72.6 F
Fort Smith
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 342

Charleston Defense to Face Toughest Test of the Year vs Booneville Rushing Attack

Resident News Network
-
0
Charleston Defense to Face Toughest Test of the Year vs Booneville Rushing Attack

Saturday’s Class 3A state championship football game between the Booneville Bearcats and the Charleston Tigers is shaping up as a marquee match-up featuring the “immovable object vs the irresistible force.”

The Charleston defense that has been stingy throughout the state playoffs, pitching shutouts and giving up a total of 12 points in four games (six of which were late against their reserve defense), will face Dax Goff, Cody Elliott, and the vaunted Booneville rushing attack that has rolled-up yardage all season.

It will clearly be the biggest test of the year for the Tigers. In the October meeting of the two teams in the regular season, the Bearcats played the game without several starters, including their dynamic, All-State running back, Dax Goff. Charleston won the October conference game handily and thus earned the top seed going into the state playoffs, as well as the 3A-1 conference championship. But on Saturday for the state championship, Booneville will be at full-speed, and the game at War Memorial Stadium that will feature the clash between the two titans will be nothing like the October meeting.

RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best

Both teams have remained relatively healthy throughout the playoffs, so Saturday’s game should be a great championship match-up. The weather forecast for Saturday in Little Rock has been calling for rain all week. At press time, the Weatherbug forecast calls for a 90% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms during the day and a 60% chance of rain that evening. One factor that may impact both teams is the effect the weather could have on the earlier 4A championship game that will be played between Harding Academy and Malvern. Thunderstorms and possible lightning could delay the play of that game, and hopefully, will not cause a delay in the kickoff time for the 3A final that is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. As a general rule, and depending on who you talk to, rainy conditions usually cause passing game completion averages to drop, as well as total passing yards to drop. A team that can rush the football effectively generally has the upper hand. This will undoubtedly play to Booneville’s strength. Charleston has also had great success rushing the ball in the playoffs, and the difference could be the Tigers’ quarterback, Brandon Scott. Scott can beat a team with both his legs and his arm, and he will put a great deal of pressure on the Booneville defense.

But both Booneville and Charleston have played and won games this year in the rain. In fact, the last two weeks of the regular season saw rain, as well as in week one of the state playoffs. Both teams are very good and very sound fundamentally and know how to protect the football. When I asked Charleston coach Ricky May for his opinion about how the weather may affect the game, Coach May said, “I don’t think it should. We have both played in rain in the first round, and we played in a monsoon at Lavaca” (in week ten of the regular season).

Charleston’s Brandon Scott (12) could be a huge factor in Saturday’s game (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)

But these are two teams who know each other very well, and both coaches have great respect and knowledge of the each other. From the fans’ perspectives, one only wonders what “wrinkles” or surprises both coaches may have for this game. After all, it is for all of the marbles, and neither coach will leave anything in the playbook after the game is over. It will be an all-out effort to win a state championship by both teams…just as it should be. The Tigers’ coach emphasized this point by saying, “This will be a great high school atmosphere and football game. Booneville will be ready to play and they will bring everything that they have. Their offense is very explosive and their defense is much improved. We will have to be ready for a four-quarter game.”

From this writer’s opinion, there has been more anticipation to this state final than any I can recall in recent memory. Perhaps it is more than just the meeting between two great teams. In fact, it almost seems refreshing to see a state final between two public schools. Not to disparage any private school, but from the purists fans’ perspectives, the meeting between two schools who cannot legally recruit players to their schools is a refreshing proposition.

Charleston will be the home team on the scoreboard tomorrow, and the two teams who’s communities are separated by approximately 16 miles will make the two-hour trip down Interstate 40 to settle the championship at the “Grand Ole’ Lady”, War Memorial Stadium, that has seen more than its fair share of great historic football games since its dedication on September 19, 1948. And on December 10, 2022, Charleston and Booneville High Schools will add to the colorful history of the stadium in what I am predicting to be one of the legendary high school football games ever played at the stadium.

War Memorial Stadium was dedicated in 1948 at a seating capacity of just more than 31,000. The first night football game was played at the stadium in 1969. (Image Credit: War Memorial Stadium)

But regardless of what ultimately happens, one thing is for sure. Every player from both schools will be on the War Memorial Stadium turf giving everything they have. Neither team will have anything left once this game comes to an end. And like I have mentioned all this week, this is how it should be.

It has been an honor and privilege for RNN Sports to bring you coverage of the 3A state football playoffs. And we will bring you a complete recap of this historic match-up on Sunday at residentnewsnetwork.com

Good luck to both teams! Bring your rain gear, and RNN Sports will see you Saturday at War Memorial Stadium!

MES Letters to Santa

Tammy Teague
-
0
MES Letters to Santa

Ms. Hudson’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Wade and I am 6 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a dino dune buggy, a dinosaur hot wheels set, and building blocks (like the ones in my classroom). I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Wade

Dear Santa. My name is Victoria and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a toy horse, playdough, and a lot of books with pictures. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Victoria

Dear Santa, My name is Giovanni and I am 6 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a laptop, a phone, and a dirt bike. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Giovanni

Dear Santa, My name is Brooklyn and I am 6 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a cooking station, nail polish, and a notebook that will stick to the wall. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Brooklyn

Dear Santa, My name is Brylee and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a doctor’s kit, coloring sheets and crayons, and a princess car. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Brylee

Dear Santa, My name is Cole and I am 6 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a blue remote control truck, slime, and v-bucks for my game. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Cole

Dear Santa, My name is Cambrie and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a dinosaur hot wheel set, slime, and glow in the dark stars that will stick to my wall. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Cambrie

Dear Santa, My name is Zariah and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: slime, playdough, and a tablet. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Zariah

Dear Santa. My name is Slade and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a spiderman car, slime, and playdough. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Slade

Dear Santa, My name is Liam and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: an orbeez massage kit, a cooking station, and a new slime kit. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Liam

Dear Santa, My name is Aiden and I am 6 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: Paw Patrol cars, shoes, and a coat. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Aiden

Dear Santa, My name is Tyler and I am 5 years old. This year for Christmas, I would like: a tablet, a remote control monster truck, and nerf supplies. I will leave you milk and cookies! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas, Tyler

Mrs. James’ Class

Dear Santa, My name is Gabbi and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like make up, some letter magnets and some paper to draw on.

Dear Santa, My name is Dakota and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like a remote control spider, a real life dragon toy, and a giant book.

Dear Santa, My name is Eyana and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like some horses, baby dolls, and some barbie dolls.

Dear Santa. My name is Sawyer and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like a walkie talkie set, a drum set, and a toy spider.

Dear Santa, My name is Piper and I am six years old. For Christmas I would like a toy hamster with the hamster babies, and some dolls.

Dear Santa, My name is Chase and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like 2 real life bulls, 3 horses, 4 camels and some sheep. I would also like a soccer ball and toy truck.

