Memorial Writes!
2012-2013 Issue 3
A student newspaper serving Memorial Middle School
January, 2013
Winter Fun
Meet Mrs. Levine
By Bri Furness
By Taylor Buckey
I love summer. It’s my favorite season, but I have to admit, there are a lot of
really fun things to do in the winter too.
Here are a few of the things I like
to do: I love to sled down a big hill! It’s
my favorite. Who doesn’t love sledding
with their friends down a big hill?
You can also snow board, or ski
down hills too. Some people like to have
snowball fights. You can make a really
cool snow fort and hide inside it. You can
ice skate on ponds, or even play hockey,
but make sure the ice is thick enough. You
can also make snow people! You can add
to that fun by dressing them up with props
and clothes. Snow angels are really fun
to make too. Another fun thing to do is
riding snow mobiles. I’ve never done that
before, but I bet it’s really fun. You can
also make up a bunch of fun snow games
and play them.
When I was little, my family played
a game called “The Pie Game.” You basically outline a pie in the snow and run
around playing tag. The middle of the pie
is the safe space.
There are a lot of things to do in the
winter. Just don’t eat the yellow snow!
MMS Orchestra
Photo by Taylor Buckey
Meet Mrs. Levine! She teaches
English for 6th and 8th grade. Her favorite book series is Harry Potter. Her
favorite author is J. K. Rowling. Her
favorite poet is Dr. Seuss. She likes
any poems that he wrote. Outside of
school, Mrs. Levine likes to read, cook
and spend time with her family. Mrs.
Levine became a teacher because she
likes to work with kids and likes English. Now you know Mrs. Levine.
Next time you see her in the hall say
hello to her!
Photos by Mrs. Guarino
By Victoria Szep
When the Middle Schools performed an orchestra concert, it was a huge
success! Let’s focus on the 6th grade Mentor orchestras. They played four
wonderful songs including: March Momentous, Wonder Waltz, Loch Lomand, and
the last was Holiday Celebrations. Each one was truly amazing. Congratulations
on a wonderful job!
Elf, A Classic · Page 2
OSU Batting Camp · Page 3
Model UN · Page 4
Page 2 · Memorial Writes · January, 2013
Celebrity Birthdays
in January
Submitted by Joy Mason
Nicholas Cage - 7th
Kate Middleton - 9th
Pat Benatar - 10th
Orlando Bloom- 13th
LL Cool J - 14th
Drew Brees – 15th
Michelle Obama – 17th
Jim Carrey – 17th
Muhammad Ali – 17th
Betty White – 17th
Kevin Costner – 18th
Paula Deen – 19th
Dolly Parton – 19th
Guy Fieri – 22nd
Mariska Hargitay – 23rd
Neil Diamond – 24th
Alicia Keys – 25th
Ellen DeGeneres - 26th
Wayne Gretzky – 26th
Adam Lambert – 29th
Oprah Winfrey – 29th
Tom Selleck – 29th
Justin Timberlake – 31st
For more celebrity birthdays, go to
www.celebritybirthdays.com.
Movie Review: Elf, A Classic
By Gabriella Guarino
This month I’m reviewing the movie “Elf.” The movie “Elf” is about a little boy who
was an orphan. One night, Santa was delivering presents at the orphanage, when the little
boy climbed into Santa’s sack! Santa took the little boy home to the north pole and decided
to name him Buddy (played by Will Ferrell). One day his adopted father, Papa Elf, told him
that he was adopted. Devastated, Buddy went on a voyage through the Candy Cane Forest
to New York City where he met his real father and his half brother. Since it was around
Christmas time, Buddy was hired as an elf at a department store. In one of the funnier scenes
in the movie, he turns the store into a winter wonderland. At Buddy’s job, he met a girl
named Jovie (played by Zooey Deschanel). “Elf” is a hilarious movie! To find what happens next, I suggest you take a peek. I give “Elf” five ***** stars .
Good Eats
By Jack Heller
Are you looking for a great sandwich or something more? One choice might be to
go to a deli or a sandwich shop. A place like this that you may not be aware of is Nick’s
Gyros. They not only offer great tasting gyros, but they also have a large menu of spectacular sandwiches and salads. The first time I went there I was surprised to see that they offered
more than gyros! The staff, especially Pete, are very friendly and helped me decide on what
I should order. I started with some pita bread and hummus. It was amazing! Next I had a
Reuben sandwich. It had corned beef stacked high with melted Swiss cheese on rye bread.
