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 Bit of Blob Latest Role for Funnyman
by Reporter Shane Weinstein,
Tucson Hebrew Academy
I’ve said it numerous times before, and I will say it again—I love reporting for Bear Essential News! It has opened so many doors for me, but the latest door was talking to actor Seth Rogen.
Rogen has risen to stardom in the last four years, working in blockbuster films like
“Superbad,” “Kung-Fu Panda” and the upcoming animated comedy “Monsters vs. Aliens.”
Rogen has been in hit movies targeted at adults and others for kids. He doesn’t really consider the age group a film is aimed at—if he likes the script he’ll be in the movie. “I want to act in the kind of movies that I’d like to see,” claims Rogen. That’s what drew him to “Monsters vs. Aliens.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t go see children’s movies in my spare time,” he adds. “But the script for this film is just so funny and unique, I decided that I’d like to be a part of it.”
In “Monsters vs. Aliens,” Rogen plays the stupid but lovable B.O.B., a gelatinous, brainless blob. The plot of the movie centers on monsters captured by the government, who are then called upon by the government to fight off alien invaders. The film comes out March 27 and also stars Rainn Wilson, Keifer Sutherland and Will Arnett.
Rogen got his start as a 13-year-old standup comedian in comedy clubs in Vancouver, Canada, where he grew up. “My advice to young people who want to follow in my footsteps is to find a local comedy club that will let kids perform and take them up on that,” says Rogen. “See if they’ll let you perform for five minutes or so. They will probably kick you out right after, but it’s good practice. If you do that and write a lot of jokes, you’ll be on your way.”
Rogen is one of my favorite actors. When I was interviewing him, he was warm and had a humorous answer to every question I asked. He’s a true performer, and I could tell that he’s just a warm, all-around nice guy from just the few minutes I spent with him on the phone! And don’t forget to catch Rogen and the rest of the monsters in “Monsters vs. Aliens” next month!
NBA All-Star Jam Session Hits Phoenix
by Reporter Jeffrey Northcutt,
Ironwood Elementary
Basketball fans—lace up your high tops, practice your three-point shot and get ready to head to Phoenix from Feb. 12-16 for some super hoopster fun, NBA style!
The NBA All-Star Jam Session, presented by adidas, is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets are $20 for adults; $12 for kids 3–12, seniors and military; and children 2 and under are free.
Events at the All-Star Jam Session include an inflatable obstacle course, kid-sized basketball hoops, an adidas court for 3-on-3 games and an NBA store where you can buy All-Star merchandise.
The All-Star practice, where fans can see players like Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard practice for Sunday’s All-Star game, and the Celebrity game on Friday the 13th are two of the most popular events, says Kristin Conte, who manages marketing communications for the NBA.
Nick Cannon is just one of the stars who’ll play in the celebrity game. Other stars will be announced soon.
In addition, the “Where Amazing Happens” court will be worth watching. This is where world record attempts will be made by NBA players and legends. And when records aren’t being set, the Harlem Globetrotters will be on the court performing unbelievable tricks and stunts.
“One of the greatest things about Jam Session is all throughout the day, on all of the different courts, you have the opportunity to see either current NBA players or NBA legends,” Conte shares. There will also be an autograph stage where fans can wait in line to get signatures from current and legendary NBA and WNBA players!
But the NBA doesn’t come to town for just fun and games. It also makes a point to give back to the community where the All-Star Jam Session takes place. “It’s very important that we make an impact on the community…in a positive way,” explains Conte, who has been with the NBA for three years. This year’s community service activities include Junior NBA and WNBA clinics, hospital visits and court improvements.
“We’ve been planning with the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Suns organization for the past year,” Conte says. She points out that Phoenix’s revitalization of its downtown area near the convention center makes the timing just right.
Change Has Come to America
by Reporter Marissa Mitchell,
Sahuarita High
Tuesday, Nov. 4, was election day in the United States. Throughout the day, we were all twiddling our thumbs waiting to see the final results.
That night, history was made when Barack Hussein Obama was elected the nation’s first African-American president. Ebullience spread with great excitement and hope for change.
