The BEACON
December 2015
Great Start to the
Basketball Season
As one of the most anticipated Westminster events of the
year, Tailgate certainly did not
disappoint, for the night was a
roaring success. As early as four
o’clock Friday afternoon, tetherball and four-square courts, blazing bonfires, and a stunning musical set-up fit for stardom began
dotting the lot, all centered
around our glorious defender head
(designed by Emma Hayes Gibson). Students, faculty, family, and
friends, all regally clad in purple
and gold, soon crowded the premises, their excitement saturating
the chilly air. As the evening grew
later, much of the crowd migrated
into the gym, where basketball
games of record-crushing intensity and tenacity ensued. The
clamor of shrieked cheers, the vibrancy of enormous signs and
banners, and the camaraderie of
school spirit was tangible, as WA
saluted our defenders. Through
the wins and losses of the night,
the buoyancy of the atmosphere
never wavered, and a myriad of
unforgettable memories permeated the night, from watching our
varsity tear through banners onto
the court to a hula-hooping contest of monumental proportions,
even to a surprise visit from a
massive Westminster-jersey-clad
mascot. In sum, Westminster
could not be prouder of both its
players and its fans, and we are
never prouder than on the night
of tailgate. Go WA!
Lucy Jones
Volume 4, Special Edition 2
A Senior’s Suggestions for Exam
Week
As one who has seen more than enough exams, I would
like to offer some advice as you face these dreaded forms of
tests.
Do…
1. organize your notes ahead of time. Shuffling through
papers is a big waste of valuable study time.
2. study all of your notes from first semester even subjects not on the tests. I have seen things on exams
that were not on the test for that section. Tests are
not the only thing you should study.
3. run from Netflix. I know the temptation is real, but
you will have plenty of time for Netflix after exam
week as a reward.
4. go to the study session if your teacher offers one.
Even if you do not think you need it, these study
sessions are a great way to review.
5. be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. It is
better to know more than not to know enough.
6. bring something to do in case you finish your exam
early. The chances of finishing early are small, but
plan for it anyway. Teachers do not and will not let
you talk or leave the room for any reason until all
exams are complete.
Don’t…
1. wait until the night before the exam to start studying. Do not do it.
2. have your phone in the same room in which you are
studying. I personally am horrible when it comes to
getting distracted by a lit screen. Put it away, and
you will be glad you did.
3. underestimate the size and difficulty of the exam. I
have seen tests of all sizes. It is better to plan for the
massive exam.
4. forget to bring home the materials you need to
study.
5. be late to school on exam day. Do not be the student
who distracts others by coming in late, digging
through his backpack for a pencil, or asking questions about the layout of the test.
6. freak out. I have psyched myself out many times,
and that never helps.
While the most obvious advice is to study, I remind and encourage you to seek God’s hand as you venture on this difficult journey called exams. Pray for strength and perseverance in your
studies, wisdom and remembrance during the tests, and peace
when you turn the tests into the teachers. While it may seem
horrible now, you are approaching the wonderful celebration of
the birth of Jesus Christ! Enjoy it!
Abby White
The BEACON
Page 2
Fashion Do’s and Don’ts: Guys Edition
Trends tend to switch too fast for most to be able to keep up, especially
with men’s fashion. Although the only necessary clothing items for guys
seems to be jeans and a tee shirt, there are so many more styles available to
try out! For the inside scoop on all things urban fashion, I turned to one of
Westminster’s style icons: Mark Culp. Here are some of the phenomenal
suggestions he offered for this season’s fashion do’s and don’ts.
DON’T…
DO …
Sure, shorts are really cool and all, but when the weather becomes freezing
cold and everyone else is dressed in warm coats, thick socks, and fuzzy
boots, one should not stroll outside in his favorite pair of shorts. Just wait
a few months to put away those itchy jeans and enjoy the freedom of
shorts once more.
Chukka Boots. These stylish shoes can make an outfit go from a 0 to a full
10. Not only are they extremely trendy, but they transform any outfit into
a work of art. The prices range from $60-$130 and can be found at most
shoe departments. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are
guaranteed to add some pep in one’s step.
Again, while many love flip flops, winter is not the time to share the love
and adoration for bare feet and all things summer. Even if one chooses not
to wear shorts and opts to pair flip flops with jeans, he will find that these
two do not make a happy couple and should never be forced to hang
around each other at the same time.
