Welcome to the Camp Internet Southwest Student Showcase

Camp 2002-2003 News

Indian by Jason, Evadale Junior High, Evadale, TX : . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:02AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Brian, Nightingale Middle School: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
There they were, a shepard and two children. They were having fun while we the soldiers were in war. I couldn't believe how much fun they were having with the wildlife, nature gave them. It was incredible how humans are so free with the animals that this world provide them. There I stare from the darkness of the trees to see the animals being free. Animals like the ox, tiger, wolf, lambs and goats. They were enjoying what life have given them, peace everywhere. I wasn't sure how we got so violent through these days at war when we could get together in one harmony. I couldn't believe how we the soldiers could hang a innocent person for who we are and how violent we are. There we walk awhile in silence to see how uncareful we are during war. And leaving behind this person's body in the mountains, also leaving behind the harshful memory of evil…………….. The shepard's children were having so much fun with the wildlifes that I had a memory of my childhood and what life has gave me by staring at them. There I saw the leaves on the trees coming down on us. I felt the breeze through my hair and told myself how beautiful life is! So in my mind, I asked myself this "How can we the soldiers stop the fighting and make this world realize how nice life is, like the children playing with the wildlifes?" And how can we the people of this world realize that we were here for a reason and that reason is that, we were here so we can live in one harmony, without getting into violence. So in my soul, I knew that we can change and we could live in a peaceful world without getting violent. There we abort our mission and walk back away from the area of the peaceful place and back into the darkness of the forest!

Jeannette, Hollywood high peforming arts magnet, story-poem:: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
They gave their lives to save others. They gave their lives to free others. They gave their lives to help. In the face of ridicule, tragedy, danger, and even persecution they showed a courage never thought by others them to be capable of. They are the men and wmen of all the world who have changed the thoughts of others. They were the brave sailors who found new lands both then and now. They were the slaves who lived in poverty yet rose above it. They are the men and women who keep the peace, who run into burning buildings, who fight for the freedome of people they don't even know. May the children never forget those who did so much for the love of strangers, and faith in humanity. May these brave people never die in that memory.

Anonymous: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)

AnonymousBailey, Greenwood I.S.D., story-poem: How Do You Open a Letter?: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Do you open it with excitement, Thinking “Oh boy! A letter from Grandpa!” Or do you open it with dread, Thinking “Uh-oh. Report card”…………….. Do you open it with delight, Seeing the label “Target”, Knowing it’s your paycheck? Or do you open it with disgust, Knowing that with the label “Electric Company”, Comes another bill?……………… How do you open a birthday invitation? Do you open it thinking, “Yes! I got invited!” Or do you open it thinking, “Great, another boring party”……………….. But let me ask you this; How do you open a letter labeled? “Hospital”…………. Or do you open it?

Julie, Zach White School, story-poem: Friendship: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:05AM PST (-0800 GMT)
It's very important to have a friend, wether it's 1 or 10 or 20. It's important to know who is a friend, so You may have none, or many. Friends can come in all shapes and sizes, Because that's not what matters. I have friends that are small and large, Your friendship might either live or shatter. Some people look at what somebody looks like, But what matters is what's on the inside. You can choose friends the way you want to, It's up to you how you decide. I doesn't matter who your friend is, Your friend could be a boy or a girl. My friendships won't ever end, My friendships won't ever end, I have the best friends in the world!!!!

Brett: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:05AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Sandra, Rose Avenue School, Oxnard CA, story-poem: Never Enough: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:06AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sometimes I can't describe with words Of the love I have for you. The words I do find are not enough To thank you for all you do………….. You always have been there for me To tell me it's all right. You chase away my weaknesses And fill me with new might. ………….. You're the one I turn to With my problems and fears Because I know you'll always be there To wipe away my tears. ………….. I can't believe how lucky I am To have you in my life. Especially when I'm going through The painful lessons of life. ………….. You're with me everywhere I go And I know you always will. Even when you're physically gone In my soul you will be still. ………….. And when I think I've fallen apart That I will be broken forever, You're there with me And help me put the pieces back together. ………….. You've been there through my changes And helped me to understand That I won't always be the same, It's one of life's demands. ………….. The one who sacrificed their time And a great many other things. You've raised me up into the sky And given me new wings. ………….. How can I put into words All my gratitude? For the giving me of all I have And never being crude. ………….. It's just to hard for me to do, For finding a way to express it. But when I tell you, "I love you" You can be sure I meant it. If not for you I'd have nothing, No life or any love. There's no time you tried to hurt me That I can think of. ………….. All in all, you can see That you are everything to me. And of my love and gratitude I hope that you can see. ………….. I know one day you will be gone And I wish that day wouldn't come. But I know it will and when it does You'll be shining me light from the sun. ………….. You have raised me my entire life And we share a special bond And just like you and me, It always will be strong.

Royalwood Elementary, Houston, Tx: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:07AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Elvis, Napa Street School; science project: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
What I learned in weather is water vapor is water.The sky conditions are very lovely if you look out the window.When you want to check the cloud type just go outside and look at the clouds.If you look at the clouds and if their black or gray that means it might rain. The three types of clouds are cirrus, stratus, and cumulus. The cumulus clouds are fluffy, like cotton. The stratus clouds are stringy………… I learned that clouds suck water from the ocean to make rain. This process is called evaporation, precipitation and condensation………. We used the Camp Internet measurement tool to learn how to measure temperature, precipitation, wind speed. We also learned about cloud type and sky conditions………….. The ocean evaporates into the clouds to form rain.Averages,tempetures,wind speed,precipitation are very important.If you have a weather chart you should use it.That is what I learned in weather.

Maggie, Napa Street School, project: What I've Learned About The Weather.: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
What I have learned about the weather is that it is made from air called the atmosphere.The sun heats the earth up,but does it unevenly.It leaves half of the earth dark and unheated………… The closest layer to the earth is the troposphere.The troposphere are the tropics, it is always warm in the tropics.The air moves from where it is cold,to where it is warm………….. There are 3 kinds of clouds.The 1st is the Stratus Cloud,the 2nd is the Cumulus Clouds,the last one is the Cirrus clouds. In Camp Internet, I learned how to find the temperature in F and C, the wind speed, sky conditions and cloud type. I learned what precipitation is and how to find averages for data.

Glorya, Nightingale Middle School, Los Angeles, story-poem: : . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
sometimes i sit and wonder…… what will happened when i die…… will anyone even notice…… will anyone even cry…… i wonder what will happened…… will anyone even care…… i hope someone will notice…… that i'm no longer there…… i think about the funeral…… will people actually come…… i hope my friends are there…… it'd be sad if there were none…… i hope i leave an impact on just…… one person that i met…… i hope that people that hurt me…… really do regret…… they had time…… to make things right…… to say i'm sorry…… and let's not fight…… but now those things…… will never be said…… because the one who would listen…… in now dead…… so sometimes when i think…… what will happened when i die…… it brings a tear not to your…… but to my very own eye……

Niya, Lamar Elementary, Mineral Wells, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)
There once was a dog… Who fell on a log. While he was there… He pulled his hair. At the end the frog made friends with the dog.

Caleb, Lamar Elementary, Mineral Wells, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)
There once was a dog … That turned into a hog. They put him in a zoo. Where he began to moo! Then he could not see in the fog.

Grandma's Button by Ivonne, Houston Elementary, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:11AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This button reminds me of my grandma when I first saw the picture of her. The button was from her necklace. Her necklace looked so beautiful and she had earings to match. I am so glad she left these for me because I never got to meet her. My dad told me she wore these when she went to my aunt's house on very special occasions.

My Baby Outfit by Catherine, Houston Elementary, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:11AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This button is from me and my sister's outfit. We wore this outfit when we were babies. When I got to wear the outfit, it was 12 years old. We both wore the same outfit from the hospital. The outfit was a pretty baby pink with a silver ribbon. Now I am seven years old and the outfit is in the attic in a barrel with several other memories.

The Amazing Button by Katie, Houston Elementary, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
My button is special because it was from my Gifted and Talented class. We just finshed reading a book. The book was about a little girl and her necklace with a lot of buttons on it. The necklace was called a memory string. There was one that was very special because it was a button that my dad found in a cave in Japan. He went there for safety when we got back at the Japanese for attacking Pearl Harbor.

The "Gamish" Button by Caleb, Houston Elementary, TX : . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
You can play Air Hockey with my button. My button can be a blast. My button is shaped like an ant hill, has four holes and is purple. When my button is turned upside down it looks like a bowl. Air hockey is played with two players. Each player has one pencil to hit the button across the table or paper. I taught myself from a game I played at Chuck E. Cheese's. It was an Air Hockey game against my friend, Shawn McDonald. I always wanted an Air Hockey game. This is probably as close as I'll ever get.

My Grandma by Hunter, Houston Elementary, TX : . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This button came from my grandma right before she died. She was wearing a spring dress at that time. This button reminds me of my Grandma because she wore it to every wedding she went to.

The "Y" was yo-yoing on yellow street by Joshua , Royalwood Elementary, Houston, Tx: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)

The Mysterious Button by Jacob, Houston Elementary, TX: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This is the button from Febuary 14th, 2002. I found this button the same day my Dad called my Mom and said that he wanted a divorce. I found the button in the shed when I ran out to the shed because I was upset. But I never knew where it came from. I guess it will always be a mystery.

Matt, Rose Avenue School, Oxnard CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This Project is a virtual tour of San Diego Mission, where the student acts as a docent and guides us through the history of the Mission. You can view the project at button and please click on Mr. Wolnick's Mission Projects.

Mrs.Wigglewart by Kearston Elizabeth, Port Neches Middle School: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:16AM PST (-0800 GMT)
BZZZZ!BAM!I'M UP!OUCH! This is the sound of Brandon waking up for his first day of 6th grade. He get's out of bed and runs full force to the bathroom with the exception of hitting a few walls here and there. "OH man" exclaimes Brandon. Once again his older sister Kearton has beat him to the bathroom. "I guess I'll go make my bed now" Brandon says to him self. Later that morning Kearston and Brandon sat down at the table for breakfast. Dad was already there reading his paper and drinking his cofee while mother was preparing breakfast. "Stop that this instant you two" said mother. "But mom" said both childern. "No buts about it no fighting at the table" said mom. Beep! Beep! "Hey mom thers my ride gotta go" said Kearston. "What about breakfast" said mom. "I'll grab an apple on the way out." said Kearston. "OK" said mom. The minute Kearston was out the door Brandon began piling pancakes,eggs,bacon,and sausage up on his plate. SLURP!SLAP!GLANG!BANG! This was the sound of Brandon wolfing down 3 pancakes, 2 whole sausages, 4 pieces of bacon, 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 glases of orange juice. GGGEEELLLCCCHHH!! He let out a burp that made his mother drop her glass with a loud crash and his fathers cofee dribble down his chin. Beep! Beep! That was the sound of Brandon's bus. Brandon staggerd to the door in gut crunching pain. Swish went the bus doors and ohhh went a nother moan of pain. He sat down and waited for his stomach to stop hurting. By the time he got to school his stomach had stopped hurting. He got off the bus and ran to class with his best friends Carbon and Dunston running after him. He seated him self in the front row (because you see this was the cool thing to do) and waited for the arrival of the new teacher.10 minutes later ring went the bell and every one hurried to find a desk by there friends. There was lots of nervous chattering going on whon the targy bell rang and all of a sudden it got very quiet as the new walked in. Gasps filled the air. A very old lady that looked as if she had walked out of the swamp had entered the room. Now she was no normal looking teacher. She had snow whit hai that was curled up so tight and full it loked as is she was sporting a mini fro. She had big rabbit ears that were pointed at the top like elves. Her eyes were small and sunken in and had a long pointed nose like ponochoes. Oh and her lisp her lips were just unbelivable. They were beautifully shaped but she had a thick coat of lipstick spread on so thick and wicked it looked if if she appiled it on a train or a bus that hit a bump every tenth of a second. Her neck was long and skinny like a giraffes anh she had long stick like arms with small hands. She had a round body with short stick like legs and small infant like feet and she had on a red and white striped dress. As the class began to settle down a cruel and evil grin spread accross her face as she approached the board and wrote Mrs.Wigglewart on the board. It wasen't until then did the kids notice the large puss filled wart under hr chin. As she oppened her mouth to say my name is Mrs.Wigglewart a horrid smell came out. no one dared to open there mouths or cover there noses they just sat there and stared in astonishment. After that every one got used to the room smelling like rotten eggs and curtled milk. Every thing after that went smothly with the name game and filling out info. cards until the lunch bell rang. Everyone gt up and ran to the lunchroom except for Brandon he felt as if he were glued to the chair. Mrs.Wigglewart rose from her desk amd began to float towards him. As she became closser he saw the evil look on her face like she was a predator and was reagy to strike her pray which was him. She opned her mth to expose her grusem black gums and the teeth that wernt rotten were so yellow they looked af if LandoLakes had used them to color butter. " Nothing to be allarmed about" said Mrs.Wigglewart "I am just going to have you for lunch! "Dont you mean you are going to invite me to have lunch with you." "No I said what I ment" Then she opned her mouth and began to breath very loudly. The smell made Brandon so sick he began to feel dizy. He heard a familar voice calling his name and the teacher began glidding away as he realized it was his mothers. He closed his eyes and began to scream and when he opned ten he realized it had all been a nightmare. BZZ!BAM!I'M then Brandon stopped in mid sentence and stopped and thought this all seemed and sounded vaugley famillar and he bagan to SCREAM!!

