CMYK

Vol. 6 November 10, 2015 Issue 3

email: news@seagravesisd.net

U.S. POSTAGEPAIDSEAGRAVES, TXPERMIT No. 577ZIP CODE 79359

BOXHOLDERPO BOXSEAGRAVES, TX 79359

FREEThe TalonServing Our Community, Parents, Students and Staff

Working together...Lifting up…Creating hope…one Student at a time.

WHAT’S UP DOC?

Dr. Kevin Spiller,

In This Issue:

Opinions (pg 2)

Chapters (pg 3)

Veteran Spotlight (pg 3)

YFL (pg 3)

Drug Awareness (pg 4)

No Red Ink (pg 4)

Area Band (pg 4)

Student Spotlights (pg 5)

AgYouth (pg 5)

Haiti (pg 5)

4th Grade Student Writ-ing (pg 6)

Stats & Scores (pg 7)

Alumni Spotlight (pg 7)

Soaring Athletes (pg 7)

Heryford (pg 7)

GT Field Trip (pg 8)

For some time now, I have been giving a great deal of thought about judgmental people. With the advent of social media, a platform for criticizing and judging others has become very easy. This is a very unhealthy activity and is very draining for all parties involved. If you are currently struggling with or have struggled with how to deal with these individuals, here are a few ideas to try and deal with these characters.

First and foremost, be compassionate. Try to remember that something happened in these people’s lives to make them this way. Somebody was unkind to them or projected a negative view towards them, making them see themselves in an undesirable way. Show Christlike compassion and pray for these individuals remembering what it says in the scriptures: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

If negativity is directed at you from another, try not to take it personally. People who judge others judge everyone in a critical way, not just you. On the outside they may project an air of confidence like the know-it-all, but inside they really are very insecure.

See DOCpage 8

By Paulina Carrillo

On Wednesday, November 4th, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Spiller called all students to the gym for a meeting to review the school’s new drug policy.

Currently, students at SISD are randomly chosen to get drug tested monthly. According to the SISD administration, the policy was first implemented in 2009 to keep students in line and to give them incentive to not fall into peer pressure and do drugs. If test results were positive, students had consequences based on the number of offenses.

Students not involved in Athletics lost

parking privileges and had their parents notified. Student Athletes had additional consequences: First Offense: Students would have to run 25 miles and would be ineligible from competition until the miles are completed. Second Offense: Students would have to run 50 miles and have a 60 day calendar day suspension from competition. Third Offense: Students would be suspended from athletic program for one calendar year and seek help at a treatment center. Fourth Offense: Students would have automatic removal from athletic program.

This school year, 10-15 percent of the student who were randomly chosen for drug testing tested positive. “This percentage made me sick to my stomach,” said Superintendent Dr Kevin Spiller. “Some school districts around the area make fun of Seagraves for drug testing. They don’t realize what their students are doing because they are too embarrassed to test their students, and they decide to bury their heads in the sand. We’re not going to bury our heads in the sand. We’re going to do what’s best,” said Spiller. As of December 1st, there will be a new drug policy implemented

at Seagraves ISD. With this new policy, there will only be three offenses. “We’re going to treat this like baseball. Three strikes and you’re out,” said Spiller First Offense: Student will be suspended for 30 days from any extracurricular activity and the student’s parking pass will also be suspended for 30 days. The student will also have to complete four hours of counseling. The student will be allowed to participate in practices, but not in any competitive activities or performances.

See DRUGpage 2

New drug policy to be implemented December 1

By Nikki WilsonThe Seagraves

Eagles eased into a district title win Friday night as they rolled past Plains with a 71-0 victory, finishing up the season 4-0 in Class 2a Division II with an overall record of 9-1.

Before the game, Junior Quest Williams shared the night’s objective. “Coach said we need to get at least 60 [points] before half,” and

that’s exactly what they did.

Coach Steve Heryford said the Eagles are ranked anywhere from #2 to #5 in the state 2A class.

“I don’t mind [the rankings],” he said. “Being ranked lower lets our coaches, players, and community know that we still have plenty to prove. The only poll I care about being #1 in is the last one

of the season.”The starters

wrapped up the first half at 63-0 after Senior Cory Kyle led with 164 yards for 3 touchdowns, grabbing the first touchdown at less than a minute into the first quarter after a pass completion from sophomore teammate Joseph Guerrero.

Guerrero went on to complete five more passes for 74 yards along

with two touchdowns before the game ended.

The second half was about the second string. Plains transfer Will Wilkins ran four times for 34 yards, scoring a touchdown for the Eagles early in the 3rd quarter.

“It all started with the offense and ended with the second string defense. I’m glad they’re getting the experience,” said Williams.

Eagles Soar Past PlainsTake District Title

See DISTRICT pg 7

Upcoming Events• Bi-District Playoff vs

Lockney- 8:00pm @ Plains Capital Park, Lubbock

• JH One-Act Play Contest, Saturday, Nov 14, 3:30pm @Plains

• Varsity Lady Eagles- Smyer Tournament Thurs-Sat

• JH Basketball @ Sundown Nov 16 @ 4:00

• JV & Varsity Lady Eagles vs. Forsan, home @ 5:00 & 6:30

• Seagraves JV Tour-nament, Nov 19th & 21st

OpinionI’m Just Sayin’...by Nikki Wilson, Journalism Advisor/

Page 2 November 10, 2015 The Talon

The Talon

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Please Return and Send $27 for one year subscription to:The Talon NewspaperAttention: Kami MIller/Nikki WilsonPO Box 215, Seagraves, Texas 79359

Talon Media StaffGabby Valles

Brittany Martin

Taylor Spiller

Bailee Lemon

Kaylee Mueller

Bry Minjarez

Zharia Childers

Melissa Longoria

Advisors: Nikki Wilson & Kami MillerEmail: news@seagravesisd.net

Paulina Carrillo

Just a Small Town Girlby Kami Miller, Talon Media Advisor

Talon Staff Editorial

The notes were dancing along the keyboard, arriving at my ears in steady carefulness as the melody took its steps along an unknown pathway, and my heart soared a little. When my son Cody finished playing his improvised song on the piano for me yesterday, I told him it was beautiful. His response was interesting.

“Here’s the thing, though, Mom. I’ll never be able to play that song in that exact way again,” he said.

“And that’s life, Cody,” I said.

“And that’s why I tried to make it as long as I possibly could,” he said.

