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Daniel
Fitzgerald Designs
“I’m looking for new clients… anybody need a website?” Some of my
distinct pleasures as an “old guy” are the opportunities I’ve had to
meet and get to know Darke County youth… I’ve written about many of
them. Each is different and brings his or her own unique personality
into the equation. I met Daniel a few years ago when he came to the
Eagles with his dad… a smart kid, and a smart-aleck kid. But
immensely... read
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Career Mentorship Program… Introducing…
Dylan Hoover
County News Online has had many opportunities to showcase the creative
efforts of some of Darke County’s young people. Dylan Hoover is not a
writer… he’s a photographer. “I love taking pictures and experimenting
with photography,” he said. His photos show a developing talent that
ranges from “interesting and creative” to “breathtaking.” The
Greenville High School junior came to CNO through the... read
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Ender’s
Game, A Book Review by Elizabeth Horner
Ender’s Game is the type of sci-fi novel I would normally not pick up
if I saw it in a store. Doomsday prophecies, war and bloodshed, not
even a whiff of romance seemed like a formula for my displeasure.
However, I had read several other books by the same author, Orson Scott
Card, and loved every moment of it, so I thought that I would give
Ender’s Game a try. It was a shocker as page by page and
chapter... read
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Harry
Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, By Elizabeth
Horner
In the movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two”, Harry
Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe), and his two friends, Ron and
Hermione (performed by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson), continue their
epic adventure hunting down Voldemort’s Horcruxes, pieces of his soul
confined to objects that sustain his immortal life. The trail
ultimately leads them back to Hogwarts, the famous wizarding
school. The situation... read
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“I
Solemnly Swear that I am Up to No Good” By Naiesha Thobe,
Teen Scribe
On Thursday, July 14th. The madness began. Parties were held, theaters
prepared, frantic fans scrambled in this last attempt to show their
support for the stories that have swept the nation for fourteen years.
That series is none other than Harry Potter. With the conclusion to the
movie adaptation having drawn to a close at no earlier than 2:50 a.m.
on Friday morning, there were many opportunities for fans... read
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“I’m a
Count, not a Saint.” By Naiesha Thobe
“I’m the Count of Monte Cristo, but my friends call me Edmond Dantès!”
Recently, I had the pleasure of re-watching the 2002 version of the
Count of Monte Cristo. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen the movie,
but they do say that true classics never die out. The movie’s based off
of the 1844 book “The Count of Monte Cristo” written by Alexandre Dumas
père. Both the book and movie... read
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A Day in
the Life of... By Naiesha Thobe
Have you ever looked at the profession that you're in and wondered
'Well, how did I get here? This job is horrendous.' Or are you on the
other end of the spectrum and enjoy your job thoroughly? Looking back,
is this the job that you wanted all your life, or is it just something
else to struggle through? By high school, a person should have an idea
of the profession that they want to go into... read
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What it
Means to be Free, By Christy L. Riley, Teen Scribe
America the beautiful and brave, your song sings true to my heart. Not
a moment goes by when I do not think of your trials and wars fought.