Royalwood Elememtary, Houston Tx: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:17AM PST (-0800 GMT)

FREEDOM IN AMERICA by Priscilla, Ulloa Elementary School, San Francisco, CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:18AM PST (-0800 GMT)
San Francisco is beauty in the lights … My country stands in peace… The colors of red white and blue brings joy to my life… Creatures from mother nature is true with all my heart… The symbol of the flag means joy and love in every color… The Golden Gate bridge is red like the orange yellow sunset setting through my Life… My country is freedom all through my heart.

The "R" was holding a bouquet of roses, Everret, Royalwood Elememtary, Houston Tx: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:18AM PST (-0800 GMT)

THE MISTERY ROSE by Gabriela, Ulloa Elementary School, San Francisco, CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:19AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Katie was walking in her garden. She looked at the beautiful daisies, apple trees with big red apples, she looked at the perfectly green grass, and then she found it. It was the rose that was planted there before the house. The strange thing about the rose is that if any flower was planted near the rose it would die………………… Anyway one day Katie was walking down the street and a strange lady came up to her and said “shamooka” Katie did not understand what the lady was talking about. Katie was a little bit scared at first, but then she thought that maybe the lady has mistaken her for someone else. Three weeks passed and nothing happened, but then on Sunday morning something happened……………….. It all started when Katie went shopping in the morning, and when she came back everything in the garden except for the rose was dead. Katie was horrified, so she started working right away. Katie took all the plants including the rose to the garbage. The next day when Katie went into the garden to plant some plants, she saw that the rose was back were it was. And this time the rose was bigger. The next day when Katie returned to her house from school, she went straight to her garden. In her garden instead of the rose Katie found a beautiful lady that said “shamooka”. Katie then remembered the strange lady she saw before. Now the beautiful lady said her name was Anna, and that the queen of roses has sent her to earth. Anna explained about her world. She said that the rose that was planted there before the house had fallen from her world. A hundred years ago the rose was one of her world’s most powerful things. Now the rose is getting its power back and her world wants the rose back. Anna said she was the strange lady Katie saw before………………… Katie really never wanted the rose, so she gave it to Anna. Anna said goodbye and flew away. Katie never heard from that world again, and was glad she didn’t.

Idea taken from the book "The Z was Zapped" by Chris Van Allsburg and Kayla: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:20AM PST (-0800 GMT)

The Firebirds by Max , Nightingale Middle School, Los Angeles, CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:21AM PST (-0800 GMT)
In the beginning within the darkness the world was beginning to loose hope. The FireBirds met and talked and decided to trace the fire across the sky in a great multi-colored rainbow pattern for all to see and enjoy and gain hope from…………… They gathered together thousands upon thousands, in every color created and began to weave. The weave was spectacular and many marvelled at it's beauty including the Fire Birds themselves. The world began to smile and hope again. Soon though they began to argue about the pattern. Why did this color go there? What were they thinking when they put that shape there? and so forth. They tried some things for a time but they failed. Other things were tried and failed before they began………… One day the weave became so intense and so heavy the birds could no longer maintain it and plunged into the seas erupting in a tremendous ball of ash and smoke putting out the glories of the rainbow and plunging the world into darkness………. But From the mess and from the chaos, and from the darkness a few of the FireBirds emerged and shook of the ashes. What had happened? What went awry? Then the Earth, Air, Water, and Spirit gathered……. The Earth spoke to them in low deep tones of how the rainbow had warmed the soil and the plants grew and the animals were nourished by the warmth and the beauty of the rainbow………. The Air sang about the fun it had having the company of such a beautiful thing to share the skies with and lonliness became only a memory…….. The Water shimmered and rippled showing the reflection of the rainbow that it remembered and burbled about how much it enjoyed looking up at it. Then Spirit whispered that the rainbow showed that all things were possible together and that the rainbow brought hope and light and peace to everyone. The FireBirds spoke with each other. They then spoke with the others who all agreed………… The Earth would grow the beautiful things and provide food for the birds when needed. The Air would come and visit once in a while to chase away the lonliness. The Water would nourish them in their journeys and remind them in it's reflection of all the had accomplished, and Spirit would share the hope with them when things got tough……… The FireBirds than flew into the sky in colors more vibrant and more lovely than ever before and forged a rainbow together with Earth, Air, Water, and Spirit that the entire world would glory at for ages to come.

The "A" was picking apples by Kayla , Royalwood Elememtary, Houston Tx: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:21AM PST (-0800 GMT)

The Through the Eyes of the Tiger, Bethany , Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, San Bernardino, CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:22AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sunset begins.. Cubs are awakening.. Mama tiger gets ready to hunt.. She takes the cubs for hunting practice.. They search her vast territory for signs of prey……….. Mom spots a wild boar.. Slowly, she stalks her prey.. Prey senses tiger.. Turning, seeing, fleeing free.. no longer a meal for the predator…………. Mama tiger sees a deer, a young deer.. Her deathly, cautious stalk begins again.. Closer, closer to the unaware victim... The tigress pounces and clamps on to the throat of the deer, slicing, tearing…….. She drags the carcass to her nearest bedding area, with 4 cubs trailing in her shadow.. ripping, tearing strips of meat, providing for her young…….. All is not eaten, meat is saved for the coming day. Sunrise--the tiger cubs full and happy fall into a deep slumber, while their mother rests softly, always alert for danger or predators……… A day or night as seen through the eyes of the tiger, the beautiful, magnificent, wonderful tiger …. Who lives alone, but doesn't want to be one alone.

Jessie , Kyrene De Las Brisas Elementary School, Chandler, AZ: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:22AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Figure Skating is like flying through the air, like a bird, with the wind in your face……. I bend my knees, and bounce up, Twisting in the air, making many revolutions and finally, landing gracefully on my razor sharp toe picks…… I think about holding tight and landing on my toes; not letting go of my equilibrium and plunging hopelessly onto the hard ice…… I love to skate because it always gets more, and more, challenging, with new spins, new jumps, and new moves…… Alas, when the clock points to the time, the end of the skating session, my thoughts are interrupted, and again, the real world slowly swarms around me…. I take out my towel, and carefully dry my snow white boots and sharp metal blades, close my skate bag, and amble off, into the gleaming horizon of the future.

Shannon W, I am a fourth grader at Rose Ave., Oxnard: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:23AM PST (-0800 GMT)
School Jokes… Father:How were your test questions this morning ? Child:They were easy but I was not sure about the answers………………… . . Teacher: What do you get add 1,235 and 1,345 and subtract the sum by 1,567? Student: A headache!………. . . What do elves lean when they are young? The elf-abet……………… Teacher : What do you do if you were chased by a man eatting shark? Female student:I would not worry, I'am a girl…………… Knock knock Jokes……………. Knock Knock Who's there? Cows Cows who? Don't be silly, cows go moo ,not who………………… . . Knock Knock Who's there? Ketchup Ketchup who? Ketchup with me quickly and find out………………. . . Knock knock Who's there? Ice cream Ice cream who? Ice cream and I scream untill you open this door……………… Knock Knock Who's there? Bill Bill who? Bill me out……………… . . . Knock Knock Who's there? Justin Justin who? Just in time.

Lucy , Nightingale MS, Los Angeles: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:23AM PST (-0800 GMT)
With these hands, he's achieved the impossible. With these hands, he's made something remarkable. They're not the prettiest hands………… With these hands, he's made something remarkable. They're not the prettiest hands. They naver were, but through the roughness, I can glimpse the years of hard work credited to them…………….. With these hands, he became somebody. With these hands, he succeeded like he never knew he could. They're not the loveliest hands. They never were, but underneath the scars, I can see the many bessings God gave them.

Mariel, Bannon Creek Elementary School, Sacramento CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:24AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The Orange The orange is a Bow and arrow shooting Towards the sky. The orange is The purfume’s smell. The orange on a Tree is sparkling Like glitter. The orange is a Spray bringing Us to eat it.

Jessica, Somerset Middle School : . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:24AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The leaves blow, the trees sway and I play. Yay!

Understanding D-I-V-O-R-C-E , Bianca, Memorial Junior High School: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:31AM PST (-0800 GMT)
At the beginning, I never understood what the word meant, and I didn't understand why my parents had gotten one, but now I do. I now understand that it was the best, but now it really does effect me. I see all my friends enjoying themselves with their parents, and I feel sad because I can only have half the experience. Sometimes I think,"If only it hadn't happened," but then I realize it was for the best. ……… D-I-V-O-R-C-E …………… I now know what it means, and I wish that word had never been invented. It would have saved many people from being in tears and in pain. The one thing I keep in my head is that if my parents had stayed together, maybe I wouldn't have been as happy as I am now

Cows by Allie , Dos Caminos School, Camarillo, CA: . . . . Wed, Apr 24, 6:41AM PST (-0800 GMT)

A Portrait of the United States, Robert, Marcos de Niza High School: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:47AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Our nation’s portrait is one painted with many colors. The most vibrant of these colors are red, white, and blue. Red is the color of blood, the blood that pulses in the veins of every American reminding us that we all share our humanity. White is the absence of color. In our nation there is equal opportunity regardless of the color of their skin. We are a nation where being from a minority is becoming characteristic of the majority. Blue is the color of the sky that drapes across our nation. When we lift our eyes, we all share the same vision. We see one nation unified under one sky, tied by our humanity, and melded by our diversity. The portrait of the United States is not a Polaroid snapshot, but rather it is a masterpiece crafted by over two centuries of self-sacrifice, idealism, opportunity, and the desire to leave the world a better place. To the people of our nation, this masterpiece represents the comfort of safety and the promise of a secure future. To the destitute of the world, the portrait of the United States provides hope for a better way of life. To the despots of the world, the portrait is a bold tapestry of human rights and justice. Blazing with color, we are the artists at the easel of America’s future.

