Yohan
Jr. News
Vol. 45, No. 2 December 20, 2012
Christmas is just a few days away and so much has happened since school started. HMS students have proven that they are talented, conscientious students and can make a difference. Did you know…
· NJHS students collected brownies and mittens as a service project.
· The HMS staff adopted several children from the Angel Tree and bought presents.
· The Drama Club and Student Council collected food for the Hobart Food Pantry.
· When we return in January, there are only eight days left in the grading period.
· The semester ends and most students will be grouped in Homeroom for units of instruction. This could include novels, remediation, special projects, etc.
· Credit recovery for the first quarter will end on January 17.
· Credit recovery for the second quarter will start in February.
· Boys’ basketball will end and girls’ basketball will begin.
Enjoy your break and see you in January!
Veterans Honored
On November 9, HMS hosted a Veteran’s Day convocation to pay tribute to those who served in the Armed Forces to protect our way of life. In attendance were students, staff, and regional veterans who listened to this musical tribute. The program began as the over a thousand in attendance rose as the ROTC presented the colors and the pledge was said. Wolfkinz then sang the National Anthem.
Mrs. Warren and Lailani Mercado welcomed the veterans and audience followed by an explanation of why we have Veteran’s Day.
The musical tribute began with the band’s patriotic salute to the veterans followed by “America the Beautiful” sung by the Wolfkinz. A special performance of “Freedom” was performed by Mr. Davis, Austin Elliot (from the high school) and Mrs. Donnelly on drums.
The audience was mesmerized by Andrea Ward’s “God Bless America.” It took your breath away.
The convocation ended with the band playing a medley of the anthems of the various Armed Forces. Our veterans proudly stood as their anthems were played. The eighth grade coronet and saxophone section serenely played “Taps” as a tribute to those who died in service to our country.
Mrs. Warren was pleased with the program and very proud of the students and the respect they showed.
Andrea Ward sings “God Bless America.”
Be Proud
Vianee Estrada
We would like to thank everybody for being on his/her best behavior at the Veteran’s Day program. We would especially like to thank the sixth graders who were behaving and acting like mature middle schoolers. Más excelente or most excellent. The eighth grade Wolfkins sang so beautifully. Andrea Ward did a fantastic job singing “God Bless America.” We'd like to salute all of the veterans who came to our ceremony for fighting for our country.
Seriously, everyone should be grateful that we live in a free country and that we have freedom of speech and other rights Every time that you see a veteran think about how much you should appreciate the people who risk their lives to try to save ours.
VFW Awards
“Are You Proud of Your Country?" was the topic for this year’s Patriot Pen essay contest. Three HMS eighth grade students received the Patriot Pen VFW Essay Award for their essays. Honored were Gary Daniel Hall, Alexandria Fouch and Victoria Leslie. Student entries were nominated by HMS teachers Sue Buha, Jane Clemmons and Matt Whiteman.
NJHS Brings Christmas to the Early Learning Center
Members of the NJHS spent Monday morning at the Early Learning Center. Visiting each class, the students read Christmas books to the students and sang Christmas songs with them. Each classroom received two holiday books as a gift.
The Hobart Drive
Vianee Estrada
In an interview with Mrs. Shurr and Mrs. Nelissen, I asked why it is important to donate to the food drive. “It’s important to donate to the food drive because it is a way of showing that you care about other people,” Mrs. Nelissen said. I asked Mrs. Shurr where all the cans go, and she said that it goes to the Hobart Food Pantry. The whole thing was put together by the Drama Club and the Student Council. The director of the Food Pantry is Teresa Larimore. In addition to the food drive, HMS had a hat day. Students could donate a dollar or bring a can of food to get a hat sticker. From the fundraiser, they raised $50.00 and ended up with more than 100 cans!
Builder's Club
“We Build”
By Nadia Polizotto
Builder's Club is still trying its best to better our school and community. They have recently started the Pop Tab fundraiser, had election of officers, and went shopping for the Angel Tree. The members of the Builder’s Club also wrapped presents for the Angel Tree.
During one of their previous meetings, the members of Builder’s Club elected officers. The secretary is Merqurie Sage, the treasurer is Elena Polizotto, the Vice President is Nadia Polizotto, and the President is Kelsey Rich. Also during meetings, members have been decorating the pop tab containers. They would like students to put their pop tabs into their homeroom container. When the fundraiser ends, the homeroom with the most pop tabs will win a prize. All of the pop tabs will be exchanged for money and donated to the Ronald McDonald house in St. Louis.
Another cause they are helping is the Angel Tree, which is when you buy Christmas presents for a needy family in your city. In November, they went to Walmart with the money they received from a past fundraiser, and bought gifts for the family they are helping. During Builder’s Club Christmas party the members wrapped the presents. They will later be delivered to the family.
Overall, Builder’s Club has been doing many things to help other people. The have had a fundraiser to help the sick children and families at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. Builder's Club has also bought Christmas presents for a needy family. The club meets every first and third Thursday of every month and will gladly accept new students who would like to join this club and help make a difference.