Morgan Savoy It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, as Christmas gets closer and closer. Springfield is bouncing with energy to hurry up and

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2 Morgan Savoy It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, as Christmas gets closer and closer. Springfield is bouncing with energy to hurry up and finish midterms, so they can spend time with their families. One student in particular is ready for the season. Kadence Richards is ready to spend her Christmas season with her parents and brother at home doing every tradition they have. "My favorite tradition so far has been building gingerbread houses with my family." Her Christmas season revolves around her family and Christ. Richards has stated that Christmas is important to her because you get to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. All in all, Christmas gives her that warm fuzzy feeling because everything in merry and bright. Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

3 Caitlin Threeton Ready, Set, Stack! Springfield High school's FCCLA (Family Community Careers Leaders of America) will be holding a can drive on Friday, January 22, The day of the can drive, the hallways will be open early for each class to bring their cans. The class that successfully blocks a teachers' door with cans, will receive a free day for that teacher. That teacher's class will then be held in the Gym for events that the FCCLA group has planned. The can drive will benefit Tangi Bread Bank in Hammond, LA. Tangi Bread Bank is a local volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides free groceries to people in our community that are not as fortunate as us. Mrs. Tate, the sponsor of FCCLA, is very excited to see her members reach out to other in the community. She enjoys seeing the students grow into their leadership roles. Springfield High FCCLA will also be represented on January 29, 2015 at the Southern Regional Meeting at Amite High school. Kaylee Threeton is proudly representing our school by serving as the Southern Regional President for

4 Kadence Richards America is known as the fattest country in the world. Our children have been drilled over and over again of what the effects of eating unhealthy is, yet we continuously do it. Gavin Dauzat said, "I feel tired often but the food tastes good so who cares. If we die soon, we may as well die happy." This comment may seem brutal, but it is a common answer for many Americans. Others like Gwen McAllister say, "the cheapest food is always unhealthy and these days when money is tight we have no other option but to get the unhealthy food." Personally I know that eating healthy is extremely beneficial considering I am less sluggish and my performance in softball has improved tremendously. Doctors from Medline Plus say, "Eating a good diet can help provide the energy you need to finish a race, or just enjoy a casual sport or activity. You are more likely to be tired and perform poorly during sports when you do not get enough: Calories, Carbohydrates, Fluids, Iron, vitamins, and other minerals, Protein" Having a perfect balance of nutrients keeps your brain alert and your body feeling good; which all in all can be the difference between a win and a loss in a close play. As for unhealthy food being the cheapest option, that is a myth. Unhealthy food may have a cheaper price than healthy food but by eating unhealthy food you eat more because in all honesty, this food doesn't fill you up. Junk food turns straight to fat and it never keeps you full which is why people eat so much of it so often. Because we eat so much we have to buy food more often which will eventually raise the amount that you spend on food in general. In conclusion, unhealthy foods like McDonalds or frozen foods will greatly affect your health and cause you to spend more money than eating healthy. If everyone would watch what they eat, America would be a much happier and thriving country in general.

5 Morgan Sibley Is it receiving the brand new iphone, the adorable pair of brown boots, a flat screen TV, or a flashy new car? We all have our own ideas of what the perfect Christmas may be, however I am sure that some of you may relate to what I think. Christmas is not about the gifts, it is about spending time with your family and loved ones on a very special day, laughing, eating, and sharing stories with each other: Together. Think about that:: isn't being together the best part of Christmas? When the iphone is outdated, the boots are worn out, the flat screen is broken, and the flashy new car needs repairs., do they still mean as much to you as they ounce did? There was a time where you may have once desired these material things to make your Christmas perfect. What I really want for Christmas can not be wrapped and certainly can not be broken because it is to relive the memories that I hold so close. Unfortunately, I did not get the privilege of getting to know such a great man sooner than when I did. As I grew older, I learned more and more on the importance of family and loved ones, and from that, I grew to know and understand him. I have always loved my pawpaw, and he never failed to show that he loved me too. What I want for Christmas is to relive the memory of my great pawpaw sitting in that isolated chair, smiling as we tore open our presents, telling stories from his war days and Christmases past. My parents, my brother, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, my grandparents, and my great pawpaw all together on Christmas day. The love, the joy, the laughter, and the stories, togetherness, making the perfect Christmas. But no one stays forever, that s just the way it goes. That chair is now