Dear Santa, My name is Brendylynn and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like baby dolls with a baby doll stroller. I also would like barbies, and barbie clothes, and some books.

Dear Santa, My name is Clayton and I am five years old. For Christmas I would like a kids red car, a monster truck toy, and a dirt bike.

Dear Santa, My name is Jayce and I am six years old. For Christmas I would like a remote control airplane, a fake robot, and a hotwheels track.

Dear Santa, My name is Ellie and I am six years old. For Christmas I would like a mermaid doll, a LOL doll, a pool, and a doll house.

Dear Santa, My name is Wyatt and I am six years old. For Christmas I would like a toy mouse, and the game jenga to play.

Dear Santa, My name is Emily and I am six years old. For Christmas I would like a tablet, makeup and a pretty dress. I also would like a camera.

Ms. Reed’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Tobias. For Christmas, I would like some markers, bunny ears, a blue cup, and books.

Dear Santa, My name is Mylah. For Christmas, I would like some makeup, LOL Dolls, Minnie Mouse Ears, a unicorn shirt, and Mr. Sketch scented markers.

Dear Santa, My name is Brickley. For Christmas, I would like an Elsa dress, some makeup, A Charlie Brown Christmas Book, a computer, and a bell.

Dear Santa, My name is Brenna. For Christmas, I would like some LOL Dolls, a blanket, and a bell.

Dear Santa, My name is Cameron. For Christmas, I would like an airplane toy and a rocket ship toy.

Dear Santa, My name is Emmalee. For Christmas, I would like toy dinosaurs, a remote control dinosaur, a remote control truck, and a remote control unicorn.

Dear Santa, My name is Deacon. For Christmas, I would like a scooter, a toy bunny, a toy dog, tractor, and a toy farm.

Dear Santa, My name is Aurora. For Christmas, I would like a stuffed cat, an apple watch, and unicorns.

Dear Santa, My name is Lucas. For Christmas, I would like a scooter and a teddy bear.

Dear Santa. My name is Trynadee. For Christmas, I would like some makeup and whatever else Santa brings me.

Dear Santa, My name is Axel. For Christmas, I would like a giant Darth Vader, a planet toy, Mr. Sketch scented markers, a bell, a computer, and a magic wand.

Dear Santa. My name is Whitleigh. For Christmas, I would like some makeup, LOL Dolls, a stuffed bear, a new tablet, and a new phone.

Dear Santa, My name is Rhett. For Christmas, I would like a blue robot, a spiderman glove with silly string webs, and board games.

Mrs. Willsey’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Addison. I am 6 years old. My Christmas wish list is: to get more nail polish and a puppy. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Addyson. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a Barbie, make-up set, and a superhero costume. Thank you!

Dear Santa. My name is Aiden. I am 5 years old, fixing to be 6. My Christmas wish list is: Mario toys and that’s it. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Aurora. I am 6 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a big giant unicorn. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Briggs. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a real four-wheeler. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Damien. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: Nerf guns and a PS5. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Della. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a paint set, a toy bird, some skates, and a hair bow. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Eli. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a PS5, some new Nerf guns, and maybe some armor for my Nerf guns. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Hunter. I am 6 years old. My Christmas wish list is: drone X Pac 3, a remote control car, a pretend grill and a toy barn house. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Kha’Dence. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: some make-up, water guns, and a Gabby dollhouse with dolls. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Mason. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a Spiderman gun that shoots out webs, and Spiderman toys. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Patrick. I am 6 years old. My Christmas wish list is: Rainbow friend and Poppy playtimes. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Roque. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: a Barbie dream house with music, a toy hamster and my own computer. Thank you!

Dear Santa, My name is Zurina. I am 5 years old. My Christmas wish list is: I want a baby doll, LOL toys and some stamps. Thank you!

Miss Cantrell’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Lincoln. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Iphone 14, air pods, and Pokémon stuff. I’ll set out cookies! From, Lincoln

Dear Santa, My name is Paizlee. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a phone, tablet, and a baby cat. I’ll set out cookies! From, Paizlee

Dear Santa, My name is Skylar. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Gabby’s dollhouse, Gabby’s dollhouse dress-up room, and squishy dumpling. I’ll set out cookies! From, Skylar

Dear Santa, My name is Bentley. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Nintendo Switch, a new bed, and a squishy dumpling. I’ll set out cookies! From, Bentley

Dear Santa, My name is Makayla. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Tamagotchi, baby kitten, and a magic mix. I’ll set out cookies! From, Makayla

Dear Santa, My name is Maddie. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Tamagotchi, 11 magic mixes, and an art set. I’ll set out cookies! From, Maddie

Dear Santa, My name is Malcolm. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a ant farm, a phone, and $100. I’ll set out cookies! From, Malcolm

Dear Santa, My name is Sarah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a computer, new socks, and ice cream. I’ll set out cookies! From, Sarah

Dear Santa, My name is Cason. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a football, crayons, and a puppy. I’ll set out cookies! From, Cason

Dear Santa, My name is Annabelle. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a skateboard, a dog, and mud. I’ll set out cookies! From, Annabelle

Dear Santa, My name is Ollie. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a shark puppet, stuffed hamster, gravity R/C car (batteries not included). I’ll set out cookies! From, Ollie

Dear Santa, My name is I have Corbin. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Nurf gun, Pokémon cards, and Hot Wheel cars. I’ll set out cookies! From, Corbin

Dear Santa, My name is Marshall. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a IPhone, a dog, and a house to live by myself (one bedroom, one bathroom, with running water). I’ll set out cookies! From, Marshall

Dear Santa, My name is Zoe. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a puppy, a kitten, and pencils. I’ll set out cookies! From, Zoe

Dear Santa, My name is Emery. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a mushroom Squish Mellow, an apple pen, and LED lights. I’ll set out cookies! From, Emery

Dear Santa, My name is Ava. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a phone, a Google Phone, and lots of stuffed animals. I’ll set out cookies! From Ava

Mrs. Feimster’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Sydnie. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a real pet cat, a stuffed animal toothless dragon, and marker sharpies. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Sydnie

Dear Santa, My name is Fabio. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me toy Mario, a shotgun with bullets, and a Lankybox Plushy. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Fabio

Dear Santa, My name is Journey. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a unicorn computer, smelly markers, and my own room. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Journey

Dear Santa, My name is Ethan. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a robot, dog, and teddy bear. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Ethan

Dear Santa, My name is Amerie. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me an LOL toy, dog, and bike. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Amerie

Dear Santa, My name is Roslyn. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a bike, octagon, and a gymnastics beam. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Roslyn

Dear Santa, My name is Lailah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a crystal ball, a Lankybox Plushy, and a kitty. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Lailah

Dear Santa, My name is Asher. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a remote for my PS4, puppy, and a puppy. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Asher

Dear Santa, My name is Olivia. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a baby doll, lipstick, and an American Girl Doll. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Olivia

Dear Santa, My name is Styles. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a hook, dog, and a spa. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Styles

