UAMS MESSENGERs

Friday, December 20, 2019 Volume 4 Issue 3 What’s in a KC Street Name? Middle School By Nylah Thompson In the beginning of 2019, a long standing Kansas happy the street is back to normal. Life at UAMS City street, The Paseo, was changed to Dr. Martin Luther Saniyyah Gilliam, a middle school student at Univer- King Jr. Drive. This change was met with a lot of back- sity Academy, said, “I felt like it was disrespectful but By Caleb Truelove lash. also a waste of time for Originally, the city them to change it, then As the semester is winding down and it gets colder, council wanted to change it back.” students are starting to get ready for the end of the first change the street name According to an article semester. Here‟s what a normal school day is like for a because of Dr. King‟s in Time magazine, some typical University Academy Middle School student. legacy of fighting for Kansas City residents said First, students wake up, brush their teeth, get racial justice. They removing King‟s name and dressed and get ready to go. Once they arrive at school, wanted to stand for changing the street back to students go to breakfast or the library or auditorium for racial equality and the The Paseo would send a until 7:20 a.m. Then when the bell rings, all the stu- unity of Kansas City negative image of Kansas dents go to their classes to learn and hang out with their communities, and they City to the rest of the world friends. Finally, they go to advisory, which is their final thought by changing the and could hurt businesses. class where they can work on any homework they may name to a big African Mr. Dominic Greenlee, have. After that, the day is over and they do whatever activities they have after school. American influencer‟s The Paseo’s street signs were taken down when the street a math teacher at UA, said Eighth grader Le‟Tavion East summarized a nor- name, they might take name was originally changed, but now they’re being put he does not think changing mal school steps toward accom- back up around Kansas City. the street name back to The plishing that goal. Paseo will hurt KC‟s im- day in his Many Kansas City residents, however, did not like age. He also thinks it will only affect people who live in own this change. They opposed the name change because they the city and not so much any outsiders. words. He felt the city council did not follow proper procedures Time magazine also said, “Many supporters of the said, “I when making this decision. Some residents who lived on Martin Luther King name suggested the opponents are come The Paseo said they were not even notified about the racist, saying Save The Paseo is a mostly white group through, proposal. and that many of its members don‟t live on the street.” go to The Paseo also has its own history—it‟s not just a Mr. Greenlee disagreed. breakfast, random street name. The Paseo was the city's first boule- “I wouldn‟t say it was racist. I actually feel like it kick it vard, which was completed in 1899. was the opposite, which is kind of the issue, because race with my UA students have daily routines during Coach Nyree Young, a teacher at University Acad- was not considered. I feel like in changing the name they friends their hours at school and home. emy and a resident of Kansas City, said, “I was very dis- didn't think about who it would affect,” he said. and go to turbed … because we have our own rich heritage here. Others, however, said the allegations of the protest- class. And Paseo has been an iconic street for the African American ers being racist is false and that they have much respect then school ends. I go to the restroom and get on my community. So to change it, it is like changing Kansas for King and hope the city finds another way to honor phone sometimes.” City's history.” him. East also said one pro of school is that you get to Just about a month after the name change, a group Mr. Greenlee, Gilliam and Coach Young all agreed go to class and learn and also get to hang out with called Save The Paseo gathered enough signatures to be that Kansas City should find another way to honor King friends. able to vote to restore the original street name. On Nov. and show love for him. A favorite time of the day can be different for 5, a vote to change the street back to The Paseo passed. “I'm pretty sure there is a school named after him. If many people. For instance, Yves Rowlsey, an eighth Seventy percent of Kansas City voters voted for Dr. Mar- not, we can build a park, a statue, a memorial or some- grader, said her favorite part of the day is lunchtime tin Luther King Jr.