Buttoning the top button on a favorite button down is all the rage this season! Though it may seem uncomfortable, this style looks incredibly sharp
and makes one’s look seem neater and put together. Also, try adding a bowtie to dress it up more.
While experimenting with different textures and patterns is exciting, attempting to mix and match them to find the perfect outfit is not always
meant to be. A good rule of thumb is not to pair more than two or three
patterns together or else the outfit becomes too busy and chaotic.
It is easy to get bored wearing the same textures and patterns all the time.
To spice up an outfit, one can wear socks like the ones Storm in the picture
and not only be extremely comfortable and cozy but also throw in an extra
touch of winter spirit.
2015 has definitely been the year of nineties comebacks in the world of fashion. One trend that has resurfaced is the varsity-style jacket. Jocks all
across America rejoice as they celebrate this beloved jacket’s glorious and
triumphant return. The best way to rock this look is to pair it with a simple
tee shirt, preferably something without a design or pattern. This way, the
shirt will not detract from the beauty of the jacket.
There is at least one moment in every man and woman’s life where one
tries on the seemingly perfect pair of pants only to return home, change
into the pants, and discover that some way, somehow, the pants have
grown a full one or two sizes. Sifting through the bag angrily, one searches
for the receipt that he or she has already managed to lose. The only logical
move left is to purchase a belt to accompany this saggy pair of jeans. That
being said, picking the right belt is absolutely crucial. One of the most
common belt-picking mistakes is to go for the big, flashy one screaming
“Over here! Look at me!” Here is a life lesson to my dear readers: Bigger is
not always better.
Hopefully, this guide will aid you, men, in your fashion endeavors this
winter. Stay cool my friends; stay cool.
Emily Carney
The BEACON
Page 3
Television, Movies, and More
J.J. Abrams, You Are Not Our Only Hope
If you have been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you would not know
that Disney, the new owners of the Star Wars franchise, has announced that it is making a new
Star Wars movie. You would also not know that a lot of controversy and anxiety surrounds
the movie, named Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Many debates are being fought
over whether Kylo Ren, the main protagonist of the movie, is actually Luke Skywalker or
whether Han Solo will die. However, one debate towers above the others and makes them as
small as a speeder compared to a Star Destroyer. The one question on everybody's mind is
whether the movie will be any good. After all, it is Disney we are talking about (we are looking
at you, Miley Cyrus). However, I think that the movie will be a success for several reasons.
End of an Era
When the first Hunger
Games movie released in
2012, I was a sixth grader,
obsessed with both the books
and Josh Hutcherson, who
plays Peeta. Obviously, I
was ecstatic, and as was
every other middle school
First off, Disney has had its foot in the door of several amazing movie series. Toy Story girl on the planet. Social media blew up with unending
and Monster's Inc. are only two examples in a vast pool. Disney is also no stranger to action
pictures from the movie and
films. It proved this when it tackled the box-office-smashing Avengers. Who doesn't love the
fast-paced action and humor of earth's mightiest heroes? Also, Disney has hired J.J. Abrams
selfies of fans throwing up
to direct the Star Wars film. Abrams has proved that he is one of the best directors in the
the infamous three finger saworld with movies and TV shows like the Mission Impossible series, Lost, and the inferior-tolute. Come Halloween, every
Star Wars series, Star Trek. With Abrams at the helm of the project, I am sure that Episode
girl went as Katniss in a cosVII will be a hit.
tume complete with a MockAlthough Abrams is a valuable asset to the Star Wars franchise, the biggest thing the
ingjay pin and her signature
series has going for it is itself. Star Wars is a global icon. Seriously, who doesn't know that
side braid. The era began,
Darth Vader is Luke's father? It is a series so beloved by the fans that it even has its own holi- and three years later with the
day. May the Fourth be with you! I have heard stories from teachers about how they remem- release of the final movie, the
ber first seeing the snowspeeders fly over the icy surface of Hoth or Jabba's palace on the
era ends. An era of the Capisandy planet of Tatooine. All of us have fond memories of Star Wars. It is part of our culture. tol, districts, and the mockAll Disney has to do is tap into the reservoir of longing to be transported into the galaxy that
ingjay. An era of Peeta, Katwe know and love. The success of The Force Awakens is tied to the love that all of us have for
the Star Wars franchise. Disney and Abrams simply need to bring out that love again. I know niss, and Gale. An era of The
Hunger Games. When thinkthat I cannot wait to explore the universe that they are creating for Star Wars.
ing about this conclusion, the
So, can Episode VII be bad? It certainly can. Every movie has the potential to be bad. saying "All good things must
I am confident, however, that Disney, Abrams, and even Star Wars itself can join to make a
come to an end" comes to my
spectacular seventh movie for the series. With Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens set
mind. This quote is simple
to release in theatres on December 18th, we can be excited that the date of the movie is not all
but true and applies here bethat far, far away.
cause how fans cannot excitJohn Garrett edly await the trailer for the
next movie, cannot go to the
midnight premieres, and cannot reread the books in anticipation of the next movie.