Dear Santa, My name is Reyden. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me the same lizard I had, Lego Jurassic Park, and Jurassic Park toys. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Reyden

Dear Santa, My name is Divina. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a teddy bear, doll house, and a game that has no passcodes. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Divina

Dear Santa, My name is Adalynn. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me magic stuff, a baby, and a dog. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Adalynn

Dear Santa, My name is Morgan. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me an LOL toy, slime, and a crayon box. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Morgan

Dear Santa, My name is Elijah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a dog, a lizard, and a jelly shirt. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Elijah

Dear Santa, My name is Karleigh. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Mommy Long Legs toy, a Lankybox giant mystery box, and a Huggy Wuggy plushy. I’ll set out cookies! Love, Karleigh

Mrs. Pettit’s Class

Dear Santa. My name is Leighton. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a lizard, a singing fish, and a rifle. I’ll set out cookies! From, Leighton

Dear Santa My name is Elaina. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Adventure Time playset, Gabby’s Doll House, and a rainbow Care Bear. I’ll set out cookies! From, Elaina

Dear Santa. My name is Toby. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a snow globe, a fluffy shark, and shark headphones. I’ll set out cookies! From, Toby

Dear Santa, My name is Natalie. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a bike, high heels, and a princess set. I’ll set out cookies! From, Natalie

Dear Santa. My name is Lane. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a go-kart, a helmet, and a toy flatbed truck. I’ll set out cookies! From, Lane

Dear Santa. My name is Jerra. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a puppy, a big LOL set, and a toy gun. I’ll set out cookies! From, Jerra

Dear Santa. My name is Zeke. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a pop-it, a min dirt bike, and an electric scooter. I’ll set out cookies! From, Zeke

Dear Santa, My name is Ainsley. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Magic Mixie, a boy Baby Alive, and a big coloring books. I’ll set out cookies! From, Ainsley

Dear Santa, My name is Carson. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Hot Wheels, monster trucks, and a nerf gun. I’ll set out cookies! From, Carson

Dear Santa, My name is Ryan. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Nintendo Switch, a toy helicopter, and a cop outfit. I’ll set out cookies! From, Ryan

Dear Santa, My name is Colten. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a dirt bike, a skateboard, and a scooter. I ‘Il set out cookies! From, Colten

Dear Santa, My name is Annabell. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Barbies, LOL dolls, and shoes. I’ll set out cookies! From, Annabell

Dear Santa, My name is Tempe. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me new dolls, a new playhouse, and books. I’ll set out cookies! From, Tempe

Dear Santa, My name is Evelyn. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me an aquarium, matching jammies, and a new glasses case. I’ll set out cookies! From, Evelyn

Dear Santa, My name is Hunter. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a dirt bike, and an electric skateboard. I’ll set out cookies! From, Hunter

Dear Santa, My name is Presley. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Holiday Barbie, shopkins, and a squishmallow. I’ll set out cookies! From, Presley

Dear Santa, My name is Lucy. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Gabby Doll, a unicorn, and a puppy. l’ll set out cookies! From, Lucy

Mrs. Taylor’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Easton. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a beagle, a pen for my beagle and a feeder for my beagle. I’ll set out cookies! From, Easton

Dear Santa, My name is Hugh. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Santa hat, a pair of Hey Dude shoes and football leggings. I’ll set out cookies! From, Hugh

Dear Santa, My name is Mariah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a hover board, a skateboard and a scooter. I’ll set out cookies! From, Mariah

Dear Santa, My name is Ethan. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me roller blades, a new skateboard and a real piano. I’ll set out cookies! From, Ethan

Dear Santa, My name is Skye. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me My Little Pony, a real bunny and a nail set. I’ll set out cookies! From, Skve

Dear Santa, My name is Gus. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a toy Gator, a stuffed animal, and a LankyBox plushy. I’ll set out cookies! From, Gus

Dear Santa, My name is Noah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a Nerf gun, a toy kitchen, and a toy shotgun. I’ll set out cookies! From, Noah

Dear Santa, My name is Anaya. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a play kitchen, roller skates, and a ballet doll. I’ll set out cookies! From, Anaya

Dear Santa, My name is Jensen. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a toy sword, a hover board, and a scooter. I’ll set out cookies! From, Jensen

Dear Santa, My name is Kylor. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a skateboard, a football set, and an Xbox. I’ll set out cookies! From, Kylor

Dear Santa, My name is Jazmyn. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a doll house, a play kitchen and a toy squishy. I’ll set out cookies! From, Jazmyn

Dear Santa, My name is Charlotte. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a stuffed animal, a baby doll, and play kitchen set. I’ll set out cookies! From, Charlotte

Dear Santa, My name is Avari. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me a baby doll, a doll house and a stuffed animal. l’ll set out cookies! From, Avari

Dear Santa, This year, I would like a doctor kit, some clothes and shoes. Please remember my sisters and brother. Thank you, Dalylah

Dear Santa, My name is Sarah. I have been very good this year. I hope you bring me Legos, roller skates, and toy food for my kitchen set. I’ll set out cookies! From, Sarah

Mrs. Allbritton’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Racyn. I have been a good boy this year. I would like a vr head set for Christmas Thank you.

Dear Santa, My name is Wyatt. I have been a good boy this year I would like a ring, pokemon cards, and an iphone. Thank you.

Dear Santa, My name is Koplynn. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like an iphone, computer, and a kitten. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Montana. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a new watch, 2 rainbow pins, and a computer. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Parker D. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like a tv, phone charger, and 100 pokemon cards. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Matthew. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like a phone. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Kinsley. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like make-up and to spend time with friends and family. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Rebel. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like skates, lol dolls, and OMG dolls. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Raegan. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a puppy, a phone, and a pokemon box. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Luke. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like an RC car, RC boat and a tablet. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Parker R. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like the game Minecraft, a kitten, and a kitten blanket. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Oliver. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like a first edition charzard pokemon card, a phone case, and a 1999 box of pokemon cards. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Easton. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like an iphone, RC car and a RC boat. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Paige. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a makeup bag, a puppy blanket, and a big Barbie house. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Ethan. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like a pokemon card box, ear buds, and pokemon scarlet. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Hailie. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a panda watch, a pop it tablet case, and 20 rainbow pins. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Aria. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a swag doll, a sunny doll both with bendable arms and legs. Thank you

Dear Santa, My name is Kaylin. I have been a very good girl this year. I would like a LOL pillow, a toy tiger, and a phone. Thank you

Mrs. Garrison’s Class

Dear Santa, my name is Alexis. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like makeup, a new blanket, and toy cars. Is Rudolph being good? Your friend, Alexis Bates

Dear Santa, my name is Juan. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like an elf, a box of pokemon, and a hoverboard please and thank you! Your friend, Juan Cardoso

Dear Santa, my name is Emma. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a phone, clothes, and a surprise. I love you and hope you are having a nice day! Your friend, Emma Carlton

Dear Santa, my name is Jaxon. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like a forklift, a motorcycle, and a game set. I like your elves and presents! Your friend, Jaxon Dickinson

