With holiday break comes New Year plans

By Meg Rindfleisch

Friday, December 29, 2006 10:42 AM EST

Although it's not completely “beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” many students and staff at Union Springs are very ready to have their Christmas break. December has been a busy month for many people in the building, even more so than normal it seems. Various extracurricular clubs and sporting events have been in full swing this month and are just getting started for the New Year. Here's a little update on many events that have been taking place at the school:
€The Music Club is planning to take a trip to Boston this May that's expected to be quite an amazing trip. Activities range from seeing a performance by the Blue Man Group, going on a tour of the New England Aquarium, and perhaps a tour of various college campuses. Obviously, none of this can happen without the help of a few fundraisers. The oh-so-popular Kid's Night was brought back this month and a few more are expected to take place in 2007. On Dec. 8, members of Music Club and a few members of National Honor Society met at Cayuga Elementary in order to entertain more than 40 children (grades K-4) with holiday goodies and lots of games, of course. A special appearance by Santa Claus himself was made possible by Mr. David Bowman. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Kid's Night.

€ Amnesty International held their Human Rights Week at school from Dec. 11 to 18. Amnesty members spread the word about violations of human rights throughout the school, effectively impacting many students and staff members. Trivia and interesting, yet disturbing, facts were posted throughout the school and read during morning announcements in order to spread awareness. “Victim Day” was held on Wednesday, Dec. 13 by Amnesty members and many volunteers. All of those who participated were “arrested” during class in front of other students and portrayed human rights victims throughout the day. They were asked to remain silent for the rest of the day in memory of all of those who had been violated throughout the world. On Dec. 18, Gabriel Bol Deng, one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan, came to visit Union Springs in order to share his story. He told students his heartbreaking journey from his home through Africa in order to escape war in his country. Doing so without his parents, Deng traveled with other victims from nearby villages in an attempt to find refuge. “Education became my mother and father,” said Deng. “(Education] is what was going to take care of me.” Deng came to American in 2001, determined to receive an education and to dedicate himself to learning. He has set up a project called Help Offering Primary Education for Sudan (H.O.P.E. for Sudan) in order to provide funding for schools in his hometown.

€ Musical auditions were held on Dec. 13, 19, and 20 for High School Musical, based on the Disney Channel's movie of the same name. Mr. Mitchell Fabian will be directing the musical again this year and Ms. Sue May, a music teacher from the Auburn School district, will be stepping in as music director. Results were posted on Friday and practices will begin shortly after Christmas Break.

€ The high school Winter Concert was Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 a.m. in the auditorium. Among the groups performing were high school jazz and concert band, directed by Mr. Gerald Fitzgerald; chorale, and high school chorus, directed by Ms. Jennifer Hysick. It was a full house on Wednesday night, drawing many parents, community members, and school staff to the concert. The band booster club also held their raffle during the concert.

€ Winter sports are also in session now. Boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and indoor track have been very busy these past few weeks. Look out for basketball tournaments over the break as well as other sporting events.

Although a lot has been going on this month, I hope everyone can find the time to relax over the holidays and enjoy their time. This has been a tough year for the Union Springs community and my thoughts are with all of the families whose year has been very rough. All in all, this time of year is about appreciating what you do have and spending time with loved ones, even through the heart and soul. Happy Holidays and a happy New Year to everyone! I'll write to you next year!

Meg Rindfleisch is a junior at Union Springs High School

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