Matt/Justin, Ridgveiw Elementry, Yucapia CA: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:47AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Yosemite is a great place, It gets many visiters, >From the grand Yosemite Falls, To the Towallame medows, Yosemite rocks!

Wisdom by Pankti, Kyrene De las Brisas, Chandler. Az: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:48AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Wisdom, wisdom means many things. One of the most likely things that one might say is that wisdom means wise. But people with wisdom would not define it as being wise. Wisdom, it is true that it means wise, but wise, too, means something. One with knowledge, or great philosophic/scientific learning, is often called wise. They know as much as Einstein, then they will be said as have possessed great wisdom. I have come across a place where one has thought that wisdom is the Bible. Perhaps it is true, perhaps both ways, perhaps wrong, but it is said that religion is true shelter. Judgment of a wise one is also a part of their wisdom. If they are always giving great credit to the gangsters and none to those who stop raids, they are no longer considered wise and noble. It would make no sense, unless it was to those gangsters. The last possible way of saying on possess wisdom, is by craftiness, by cleverness, by wit. There is a story about a witty King's counselor and his enemies, his challenges, and the King. Once, something got stolen and they had to figure out if it was the oilman's bad of gold coins, or the butcher. He cleverly but the bag in water, and opened it and saw bloodstains. He knew that it was the butcher's, and the oilman got punished. That is called wisdom……………… Now, we, or I have come up with four meanings or possible meanings of wisdom. Each live in their own way: 1. Great philosophical or scientific leanings; knowledge… 2. The Bible, or religion… 3. Judgment… 4. Craftiness, cleverness, and wit. Each of the four about live in their own lifestyle. Different ways, each somewhat similar to the other. The great Einstein-brain might live in a big mansion, because of all his hard earned money. People would come to him for advice, and to learn all about the things he knows. Some would write biographies, and his or herself would be writing his or her own biography. Religion or religious families would live their religion. Whether it is vegetarianism or light a menorah, or to put up a Christmas tree, it is still the religion, the beliefs, the ways, the morals. So the justice department would keep the judgment and sense part of the job, eh? You may or may not have your manor, but people would be asking you to settle your cases whether you work in a court or not. That is just what it will probably be. Clever, crafty, witty are the last left. For this, you don't know where you'll be. A King's minister, or the guy across the road, you can be cunning in planning revenge, or solving a case, so you can't really know……………….. Wisdom is a precious thing that means many different things to many different people. It can be from cunning to knowledge to judgment to religion. Maybe you can be known for wisdom.

Royalwood Elememtary, Houston Tx: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)

T was hardly tipped by Alex, Royalwood Elememtary, Houston Tx: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)

SCIENCE PROJECT from Mr. Bartlett's 4th grade class from Ridgeview Elementary in Yucaipa : . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:55AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Our class has been going strong with the Camp Internet online activities, as well as special projects in class. We started the year with a study of fossils, and how they tell us about California history. The students wrote newspaper articles about finding fossils, then we made plaster fossil molds. The students had a great time and learned how archaeologists use their tools to uncover ancient artifacts.

*Starlight* by Desirae, Columbia Heights Elementary G/T Magnet: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I once had a dream of being a star, I was in my baby blue and silver car. It was a night to remember of, I was wondering, what do I love? All of a sudden, BAMM, I saw it. A bright light flash before my eyes! I wondered, how would I feel, If I was that falling star.

Natalie, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Friends are the people who us when we need them most Really sharing there most sacred secrets when can trust us as their own I know when i can trust a friend to help me through bad and even sad times Even if were mad at each other we can count on being even closer when we make up Never doubt on your friends and they won't doubt on you Departure will never be an issue between to friends Staying together through thick and thin shows how a real friendship should stay and last

Anon: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:50AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Tim, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:51AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Roses are red violets are blue i not going to waste my life on drugs how 'bout you?

What a Group of Kids can do to Help by Vinson, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:52AM PST (-0800 GMT)
On September 11, a chain of events occurred, events that shattered thousands of lives. For all the survivors and their families this is their time of need, but what about the people in Afghanistan? Our country, the United States is bombing their country. Although the air force isn’t trying to hurt civilians they are being hurt and they are suffering more than we are. The Afghans usually don’t have much food to feed themselves, but in the recent events the Afghan citizens are suffering even more. This gives us reason to act, to give aid to our fellow man……. I imagine I am part of a group called ADHHA, or Americans Dedicated to Helping Hungry Afghans. Our group hopes to help ease the fear and suffering experienced by the Afghan civilians, by gathering non-perishable foods to feed the starving citizens. Then in a month, all the collected food will be sent to Afghanistan by any means possible. We can’t just stand and watch while human beings suffer…….. This will be hard to do, but if it is planned carefully then it can be accomplished. The first thing that has to be done is to get many people to join. How can that be done? We can ask all the people in our classes and neighborhoods if they would like to join. After our group has enough members, the collection of food can begin. Ways that this can be accomplished are to go door to door and ask if the residents would like to donate cans, talk to the students in our classes, and make a request to place an article in the Modesto Bee saying what we are doing and what to do if anyone wants to help. When one month has passed, all the accumulated food will be sent to the hungry people of Afghanistan. There is only one problem, how do we do that? Since the solution Isn’t known, help will have to be found. The people we could ask are teachers, one of our parents, or maybe even a postage company. Whatever the solution is money may be required; if so then we could all take an equal amount of allowance money and pay the fee. No matter what, when a goal is set we must try our best to reach it and not let any obstacle stand in our way, especially if there are people that need us to succeed…………… What the result will be, I don’t know; it may work, it may fail. If it does succeed, many Afghan people will have food to eat for quite a while. We won’t be looking for any rewards, but just seeing human beings eating happily and our goal being fulfilled will be thanks enough.

Rushing Through Life by Becky, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:52AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Rushing water Are we alike? Moving through life so fast Not letting anything that will harm past. Leaves will fall, they will flow in. But will that stop you? Will that stop you in your tracks? Taking wild turns, new aadventures But at the end it all slows down.

The Road Goes On (poem on the long, hard road of life) by Breanna, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:53AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The road goes on and on away, Out of sight of the mortal eye, It twists and it turns in its wily way, And, at distance, joins up with the sky…… The road goes on, even if I do not, For my feet sometimes speed up or slow, Or give up altogether and fall in a heap, If I do not know which way to go……… The road goes on to forever and back, And meets with along the way, The mountains, the glaciers, the seas, and the skies, And the lights both in night and in day……….. The road goes on, up, down, and around, Over bumps and around the turn, To run, and jump, and slow, and fall, And draw, and dance, and learn………… The road goes on and on away, And into the gathering night, The road goes on to another day, Away and out of sight.

Staring Back at Me by Rita, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:54AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I look at my hand, what do I see? A nice tan tree trunk staring back at me. My fingers the branches, my nails the leaves, All of them, staring back at me. As I turn it over, what do I see? A white sandy beach, staring back at me. Brown spots here and there are the seashells, you see, All of them, staring back at me. My fingers move like waves hitting the shore, Thunderous like a knock at the door. Now, you can see, all of these things, staring back at me.

SOMEONE WHO CARES by Alex, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:55AM PST (-0800 GMT)
SOMEONE WHO CARES IS ALWAYS BY MY SIDE, SOMEONE WHO CARES NEVER RUNS AWAY TO HIDE, SOMEONE WHO CARES PROTECTS ME WITH LOVE, SOMEONE WHO CARES SHINES MORE THAN THE STARS ABOVE, SOMEONE WHO CARES WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME, SOMEONE WHO CARES LOVES ME MORE THAN THE EYE COULD EVER SEE, SOMEONE WHO CARES SPREADS HAPPINESS AROUND, SOMEONE WHO CARES IS SOMEONE I HAVE FOUND, SOMEONE WHO CARES GIVES ME FOOD, SOMEONE WHO CARES IS ALWAYS IN A GOOD MOOD, SOMEONE WHO CARES HAS A HEART THAT RINGS OUT WITH LOVE LIKE IT WERE A BELL, SOMEONE WHO CARES IS MY MOM, HOLLY.

Anon: . . . . Fri, Apr 26, 6:55AM PST (-0800 GMT)

: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:44AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Above images is: Ancient Egyptian Mace by Cameron, 6th grade Somerset Middle School Modesto, Ca.

Ana, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:45AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Soaring through the sky, Leaping, jumping,flying, Having a great time. That's why I dare to dance.

Travis, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:46AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Kellie, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA : . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:47AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Red, orange, brown, maroon-a colorful show for us all, Nearly every day, I'm amazed by it fall. Falling, tumbling, spinning to the ground, All around me the trees' artwork flutters down. Each leaf an original, leaving no forwarding address, Just a beautiful memory of autumn at its best.A kaleidoscope of colors, Underneath my feet. Sound of fireworks making bright performances for us to see. Red, orange, brown, maroon-a colorful show for us all, Nearly every day, I'm amazed by it fall. Falling, tumbling, spinning to the ground, All around me the trees' artwork flutters down. Each leaf an original, leaving no forwarding address, Just a beautiful memory of autumn at its best.

Circles by Erika, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:47AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Backyard Habitats by Pat, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:48AM PST (-0800 GMT)
On Tuesday, November 6, 2001, Modesto had an election day. Measures N and O asked citizens if sewer extensions for future city growth should be approved. If these were approved, farm land would be bought and would be turned into new homes. Instead of wide open land with almond and peach trees, there would be pavement and buildings…………….. Our city needs to grow, and we must have houses, but when we do this we destroy many animal habitats. One solution to this is backyard wildlife habitats……….. My proposal is that I and other kids could teach people how to build backyard wildlife habitats. We might call ourselves B.E.S.T., for Backyard Environment Support Team…………. A backyard habitat is a home for many living things, such as bees, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects. If everyone had a backyard habitat, these animals would have many homes. Wouldn’t it be a fun to see hummingbirds drinking nectar from flowers in your own backyard? Backyard habitats are great for a community………….. One group, the National Wildlife Federation has for many years been hard at work, doing research about backyard habitats. This past October 31st, that group certified the 30,000th backyard wildlife habitat……… There are only a few essential things are needed to start and run a backyard habitat. The first is to look at our yard space, identify the things that already exist, and find where we need to add the basic elements needed by animals: food, water, and shelter…….. First, we can plant trees and plants that will attract animals and birds. Then, we could build various kinds of animal shelters. Of course, we would also need to supply water, for example in ponds or birdbaths……. Say for example that you want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your backyard. Butterflies eat and are attracted to the marigolds, lilacs, and many other plants. Hummingbirds drink nectar from and are attracted to iris, bottlebrush, and many other flowers. Many of these you can buy at nurseries here in Modesto, such as Scenic Nursery and Hischier Nursery. All you have to do is plant them and water them, and in a while you should have butterflies and hummingbirds…………. There are many ways I would plan to educate people about backyard habitats. One way is to build a web site. In this website I would have a link to the National Wildlife Federation website………….. During the Veteran’s Day weekend, my family went to Lake Tahoe. One day, we went down to the pool at our hotel. Even where the hotel rooms had been built, there were pine trees and areas of grass which had been left, and berry bushes that had been planted. I saw many stellar jays, squirrels, and robins. This was a perfect example of a backyard habitat.

Susanna, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The sun awakens at dawn, shining brightly through the sky. Peeking out of clouds during the day, hiding during the star-filled night. With the moon shining oh so bright, the night turns into day, the day turns into night.

Lyndsay, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA : . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:49AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Lyndsay, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA The sky is dark.. The wind is howling.. Cats are meowing.. Rain starts falling.. Sprinkling then falling hard.. Puddles on the ground…………. I think about what it's like to be rain. It would be fun to fall on Maine. Meeting one person, then two and three.. Catch me on your tongue and swallow me. Being rain would be fun.. But being human is number one.