6 empty, where my pawpaw used to sit. Though this makes me sad, and my Christmas wish can not be fulfilled, it is okay because I do still have these memories with him and a loving family to continue on the perfect Christmas. While the material things are nice to have, they could never replace the most important things of all. In memory of Thomas Wightman Jr

7 Joanie Bouchoux It s the season of joy, giving, and family. This year, don t forget to keep in mind the poor pets in shelters still awaiting their forever homes. December is the perfect time to help those four-legged friends by giving them some great care items. Something so small and simple can change the lives of those homeless animals. Most pet shelters are non-profit and non-government funded. That being said, the animals in their care have less than they deserve. Living out their lives in a kennel is obviously less than ideal, and not everyone can adopt, but everyone can still help. Common household items and pet items are always in high demand at Tangi Humane Society. Sheets, food, newspaper, and shampoo are just a few of the items on these animal s wish lists. Donations are always welcome and because Tis the season of giving stop by Ms. Spring s class and drop off a gift for a sweet, innocent pet. You can also donate toys, treats, food bowls and blankets. Spread the joy and make a difference in these animal s lives!

8 Darrelle Williams The holidays are near and families are gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to thank him for his many blessings. As Christmas time rolls around the Williams family comes together under one roof to spend their holiday together. A few days before the Holidays begin the whole family gathers at Mrs. Goldie's (mawmaw) house, where they thank God for bringing their family back together to see another Christmas. While together under one roof they cook, talk, sing, reminisce, pray, and tell how grateful they are to see another Christmas with the ones they love the most. As a family they prepare dressing, gumbo, pies, and cakes. There is always enough food made to the neighborhood if needed and every last bit of the food is delicious. They setup the Christmas tree as they hear The Temptations sing 'Silent Night' on the radio and Mariah Carey singing 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. The youngest grandchild places the star on top of the tree as he rests on his father's shoulders. After setting up the tree, they go outside and hang up Christmas lights, and put candy canes down the driveway while their uncle Dalfrey starts the fireplace after putting Noel and his reindeers on the roof. Once finished decorating they shower and wait until 12 to open their smallest present. Everyone is woken up between the hours of 8-10 in the morning by Mrs. Goldie for breakfast. When they are finished with breakfast they get dressed, begin opening presents, and taking pictures.

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10 Jerrika Claiborne C hristmas, what is Christmas really about? Well according to Mrs. Williams it s about Blessing others with presents and your presence, being thankful for the things that we have received, and the birth of Jesus. Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays, but not everyone has their own family traditions or actually celebrate Christmas, but for the Williams family celebrating Christmas is not an option. Gathering at her grandmother s home to pray, exchanging gifts, eating, and enjoying one another's presence is their way of celebrating. Even though, there are those few who choose to celebrate, just like Mrs. Williams said it s about being thankful for the things you have, and having fun, because Christmas is always an excitement!

11 Christina Kemp Ham, dressing, and egg nog for my father. We all gather in my home for another Christmas celebration. There s an endless amount of family members, and a large supply of food. We laugh and I hear about random stories of my older relatives childhood. We all dance to Jackie Neal and Pokey, basically everything that does not deal with Christmas. People have different ways to celebrate; some may sit around expressing their love and appreciation for one another. Others may throw parties and play slow Christmas Carols. My family? We get retarded. When it comes to Christmas on Highway 22 in Killian, Santa may not make it back to the North Pole because the turn-up was so real! Christmas is to enjoy Jesus birth, and to have fun with your family. Families may come in different shapes and sizes, but my family comes in the shape of a flame because my house is always lit on Christmas Day.