Even so, we have seen all
three of these incredible novels come to life by the amazing Jennifer Lawrence, Josh
Hutcherson, and Liam
Hemsworth. We have
watched our favorite chapters on the big screen. We
have heard the words written
by Suzanne Collins echo
through loud speakers. The
Hunger Games era may be
over, but it will forever live
on in our hearts. Bring on the
next dystopian trilogy!
Abbay Kellum
The BEACON
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Grab your coziest jumper and put on a cuppa.
Why? Because the time has once again come for
BBC’s Sherlock! Any Sherlockian, or fan of Sherlock
Holmes, knows the pure happiness that I feel in this,
the upcoming release of the fourth series. While series four is not set to air until sometime in 2017,
Sherlock fanatics know of a date looming far closer.
The date of which I speak is the release of the
Christmas special, airing in Great Britain on 1 January, 2016. The aforementioned special is even more
exciting, seeing as it is set in the Victorian Era. Not
only do fans get more of their beloved pair, Sherlock
and Watson, but they will also receive a more classic
Sherlock, a Sherlock portrayed in his proper time
period. What could be better than that?
SPOILERS!
DO NOT READ FARTHER IF YOU HAVE YET TO
SEE ALL OF SERIES THREE.
I am without a doubt that, as wonderful as it
shall be, the Christmas special will do nothing more
than cause even more anticipation and impatience
for the airing of series four. As a devout fan of Sherlock, I am constantly asking myself how in the
world Moriarty accomplished his miraculous feat.
Even though he is the villain, I am unable to hate
Moriarty and can honestly say that, yes, I did miss
him. Didn’t you? Sadly, as is the custom with BBC
mysteries, series four shall be no more than three
episodes in length. Through these three episodes,
BBC has promised an emotionally draining season,
and yet we, the fans of Sherlock, cannot wait to
watch them. So here is to a series of sadness! Wait
with me, my fellow Sherlockians, and perhaps share
a few of your own theories on how both Sherlock
and Moriarty did it.
Elizabeth Renshaw
Page 4
Music
Simon and Garfunkel
Want easy folk music, but with Latin lyrics and gospel chords? Well,
look no further, because the band you need is Simon and Garfunkel! In 1953
singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel met in Queens, New
York, and became known as the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960s.
Mixing easy folk with meaningful yet simple lyrics, they were dynamic until
their end. Because of their rocky relationship, Simon and Garfunkel decided to
call it quits in 1970, but before that, they had an incredible musical journey.
The first stop on Simon and Garfunkel’s adventure was their first debut as a band. Because their first song Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M did not sell
as well as they hoped, the folk pair decided to have a break. However, after a
remix of their song Sound of Silence became number one on Billboard Hot 100,
Simon and Garfunkel reassembled and released another studio album. Soon
after, their song Mrs. Robinson appeared in the 1967 classic, The Graduate.
This feature gave the band an opportunity to become well known around
America and experience popularity. However, all journeys must come to an
end. After releasing their last song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Paul Simon
and Art Garfunkel finally disbanded for good.
Simon and Garfunkel were clearly one of the most successful American
duos of all time. Although their pure, simple sound “cost them some hipness
points during the psychedelic era,” the folk band still managed to win ten
Grammys and be entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Simon and
Garfunkel may be gone, but their lyrics will be heard forever.
Reilly King
Should WA Have a “Pops”
Christmas Concert?
Since Westminster’s inception, the Academy’s elementary and high
school choirs have been one of Westminster’s strongest extracurricular activities. The choirs, which prepare and perform pieces all year long, boast an immensely talented group of students, especially considering the size of the
school. Each and every year, our choral director, Mrs. Christy Young, does a
phenomenal job of picking pieces so that there is a blend of classical compositions alongside more contemporary, albeit traditional, selections. However,
more modern, “pop” music is rarely found outside of the choir’s annual Dessert Concert. When I say “modern” music, I mean secularized music that one
would find on the Billboard Hot 100, or climbing the iTunes charts. While
much of this music is deemed “inappropriate” for school functions, one genre
almost never includes questionable content: Christmas music. I believe that if
Westminster hosted an additional Christmas “Pops” Concert, this event would
get the students and faculty even more excited for Christmas.