Jan. 20 was also a big day! Obama was sworn in as the 44th president. Millions gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C., to watch him make history. After a day filled with crowds and speeches, Obama and his wife, Michelle, were ready to hit the dance floor. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Lopez and many more attended the inaugural balls, making this one of the most popular inaugurations ever!
Obama has instilled hope in Americans, and now it is our turn to assist him in his attempt to get the country out of this recession. The fact we have an African-American president motivates me and people all over the world to believe we can make a difference.
Tucsonans Pitch In for ‘Extreme Makeover’
by Reporter Miriam Solinsky,
Homeschool
Recently, TV host Ty Pennington surprised the Bell family of Tucson and told them they would get an extreme makeover on their house.
Why the Bells? Lizzie Bell in one of 700 kids in the world with a rare blood disease called Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which means that her body doesn’t produce red blood cells. Every two weeks since birth, Lizzie has had a blood transfusion to keep her alive. She is now 14 years old.
This has meant major medical costs to the family. Their house was falling apart, and they did not have extra money to fix it up. Then “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” came in. While 3,000 volunteers came together to build a 4,000-square-foot house, Lizzie, her younger sister Alicia, and her parents went on a week long vacation to New York. Competing companies worked together to get the job done, not even stopping at night.
“It’s a challenge to get the house done in a week,” says Anthony Avila from Jade Cement, which was asked to help out with the cement work—the foundations, sidewalks and steps.
Laura Edwards, from the Alliance of Construction Trade Sub-contractors Association, says that many small local businesses donated crews to work on the house, building supplies and materials. Edwards says that she had not expected all the competing companies to work so well together. “It’s become like one big family out here, and it feels good to be part of this.”
The site looked like an anthill with so many people working simultaneously. Many people in Tucson got involved either because they know the Bell family or because they want to honor a local hero. My brother spent all his free time last week at the site working on special furniture for the house.
Jim Kuliesh, the coordinator building captain, says that this is “the most stressful and difficult project I have ever done in 45 years in the building trade.” There were several unexpected problems and many delays and changes. However, when asked if he would do it again, he said “yes.”
When the Bell family returned on Tuesday afternoon for “the reveal,” they were overjoyed with the new house. Lizzie now has a house that isn’t falling to pieces, and more importantly all the attention has highlighted the ongoing need for blood donations.
The show is set to air on Sunday, March 22, on ABC.
What It Takes to Feed an Army of Volunteers
by Reporter Amanda K. Kephart,
Paulo Freire Freedom School
When “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” came to Tucson to build a house for the Bell family and film an episode this month, an amazing number of businesses and community members came together to help make it happen. My mom, Diane Kephart, was one of them.
She’s the marketing director for Chick-fil-A at El Con. Her job allows her to help a lot of non-profit groups and charities. She and owner/operator Matt Hountz donated food to the volunteers.
On Thursday night, when they started pouring the concrete for the foundation, Chick-fil-A took sandwiches, coleslaw, chips and brownies to feed the workers. Many were so dedicated they almost wouldn’t stop to take time to eat. Then on Saturday, Chick-fil-A provided the food for the VIP tent. Mayor Bob Walkup came out to see how the project was going. And the Chick-fil-A cow mascot arrived at noon to hang out with the herds of people watching the volunteers build the home! It was amazing to see how builder John Wesley Miller and his people could work with volunteers to build a home in just 106 hours!
On Monday night, before the family came home to its new house on Tuesday, my mom took more than 1,000 hot chicken nuggets to feed the volunteers who were finishing the job. She found out a lot of the production staff and security folks from “Extreme Makeover” really like Chick-fil-A as well!
Local Heroes Build a Home for the Bells!
by Reporter Luke Maxwell,
Cornerstone Christian Academy
John Wesley Miller grew up during the Depression helping his dad, a talented carpenter. He also remembers his “wonderful grandmother,” who reminded him that “each of us can use our different talents to make the world a better place.”
Keeping these important life lessons in mind, Miller has been building custom homes and a solid reputation ever since.