I never intended to be a theater teacher. I loved acting in high school, and although I tried to be involved in drama in college, I was not comfortable enough in my own skin at that point to either enjoy it or contribute in any meaningful way. Life threw me into theater anyway, and the lessons I’ve learned continue to pop up in unexpected moments.

If you choose to be an artist of any kind (and by “be”, I mean practice, attempt, try), you will find yourself improvising. Music, theater, drama, visual arts….all require that you venture out onto some sort of empty canvass and be brave enough to cast your

splatter of paint and own it, wherever and however it may fall. The uncertainty of how that paint falls casts fear into most all of us.

And so you may choose to actively avoid the arts for that reason, or because you see it as a silly venture, an indulgent waste of time. I have news for you. Life is art. You’ll be creating and improvising anyway. When you graduate from high school, when you choose a spouse, when you find a job, when you make that business plan, when you brainstorm company goals, when you begin that project for work, when you decide what to make for dinner……it is all art. You will be creating, improvising, and owning every day in big and small ways, and because life is art, art is perhaps the best practice for doing life.

We make it up as we go, and we make the music last as long as we can. This life is our song, and it is the only one we have. As we create, improvise, and own our choices, our pathways, our life, let’s do it with intention, with attention, with recognition of the beauty of each moment, each person, and each day.

Be the change you wish to see

“I think that in today’s world, by nature, we are all self-centered. And that often leads to selfishness.” - Gary Chapman As I walk the halls of Seagraves High, I can’t help but to be disappointed at times. I hear conversations and see things that are so wrong. It seems like everyone is so self-centered and they only care about themselves. People think that everything should go the way they want it to be and throw little tantrums when they don’t get their way. I realize that it sounds like I’m just complaining about regular teenagers because let’s be real - that’s how 80% of us act most of the time, but I just want to look at things from a different perspective. If we were to take all selfishness away, this

world would be so much better. Maybe if people could be genuinely nice to one another, there wouldn’t be so many problems in this world. Most people have this state of mind that makes them think they have the power to do whatever they want and treat people however they want, but they don’t. I was always told to treat everyone with respect, no matter the age. You have to give respect to earn it, but some people are so focused on themselves that they don’t even give people the time to give them respect. I challenge everyone to be a little less selfish. Do things for people you usually wouldn’t do for them. Be generous and have sympathy for those around you. “The world is filled with nice people. If you can’t find one, be one.” BE that person. BE selfLESS instead of selfish.

Growing up in a small town it drove me crazy that everyone knew, or at least thought they did, everything about ev-eryone. All the gossip and rumors can drive a person insane. Now that I am an adult I realize that those things haven’t changed but my perspective has. I now realize that being part of a small town gives you a sense of belonging. When you have been sick, or out of town, or just not yourself people notice, people care. When you live in a larger town it is more likely that nobody will notice that you aren’t yourself or that you have been MIA for a couple of days. It is nice to know that people care about you, or at least realized you were not there. In a small town you can easily get in-volved with many activi-ties, even as an adult. In a larger town you might not know who to talk to in order to get involved. Sometimes it seems in

larger towns that there is always someone who can do your task better but in a small town you feel needed. People know and see your strengths and weaknesses when you live in a small town. We need to accept everyone around us for who they are. Use their strengths and help them work on their weak-nesses. That’s what makes good towns become great towns, helping each other. Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” We are blessed in Seagraves because there are a lot of people who care and are willing to lend a helping hand. Do not take for granted what you have, the people are what make a town great.

Second Offense: Student will be suspended for 60 days from any extracurricular activity and the student’s parking pass will be suspended for 60 days as well. The student will have to complete 12 hours of counseling. The student will not be permitted to participate in practices.

Third Offense: Student will be barred from participation in any extracurricular activity and the student’s parking pass will be revoked for the remainder of the student’s enrollment in the district.

The school sent home new policies with the high students to sign and return. The policies

due November 30 if students wish to continue to participate in athletic events or drive.

Overall, students responded positively to the change.

“This is good because it’s going to make people want to change. We have to stay committed to our teams,” said Junior Diante Lott.

“This new policy is going to turn children

into men,” said Junior Jonathan Nicolas.

“The most selfish thing you can do is get suspended and get kicked off a team or activity for this reason,” said Dr. Spiller. “If you can’t do it for me, or your coaches, do it for your teammates, your buddies,” said Spiller.

“This new policy is not to punish them. It’s to give them a reason not to do drugs,” said Athletic Director Steve Heryford. “If we can’t win this battle, then winning games on the field won’t mean anything,” said Heryford.

con’t DRUG page 1

Chapters

By Toni Polyak, Gaines County Library - Seagraves Branch

Page 3 November 10, 2015 The TalonAround Town

Chapter 1: READ!...The word speaks for itself. Take advantage all that your library has to offer. There is a world of imagi-nation in books. Share with your children! Teach them the joy of reading! Take time for yourself and enjoy a good book!

Chapter 2: National For-giveness Day…October 31 is designated as National Forgiveness Day. It’s a cel-ebration of unconditional love in which people take time to repair, rebuild and revive damaged relation-ships using the process of unconditional forgiveness and love. Why not make it more than one day out of the year? Why not practice forgiveness each and every day!

Chapter 3: November Rec-ognitions…Here are but a few of the celebrations and recognitions for the month of November: American Diabetes Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Aviation History Month, National Adoption Month, National Cook for Your Pets Month, National Epi-lepsy Awareness Month, Peanut Butter Lover’s Month, Vegan Month, and National Memoir Writing Month.

Chapter 4: Fall Back…November 1st is the day daylight saving time ends, when we turn our clocks back and “gain” an hour. Instead of filling that ex-tra hour with work and stress, use that hour to do nothing, otherwise known as “zero tasking”. Relax, reenergize, refresh and re-load!

Chapter 5: VOTE!...Tues-day, November 3 is gener-al election day. Many state and local government elections are held on this day, as well as presidential and congressional elec-tions in the appropriate year. Please practice your “Right to Vote”.

Chapter 6: National Men Make Dinner Day, No-vember 5…One day set aside for “Non-Cooking Men Only” in the kitchen. Let the men whip up some culinary delight with no help from family mem-bers. In the true spirit of Men Make Dinner Day, barbecues are not al-lowed!