I Value Poem by Timothy, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:50AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I Value Peace……. I Value Peace because people know Tommorow may not bring peace. People value peace along with soldiers For they know that they might be sent to war. Peace is what the world needs………………… I Value Food……. I value food because people need that in Certain areas. People value food because they Know not to waste food made by hard labor. Food is what people value in this world Because everywhere people need food………….. I Value Life….. I value life because tommorow There might not be another day for us. People value life because some people can't Lead a normal one where they could be like Normal people. Life is to be valued so we can be blessed With that priviledge………………… I Value Friends….. I value friends because there are times when Friends are needed in situations such as the September 11 attack. Other people need friends to encourage them To be the best they can be. Friends are to be valued so they can stay that way for a long time……………….. I Value Family…… I value family because they are always there To lend a helping hand. Family is to be valued because without them Your soul with have a huge gap………… I Value my Home…… i value my home because there are people who Need shelter but do not have one. People value their home because not Everybody has a home to go back to. A home is to be valued because Home is where the heart is…………………. I Value Them All

Different by Alicia, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:51AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I've noticed something in my new 6th grade class We are too quick to judge instead of ask I've noticed this and I don't like what I see I don't want people judging me Instead of judging on the way people look, read a book Cause I've had experience in being judged and as I've said I don't like what I see Because of my skin some people judge me Not all people do this only some do and if you ever judge someone in some unfair way how woould you like it if that person were you?

Finally, Control, By: Gabrielle, Vista Verde Middle School, Moreno Valley, Ca : . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:51AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I felt lonesome without that special someone, that someone to hold. My depression was deep and sad. During the day I would paste a wide grin reeking with pleasure and happiness, but at night I would sometimes cry myself to sleep. My insides were groaning, yearning for that body to hold. He was the one, the only one. The same one who never noticed me, the same one who still thinks I am too happy for his kind. The one who thinks my world is so unrealistic, yet it feels so real to me. I know I have it good, a lot better then some. I have one older Brother of 26, both of my Parents happily together, a beautiful house, and true friends. Not to mention my heavenly father, God, who watches me carefully. Trust me I am truly grateful, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something, something essential. Could that special one fill that hole? I do not know, but I have more faith in that happening then in some of my friends. The truth was that I didn’t make him realize I was alive. Even with all the love letters and signals I sent him, he continued to give me the cold shoulder. Actually this time I knew it was purposefully done not be naïve intentions. I really truly loved him. I wrote poems about him, for him, and I did as much as I could do to help him. Yet day after day his shoulder seemed to grow colder and colder. Then one day, I woke up determined to mend up my broken heart, dreams, yet retain my dignity. So, I realized that I would refuse to help him anymore and give him the cold shoulder for a change. Even when his adorable puppy dog eyes begged I made no notion to his existence at all. That is when I really started to control my own life, not my parents controlling it, but I, ME! But every now and then I feel the rush of depression over whelm me, so I started to write. This was how I found that writing could and does reveal your emotions and set them free to change another person’s life. So I say to you writing it a special gift, use it till it can be used no more.

Julianne, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:52AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I value each day that God gives me, Because it's like his Gift to me I value my friends and family because they're always there for me when I need them I value my home because i know somewhere out there peopl are living on the streets because they have nowhere else to go So, when you've given up on God because you think he doesn't care for you any more and he doesn't answer all your prayers, just think of all the little things in life that He gives you, like the strenght to try and hope THAT YOUR WHOLE LIFE WILL TURN OUT PERFECT I value the life that God gives me For without it, where would I be?

Volcanoes: Destruction vs. Life, By Star, Aubrey Elementary School, Aubrey TX: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:52AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Volcanoes equals destruction and sadness, but also have good points too. The spew looks like a living river of lava, destroying everything in its path. Like a destructive hand, lava flows from volcanoes, destroying nature and life along its way. But, the offer of new opportunity is given and life always finds a way. Nature gets another chance and people have learned how to use volcanoes in their every day lives. Interestingly enough, volcanoes create both destruction and life………………………………. A volcano is a mountain that has molten rock pushed under it. When volcanoes erupt one slate of land slides under another pushing up lava. Next, magma is made with molten rock and pushed into the magma chamber. Afterwards, the pressure of the magma blows off the top of the volcano. Finally, Eruption! When the living mountain erupts it either blows high up in the air, spews side ways or just goes down the side of the slope………………………………….. One of these living mountains is Mount St. Helens. According to Patricia Lauber’s book, Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens, when this mountain exploded sideways in 1980, the blast knocked down trees 17 miles away, farther than any one had expected. According to Rob Carson’s book, Mount St. Helens, when the smoke and ash cleared, this ‘lavapit’ had dropped from the 5th highest peak in Washington, at 9,677 ft. high, to the 13th at 8,364 ft. high. The blast had blown 1,313 ft. off the top of the crater. Smoke and debris were hurled thousands of feet in the air, landing in the bordering states. According to scientist, after 100 years nature will return to normal. People still continue to live around this mountain despite its major destructiveness. In fact, some make profits from this famous landmark due to tourists………………….. The Hamai people of Southern Iceland believe fire is the symbol of life. But they do know the difference between fire and lava produced by a tremor. A tremor is like a mini volcano. Though the people of Iceland have only known small tremors, according to the movie National Geographic: Born of Fire one of these tremors that wasn’t so little lasted five months. The people tried fighting this tremor but it didn’t go out easily. After the ‘fire fight’; was over half the houses were burned and buildings were half buried. But, one good point is that every tremor adds 1 square mile to the island that can be used by the people……………… In North Iceland the people living there are actually using the power of the volcano to power their city. The very power that created the island, the power that could destroy them any moment, is keeping them warm! This monster is constantly erupting giving them power but also threatening their way of life………………. Volcanoes are destructive but can also be helpful in the long run. In the battle of life and destruction the winner varies. So, the volcano is destruction, but cannot destroy life forever.

Karin, Toll Middle School, Glendale, CA: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:56AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Two years of fun and laughter tears and sadness fights and forgiveness… It’s coming to an end oh my goodness… We went through so much together… Now we’ll be left with memories to keep forever… Since the first day of seventh grade… A lot of us didn’t get along… Now there’s no way we can picture our lives without each other… Now we’re going our separate ways… Let’s make the best of the rest of the days… You guys have been there and have cared… Always there to comfort when I was scared… Thinking about leaving...sends chills down my spine… I hope every thing goes good and fine… I know I won’t forget you guys over time… I hope that we keep up this relation… After that night we all call.... Graduation

Charles, Fairway Middle School, Killeen, Texas: . . . . Mon, Apr 29, 6:58AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ecuador is a country on the coast of South America. The name of the countries that border Ecuador are Colombia and Peru. The way the Republic of Ecuador takes its name is from the Spanish word for equator. One thing I think that makes Ecuador a lot different from the United States of America is that it doesn't have any states. Some of the people speak Quechua, an ancient Indian language…….. Two ways that Ecuador gets its electricity is with fossil fuels and Hydro (which are like those huge dams I know of in the United States of America, like Hoover dam in Nevada). The population for Ecuador during the year 1994 was 10,677,067 people, while the population during July of 2001 was 13,183,978 people. The population growth percent was really small because it was only two percent. The birth rate for 2001 was 25.99 births out of a thousand people, while the death rate was 5.44 deaths out of a thousand people. Ecuador's birth rate was higher than its death rate in 2001. The life expectancy at birth for a male is an average of 67.5 years old, while the life expectancy at birth for a female is 72.6 years old. Females live longer than males. The type of people that live in Ecuador in percent are fifty-five percent are mestizo (Spanish and American Indian mixed), twenty-five percent are Indian, ten percent are Spanish, and ten-percent are black. The armed forces includes the army, the air force, and the navy. An estimate of an amount of people in each group would be for the army 50,000 people, for the air force 40,000 people, and for the navy 45,000 people. Ecuador's armed forces are mostly the army. The two main religions in percent would be Roman Catholic with ninety-five percent and others with five percent. Roman Catholic is the most common religion. The government is a multipart republic with one legislative house. The official language is Spanish……… The area for Ecuador along with the area for the Galapagos Islands is a total of 283,550 sq km. If you try to compare Ecuador to a state in the United States of America you would find out that Ecuador is slightly smaller than Nevada. The land boundary of Ecuador has a total of 2,010 km, while Ecuador's coastline boundary is 2,237 km. The climate in Ecuador is tropical along the coastline, it becomes cooler inland at higher elevations, and it also gets tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands. The estimate for the tempatures during January and July in Ecuador would be 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest point in Ecuador would be near the Pacific Ocean at 0 miles, while the highest point in Ecuador would be near the Pacific Ocean at 0 miles, while the highest point is Mt. Chimborazo that is 6,267 miles high. Another special feature is Napo River which is Ecuador's longest river and part of its length is 1,100 km. Its natural resources are petroleum, fish, timer, and hydro power. Some of Ecuador's other resources are bananas, panama hats, drugs, cement, textiles, cocoa, coffee, sugar canes, oranges, natural gas, and shrimp. The way they use the land is six percent is arable land, five percent is permanent crops, eighteen percent is permanent pastures, fifty-six percent is forests and woodland, and fifteen percnet is other things (this information was gathered in 1993). The annual precipitation in Ecuador is 43.9 in. Ecuador's altitude is 2879 miles. The largest cities in Ecuador are Guayaquil with 1,508,000 people, Quito with 1,101,000 people, Cuenca with 195,000 people, and Ambato with 124,000 people………. Ecuador is a country on the coast of South America. On a scale from large (like Brazil) to tiny (like French Guiana) on the size of the country, I would probably say Ecuador would be tiny, but fascinating.

Land of Freedom by Tia, Houston Elementary, Gilbert AZ: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:38AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I'm an eagle soaring through the sky, Suddenly something caught my eye. Rivers, mountains, valleys are bolder than before. The river's growing swifter, The mountains growing stronger, The valleys turning deeper………… I'm proud of this country, the plains, the oceans, too. I saw greatness ringing from mountains to plains, And a swelling within me grew. It grew when I thought of freedom, It grew when I thought of loyalty, But it grew the most, When I thought of love.

Gurashish, Toll Middle School, Glendale, CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:53AM PST (-0800 GMT)
"Love is something that keeps you going, yet burns you from inside."

AMANDA, NIGHTTINGALE MIDDLE SCHOOL, LA. CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:53AM PST (-0800 GMT)
It started out as a normal day at home. We were getting ready for school, and all of a sudden the phone rings, now maybe it's just one of my mom's friends who needs a ride to school or an early coffee-filled morning in a tele-marketer's day but it wasn't: it was one of the teachers from my mom's school. I answered the phone and she said to me, "Quick turn on channel 4 news! The World Trade Center has been flown into by a commercial airliner." I quickly hung up the phone to tell my mom about what happened. She asked if it was the building in Downtown L.A. I said, "I don't know, let me see." So I flipped on the news, and there were two tall buildings, one emerged in thick black smoke, and the other one standing there helplessly with it's feet planted to the ground. The only difference between the two was that large needle on the top of one of them used for communication, which is how we all know the Twin Towers to look like from every picture we see. They were saying that at the time they did not know if it was an act of terrorism or not. My mind did not immedietly flip to terrorism or flip to one building falling down, let alone two. That terrible picture kept replaying in my mind all the way to school. I did not think of it much at the time since it was just another plane crash; even though it endangered more than the 300 on board, but the countless others in the buildings. It was just September 11 to us, a normal Tuesday and also two days after my 13 birthday. This is now also truly another day that will live in infamy. It was not until later that we heard of the second plane crashing, and the fall of the two mightiest buidings in our nation-I hope that everytime we reflect on this day and how we as a nation are not untouchable,that as Americans, we will grow stronger each year we cope with the deaths and the beautiful lives that were lost on September 11, 2001.

