Student Panel: November 2008 Archives
Question: Do you think the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well in today's world?
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do believe the Thanksgiving spirit is alive and well. For me, not only do I experience this with my family and friends but with my community. Glendora is extremely generous to the less fortunate. Not only is this generosity exhibited in the local churches and schools but through the Glendora Police Department and local hospitals and furthermore by the local citizens who keep the warmth of love and community alive.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think that Thanksgiving is still well celebrated. Family members and college students from across the nation still come home for the traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. It is a occasion for gathering and for being thankful for all that we have and I think it is necessary for keeping our nation as well as our families united. People still and always will enjoy this family holiday.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Most people who celebrate Thanksgiving don't know how it really originated. Most people are under the common misconception that it was when the pilgrims and the Native Americans came together peacefully, gave thanks, and ate a large meal. In reality, Thanksgiving has nothing to do with that. The spirit of Thanksgiving isn't alive and well in today's world because the majority of people don't understand the true history behind it.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, the spirit of Thanksgiving is still alive because we have things like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and other celebrations. Also, people still get together for Thanksgivng celebrations and to give thanks for what they have. Kids at school have feasts and dress up like Native Americans and pilgrims.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
What is the meaning of thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, sometimes despite vast distances, to share a meal. This happens all over our nation. So I believe that the spirt and tradition of Thanksgiving is alive and well in our country.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do believe the Thanksgiving spirit is alive and well. For me, not only do I experience this with my family and friends but with my community. Glendora is extremely generous to the less fortunate. Not only is this generosity exhibited in the local churches and schools but through the Glendora Police Department and local hospitals and furthermore by the local citizens who keep the warmth of love and community alive.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think that Thanksgiving is still well celebrated. Family members and college students from across the nation still come home for the traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. It is a occasion for gathering and for being thankful for all that we have and I think it is necessary for keeping our nation as well as our families united. People still and always will enjoy this family holiday.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Most people who celebrate Thanksgiving don't know how it really originated. Most people are under the common misconception that it was when the pilgrims and the Native Americans came together peacefully, gave thanks, and ate a large meal. In reality, Thanksgiving has nothing to do with that. The spirit of Thanksgiving isn't alive and well in today's world because the majority of people don't understand the true history behind it.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, the spirit of Thanksgiving is still alive because we have things like the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and other celebrations. Also, people still get together for Thanksgivng celebrations and to give thanks for what they have. Kids at school have feasts and dress up like Native Americans and pilgrims.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
What is the meaning of thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, sometimes despite vast distances, to share a meal. This happens all over our nation. So I believe that the spirt and tradition of Thanksgiving is alive and well in our country.
Question: What are your thoughts on how the presidential election turned out?
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I think that this year's election was a historic moment on many occasions, the first being that the citizens of this country elected its first African-American president. This shows that America is able to look past the color of someone's skin and that this is truly the land of opportunity. I personally think that America made the right decision in picking Barack Obama as their new president.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that this is probably one of the most influential and impacting events in history. It is one that will not only affect the United States but the whole world. It proved that anything is possible. I feel grateful to have been alive to see this momentous occasion occur, for it could mean the start of a bigger and brighter future for all.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
Wow! The election was pretty exciting. Everybody at school talked about it and I called my Grandma in Mississippi. She was so happy she was crying. Maybe I can be president someday! I'm biracial and my mom's father was Indonesian! I never thought about it before Nov. 4.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I am extremely pleased with the results of the presidential election. I agree that change is w<MD>hat we need. And besides change, it was time to put some new policies into Washington, D.C. I think that the election, being over and so historical, will help to reunite a semi-divided nation and strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together so that "Yes We Can" can stay "Yes We Did."
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
My thoughts on the election is that it is good that so many people voted in this election and some high schools got involved by holding mock elections at their school. I also think the Americans made their choice known by electing President Obama. Hopefully, he will be able to make some of the changes he promised during his campaign.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
I'm very satisfied with how the elections turned out. It's so surreal to be living through such a historical event. I have full faith in Obama to do what is best for the country. He will be an admirable president.
