Friends That Flourish

A still from "The Florida Project" by Sean Baker

Friends are funny things in life,

One of them could be your husband or your wife.

You love each other, isn’t that grand?

You're willing to let them hold your hand.

Sometimes you'll get into a fight,

And you'll be content with their absence in your sight.

Yet you will always make amends, 

When you realize you were meant to be friends.

So cherish each other, 

You never know when you'll lose one another.

Whether it be a best friend, a husband, or wife,

You've been given a special one to cherish for life.

Elevating the Impact: The Importance of Taking High School Clubs Seriously

As a Centennial High School student, I believe it's time to reconsider the way we perceive and prioritize school clubs. These extracurricular activities aren't just a box to check on college applications; they are invaluable platforms for personal growth, skill development, and community building.

High school clubs offer a unique space for students to explore their interests outside the confines of traditional classrooms. Whether it's a debate club, robotics team, or environmental group, these clubs foster a sense of belonging and provide a chance for students to express themselves beyond academic achievements.

Moreover, participation in clubs equips students with practical skills that go beyond textbooks. From leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, these skills are essential for success in the real world. By taking clubs more seriously, we can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the challenges they'll face beyond high school.

Additionally, clubs serve as avenues for social connections and friendships. High school can be a challenging time for many students, and clubs create a supportive environment where individuals with similar passions can come together. Strengthening the importance of clubs encourages a positive school culture and helps combat feelings of isolation.

SLWCHS International Culture Club at the Fall Festival Photo from: slwchsintclub on Instagram

Furthermore, colleges and employers increasingly value well-rounded individuals with diverse experiences. By acknowledging the significance of clubs, we are not only enhancing our personal development but also positioning ourselves for future opportunities. This shift in perspective can have long-lasting effects on our academic and professional journeys.

In conclusion, it's time to move beyond the notion that clubs are secondary to academic pursuits. They are integral to our holistic development, offering a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Let's take high school clubs more seriously Eagles, recognizing them as crucial components of our educational journey.

International Holidays This Season

This time of year, we think of Christmas, the annual religious holiday celebrated on December 25th in Western churches. Hence, we often dismiss the many other significant holidays celebrated by various cultures worldwide. Listed below are some international holidays to take note of: 

St. Nicholas Day – The feast day on December 6 of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and of sailors and children, among many other groups, and was noted for his generosity. 

Bodhi Day - Buddhist holiday commemorating the day Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni Buddha, experienced enlightenment.   

Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe - Celebrated on December 12 every year in Mexico. Devotees honor the day when the Virgin Mary made an appearance to a young man on this day in 1531. 

Immaculate Conception Day - Roman Catholic dogma asserting that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved free from the effects of the sin of Adam also known as the “original sin”, from the first instant of her conception.  

Photo from: italk.travel

 Hanukkah - Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev in December and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights. 

Yule - “Yule” comes from Old English geol, a very similar meaning to the word jól. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season.  

Boxing Day – In Great Britain and some countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, celebrates (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. 

Kwanzaa – A nonreligious festival celebrated by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional values. 

Zarathrost Diso – A Day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion. It is a commemoration of the death anniversary of the prophet Zoroaster. It is observed on the 11th day of the 10th month. 

Diwali – For five days there is a light festival that celebrates good over evil and/or lightness over darkness. The holiday follows the lunar calendar and usually comes during October or November 

Three King Day - In Mexico and many other South American countries, three Wise Men bring people gifts and leave presents near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also called Epiphany and a grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism to pay homage to the Three Wise Men.