When the Bell family was selected for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the staff chose the John Wesley Miller Companies to build the new home. His company builds green, energy efficient homes. Miller brought in seven other local builders to help with different parts of the project, which was completed through donations of time and materials at no cost to the Bell family!
One of the biggest challenges was the limited time—workers only had 106 hours to complete the house. “Normally, a project like this takes from six months to a year to complete,” Miller shares. Luckily, thousands of workers came to help. “The turnout and enthusiasm from the local community was wonderful,” he adds.
Miller was especially touched by his first meeting with the Bell family. “To see the surprise in their eyes and their appreciation…it was a very emotional meeting,” he recalls.
Miller’s greatest satisfaction was seeing the community come together selflessly to help others, much like his grandmother had taught him! He adds, “I’m just an instrument for doing God’s will. It couldn’t have happened without the thousands of people who volunteered their time and energy.”
The John Wesley Miller Companies is a national leader in energy conservation and green building practices. Past building projects include the development of the Community of Civano and the Biosphere 2 facility. He was also one of only four builders in the U.S. chosen by the Department of Energy to develop a “zero-energy use” home. Also, Janet Napolitano, Arizona recent former governor, awarded him the Arizona Innovation Award.
‘Dragon Rider’ Tells Tale of Survival
by Reporter Victoria Gonzalez,
Corbett Elementary,
Adviser: Louise Till
“Dragon Rider,” by German author Cornelia Funke, is a great book for kids in the fourth and fifth grades.
You should read this book because it has action, mystery and romance. If you like fantasy characters, then you’ll love this book for a long time.
Silver dragon Firedrake and forest brownie Sorrel must go across the world to save the dragons. They have many adventures and many problems, too. Will Sorrel and Firedrake survive or die?
Other books by Funke are “The Thief Lord,” the Ghosthunters series and the Inkworld trilogy—“Inkheart,” “Inkspell” and “Inkdeath.” Happy reading!
Surgeon Works Hard to Help People
by Reporter Meena Venkataramanan,
Manzanita Elementary
Presenting my favorite surgeon! He’s an orthopedic surgeon, which means he works on hips and knees. Dr. V works hard every day but still loves his job.
He says that being able to help people makes his job worthwhile. “My life’s ambition is to make a difference and help ill people get better,” Dr. V. explains.
“I am touched when I see their happy faces after an operation.”
Once a handicapped man came for an operation. After it was done, he left feeling really good. “A few weeks later, I saw him at a store,” Dr. V. says, adding that his job has some special rewards. “He told me that he now runs three miles a week. I really felt good!”
Why did Dr. V. become an orthopedic surgeon? “I wanted to possess unique hand skills and help people with broken bones. The results are evident straight away,” he explains.
As you can see, orthopedic surgeons work hard. But their efforts really pay off in the end. This doctor is actually my father, Nallicheri Venkataramanan, and I’m really proud to have a surgeon in our family.
Pro Goofball Puts On Great Show
by Reporter Gabriel Martin,
Davis Bilingual Magnet School
On Jan. 24, I went to the Berger Performing Arts Center to see an unusual and intriguing show called “Letter’s End.” I loved this one-man show by Wolfe Bowart. He is a great physical comedian, like silent film star Charlie Chaplin.
After the show, Bowart told me he learned to ride a unicycle when he was 12 and to juggle at age 14. He loved making people laugh when he was in school. He says he was a “goofy goofball kid.” Later, he went to theater school and studied comedy before becoming, in his words, a “professional goofball.”
“Letter’s End” is about a man who works in a dead letter office getting rid of letters that were sent to a wrong address. My favorite part was when Bowart was trying to catch a fly that was driving him crazy.
This dreamlike show has many entertaining elements, like shadow puppets, boxes that cruise across the stage and bits of magic. People of all ages would love it, so check out www.spoontree.com for info on Bowart’s performances.
A Valentine’s Day Message
by Reporter Deanna Duarte,
Summit View Elementary
Some people think Valentine’s Day, which comes around on Feb. 14, is important. But some count it as a regular day. Still, it’s always good to have spirit.