It is the best sandwich in Mentor! To wash it down, I had a Paradise Fever smoothie with
pineapples, strawberries, and bananas. It was delicious! If you are interested in going to
Nick’s, then try the Reuben, or their other sandwiches. Their salads are really good too!
Nick’s Gyros is located on route 20 next to Ladies and Gentlemen Salon, in beautiful Mentor,
Ohio. Remember: Good Service + Good food = Good Eats. Check out my next review on
Mexican food!
New Year’s Day Traditions Throughout the World
Submitted by Tory Indre’
WHO AM I?
By Ben Butler
· I am a dancer and an actor on Broadway
and in the movies… I also sing.
· I have won a Tony Award and an Emmy.
· I was named one of sexiest men alive in
2008.
· I hosted the 81st Academy Awards.
· In high school, I played Rugby, Cricket,
and swam.
· I volunteer for many charities with celebrity friends of mine.
· I do not just act in films, I have also produced films.
· I been married for 16 years, and I have
three children.
· My parents were born in England, but my
four siblings and I were born in Australia.
· I enjoy playing the piano and doing yoga.
· I have portrayed different characters over
the years, but I am known for my movie
roles as action characters.
The answer will be announced in next
month’s edition of Who Am I?
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org
1. Chile - Families get together and visit graveyards and celebrate with the corpses on
New Year’s Day.
2. The Netherlands - Many people set fire to their Christmas trees and watch them burn.
3. Japanese New Year - Every year, people in Japan ring gongs 108 times to get rid of evil
spirits.
4. First Footing - This is celebrated in the United Kingdom. A tall, dark-haired man is
supposed to be the first to enter the house after midnight.
5. Denmark - In Germany, people stand at their front door and throw several plates at it.
6. Spain - It is believed to be good luck to quickly eat a grape at each of the twelve clock
strikes on midnight.
7. St. Basil - In Greece, adults practice stuffing kids’ shoes with gifts at twelve-o’clock.
8. Ano Viejo - This is a tradition in South America in which some families make scarecrows
and fill them with firecrackers. They are lit on fire at midnight and create exciting explosions.
9. Philippines - Several people believe that round objects bring good luck, so they wear
spotted clothing and throw coins.
10. Puerto Rico - Buckets of water are thrown out of windows to chase away bad spirits.
Sources: http://english-zone.com/holidays/newyear-trads.html and http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-traditions
2012-13 Issue 3
Memorial Writes
January, 2013
email: [email protected]
Advisors: Mrs. Beardslee, Ms. Georgia
www.mentorschools.net
Contributing Editors: Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Heller, Mrs. Sekki
Editor: Lekha Medarametla
Photographers: Taylor Buckey, Mrs. Guarino
Website: Mrs. McKenney
Circulation: Advisory
Staff Writers: Taylor Buckey, Ben Butler, Brianne Furness, Gabriella Guarino, Jack Heller,
Hailey Hunter, Tory Indre’, Saralina Khare, Grace Kime, Aubrey Klatt, Joy Mason,
Anthony Matejcic, Lekha Medarametla, Nicole Predina, Victoria Szep, Nathan Warner
January, 2013 · Memorial Writes · Page 3
Wacky Days in the
Month of January
My Day at
Ohio State University Batting Camp
Submitted by Taylor Buckey
By Nate Warner
1. Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone
Salutes Day - January 2nd
2. Festival of Sleep Day - January 3rd
3. Old Rock Day - January 7th
4. Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend
Day - January 11th
5. National Hugging Day - January 21st
6. Squirrel Appreciation Day - January 21st
7. Ditch New Years Resolutins Day January 17th
Source: Holidayinsights.com
I went to Ohio State on December 8, 2012. This was a once in a life time experience for
me. Let me say it was very incredible for every kid who went down to Ohio State.