Chapter 7: National Young Reader’s Week – Nov 9-13…Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book ,in the Library of Congress, es-tablished National Young

Readers Week to remind Americans of the joys and importance of reading for kids. Schools, libraries, families and communi-ties nationwide use this week to celebrate reading in a variety of creative and educational ways. For info: The BOOK IT! Program. www.pizzahut.com/bookit.

Chapter 8: Veteran’s Day, November 11…This day honors the end of World War I, signed at 5 am, Nov 11, 1918, in Marshal Foch’s railway in the for-est of Compiegne, France. Hostilities ceased at 11 am. Veteran’s Day is rec-ognized in other countries as Armistice Day, Re-membrance Day, Victory Day or WWI Memorial Day. Many places observe a silent memorial at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year. Let us take this day to remember the many who fought for our free-dom and the freedom of our allies; those who perished and those who lived to tell. Let us be ap-preciative of the men and women who defend our nation.

Chapter 9: World Kind-ness Day, Nov 13…As the name implies, World Kindness Day is about being kind to the world. The “Lonely Planet” not only refers to a travel guide, it is descriptive of Earth, the only planet in our solar system known to be teeming with life. It’s all we have, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to make it the nicest place to live. There are many ways to share kindness on this day: Try to smile at 10 people today; leave something special, such as flowers, on your neigh-bor’s doorstep, a baked good, an invitation to share a meal. You can also organize a group of people and go through your com-munity and pick up the trash or pull weeds. Help others who cannot do these things themselves.

Chapter 9: Happy Oc-tober Birthdays Authors and Illustrators…Stephen Crane, Will Rogers, Wal-ter Cronkite, Will Du-rant, Carl Sagan, Oliver Goldsmith, Howard Fast, Carlos Fuentes, Geoffrey Wolff, Neil Gaiman

Chapter 10: Veteran’s Day: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” ~ Elmer Davis

By Bailee Lemon

Marsha Dossey is a Seagraves resident, known as a reliable substitute for Seagraves ISD. She is loved by countless former students because of her many years in the classroom as an English teacher at Seagraves ISD. Marsha, however, is not the only hero in her family. Her husband, Ronney Dale Dossey, is a veteran.

Dossey was

born January 3, 1950 in Lamesa, Texas. He was raised and attended school in Plains and Denver City. Dossey joined the Navy in 1970, and was honorably discharged in 1972. His attained rank was an E-3 Airman.

Dossey aboard the USS America, which was docked 5 miles off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was waved in fighter jets on the aircraft carrier. Unfortunately, Dossey broke his back while on ship. Dossey then became

a Disabled Veteran. “While serving, I

learned to really respect and take care of our Veterans. It’s a TOUGH job. All Veterans deserve the very best of care,” added Dossey.

Seagraves ISD will be holding its annual

Veteran’s Day program on Wednesday, November 11 in the Seagraves JH auditorium. The community is invited to attend. Veterans and their families are welcome to stay for lunch in the JH gym.

By Nikki Wilson

The Seagraves Ironman Youth Football teams have finished their regular season. The 3rd and 4th grade finished with a 6-2 record. Coach Rick Bueno is proud. “These young boys practiced long hours throughout the season and it had paid off for them. These boys played a tough regular season schedule,” said Bueno. The YFL played Andrews, Lubbock Roo-sevelt, Abernathy, Sun-down, Brownfield, and the Lubbock Optimist Boys Club. The only regular season loss was to An-drews, 12-0, they went on to win the Ironman Super Bowl. The other loss was a playoff game to Lubbock Roosevelt, 18-0. Roosevelt ended up in

2nd place. The Lil Eagles played Abernathy for 3rd place and 18-12. This game was played in Slaton November 1st and brought home the 3rd place plaque. Bueno appreci-ates the help he and his teams got along the way. “We would like to thank Dr. Spiller and the entire Eagle coaching staff. Also, we’d like to give a great big thank you to Maria Jacuinde for all her hard work, to Ruben and Christy Valles for all their hard work, and to all the parents and all the fans,” said Bueno. Bueno coaches the 3rd and 4th grade teams along with Jr. Rodriguez. Robert Bueno, Adrian Jacuinde, and Martin Salazar coach the 5th and 6th grade teams.

Little Irons on fireYFL ends regular season

Talon honors DosseySISD to hold program, lunch for veterans

Page 4 The Talon

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School News November 10, 2015

by Gabriela Valles

On October 24 the Pride of the Plains High school band traveled to Amarillo, Texas to compete in the area marching contest. Twenty-one bands including Seagraves competed all morning and afternoon to receive a spot in the finals to advance to state. Even in 56 or

so degrees, the band performed at 11:15 that morning. The band marched their show and stayed and watched the other bands. Around 4:30pm all the bands performed and waited for their results. The band earned 16th place.

In order for the band to perform again that evening, they had to have

placed in the top 10. To advance to state, the band needed to place in the top 4.

On November 2 the state band marching contest was held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

In first place was New Deal High School, second was Sundown High School, and third Carlisle High School.

Pride of the Plains Band performs at Area

By Taylor Spiller

On Friday, October 23rd, Officer Cory John-son and parent Cory Kyle came to Seagraves High School to educate the students about drugs and drug awareness for Red Ribbon Week.

Officer Johnson gave an educational pre-sentation about how drugs affect the brain and what the penalties are for doing drugs or being caught in possession of drugs.

Johnson showed videos that demonstrated how different kinds of drugs affect the parts of your brain that control dopamine, and other chemicals.

“The goal of my presenta-tion is to increase your

knowledge and prepared-ness should you encoun-ter a situation involving drugs,” said Officer Johnson.

• He gave the stu-dents at Seagraves High School some eye opening facts about drugs.The only thing

that affects more people than sub-stance abuse in America today is heart disease.

• Substance abuse is the single largest contributor to crime in the United States.

• More young Americans die from drugs than suicide, firearms, or school vio-lence.

“Drugs are things that people don’t need to sur-vive, but people still use them every day,” said Officer Johnson.

Raymond Cory Kyle, father to Seagraves Senior, Cory Kyle, told his story. He talked about how he had been a great athlete and had everything that he could want, but he did drugs because he thought they were cool. He talked about his long road to recovery and about how

he wants the students to learn from his mistakes.

“God didn’t make a mistake when he put you here. He has a pur-pose for everyone. The mistakes that you make do not define you,” said Kyle.

He really focused on the fact that students make their own decisions. No one else is going to be able to make them do the right thing. They have to do it for themselves.