Dear Santa, my name is Nora. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a watch, a computer, and a new iphone pro max. What cookies would you like this year? Your friend, Nora Godwin

Dear Santa, my name is Matthew. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like pokemon toys, Godzilla toys, and a lego Minecraft set. Are you doing good in the North Pole? Your friend, Matthew Hudcovic

Dear Santa, my name is Kamrynn. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like an iphone, new clothes, and also a new computer. I hope you are having a good day! Your friend, Kamryn Jackson

Dear Santa, how are you? My name is Brooklynn. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a mini fridge, an iphone 12, cute crop tops with butterflies on them, and a lot of art stuff. Your friend, Brooklyn Johnson

Dear Santa, my name is Brayden. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like an iphone 14, a Nintendo, and legos. I hope that you are having a great time in the North Pole! Your friend, Brayden Jones

Dear Santa, my name is Riley. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a squishy maker, some slime, and some squishmallows. What kind of cookies do you like? Thank you for the presents on Christmas and the candy canes! Your friend, Riley Kellie

Dear Santa, my name is Woodrow. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like lanky box plushies, Sonic the Hedgehog bed stuff, and Sonic the Hedgehog plushies. You are the best! Your friend, Woodrow Krigbaum

Dear Santa, my name is Anniegayle. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a froggy Squishmallow, a jumbo Boba Squishy, and flower fairy lights. I would like to know what cookies you want this year and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Your friend, Anniegayle Minden

Dear Santa, my name is Gabbie Morgan. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like squishmallows, Beanie Babies, and Beanie Boo’s. I will leave you and your reindeer cookies, carrots, and milk! Your friend, Gabbie Morgan

Dear Santa, my name is Jemma. I am 7 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a Barbie Dream House, lots of Barbies, and a four wheeler. Your friend, Jemma Powers

Dear Santa, my name is Delani. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a squishmallow, pokemon stuffed animals, and a fox. Your friend, Delani Purifoy

Dear Santa, my name is Jessica. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good girl. This year I would like a cat popit, cat pokemon, and a fox pokemon Your friend, Jessica Risner

Dear Santa, my name is Tyler. I am 8 years old. I have been a very good boy. This year I would like army men, a 3D printer, and a remote control car. Your friend, Tyler Tuck

Mrs. Herrera’s Class

Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like pokemon cards, night lights, and a bunk bed. I have been very good this year. I help my sisters to not be scared. I will leave cookies and milk for you and Rudolph by the tree. Thank you, Kyren

Dear Santa, I would like sonic with tails, autobots transformers, pokemon cards, and surprises for Christmas. I have been very good this year. I have helped my mom and dad take care of Aiden. I will leave chocolate cookies and milk for you and rudolph by the tree. Thank you, Hunter

Dear Santa, I would like 100 pokemon cards, rudolph stuffed animal, and a puppy, for Christmas. I have been very good this year. I have helped my mom when she is sick. I will leave cookies and milk for you and rudolph by the tree. Thank you, Rebel

Dear Santa, I would like a drone, a bike, and and electric car. I have been very good this year. I have helped my brothers set and decorate the tree. I will leave chocolate chip cookies for you by the tree. Thank you, Corbin

Dear Santa, I would like 2000 pokemon cards, a phone, and all the sonic catcher toys. I have been very good this year. I was very good at my dad’s work Christmas party. Thank you, Hayden

Dear Santa, I want an Oculus headset, a magic mixie, and a hydroflask. I have been very good this year. I helped Trin with her snowman project, and I am going to help clean the house today. I am going to leave chocolate chip cookies for you by the tree. Thank you, Autumn

Dear Santa, I want a coloring notebook, some coloring pencils, and some regular pencils. I have been very good this year. I have helped my mom clean up and I helped my grandma with my uncle. I also got my uncle jello. I am going to leave chocolate chip cookies for you by the tree. Thank you, Arvia

Dear Santa, I would like a squishmellow, a large hershey’s bar, and the second book of the series Dork Diaries. I have been good this year. I have helped take care of my little brother. I help clean the house. will hopefully leave chocolate chip cookies out for you. Thank you, Ellie

Dear Santa, I want a new bike and helmet. I have been very good this year. I played with my sister. I will leave chocolate chip cookies out for you. Thank you, Brody

Dear Santa, I want a pet cat, some new dolls, and the new Frozen toy. I have been very good this year. I have helped my mom do the chores around the house. I will leave chocolate chip cookies out for you. Thank you Harper

Dear Santa, I want a PS4, and all of the Madden games, and a glow in the dark football. And a glow in the dark basketball. And all of the dogman books. I have been very good this year. I sometimes share with my sister, and I always return things. I will leave you frosted cookies. Thank you, Layton

Dear Santa, I want a pomeranian puppy, and all of the dogman books. I have been very good this year. I have helped clean up with my mom, and I have helped take care of my baby brother. I will leave sugar cookies out for you Thank you, Jo-Hanna

Dear Santa, I want a stuffed animal pikachu. I have been very good this year. I will leave sugar cookies out for you Thank you, Carson Dear Santa, I want a PS5, and I want Steph Curry’s nike shoes in girl size, and I want a new iPad. I have been very good this year. I have cleaned my room. I have taken my dog potty, I have taken out the trash. I have also helped clean Mrs. Herrera’s desk. I will leave chocolate chip cookies out for you with some milk. I also want some fluffy ball earrings. Thank you, Ella

Dear Santa, I want a reindeer stuffed animal, and I want an elf. I have been very good this year. I have been very nice to my sisters. I have helped clean, and I helped set up the Christmas tree. I will leave Christmas tree cookies for you. Thank you, Braylee

Dear Santa, I want one of those little stuffed animals from Harp’s. I want a kitty ornament. I also want a squishy cat. I have been very good this year. I have helped my dad burn boxes and helped him with his boat. I will leave homemade cookies out for you. And carrots for your reindeer. Thank you, Alexandria

Dear Santa, I want the new iPhone. I also want new nike air shoes. I also want a portugal soccer outfit. I have been very good this year. I have been very helpful. I will leave peanut butter cookies out for you. Thank you, Ryleigh

Dear Santa, I want a tablet case, a skateboard and a tablet. I helped decorate the tree for you. I might leave out cookies for you. Thank you, MES Student

Mrs. Barile’s Class

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a new bike and I want a new tablet. I would also like a drone. I like to draw and play football. I like to play tag. On Christmas me and my family celebrate it’s fun when we get presents and when we celebrate it’s fun Thank you, Bo.

