2004-2005 Wall of Fame

Room 210

2004-2005 Wall of Fame

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This page features the top work of students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes at South Middle School.

Eighth grade communication arts students submitted entries for the annual Elks Lodge Essay Contest recently. Some of the top South entries printed below. This year's topic was "What Old Glory Means to Me."

OLD GLORY

By Amy Herron

"And the home of the brave." I hear the crowd roar and burst into applause. After about four seconds they go silent with proud looks upon their faces.

That song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I think of America's past and everything it has gone through to get where it is today. In almost every one of those visions, I see our country's flag. Old Glory flying high and proudly streaming its independent colors of red, white, and blue.

I stand tall and proud when I see our flag or speak of our country. Old Glory reminds me of everyone who has served our country in times of need and made it a much better place.

That flag is like a sacred symbol to me. It represents America all over the world and is well-known. Old Glory was at the Olympics in Athens, Greece, and it was shown more than any other flag.

Veterans will always be proud when they see Old Glory flying. Thoughts of Vietnam, France, Germany, and Iraq, are most likely included in their thoughts more than the rest of ours, but I'm very aware that those men and women fought for our country so we could be free and be able to wave our flag anytime we please.

Anytime I am in a crowd of people and the National Anthem plays, people cry, get goosebumps (such as myself) or stand as proud and tall as they can. I do believe that after Sept. 11, 2001, everyone stood a little taller or sang a little bit louder to show that we care for our country and we are brave enough, like it says in the anthem, to speak our minds and tell the rest of the world, that America doesn't crumble as easily as they think. We got stronger and more patriotic.

Old Glory stands for America, its citizens, its past and present, and how forever freedom rings.

THE AMERICAN FLAG

By Haylee Coleman

When I look at the American flag, I feel a sense of pride. It symbolizes our freedom, freedom that can't be taken away, and what it took to get it.

Most of the time when people recite the Pledge of Allegiance, they say it like robots, meaningless. But if you really think about it, the Pledge is a reminder of our great nation.

I consider myself a very patriotic person. I'm very proud of this country. Sometimes when people go to a foreign country or to some other continent, the only thing to remind them is the American Flag. It makes them feel at home.

After Sept. 11, everyone seemed to remember how lucky we are to have a free country and how others aren't as fortunate. Flags were flying everywhere. Almost everyone had one.

Sometimes I will see an American Flag and I will think about the war in Iraq, Sept. 11, or evernr past wars and I feel so proud to be an American.

Though the American flag is just a piece of cloth, it symbolizes so much more. It is the reason I am allowed to write this essay...it's freedom.

THE SYMBOL OF OUR COUNTRY

By Andrea Steere

Old Glory- the symbol of our country- both developing over time and getting better with age. She rises in the morning with pride, for she has seen the worst times and happiest times of our country. She symbolizes pride, victory, and tradition; she always rises up from the ashes. Old Glory cannot be defeated because she lives in our hearts.

Old Glory, with her 50 stars and 13 stripes, symbolizing our country's beginning and present. Though the colors might mean something other than what you think. The white stands for innocence and purity. The red stands for hardiness and valor. And the blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. All of the things the colors means are meant to describe our country.

I am not so sure that our country is innocent or pure, but maybe that is what we hope for or wish to be. I do think our country is hardy and has valor. Our country may be vigilant in that we are watchful over what we do and the world around us. Our country definitely has perseverance the most, for it has persevered through many things, and will through all of the things that come.

As for justice, our country certainly believes in it, and tries to give it to everyone and see it through- but justice in the way of the law can hurt people, too. So, it is a bittersweet part of our country.

So, in conclusion, the flag stands for hope, the good, and the truth about our country, the United States of America.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

By Marissa Dewane

America means everything to me. It is my home, my freedom, my soul. When I look at our nation's flag, billowing in the cool, crisp morning air, I think of our past soldiers and loved ones who died for us, our liberty, our freedoms, how they fought in their agonizing pain, sorrow, and struggle for us to have the life we have now, and will have in years to come.

My father wasn't always a legal United States citizen. He was however, very proud of his soon to be home country. He had to appear in a courtroom, in front of a judge, and swear that he would leave behind the citizenship of the country he was born in and he would fight in time of war if asked. He had to take a special written test to prove his knowledge of this country. Amazingly, he knew more than the original citizens that were born here.