Not a day passes when I do not think of those who have died for the
very word Freedom. So let freedom ring. Freedom, what power such a word
holds in our hearts. What power this word holds to have caused so much
bloodshed, to bring about the very freedoms that many... read
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Tuck
Everlasting... A Movie Review by Teen Scribes Elizabeth
Horner, Leslie Logan, Christal Smith
The three of us watched the DVD “Tuck Everlasting” starring
Alexis Bledel who played the role of Winnie Foster and William Hart as
Jesse Tuck. Christal: This Walt Disney’s bittersweet film, Tuck
Everlasting, moves along in seemingly “endless tragic life” of the Tuck
family when Winnie Foster unexpectedly walked into it. It all
started when she finds Jesse sipping the water in the woods that... read
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Survival
of the Fittest, By Elizabeth Horner, Grade 11, Greenville
Senior High School
When I was much younger, my friends and I enjoyed playing superhero. We
loved to imagine what it would be like to have powers, to be the
strongest, smartest protector the world could have --- and to always
triumph over evil. We played make believe that we were the Sailor
Scouts and the Power Rangers. Recently, I was watching the DVD movie
series of the “Godfather”. I started thinking of gladiators... read
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An
exploration of Emotions, From the Teen Scribes
Teen Editor Elizabeth Horner is a team leader for a group of Teen
Scribes who were also participants in the recent Power of the Pen
Regional and District competitions. She works with them on a weekly
basis to improve their writing skills and to expand their horizons in a
variety of areas. The following brief essays explored “Emotions” from a
teen’s perspective… and how they drive thoughts and... read
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Changing
Times, By Elizabeth Horner, College Bound 2012
Elizabeth Horner is Editor of the Teen Scribes and advisor to
Greenville’s Power of the Pen teams. She has published often on County
News Online, in the Early Bird, The Daily Advocate and is now being
syndicated in a number of online periodicals out of Chicago. It’s easy
to feel like our hold, On the past, is slipping away, We fervently
cling to the world, As we saw it yesterda... read
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Fathers
Day, By Christy L. Riley
I wrote this poem for my dad when I was in high school. It still rings
true to my heart today. This year for Fathers’ Day may we all thank our
dad for everything. If you do not have a dad, then thank all the father
figures in your life and/or thank someone you know who is a father
today. A helping hand in times of trouble, A smile during times of
trouble, And a tender hand... read
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Something
for everyone at Poultry Days, By Christy L. Riley, Teen
Scribe
The 60th Annual Versailles Poultry Day Festival was an unforgettable
day. As with every year, there were rides, games, activities and events
for all ages. This year featured the annual Poultry Days Parade on
Saturday, an Antique Car Show & Tractor Show/Parade on Sunday,
Kiddie Tractor Pull, Arts & Crafts, Flower and Photography Shows
and the greatest “Ultimate Frisbee Tournament... read
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Preempting
the New Year’s Resolution Madness, Getting Organized
By Kayla Lemar, Teen Scribe - 6/12/11 - Processes are my
lifeblood. I spent most of my childhood summers organizing
“summer school” lessons for my younger siblings, a sure sign that I
longed for the order of school life. Changing classes, a balanced
load of assignments, easily defined due dates and expectations—that’s
what I live for. My need for organization hasn’t changed. I took
a position... read
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Grandma’s
Story, By Hannah Cloyd, 8th Grade, DeColores Montessori
School
“Hurray Mawma, hurry! I’m all ready for bed. I’m in bed. I’m ready to
go to sleep,” I called from the extra bedroom in my grandmother’s
house. This typically isn’t the cheering you hear from a four year old
girl, but this was no ordinary night. Tonight I would get to hear my
grandma’s story, but not just any story tonight! Tonight my grandmother
would tell me my favorite story, The Tar Baby. “Are you ready... read
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I am a
Lucky Girl, By Morgan Kelch, 7th Grade, Versailles
Exemplified Village Schools
I am a lucky girl. I have a great-grandma. Not just any great-grandma,
mine is special. I know what you are thinking; everyone thinks that
their grandma is special. Mine really is. Everything she does is for
others. One of the many things she does is make homemade applesauce,
angel food cakes, and noodles to pass out to family and friends. When
someone in the community passes away, she is happy... read
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Memory
Filled Shore, By Olivia Wysong, 8th Grade, DeColores
Montessori School
Tiring and out of breath I climbed to the top of the towering sand
dune. I holler back down to Grandpa who was only about half way up. I
leaped down to him and my feet sunk just enough to allow the fine sand
to creep around my toes. I grabbed his rough hand and used all my
weight to help him up. He pretended that I was strong enough to pull
him, and allowed himself to be drug to the top of the hill. When we
reached the... read
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Grandpa
on a Boat!!!, By Christopher Force, 7th Grade, DeColores
Montessori School
Splash! As my grandpa let down his blue striped boat into the crystal
clear lake, I could fee a soft breeze blow across the water. It was
going to be a great sailing day. We were in the boat waiting to start
out my grandpa turned the key but the motor replied with no response.