People have different stories about Valentine’s Day. Some say there is a boy named Cupid who shoots people through the heart with his special arrows to make them fall in love. It doesn’t matter what people think. It’s what you think.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Head Over Heels for Gymcats
by Reporter Annabeth Nix,
Homeschool
If you like gymnastics, we have our own college team right here in Tucson!
Rebecca Cardenas is a member of the University of Arizona Gymnastics Team (GymCats). She took her first gymnastics class at the age of 5.
“My Mom just put me in the class, and I liked it,” Cardenas says. She also competed with the Hawaiian Island Twisters gymnastics club in high school. She’s now a freshman. She competed on bars at the meet on Jan. 23.
She’s the only UofA gymnast from Hawaii.
Colleen Fisher, another Gymcat, took her first gymnastics class when she was 3. Her favorite event is floor. Her collegiate bests are a 9.850 (out of 10) for vault, a 9.800 for beam and a 9.775 for floor. She has competed with the Gymcats since 2008 and is now a sophomore with the team.
Deanna Graham, another freshman on the team, started with gymnastics because she got bored with dance. She started doing somersaults on the mats in dance class! In high school, she competed with Springs Gymnastics. Her favorite event is floor. She took her first class when she was 3. She and sophomore Kristen Schmeider are the team’s only native Tucsonans!
If you go to one of the meets, you’ll think it’s so cool. The lights turn off and the floor lights up when the meet starts. The Gymcats perform vault, then bars, then beam and then floor.
There are also prizes. The best fan gets to sit in the best seat in the house. Also, there are games like musical beach ball and bingo. If you get a signed program, you are a lucky winner! And if you’re early, you’ll have time to get jewels glued on your face or get a coloring page if you are a boy. The meets are cool, so go to some!
Golf Event Benefits Santa Cruz School
by Reporter Santos Barbosa,
Santa Cruz Catholic School
Santa Cruz Catholic School is holding its 4th annual benefit golf tournament on March 14. It is to help Santa Cruz school raise enough money for a computer lab and expansion of the school. We also want to make the school a better and safer place to learn.
The tournament is at Randolph Golf Course, 600 S. Alvernon Way. Check-in starts at 7 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all participants, and awards given for first-, second- and third-place teams, as well as some other categories.
We would be thankful to anyone willing to participate in this year's golf event. For more info, please call 624-2093. Hope to see you there!
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Coyotes Clinch a Win!
by Reporter Brittney Santamaria
Litchfield Elementary
In December, Bear Essential News ran a contest offering readers a chance to become part of the press. Winners covered the Phoenix Coyotes as they battled the Dallas Stars in a nail-biting National Hockey League game on Jan. 10.
Coyote fans cheered and were at the edge of their seats throughout an exciting game filled with penalties, fights and players slamming each other against walls. But as the clock ran out, the score was still 0-0. The game went into overtime.
Finally, the Coyotes came out ahead 1-0 after a shootout.
After the game, we interviewed Coyote Kyle Turris, who scored the winning shot! Turris, who is only 19 years old, says he is living out his dream. I asked whom his favorite Coyotes mascot is—Pierre or Howler? He answered with a giggle, “They are both very funny guys, and they sure know how to have fun.”
We asked him if he is ever cold playing on the ice. He responded, “We play pretty hard and that keeps us warm.” That’s not to mention that he’s from Canada, where it is always cold!
Turris says, “I was very excited when my turn came at the shootout.” So were all the fans watching this great game.
Reporter Ariel Rossi
Rancho Gabriela Elementary
I could not believe that I won the Coyotes reporter contest! The day finally came, and I put my Coyotes jersey on and went off to the game.
What a game, what a night! This was the Coyotes first overtime or shootout win of the season. The team has won four of its last six games and is in a great position for the playoffs.
After the game, I met Kyle Turris. When he was a kid, he played lacrosse and football. At 19, he is the second youngest player on the team. I asked if I'm too old to start playing hockey. He says nobody’s too old to start.
by Reporter Cameren Crittenden
Maryland Elementary
To win this contest, I filled out a form answering questions like, “In what year was ice hockey added to the Olympic Games?”