Some might read this article and confuse it as a case against Westminster’s traditional Christmas Concert, but let me assure you that that is not the
argument I am making. I have been a part of our Christmas production for the
past twelve years, and it has always been spectacular. I am simply proposing
the idea that, in addition to our regular Christmas Concert, we host another
event filled with more popular, or secular, Christmas music, so that the students can further express their love for the holidays. The possibilities for an
event such as this are endless. The choir could sing choral editions of classics
like White Christmas by Bing Crosby, while soloists, who would audition for
Mrs. Young, could perform renditions of All I Want for Christmas Is You by
Mariah Carey or Last Christmas by Ariana Grande. Also, some might question
the necessity of a concert like this; after all, popular Christmas songs blare
through most every speaker in the country throughout the month of December. However, a Christmas “Pops” Concert, above all else, would be the perfect way to allow students to perform the songs they love and enjoy listening
to, while providing a fun concert for the students and faculty of Westminster.
For the 2015 Westminster Christmas Concert, the Senior High Choir is
performing selections from Handel’s Messiah, which is sure to wow and entertain the audience while bringing lots of fun to the choir rehearsals. Similarly, I
think an additional concert with more modern music would relate to the audience in a different way than traditional music does. The Westminster choirs
create wonderful music, especially at our traditional Christmas concert, and
adding a “Pops” concert could further the spectacular music.
Cy Leist
The BEACON
Page 5
Why Is Handel’s Messiah So Great?
Why is Handel’s Messiah so popular? For those who do not enjoy classical music,
this question may pop into your head every Christmas season. For those who do love classical music, you may think that Handel’s Messiah is over-performed. I, however, disagree
with both points of view. I have listened to the entire Messiah several times and have sung
portions of it, and I am always enraptured with the work.
George Frideric Handel was a German-born English composer in the late Baroque
era. The Baroque era was from around 1600 to about 1750. Stylistic tendencies for the Baroque era tended to be heavily ornamented, dramatic, and grandiose. Also during this time,
the size, range, and complexity of instrumental performance increased. Operas, cantatas,
oratorios, concertos, and sonatas were all established as music genres during this time.
Although Handel wrote numerous choral and instrumental works, his real claim to
fame is the most famous of all oratorios, Messiah. As defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica, an oratorio is “a large-scale musical composition on a sacred…subject, for solo voices,
chorus, and orchestra. An oratorio’s text is usually based on scripture, and the narration…is
supplied by recitatives sung by various voices to prepare the way for airs and choruses.”
Oratorios differ from operas because they are not acted with sets, makeup, costumes etc.
Because Handel came from an operatic background, his oratorios tend to be quite theatrical. His mastery of the oratorio is found, however, not in his theatrical ability but rather in
his ability to ponder the deep moral issues of the chosen text through choral and instrumental composition. During Messiah’s two-and-a-half hours of music, Handel covers Christ’s
birth, death, and resurrection. He took the “libretto” or text of Messiah from Old Testament promises of a Messiah and the New Testament fulfilment of those promises. The intertwining of texts used in Messiah is breathtaking. Incredibly, he finished this entire work in
just twenty-four days.
Handel tells the story of Christ through a masterful combination of recitatives,
arias, and choruses. Recitatives are short vocal solos that emphasize language over melody;
arias are longer vocal solos that usually involve an elaborate melody; choruses are sung by
groups of singers between the verses sung by solo voice. Messiah is split into three parts.
Part one starts with the anticipation of the birth of Jesus, then tells of the announcement of
his birth by the angels, and ends with the invitation of Jesus for people to believe in Him.
Part two starts directly with the passion of Christ. Straight from the prophesy of death,
part two proceeds into the resurrection. The libretto of part two draws to a close by blending the Easter story with the season of Pentecost. The very last chorus in part two is entitled “Hallelujah!” and is the most famous chorus from the entire work. Part three returns to
the theme of resurrection but transitions into the future Christian resurrection that will take
place upon the return of Christ. The final chorus of the Messiah is a piece of awe-inspiring
worship based on Revelation 5:12-13. Interestingly, Handel never meant to perform Messiah at Christmas. The debut of Handel’s Messiah was April 13, 1742, nineteen days after
Easter. The time at which it was performed along with the text of the piece points to the
fact that it was actually meant to be performed at Easter.