My grandpa had forgotten one thing – to get gas for the boat. So, we
headed to the gas station. On our way there a crazy thing happened... read
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My first
speech before NPC group, By Elizabeth Horner
I was going through strong emotions as I travelled to Des Plaines , IL
memorizing my speech at the back seat of the van --- the speech that I
was going to deliver the following day, May 28, 2011 at Café La Cave
before National Press Club Phil-USA members. I wondered how they
would receive an 11th grade student discourse. Upon arrival at the
event, I was greeted by the President and... read
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My
Thoughts On Stelvideo Christian Church Memorial Day Service
May 29, 2011 - By Christy Riley - If you do not remember the past, you
are doomed to repeat it. So let us all never forget those who died and
the past wars America fought. May we always remember the mistakes made
lest we repeat the same mistakes twice. Point is, go out and thank a
veteran, for because of him/her you have freedom. I arrived twenty
minutes early. It took me awhile... read
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Teen
Summer... Looking forward
Summer is almost here and four Teen Scribes think ahead to summer
days... even the coming school year. Some of them will be entering high
school. It can be scary or it can be an exciting challenge... or both.
Want to know what some of these young people are thinking? Here are the
thoughts of Sammy Lobenstein, Moe Donthnier, Leslie Logan and Elizabeth
Horner... read
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College
Bound 2012, by Elizabeth Horner
The end of this school year is almost here. I feel honored to be
asked to be the flag bearer in this year’s GSH commencement.
Somehow, at this time of the year, I find the after effect of stopping
and reflecting on the things that have happened during the school year
soothing, especially after my mind is content with the plan I have for
the next leg of my academic journey. Next year, I will know for
certain which... read
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Happy
Mother’s Day, By Elizabeth Horner
At three years old, you coaxed me to sleep, Reading stories that became
part of my dreams, “Cinderella”, “Mike and Tony Best Friends”, By five,
I flipped through books on my own, I traveled the world from inside our
home, Always disappointed when I came to “the end”... read
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Preempting
the New Year’s Resolution Madness, #4 Having a Helping Heart
By Kayla Lemar, Teen Scribe - Volunteerism is officially defined as
working without payment. But just as patience is not just
waiting, but waiting with a good attitude, so volunteerism is not just
having helping hands, but having a helping heart that extends them. For
a long time, volunteering was my duty. In fact, one of the
reasons I didn’t keep a job during High School because I preferred... read
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The Royal
Wedding and the Monarchy, By Elizabeth Horner, Teen Scribe
The international press descended in London to cover what the media is
reporting to be the most watched television event in history, the
wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The television
stations crammed the airwaves as I woke up early Friday morning
April 29. Who designed Kate’s dress? How much did the affair
cost? Will the prince and princess live happily ever after? People... read
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An
invitation to all
peers
Teenage years are a time for self-expression--- learning how the world
works and then finding our place in it. It is important to build our
skills, learn our lessons, establish friendships, be allowed to make
mistakes and make amends. It is also important that our voices
are heard too! This is where Teen Scribes comes in. It’s a forum where
young people can share their thoughts and feelings safely... read
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Relief,
By Leslie Logan, Grade 8, Teen Scribe
As calm as a lady bug, as quiet as the snow drops, it is the serenity
of how I feel. I bend down to re-tie the laces on my Chuck Taylor’s
shoes when my cell phone rings. “Austyn, oh my God, you have to
hurry!!!”. My twin sister Catalina is hysteric on the other end.
“Cat, where are you!? What’s wrong??! “It’s Jake! He got hit by a
car at papw’s, go to Fifth Street Medical Center, he is in the ER”... read
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Congratulations,
Christal!
Congratulations to Christal Smith in winning the Regional Power of the
Pen Tournament and welcome to Teen Scribes!... read
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The value
of writing,
by Elizabeth Horner
Thank you to the Early Bird Newspaper and County News Online for
welcoming the Teen Scribes of Darke County and giving us a forum for
our voices to be heard. Teen Scribes wants to welcome students
who want to try their hands in creative writing and journalism. Teen
Scribes hopes that as a group, we can promote writing as a form of self
expression, to become more familiar with our own thoughts, feelings... read
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Preempting
the New Year’s
Resolution Madness - #3
Stick to a Budget, By Kayla Lemar, Teen Scribe
So it’s month number three in our journey to preempt the New Year’s
Resolution madness. What’s up next? How to stick to a
budget. There’s really no good reason not to live on a budget—not for
anybody, no matter what age, unless you’re Donald Trump. Why?