Dear Santa I want a real axolotl. I will take good care of it please pretty please I promise please. I want robux please so I can use it on robux to buy clothes on roblox. I would like my own chromebook please or my own iphone 13 mini or pro max. El Delights and colorful lights karaoke machine please I would like a wave pool machine please. I would like axolotl squish mellow please. I would like a real limo pretty pretty please and my mom or dad can drive it or we can order some one. For Christmas eve we do secret santa this year doing dirty santa. And on Christmas we wake up our parents and eat breakfast and the best is to open presents. And we also on Christmas eve we open one little present and we get to guess presents. And we make cookies and milk and candy canes for the elves and reindeers carrots for reindeers. Thank you, Jordan

Dear Santa, I want a real axolotl. I want axolotl food and I want an axolotl tank. I want an axolotl decoration and to have a happy Christmas. On Christmas, we open our presents. Thank you, Lilah

Dear Santa, Hi Santa, I would like a VR headset for Christmas please. I love money so maybe you can give me some cash. I also want an Ipad because I broke my other one. I also want some Posca markers and markers that blend. I love makeup (like real makeup). On Christmas me and my family open presents and sometimes we go on vacations. Thank you, Dahlia Dear Santa, I want a vanity. I want makeup. I want a lot of squish mellows. I want a lot of robux. I want hair ties. I want a gold crown. I want 5 slimes. I like the iphone 14 pro max. I want a pink bing bag chair. Thank you, Serenity

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a VR and Legos. All the fgteev books but not the 2nd book because I already have that one. Some FNAF plushies. Lava lamps are cool too. I like to draw, color, and cook. On Christmas, my family and I do a secret Santa Love Jacob.

Dear Santa, I want an iphone. I want makeup.I like robux. I want LED lights. I like shoes. I like bikes. I want blue light glasses. On Christmas we make cookies and drink hot cocoa with marshmallows and watch movies. Love, Raelynn

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a metal slinky and 24 boxes of Gold digits please. A pet bunny would be nice. I would also like 24 diamond digits. I love animals so much. I like Roblox. On Christmas we open presents and I eat with my Nana and Papa. love Bentley Dear Santa. For Christmas I want a Iphone 14 Pro or a Hoverboard. 10,000 Robux. I’d like a lava lamp, and a pokemon binder, and probably a binder for school along with some folders. It would be nice. A bike would be nice. What I do on Christmas is each person takes turns opening presents. From, Alexander

Dear Santa, I want a vr and games to go with it. I like candy. I want a jacket and I like slime. On Christmas, I go to my family’s houses to open presents. From, Easton

Dear Santa, I want for Christmas a Jurassic world and park. Series in movies and books. I want yarn. I like. Friendship necklaces. And I like birds. And I like hats that you wear in the winter. And I like gloves that you wear in the winter. And a vr. Thank you, Meaghan

Dear Santa, I want new clothes. I want new markers. I want new books. I like chapter books. Me and my family watch a Christmas movie called Christmas Chronicles. Last but not least, I want a rabbit. A black and white one would be awesome. From, Clayton

Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a pack of Pokemon cards. I also want an army man. I love Christmas. I like markers and coloring sheets. On Christmas me and my family go snowboarding Thank you Jayden

Dear Santa, I would like a mini bake oven and a LOL house. I like clothes. I like hoverboards. but I only need the charger. and the seat for it. I like roblox too. Me and my family go to the Christmas train most of the time and we spend a lot of time together. Thank you, Piper

Dear Santa, I want 2 V-buck cards. I want a 20 dollar bill. I want a lava lamp that can change colors. A lot of presents. And the battle Pass. I like Pokemon. I like FORTNITE. Me and my family wake up and open presents and then we go to a house and open the presents and then we eat food. From, RJ

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want some candy. I want dolls. I want a puppy toy and toys for my dog Dixie. I want baby doll clothes. I like to draw, to paint, and to go shopping. I like to spend time with my family and friends. Do you like the north pole? Love, Kassidy

Dear Santa, I would like a horse book and a cat toy and socks and a soft chair. Me and my family celebrate by eating and opening presents. Love, Kambree

Dear Santa, I made cookies with my family. My wish for Christmas is a phone and a drone. Next, what is your favorite cookie flavor? Mine is chocolate chip cookies with milk. Also, I want a PS5 please Santa! Thank you, Noah

Dear Santa, Can I have Legos please? There is cookies and carrots for you! Can I please have some Transformers? From, John Luke

Miss Rose Santa Letters Dear Santa, I will love some clothes. I would like a new hot wheels track. On Christmas I gather with my family and have a feast. Thank you, Korben

Dear Santa I want earbuds and a magic mix. A toy and a teal dress. I want everybody to be happy and joyful. I like squishmallows too. On Christmas, we play games. Love, Myla

Dear Santa, I want a ps5, a soccer ball and pokemon cards. On Christmas I go to my dad’s. Thank you, Paxton

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a hoverboard. I have wanted one for so long. I want fake nails and squishmallows. I celebrate Christmas with my family Love, Raylyn

Dear Santa For Christmas I want a phone case and I like baby yoda. I really want a computer. What I do on Christmas is go to get presents and eat. Love, Hadleigh

Dear Santa I want an ipad. I go to my dads for Christmas and eat and play. Thank you, Tripp.

Dear Santa, For Christmas, I would like a Star Wars Lego set and a Nintendo Switch. I have been good this year. I have helped clean the house. Thank you Jordon

Dear Santa I like hoverboards for Christmas. Can I have a Google pixel? Please. Please can I have earpods. Can I have a coloring book? What I do on Christmas we open presents. Then we go to my aunt’s house every time of year. Oh and finally I want a science book. Love, Ariya

Dear Santa My name is Madrox. I want for Christmas xbox and. A Nintendo switch and gold Thank you, Madrox.

Dear Santa I want an Orbee’s gun and money. I would like Vmax pokemon cards. I love Jesus clothes. would like a good Christmas. We put candy cane on the tree. Love, Zayden

Dear, Santa My name is Avery. On Christmas morning me and my sister jump on my mom and dad’s bed, to wake them up. This year I want a big pink fluffy pillow. And more film for my camera Love, Avery

Dear Santa, My name is Karly. I hope you are having a Merry Christmas! I will make you a gingerbread homes. I like to have an Elf and a rudolph animal. And please I would like everyone. To be in a home at Christmas with clothes and presents. Thank you, Karly

Dear Santa I want robux and more robux then I want an elf then I have a lot of money and live with my dad. And go to Waldron school. And play with my puppy. Love, Keegan

Dear Santa, I want clothes and a skateboard. I also want basketball and football. I want a basketball hoop and dirt bike gear or a new trampoline. I want a snake or lizard as a pet. I also want a gameing chair. On Christmas I have a festival and some gifts. Thank you, Cannon

Dear Santa, My name is Allen. I want to tell you what I want for Christmas. I would like a lot of books and. A lot of v-bucks and ro-bucks. I would also like tissues. Love, Allen.

Mrs. Polk’s Class

Dear Santa On Christmas I want a ps5 and popits and for my mom to come on Christmas Thank you, James

Dear Santa I want 900 doors and chrome book and a puppy. On Christmas, we open presents as a family! Love, Eisley

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like to have a basketball goal. So I can make baskets and play at home. The reason I want a basketball goal is because we lost our other one so I really want another one. I love playing basketball and I really want a basketball goal from you. From Caroline.