I am glad that in about four years I will be able to vote. I am thankful for the women that, over years past, have fought for that, and many other rights that women then did not have.

God bless America the Beautiful!

WHAT TRULY COUNTS

By Josh Thiele

Something about just looking at the flag makes me think how much I love this country.

It is the flag that really makes me think about how this country was founded and how much our forefathers sacrificed to make this country the country it is today.

Red, white, and blue, really symbolize what people gave so our country could be safe. Old Glory is truly what symbolizes our country. I love Old Glory and everything about it. The flag is so beautiful in every way, the beautiful colors wave in the breeze proudly. Old Glory is what makes our country grand. A flag stands for what one's country fought to have, a place to call home.

Those 50 stars stand for each and every state that had a unique way of getting into the land of the free. The 13 stripes represent the 13 colonies that were so proudly founded. Each thing on Old Glory represents something, from small Rhode Island to huge Alaska. That's truly what counts in America. Everybody counts here in the best land there is.

WHAT OLD GLORY MEANS TO ME

By James Hardcastle

Surgeon General's Warning:

"It has been suggested that saluting the flag is actually good for you."

Old Glory is our flag, but is it just our flag? Old Glory is America and America is where I live, where I am free to have my own religion, to wear what I want.

My name is James Hardcastle and I am one of the millions of people who live in America, but I know I can still make a difference. I can clean up parks and follow laws set by the government, and by doing these things I can salute the flag with pride. And when I salute the flag, I remember everything the country has done for me and for my family.

The country has given me the freedom to go to school and follow my own religion. When I salute the flag, it doesn't appear to me as just a flag, it appears to me as America and freedom, where I live, where I will die, and where I am free.

The flag will stand forever and people in America will be free forever. This is what Old Glory means to me. God Bless America!

A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM

By Christine Vu

When I see Old Glory soaring into the sky, I see the United States of America. It stands for America, and Old Glory is America.

Old Glory means many things to me. It is a symbol for freedom and peace. It is truth and justice, and it is strong and brave. But most of all, it is a symbol for our country.

Old Glory is honored and respected by everyone. And it is loved and admired. It is flown over buildings, in schools, and at banks. People put them on cars and in front of their homes. They do that for those reasons and in support for our country. It is because they are proud of our country, too.

People all over the world know Old Glory. It has been in wars against other countries and in countries that it helped. It is also on the moon. It is feared and powerful. This is what Old Glory means to me. It is all of things, all in one.

HOLDING US TOGETHER

By Sam Moore

When asked what Ol' Glory means to you, you may think of baseball games and something you say a pledge to on Monday mornings at school. But I think Ol' Glory is a symbol. A symbol of America and all the things here. A symbol of freedom. A symbol of justice, as well as a symbol of independence.

Ol' Glory reminds me of just how strong America really is. After all of the disasters and wars, America is still standing strong, as one nation, together. For example, Sept. 11 shocked America when our twin towers were destroyed. But, did we give up? No, not us. We fought for our country and we became stronger.

Our country does not crumble, nor fall. We become stronger. Ol' Glory is a symbol of all different races and religions and customs, as well as traditions. We are all mixed together and most are willing to accept the fact that we are all different in our own way.

Together we are a nation. A nation that has become better and stronger through all the years. Though we are all different, we have something that ties us all together. That is Ol' Glory.

THE FLAG STANDS FOR PATRIOTISM

By Mandy DeKruif

For many years, Old Glory has stood for freedom for many people. It has been a big part of America. To me, it stands for patriotism.

September 11 was a huge reminder to the nation of all that Old Glory represents. it showed us that we should take time to remember how lucky we are to be free.

Now people take that time to think about it and be thankful for being able to live free.

America has become home to many different nationalities, which are now all represented by one flag: Old Glory. If you drive past some Americans' homes you will notice that many of those homes have Old Glory waving in the breeze in their yards.

There are also many songs of how prou people are of Old Glory. People show their patriotism to Old Glory in many ways.

Throughout the years, soldiers have fought to keep the flag flying high. Freedom has come from the price of many men's and women's lives, who fought so bravely to keep Old Glory standing. At first, Old Glory represented 13 colonies, now it's representing a grand total of 50 states. Old Glory truly stands for courage, bravery, and freedom.