For me, performing and listening to Messiah is a moving experience. Like parables
that portray deep, Christian truths, Handel’s Messiah serves as a story used to illustrate the
glory of God through music. My favorite chorus in the Messiah is “Surely He hath borne our
griefs.” Two years ago, I performed this chorus in the All-West Tennessee Choir. Through
this incredible text and breathtaking melody, I received a deeper understanding of the sacrifice of our Lord. While this is my favorite chorus, there is not a section of Messiah that I
dislike. As I have heard, Handel also was moved when he finished writing Messiah. At the
end of the manuscript he wrote “SDG” which means “Soli Deo Gloria – To God alone the
glory.” While writing the “Hallelujah” chorus, Handel reportedly said that “I did think I
did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself.” Ever wondered why everyone
stands when the “Hallelujah Chorus” is played? When the piece was performed for the British monarch King George II, it moved him to the point of standing in respect for the “Lord
of Lords” as the only authority above his own. As a result, everyone else stood, and so began the tradition. For this year’s Westminster Christmas concert, we are performing selected parts of Handel’s Messiah. I encourage everyone to come and experience even a small
part of this incredible oratorio. The choir hopes to portray the glory and beauty of God
through this heart-stirring work.
For further Handel listening, I recommend “Zadok the Priest” – Coronation Anthems, the Overture and “Surely He hath borne our griefs” - Messiah, “De torrente in via
bibet” – Dixit Dominus, and “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” – Solomon.
Hope Howard
Sources: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/handels-messiah-an-unexpected
-easter-masterpiece/, and Smithsonian.com
Memphis Events
“Bah! Humbug!”: the Memphis
Christmas Tradition
What most of you
have probably realized is
a new version of A Christmas Carol is created every
five to ten years, but
what you likely do not
know is for thirty-six
years in a row, Theatre
Memphis has presented
its own annual stage production of A Christmas
Carol. This year is by no
means an exception. The
37th production, which
runs December 4-23th, is
the perfect way to kick
off the Christmas season
for the whole family.
Here are some things to
expect.
The story of
Charles Dickens’ A
Christmas Carol is a familiar tale. Miserly loanshark Ebenezer Scrooge
has no use for family,
friends, charity, and least
of all, Christmas. On one
fateful Christmas Eve,
however, the ghost of his
former business partner,
Jacob Marley, visits
Scrooge and warns him
about the eternal danger
towards which he is hurtling. For the sake of
Scrooge’s salvation, the
ghosts of Christmas must
visit the lonely man.
Thus, a journey ensues as
the three apparitions
delve into Scrooge’s past,
into the present lives of
his employee, Bob
Cratchit, and of his
nephew, Fred, and into
the dark, foreboding,
hopeless future. Can
Scrooge be redeemed? Is
the future written in
stone? You will have to
see for yourself. Besides
the plot, there are other
classic characteristics to
expect. Come prepared
for elegant parties, beautiful choreography, stunning costumes, classic
carols, “The Bed,” wassail, Cockney accents,
child-sized turkeys, Tiny
Tim, and lots of snow.
Take it from the
veteran: you do not want
to miss A Christmas
Carol. You would be a
real Scrooge not to be in
the Christmas spirit after
experiencing this Memphis tradition.
Houston Newsome
Orion Starry Nights
Looking for a fun way to get into the Christmas
spirit? Search no further than Orion Starry Nights.
Each year at this spectacular event, people gather their
families and friends, bundle in a car, and drive through
Shelby Farms Park to gaze at an amazing display of
over 1.5 million lights. After driving through the light
show, one can explore many other activities. The mistletoe village is an area where people can go to ride camels, shop, roast s’mores, sip on hot chocolate, and play
with animals at a petting zoo. So, if you are looking for
a great way to have fun, grab some friends, hop in the
car, and drive to Starry Nights!
Catherine Vickery
The BEACON
Page 6
Racing for Miracles
Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker
St. Jude’s goal is to make sure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for
treatment, travel, housing, or food, because
all families should worry about is helping
their children. The Memphis Marathon
Weekend is one of the hospital’s biggest
fundraisers and a fun weekend in Memphis.