Kyle said, “Don’t allow life to overwhelm you enough to turn to drugs. The choices that you make today will af-fect you tomorrow.”

Seagraves Su-perintendent Dr. Kevin Spiller said, “It’s im-portant to get different perspectives on the fight against drug abuse both from law enforcement and people who have lived it and struggled with it in their personal lives. Awareness is so critical for young students. They need to know the pitfalls and the consequences of making bad choices.”

Johnson, Kyle meet with students, share the cost of drugs and the value of life

Spiller, Garcia top NoRedInk performers

By Bailee Lemon

This school year, Seagraves ISD has introduced a new site to students called “NoRedInk.” NoRedInk is a website created by a teacher that helps students improve their grammar and writing skills by

using their personal interests. English teacher Mary Heryford said, “I like NoRedInk because it seems like it’s fun for the students. I like how they are able to complete and practice lessons at their

own pace. If they don’t understand the lesson, tutoring is provided. I’m seeing improvement in class. The students are able to apply the newly learned skills to their own writing.”

NoRedInk sends monthly reports on the students. It sends the student usage, breakdown by grammar category, usage by teacher, student performance, and the top 20 student performers.

This school year, high school students have

answered 48,095 questions on NoRedInk. 47,788 questions were answered in just October. Freshman Hannah Spiller has been the number one Seagraves High school student performer for both

September and October, with 70 topics mastered. “I enjoy the format and the material. It is very helpful, and it uses great examples to help me learn. I have noticed that ever since I’ve started working on NRI I use some of the things I’ve learned in my writing. I also now really understand where to put commas and the different parts of sentences,” said Spiller. Sophomore Abeni Garcia is the number two performer, with 34 topics mastered. “I think

NoRedInk is helpful and gives great examples. I think it’s helpful because it asks you about the same thing over and over. I like using it because it’s better than doing worksheets that look boring. I also think that it has made me a better writer because I know where to put certain things now, such as commas,” said Garcia. NoRedInk has been helping SISD students improve their writing and learn new

things that involve their personal interests.

All students start with a 0 mastery score on each topic and work their way towards 100. Out of 199 students, 124 of them have a score of 75 and above.

Page 5 November 10, 2015 The TalonIn the Spotlight

AgTexas Farm Credit Services introduces the AgY-outh of the month. This program highlights some of

the best and brightest young minds in Texas - 4-H and FFA members in the South Plains, Panhandle, and

Central Texas areas. This program will honor students who excel in the classroom and as leaders in their FFA chapters and 4-H clubs. The purpose of the AgYouth program is to recognize and support Ag youth while building relationships within the communities we

serve.

A Student Soars

By Paulina Carrillo

“What I want to leave behind when I leave Seagraves High is that I made everyone happy one way or another,” - Case Clark. Senior Case Clark is the Student Spotlight for this edition of the Talon.

Case was born on April 9, 1998 in Lubbock Texas. He is the son of Kendra Sellers and Eddie Clark.

His mother, Kendra works as the bookkeeper for Tokio CO-OP Gin and his father, Eddie is the location manager of Crop Production Services in Floydada Tx. Case has two siblings, Cole Clark and Matthew Sellers, who are both 21.

Case Clark is well known around Seagraves High and is a very involved student. Clark is involved in FFA, FCA, FTA, Eagle Leadership, Auto Tech, and UIL. He also plays tennis and football. His position in football is left tackle on the offensive line.

“My favorite thing about Seagraves High School is the close friendships bonds. I’ve made friends that I know will always be there for me,” said Clark

Clark’s favorite teacher is Mr. Zach Pipkin. “He has properly prepared me for the future and I thank him for that,” said Clark.

“Case is a good young man and he has the team’s and the school’s best interest at heart,” said Offensive Line Coach Billy Wilson.

“Case Clark is one of the most respectful students I have ever met,” said High School English Teacher Nikki Wilson.

“Case doesn’t always make the right choices, he is a teenager after all, however even when he has to face the consequences of his choices he does it in a mature and respectful way and that is rare coming from a student and it makes him stand out,” added Wilson.

Pride of the PlainsSoaring Band Student

by Gabriela Valles

This week’s Soaring Band Student is Daniel Carrion. Carrion is a junior and plays the saxophone.

Carrion’s top three favorite stand tunes are “Shout it Out”, “Barbara Ann”, and “Louie Louie”. During marching season, the band performs their halftime show for contests and Carrion’s favorite

show that he has played in the years he has been in the high school band is The Fall of Troy.

“My favorite thing about band is marching season. I like to go to contests and see all the other bands perform their shows. Some are really cool,” said Carrion. “My biggest goal is to become the best saxophone in Seagraves.”

See CASE page 8

By Gabriela VallesOn October 6th,

Ovidio Martinez Jr. and Taylor Spiller traveled to Haiti for a mission trip. They stayed there for a week helping the people of Haiti. These are their thoughts about the trip:

Taylor Spiller is a junior at Seagraves High School and is a member of Pathway Sendero Church: I have been to Haiti twice now, and each time I learn something new. As I sit here writing this on my Chromebook the school provided for me, I think of a school that Mr. Martinez and I saw. It was smaller than a classroom here. The roof was made of a tarp, and the sides were made of tin. It had two chalkboards and about four desk looking things. It served as both School and Church. There are some things in Haiti, like that school, that make you

catch your breath and realized how blessed you are, but there are things that make you envious as well. Every person that you see, you can wave at and say bonjour or bonswa. They are so friendly to one another.

Here, you can walk by thousands of people and never say hi to any of them. The faith in Haiti is unshakable because it is the center of their lives. God is the same no matter where you are. He is the same God in America, Haiti, Africa, China, Brazil, and everywhere else in the world. The way we perceive Him though, is different. In Haiti, where the sole purpose for going is Him, He is what we focus on. When I was there, every person, animal, and place would bring Him to mind. Here in America, we have to set aside a day to worship

Him because we couldn’t be bothered to otherwise, and sometimes even that day is just too much for us. There are some amazing people that you meet when you go on mission trips, no matter

where you go. When I went in January, I got to briefly meet a group from Nebraska and a group from Indiana. It was on that trip that I met an amazing young lady named Vicky Chiem, and she was the person who invited me to go on a second trip to Haiti. This time around, we met a group from Sand Springs Oklahoma named Wilson’s Call. They are all amazing people with a heart for God and for Haiti. They went out of their way to include Vicky, Mr. Martinez, and myself. They really impacted my life with their wonderful spirits.