Dear Santa My Christmas list is a Phone, tablet case, a big poofy dress, Elsa doll and joyfulness. Thank you, Zoey

Dear Santa, I really want a blue unicorn and makeup. Thank you, Eden

Dear Santa My family eats pizza for Christmas. I like games. For Christmas I want legos, clothes, games and toys for my brother. We go to my grandma’s house to eat pizza. From Braxton

Dear Santa, For Christmas, I would like Legos, a computer, Nintendo games and action figures. I have been good this year. I have cleaned half of my room. I will leave gingerbread cookies under the tree. I LOVE YOU!! Thank you, Caston.

Dear Santa, This year for Christmas I would like a RC care, a dirt bike, and a drone. Thank you, Sloan

Dear Santa, This Christmas I would like an RC Car, Nintendo Switch, a boat, and a new phone. Thank you, Kaleb

Dear Santa, I want a hamster, new shoes and a pair of jeans, action figures and an xbox. I would also like Maden23, buck, or a phone. I like the Astros and the Chiefs. My family watches a Santa tracker. Thank you Remington

Dear Santa, This year, number one I want to spend time with my family, but I want a few expensive things, want an Astros Jersey and at least a better phone that I have now, by the way, the only reason I want non cheap things is because my parents is on a tight budget, I also want AirPods, not pro Hey Dudes, and adorable clothes from the mall, Air Force 1’s, and a Morgan Wallen T-Shirt. I also want a Boomba rolling bag. For my family we open presents on Christmas. From, Raelyn

Dear Santa, I want fnaf shoes. Fnaf plushies but Glam Rock. I want symbols. And bunny ears. And a big spongebob plush From Kaiden

Dear Santa, What I want is 1$ and a barbie dream house and VR goggles and a nintendo switch. What I do on Christmas we eat Christmas pancakes From Melanie.

Dear Santa, I want a cowboy hat. I watch movies with my mom and my dad. From, Tyler

Dear Santa, I want music, snow globes and clothes. And I want a Christmas book please. on Christmas eve we switch every year it goes to my nana then mimi and then the people dress up. Thank you, Mackynzie

Dear Santa, First I say thanks to Santa for the presents and the elf coming to my home. What I want for Christmas is some hey dudes and a buckle hoodie and Jordans. I would like to spend time with my family and I want Air pods and a rams shirt. What I do with my family is watch movies and I spend time with my family. THANK YOU Abram

Dear, Santa I want a hoverboard and a camera for Christmas please. We go to my nana’s house to spend time together on Christmas Day! Love Riley

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a silicone doll, 2 fidget bag and a hoverboard. I like Baby botels and a Monster High Doll. Love, Maddy

To Santa I want some hot wheels and a RC car and some pokemon cards and some nerf and a turtle cowboy hat. We eat Christmas dinner. From, Tucker

Dear Santa, For Christmas, I would like a PS5. Thank you, Emmitt

Barton/Curtis’ Class

Dear Santa, I have been good at cleaning the house and my room. For Christmas I want a Queen Bee doll, some mini brands, and an Aurora Doll. I also want a Mulan doll. I am going to put my tree in the corner. Love, Kaylee

Dear Santa, My name is Averi and I am 10 years old, so here you go! I want a hoverboard, slime, a scooter, cotton candy maker and Pokemon. I love Pokemon and I really need some! Oh and can you make snow fall this year? I know it’s a lot to ask but I really want some. If you can’t make it happen then it’s okay. So how is Mrs. Clause, the reindeer and the elves? Hopefully they have been good! Love, Averi

Dear Santa, My name is Riley. I have been good! I would like a big box of Flip-a-Zoos, a Stitch Plush, and a lot of Fidgets. I also want a Stitch ear-moving hat, a lot of Boba Baby’s, Mochi squishy toys, Rainbow High dolls and a Stitch phone case and a lot of Robux! Love, Riley

Dear Santa, My name is Landon. I have been good this year. I want a football plushy, Pokemon cards, family and Legos. Thank you for the presents. Love, Landon

Dear Santa, My name is Cambree. I am 9 years old. I was supposed to be born on Christmas Day but… For Christmas I would like a kids watch that tells steps, a TV, and fake nails with nail glue. Santa Claus I hope you are able to get me some, if not all, of the stuff that I want this year. Please let Jingles, Raspberry and Rudolf my elves come this year. We will have a bunch of decor up this year. I love you Santa!!! Thank you, Cambree

Dear Santa. My name is Leon. I want a Pokemon box, Call of Duty Black Ops 2, Robux and Among Us for my Xbox. I also want Bloons TD 6 and dog food for my dog. Thank you, Leon

Dear Santa, My name is Samuel. I have been good because I help start the fire and cook food. I would like a Blue The Raptor mask. I would also like the Charmander plush and a Sleeping Bulbasaur plush. I also want a 16 inch Pyroraptor and a Baryonyx Camp Cretaceous Dinosaur. Love, Samuel

Dear Santa, My name is Kaden. I have been pretty good! I would like a lot of Pokemon cards and Gengar V and Vmax cards Love, Kaden Dear Santa, My name is Lucas. I have been okay this year, but if I can still get something, I would like an Asus 14.0 laptop that costs $200.00. The reason I want it is because I have a Youtube channel and I’m trying to make money from it. I also want a new red PS4 controller. I would also like a SML puppet named Jeffy. Thank you, Lucas

Dear Santa, My name is Aiden. I have been nice. I want a Dude Perfect basketball (black and mint). I want an iphone 14 Promax, a new joy-con for my Switch, and the book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I want Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, a PS5 and a Spiderman Miles Morales game and dlc. I also want some V-bucks and Call of Duty Vanguard. Love, Aiden

Dear Santa, I’ve always wanted slime, a sketching set and pencils for Christmas. I’m 10 years old and my name is Paislee. I won’t forget to get milk and cookies for you Santa since you love them! Also Merry Christmas Santa! I have been nice and sort of rude. I hope you have a great Christmas and I hope I do too! Thank you, Paislee

Dear Santa, My name is Keaton. I have been good this year. I would like an iphone 14 and a computer. I want a baby seal and a hanging basketball goal laundry basket. I want basketball shoes in a size 10 adult. I also want a football signed by Patrick Mahomes. Love, Keaton

Dear Santa, My name is Gracelynn. I have been good! I would like roller skates, and a microphone. I want the book series: Magic Tree House, both series. I want a Stitch plush, a tiger plush and a realistic fox plush. I also want a jumbo Kawie fidget and a horse plushy. Love, Gracelynn

Dear Santa, My name is Brantlee. For Christmas I would like Fortnite V-bucks. I have been good this year. I have! I will leave cookies and milk. Thank you, Brantlee