I am one of the few who got to meet the New York Yankees batting Coach Mr. Kevin
Long and OSU Baseball Coaching Staff. When I first got there, I was stunned. There were
less than 15 kids in my session. Coach Long helped me improve my batting skills and so
did the Ohio State Coaching Staff. So a big thank you goes out to them. Also, another big
thanks goes out to my parents. One thing for anybody who plays sports to keep in mind,
it doesn’t matter if your the best or the worst, you should always be a good sport to your
opponents. One quick little fact is, Coach Kevin Long’s son attends OSU. I also got to
meet the Buckeye’s outfielder, Tim Wetzel, who is from Mayfield, Ohio. I was very sad
when the camp ended, but it was a very incredible day.
This months question: How many super bowls have the
Patriots won?
Answer to Decembers question: Cleveland won the world
series twice in 1920 and 1948.
Source: Wikipedia
“Happy New Year” From Across the Globe!
Submitted by Saralina Khare
New Year’s Day is a fun-filled holiday that many countries around the world celebrate. Here are different languages you may
wish “Happy New Year” to your friends and family!
Language - Happy New Year
Afghani - Saale Nao Mubbarak
Afrikaans - Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian - Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Arabic - Antum salimoun
Armenian - Snorhavor Nor Tari
Assyrian - Sheta Brikhta
Azeri - Yeni Iliniz Mubarek!
Bengali -Shuvo Nabo Barsho
Cambodian - Soursdey Chhnam Tmei
Catalan - FELIÇ ANY NOU
Chinese Mandarin - Chu Shen Tan / Xin
Nian Kuai Le
Corsican Language - Pace e Salute
Croatian - Sretna Nova godina!
Cymraeg (Welsh) - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Czechoslovakia - Scastny Novy Rok
Danish - Godt Nytår
Dhivehi - Ufaaveri Aa Aharakah Edhen
Dutch - GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!
Eskimo - Kiortame pivdluaritlo
Esperanto - Felican Novan Jaron
Estonians - Head uut aastat!
Ethiopian - MELKAM ADDIS AMET
YIHUNELIWO!
Finnish -Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French - Bonne Annee
Gaelic - Bliadhna mhath ur
German -Prosit Neujahr
Greek - Kenourios Chronos
Gujarati -Nutan Varshbhinandan
Language - Happy New Year
Hawaiian - Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew - L’Shannah Tovah
Hindi - Nav varsh ka shubkamnayein
Hong Kong (Cantonese) - Sun Leen Fai Lok
Hungarian - Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Indonesian - Selamat Tahun Baru
Iranian - Saleh now mobarak
Iraqi - Sanah Jadidah
Irish - Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian - Felice anno nuovo
Japanese - Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Kabyle - Asegwas Amegaz
Kannada - Hosa Varushadha
Shubhashayagalu
Kisii - SOMWAKA OMOYIA OMUYA
Khmer - Sua Sdei tfnam tmei
Korea - Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo!
Kurdish - NEWROZ PIROZBE
Lithuanian - Laimingu Naujuju Metu
Laotian -Sabai dee pee mai
Macedonian - Srekjna Nova Godina
Malay - Selamat Tahun Baru
Marathi - Nveen Varshachy Shubhechcha
Malayalam - Puthuvatsara Aashamsakal
Maltese - Is-Sena t- Tajba
Nepal - Nawa Barsha ko Shuvakamana
Norwegian - Godt Nyttår
Papua New Guinea - Nupela yia i go long yu
Pashto - Nawai Kall Mo Mubarak Shah
Persian - Saleh now ra tabrik migouyam
Language - Happy New Year
Philippines - Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish - Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese - Feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi -Nave sal di mubarakan
Romanian - AN NOU FERICIT
Russian - S Novim Godom
Samoa - Manuia le Tausaga Fou
Serbo-Croatian - Sretna nova godina
Sindhi - Nayou Saal Mubbarak Hoje
Singhalese - Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Siraiki - Nawan Saal Shala Mubarak Theevay
Slovak - A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovenian - sreèno novo leto
Somali - Iyo Sanad Cusub Oo Fiican!
Spanish - Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
Swahili - Heri Za Mwaka Mpyaº
Swedish - GOTT NYTT ÅR! /Gott nytt år!