BLESSED TO LIVE IN AMERICA

By Kelsey Sanders

The American Flag means so much to me. Without the American Flag, we could not believe in what relgiion we want to believe in, vote for who will run our country or even go to the mall. In some other countries like China, you are even limited on how many children you can have. In America, you can have as many as you want as long as it is physically possible.

We are very fortunate to be in such a great country. In some places, people are fighting for even one meal a day, while most of us get three. In other places, people are getting punished for not worshipping one god or pereson, while we have the freedom to believe anything we want. And in other places people have to live without electricity, while we use it every day.

I am very lucky that I don't live in one of those other countries. I am very blessed to live in America and I wouldn't have it any other way.

PROUD TO LIVE IN AMERICA

By Jee Choi

Old Glory is another name for the American flag. The American flag is the symbol of America. The American flag represents America, so I am going to write about what America means to me.

Whenever I think of America, I think of two things. The first thing is freedom. I think of freedom because a lot of people from other countries come to America for freedom. They all come for different reasons, like to study, or making a better living. Whatever the reason is, most of them have something in common, freedom. People who come to America say that they got what they wanted and that is true because my family came to America from a different country to get freedom, and we did.

The second thing I think of is heroes. I think of heroes because when 9/11 happened, I saw the firefighters, doctors, and policemen helping each other, and I thought that all of them were very heroic because they weren't just doing it because it was their job, they did it for their country. At that time, they all knew that they might die, but they still went.

After that, I was proud to be living in America.

POETRY CORNER

Welcome to the Room 210 Poetry Corner. Any South Middle School students who would like to submit poetry for consideration should bring it by Room 210 or e-mail it to rturner229@hotmail.com The best poems will be featured on this page.

MY LIFE GOES ON

By TIANA CLEMONS

When I was a little girl,

I never wanted what I got,

But now that I'm older,

I like it on the spot.

My life used to be quiet,

but now, it is loud.

I can't even hear

every simple sound.

When I was very little,

I hated to go outside.

But now when I go out,

I just hide.

This poem needs an ending,

Like every poem does.

I tried my best

to fill this one with love.

DON'T TELL ME

By MELODY PRICE

Don't tell me you love me,

don't tell me you care,

because when I need you the most,

you're never there.

I hate it that I love you

and I hate it that I care

because when you need me,

I am always there.

A SINGLE LIE

By JORDYN MCCUTCHEON

I've always loved

the one I thought I knew

Guess I made one more mistake

That mistake was falling in love with you.

Someone so deceitful,

someone so untrue,

someone so cunning,

someone just like you.

The tears that filled rivers

flooded by bright green eyes.

If you can imagine one's now dazed and dull

were once so full of life.

The life, the sparkle

the innocence, the light

Once saw happiness and bliss,

Now see the dark of night.

Such a confusing time

once was very clear,

complicated by a single lie

has now filled my heart with fear.

A single lie, casued

so much damage to be swept away.

My cautiousness, my insecurity

shouldn't be another's price to pay.

My trust and life went down to zero

when my protectiveness was so high.

My heart, my soul, my whole entire life

was changed by a single lie.

I put my walls,

when others try and get through.

They fail miserably,

all thanks to you.

My being miserable and misunderstood

'cause the tears I cry at night,

when everyone's wondering how and why,

I say you and a single lie.

9-11

By JOSH WISE

Pigs in giant flies

flying very swift

running into buildings

shifting gears with the shift.

The pigs have bad intentions

the flies are not alive.

People dying everywhere

dying on every side.

The pigs are blackhearted

I give them lots of pity.

Babies brought in grocery carts

from the fall of the New City.

WITHOUT YOU

By JORDYN MCCUTCHEON

If I stopped the stars from shining,

made the sun stop rising

That's how I feel without you.

IF I stopped the rivers from flowing

and I kept the world from knowing

and then make the sky a little more blue.

That's how I feel with you.

I don't think you seem to see,

just how much you mean to me

even if I lose it sometimes.

I don't know why I chose to run,

commiting is easier said than done.

But I chose to let it ruin both our lives.

If I stop the fire from burning

and keep myself from learning,

I will always be without you.

DEATH WISH

By ANDREA STEERE

You're tearing at my sanity

I hate it when you look at me

Because I know that you don't really see

me for who I am

Besides, you don't try to understand.

I'm not acting as you had planned.