Dear Santa, My name is Hanna. I have been good. I would like a fuzzy chair, Air pods, and a bow and arrow. Also I would like a pink microphone, a Hollyhi 41 piece makeup kit, roller skates, and a mini locker. I want boots in a size 4, LOL’s, a lava lamp and an electronic money bank. I also want a guitar, a 3-D pin art toy, a mermaid tale, an iphone, and a giant Pop-it. Also a Pop-it phone case, Snapperz, and pottery well. Thank you, Hanna

Dear Santa, My name is Bladen. I am 10 years old. I have been good all my years! For Christmas I would like a black vacuum cleaner, a green bike and a remote control boat. I also want some Minecraft Legos and a remote control car. Thank you, Bladen

Dear Santa, My name is Parker. I have been very good this year. I would like an X-box series X. I would also like a Rubik’s Cube please and the last thing I want is a new game Pokemon Violet. Thank you, Love Parker

Dear Santa, My name is Cung. I have been a good boy. What I would like is Pokemon max cards. I also want two sketchbooks and Harry Potter Legos with Minecraft Legos. I would also like Naruto action figures and Demonslayer action figures. Can I also have SML puppets named Jeffy, Junior, Joseph, Cody, Marvin, Rose, Chef, Bowser, Brooklyn, T. guy, and Booger? The last thing I want is a bucket hat. Love you Santa, Cung

Dear Santa, My name is Lindy and I want an Orbeez spa for Christmas. Also Magic Mixies and an art kit. Thank you, Love Lindy

Dear Santa, My name is Jade and I have been good this year. I want an Apple iphone with an orange case and an iphone charger. I also want a Pokemon pack of cards and a Vmax and Vstar Pokemon box of Deoxys. I also want a My Hero shirt and a Naruto shirt. I want two of the Naruto shirts and two My Hero shirts of Izuk Midoriya. Thank you, Love Jade

Mrs. Bullard’s Class

Dear Santa, My name is Keelyn. I have been good this year. I would like toys. The toys I want are LOL dolls, American Girl dolls, and Pokemon cards. I would also like a big LOL doll and Rainbow High dolls, every color except red. I would like some clothes, a black hoodie, size 10/12, and some black shoes, size 13. Thank You, Keelyn

Dear Santa. My name is Eli and I have been pretty good. I would like Kirby and The Forgotten Land, Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Legends Arceus. I also want Pokemon Rescue Town Mystery Dungeon. I want Lego Gauntlets called Iron Man Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity Gauntlet. I also want a Lego Boba Fett head. Thank you, Eli

Dear Santa, My name is Kenton. I have been a good boy. I would like Bakugan and Pokemon cards. Also a Battle Claw toy and Arcados. I want lazer tag, a remote control dog and a Pokemon belt. I want plastic Pokemon toys and a Pokemon backpack for the toys. I want a sleeping Pokemon plush and a Pokemon blanket. Thank you! Love, Kenton

Dear Santa, My name is Ava. I have been good this year. I would like game mods for Minecraft, Toca Boca Minecraft for Switch, and a Roblox gift card. I want Pluto headphones, an 80 piece art set, a charging station and Walkie Talkies. I also want a jacket and a pair of boots. My shoe size is 7.5 and my shirt size is 10/12 or 14/16 and jean size is 14/16 Thank you, Ava

Dear Santa. My name is Claudia. I am 11 years old. I think that I have been good this year. I would love room decor, face wash, markers, paper and a pair of shoes. If you can’t give me all of this it is okay, but if you can, thank you! Love, Claudia

Dear Santa. My name is Liam. I have been very good. For Christmas I want a 3030 gun, a four wheeler battery and a Mr Beast shirt. I also want a computer, a PS4, a dirt bike, a 243 and army men. Thank you, Liam

Dear Santa, My name is Angel and I am 9 years old. This year I have been good. The first thing I would like is a teddy bear. For my second thing I would like a Hollywood mirror. The third thing I would like is some fake hanging plants. The last thing I want for this year is a teacup playset. Thank you, Angel

Dear Santa, My name is Avery. I have been pretty good this year. I would like white Nike Air Forces and a blue pair of Michael Jordans size 7 or 7.5. I would also like a petite floral glass tea set. I also want a wireless microphone, slime, a huge pack of alcohol markers and a cute backpack. Thank you! Love, Avery

Dear Santa, My name is Jaida and I have been good this year. I would like some white Nike Air Forces. It is a shoe and the size is 4. I would also like a body mirror and a fluffy pillow. I also want a fluffy jacket, the size is medium and the color I want it to be is black. I also want an elephant blanket and some slime that is called Aurelian Glimmer. I want the whole slime set. I would like some high heels for church and the size is 4. I also want some boot cut jeans in a size 7 /8. I want a pink, rose flower, leopard/cheetah print backpack and cotton kids sunny denim shorts and a jumpsuit. Thank you! Love, Jaida

Dear Santa, My name is Aaryn. I have been good this year. This year I would like these toys/books. So for books I would like the book series called Wings of Fire. the graphic novel. Toys I would like are a glass tea set and crowns for cosplay. For shoes I would like Allegra K women’s lace up, clear heel stiletto pumps in silver and sneakers size 8 womens. Thank you, Aaryn

Dear Santa, My name is Cheston and I have been good this year. I would like an Aosom two-seater tractor for kids, with a detachable bucket and 12v battery powered. Also a farm truck with headlights, Uno game cards, and a Katana and samurai set. I would like a Dark Souls game and a Soulcalibur vi game, a PC and a John Deere loader and backhoe. I want some boots in size 5. Thank you! Love, Cheston

Dear Santa. I’ve been good by cleaning my room and feeding my sister’s kitten. I also feed my kitten, do my laundry, help my mom and my dad clean and I am nice to everyone. What I want for Christmas is art and craft stuff and slime. Thank you, Sophie

Dear Santa, My name is Jaxson. I have been good this year! I would like a PS5, a TV, an iphone 12 and a Christiano Ronaldo jersey. I want Air Force 1’s, Jordans, and LED for my Xbox. I also want Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. Thank you! Love, Jaxson

Dear Santa My name is Ryleigh and I have been good this year. I would like some shoes size 3.5. I also would like a shirt size 14/16. I would like different colored Sharpies, glitter pens and some paint. I would also like some board games. Thank you, Ryleigh

Dear Santa, My name is Jace. I have been more bad than good but I really want a new basketball goal and I really want money to help my parents move. I also want a snake or a dog, not a little one, but not like a bulldog because I want to be responsible. For fun I want an iphone. Thank you, Jace

Dear Santa, My name is Hayden. I have been ok. I would like a mini semi truck, a Hommoo 12v electric vehicle, and a large truck engine toy. I want the Miniature Engineering Craft Museum and size 2 boots with an Army American flag on them. Thank you! Love, Hayden

Dear Santa, My name is Crystal. I would love to have matching shirts with my brother. My shirt size is medium and my brother’s size is ×-large. I would really love LED lights for my room. Thank you, Crystal

Dear Santa, My name is Journey. I think I have been pretty good this year. I would like a custom name, neon sign, DIY Squishies and a Lego Gauntlet set. I want a 3-D printing pen and a Pop It purse. I would also like FNAF series books, size 8.5 Nike shoes and high heels. Thank you! Love, Journey