‟s name to be dropped from the street. thing like that,” Gilliam said. because she likes to eat and talk to her friends, while Many people still have mixed emotions about this Some of the street signs still have Dr. King‟s name East‟s favorite part of the day is basketball practice situation. Some residents feel like King‟s name should on them. Next time you are driving down The Paseo, after school because that is his favorite sport. have stayed up out of respect for him, while others are check to see what name is there! As a middle schooler, students tend to get a lot of homework. So, many have developed homework rou- tines. East said, “I do my homework in advisory so I don‟t have to do it when I get home. It goes most im- Disney Plus Starts Streaming portant homework, then least important.” By Samaya Bell Other students aren‟t always as diligent about their homework routines, such as Rowsley, she said. Disney‟s new streaming service, Disney Plus, is out Plus already has more than 10 million subscribers. After the regular school day, students at UA are and now ready to use. It was released Nov. 12. There are many different reasons why people sign up offered many extracurricular activity options including Users can take advantage of a seven day free trial, for this new service. Eighth grade teacher Ms. Jacqueline band, debate, choir, basketball, track and field, baseball then it costs $7 a month. The devices that it supports in- Filardo said Mr. Greenlee‟s brother signed up, and they and Science Olympiad. If they want to participate in clude Android, all pay so they can watch everything they watched when these activities, though, students have to make sure they Apple, Google they were younger. don‟t have any U‟s or 1‟s. A U is a citizenship grade Chromecast, Seventh grader Jamiyah Allen said she signed up that is determined by behavior and homework habits in PlayStation 4, because she heard everyone talking about it and wanted class, and a 1 is a grade that shows students aren‟t mas- Xbox One, LG to see what it was about. tering certain academic material. TVs, Samsung If Disney Plus sounds perfect so far, sorry to tell The way students keep their grades up is by staying TVs and Ama- you, it‟s not. Ms. Filardo said it runs very slowly. Allen up to date with homework and everything. East said he zon Fire de- said when she goes to watch a series, it doesn't always balances sports and school is by making sure to com- vices. have all the episodes she wants to watch. plete homework. The Digital If you are wondering what you should watch, Ms. “You know, good grades are key to playing sports. Trends website Filardo said she recommends shows like “Boys Meet I try to get my work done before I do my sports, and also said it World,” “Lizzie McGuire,” “Even Stevens,” “That's So sports come second,” he said. won‟t include Raven” and “Double Team.” Rowsley said, “I don‟t stress over [balancing anything rated R Allen said, “I recommend „Frozen,‟ because that's school and sports]. Don‟t think too much about it. Just like my favorite movie, and „The Suite Life on Deck.‟” try hard, you know.” “Deadpool,” for Allen also said she‟s excited to watch “That's So Students also participate in things at school such as example. If the Raven” and other shows that came out before her genera- dances and even concerts. Many students enjoy these of the show/ tion. things. East said his favorite part of the school year last Bottom: The home page of the Dis- movie rating is There are additional shows on the way, too. Some of year was the dance. The spring dance is put on by the ney Plus app looks like this. PG-13, then it these include the “Star Wars” series, “Falcon and the NJHS, or National Junior Honor Society. He said he will be trans- Winter Soldier,” “Hawkeye,” “Loki,” “WandaVision,” enjoyed the cool music and decorations at the dance ferred to Hulu, according to various reports. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Ms. and how he was able to dance with his friends. According to CNET, one way Disney Plus differs Marvel,” “She-Hulk” and “Moon Knight.” This is the life of a UA Middle School student. from other streaming platforms is that it has no advertis- If you haven't checked out Disney Plus yet, then take Hopefully as 2019 comes to a close, thinking about ing. It gives the customers a vast library, including new a look and see what you think. these routines can help students prepare for a suc- 1 TV shows, movies, documentaries and shorts. Disney cessful 2020. Holiday Movies The Return of Elsa and Anna By Jaleeya Amerison Warm the Heart Everyone is rushing to see the movie “Frozen 2.” Young. The movie came out on Nov. 22. The main characters of “The reindeer [is my favorite character] because he‟s By Lai’La Dyer this fantasy story are Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. funny, but like a sneaky funny. I saw in the preview Olaf Elsa has white and long hair. She also has powers was doing something with a carrot, and he ate it and was Christmas is a time where people like to watch and goes on dangerous adven- like, „I didn‟t do it,‟” she said. holiday movies to put them in the feel-good Christmas tures. Idina Menzel voices her Basically, “Frozen 2” is about spirit. character in this movie. two sisters who after three years set Holiday movies seem to find a way to cheer people Anna is Elsa‟s little sister. out for another adventure. All of the up and put them in the mood for Christmas. She doesn‟t let Elsa do anything main characters set out on a journey There are lots of popular Christmas movies that dangerous on her own. She also