Rita, NIGHTTINGALE MIDDLE SCHOOL, LA. CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:54AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Two children.. On the beach.. Playing with sand.. Carefree of the world.. They let their imaginations flow.. Imagining a chestnut horse.. Flying ghostly past them.. Pirates searching for treasures.. Mermaids flapping through the ocean.. A giant sea monster attacks.. While listening to the gentle waves.. Their senses calmed.. Letting their imaginations die.. They fall asleep. Lisa, NIGHTINGALE MIDDLE SCHOOL, LA. CA I was so aggravated when she bugs me. she annoyed me for the last time I was so outraged, I raised my hand and slapped her in the face. but now I feel remorse,since she was my best friend. i am very apprehensive about what she is going to say tomorrow at school. I am a very compassionate person,so i went up to her to apologize. she ignored me! So I loathed her even more than befoe. when I saw her the next day, she had a grave expression on her face. Then I started to glare at her. before you know it, we were glaring at eachother forbodingly. the tensiion between us rose in the pandemonium hallway. The glare sustenance until the bell rang for first period. Even when we were inarticulate, our eyes told everything. She was ustentatiously today, thinking she has the tyranny power. during class I overheard her talking about me behind my back. So during nutrition i pulled her into a vacated room.Letting everything out. I could tell that she was appalled. >From that day on we just ignored eachother and went on with our lives. It's not worth it to keep fighting with her, to me it's just a waste of time.

Angela, Nightingale M.S. LA, CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:55AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Entering into the beach, seeing a family with two little girls playing happily, made me envy them. For they have a perfect parents, not I. My parents are in an another arguement again, I couldn't stand the chaos that is going about. The beach is the only place to comfort me. Today's weather matched my mood perfectly, it was gloomy. My eyes suddenly gaze back at the two little girls, noticing that they are twins, to tell them apart one wore a bonnet and longer socks. They are young, I thought. So carefree from the reality of the world. Too innocent to have the pain I'm having…. What is love? I suddenly wonder while I gaze into the horizon of the sea. Is it painful or not? Does it bring sadness or happiness? I know I would never have an answer to my question. Why am I even about love anyways, silly me. I guess because I never been loved by my family, unlike those two little girls whom loved them dearly… Through the gloomy sky I could see the sun is setting. I wish I could freeze this moment, because this view is comforting. I didn't how long I stayed, but it didn't really matter. Daydreaming how my life could be perfect like those twins, I saw a chestnut horse that flew ghostly by. Still in a daze, I thought it was just an illusion. It wasn't, it was my friend or a neighbor so to speak, he's a great friend because he always there for me to confide on, and he knows what am I going through. This special friend of mine is Anthony. What on earth is he doing here I thought, as I walk toward him. Seeing me confused made him laugh. "Hi," he said. I didn't reply him because of the beauitful horse that is standing before me. "Hey! I want some attenton too!," Sensing he was jealous, I focus all my attention toward him……. Sitting down, I asked him what was he doing here and with his uncle's horse. He reply sweetly that he wanted to see me so we could ride the horse together. I didn't believe him. I felt that there was something wrong going to happen. Staring into the sky seeing that the stars are slowly appeared. Out of no where he stood up, afford his hand to help me get up. We walked awhile in silence with his horse by his side. " We are moving," he blurted out. I stopped dea on my tracks. Moving? Anthony is moving away. I could feel my tears going to spill and it did. How come all the wonderful things happen in my life always disappear somehow……. "You know, I was just kidding," he said laughing. I could feel my cheeks getting hot. Wanting my revenge I chased him all about the beach. After that tiring chase I slumped down to catch my breath. Still thinking of what he said. Made me think more. I don't want him to leave. Well because he's more than a friend. Meaning I liked him ever since I've met him. I didn't dare to say it to him because I don't want to face the rejection or the pain of it…. Too into the thought. I didn't realize he was lying next to me. Turning my head to face him. Seeing he was sleeping. I whispher my feelings in his ear. I decided to tell, because I rather take the pain instead of having the nagging feeling inside of me….. Walking away towards the darkness of the ocean, having the waves flap on my feet, and was hoping that he didn't hear anything. I could feel his presence near me, without a word I left the comforting place.

The Allegory of Our Lives by Alana, Hollywood High School, LA CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:56AM PST (-0800 GMT)
As we sit and stare at our modern-day shadows cast against our modern-day cave wall, all around us thrives life - life at which we are petrified to look. The comfort of familiarity lures us into it's lair of ignorance, locking behind us the doors of our minds. We live in a world that praises acceptance, frowns upon the unusual, and shuns the bizarre. The gardens of our minds have become dehydrated, the soil of curiosity cracked, the flowers of knowledge wilted. Only the weeds of fear are left to grow, nourished daily with ignorance. Then one day, we are thrust out of our cave, and drenched in a painful light - a light that bears that of which we are most frightened; the truth. On September 11th, 2001, not only was I rudly awakened to realize that evil lurks in the world, an entire nation was forced to turn their chained necks, and look outside. …………. Throughout my life, patriotism had never held any importance to me. I felt I had nothing about which to be truly patriotic. Facts in history books seemed distant and unrelated to my life and to my existance as an American. I took for granted the beautiful words that praise our country, and paid little respect to what the U.S. stands for. Evil, too, was non-existant in my eyes. The confined world in which I lived left little room for any external facts not directly correlated with my life. I was sitting in front of my cave wall, paying attention only to false shadows, and ignoring reality completely. When the fatal day commenced, it was as if our entire nation took one giant step out from the darkness of its hideaway, and forceably looked straight into the sun. My eyes; squinting, burning, crying. . . my legs quivering, my heart shattered. . . all that was true, now false, all that was unbelievable now reality. Oh, what pain comes with knowledge! What agony pairs with lore! What once seemed a secure life, now threatened by a truth that grows larger every day; we are not as secure as we care to pretend. Along with that knowledge comes the recognition that we are living through history, an event that will be recoreded in every history textbook to come. With that awareness comes the realization that every event of which never related to me in texts, will now share pages with my life. Suddenly patriotism envelops me, as I awaken from my ignorant slumber……….. So there we are, left stranded in the burning sun, with no shelter nor familiarity. . . simply knowledge. Thus with that knowledge, we continue to live - at times still in our caves - yet with the continual defiance of that which keeps us from wisdom; ignorance. . . the worst of all our enemies.

March 30, 2002. by Katherine, Ulloa Elementary, San Francisco CA: . . . . Tue, Apr 30, 6:57AM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is it about this unusual yet amazing day? Why were my clothes sopping wet? Why was I wearing rugged shoes, rugged clothes, gloves and a hard hat with a headlamp on it? Why was I so awed you ask yourself, but don't answer… It is because I did one of the most fun things over spring vacation in St. Louis. I went to Waterloo, Illinois. You may ask why I'm so excited about this so here's your answer... I went to Little Mammoth Cave…….. There were bats, baby cave newts and beautiful formations. I was really very amazed. We saw so many beautiful things in the cave. There were soda straws, stalagmites, stalactites, stones, pebbles and even small waterfalls….. One of the funniest formations was a rock that looked like a nose with a waterfall underneath it. It was called the "runny nose"…. After walking through water up to my ankles, we got to the "T" junction. There we saw a rock that looked like an anchor and a rock that looked like George Washington's head. That became our landmark… We decided to go right to the "Lunchroom". No, we were not allowed to eat so it's just a funny name. In the Lunchroom, we did eat one thing. We turned off our headlamps and ate f unny name. In the Lunchroom, we did eat one thing. We turned off our headlamps and ate a Wintergreen mint Lifesaver with our mouths open. It looked like green sparks…… Then a few people left. The rest of us went left of the "T" junction to "Marvin's Misery". There, four of us went in the offside passage. That's where I got soaked. The water was up to my chin and above my head in some places. I was sopping wet….. The cave was about to close so we left. We immediately changed our clothes though my feet were still chilled…. I loved Little Mammoth Cave and hope to go caving again some time.

: . . . . Wed, May 1, 6:35AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Good Morning! Who are the winners? Jason

Adopt an Island by students at Luther Burbank Middle School: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:03AM PST (-0800 GMT)
…………Pollution - There once was a fish that lived in Pollution.. who thought that all was an illusion.. he swam in trash.. And on the rocks he would crash.. This sickly fish lived in confusion (POOR LITTLE FISH)

Cameron: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)
My name is Cameron and I’ve always wanted to make a difference in this world. These are some of my inspirations: button Stephanie Taylor is eleven years old. Stephanie read about a police dog who was shot and killed, while chasing a suspect. This made her very sad. She wondered if he would still be alive, if he had been wearing a bullet-proof vest. She found out that they cost $475 each. She set out to raise enough money for one. She ended up raising enough for the six police dogs in her town. Then she raised enough for all the police dogs in San Diego County. She is now spreading the program across the country because, “We need to protect these dogs; they protect us.”……………… At the age of twelve, Brita Thomas wondered why a friend of hers always sat out during gym class. Then she realized her friend’s shoes were too worn for class. She decided to solve the problem. She used her allowance money to buy the girl a new pair of shoes. Brita thought that if this girl needed shoes, probably lots of other kids did, too. She and her Mother talked with school officials and they were all surprised to find that thousands of kids in the area needed shoes. Brita let her 4-H club know about the problem and they started “Happy Feet”. They have tried to let everyone know about “Happy Feet”. They have written letters, been in the newspaper, on the radio and T.V. Because of Brita, “Happy Feet” has raised over $25,000. …………. Taylor C. is 11 years old. She wanted to give every child that had cancer a hug. One of her grandmother’s died from cancer. Another grandmother had survived cancer. This inspired her to raise enough money to buy teddy bears for every child. She decided to make hair clips and sell them. In four years, she has given away over 17,500 teddy bears. “The bears help kids get through the bad times”, she explains. She even has her own web site…………………….. I hope that one day I can be like these kids and make a difference in the world. Young ones can make a difference, as shown by these examples. If we all work together, we can change the world!

Jennifer, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:06AM PST (-0800 GMT)
One day I'm sitting in my room.. I feel someone staring at me.. I look in the mirror from the corner of my eye.. To see only a shadowy man standing there right beside me.. I quickly looked to see their was no one there.. ‘ must be going crazy’ I said to my self………….. I go and lay in my bed trying to sleep.. when I heard light foot steps walking up to my room.. ‘ it must be my mom trying to check on me’I thought, I acted like if i was asleep.. Who ever was trying to get in was opening and shaking my door, then after shaking and turning the knob they got in……. I heard light steps walking to my bed, then sitting in the corner of my bed just staring at me. I open my eyes slitty only to see a shadowy man at the foot of my bed. I sit up and my face full of horror to see no ones there…… The next morning i woke up to see him staring at me.. I ran pass him and going straight to my parents room.. And now ever since that incident.. I don't go near my room.. But if I pass threw i see him sitting in the corner of my bed.. Wanting for me…….

The Tiger by Waylan, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:06AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Nature is all around me in the jungle. I go through th grass and ferns quietly. The bannanas and the fruits don't tempt me. I only have my sights on the buffalo. I hear a crack that echoes off the mountains behind me. I search for the source until I hear the snapping of stems and leaves tearing down all around the buffalo. I am in shock, how can another creature have gotten my buffalo other than another tiger, king of the jungle? No, I am wrong, it is another one of those humans who have no respect for life, and the cycles of nature. I see dark clouds forming, I better get to a dry place. CRACK! Oh the pain! It feels like fire! So much pain! No! I shouldn't have turned my back on that human! Too late...I can feel my life energy slipping away...If Mother Nature did of didn't intend this, I would still go...away...somewhere quiet...The last thing I see is that human's boot in my face... Amanda, nightingale m.s., LA CA The only thing with her were the leaves whirling around her horses legs. The warmth and heat of his body under her seat; she could feel her worries float away with the breeze, and his mane and her hair flow as he canters with ease. So soft is his fur and so cold is the air; she'll ride until morning until she doesn't have a care!