Because unless you found gold while diving in the South Pacific,
everyone has a limited amount of money, and has to live within... read
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Computer
on the Fritz,
By Elizabeth Horner, Teen Scribe
Recently, I suffered a great loss, or at least it felt that way. Our
home computer with internet access protracted the electronic version of
severe stomach-flu virus that just won’t go away. I am without e-mail…
fanfiction… and even plain old Google. We need to call the electronic
doctor again, only after 3 days of what appeared to me to be a full
recovery! It reminds me of the old saying that sometimes you... read
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Empowerment,
Notes on a Horner speech to “Circle of Empowered Women”
Skokie, Ill. - March 4, 2011 - “Recently, we witnessed people power at
play in the streets of Cairo. I hope that with the changes in
government in Egypt comes increased respect for basic human rights
including those of women,” Elizabeth Horner commented. This eleventh
grade student of Greenville Senior High was one of four guest speakers
and the only youth to speak at the celebration of “International
Women... read
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World
Changers,
By Christy L. Riley, Teen Scribe
A world-changer is someone who makes a difference in the world. To be a
world-changer, one does not need to be wealthy, born great, talented,
famous, or anything else. All you truly need is to be yourself because
you can be a world changer by making a difference in the smallest of
things. Have you ever wanted to be a teacher yet learn at the same
time? As a volunteer at the Darke County YMCA, I am able... read
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Preempting
the New Year’s Resolution Madness - #8 Fall In Love - By Kayla
Lemar, Teen Scribe
It’s month two on our journey of Preempting the New Year’s Resolution
Madness, and I know you must be heartbroken because I skipped six of
the top 12 New Year’s Resolutions, but how many of us can honestly say
weight loss and budgeting are on our minds when it’s almost Valentine’s
Day? They aren’t on this girl’s mind (That’s for sure.), because
this is my first Valentine’s Day with a... read
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Power of
the Pen,
by Elizabeth Horner
Greenville Junior High hosted this year’s “District Power of the Pen
Competition”. Thanks to the Greenville City School’s Board,
Superintendent Susie Riegal and Principal David Peltz for their support
and for allowing this event to take place in Greenville this year. Many
thanks to: Mrs. Elaine Bailey for her tireless effort to support this
program and coordinating this event; the Best of Round judges... read
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Key Club
- By
Abby Kindley,
Teen Scribe
High school is said to hold the key to opportunity. As I entered my
first year in high school, I discovered that statement can be true in
more ways than one. I found this out when I joined Greenville High
School’s Key Club. Ever since the first Key Club started at Sacramento
High School in Sacramento, California there have been wide outpourings
of students signing up to join... read
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Preempting
the New
Year’s Resolution Madness - #1 Quit Smoking, Before You Start
By Kayla Lemar, Teen Scribe
It's 2011. And with it has come the long list of New Year's
Resolutions each of us drafted during December. While drudging up a
list of my own I did a little research on what everyone else in the
world wanted to do with their 2011. I found twelve priority
resolutions that year after year people post on the web, write in their
diaries... read
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Alice in
Wonderland:
Child Fable or Secretly Sublime? By Dorothy Gilbert, Teen Scribe
Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgen published The Adventures of Alice in
Wonderland in 1865. This children's book, thought notorious through the
years, seems oddly sublime to some. Many assumptions have been made
about Dodgen, presuming he was high or in a drunken stupor when writing
the fable. Perhaps, with it being the 1800's, he was simply blind with
ignorance and innocence... read
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Mississinawa Valley Experiments with E-Days By
Dorothy Gilbert, Teen Scribe
With Darke County schools only being
allowed three
calamity days this
year, Mississinawa Valley has decided to excel with the technological
advancements and allow students two e-days. An e-day would be when
students miss a fourth school day, they are able
to go online to the school's website and complete an online lesson
teachers have prepared. A survey was conducted and most MV students
have internet access. To accommodate for those who don’t... read
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Christmas
Time by Elizabeth
Horner, Teen
Scribe
It is almost certain that by the time I wake up in the morning of
December 12, 2010 I will be looking out at frozen surroundings.
It will be deceptively calm as I peep through my bedroom window.
Our yard will be beautifully landscaped with white fluffy stuff as the
snow storm moves through our area. It is also going to be just a little
over a week when I will be let out of school for the holidays... read
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Living by
the clock by Elizabeth
Horner, Teen
Scribe
What significance does the tick of the clock or the sand trickling
through an hourglass have for anyone? It is us humans that have
created the concept of time. Our advanced brains have given us
the ability to affect nature--- to farm, to build, to invent
machines--- and from that came our desire to structure our days... read
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