Spiller, Martinez find unexpected riches in Haiti

Page 6 The Talon

4th Grade Writers

From the Student’s Desk November 10, 2015

“Hay kids it is time to go” “OK” I ran to are gray van,” were are we going” I said. “Somewere fun” my ant said. We drove for hours. “We are at chuky chees!!!” I yelld loudy and happly, we want inside. First we bot some pizza then I play some gams we were there there for for hours. I time to go we drove back home.

-Carlos Baltazar

It was my ninth Birthday and me, Dacian, Raymon, Tom-my, and Christian were going to Adrilian city. Adrilian city has a whate room, Lazer tag, trampoline and all sorts of activitys to do. We played doge ball but trampoline doge ball. I was cinda funner then the regulare vershen. When we were done playing so every body had to go hom.

-Aidan Rodrigue

I came to mainevent with my tio and my cousin we were going to play lasertag and win prizes tHe First tHing we did was play Lasertag I was Blue and my cousin was ReD I blasted Him 5times and He sHot me 5 times after we played a few games we went to win some prizes I won some little toy’s my cousin wanted to get some toys From tHe crane mecHine aFter tHat we Went Back in tHe car and Went Home

-Angel Moreno

One day for vacation we whent to Ocklahoma. When we got to Ocklahoma we whent to my cousins house. We picked them up so we could go to the pools. When we got to the pools. We whent strat into the pool the first thing I did is go into to the small pool you could see everything. There were too big slides one was going around and around the other one whent straight down then it did a little curve. There was a game there was a net at the top so you could hold it there was big plastic leafs on top of the pool you had to step on the leafs and hold the net so you could go to the other side that was a very fun game. Next I whanted to swim but I didnott Know how So my tio hold me from my legs and then he let me go and started to swim I was swimming all over the place but then my mom said time to eat we ate nochos, hot chetoes with chesse and hot dogs then I had a chance to go down the slide. Until my mom said it was time to go when I got to my cosins house, I whent to sleep.

-Mia Rascon-Mingura

Run run! I shouted me and my brother were running to the front door of Adridaline City. My dad said we were going to do three different things trampolines, Rockclimbing, and lazer tag. So first we wen’t to the trampolines it was fun me and my brother were doing flips me and my broth-er did a flip at the same time and landed. Then we wen’t to rockclimbing my dad said it was only about ten feet in the air so me and my brother climbed we kept jumping off of it. Last we went to lazer tag me and my brother got my dad out so me and my brother were the only one’s steel in so we had to go against each other he got me out really fast I was stunned. We finished our day with some really good pizza at pizza hut. That’s the best place I went to.

-Raymond Rodriguez

As we walked into the airport I was so nerves. I thouth I was going to throwup on the away there. We got on the airplane. I went strate for the bathroom. What? I frogt to go. Then wonsh I was seted they went off. We went to the next plane and we got to Florda! It was hot! I was so tirde so I slept in the car. Then we went to sleep in our holetell and wokup an went to the beach. It was so fun to flot on the waves. It was fun to swim in the deep pool. The deep end was 12ft! The main part of this trip was to see Hope and Winter and all of the other animals at CMA! It was so fun to learn about the movies. Did you know that in moive 1 there was 2 Ruffeses and in moive 2 there was 4. I hope to go agin.

-Zailie Goen

I once went to Houstin. I did not know that we where going until my mom told me. I was so happy. Next we packed every thing we needed to go. Then we left to to Houstin and it too three hours to get there. We stoped to get food on the way. When we got to my grandparents we said Hi to everyone. Leter that day we went outside and hade a mudball fight and got dirty, then we took a shower then we went to get a snack and watched T.V. then we went outside and drawed with chalk. Then it got dark and we stayed up all night watching T.V. and eating.

– Ariana Herrera 4th Grade.

On my cuzins birthday we went to body works and I was Fliping all the way to my mom So he did it and he was good at I’t then I’ did a flip to my sisters I did I’t then I’ did a flip to my sisters Idid I’t all the way to my c cuzin trederius thee one that’s Having the birthday. and that night we ate cake and and we can here a Boom bang but I’t was the workers but I lerned what ever come your way be redy and I’t wasn’t hosi and having fun And still lernin-ning to do those Things. The end

-Shalaya

I was at are two favrite place is, piter pipers pizza and Bilad A Bear worke shop. We whent to Peter Pipers Pizza, first and after a wial I won ten- thousend tickits! The Best Part was when I got, a stuffed bear! Next, we whent to Build a Bear worekshop. I looked for, a littil Bit then I saw a pinck fluffy unicorn! Last, I had two stuffed animals, I did not want to put thenm down.I thought it would be fun to do this agen. I learnd that frends are fun But so is family.

-Leigna Lovington

We got some tubes and hit the pool. It was so relaxing and the title waves were huge. I almost drown in one. Then me and my cousin rode some rides and watched my sister almost die. Iraniely it was on a slingshot. Then she tried one more time by rideing a not her ride that you should never go on. So I left with my cousin back to the pool and that’s when it happened my cousin made me ride a huge slide with her. It was actually mind a fun until I realized I’m chlostrophobic. So I had to go back and eat. So we left that’s why I love elich gardens.

– Mikaela 4th Grade

One day I was getting readey to go to log lake so we got in the truck and had to driv to lubbuck so we got to log lake I ran to the entrens and when we got in I saw all the rids first we got on the rid that is callier it the alian rid and the athen ride was called the buster and it takes you way up in the air and comes back down after that we got the bumper cars I crasht in to my mom and dad and brother after that we got on the goat car it was fur because its like your ind fecel life Race after thst er sall this aroller coster We all put are hands up because it goes up down sid to sid loopteloop

– Fabian 4th Grade

We got in the car we drove to main event. We got out of then we went to go play. We went to go play pool and bowl and play lazer tag. Last we went to go eat at Goden cral there where lot of food like sea food stake pazza. I was very exsited and I learned how to bowl and play pool.

– Dacian Wilborn 4th Grade

It was Saturday and my mom said wake up so I did and she said get ready everybody was getting ready at their house the people who were going were mymom, me, brother, sister, dad, cousins, grandma, grandpa, tia’s, and tio’s so my mom, me, brother, dad, and sister were done getting ready for the party so we got in the car and left to Lubbock it took us almost about two hourse and then we finally got there and we saw everyone. So all of us got to play games and eat cake and see the show of chuckee cheese and get candy, and prizes.