Anon, Patterson Jr. High School, Patterson, California: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:07AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Courtney , Patterson Jr. High School, Patterson, California: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:07AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I made this cross-section of California in my GATE class. We had to find the depth of the ocean bottom and the heights of the mountains and valleys and graph them out. Mr. Niblett made us find a scale for the height and distance to fit on our papers. This is a picture of the second section of our five section cross section. Then Mr. Niblett made us research the geology and life zones and draw them in.

Amanda, Patterson Jr. High School, Patterson, California : . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:08AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This is a picture of the second section of the cross-section of California we made in our GATE Math/Science class. We had to figure out the scales for height and depth to fit on our papers. Then we had to figure them out and graph them. We used the information from the USGS and DeLorme maps. Then Mr. Niblett had us research the geology and life zones and draw them in each section. We drew five sections. They went from the ocean through Patterson and across the Sierras.

Amanda, nightingale m.s., LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The only thing with her were the leaves whirling around her horses legs. The warmth and heat of his body under her seat; she could feel her worries float away with the breeze, and his mane and her hair flow as he canters with ease. So soft is his fur and so cold is the air; she'll ride until morning until she doesn't have a care!

Jennifer, NIghtingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:09AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Befor I use to think death was my only last resort cause of this lonlyness inside. But then you came along and brought joy, happiness and laughter and now its hard for me to say "I love you"

Kevin, Nigtingle Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)
You are so sweet and sour that I always desire nobody can see except for me the way that you speak and I would to take a piece of your heart to put in mine for I could be reminded of you for the rest of my life but in ten years would you ever consider of being my wife.

Lindy, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:11AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I always thought Phnom Penh, Cambodia is like any other city in the US. But I was wrong. Once the airplane landed in Phnom Penh airport, it was like a nightmare to me. I felt like I was trapped in an old, old movie that was set in the early 1200s. Every building was run down, the streets were quiet at night, no street lights and practically there was no cars. The city was like desserted. I would never imagined how bad a country could be in bad shape. Everytime I would walk on the streets or drive pass by, which was not comfortable, I would always see kids and adults, begging for money, or if they were lucky, food to eat. Going to temples, I would always see elderly men who lost their legs stepping on mine grounds. They would speak in khmer and ask for money as well. I would always feel uncomfortable with the fact that they asked for money and I am afraid that I can't be able to give it to them. Going to Cambodia gave me a lesson that I should be happy living in a place that they might not see for a long time. Sometimes when I think about it for a while, I get really sad because my family do live in that country and not in America with me…………..When I take a look at Bangkok, Thailand everything seems so lively. It's the opposite of Cambodia. Cars were everywhere, street lights and other different kinds of lights lighted up the city. THe fast-food restaurants opened 24 hours and it was so fun. No residents were asleep, they all walked outside to relax and set their minds off of work. Looking at Thailand is not much of a difference than America. These two countries are so similar in many ways…………. In a way, I just wish that Cambodia could be like the US soon, or like Thailand. I lived in Cambodia for 5 weeks and now I know that I am very lucky that my permanent home is in America.

Tiffany, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:11AM PST (-0800 GMT)
The sun came out like it always does I kiss my parents goodbye and left for school. As I went to school I looked up into the sky at all the beautiful colors and smiled it was going to be a wonderful day or so I thought At my desk, laughing and talking like we always do a friend came over with a look of terror on her face sharing the news of what was going on I felt my knees weaken, my stomach drop tears filling my eyes as the radio talked of the tragedy that was going on As we all stood in silence, not knowing how to react……….. For the first time in my life it had hit me, things aren't going to be the same anymore, Oh, how I would miss all the things that was so great before Always having fun And not worrying trying to attack America But now days, all you see is terrorism on the news violence, wars, drugs, and teens breaking laws What happened to all those good news? about firefighters saving little cats that had been stuck in a tree for hours! Someday everything is going to be alright again, someday soon………. As a teenager and proud Americans, we need to pull together to ease the minds of our future childrens to let them know it is not the end But perhaps a new beginning of a better U.S. >From a great tragedy, we have learned to come together giving strength, hope, and love to one another And from this, our children will learn that America is not just about freedom, but about unity And with this strength in mind, I was able to sleep soundly, And know that tomorrow will be a better day and that our America is still the best and safest place to be. "God Bless Us All!"

Lovely Pain by Eduardo, Hollywood High, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Pain, Must for Love. Understand they do not. Tears. Why? Can not be explained like I. In Love. Yes. Me in Love. Never. Never thought, but Love has shot me. Has shot me like a blast from a 12-gauge Shotgun eating through my skin, Hitting my heart. The barrel burning. My heart burning, With lovely pain. They laugh, giggle But I do'nt tear. Why? Understand I do.

Complications by Jenny, Nightingale MS, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:12AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sometimes things can get so complicated, So wrong, so confusing, and so sad. The opposite is how you want it to be, Yet that just adds to your troubles. Can't we just hate whoever we want to hate, And love who we want to love? Sometimes our feelings are mistaken, Or taken as something else instead…………… But just remember in times when you feel Remorse, sorrow, or doubtful, That even if your securities are at All time lows, Your will determinationwill stand tall, Your intelligence will be undamaged, And your spirit will not waver; Strength comes in many forms.

DHH English Cooperative Class Project from Andrew Carnegie MS, Carson, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Indians.. Warriors, storytellers.. Dancing, cooking, singing.. Frustrated, confused, excited, caring.. Chumash

DHH English Cooperative Class Project from Andrew Carnegie MS, Carson, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Chief Chowig.. Tough, honest.. Hunt, protect, fight.. Confident, rage, frustrated, shocked.. Native

Helen, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:13AM PST (-0800 GMT)
My hands shook as I dropped from branch to branch, slipping, scraping my chest, my stomach, retreating into the darkness of the jungle. I soon run out of branches to grab a hold of. I hear nothing except the beating of my heart and the rasping breaths coming through my mouth and nose. I feel nothing except the cold howling wind passing through me. I see the jungle floor rising up to meet me. The crash was extremely painful………….. Pain now shoots through my back in spasms. I moan, but I don't recognize the sound of my voice. Why did I climnd that tree in the first place? Supporting my weight onto a nearby tree, I prop myself upright. With my hands I feel for any broken bones. It is hard to see here in the jungle floor. It is dark and quiet. Too quiet. A howling wind follows a crash of thunder. Lightning accompanies the rain now falling out of the sky in sheets. From the lightning, I see hideous cuts abdscrapes crossing over my body, I see serious medical attention…….. As I limped back to the jungle village, I repeatedly mistaken the howl of the wind for an animal. Fear clutches my heart. I see a crowbar in a flash of lightning. I run and pick it up. Then it hit me: it was made of metal, and it attracts lightning. That was my last thought as a blinding white light bolts out of the sky and hits me. Every inch of my body is on fire. I feel my eyeballs sizzle in their sockets. I smell the putrid stench of burnt flesh. Now, I sink into a darkness even darker than that of the jungle floor………… I hear voices. Am I hallucinating? Struggling, I force my eyes open. I am lying in a hospital bed. "The lightning missed you by a millimeter. You were singed, but no permanent damage was done", the doctor told me. I started to relax…………………… Just then the roof of my room was tossed and ripped apart by a strong gale. A crash of thunder told me that a lightning storm had formed once again. I now realize that I am lying on a bed with copper bedposts. Paralyzed with horror, I can only widen my eyes and watch as the blue flash of lightning reach out of the sky towards me.

September 11th by Sophia at Las Colinas: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Remember the day.. Now our spirits fly so high.. It made us as one.

Emely, Balboa Elementary, San Diego, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I drew this picture because I believe the solar system is interesting. I learned in school that Pluto is the coldest planet on earth. I also learned that Mercury is the hottest planet. I found out that Pluto is the smallest one in Neptune and Jupiter the biggest planet on earth. Finally I learned that Mars is red because the rusty iron is red.

San Francisco by Armando, Oak Park Elementary, San Diego, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:15AM PST (-0800 GMT)
button San Francisco is a lovely place to visit. There are some great landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension Bridge made in 1937! There are some other landmarks like Alcatraz. Alcatraz has cells wHere prisoners went if they were out of control in jail. Alcatraz is located north of San Francisco in the San Francisco bay. Alcatraz was shut down a couple of years ago. Lombard Hill is a very steep hill. It is found on Lombard St. IN THE Southwest part of union square. They say it’s the steepest HILL in California. It was so steep that they had to make the road curvy. Chinatown is a place in the middle of Union Square, San Francisco. Chinatown has a lot of Chinese foods and pottery. Cable cars are the daily transporting system in San Francisco. It costs two dollars per person, but they are fun to ride on. Cable cars could take you about anywhere in union square. The Coit tower was built in 1933 on the top of telegraph hill. It was built in the shape of a fire hose nozzle to remember the firemen who fought the 1906 earthquake fire. In the week of March 25th-29th I went to San Francisco for my self and saw every thing I wrote about in this essay. All these pictures I took in San Francisco, except the ones of Chinatown, the cable cars, and the coit tower. I took more pictures than shown here. I had to make the pictures small enough to be in the report. Before I switched the pictures they were more focused, but it they were too big.

How The Sky Came To Be by Kevin, Nightingale Middle School: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:16AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Before the stars, when the earth was long and flat, and the moon was cold and plain, there lived a spirit named Obweji…… Obweji was very powerful because he was the Spirit of the Sky. He owned the universe and the great flat earth. He had many servants on earth, they were all afraid of him and did his bidding….. They were all happy when Obweji lifted and went up to his big dark sky again…. On earth there was a beautiful maiden named Pateka. Her hair was the colour of a ravens wing and her eyes sparkled like the fire. She was kind and respectful to her people and she loved the sun… One day Obweji came down to Pateka's village to choose a bride….. All the people were obligated to give forth their daughters and the families who didn't were killed…….. When Obweji saw Pateka he chose her right away because of her great beauty. When Pateka was given to him she cried and cried but went with him for the sake of her people……. She cried many nights after and the only thing that pleased her was staring into the sun for many hours. Obweji was sorry but very mad at Pateka for being disrespectful to him….. One night Pateka told Obweji, " I am leaving you because you are cruel to my people!!"…… The words shocked Obweji and he became furious at her. He grabbed her stone necklace from her neck. But Pateka was too quick and darted away from him. He held the broken necklace as she ran away never to be seen again….. Obweji was so overcome by anger that he threw all the beads in the sky, and there they stopped and shone like diamonds in day and night…… Obweji was ashamed and scared to face his people, he felt weak and thought about his lost love all the time. A few days later Obweji started to cry…… He picked up his earth and rolled it very slowly in his big hands then he turned faster and faster until his palms hurt and his head ached. He was so sad that he went to the moon and slept for 4 days……. Then he died of a broken heart….. The servants were overjoyed because they didn't have to work for him anymore. But they would be reminded of him when they looked at his image on the moon……. And Pateka? She ran to the spirit of the sun and married him. They were very happy and had many children… They named them, Venus, Mercury , Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus ,Pluto and Neptune. They lived happily ever after….. And that is how the sky came to be.