beyond the Kingdom of Arendelle, have been released, but three of the top 10 Christmas has brownish tan hair. Kristen their home, to discover how and movies of all time are “Home Alone,” “Elf” and “It‟s a Bell voices Anna‟s character in where Elsa got her powers. Also, Wonderful Life,” according to ew.com. the movie. they have to save their kingdom “Home Alone” is about a little boy who gets left Olaf is a snowman who after a voice is heard calling out home alone Anna and Elsa made when they Elsa‟s name… while his fam- were younger. He likes summer “Frozen 2” has made some great ily goes on va- and warm hugs. Even though he earnings in theaters. It set the record cation, and he is a snowman and he can melt, for biggest global opening for an has the time of Elsa finds a way to keep him animated film ever, as reported by his life until he cool with her magic. Josh Gad CNN. Also, “Frozen 2” was ranked finds out that plays his voice in this movie. the No. 1 movie in the world at one two older men Speaking of Olaf, he is a point while it has been in theaters. are trying to rob favorite character of University The audiences who have seen his home. He Academy eighth grader Aviona this movie have given it a rating of then begins to Woodley “because he‟s really 93 percent, according to Rotten To- set up traps so cute, and he is one of the best matoes. Rotten Tomatoes critic he can protect snowmen ever.” Jackie K. Cooper said about the himself. He is also a favorite to sev- movie, “Disney works its magic “Elf” is enth grader Aliah Bilberry. “I “Frozen 2” was released Nov. 22. It is again with a sequel that outperforms about a young like Olaf because he‟s very crea- the sequel to “Frozen,” released in 2013. the original. The actors, the anima- man who was tive with his words, and he has a tion and especially the songs—it is kidnapped as a lot of personality,” she said. all amazing. I'm just waiting to hear 4-year-olds break toddler and Lastly, Kristoff is someone who Anna helped in the into „Into the Unknown!‟” taken to the first “Frozen” movie. He has a reindeer named Sven, and Ranking the movie on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being North Pole, he thinks the reindeer can talk to him. Kristoff and his the highest, Bilberry said she would give it an eight where he was reindeer were raised by rock trolls. Jonathan Groff voices “because I think it‟s about to be better than the last one, raised by elves Kristoff‟s character. Even though Sven isn‟t a main char- and I think that it‟s going to have a lot happening.” until he was an acter really since he doesn‟t have any lines, he is a favor- See it yourself to see what you might rank Disney‟s adult. After ite to middle school girls PE teacher Coach Nyree latest new release. noticing that he didn‟t fit in with other peo- ple, he wanted to go find his “Jumanji” is Back and Better father. Once he By I’Yonna Anderson found him and they took a The characters are between a rock and a hard place DNA test, it in the new movie “Jumanji 2.” came back This new movie was released in theaters on Dec. 13. positive. Then The movie stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin they began to Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale. build a rela- One of the movie‟s main actors, Kevin Hart, was “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Elf” tionship. recently in a horrible car accident that almost cost him are favorite Christmas movies for Another his life! He was found pinned in his seat under his many people. classic Christ- crushed roof, and his classic car is now destroyed. It was mas movie is a long road to recovery, but he is doing a lot better. “It‟s a Wonderful Life.” This movie is about how a But back to the first “Jumanji” movie—this movie man is thinking about ending his life, but his guardian had a lot of action packed elements, as well. The first angel shows him flashbacks of how the town would movie was basically about how there was a supernatural have looked without all the good things he had done. game that four high school students discovered while Bria Davis, an eighth grade student at University cleaning out the school‟s storage room as a punishment Academy, said her favorite Christmas movie is “The for getting detention. They were sucked into the game Grinch” because she enjoys watching it, and it‟s funny. and had to begin playing it so they could get out of it Ms. Chelsea Stiles, UA‟s sixth grade math teacher, alive. said, “My favorite Christmas movie is „It's a Wonderful Brayden Stone, an eighth grade student at University Life‟ because when I was a kid we used to always Academy, doesn't think that if he had the opportunity to watch that on Christmas Eve.” play a character in the movie he would. During the winter, lots of people either watch mov- “No, I would not want to play in this movie because ies in their own homes on their own TVs or they go to that is going to be the death of me. They get chased “Jumanji 2” first hit theaters on Dec. 13. different movie theatres in their area. around by monsters,” Stone said. Davis said, “I like to