You make me want to run away

I hate facing you ev'ry day

while you just smile

and watch my mind decay.

I cannot defend myself.

I look around to see no one else.

It's just you and me

(And we're ripping at our throats).

It doesn't seem like someone will win

until someone meets their end.

How dare you call yourself my friend

when you wish my soul was dead.

Do you really want me gone?

When have I ever done you wrong?

You can't seem to answer me

and when you try, you're stuttering.

You cannot bring

yourself to speak the truth

yet I could go on and on

about how you have done me wrong

but I'll leave it at this

(So I'll spare you...

since ignorance is bliss.

MY POEM TO YOU

By SAM MOORE

Thank you for this life you gave me,

thank you for this light.

You are always watching me,

even through the night.

Help me now to love you more

and always walk your way.

Guide me, Lord, in your light

each and every day!

PARANOIA

By ASHLEY KISSEE

She thinks she's normal,

she thinks she's sane.

No one has the heart to tell her

she's nowhere near it.

She hates the world.

They're coming to get her.

She hates how we live

with our eyes half open.

She won't feel responsible

when it finally happens.

She's constantly looking behind her.

She wants it...over.

She thinks she's normal,

she thinks she's sane.

No one has the heart to tell her

she's nowhere near it.

THREE SIMPLE WORDS

By AMY HERRON

Your name, your smile, your voice

they send chills down my spine

Oh, how I wish you were mine.

The things you say are ludicrous,

but the crazier the better

could you please write me a love letter.

Maybe I'm mental

or maybe I'm insane,

or maybe I'm just experiencing

emotional pain

Only thing that I'm positively sure of

is that I think I love you

please say that you love me, too.

This feeling...I can't explain

I'm wondering if you are feeling the same.

Is this just part of the love game?

Have you even spoke of my name?

If only you would say those three words

"I love you" is what they would be.

I'd love you for all eternity,

if you only spoke them to me.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

By STEPHANY MURPHY

I love you so much

I could burst.

I have so much love

that it hurts.

My stomach churns

when you walk by.

I love your smile,

it catches my eye.

Your hair flows in the wind

like a pretty ribbon

I have a love for you

that will never end.

You are special to me,

never forget it.

I love you so much

my heart burns, in which you lit it.

WRITING

By KATY POLEN

Writing expresses feelings

and helps people make it through life.

It also helps me to share love life

like if you can't say it out loud

then just make something of it.

Writing is a passion, to encourage

like with words

It means a lot to me; how about you?

DEATH

By JOSH WISE

What is death?

Is it a thing?

Can it get up,

walk around, and sing?

What is nothing?

Is it real?

How many lives

have you seen it steal?

What is God?

He's most likely there.

Will he come down?

Will he take me there?

What is Satan?

Does he exist?

Was he sent down?

Is he missed?

What is life?

Is it death?

Or is everything

just a myth?

Is it mine?

Can it be shy?

Am I living?

Will I die?

LOST LIGHT

By NIKKI BURKETT

Like the darkness of the night

My soul's burning love lost its light

I gave my fire to you

only to find out you weren't true.

I'll give you back your roses

I'll give you back your ring

But I'll never forget the heartbreak you gave me

as long as songbirds sing

I gave you my heart, my soul, my time

only to find out, the love you had was not mine.

LIFE AND DEATH

By RACHEL HUDDLESTON

Life is the beginning

Death comes at the end

Life is the natural birth

Death, you're born again.

Life is like the morning dew,

Death is in the past,

like the ball you just threw.

Life and death, we all go through.

THE FOOL

By DEVIN CORONA

I hate you, you coward,

more than you could ever know.

The hypocrite person you are

never fails to show.

Everytime you speak to me,

your words so harsh and cruel,

always makes me wonder,

how could I have been such a fool?

A fool you are in all you do,

your words hidden with sorrow.

Your sorrow comes from inside a fool,

a fool who can't even swallow.

You can't swallow your pain,

you just let it sit and linger,

until you finally crack or break,

as easily seen as the tip of your finger.

Your foolish side makes me want to cry

and I just can't hold back my tears.

My tears show how much I love you

and all I ever do is try...

NOTICE ME

By NOELLE KOWNSLAR

Will he notice me?

Will he give me a chance?

Does he even know me?

Does he even give me a glance?

Just to have one dance...

would be the perfect chance.