Students from Kindergarten, Ida Redmond Taylor Elementary School, Santa Maria, CA: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:20AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This is a photograph of the seed packets that we have been designing. We are packaging seeds that we harvested at school. We sell the packets for 50 cents each. The money is for our garden project.

CAMP INTERNET STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE TEAMS: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:31AM PST (-0800 GMT)
********************************************************************************** HAPPY MAY DAY *************************** A BIG Thanks to all of the students who submitted work for the Camp Internet STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE !!! Everyone is a winner in this project and can receive an INTERNET RANGER BADGE commending you for 'Using the Internet Wisely' if we have your full school address (teachers - many entries had only partial addresses so please send the correct address to explore@campinternet.net) ............ We will be announcing the GRAND PRIZE WINNERS at 1 pm today PST - and are adding a few new categories in response to related themes that came in from students. One will be the Dr. Robert Muller **PEACE PRIZE** honoring the student with the most insightful poem about the importance of PEACE and Dr. Muller, Chancellor of the University of Peace in Costa Rica will select that student winner. ...... Another new prize will be **Remembering September 11th** ....... And a third new prize will be **Best Storytelling** ........ As planned, we will also be selecting: **Best Science Project**, **Best Art or Media Project** and **Best Creative Writing**............... Prizes will be awarded to the participating class in the STUDENT WINNER'S NAME - so all can share in the award!!! Great Work Students !!!!!!!!************************************************************************

CAMP INTERNET STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE TEAMS: . . . . Wed, May 1, 7:39AM PST (-0800 GMT)
***NOTE ***Your parents, friends and relatives can come in to look at your work when this goes into the permanent gallery beginning this afternoon ..........REGARDING STUDENT POSTINGS - we invite you to post constructive, positive comments about the other student work you see above, and to include your first name, school and city - state in the Your Handle box before posting your message so we know who is speaking. WE REQUIRE polite, socially responsible behavior for postings, so please give us thoughtful comments. We also welcome news from each campus about what life is like at your school and your favorite learning projects this year........... THANKS for taking part in the CAMP INTERNET DISTANCE LEARNING COMMUNITY - to learn more about how to bring Camp Internet to your classroom click on this button

A PARODY OF JOY by Rachel, McAuliffe Middle School : . . . . Wed, May 1, 8:04AM PST (-0800 GMT)
This lazy summer afternoon.. You've sunshine in your eyes, Yet your smiles are full of daggers and Your promises are laced with lies. A songbird sings; your laughter rings.. Like sweet bells in my ears, But your face appears white in the blinding Sunlight.. And your eyes shine and sparkle with tears. A summery breeze ripples over the trees.. And you shiver in spite of the sun; You sigh with remembrance and longing.. And your gaze would intrigue anyone. You act out your routine - so relaxed and serene - And maintain your deceptive expression; Though you stare starry-eyed I can see deep Inside.. Of your pain and your grief and depression. You simply refuse to abandon your ruse.. Your whispers are seas of suspense, And your sparkling smile is nothing but guile.. A playact of tragic pretense.

PEACE, LOVE & FREEDOM by Brittnee, Stephen Foster Elementary School: . . . . Wed, May 1, 8:07AM PST (-0800 GMT)
I live in a country where you can be free. You can act like yourself, and I can be me. In time of crisis, we are there to help neighbors . . . near and far You can search far and wide, but you’ll never find, A place where people act so kind. The colors fly high, just Red, White & Blue, We’ll stand up hand in hand . . . and always be true. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, Or the Religion you believe in, What matters the most, is we are all Americans. I hope this is how it will be Peace, Love & Freedom for all eternity.

Hovercraft Project: . . . . Wed, May 1, 8:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:54AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************ AND THE WINNERS ARE ………. ***************** CONGRATUALTIONS !!!!!!!!!! - - - TEACHERS – if you have a student or class prize winner, please email exact, full mailing address including the teacher’s name to explore@campinternet.net. All prizes are awarded to the class in the student or team’s name. ( And to be sent the Internet sticker badge for all entries, please email full address and teacher name as well)

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:56AM PST (-0800 GMT)
****** BEST SCIENCE PROJECT AWARD ……….. Class wins a hand held CAMP ITNERNET GPS Unit ******* Goes to the class of Mr. Niblett at Patterson Jr. High School in Patterson, California for their excellent geography and biology project that maps the cross sections of California!!! Mr. Niblett’s class will be sent a CAMP ITNERNET GPS UNIT to help them keep on mapping !!! …………… Courtney , Patterson Jr. High School, Patterson, California I made this cross-section of California in my GATE class. We had to find the depth of the ocean bottom and the heights of the mountains and valleys and graph them out. Mr. Niblett made us find a scale for the height and distance to fit on our papers. This is a picture of the second section of our five section cross section. Then Mr. Niblett made us research the geology and life zones and draw them in. ………… Amanda, Patterson Jr. High School, Patterson, California This is a picture of the second section of the cross-section of California we made in our GATE Math/Science class. We had to figure out the scales for height and depth to fit on our papers. Then we had to figure them out and graph them. We used the information from the USGS and DeLorme maps. Then Mr. Niblett had us research the geology and life zones and draw them in each section. We drew five sections. They went from the ocean through Patterson and across the Sierras.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:56AM PST (-0800 GMT)
*********SCIENCE RUNNER-UPS ARE: SCIENCE PROJECT from Mr. Bartlett's 4th grade class from Ridgeview Elementary in Yucaipa - Our class has been going strong with the Camp Internet online activities, as well as special projects in class. We started the year with a study of fossils, and how they tell us about California history. The students wrote newspaper articles about finding fossils, then we made plaster fossil molds. The students had a great time and learned how archaeologists use their tools to uncover ancient artifacts. ………………………… Hovercraft Project

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:57AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************ BEST CREATIVE WRITING……. Class wins a copy of Jack London’s Call of the Wild ************** Winner is ………. Land of Freedom by Tia, Houston Elementary, Gilbert AZ: ………..I'm an eagle soaring through the sky, Suddenly something caught my eye. Rivers, mountains, valleys are bolder than before. The river's growing swifter, The mountains growing stronger, The valleys turning deeper………… I'm proud of this country, the plains, the oceans, too. I saw greatness ringing from mountains to plains, And a swelling within me grew. It grew when I thought of freedom, It grew when I thought of loyalty, But it grew the most, When I thought of love.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:57AM PST (-0800 GMT)
*** Creative writing runner ups Lucy , Nightingale MS, Los Angeles: . . . . With these hands, he's achieved the impossible. With these hands, he's made something remarkable. They're not the prettiest hands………… With these hands, he's made something remarkable. They're not the prettiest hands. They naver were, but through the roughness, I can glimpse the years of hard work credited to them…………….. With these hands, he became somebody. With these hands, he succeeded like he never knew he could. They're not the loveliest hands. They never were, but underneath the scars, I can see the many bessings God gave them. …………………………….. A Portrait of the United States, Robert, Marcos de Niza High School: . . . Our nation’s portrait is one painted with many colors. The most vibrant of these colors are red, white, and blue. Red is the color of blood, the blood that pulses in the veins of every American reminding us that we all share our humanity. White is the absence of color. In our nation there is equal opportunity regardless of the color of their skin. We are a nation where being from a minority is becoming characteristic of the majority. Blue is the color of the sky that drapes across our nation. When we lift our eyes, we all share the same vision. We see one nation unified under one sky, tied by our humanity, and melded by our diversity. The portrait of the United States is not a Polaroid snapshot, but rather it is a masterpiece crafted by over two centuries of self-sacrifice, idealism, opportunity, and the desire to leave the world a better place. To the people of our nation, this masterpiece represents the comfort of safety and the promise of a secure future. To the destitute of the world, the portrait of the United States provides hope for a better way of life. To the despots of the world, the portrait is a bold tapestry of human rights and justice. Blazing with color, we are the artists at the easel of America’s future. ………………. Wisdom by Pankti, Kyrene De las Brisas, Chandler. Az: . . . . Thu, Apr 25, 6:48AM PST (-0800 GMT) Wisdom, wisdom means many things. One of the most likely things that one might say is that wisdom means wise. But people with wisdom would not define it as being wise. Wisdom, it is true that it means wise, but wise, too, means something. One with knowledge, or great philosophic/scientific learning, is often called wise. They know as much as Einstein, then they will be said as have possessed great wisdom. I have come across a place where one has thought that wisdom is the Bible. Perhaps it is true, perhaps both ways, perhaps wrong, but it is said that religion is true shelter. Judgment of a wise one is also a part of their wisdom. If they are always giving great credit to the gangsters and none to those who stop raids, they are no longer considered wise and noble. It would make no sense, unless it was to those gangsters. The last possible way of saying on possess wisdom, is by craftiness, by cleverness, by wit. There is a story about a witty King's counselor and his enemies, his challenges, and the King. Once, something got stolen and they had to figure out if it was the oilman's bad of gold coins, or the butcher. He cleverly but the bag in water, and opened it and saw bloodstains. He knew that it was the butcher's, and the oilman got punished. That is called wisdom……………… Now, we, or I have come up with four meanings or possible meanings of wisdom. Each live in their own way: 1. Great philosophical or scientific leanings; knowledge… 2. The Bible, or religion… 3. Judgment… 4. Craftiness, cleverness, and wit. Each of the four about live in their own lifestyle. Different ways, each somewhat similar to the other. The great Einstein-brain might live in a big mansion, because of all his hard earned money. People would come to him for advice, and to learn all about the things he knows. Some would write biographies, and his or herself would be writing his or her own biography. Religion or religious families would live their religion. Whether it is vegetarianism or light a menorah, or to put up a Christmas tree, it is still the religion, the beliefs, the ways, the morals. So the justice department would keep the judgment and sense part of the job, eh? You may or may not have your manor, but people would be asking you to settle your cases whether you work in a court or not. That is just what it will probably be. Clever, crafty, witty are the last left. For this, you don't know where you'll be. A King's minister, or the guy across the road, you can be cunning in planning revenge, or solving a case, so you can't really know……………….. Wisdom is a precious thing that means many different things to many different people. It can be from cunning to knowledge to judgment to religion. Maybe you can be known for wisdom.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:58AM PST (-0800 GMT)
******* Best New Media …. Class wins a miniVideo Camera ************ Matt, Rose Avenue School, Oxnard CA This Project is a virtual tour of San Diego Mission, where the student acts as a docent and guides us through the history of the Mission. You can view the project at button and please click on Mr. Wolnick's Mission Projects.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:58AM PST (-0800 GMT)
******* New Media Runner Up Circles by Erika, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA – this is a powerpoint slide show too large to put online in full ….