watch them on my own TV The second movie is about how the main characters the new movie were released two days apart but in sepa- because I like to relax, be in my bed and just chill.” end up back inside of it fighting for their lives yet again. rate years. The original movie was released Dec. 15, Ms. Stiles also said she prefers to watch Christmas Another eighth grade student at University Acad- 1995, while the remake was released Dec. 13, 2017. The movies on her own TV, along with a cup of hot choco- emy, Kaniah McMillian, thinks the second movie will be people in the original movie were Robin Williams, Kris- late. full of excitement. ten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, David Alan Grier and many There are also lots of movies that come out during “I thought the movie was going to be adventurous others. the holiday that you could go see in theatres or watch and have mystery,” said McMillian. Two of the fan favorite actors in the newer versions on Netflix on Hulu. “The Princess Switch,” “Let It People are excited to see the second movie. Some of “Jumanji” are Hart and Johnson. This is not the first Snow,” “The Grinch” and “Klaus” are some Christmas are excited to see the movie because they think it will be movie they have done together, as they were both also in movies that are on Netflix this year, plus many more. funnier than the first movie. the movies “Central Intelligence” and “Fast and Furious Then there is “Frozen 2” that came out a few weeks ago “I do want to watch the movie because it looks like Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.” There are several other mov- that displayed the cheerful holiday spirit. it's going to be interesting,” said eighth grader Sydney ies that the comedy duo has been in together, too. So if you are looking into getting in the holiday Simpson. Lots of people have enjoyed all of the “Jumanji” spirit, go watch some of these holiday movies in thea- The movie so far has a four-star rating. movies that have come out. tres, on Netflix or Hulu, with a warm cup of hot choco- The original “Jumanji” movie came out in 1995. It Stone said, “It‟s more than just a game,” and late on the side. was based off of a board game. The original movie and many people agree with him. 2 It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year By Lyrik Knight Christmas is a time where rations Bradford-Carnes put on their trees and sometimes give to people. In 1837, people do Christmas traditions said she puts up are “the the candy canes started as all white sugar sticks, and a with their family and friends. Christmas tree and the orna- few years later, red stripes were added to the candy canes. Sometimes when Christmas ments.” In 1866, they started to be called candy canes, while at comes around, people put up UA seventh grade stu- first they were called “candy sticks.” According to why- Christmas lights, and it is an dent Arrion Cornelius also christmas.com, some people believe that the “J” shape annual tradition. People may put helps decorate for Christ- means it is like a shepherd's staff, which reminds people up lights on their trees, outside mas. He said, “I like deco- that the shepherds visited baby Jesus on the first Christ- of their houses, inside of their rating. It‟s fun, and I help mas. houses, in the yard and more. put up the ornaments and I Christmas traditions can include certain foods or Often people use candles to put up the tree topper.” drinks, too. Some people drink eggnog around Christmas. decorate, too. Another Christmas tra- An article on time.com said people believe that eggnog People also put up Christ- dition is giving gifts. People was invented by Britain in the 13th century. Kids can mas trees to decorate, and they give gifts to their family drink it, too, but probably not children younger than 2. even put presents under them. members, friends and Some traditions Bradford-Carnes said she would like This tradition started in Germany strangers. They give them to do again including staying home and eating lots of in the 16th century. People the gifts on Christmas or food. She said, “I like doing this because I get to be with would pick out an evergreen tree Big Christmas trees are often lit in open areas in put them under the tree. my family and not out with others.” and decorate it in their houses. big cities around the world during December. Cornelius likes to helps Cornelius agreed about enjoying the tradition of The first Christmas tree was used wrap up presents for his spending time with family, eating and unwrapping gifts. in 1510, and the symbol for the Christmas tree is Christ, family members. He said, “It‟s good to know what my He said, “I like doing this because I get to see most of my according to history.com. family got before they see it.” family, and I will be hungry.” University Academy seventh grade student Akeirrah Bradford-Carnes also likes to help wrap up presents. Would you rather give a good present or get a good Bradford-Carnes helps decorate her house for Christmas. She said, “For my grandma, I help wrap up presents be- presents? Cornelius