On Jan. 10, I was greeted at the hockey arena and met up with four other kid reporters. We got a tour of Jobing.com Arena and saw the players playing soccer before the game. We got to eat at the press box. Right before the game, the team mascot got off his ATV to give us a high five!
We went to watch the practice and visit the TV truck. Then we got to go to the press box for a while to watch the game high above the ice with the other press members before going to our seats.
It was a fast game. Number 3 on the Dallas Stars had a cage on his helmet. I though he might have been wearing it for safety, but he had already lost teeth. And Daniel Carcillo, number 13 for the Coyotes, was on the ice with little protection after having three teeth knocked out a few of weeks ago.
by Reporter Tyler Haley
Desert Shadows Elementary
The Phoenix Coyotes played the Dallas Stars on Jan. 10. It was awesome!
Before the tour, I got a limited edition Build-a-Bear made especially for the Coyotes. From the ref tunnel, I got to see the Coyotes warm up on the ice. I got a couple of good pictures!
When the first period started, we went up to the press level to watch. When we got there, there was a nametag with my name on it! Later we went to our seats. Howler (the Coyotes mascot) came by and threw popcorn to everyone. Then my name was announced on the Jumbotron along with the names of the other winners of Bear’s contest.
After the game, the other contest winners and I interviewed Coyote Kyle Turris, who made the winning shot.
NBA All-Star Jam Session Hits Phoenix
by Reporter Jeffrey Nortchutt
Ironwood Elementary
Basketball fans—lace up your high tops, practice your three-point shots and get ready to head to the Phoenix Convention Center Feb. 12-16 for some All-Star fun, NBA style!
February 12–16, the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center.
Plans have been in the works since last year’s All-Star celebrations. “We’ve been planning with the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Suns organization for the past year,” says Kristin Conte, who manages marketing communications for the NBA.
She points out that Phoenix’s revitalization of its downtown area near the convention center makes the timing just right.
Anyone can attend the week-long All-Star Jam Session. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12, seniors and military, and children 2 and under are free.
Events at the All-Star Jam Session include an inflatable obstacle course, kid-sized basketball hoops, an Adidas court for 3-on-3 games and an NBA store where you can buy All-Star merchandise.
The All-Star practice, where fans can see players like Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard practice for Sunday’s All-Star game, and the Celebrity game on Friday the 13, are two of the most popular events, Conte points out. Nick Cannon and Chris Brown will play in the celebrity game, and the other stars will be announced soon.
In addition, the “Where Amazing Happens” court will be worth watching. This is where world record attempts will be made by NBA players and legends. And when records aren’t being set, the Harlem Globetrotters will appear on the court performing their unbelievable tricks and stunts.
“One of the greatest things about Jam Session is all throughout the day, on all of the different courts, you have the opportunity to see either current NBA players or NBA legends,” Conte shares. There will also be an autograph stage where fans can wait in line to get autographs from current and legendary NBA and WNBA players!
Also with the All-Star Jam Session is the Youth Jam. This is where T-Mobile brings about 3,000 local students to Phoenix’s US Airways Arena. The kids, who have all achieved things like perfect attendance or certain grades, get to sit in the lower sections and enjoy the Rookie Challenge, where NBA rookies take on second-year players, known as sophomores.
But the NBA doesn’t come to town for just fun and games. It also makes a point to give back to the community where the All-Star Jam Session takes place. “It’s very important that we make an impact on the community…in a positive way,” explains Conte, who has been with the NBA for three years. This year’s community service activities include Junior NBA and WNBA clinics, hospital visits and court improvements.
Solar S’mores Are So Good
by Reporter Priyanka Sethia
New Vistas Academy
Adviser: Stacey Trepanier
Can you believe my fifth/sixth-grade class made s’mores using solar energy?
Solar ovens use energy from the sun to cook food. Making them requires numerous materials that need to be placed properly in order. The materials needed are aluminum foil, a pizza box, a ruler, scissors, masking tape and a blade. You'll also need an adult around to help.
The first thing to do is ask your adult to cut out a large square shape from the cover of the pizza box, leaving a 2- inch frame on the cover. Cover the cutout with aluminum foil and tape it back on to the box so it won't fall off. Make sure the foil is on the outside so it will reflect the sun's light and heat the box.
