 2019 Photo/Caption Contest Page 29

Going to the White House in Washington D.C. is a great way for the citizens of the United States to celebrate memorial day. Accord- ing to www.nytimes.com, 70,000 to 100,000 people visit the White House each month. “Seeing the white house was a really cool expe- rience and felt really patriotic,” says 8th grader Tessa Saussle. Lauren Schmidt!!! Lauren

Making memories with mom is just one of the things that makes mothers day special. According to muchneeded.com, over 20 billion dollars are spent to honor moms on May 12th. “I love my mom be- cause she’s the best” exclaims Ad- dison Clark, who loves spending

Olivia Clark!! Olivia time with her mom on the lake.

Risking their own lives for ours, soldiers in the military are fighting for our country and the people in it. Celebrat- ing Memorial Day means to take time and remember the people who have died in active military service. “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,” Leilah DeGasperis! once said Douglas MacArthur. Page 30 Photo/Caption Contest may/june 2019

Aiden Bowyer Dale Schmalenberg

Red, white, and Celebrating Memorial blue line the streets Day is something that every year on the people do differently last Monday of May all around the country, to honor our fallen many people lay flow- ers down at cemeteries, soldiers. Accord- some don’t celebrate ing to www.kqed. at all. The first Memo- org, nearly 7,000 rial Day was in 1866 in Waterloo, in memory of the U.S troops have been killed between 2001 and countless soldiers who died in the civil war. Keaton Linn present day. “It is important to remember fallen troops because they died defending our country Listening to a Toby and fighting for our freedom and our liberties,” Keith song is a way to says Diane Bowyer. Michael Duong celebrate Memorial Day because it shows how Wyatt Ashely To celebrate Memo- the men and women rial Day, many schools across seas keep us free Getting ready for Memorial day will take the day off and safe. According to is an Oxford family that is visiting and people will put Billboards.com, Toby an American flag in Keith has released 17 an iconic statue replica. According to AAA, over 43 million people their yard or shoot off albums and 4 greatest hits of music. One of his hit fireworks. Celebrated are traveling for memorial day. “As songs,Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, has a on the last Monday of May since 1868, Memorial lyric that says “When we see old glory flying there’s America celebrates Memorial Day, Day recognizes the men and women who have died a lot of men dead, so we can fall asleep at night we pay tribute to those who have while fighting for America. “In the End, we will not when we lay down our heads” to show his appre- given their lives in our nation’s remember the words of our enemies, but the silence ciation and support for the US military. wars” John M. McHugh. of our friends.”-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Riley Spurlock Holden Jones Anna Rinke 80 degrees, sun setting, Hugging tightly, student and “If love is as sweet as a staring at the beautiful sun- daughter Parker Jones clearly flower, then my mother is set in Florida. One thing shows her love and affection that sweet flower of love,” that my mom loves, is be- toward her mother on the day Stevie Wonder, an Ameri- ing in Florida and spend- she, and all mothers, most can singer. A day made just ing time with family and deserve it: Mother’s Day. So for a mother, Mother’s day friends.She loves sitting in many people on this day make is a time to thank all the the sun and having a fun a gr4eat effort to talk to their mothers in the world and time on the ocean.This is a picture I took mothers and thank them, as when me and my family and friends were shown through the 122 mil- make them feel appreciated. in Panama City, Florida. We had so much lion phone calls sent towards mothers in America According to www.romper. fun and made so many memories that I every Mother’s Day, according to The Morning Call com, about 64 percent of all could never forget, and will last a lifetime. or www.mcall.org. “I love Mother’s day because it’s gifts given to mothers on mother’s day are flower a day where I can truly show my love and apprecia- and floral industries rake up about 1.9 billion dol- tion toward my mom,” said Paker. lars yearly. May/june 2019 Photo/Caption Contest Page 31

Sarah Mojek Katherine Lewis Sarah Spearing

Beautiful flowers and Every year as Mother’s Right as the flowers start to cards are popular for Day rolls around, families bloom, Mother’s Day on May Mother’s Day, people love come together to give ap- 12th is celebrated for moth- to show their appre- preciation to the woman ers everywhere, by getting ciation for their amazing who brought them into mothers gifts or just spending mothers. According to the day with them shows our Town and Country, about this world. Among those, many give gifts to their appreciation for all that they one-quarter of all flow- do in our lives. On average, ers bought throughout mom’s like colorful flowers people who celebrate Mother’s the year are bought for and fancy gifts, show- Day will spend about $162.94 Mother’s Day. Honore de Balzac once said, “A ing their thankfulness. “For Mother’s Day, I gave on gifts this year for Mother’s Day. Michelle Ander- mother’s happiness is like a beacon, lighting my mom flowers and a box of chocolates.” said 8th son says, “My favorite part about Mother’s Day is up the future but reflected also on the past in grader Anna Rinke. knowing that [she is] going to do something special the guise of fond memories.” with [her] daughters that day.”

Ashlynn Redhage Lilly Nouman Brianna Penzien “ I love mother’s day most Mothers Day, It’s important A great gift for mother’s day is not because I like all the little to show how much we love a box of chocolates but a beautiful crafts my children make our mothers! Things such as bouquet of flowers. Carinations, me.” Says Jennifer Nou- flowers, cards, and hugs can Cherry blossoms and Daffodils man. Mother’s day is a help us show our appreciation are just three of the different easy special time, where kids get to our mothers!Erich Redhage to find flowers. Haily May stated, to appreciate all that their “I got my mom flowers and she had bought flowers for his wife mothers do for them. Many really loved them! mothers enjoy it too because on mother’s day. “I go to the it’s a time when they get the flower shop in Romeo so often, that everyone there appreciation they deserve. In knows me by name,” Says Erich. Cecelia Nicholson particular Jennifer Nouman ¨The heart of a mother is a deep loves receiving anything her children make for abyss at the bottom of which her, she believes it is very special. you will always find forgiveness,” Tessa Saussele Honore de Balzac. Mother’s day is for honoring mothers Paige Comito Standing at the store and mother figures all around in front of the flow- the world. According to www. aboutflowers.com more than 250 Getting a present for ers, struggling to buy million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day. your Mom on Mother’s your mother the perfect Day can be hard, and flower for Mother’s day. most of the time we end According to fortune. Elizebeth Rice up browsing the internet com about an average for the perfect gift. 8 in person spends 172.63 A very colorful card for mother’s 10 Americans celebrated gifts but 21.4 billion are day this year just sits and waits to Mother’s Day in 2016 spent on flowers alone. be given to a wonderful mother. So many people celebrate mother’s according to Fundivo, “My favorite part about and that is a lot of gifts day all around the world. Accord- mother’s Day is spend- ing to www.infoplease.com 43.5 for mothers. But what do middle school- ing time with my family ers give their moms? “I gave her a card million people are moms. I feel and I get to receive my that all moms should be appreci- and flowers,” said Ava Gordon. “I got my favorite flowers and receive gifts from my ated for all the hard work they do mom a painting,” replied Ian Alexander. family.” According to Toni Detwiler for us. Page 32 Fun Features may/june 2019

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