– Angelina Rivera 4th Grade

Mem mom , dad, theoy, cusuns and sister’s wint to six flags. The first thing we did was wint on a loge ride my sister got scerd she cryd on the holl ride. The next thing we did was wint on a big big rolicoster it was relly scery. My sister was all like “wiye did you make me go not that ride.” And the very last thing we wint to do was go see the fire work’s that was my favor ret u part every. Ther was a ridow with it to. I loved it sooo much!

– Avery Rodriguez

One day I wen’t to Univalsals Studio. With my mom,Dad, Aunt lala, Me, brother, we got in the car and drove to Univasalstudios then we parked and walked to the rides we got on the fast and furious 7 ride it was so fun I like how they got the cars moving fast. Then we wen’t on the waterslide I got where the bucket full of water and it wen’t down and it Splashed water on me I was so soaked .then we waited intill we drighd off .then we sall Despicaball me 2 ride it was a rooler coaster it was realy tall and my mom and dad wanted to go with me I didn’t wan’t to go because I was Scard of going on a roolercoaster it looked scary then I said”no I don’t wan’t to”then I wen’t on it it was realy scary but it was fun to and we got off the roolercoaster but we didn’t but it was cool. Then we got on the Transformer ride, but then they changed their mind we got on another roalercoaster and that’s my story.

–Jackelyn

Me and my famly of farewent to YellowStone nashnle park.It tke two hours. But we lived in Wyoming, Cody it anly toke one hour. We where in Yellowstone park we past trees,rakes,waterfalls, and we past alake that look so big it could the the name in YellowStone lake.All!!! of that stuf!, is cool. I brout my phone and toke pictruers. The pictruers truned out good. I was exsited because we got to spend the night.We finle made it to the hotel it was nice!We spent the night there. In the morng we ate breakfast and went back through the park and made it home.

–Nathaniel grundstrom

I went to great wolf lage and I said yep ey and it was fun you can do enything over there like get your nails done and play game’s and get wet and eat there and buy things like drinke’s necklesis and shirts and ring’s and I bout a wond that open’s box’s and book’s and we got to go swimming and there was a big buket that files water up and drop’s it on you it felt good and there was a pool that is big and and it has weav’s and we want on a nother one but it was could the lazer reaver and that is when youcant get out because I went and I cable hat get out it was hard to get out.

-Arianna G

I we to the mom and Dad and siers and mand. I and mom colld the cop in thing a make. and my mom wetn Park and my Dad mand. and my cusn cames to go to the home. cop cam our to my home and hi germables. the is girl and she were pttg and my mom. and the did mom Jump on hiar cog and cops. and the touck you my and mom happy Lubbock. and we wete to Locbbck and we wnte to vetne. mom and cops sida and my mom and pupue. and mom Dad my frading on the facs bling. I wetn to Jolnp and vantdog and paick my. I we wten were tllopr home car and mom and dad. and mom to go eat JBS and hootes and my mom. and Dad we went to buy buy and tabtim. the mom sisev mand buch my in the ches. and the girl and I wat to here home and. and the molem is so much fun I got my nise. the we write story and sond them and mom mand. and them we to fiemly Pose and mom and Dad. the mama run to and the mom cend and mom. and mom and cuzn playing wite to go my. them mom toll my and mand weiting and. and my PaP and Siers cops in that wer.

-Ge’Brail Norris

I was going on the texas Giant But the people that were in front of me this lady got on the texas Giant and they checked her seatbelt but not right and when it went sideways and she fell off of the texas Giant and the texas Guiant was closed for a long long time.

– McKenna Flores 4th Grade.

I want to go to Main event and play all the game and after that we ate food at the Main event and it was good and we went home and rest and thought of going there again and I got to go to the main event because I got a credit cart for the main event and then I told my dad to go to the main event and there we got there.

– Joshua Simental 4th Grade.

One time my brother took me, my niece, and his girl-friend to Joy land and a restraint when we got to the re-straint we saw waiter waitress and people and games when we went in we ordered our food and when they brought it we started eating and then we went to the restroom and went to play some games and then it was time to go so then we went to the store to buy some close then we changed and we had forgot to buy sunscreen so they sent me to go buy it and I came back and we put some on and then we were get-ting our towels ready and we left to Joyland and when we got there we got our stamps and tickets and then we went in and we saw waterslides food people sprinklers cars and lots of fun rides and some games and a clown picture I felt so happy and got so felt so cold and I was hungry again and I ate and when I finished I felt so full and so scared of the clown and got tired so we left.

– Gabriela Martinez 4th Grade.

One fun place I have been to in Los Angeles. When we got there we went to the hotel and unpacked. Next we ordered the Disneyland and we just waited in line to go into the amusement park. It took us a while but finally we got in. First we went to a store to buy us cool hats. Next we went on the snow mountain roller coaster it was the coolest ride ever. Next we went to go get a snack because we were so hungry. Then we went on a couple oF rides and went on to the beach. When we got there we went into the water when we got in the water latterly burned our eyes. After that we bought some clothes at the little shop they had. Then we went to the hotel and to a shower and went asleep. We went to sleep so the next day we could go home and get there before Monday.

– Leslie Esquivel 4th Grade.

“Boom” we hit a dear on are way to the water park.It lookeD Bad Good thing is I was A sleep. Ther was reD all over the car. It was very nasty. Next we cep Driving Some cars keep looking at us funny. I think it was Because of the reD on are car. The car was like Braking A Part. Last we got ther we went insiDe. It was Huge the water park me anD Jaylene we went on this Big riDe it we siDe to siDe and up Down up Down. It was fun we Rode some other RiDes ther wer Fun. The Best was the Big pool I was swim-ming all over the place anD it was Big and fun. But the Best Part was spinDing time with my family.

-Lisette Moreno

at school they have lot’s of classroom’s and offece and I am in fourth grade. and we have folders, glue, paper. and I got emberesed of people and we get to learn and we get to go to p.e and music and in the morning’s we eat breakfast first and I was eating walffel’s and I made new friend’s and I went to pe and we played soccer for 2:30 I think and we went to our class room’s and we were testing reading.and I was done taking a test. and I was reading my book and I raise my hand to take a test and the teacher said yes and I was testing my book and I was done and for a while the teacher said it’s lunch time and I put all my stuff in frount of my locker and I got my lunch box and we went to lunch and we ate pizza and all the student’s were talk-ing and after that we came back to our class room and and we did brain break. and we did Just dance 2014 and after that we did station’s three of them we did multiable cations and the teacher give us the paper of multilable cu-tion and we each get a buble gum mine was blue and after that we get our things to go home and my sister picked me up to go home and I got fun.