Turn the box so that its shadow will be behind it, not in front. Then prop open the box with a ruler placed so that it will not block the sun but will keep the box from blowing shut.
To make s’mores, put some graham crackers in the bottom of the box and then put chocolate and marshmallows on top of each cracker. Wait for three of four minutes and “Ding!” Enjoy your yummy s’mores.
Remember, it’s better to make solar s’mores in the summer when it’s warmer.
Lincoln Still Shines on Penny
by Reporter Mark Duncan
New Vistas Academy
Adviser: Stacey Trepanier
Americans celebrate President’s Day this month. And this year is special because Feb. 12 marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the country’s 16th president! For 99 years, Lincoln has looked at us from his home on the front of the penny—one of the longest lasting coins. Billions have been minted.
President Theodore Roosevelt used sculptor Victor Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln for the brand-new penny. It was the first U.S. coin with a real person (not a mythological one) on it! The Lincoln penny was also the first coin to ever have the figure facing right.
During 1943, the penny was minted using steel, not the copper needed for military uses during World War II. Ffrom 1944 to 1946, the coins were made from melted bullets. Now the penny is made of copper-plated zinc.
In 1959, the back of the Lincoln penny received a new identity when Frank Gasparro sculpted the Lincoln Memorial design we see today. People were tired of the 50-year old original wheat image!
This year, the U.S. Mint is releasing a commemorative set of four pennies that depict Lincoln’s birth and early childhood in Kentucky, his teenage years in Indiana, his professional years in Illinois, and his presidency.
D.C. Trip Is an Opportunity of a Lifetime!
by Reporter Lisbet Jauregui
Glenn F. Burton Elementary
Have you ever wanted to see the famous monuments and museums in our nation’s capital? Well, I got the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., thanks to the program People to People.
The trip cost $2,200 dollars plus the airplane ticket. But if you have good grades and your family is low income, you can apply for a scholarship that pays your tuition!
At first you may think, “All this work for monuments?” Well, the monuments in Washington, D.C., are unlike any others. They were built long ago in honor of people who helped shape this wonderful country of ours—like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It’s like having history class in real life.
You also go to a lot of museums! At Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s museum, you learn about how this president helped the citizens in the Great Depression. At the International Spy Museum, you can go into air vents and learn about spy identities and gadgets! For people who are in to space, you go to museums with exhibits about the solar system and one with a grand replica of the first landing on the moon! There’s even a Newseum all about newspapers!
You also meet lots of kids your age from all over the United States! At first you may think you’re the only one who doesn’t know anyone. But hey, on the first day no one knows anybody. And you are assigned a roommate in a fancy hotel the same day!
It is an opportunity of a lifetime. The best place I went was Jamestown—a reenactment of the English settlement. Except for the digital cameras, you’d think you really were back in the 1600s! The settlers are actors who talk, think and behave like the real settlers back in the day.
There’s also time to be serious, especially in the Holocaust Memorial Museum where you learn everything you need to know about Adolph Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish people. There’s a section where you see the house of a Jewish kid in the time when Hitler was in power. You see how, little by little, his family left for concentration camps, where eventually they died!
Imagine if you could go to these. Do not just say I am poor and can not afford it, because with the help of your community and dreams anything is possible!
Learnin’ to Make It on Broadway
by Reporter Tay Coben
Rancho Solano Private Schools
Adviser: Stacey Lane
Ever heard of the saying “Sing out Louise?” How about “Break a leg?” If you want to hear those often, Making It on Broadway is the perfect place for you. People from all over the country audition to be part of this invigorating experience.
Jodi Langel and Kim Steiner started the seminar. They teach a class that pertains to song choices. The teachers have all performed on Broadway and/or in other phenomenal shows in New York.
If actors make the cut, they will have an experience that will last them a lifetime. Some of the alumni have landed roles in Broadway’s biggest shows of all time! Parents can go to the seminar dedicated specifically to them—“Business for Parents.” It concentrates on how they can help you achieve your goals in the business. Kim Coben, a parent who attended the meeting, says, “The information was most beneficial.”
