I wish you a Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays

By  Katie Kisor

          The smell of eggnog and Christmas cookies fill the air with their enticing smells, Christmas trees everywhere shining brightly. Everyone singing excited for the holidays and the time to be with their family and friends.

Imagine two voices, one that cries Happy Holidays! And another that says Merry Christmas! I don’t know about you, but I like the sound of Merry Christmas more than I do the sound of Happy Holidays. I grew up listening to everyone say Merry Christmas. Why can’t we say it now?

On a poll at ABC news said that there are only 4% of people are non- Christian and 13% of people that have no religion at all.  So with a grand total of the United States 83% are Christian and celebrate Christmas. So why must we be quiet when it comes to Christmas? Why can’t we decorate with Merry Christmas, when we are the majority?

“I have been told where I work that I can decorate but I can not use the words "Merry Christmas." When I asked why I was told those words might offend someone,” Chris Jeffery of Belleville said. “I believe our government is incorrect in thinking that anyone would be offended by the words "Merry Christmas."

When we are the majority of the country and we celebrate Christmas we stay quiet so we don’t offend anyone and yet the government are being hypocritical.

"When I got the card from President Bush, it didn't mean that much to me," Catholic League president Bill Donohue said. "I figured that's what most presidents did. Then I found that I was wrong. Everybody from F.D.R. to Bush's father had at least one card every year while they were in office that said Merry Christmas."

I think it is time to get rid of “Happy Holidays” and go back to “Merry Christmas.” After all tis the season to be jolly. 

Yearbook Cover Puzzle

Unscramble the puzzle to take a sneak-peak of this year's cover for the yearbook. Then head over to Josten's website to order yours!

Our Generation of Technology

By Katie Kisor

The dumbest generation ever, that’s what they call my generation. Why you may ask? Well some say its because some of us don’t even know how to use a ice tray or a can- opener. But what about the older generations--they can’t operate all the technology that we have learned to master.

            How can we be the dumbest generation when we can think and do so many things? We have advanced so far in technology. We write like no one has ever written in the past. We write every day. In some of the past generations people never wrote after high school unless they got a job that required it. We write knowing our purpose and our audience. People say that our technology has rotted our brains but really it has only made us a stronger generation.

            I personally think that the older generations need to realize that we are not dumb we just learn and understand in a different way and at a different rate then they have. We look at things in a more creative light. Is it wrong to think differently than anyone else?

            I know that some of my generation tend to stay in the house and not go outside because of technology and that is part of the reason people think we will do so terribly and I can’t say that I like the fact that those kids do that but those aren’t the ones making a difference the ones making a difference are the ones out their using their voices.

             I think that my generation is not dumb but very smart in the way we look at and do things. We are not the dumbest generation we may be one of the greatest generation that ever lived and no one has any right to say other wise.

By Emily Writer 


  Tuesday, as you may have noticed, cell phone service was hard to come by. In every class I went to, I listened to my fellow students complain that they were unable to send a text, check Facebook, or even send a tweet. 
    While I understand why some people may have been upset, it soon became a bit excessive. If these students had been trying to use their phones for something important, then I may have actually felt bad for them. Instead, however, the majority of these students were simply trying to communicate with someone across the building. Is it really that hard to pull up your email and type, like on an actual computer keyboard? Well, apparently so, because the complaining didn't stop.
     Another thing that I would like to mention is the fact that phones technically aren't even allowed in school. Should it really be that big of a deal that something you aren't supposed to be using during school isn't working? I can't pretend I don't use my phone during class, but if my phone doesn't have service, then I just deal with it.
     Phones aren't supposed to be used in school anyway, so maybe instead of acting like the world is ending, students should take advantage of not having service and actually try being productive for once. School is supposed to be an opportunity to get an education and prepare for our future, and while that line may be overused, take a minute and think about it.
    In 20 years, will you even talk to half of the friends you have now? Probably not, you will be busy focused on your life, your job, and your family. The people you knew and the things you did in high school will merely be memories, but the education you received will actually help you out.
     Sure, cellphones are great to have, and there are times during class when you will want or need to use them, but be careful to make sure you don't overuse them. Just owning a phone and being in school makes you a very privileged person, so try not to abuse it.

Homecoming Candidate Profiles!

Emily

1. What do you think is special about homecoming at Smoky Valley?

Well... the parade and pep rally were always fun and special but now WE AREN'T HAVING THOSE. So the most special thing is that I'm a candidate =P

2. What are your plans for next year? 

Major in athletic training at either the University of Montana or K – State

3. Who's your favorite band?

HOT CHELLE RAE

4. What's your dream car?

Black Chevy Silverado =)

5. Who is the hottest guy you've ever seen?

Can I put a real person? Hopefully he won't see this... ever. Tyler Roberts. Mmmmmmm =)

6. What is your favorite TV show? 

Spongebob Squarepants, Jersey Shore, and Dexterrrrrr!

Callie

What do you think is special about homecoming at Smoky Valley?

It's a grand ol' time! It's nothing too special, but it's still fun.

What are your plans for next year?

Going to college, probably to KSU. GO CATS!

What's your favorite movie?

She's the Man

What's the most random item in your car?

A red reverse uno card 

Who is the hottest guy ever in your opinion?

Josh Turner

What's your favorite cartoon?

Go Diego Go 

Dani

What do you think is special about Smoky Valley?

Homecoming is my favorite football game of the year because we get to see and visit with all of our friends who have graduated!

What are your plans for next year?

I will be attending KSU and following the pre-med curriculum.

What's your favorite quote?

I wanna see you out that door, baby, Bye bye bye!