POETRY

By ASHLEY KISSEE

What is poetry?

Poetry is feelings, thoughts, hopes, and dreams

from your heart

expressed through writing, that's the best part.

It is beautiful, inspiring, and it just

makes you think about life in general.

It's poetry.

HOSTILE HAPPINESS

By ASHLEY KISSEE

She thinks she knows so much, but

really, she's clueless

She has no idea what's goin' on

I hate that. Or

maybe she just chooses to ignore it.

She is always so happy, it's annoying!

Apparently, she blocks out all the evil.

The hatred is everywhere!

It's annoying!

Maybe I could learn something from her.

Ya! It's easy to block everyone out.

Why should I care what they think of me?

If they don't like me, they can leave!

I don't care what they think!

I mean, why should I?

They mean nothing to me.

MY SUCCESS

By ASHLEY KISSEE

I love to succeed

it's what I do.

People always ask me 'why' and 'how'

My answer, because I can.

I know I can.

I push myself to the absolute limit

and I go the extra mile.

I love to succeed.

It's what I do.

THE CREEPER

By CHRISSY THURMAN

Just around the corner,

Just beyond the light,

There lives a creature

worthy of fright.

It lurks in the shadows

where you cannot see.

But what could this

hideous monster be?

It has horns sprouting

from the top of its head

Its skin is the color

of someone dead.

Its eyes are black

with a menacing glare

Did I mention the slime

it has in its hair?

It feeds upon the living

for it has no life.

It wanders alone,

stalking at night.

So I ask you again,

what could it be?

Why, this is simply a creature...

as witnessed by me.

CHANCES

By Noelle Kownslar

We have all had chances

we have all blown our chances.

They might be with people or school

maybe you thought your choice was cool.

Has anyone ever thought what they might do

for choices all affect someone else.

Taking chances is what people do.

FRIENDSHIP

By Katy Polen

Friendship is a flower.

It blooms everyday.

They call your name out

right when you get to school.

They are the ones that listen

when you are scared.

The ones you take care of

when they are ill

They are the ones we trust

with all our heart

A friend shares a friendship

all throughout your life.

PASSION

By Ashley Kissee

I have a passion for writing

It's not hard for me to put

my thoughts, hopes, and dreams

into words or onto paper.

It just scares me that someone might read them.

I guess that would be good;

Someone might take me seriously for once

Or they could think it's all a joke.

Maybe I shouldn't care what people think.

That's what everyone tells me.

But I do, is that bad?

THE ROSE
By Rachel Huddleston

The rose that lived long ago is still in my heart,
The rose that used to blow, is gone I know,
Someday I'll look and I will see the rose
that used to belong to me

LIED
By Andrea Steere

We've all tried
We've all lied
We've all tried to hide
the things that we feel inside.
For example: The people we really despise
And you both know the feeling is likewise
You know this you look inot their eyes
But you don't act like
you hate them all
Even when you secretly wish they would fall,
be forced to crawl
just like us all
Back when
I still wonder why we all pretend
because our hatred and our deceit
will be the end
and the beginning of our defeat

TRUTH ABOUT ME
By Andrea Steere
You thought you knew who I was
just like everyone else does
But the person who really is me
is someone that you never wanted to see
But only a few probably know who I am
Sometimes I'm not sure that I can
find the words to describe myself
I just don't want to be like anyone else.
But if you don't like what you see
just turn and walk away- Turn the other cheek
You think that you know everything
You'd be surprised to find that you know absolutely nothing.
I try to tell you the truth
but you aren't listening
Well, that's too bad for you
'Cause one day you'll wake up and be of no use to me;
But that's your loss, not mine
Since I'll be just fine
And one day you'll only be a memory
in our minds
until you're all but left behind
While I stand out and lead in the front.
I'm kind of sorry that you'll be left in the dust.
I tried to trust you
I tried to help you.
But in the end there was nothing that I could do.

NEWS FLASH
By Devin Corona

You think you know me
News flash, you don't.
You think you'll be in my mind forever,
News flash, you won't.

Regretfully, it's true,
I was in love with you.
But here's another newsflash
you loved me, too.

You think it's just me,
that I'm the one who felt it,
but in truth and all due respect
You're the one who spread it.

You spread it from my mind
down to my broken heart
but news flash again
This isn't something I can stop...

I love you.