The students have the option to take private voice from Judith Fredericks. Dance instructor Holly Howard has been seen in numerous productions on and off Broadway, and most recently in “Chorus Line” in Arizona.
Music and performing have been around for centuries, evolving from Shakespeare to Porter to Sondheim and Schwartz. Acting is a familiar form of expression, and these instructors have dedicated themselves to helping aspiring actors achieve their goals. For more info, visit www.makingitonbroadway.com.
D.C. Trip Is an Opportunity of a Lifetime!
by Reporter Lisbet Jauregui
Glenn F. Burton Elementary
Have you ever wanted to see the famous monuments and museums in our nation’s capital? Well, I got the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., thanks to the program People to People.
The trip cost $2,200 dollars plus the airplane ticket. But if you have good grades and your family is low income, you can apply for a scholarship that pays your tuition!
At first you may think, “All this work for monuments?” Well, the monuments in Washington, D.C., are unlike any others. They were built long ago in honor of people who helped shape this wonderful country of ours—like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It’s like having history class in real life.
You also go to a lot of museums! At Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s museum, you learn about how this president helped the citizens in the Great Depression. At the International Spy Museum, you can go into air vents and learn about spy identities and gadgets! For people who are in to space, you go to museums with exhibits about the solar system and one with a grand replica of the first landing on the moon! There’s even a Newseum all about newspapers!
You also meet lots of kids your age from all over the United States! At first you may think you’re the only one who doesn’t know anyone. But hey, on the first day no one knows anybody. And you are assigned a roommate in a fancy hotel the same day!
It is an opportunity of a lifetime. The best place I went was Jamestown—a reenactment of the English settlement. Except for the digital cameras, you’d think you really were back in the 1600s! The settlers are actors who talk, think and behave like the real settlers back in the day.
There’s also time to be serious, especially in the Holocaust Memorial Museum where you learn everything you need to know about Adolph Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish people. There’s a section where you see the house of a Jewish kid in the time when Hitler was in power. You see how, little by little, his family left for concentration camps, where eventually they died!
Imagine if you could go to these. Do not just say I am poor and can not afford it, because with the help of your community and dreams anything is possible!
Change Has Come to America
by Reporter Marissa Mitchell,
Sahuarita High
Tuesday, Nov. 4, was election day in the United States. Throughout the day, we were all twiddling our thumbs waiting to see the final results.
That night, history was made when Barack Hussein Obama was elected the nation’s first African-American president. Ebullience spread with great excitement and hope for change.
Jan. 20 was also a big day! Obama was sworn in as the 44th president. Millions gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C., to watch him make history. After a day filled with crowds and speeches, Obama and his wife, Michelle, were ready to hit the dance floor. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Lopez and many more attended the inaugural balls, making this one of the most popular inaugurations ever!
Obama has instilled hope in Americans, and now it is our turn to assist him in his attempt to get the country out of this recession. The fact we have an African-American president motivates me and people all over the world to believe we can make a difference.
Lincoln Still Shines on Penny
by Reporter Mark Duncan
New Vistas Academy
Adviser: Stacey Trepanier
Americans celebrate President’s Day this month. And this year is special because Feb. 12 marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the country’s 16th president! For 99 years, Lincoln has looked at us from his home on the front of the penny—one of the longest lasting coins. Billions have been minted.
President Theodore Roosevelt used sculptor Victor Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln for the brand-new penny. It was the first U.S. coin with a real person (not a mythological one) on it! The Lincoln penny was also the first coin to ever have the figure facing right.
During 1943, the penny was minted using steel, not the copper needed for military uses during World War II. Ffrom 1944 to 1946, the coins were made from melted bullets. Now the penny is made of copper-plated zinc.
In 1959, the back of the Lincoln penny received a new identity when Frank Gasparro sculpted the Lincoln Memorial design we see today. People were tired of the 50-year old original wheat image!
This year, the U.S. Mint is releasing a commemorative set of four pennies that depict Lincoln’s birth and early childhood in Kentucky, his teenage years in Indiana, his professional years in Illinois, and his presidency.
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