-Pamela Garcia

Bang I thought it was scary i did not know where we were so I was scaryed thin i whent on a ride and it was so awe-some and i knew where we were we were at sixflags. And I learned not to ride Big ride’s i felt so so sick i did not want to ride the texas giant But i almost did But i was so so so weread and i felt so sad, Because when i fill sad i don’t want to ride any ride’s after that i know know i do not whant to ride. Rides and I hade to Pull out my tothe to came to sixflages so we car ride ride’s and we got smothes and it hurt my gum and we ate we PoPcorn and liked all the time we go Bat it is so so so good even with Pupter and it taset llike the the PoPCorn at the movies theater and we ecan watched the new movie hotel transevel vaneal 2 it was so awsme thine we whet home.

-Jaylene Moreno

I woke up in my bed from my mom trying to wake me up. She reminded me what day it was and I got my colthes on and my two Backpacks and suitcase. My suit case had colthes obivouily TV Because The cabin had bad TV’s and mine is Better Than Them exsept one it was Big But I need to Tell you what was in my Backpack. Ok There was red one and blue one ok. The blue one had two old broken xbox 360 I not going to play on it. Its to hold my tv be-cause the thing to hold it is broken so I used the worthless xbox 360 to hold my tv so I had to bring them. so I packed all of that in to the car and we got out of the driveway. we went to place where they fix triers and it took a long time. But after we went to do that we went to reddiso it took for ever. But I guess it was wouth it all. first day. I was so exsited to get into the Hottube But I had to wait I knew that already. But I still tried… AND FAILED. second day. it was the day I ready got into the to hotube so it was fun. third day I went racing in cars it was fun.

– Cody Wilson, 4th grade.

Page 7 The Talon

JH Scores

Eagle Sports

Scores & Stats

Scores & Stats

November 10, 2015

by Gabriela VallesAndrea Shanklin

is this week’s soaring athlete. She was born on July 7, 1998 and is 17 years old. Shanklin is a forward in basketball.

“I like the heart of the game,” said Shanklin “I like the competing part. We have to work together and defend the ball.”

Shanklin said her cousins Teddy (Dorchelle) Duncan, and Darrice and Devin Griffin inspire her to the person she is.

“Teddy inspires me the most because she

pushes me because she knows that I love

basketball then anything.” said Shanklin.

“The love I have for the game will keep me motivated. I will keep playing until I die.”

Shanklin’s Coach, Tammy Wilson, is impressed with Shanklin’s work ethic. “Since the summer she has been working hard,” said Wilson. “She is really dedicated to the game and wants her senior year to be great. I think playoffs is on her mind and we hope to get her there,” said Coach Tammy WIlson.

“Dre is a good

leader,” said Taylor Spiller “She tries to help others become better. She is really talented, and when she plays, she stays focused. What makes her stand out is that she’ll tell you that you messed up and then she leaves it on the court.”

Alumni Spotlight

By Bry Minjarez Will Compton graduated from Seagraves in 1998, and is now the athletic coordinator and head football coach at Rudder High School, in Bryan, Texas. Compton has a wife named Ede who is an RN at the Physician’s Center there in Bryan. Compton has two sons named Tristan and Levi, ages 10 and 7. After graduation, Compton earned a BS from Angelo State University in 2002, and a Masters of Education from Lamar in 2011. Now, Compton is in his 13th season as a coach, and 2nd year as a head coach.

Compton was named 2014 FCA Character Coach of the year for the

Brazos Valley. He has been invited to speak at numerous football clinics including clinics at Texas Tech and Oklahoma University. In football, Compton was awarded #2 offense in the State 4A in 2011, made 3 Quarterfinal appearances, 1 semifinal appearance, won 3 district championships, and made 8 playoff appearances.

Also, in Powerlifting in 2010 and 2013, Compton’s students placed 3rd as a team at regionals, and in track, he had 3 state medalists. “I believe that I am

where I am by the grace of God and the values instilled in me by my teachers and coaches at Seagraves” said Compton. “The teachers and coaches taught us that hard work and dedication was the only way to achieve success. Coaches like Jim Hamilton and my dad, Rick Compton taught us the game of football, while teaching us how to be men of character.”

Compton also says that he grew in the field house. His dad was in

Seagraves for 20 years as a teacher and coach. Compton said his dad would invest his time and effort to every kid regardless of talent. He would open up his wallet and home to any kid who was in need. As a result, Compton had no doubt about knowing what he wanted to be.

Compton would like to wish the Eagles the best of luck this season. “Doing things the right way with strong character, it will take you further than your athletic ability, but most of all keep God first and great things will happen.”

Like father, like sonCompton carries coaching into an new

generation

Eagles 26 Smyer 0Eagles 40 Plains 0

Seagraves vs. SmyerQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final

Smyer 0 0 0 7 7Seagraves 21 7 28 0 56

R. Longoria-2 runs for 25 yards, 1 catch for 6 yardsGranillo- 4 tackles, 2 assists, 1 forced fumble,1 catch for 8 yardsGuerrero-1 tackle, 3 assists, 9 of 12 complete passes, 1 touchdown, 92 yardsMartinez-1 tackle, 1 catch for 10 yards, 1 touchdownJ. Longoria-2 TacklesPinon-1 tackle, 6 runs for 63 yardsAranda-1 tackle, 1 run for 2 yardsQua. Williams-3 tackles, 1 catch for 43 yardsQue. Williams-3 tackles, 2 runs for 9 yardsKyle-2 interceptions for 87 yards, 13 runs for 202 yards, 1 catch, 2 touchdownsHibbitts-4 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumbleQuinonez-3 tacklesGalaviz-1 tackle, 2 assistsGarcia-2 tackles, 2 assistsNicolas-3 tackles, 3assistsWilkins-3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumbleLott-3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception for 58 yards, 1 touchdownJ. Hernandez-3 tackles, 1 fumble recoveryS. Clark-4 tackles, 2 assists, 1 catch for 26 yardsP. Hernandez-2 tackles, 5 of 7 complete field goals

Seagraves vs Plains

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FinalPlains 0 0 0 0 0Seagraves 35 28 0 8 71