said, “I would rather give because it She said, “I want the house to look pretty for other people cause she needs help instead of her doing it herself.” is better helping somebody than receiving.” to walk in to see our Christmas decorations.” Some deco- Candy canes are a traditional decoration some people Merry Christmas, UA staff and students! Winter Foods and Drinks to Enjoy 2019 to 2020 By Paris-Jade Nunn By Mario Canady The winter season brings many seasonal foods and the inner bark of a cinnamon tree. It also helps fat cells drinks that people enjoy. Most people love a good winter burn energy, so if you are trying to burn your fat cells to snack either during the holidays or just on a regular day lose some weight, consider using one half to one tea- in the winter. Some like Christmas cookies and eggnog. spoon (two to four grams) of powder a day. Others would say their favorite snack might be cookies, Winter foods are also popular. Have you ever tried a milk, pie, hot chocolate gingerbread cookie? Or even or something else. a Santa Claus cookie? Cook- University Academy ies are delicious but can be seventh grader Genaya very unhealthy, and most Glenn said she loves “a people may not research the winter parfait made with bad things in any sweets strawberries, granola and they eat. Packaged cookies whipped cream.” Now are the most unhealthy be- doesn‟t that sound great? cause they are often made Just imagine—a straw- with refined wheat flour, berry parfait on a cold refined sugar and added winter day while watch- fats. The year 2019 has been a crazy year for many stu- ing a movie with some Top: Many It‟s never a good idea to dents at University Academy. With the end of the se- family and friends. people enjoy eat too many sweets, but mester coming, there are certain classes ending for Or imagine a great decorating there is nothing wrong with some students. Christmas and benchmark tests are com- tasting hot chocolate Christmas eating a nice, sugary snack ing up, as well. drink with all the right cookies dur- and drinking some juice, This is a good time of year to look back on every- flavors and toppings. ing the win- soda, tea or eggnog on thing that happened in 2019 and remember the ups and Many people from ter. Bottom: Christmas. downs. UA like hot chocolate or Cinnamon “I don't like eggnog only UA seventh grader Timothy Ford said, “Some other winter drinks like a tea can be a because it tastes weird to good moments in 2019 were when we attended our caramel frappuccino popular sea- me,” Glenn said. field trips such as Harvesters and how we packed food from Starbucks, an iced sonal drink Decorating winter cakes, for families that didn‟t have money to buy food.” Sev- coffee that is homemade to enjoy dur- cupcakes, cookies and pas- enth graders packed things like sweet potatoes, cereal with just regular coffee ing the cold tries can be fun because you and canned goods. and ice cubes, or maybe months. get to be creative and use lots Sixth grader Joy Nichols said, “The first half of even cinnamon tea. of colors and decorations. sixth grade was cool, but at the same time it was Do you like coffee the way most people do? Candy canes can be used to help decorate, and they messy.” “I do drink coffee sometimes, but when I do it would can also be eaten alone as a snack. What about using According to history.com, the ancient Babylonians just have milk, creamer and whipped cream,” Glenn candy canes in hot chocolate? were the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of said. Seventh grader Aaliyah Lee said, “I like marshmal- the new year. But for them, the year began not in Janu- Even though coffee may a popular option for a lows in my hot chocolate, not candy canes, because ary but in mid-March, when the crops were planted. morning drink, it's not necessarily great for your health if [candy canes add] a weird taste.” When the new year begins, people often make resolu- you drink too much of it. Whatever winter foods and drinks you like best, tions. These are goals for the new year ahead and Anyway, enough about coffee. Let's talk about this make sure to enjoy them over these next couple months. changes people would like to make in their habits and drink called cinnamon tea. Cinnamon tea is made from behaviors. “I want to get my work done, do good in sports and get to class on time,” Ford said. Nichols said, “My New Year's resolution is to be more respectful and to be nicer.” For the eighth graders, they‟re halfway to being freshmen in high school. So it‟s a good time to be mak- ing goals that will help make them better students. Eighth grade student Brayden Stone said, “My New Year's resolution is to be a better person and to not have so much anger inside of me.“ Some good goals to have for the new year might be to be on time and to work toward a higher GPA (grade point average). An article on gaiam.com suggested to write your New Year's resolution down on paper, and look at that paper every day and tell yourself, “I'm going to accom- plish this.” Also, be realistic with your goals and re- ward yourself when you accomplish them. The year 2019 has been a good year, and hopefully 2020 will be even better. 3 Checking Out the AirPod Pros Wrapping Up By Guest Contributor Tyler Lindsey The new AirPod Pros are all the rage this month have a better experience. College Football with their new look and higher cost. If you don‟t want the noise cancelling, you can These new headphones cost $250, while the original switch them to transparency mode to hear what's happen- By Guest Contributor Trevon West AirPods cost $150 with the normal case and $199 with ing around you. You can do this by holding the stem of NOTE: This article was written before final team rank- the wireless charg- the AirPod to switch ings were solidified and before the Heisman Trophy ing case. These new it over. was awarded.