What's on your iPod?

everything? Nsync, Hilary Duff, Summer Set...and the song Shake Senora.

Who's your childhood hero?

Hilary Duff...a.k.a. Lizzie McGuire!

What's your favorite coffee drink?

The Frosted Pumpkin...created by yours truly ;)

Taylor

1. What do you think is special at homecoming here at Smoky Valley?

I get to see all of my old friends that graduated.

2. What are your plans for next year?

Well I’m undecided about college so far.

3. What’s something that makes you angry?

Psychics

4. What would you do if you were an actual king?

I would make nap hour legal in school, make everyone have to have a big stuffed banana, and make everyone bring me peace tea.

5. Who’s more excited for you to be nominated, you or your mom?

My mom, she says its a privilege.

6. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you all week?

Seeing Tyler’s pants fall down in gym


Lars

1. What do you think is special about homecoming here at SV?

I think our homecoming is special because it's nice to see old friends who come back for the game. 

2. What are your plans for next year?

I plan to attend K-State and major in Engineering.

3. Who's your favorite singer/band?

Eric Church

4. How do you and the rest of the Kilt Krew come up with all those ways to pump up the crowd?

We generally just think about what gets us fired up at games.

5. Whats the funniest or craziest thing you've ever done?

Once i wrestled a giraffe to the ground with my bare hands. Also, i ran a marathon. 

Greyson

1. Whats special about homecoming here at SV?

Its awesome

2. What are your plans for next year?

To attend college, maybe bethany

3. Whats your favorite sport and why?

Basketball because I have always played it and my whole family has.

4. Do you like your chicken fried and jeans that fit just right? 

Heck yeah

5. What do you think of Ms. Lysell?

She is legit and I LOVE HER

6. Would you rather get rid of Justin Beiber or Rebecca Black?
Beiber

School is what you make of it

            A majority of our school has had Mrs. Krehbiel in one math class or another. Have any of you ever looked above her chalkboard to see some very true words? There it states: “school is what you make of it.”

            I have gotten to the point where I am sick of people complaining about having to go to school. I’m not trying to be hypocritical, because sometimes I catch myself complaining, too. It can be a pain to wake up 5:30 for some of you, or waiting until 7:50 for others, five days a week, and staying up until midnight trying to finish homework. I understand.

            Can you honestly say you hate school? We live in an extremely privileged country where we have an education that many kids around the world would love to have. You probably wouldn’t want to go to school in Europe either, where they have 2-3 hours of homework every night. Be thankful for what has been given to you.

            For those of you that don’t even come to school…why? I know you want your freedom, and you’re just absolutely sick of high school (trust me, I am too), but just hang in there until graduation. I’m not going to be the one to call you a failure for not getting into college or even wanting to go, because I don’t think it’s for everyone. Do what you feel. Whether it’s starting work, joining the armed forces, or going to college, just keep in mind that you’re building your foundation here in high school. If you’re finding it difficult to have a good attitude here, then you’re probably going to find it difficult to have a good attitude wherever your life takes you.

            I don’t think happiness comes from getting everything you want; it’s from changing your perspective on what you have. Try your hardest to be happy here. You may be fighting your own battles at home or wherever, but be thankful that you do get to come here and have a chance to be someone. Like some cheesy Miley Cyrus lyrics say (because sometimes I like to be cheesy),

“Caterpillar in the tree,

how you wonder who you’ll be,

can’t go far, but you can always dream.

Wish you may and wish you might,

don’t you worry, hold on tight.

I promise you that there will come a day.

Butterfly fly away.”

The world’s a big and crazy place. You can do whatever you want, but for now, stick to being a kid. And with that, I leave you. But remember: school is what you make of it. 

SVHS vs. Sterling pics!

Aaron Evans, sophomore, anticipates the kick-off to start the game.

Spencer Bird, sophomore, and the rest of the players meet in between plays.

The student section supporting the Vikings against Sterling.

Nick Deterding, senior, runs the ball.

A viking dives forward for extra yardage.

Touchdown!

At half time, Dani Rome, senior, performs the Wildfire's routine to Party Rock Anthem.

Poor Image

By Katie Kisor
People travel in a pack looking for their next victim, willing to stomp on anyone who gets in his or her way. They are called the wolves of the great wilderness, starving to get that next juicy story. But are they out of control?

Many people say that the paparazzi are out of control. They say that they are monsters when it comes to people’s private life. Do they even know the boundary to respect the privacy of the people they use as their victims? Do they understand the hurt that they can cause?

Why should we care about Charlie Sheen’s latest breakdown? Or what crazy stunt the celebrities are pulling now? Did the paparazzi cause the death of Princess Diana?  Shouldn’t a reporter respect the privacy of people and even the safety of those people, even if they are a public figure?

In my opinion there are certain stories that a reporter should write and there are those that they shouldn’t write. There are certain boundaries that should not be crossed, certain ethics that should be followed. Taking a picture of a celebrity out doing there daily lives out in the public. Trying to take pictures of them doing things on their private property now that is over the line that is privacy and that is a line that reporters should not pass another example of a line that should not be crossed is would be the death of Princess Diana in Paris.

According to consortiumnews.com Princess Diana’s death that occurred when her car swerved trying to avoid a group of photographers on motorcycles.  I think that the photographers should have known that they had passed the boundary lines and then maybe it wouldn’t have caused such and ugly mess, and have taken an innocent life.

Reports must be responsible for their actions and they must know the boundaries into what is private and what is publicity. They must the difference between to much and just enough other wise. They are just the wolves of the great wilderness.