E. Granillo-2 tackles, 1 assist F. Miranda- 3 tackles E. Anderson- 1 tackle, 1 run, 9 yds, 1 catch 20 yds U. Martinez- 3 tackles, 1 interception, 1 cathc, 18 yds, 1 touchdown J. Longoria- 2 tackles R. Aranda- 4 tackles Qua. Williams- 4 tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception Que. Williams- 3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 run, 8 yds C. Kyle- 1 interception, 7 runs, 164 yds, 3 touchdowns, 1 catch, 16 yds J. Gurrero- 4 runs, 44 yds, 1 touchdown, 5/7 completed passes for 3 touchdowns and 162 yds R. Pinon- 1 run, 23 yds R. Aranda- 2 runs, 20 yds R. Longoria- 2 catches, 108 yds, 2 touuchdowns D. Hibbitts- 1 tackle A. Quinonez- 2 tackles, 3 assist J. Galaviz- 5 tackles, 3 assist J. Garcia- 1 tackle, 1 assist J. Nicolas- 4 tackles W. Wilkins- 1 tackle, 5 runs, 40 yds, 1 touchdown D. Lott- 5 tackles, 3 assist, 1 interception J. Hernandez- 2 tackles, 1 as-sist, 1 Fumble recovery P. Hernandez- 1 tackles, 8 of 8 extras point attempts

Plains won the penalties game with four for 35 yards, while Seagraves had 8 penalties for 75 yards.

Despite the loss to Seagraves, the Plains Cowboys finished up 1-3 in district after a Morton win last week and will play Quanah Thursday,

November 12 at Highland Park in Amarillo at 7:00 pm.

The Eagles will play Lockney for a Bi-District title Friday, November 13 at Lowery Field in Lubbock at 8:00 pm.

“They’re gonna give us a test,” said Senior

Cory Kyle, “but we just gotta stay together as a team and play our best.”

As for the possibility of a state championship in the future, Kyle said, “It would mean the world to me. I want to see nothing more than this team advance to state.”

con’t DISTRICT page 1

Andrea Shanklin

Over 100 years ago, Ex-President Theo-dore Roosevelt gave a speech in which he expressed his passion-ate support for men and women of action. He believed it was better to struggle and stumble than to do nothing and/or sit idly and criticize those who were giving their best efforts regard-less of the results. This speech was given when radio and newspaper were the predominant forms of media. While his speech was relevant at the time, I believe his words are all the more relevant in the modern age where social media has given everyone on the planet instant and constant access to express their opinion on any event occurring anywhere in the world:

The Man in the Arena:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them

better. The credit belongs to the man who is actu-ally in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthu-siasms, the great devo-tions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

As a coach, I have used this quote many times to encourage teams that were giving great effort and playing the game with all their heart, but were not experienc-ing success in the athletic arena.

The Man in the ArenaBy Coach Heryford

Soaring Athlete

Page 8 The Talon

Smile....You’re on Camera

November 10, 2015

con’t DOC page 1

Instead of focusing on the negative judgmental individual, try and focus on those who love and support you. Draw strength and encouragement from those who truly know you and what you are all about. Daily surround yourself with positive and compassionate individuals and together, pray for those who are need.

Finally, be grateful that you have been blessed with positive life experiences that keep you from being bitter like some around you. Be thankful that you have friends and family that are positive and provide refuge from the judgmental personalities. Enjoy life each and every day, and thank God each morning when you arise for another day in which

“Case is a genuine person and everything he does he does it with his own character. He doesn’t try to be someone that he’s not,” said Head Football Coach Steve Heryford.

“When we pray before and after games Case is our leader. He puts his heart into everything he does, and he is an awesome guy,” added Heryford. Clarks favorite quote is

“Some things are gonna happen in life that you don’t want to happen, but they’re gonna happen anyways.” -Israel Rosalez

After high school Clark plans to go to Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and get a career in welding.

Clark also wanted to add a thanks to his parents. “Shout out to Ma and Pa for raising a Legend.”

con’t CASE page 5

Haiti challenges you. It makes you forget everything you know about American culture, and get out of your comfort zone. There is such beauty and love in the midst of all of the poverty and struggle. The people of Haiti love unconditionally. The people of Haiti have faith that can move mountains. And the people of Haiti inspire me in everything I do.

Junior Martinez is the Elementary Principal at Seagraves Elementary and the pastor at Sendero Pathway Church: It is difficult for me to put into words the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that this amazing trip to Haiti has stirred in me. As I sit here writing this, my mind is kicked into overdrive with images, thoughts, and feelings. My most impacting thought resonating within me is this; many times we take the simplest things for granted - things like clean water, air conditioning, a roof over our heads, and the free education we have access to for ourselves and our children. There are people in Haiti that would sacrifice everything they have to able to enjoy our most common comforts. This trip has

definitely refreshed for me the perspective of how blessed we are to live in the United States. I was also impacted by the many people from varying denominations, churches, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds coming together to help total strangers. I had the delightful opportunity to meet people from Canada, Baltimore, North Carolina, Oklahoma, California, and Texas, all working for one common purpose - to bring life transformation in some shape, form, and fashion to the people of Haiti. I witnessed a resounding picture of the Body of Christ at work!! Serving and influencing lives in the manner that God intended. Our differences in theology, doctrine, skin color, and financial status did not divide, but rather united us to do God’s work. What would happen in our community, in our state, and in our nation, if we worried more about working together to build God’s Kingdom to bring a fresh honoring of Him than worrying about and focusing on our differences? Finally, I am impacted by how one person can impact the

lives of others. I had the great privilege of taking this trip with a young adult, Taylor. I was amazed to see her work, minister and play with kids in the villages we worked in each day. Her passion for helping others was evident and real. The unexpected thing for me personally became the

realization that Taylor was not only impacting the lives of the people of Haiti, but she was also impacting my life. It is refreshing to know that there is a generation of young people that God is raising up who are more concerned with helping and blessing others more than themselves.

con’t HAITI page 5

The Seagraves Elementary GT, consisting of Naveah Bueno, Camden Huse, Cody Wilson, and Jace Humphries took a trip to Annette Bingham’s Art studio in Lubbock on Wednesday, November 4th. They learned about

and designed Magdalas. They also drew and cut apart geometric shapes to use as templates for abstract acrylic painting. Elementary School Counselor Linda Moore was the sponsor.

GT Elementary Trip