Sudanese - Warsa Enggal
Tamil - Eniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal
Telegu - Noothana samvatsara
shubhakankshalu
Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish - Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian - Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku
Urdu - Naya Saal Mubbarak Ho
Vietnamese - Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Uzbek - Yangi Yil Bilan
Sources: http://www.happywink.org/
newyearfestival
Page 4 · Memorial Writes · January, 2013
What it Means to be
on a Team
By Anthony Matejcic
As a member of the Wildcats Swim
Team, we have to do many things. If you
are not familiar with this kind of sport, let
me shed some light on it. Swimming is a
competitive sport. You compete with another teams at a public pools. This sporting event is called a meet. The coaches put
you in different swimming strokes called
events. The officials time how fast you
swim. The team with the lowest times at the
end of the meet wins! For me, a team is like
a second family. Your friends hang out with
and care about you. They are always there
for you. If you are hurt, they will help you
get back on your feet. Team work is important and essential on a team. If an individual is not doing his or her share, it does
not help the team. Teams depend on each
swimmer to work hard and swim their best
to achieve a victory. So remember to help
your team to victory no matter what sport
you are playing.
Caramel Baked Popcorn
Submitted by Grace Kime
Ingredients:
8 cups popped popcorn
1/3 cup butter
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1/8 tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
You will also need:
Large cookie sheet, non-stick aluminum foil,
wooden spoon, and a wire rack for cooling.
Directions: Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a
large cookie sheet with non-stick aluminum
foil. Place the popcorn in a large bowl.
Combine the butter, corn syrup,
and brown sugar in a small saucepan and
cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar
and butter are melted. Remove from heat
and stir in the baking soda and salt.
Pour the mixture over the popcorn.
Stir popcorn with a wooden spoon, tossing
to coat evenly. Spread the popcorn onto
the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes. Transfer
cookie sheet to a wire rack and let cool completely. Break up the popcorn into smaller
clusters. Store in an airtight container, or
serve immediately.
Source: nickjr.com
Model UN ( Part 1)
By Hailey Hunter
You’ve probably heard of the 2.5 activity, Model UN. It stands for Model United
Nations. For the 2.5 trimester, the students
who are involved pick a partner, and study/
research an assigned country for about a
month. With their partners, they start to fill
out a profile packet of questions about their
country. When that packet is done, they must
write two or three paragraphs discussing the
topics of their countries’ committee. Each
country has two to three committees. A committee is a group that discusses a countries’
issues, and each committee has two topics.
A committee position paper has to cover a
specific topic. After the students finish that,
they go to a competition at John Carroll University in January. At the competition they
debate and talk about their topics and committees. The competition takes two days, one
day for the first topic, and another day for the
second topic. We’ve been working hard learning about different countries to get ready for
the competition. There are awards that can
be won, and we hope for the best. Stay tuned
for Model UN Part 2, the results of the debate.
Mystery Students
6th Grade by Grace Kime
This person is a girl. She has long brown hair, and her birthday is on July 7th. This
girl plays cello in the orchestra, and also plays the piano. Other facts about her are that she
has a newborn sister and enjoys making jewelry. While in elementary school, the Plain
Dealer featured her in an article about fashion. Can you guess who it is?
7th Grade by Lekha Medarametla
This person is a girl. Her favorite color is lime green. She is in honor classes. She
is involved with Science Olympiad, Knowledge Masters, and NJHS. She takes piano
lessons and likes astronomy. Can you guess who this Mystery Student is?
8th Grade by Aubrey Klatt
This 8th grade Mystery Student has blonde hair. Her favorite color is orange. She
likes to play tennis. She has one brother and one sister. Her favorite food is steak. Can
you guess who this months 8th Grade Mystery Student is?
December Mystery Students: 6th Grade Nicole Predina and Victoria Szep,
7th Grade Julia Cuva, 8th Grade Kyle Fishleigh
Peppermint Meltaways
Submitted by Nicole Predina
Frosting:
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Directions:
• In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and
fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to
creamed mixture and mix well.
• Shape into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on un-greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
Remove to wire racks to cool.
• In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, milk,
extract and food coloring if desired. Beat until smooth. Spread over
cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an air tight
container. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.
Prep: 30 minutes. Bake: 10 minutes/batch+cooling. Yield: 42 servings.
Source: www.tasteofhome.com