Romance novels for summer

May 12, 2010 by  
Filed under Books

Read away a lazy summer afternoon with romance novels suggested by Barnes and Noble.

  • Once Upon a Merrigold—Jean Ferris
  • Dear John–Nicholas Sparks
  • Shiver—Maggie Stiefvater
  • Mistress of Mellyn—Victoria Holt
  • Sundays at Tiffany’s—James Patterson
  • My Zombie Valentine—Kate MacAlister, Angie Fox
  • Every Breath You Take—Judith McNaught
  • When it Happens—Susane Colasanti
  • Redeeming Romance—Francine Rivers
  • The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart—Mathias Malzieu
  • One author is inspired by another; news staffer attends volunteer luncheon featuring Ron Hall

    April 26, 2010 by  
    Filed under General Opinion, Opinion

    Nobody knew what he was up to. He wouldn’t say a word. The only information we had was ‘It’s a surprise.’

    English teacher Eric Folks arranged for City Church volunteers who have been attending every Thursday after school to attend the Heritage Hall April 8 for a luncheon dedicated to Ron Hall and Denver Moore, authors of “Same Kind of Different as Me” and “What Difference Do it Make?” More than nine hundred people attended and among the  nine hundred were twelve students and three teachers from Canyon High.

    Students left at 10:15 a.m. by bus. Tables were set with flowers, the book “What difference do it Make?” and an old railroad nail. Chocolate and cheesecake surrounded the centerpiece.

     At 11:40 the luncheon began, and Mistress of Ceremony Dawn Wells greeted the guests. The food was served and Msgr. Harold Waldow, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, blessed of the meal. As the guests ate, a video began to play.

    The video talked about a girl with aspirations, goals and family by her side. It talked about how she had made choices that impacted her negatively. After the video, the woman on the video took the stand. Her name is Christal Echols, an Abba House Resident. She is changing her life and wants to be a chef to make life better for her and her son.

    Diann Gilmore, DWC Executive Director, stepped up and introduced Ron Hall, the highlight of the afternoon.

    Denver Moore was unable to attend the luncheon due to  illness, but guests were able to watch a video with Moore saying hello. He was humorous, and the audience laughed when he joked and laughed when he laughed.

    Ron Hall took the stage and spoke. We all listened, intrigued. Mr. Folks said after the luncheon that he was happy to hear Hall refer to Denver so much.

    Rick Phillips, DWC Director of Operations, delivered final remarks. The centerpiece, the book, and the railroad nails were for sale. Mrs. Hale purchased all the items and displays them in her room.

    On the way out, many donated to the Downtown Women’s Center and were able to get their books signed by Hall who sat near the door. Ten percent of the the earnings of the luncheon went to ARAD (Amarillo Recovery form Alcohol and Drugs).

    I was truly inspired by the event.

    City Church, located at 205 S. Polk in Amarillo, love and would appreciate more volunteers to help with the young children after school on Thursdays. Fridays you can attend City Church at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy rock climbing with young teens.

    Honors titles unveiled at social

    March 4, 2010 by  
    Filed under Student Life

    With boots on and cowboy hats tilted, students dressed up for the western-themed social, Feb 20.

    Class favorites, Junior “Who’s Who,” “Senior Mosts” and “Mr. and Miss CHS” were unveiled in the auditorium at 8 p.m. to kick off the annual social.

    Freshman class favorites were Maya Jones and Mesa Allison. Sophomore class Favorites were Mica Alex and Rob Munger.

    First-time nominee Mica Alex said the results were a bit shocking.

    “I guess I make an impact,” Alex said. “I didn’t know that many people knew who I was.”

    Junior class favorites were Michael Stigler and Taylor Patton, and senior class favorites were Taryn Schenk and Garrett Hodges.

    Luke Porter and Leah Moore took “Most Scholarly” while Josiah Robinson and Andi Rose took “Most Versatile.” “Most Dependable” went to Garrett Hodges and Kaitlin Koop, and “Most Athletic” went to Black Boyer and Jordan Vessels. The title “Most Spirited” when to Trey Andrews and Maggie Colville, while Cutler Polk and Caitlin Gilmore owned the title “Most Attractive.” “Wittiest” were Will Welling and Kaylee Crozier, and “Most Likely to Succeed” were Joseph Huseman and Claudia Mayfield. Hamilton Stanfield and Breanna Spicer were named “Friendliest” and “Most Talented” went to Dustin Pierce and Hope Wentz.

    Junior “Who’s Who” honorees were Morgan Bressler, Trevor Davis, Erica Hinders, Macy Myrick, Tori Sills, Micah Browne, Chance Dyess, Jayla Lackey, Jesse Potestas, Tori Waddell, Blair Carpenter, Nicole Hampton, Kenzie Lawson, Madison Russ and Jayton Welch. Junior Who’s Who members are chosen by faculty and student vote, academic average and extracurricular involvement.

    Ben Hassell and Casey Land took home the crowning titles of “Mr. and Miss CHS.” Land said she knew that the title “Miss CHS” meant being a representation of what Canyon High School is all about.

    “I was not expecting this at all,” Land said. “It’s a huge honor. I’m very undeserving.”

    Hassell said he was pleasantly surprised at how many people voted for him.

    “Being ‘Mr. CHS’ means that I’m the best at everything … just kidding,” Hassel said. “I feel pretty humble to know that I have that many friends and the respect of so many of my peers. I guess I owe my thanks to them.”

    After the ceremony was over, a number of the audience stayed for the western-style dance. It was four hours of Swing, Shuffle and a little Pop Locking.

    Paramore album worth the price

    September 29, 2009 by  
    Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Music

    At thirteen Paramore vocalist, Hayley Williams, met brothers Josh and Zack Farro joined later by a secondary guitarist and bassists. They performed in small places until a record company took interest in them and the band released their first album in 2005.

    Since their album “Riot!” Paramore skyrocketed and are universally known. They aren’t your average girly fluff one hears on the radio. Williams’ lyrics cover more than hair, clothes and boys.

    That being said, they have attracted the masculine gender. Paramore is definitely a relief from all the icky girl stuff.

    Their new album, “Brand New Eyes,” is a sure hit and their single “Ignorance” shows the growth within the band.

    Their new album features a similar style as past albums but the music and lyrics seem more grown up. It’s a an investment in good entertainment.

    Paramore rates ten of ten stars.