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:58AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************* Best Art ….. Class wins an Art Book ********************** Indian by Jason, Evadale Junior High, Evadale, TX

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:59AM PST (-0800 GMT)
****** Art and Media runner ups are ……… ……….. Horse by Brett …….. Cows by Allie , Dos Caminos School, Camarillo, CA ……. And The "Y" was yo-yoing on yellow street by Joshua , Royalwood Elementary, Houston, Tx …………. Travis, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 10:59AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************ REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11th PRIZE ……….. Class wins a Mark Twain Book ******************* Winner is The Allegory of Our Lives by Alana, Hollywood High School, LA CA: As we sit and stare at our modern-day shadows cast against our modern-day cave wall, all around us thrives life - life at which we are petrified to look. The comfort of familiarity lures us into it's lair of ignorance, locking behind us the doors of our minds. We live in a world that praises acceptance, frowns upon the unusual, and shuns the bizarre. The gardens of our minds have become dehydrated, the soil of curiosity cracked, the flowers of knowledge wilted. Only the weeds of fear are left to grow, nourished daily with ignorance. Then one day, we are thrust out of our cave, and drenched in a painful light - a light that bears that of which we are most frightened; the truth. On September 11th, 2001, not only was I rudly awakened to realize that evil lurks in the world, an entire nation was forced to turn their chained necks, and look outside. …………. Throughout my life, patriotism had never held any importance to me. I felt I had nothing about which to be truly patriotic. Facts in history books seemed distant and unrelated to my life and to my existance as an American. I took for granted the beautiful words that praise our country, and paid little respect to what the U.S. stands for. Evil, too, was non-existant in my eyes. The confined world in which I lived left little room for any external facts not directly correlated with my life. I was sitting in front of my cave wall, paying attention only to false shadows, and ignoring reality completely. When the fatal day commenced, it was as if our entire nation took one giant step out from the darkness of its hideaway, and forceably looked straight into the sun. My eyes; squinting, burning, crying. . . my legs quivering, my heart shattered. . . all that was true, now false, all that was unbelievable now reality. Oh, what pain comes with knowledge! What agony pairs with lore! What once seemed a secure life, now threatened by a truth that grows larger every day; we are not as secure as we care to pretend. Along with that knowledge comes the recognition that we are living through history, an event that will be recoreded in every history textbook to come. With that awareness comes the realization that every event of which never related to me in texts, will now share pages with my life. Suddenly patriotism envelops me, as I awaken from my ignorant slumber……….. So there we are, left stranded in the burning sun, with no shelter nor familiarity. . . simply knowledge. Thus with that knowledge, we continue to live - at times still in our caves - yet with the continual defiance of that which keeps us from wisdom; ignorance. . . the worst of all our enemies.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 11:00AM PST (-0800 GMT)
********* Remembering September 11th runner ups ……….. September 11th by Sophia at Las Colinas: . . . . Remember the day.. Now our spirits fly so high.. It made us as one. …………… Tiffany, Nightingale Middle School, LA CA: . . . . The sun came out like it always does I kiss my parents goodbye and left for school. As I went to school I looked up into the sky at all the beautiful colors and smiled it was going to be a wonderful day or so I thought At my desk, laughing and talking like we always do a friend came over with a look of terror on her face sharing the news of what was going on I felt my knees weaken, my stomach drop tears filling my eyes as the radio talked of the tragedy that was going on As we all stood in silence, not knowing how to react……….. For the first time in my life it had hit me, things aren't going to be the same anymore, Oh, how I would miss all the things that was so great before Always having fun And not worrying trying to attack America But now days, all you see is terrorism on the news violence, wars, drugs, and teens breaking laws What happened to all those good news? about firefighters saving little cats that had been stuck in a tree for hours! Someday everything is going to be alright again, someday soon………. As a teenager and proud Americans, we need to pull together to ease the minds of our future childrens to let them know it is not the end But perhaps a new beginning of a better U.S. >From a great tragedy, we have learned to come together giving strength, hope, and love to one another And from this, our children will learn that America is not just about freedom, but about unity And with this strength in mind, I was able to sleep soundly, And know that tomorrow will be a better day and that our America is still the best and safest place to be. "God Bless Us All!" ………………………………………… What a Group of Kids can do to Help by Vinson, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: ………………… On September 11, a chain of events occurred, events that shattered thousands of lives. For all the survivors and their families this is their time of need, but what about the people in Afghanistan? Our country, the United States is bombing their country. Although the air force isn’t trying to hurt civilians they are being hurt and they are suffering more than we are. The Afghans usually don’t have much food to feed themselves, but in the recent events the Afghan citizens are suffering even more. This gives us reason to act, to give aid to our fellow man……. I imagine I am part of a group called ADHHA, or Americans Dedicated to Helping Hungry Afghans. Our group hopes to help ease the fear and suffering experienced by the Afghan civilians, by gathering non-perishable foods to feed the starving citizens. Then in a month, all the collected food will be sent to Afghanistan by any means possible. We can’t just stand and watch while human beings suffer…….. This will be hard to do, but if it is planned carefully then it can be accomplished. The first thing that has to be done is to get many people to join. How can that be done? We can ask all the people in our classes and neighborhoods if they would like to join. After our group has enough members, the collection of food can begin. Ways that this can be accomplished are to go door to door and ask if the residents would like to donate cans, talk to the students in our classes, and make a request to place an article in the Modesto Bee saying what we are doing and what to do if anyone wants to help. When one month has passed, all the accumulated food will be sent to the hungry people of Afghanistan. There is only one problem, how do we do that? Since the solution Isn’t known, help will have to be found. The people we could ask are teachers, one of our parents, or maybe even a postage company. Whatever the solution is money may be required; if so then we could all take an equal amount of allowance money and pay the fee. No matter what, when a goal is set we must try our best to reach it and not let any obstacle stand in our way, especially if there are people that need us to succeed…………… What the result will be, I don’t know; it may work, it may fail. If it does succeed, many Afghan people will have food to eat for quite a while. We won’t be looking for any rewards, but just seeing human beings eating happily and our goal being fulfilled will be thanks enough.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 11:01AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************ BEST STORYTELLING PRIZE …….. Class wins a Mark Twain CD ROM *************************** Winner is The Firebirds by Max , Nightingale Middle School, Los Angeles, CA In the beginning within the darkness the world was beginning to loose hope. The FireBirds met and talked and decided to trace the fire across the sky in a great multi-colored rainbow pattern for all to see and enjoy and gain hope from…………… They gathered together thousands upon thousands, in every color created and began to weave. The weave was spectacular and many marvelled at it's beauty including the Fire Birds themselves. The world began to smile and hope again. Soon though they began to argue about the pattern. Why did this color go there? What were they thinking when they put that shape there? and so forth. They tried some things for a time but they failed. Other things were tried and failed before they began………… One day the weave became so intense and so heavy the birds could no longer maintain it and plunged into the seas erupting in a tremendous ball of ash and smoke putting out the glories of the rainbow and plunging the world into darkness………. But From the mess and from the chaos, and from the darkness a few of the FireBirds emerged and shook of the ashes. What had happened? What went awry? Then the Earth, Air, Water, and Spirit gathered……. The Earth spoke to them in low deep tones of how the rainbow had warmed the soil and the plants grew and the animals were nourished by the warmth and the beauty of the rainbow………. The Air sang about the fun it had having the company of such a beautiful thing to share the skies with and lonliness became only a memory…….. The Water shimmered and rippled showing the reflection of the rainbow that it remembered and burbled about how much it enjoyed looking up at it. Then Spirit whispered that the rainbow showed that all things were possible together and that the rainbow brought hope and light and peace to everyone. The FireBirds spoke with each other. They then spoke with the others who all agreed………… The Earth would grow the beautiful things and provide food for the birds when needed. The Air would come and visit once in a while to chase away the lonliness. The Water would nourish them in their journeys and remind them in it's reflection of all the had accomplished, and Spirit would share the hope with them when things got tough……… The FireBirds than flew into the sky in colors more vibrant and more lovely than ever before and forged a rainbow together with Earth, Air, Water, and Spirit that the entire world would glory at for ages to come.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 11:01AM PST (-0800 GMT)
*********** Storytelling Runner up ……….. How The Sky Came To Be by Kevin, Nightingale Middle School Before the stars, when the earth was long and flat, and the moon was cold and plain, there lived a spirit named Obweji…… Obweji was very powerful because he was the Spirit of the Sky. He owned the universe and the great flat earth. He had many servants on earth, they were all afraid of him and did his bidding….. They were all happy when Obweji lifted and went up to his big dark sky again…. On earth there was a beautiful maiden named Pateka. Her hair was the colour of a ravens wing and her eyes sparkled like the fire. She was kind and respectful to her people and she loved the sun… One day Obweji came down to Pateka's village to choose a bride….. All the people were obligated to give forth their daughters and the families who didn't were killed…….. When Obweji saw Pateka he chose her right away because of her great beauty. When Pateka was given to him she cried and cried but went with him for the sake of her people……. She cried many nights after and the only thing that pleased her was staring into the sun for many hours. Obweji was sorry but very mad at Pateka for being disrespectful to him….. One night Pateka told Obweji, " I am leaving you because you are cruel to my people!!"…… The words shocked Obweji and he became furious at her. He grabbed her stone necklace from her neck. But Pateka was too quick and darted away from him. He held the broken necklace as she ran away never to be seen again….. Obweji was so overcome by anger that he threw all the beads in the sky, and there they stopped and shone like diamonds in day and night…… Obweji was ashamed and scared to face his people, he felt weak and thought about his lost love all the time. A few days later Obweji started to cry…… He picked up his earth and rolled it very slowly in his big hands then he turned faster and faster until his palms hurt and his head ached. He was so sad that he went to the moon and slept for 4 days……. Then he died of a broken heart….. The servants were overjoyed because they didn't have to work for him anymore. But they would be reminded of him when they looked at his image on the moon……. And Pateka? She ran to the spirit of the sun and married him. They were very happy and had many children… They named them, Venus, Mercury , Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus ,Pluto and Neptune. They lived happily ever after….. And that is how the sky came to be.

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 11:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)
************ PEACE PRIZE ….. Class wins am autographed peace book ************************* Selected by Dr. Robert Muller of the University of Peace, Costa Rica button and the Winner is: I Value Poem by Timothy, Somerset Middle School, Modesto CA: . . I Value Peace……. I Value Peace because people know Tommorow may not bring peace. People value peace along with soldiers For they know that they might be sent to war. Peace is what the world needs………………… I Value Food……. I value food because people need that in Certain areas. People value food because they Know not to waste food made by hard labor. Food is what people value in this world Because everywhere people need food………….. I Value Life….. I value life because tommorow There might not be another day for us. People value life because some people can't Lead a normal one where they could be like Normal people. Life is to be valued so we can be blessed With that priviledge………………… I Value Friends….. I value friends because there are times when Friends are needed in situations such as the September 11 attack. Other people need friends to encourage them To be the best they can be. Friends are to be valued so they can stay that way for a long time……………….. I Value Family…… I value family because they are always there To lend a helping hand. Family is to be valued because without them Your soul with have a huge gap………… I Value my Home…… i value my home because there are people who Need shelter but do not have one. People value their home because not Everybody has a home to go back to. A home is to be valued because Home is where the heart is…………………. I Value Them All

Camp Internt STUDENT SPRING SHOWCASE Team: . . . . Wed, May 1, 11:10AM PST (-0800 GMT)
********Peace Prize Runner Up Brian, Nightingale Middle School: . . . . There they were, a shepard and two children. They were having fun while we the soldiers were in war. I couldn't believe how much fun they were having with the wildlife, nature gave them. It was incredible how humans are so free with the animals that this world provide them. There I stare from the darkness of the trees to see the animals being free. Animals like the ox, tiger, wolf, lambs and goats. They were enjoying what life have given them, peace everywhere. I wasn't sure how we got so violent through these days at war when we could get together in one harmony. I couldn't believe how we the soldiers could hang a innocent person for who we are and how violent we are. There we walk awhile in silence to see how uncareful we are during war. And leaving behind this person's body in the mountains, also leaving behind the harshful memory of evil…………….. The shepard's children were having so much fun with the wildlifes that I had a memory of my childhood and what life has gave me by staring at them. There I saw the leaves on the trees coming down on us. I felt the breeze through my hair and told myself how beautiful life is! So in my mind, I asked myself this "How can we the soldiers stop the fighting and make this world realize how nice life is, like the children playing with the wildlifes?" And how can we the people of this world realize that we were here for a reason and that reason is that, we were here so we can live in one harmony, without getting into violence. So in my soul, I knew that we can change and we could live in a peaceful world without getting violent. There we abort our mission and walk back away from the area of the peaceful place and back into the darkness of the forest!

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