The 5K, half marathon, and marathon runners start in front of the Fedex Forum, pass
by popular Memphis landmarks like Sun
Studio and Beale Street, and finish by running into AutoZone Park. Every couple of
miles, bands play Memphis music, and supporters on every corner provide extra encouragement. My favorite part has always
been running through the St. Jude campus
and being cheered on by patients and their
families. Seeing the children out there
really makes the race special and definitely
makes the running worth it. Whether you
are running or cheering, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is always a great
time!
Kate Johnston
Every year Ballet Memphis presents Tchaikovsky’s famous
ballet The Nutcracker in the Orpheum Theater. The story of The
Nutcracker begins with a young girl named Clara and a gigantic
Christmas party that her parents host. All of a sudden, Drosselmeier, Clara’s godfather, arrives with presents for everyone. He
brings out a glorious golden trumpet for Fritz and a beautiful
wooden nutcracker for Clara. Jealous, Fritz seizes the nutcracker
and breaks it. Drosselmeier promises to fix the injured doll and all
the guests say farewell and return home. During the night, Clara
awakens to confirm that her doll is well when she is startled by
large mice that attempt to steal the nutcracker. Drosselmeier suddenly arrives, scatters the mice, turns the Nutcracker into a lifesized doll, and gives him a life-sized toy soldier army to defeat the
mice and their leader, the Mouse King. The Mouse King is killed
by the Nutcracker, who is now a live man. Together, he and Clara
travel through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets. In the
Land of Sweets, Clara and the Nutcracker are entertained by
dancers from Spain, Arabia, China, and Russia, and also by mirlitons, Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles, and the Dewdrop
Fairy. To conclude the story, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a Pas de Deux before Clara and the Nutcracker return
home.
Unlike other ballets, The Nutcracker has a children's cast as
well as a professional cast. This year will be my fourth year to
have the honor of performing in this ballet with the professionals,
and this year I was cast as a Party Girl, one of Clara’s friends at
the party. I loved having this part for many reasons, but my top
three would be that I interacted with the professionals and got to
know them, that my brothers, Timothy and John, were Party
Boys (Timothy is Fritz) and I danced with them in the Party
Scene, and finally that the Party Girl costumes were gorgeous with
lots of lace and frills! Another amazing thing about performing in
The Nutcracker is dancing on the Orpheum stage. Backstage are
dressing rooms that different characters share. Behind the stage of
the Orpheum dancers wait in a room for the stage manager to call
them to go onstage. While students warm up, they are able to
watch the company dancers practice complex jumps and turns.
Overall, The Nutcracker is my favorite event in which to participate, and I hope you all come to see us next year!
Emma Gregory
Zoo Lights
There are many attractions in
Memphis that are a must-see during
Christmas time. One of the most wonderful things to do during the holiday
season is to go to the Memphis Zoo
Lights. During Christmas time, the
Memphis Zoo puts on a massive display
thousands of Christmas lights. Many
events also occur inside the zoo! Visitors
can pay a visit to real reindeer, see
Santa in his workshop, ride the camels,
go ice-skating, and even walk through
the unbelievable 200-foot-long tunnel of
lights. However, the best thing about
the Zoo Lights is the 90-foot illuminated
Ferris wheel. Although riding to the top
might seem scary, the ride is surely
worth all of the fear. Zoo Lights is by
far the best activity that Memphis has
to offer during this Christmas season!
Gil Brandon
The BEACON
Page 7
5 Easy DIY Christmas Gifts
1.Personalized Mugs
All you have to do for this gift is buy any mug, put stickers on it in
order to spell someone’s name or initials, and finally paint or draw
with a special sharpie over the stickers to make the letters that you
want. Then, peel off the stickers and voila!
4. Creative Wall Art
All you will need for this very easy wall decoration is a blank canvas
and any kind of push pins or thumb tacks. You just stick the pushpins or tacks into the canvas and form any kind of pattern or word
you wish!
2. Book lover’s candle
For this gift, you will need a mason jar, a page or two from a book,
ribbon or twine, scissors, glue, and a tea candle or a flameless candle.
First, measure the page or pages and trim them until you are sure
that they will line the inside of the jar. Then, glue the ends of the
page or pages together to make a circle. Lightly fold the paper in
half, and then carefully cut out a shape, such as a heart or a star.
