Daily Archives: December 9, 2011

Go Fight Win!

Some people may say that cheerleading is not a sport. I definitely disagree. I mean us cheerleaders put so much effort into making a routine to cheer football players on and it is just so rude for them to go and say it’s not a sport. Also it’s not like its something so simple that everyone can do and it’s not even impressive to watch. I don’t think anyone can say that this picture isn’t impressive:

Plus, stunting is so dangerous. It’s probably more dangerous than football, so guys should give girls a lot of credit for dealing with injuries and all the practice.

In a stunt, there are four positions; front spot,back spot, base and flyer. Stunting isn’t the only thing you do in cheerleading though. It also involves tumbling. Some tumbling tricks are; round off, back handspring, front handspring, back walkover and many more! Along with tumbling and stunting cheerleaders also learn dozens of cheers making it difficult at times to memorize all the motions.Also included with the gymnastics and dancing is that cheerleaders are being exposed to a team atmosphere. In cheerleading you really need to trust your teammates and work together. If not, you can get seriously hurt and its just not as fun. Because you are doing all of this in cheerleading it doesn’t make sense why people will consider it not a sport! You could say other sports are not sports because your not working as a team while at a match or meet. But every time cheerleaders get together they are working together and that makes a team and a sport!

~Lauren Votto

The Holiday’s at the White House

Every December we count down the days till the holidays begin. From baking cookies to going out and getting our loved ones gifts, there is nothing more exciting than this wonderful time of the year. When it comes to the holiday season the White House decorates, cooks, and prepares to the fullest.

This year the theme for the White House decorations is “Shine, Give, Share”. This theme gives the First Family and staff the opportunity to pay tribute to out troops, veterans, and their families. Thoroughout the White House there are 37 Christmas trees standing tall in the rooms they occupy. Of the 37 trees the majority of 30 are real and the remaining 7 are made of paper, aluminum, or even felt! There is also a 400 pound gingerbread house that is a scale replica of the White House. It takes a lot of effort and time to get the White House to look festive and decorated. Hundreds of volunteers from over 36 states come to help make this a great holiday season.

This year two trees are honored to our troops and veterans. The centerpiece of the Blue Room is and astonishing 18-foot-6-inch balsam fir from Neshkoro, Wisconsin. This beautiful tree honors our men and women in the military and has holiday cards created by military children. These cards were collected from United States military families around the world and show the pride these children have in there parents for severing our country. On the tree there are also many medals, badges, and patches from all branches of the military displayed on handmade ornaments by volunteers. Historic military photos are displayed with pine cone frames and colored ribbons thoroughout the tree representing the heroic men and women who protect our freedom.

There is also another tree called the “Gold Star Families Tree” that honors the men and women who gave their lives in service. The families of these brave men and women can write messages and put photos of their loved one on this tree showing their courage. These special ornaments remind us the great sacrifices made for our freedom. This tree was the First Lady’s idea honoring the Gold Star Families. The Tree was decorated by these families who volunteered this season.

So as you can see decorating the White House takes a lot of time, effort, and volunteers to make it look just as beautiful as the year before. But as the holidays approach us fast, let us not forget the men and women in the military, and their families this holiday season.

~Madison Manware

A Day to Remember

December 7,1941. A date everyone remembers. The bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The day that marked the start of a new war. It has been 70 years to this day, that many lives were lost. Thousand of people went to pay tribute to those lost through memorials around the county.

I could not imagine how those men were feeling as the attack started. The warning sirens going off and people yelling orders. Imagine their heart. It must have been ready to beat right out of there chest. I am sorry for the family’s of those who have lost someone in the attack. I always think to myself, someday they will be reunited again. They died serving our country.

~Averye Bassett