AirPod Pros come These AirPods with exchangeable also have a sensor at College football has been tremendously interesting heads to fit people‟s the bottom so you the past couple of weeks. Alabama lost another game ears better. can control your mu- and likely fell out of the college playoff, and LSU was Junior Shy- sic and calls using crowned as the new number one seed. ionna Thatcher said bluetooth. College football playoffs are around the corner and her AirPods slip out Another feature is some teams have already locked up the top four spots, due to the size of that they are water while a couple of teams are still fighting to get a chance her ears. “I like and sweat resistant. to play for the National Championship. how [the AirPod Compared to the Right now the top four teams are LSU, Ohio State, Pros] are smaller, old AirPods‟ five- Clemson and Georgia. have the noise can- hour battery life, the Coach Chris Stehle is a high school football coach celing possibility new ones have a 24- and middle school teacher for University Academy. He and different sized hour battery life. Ap- The picture on the left shows the AirPod Pros, and the picture on is also a huge college football fan. Coach Stehle shared silicone tips for ple did this so the the right shows the original AirPods. his thoughts on who he thinks the top four teams will your ears.” Pods can feel more be by the end of the season. According to Apple, these new customizable head on-the-go. “If LSU beats Georgia, Georgia is done, so it‟s sizes help keep the Pros in your ear and makes it feel like The AirPod Pros and the old AirPods also have going to be either the winner of the Pac-12 or Okla- there's nothing in your ear at all some similarities. They both can connect to your iPhone homa representing the Big 12,” Coach Stehle said. The new AirPods Pros also are noise cancelling, and your Apple Watch. The which Thatcher said is cool because this feature isn‟t Verrelli and Thatcher both have the original AirPods playoff typically a feature in smaller headphones. This new fea- but would like to keep the ones they have. rankings ture can really change a person‟s music experience. If you‟re looking to purchase any AirPods as Christ- are nor- Junior Azhaunay Verrelli prefers to listen to music mas gifts, beware, there are some counterfeit AirPods on mally with AirPods because “headphones make me feel and the market. The counterfeits cost around $30, which is a based on enjoy the music.” Thatcher likes to listen with AirPods big difference from the authentic ones. the lead- because she has a unique music taste that others may not Another difference is that the charging case‟s LED ers in enjoy, which is why she prefers to listen with AirPods. light is located on the front of the case of fake AirPods. each Thatcher said the noise cancelling can help people Other counterfeits have a power button on the stem of the confer- who are in loud places get a better listening experience. pods instead of on the base of the case. They also have a ence. In She said, “I feel that people will enjoy music better and light that blinks red and blue, which real AirPods don‟t the SEC, hear things that they hadn‟t before.” have. The college football playoff bracket is set the LSU The way the noise cancelling works is that the Air- Some off-brands even come in different colors. to begin on Dec. 28. LSU and Oklahoma Tigers Pod has a microphone that faces outward that detects Some may wonder if Apple will ever release their own will face off, and Ohio State and Clemson have an sound. Once this happens, the AirPods put out a sound colored AirPods, but there hasn‟t been any information will play each other. All four teams will 11-0 wave called “anti-noise” to counteract the unwanted about this yet. aim to reach the national championship record noise. There's also an inward microphone that detects So the AirPod Pros have many upgraded features matchup in January. and are noise coming in toward it, then cancels it again. Apple from the old AirPods, and if you want to learn more at the top of the conference. said this happens 200 times per second so listeners can about them, be sure to visit the Apple website. Coach Stehle thinks the quarterback from LSU, Joe Burrow, has a good chance of winning the Heisman Trophy. “I think the Heisman is really between two players. Joe Burrow, the