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I think that this year's election was a historic moment on many occasions, the first being that the citizens of this country elected its first African-American president. This shows that America is able to look past the color of someone's skin and that this is truly the land of opportunity. I personally think that America made the right decision in picking Barack Obama as their new president.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that this is probably one of the most influential and impacting events in history. It is one that will not only affect the United States but the whole world. It proved that anything is possible. I feel grateful to have been alive to see this momentous occasion occur, for it could mean the start of a bigger and brighter future for all.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
Wow! The election was pretty exciting. Everybody at school talked about it and I called my Grandma in Mississippi. She was so happy she was crying. Maybe I can be president someday! I'm biracial and my mom's father was Indonesian! I never thought about it before Nov. 4.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I am extremely pleased with the results of the presidential election. I agree that change is w<MD>hat we need. And besides change, it was time to put some new policies into Washington, D.C. I think that the election, being over and so historical, will help to reunite a semi-divided nation and strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together so that "Yes We Can" can stay "Yes We Did."
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
My thoughts on the election is that it is good that so many people voted in this election and some high schools got involved by holding mock elections at their school. I also think the Americans made their choice known by electing President Obama. Hopefully, he will be able to make some of the changes he promised during his campaign.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
I'm very satisfied with how the elections turned out. It's so surreal to be living through such a historical event. I have full faith in Obama to do what is best for the country. He will be an admirable president.
Question: Should California raise its driving age to 17 or 18 per a report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety last month?
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
No. The way the law is now I won't be able to take a date to the movies until my third month of college! Kids work and have lives outside of their home and schools. Driving gives you independence and is part of the growing-up process.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do not necessarily think the driving age needs to be raised, but the guidelines need to be stronger: a longer learner's permit period, more driver's education classes and the like. Instead of raising the age, I think that the laws should be stricter for the younger drivers and that the parents of the young drivers need to hold their children more accountable.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Experience not maturity makes a safe driver, I say "No." First-time drivers need experience and time behind the wheel. Currently, parents monitor and spend time practicing and developing driving skills, and minors do have driving restrictions, such as who can be in the car.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
Personally, I disagree with raising the driving age. Students and teens look forward to getting their driver's license as their 16th birthday approaches. And I believe the safety issue may not change if the age bar is lifted. Even though 17- and 18-year-olds may have a couple more valuable years of life under their belt, judgement and maturity differ with everyone. The common risks of the road will always remain. It's up to each individual to respect the privilege of having a license.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
No, I don't think California should raise the driving age to 17 or 18. I think they should just enforce all the laws that are already in existence. If they raise the driving age, people are going to still be inexperienced when they start driving. The issue of tickets and accidents is not so much about being a teen, but about being an inexperienced driver.
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week's question.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
No. The way the law is now I won't be able to take a date to the movies until my third month of college! Kids work and have lives outside of their home and schools. Driving gives you independence and is part of the growing-up process.
Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do not necessarily think the driving age needs to be raised, but the guidelines need to be stronger: a longer learner's permit period, more driver's education classes and the like. Instead of raising the age, I think that the laws should be stricter for the younger drivers and that the parents of the young drivers need to hold their children more accountable.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Experience not maturity makes a safe driver, I say "No." First-time drivers need experience and time behind the wheel. Currently, parents monitor and spend time practicing and developing driving skills, and minors do have driving restrictions, such as who can be in the car.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
Personally, I disagree with raising the driving age. Students and teens look forward to getting their driver's license as their 16th birthday approaches. And I believe the safety issue may not change if the age bar is lifted. Even though 17- and 18-year-olds may have a couple more valuable years of life under their belt, judgement and maturity differ with everyone. The common risks of the road will always remain. It's up to each individual to respect the privilege of having a license.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
No, I don't think California should raise the driving age to 17 or 18. I think they should just enforce all the laws that are already in existence. If they raise the driving age, people are going to still be inexperienced when they start driving. The issue of tickets and accidents is not so much about being a teen, but about being an inexperienced driver.