Next, place the pages into the jar. Depending upon the size of the jar
and the height of your pages, you might need to glue them to the
sides of the jar. Carefully place a tea candle or flameless candle in5. Homemade Snow Globe
side, taking care not to light the pages on fire. For a finishing touch, For this Christmas decoration that everyone will love, you will need
tie a ribbon around the mouth of the jar.
water-resistant glue, a small figure (in this example, it is Olaf and a
tree), glitter, a jar and lid, and water. First, you center the figure(s)
and glue them to the lid. Then, pour in as much glitter as you want,
keeping in mind that too much glitter will block the view of the figure inside. Place glue around the lid and close the jar tightly to create a snow globe.
3. Cutesy Coasters
All that is needed for this gift is blank cork coasters from any grocery
store, stickers or tape, and paint/paint brushes. If you want to paint
a letter onto a coaster, you simply stick the sticker in the center of
the coaster, paint around it, and then peel it away. If you want to
make some sort of pattern, make the pattern you want with the
tape, paint over the tape, and then peel away the tape.
Natalie McCommon
Best Time of the Year with the Best Movies
When it comes to movies, the classics will never go out of style, especially Christmas movies. Old movies, especially during the
holidays, bridge generational gaps. People of all ages love classic Christmas musicals like Bing Crosby’s Holiday Inn and White Christmas. These movies are not only timeless but also sentimental. For many, watching old movies at Christmas brings back childhood
memories of sitting in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoying classic holiday films with loved ones. Christmas classics
have become a cherished tradition that has lasted for nearly one hundred years now.
Even modern television networks recognize how important these old movies are to people this time of year. Throughout December, stations feature old cartoon classics like Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Grandparents, parents, and children alike fall in love with these movies every year. Modern Christmas movies lack the sentimentality
and the vintage charm that make old holiday films so spectacular and fellowship-inspiring. Because everyone knows and adores the
films, nothing is quite like sitting down to watch Miracle of 34th Street or A Christmas Carol. For over half a century, families all over
the world have enjoyed these movies, and the movie that may be the greatest Christmas film of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life. Jimmy
Stewart plays George Bailey, the man who got the chance to see what the world would be like if he had never been born. Being exceptionally well-made, this movie has touched millions of lives and is also my personal favorite Christmas movie! Old Christmas movies
bring a little bit of magic, many memories, and reminders of childhood innocence and holiday spirit.
Hannah Sturman
The BEACON
Page 8
Merry Christmas!
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is my name removed from Mr.
Kinney’s Darwin Board! For weeks, I have lobbied him, petitioned him, begged him to end the humiliation and restore my
dignity. My mom keeps bursting into random fits of tears, and
my dad just shakes his head grimly at me every time he sees
me around the house. Please, Santa, isn’t there anything you
can do?
Sincerely,
Holiday Half-Wit
Dear Santa,
Left and right, every time I turn around, it seems that
more of my stuff is missing! Pens, papers, binders, and bags-you name it, she’s taken it! Westminster Academy’s very own
Grinch, Mrs. Shaunak, keeps stealing my things and hoarding
them in her “Treasure Chest.” All I really want for Christmas is
my own stuff back!!!
Bah, Humbug,
Wendy Lou Who
Dear Holiday,
Well, son, I have checked my list, checked it twice. It
seems that you have been rather naughty, indeed. As a matter
of fact, I have not encountered a young delinquent of your caliber since…well, I really think it must have been that young
Gregory chap who lived up in New England all those years ago!
If I had a sugar cookie for every lump of coal I placed in his
stocking… Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the records. When I
searched for you in my book, Holiday, what I found remarkable was a few lines of scrawled German declaring something
about a gene pool and chlorine This has led me to believe that
my records may have been compromised. Under these circumstances, I have chosen to grant you a second chance. I would
recommend that you begin to put your best foot forward, as we
all step into the most wonderful time of the year!
Merry Christmas,
S.C.
Dear Wendy,
First, allow me to assure you that I am all too familiar
with the “Grinches” of the world, and your Mrs. Shaunak does
not stand in their ranks. In fact, despite her frequent bursts of
sass, she has been on my good list for quite a few years now.
The problem, my dear, does not lie with her, and its solution is
far more apparent than it may seem. Simply keep your belongings in your locker or on a hook! We implemented our very
own “Keep the North Pole Clean” initiative down at the workshop, and I can testify that it really does spiff the place up like
nothing else. That is, as long as each of the elves picks up his
own slack (I’m talking to you, Leonard). You take care to
manage your own possessions, Wendy, and leave the rest to
me.
Best wishes,
S.C.