quarterback for LSU, has had a great season, and I thought Jalen Hurts had a chance to win it UA’s Secret Santa Traditions to make it three in a row for Oklahoma, but his loss to By Guest Contributor Olamide Sowemimo K-State and then his terrible first half against Baylor kind of ruined that. So I think Joe Burrow from LSU is Secret Santa was first started by a philanthropist preciated the fact that he received something. the real deal.” named Larry Dean Stewart, who is thought to be the Christian Terrell, a UA junior, is currently partici- On the other hand, UA junior Steven Strong thinks “original Secret Santa” according to bustle.com. pating with his friends in Secret Santa. He is doing it differently. Stewart secretly donated $100 bills to people in Kan- with UA juniors Shyionna Thatcher, Mikilah Davis, “I think Chase Young is going to win the Heisman sas for more than 25 years. There was no specific reason Quran Taylor, Eejan Clarkson, Talea Wilson and Ola- Trophy,” Strong said. why he committed these kind acts. He even donated mide Sowemimo. The reigning champs, the Clemson Tigers, are about $25,000 to New Yorkers after the Sept. 11, 2001, The rules of their Secret Santa game were to draw a leading the ACC with an 11-0 record behind two-year tragedy. name from starter and elite quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. So, modeled after his generous gifts, Americans a bucket, The Big 12 is led by Oklahoma with a 10-1 record. around the country started participating in the Secret keep that Oklahoma is also Coach Stehle‟s favorite team. Santa tradition. name se- “My dad was raised in Oklahoma and then he got Sources from bustle.com also claim this game is cret, buy stationed there in the military, so I lived there for a lot similar to a Scandanavian tradition called “Julklapp.” It the person of my life.” involves leaving gifts and presents on someone‟s door- a gift and He also said he likes the traditions they have at step, knocking on their door, then just running away so then give Oklahoma, which make the games exciting to attend. they don‟t know who left the gifts. it to them The Sooners added a secret weapon in the off- There are also other Secret Santa traditions in the before season who has helped with the team‟s success— United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Austria and Ireland. Christmas former Alabama star and former Heisman Trophy final- The activity in those countries is known as Christkindl or Break. ist, quarterback Jalen Hurts. Kris Kringle. Ter- The Big 10 is led by Ohio State with an 11-0 re- Secret Santa is not the same all around the world. rell is glad cord. Ohio State‟s quarterback, Justin Fields, is a major There are different rules, names and techniques when it he gets to threat this year in both the Heisman race and in the hunt comes to the tradition. You can always mix it up! surprise for a National Championship. Fields does not look like University Academy students have organized their his secret he‟s going to slow down anytime soon with OSU‟s own Secret Santa exchanges in the past and even now. person overpowering offense supporting him. UA senior Elijah Hudson-Moore said he did a Secret with a gift Out of all powerhouse teams, the Buckeyes seem Santa gift exchange with his fellow classmates during that he or to be the media‟s favorites to win the National Champi- their junior year. They all secretly drew names and chose she onship, at least according to ESPN and CBS Sports. what gifts they wanted to give to their person. would‟ve Coach Stehle agreed that the Buckeyes will go all the Hudson-Moore gave a very expensive gift to one of never expected. way this year. his good friends, UA senior Nasyah Day, whose name he “I am looking forward to making my person happy,” “They‟re the most complete team. They have a drew. He gave her a pair of Vans, a matching shirt and a said Terrell. good offense and defense. LSU is a close second, but I Rue 21 gift card. Secret Santa is more than just giving gifts, though. It just really like Ohio State right now; they‟re exciting to Although the rules were to “go all out,” Hudson- is about appreciating that fact that someone put in the watch.” Moore only got a few packs of candy as a present from effort to surprise you with a special Christmas gift. Coach Stehle also mentioned that if Justin Fields, the person who drew his name. If you've never taken part in a Secret Santa gift ex- Chase Young and DK Metcalf were on separate teams, “I honestly didn't know [who had me last year], but I change, consider getting together with a group of friends then they all might be Heisman contenders. just knew I was going to be hooked up,” said Hudson- or family members to try it out. If it‟s too late for this The college football playoffs begin Dec. 24, and Moore. Christmas, then start planning ahead for next year. Who the top two teams will battle it out for the National He wasn‟t too pleased with his gift, but he still ap- knows what kind of fun you might have! Championship. Be sure to watch to see if your fa- 4 vorite teams will make it all the way.