Free Scars from the Tornado by Randy Turner Page A

J ENNIFER N GUYEN
    The induction
for the East Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was held on
March 8, 2012, at Missouri Southern State University’s Billingsly Student Center Ballroom.
    The induction
lasted around an hour, including a reception at the end of the ceremony. The program
started off with an opening processional and the Pledge of Allegiance. After
that, opening remarks were made by Mrs. Kathy Howerton , Mrs. Tina Guiles, and Mr. Bud Sexson ,
and an introduction to guest speaker Mrs. Becky Gardner, the National Honor Society
(NHS) adviser, was also made. While Mrs. Gardner was speaking, four members of
the NHS helped with the lighting of the pillars: Alyssa Farney , Miriah Johnson, Joseph Loden ,
and Taylor Mann.
    Next, all of
the NJHS candidates were required to take the Pledge of the NJHS. After the
pledge came recognition of all candidates and closing remarks. The following
reception had cake provided by Mrs. Mary Blackburn-Freeman and plenty of
opportunities for pictures! Ms. Melanie Epperson and MSSU made the facilities possible.
Overall, the induction was very nicely put together; it was a night to
remember!
    2011-2012 NJHS
Candidates:
    Estrella Arreola ,
Maggie Baker, Anna Blue, Jonah Caldwell, Aubrie England, Madeline Fichtner , Bailey Gardner, Keisha Grunden , Mackenzie Gunderson, Desiree Hawkins, Megan
Hickey, Ethan Holz , Kylie Howerton ,
Kara Hulsey, Bonnie Johnson, Audrey Kanan , Abigael Killinger , Amy Koch,
Janet Lopez, Elimo Lounis ,
Cara Marshall, Ashton McGehee , Madison Meinhardt , Stella Ndauwa ,
Jennifer Nguyen, Dakota Osborn, Abigail Randall, Jillian Rentfro ,
Molly Ritter, Miranda Sanders, Aiden Stahl, Austen Still, Amelia Street, Annie Strickling , Jamie Sullivan, Quionte Tidwell, James Tupper, Karly Weber, Shelby Welton , Logan Whitehead, James Willerton ,
and Ishman Wilson.

 
    STUDENT
COUNCIL FURNISHES CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS
    BY J ENNIFER N GUYEN

 
    The EF-5
tornado that ran through the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin might have
destroyed many of the town's businesses, schools, and homes, but there was one
element of the town against the storm that was indestructible, almost
untouchable. Yes, Joplin was not a very pretty sight after the raging winds of
the May 22nd tornado took course through the town, but the spirit of Joplin,
held deep inside each Joplin citizen, was still very much alive and in
sustainable condition. When the heart of America seemed torn and in pieces, who
was there to pick up the sections and patch them up again? The people. That's
what took immediate action after the mere minutes of destruction.
    Seconds after
the treacherous clouds passed, Joplin citizens could be found scattered around
the many disheveled neighborhoods helping, simply just helping. Helping collect
personal items, helping treat injuries, basically helping with whatever needed
to be done. Hearts seemed to reach out to other hearts as members of the town
put others' needs before themselves. Neighbors helped neighbors, families
helped families, and friends helped foes. People helped people that they didn't
know, that they just met up the street. The list continues on and on. The sight
of this functioning, of the progression of help being offered was incredible
and tremendously heartwarming. Truth be told, this organization of helping is
what dragged Joplin out of the destructed, mourning phase and into a more
hopeful, rebuilding phase. All the help, including the huge help from out of
city volunteers, made a huge impact. An impact that is still
being felt today due to the rebuilding of this once torn city.
    While the
impact is being made, what must not be forgotten is who is making the impact
and who is contributing to it. Just as said before, volunteers contribute
greatly to the impact, but they're not the only ones.
    Different
schools and organizations from all over the world have also been kindly generous
in their donations of different items needed for Joplin's citizens and