Dear Santa, My name is Aiden. I have been nice. I would like a Nintendo Switch, Mario and Mario Kart and Skylanders Trap Team. I want Funnybone, Trailblazers, Snapshots, Spyro billing, Gill Grunt vs Zap and Terrafin. Thank you Santa! Love, Aiden

Dear Santa. My name is Katlin. I have been okay, well not my best. I would like a stress ball, Nike shoes size 2 or 3, some clear heels with pumps and a glass tea set. I would like a fuzzy blanket and a fuzzy coat. My size is 7 /8. I want a mini fridge, a VR headset and tickets to one of Justin Beibers concerts. I would also like stuff to go in my mini fridge. Thank you, Katlin

Mrs. Nelson’s Class

Dear Santa, Are you in charge of the elves? How many elves do you have? Do you know my full name? Does time stop at the North Pole? Can you turn into dust with your hat? Thank you, Lizzie

Dear Santa, My name is Kensley. I have been okay. I would like a camera, a phone and a toy kitchen like my old one. I would also like stuffed animals, make-up, long nails with nail glue and a real pig. Also I want a big purse, a little bit fancy, and a wallet, a little bit fancy. I also want a picture of Jesus on the cross and puzzles. Also plane tickets to California. Thank you, Kensley

Dear Santa, I think I have been pretty good this year. I do my chores, such as, feed the dogs, empty the dishwasher, and clean my room. I would like a baby sister, a real monkey, V-bucks cards and a gas powered remote control car. I will leave chocolate chip cookies for you and carrots for Rudolf, with some milk by the tree. Thank you, Landon

Dear Santa, My name is Stella. I have been a good girl this year and I love to draw. I would love to have an ipad and some nice, warm, fluffy clothes. Some cute, fleece like, fuzzy clothes and earrings that shine and are pretty and cute. Please don’t forget how good I have been and I will leave you some treats. Thank you, Stella

Dear Santa, My name is Kiera. I want a doctor kit, Barbies, and a hat. I would also like new shoes and new clothes. I want a cup, pencils, paper, a new truck toy, new video games- Minecraft, soap and bathtub toys. Thank you, Kiera

Dear Santa, My name is Kannon and I am not good but not bad. I would really like a game and the name of the game is Crew 2. It’s a car game and you do races to get money to buy new cars. Drop address is …Thank you! Love, Kannon

Dear Santa. My name is Robyn. I have been good and bad. I would like the new Rainbow High dollhouse and the Rainbow cheerleader dolls. I want new snow boots, size 3, and winter clothes size medium 7 /8. Thank you, Love, Robyn

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a VR headset, family time, an Xbox and surprises. I have been good this year. I helped decorate the tree. I will leave chocolate chip cookies. Thank you, Joseph

Dear Santa, My name is Ava. I’ve been okay this year but I’ll get better. If you wouldn’t mind I’d like to ask you a couple of questions. How do you get around the world in one night? How do you eat so many cookies? How do you sneak in my house so quietly and how do you get so many presents on your sled? Okay, not being pushy, but can I tell you things that I want for Christmas? You don’t have to get them for me but it’s just some ideas. I would really like some air pods, but the ones made by Beats though. I would like some lip balm making stuff, some make-up, and some earrings. If you watch us, you probably see me and my mom at Athleta Girl and I would really like that jacket. In a medium or large youth. If you don’t mind, Boston, my brother, has these boots that he really likes, maybe you can get those for him. I love you Santa! Thank you! You’re the best! Love, Ava

Dear Santa, My name is Brooklyn. I want new clothes, a speed running game, new shoes, a new jacket, a Pop-it, and headphones. Thank you, Brooklyn Dear Santa, My name is Cailynn. I have been good this year. I would like some new basketball shoes, and cleats for softball. My size is a 6. I would also like a Pop-it bag and lunchbox. I would like a side-by-side. I also want a hunting camera. I want a new notebook and I would like a purple Oculus and Quest 2 or 1. I would like a computer with a keyboard, a coat, size 7/ 8, and AirPods. Thank you! Love, Cailynn

Dear Santa, My name is Salem. I want a monster truck, new clothes and new shoes. I also want a tractor, a truck, builder toys and a Santa toy. Thank you, Salem

Dear Santa, Hi! My name is Braylen. I don’t really know what I want because I get money for Christmas. I’ll have to keep thinking about what I want, so I will keep looking and tell you on Christmas Eve. Thank you, Braylen

Dear Santa. For Christmas I would like a np3 player, a drone with a camera and a Five Nights at Freddy’s Mask. I also want a night guard costume. I have been good this year. I will leave cookies and milk by the tree. Thank you, Nathan

Dear Santa, My name is Lillian. This year I have been decent. This Christmas I would like a phone and Nike shoes. I also would like hair clips, stickers, and a nail kit. I would like cute clothes from Nike and hoodies. Thank you! Love, Lillian

Dear Santa, My name is August. I have been in the medium of good and wrong. I would like a PS5, a Roblox backpack, a Roblox lunchbox and a magic hover electric roller skate. I want shoes with wings, size 4 youth. I want Oculus Quest 2, boots size 4 youth, and a flip phone. I would like basketball shoes size 4 youth, a basketball, and a basketball hoop. Thank you! Love, August

Dear Santa. My name is Brantley. I have been okay this year. I would like one or two Pop-its. I would like some Air Jordans, and some Nike Blazers. My shoe size is 1 youth. I want some stuff for football like a Nike visor, a battle mouthpiece, a towel, some wrist tape and some gloves. Merry Christmas! Thank you, Brantley

Dear Santa, My name is Xander. I have been pretty good I think. I would like Five Nights at Freddy’s plush and FNAF action figures. An XL Anime shirt, 13000 bucks and America boots size 9 mens. Thank you, Xander

Dear Santa, My name is Jayden. I have been not good but not bad. I would like an iphone 13, a really fast remote control race car and a PS5. Also I want a Tangle, a PC and a pellet gun. I want Blazers size 8 youth. I would like a gold Lamborghini hoverboard and power sports. Love, Jayden

Dear Santa, My name is Kinlee. I haven’t been too good with my attitude, but I will try to be better. This Christmas I want one of those Dribble Up basketball drills to work on basketball at home. One thing that I have been good at is I have been good at school. I am getting better at playing with my brother more often and not pestering him as much. I also want some short necklaces to wear all of the time. One more thing I want is a new basketball. Hopefully I will see you soon! Love. Kinlee

Road Warrior Bearcats Make One Last Trip to Play for a State Championship on Saturday

Resident News Network
-
0
Road Warrior Bearcats Make One Last Trip to Play for a State Championship on Saturday

Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced in its entirety from Mr. Glenn Parrish, Director of Communications, Booneville School District. Mr. Parrish is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing this story to our readers.

Booneville has crossed paths with a regular season opponent in postseason play several times. However, none of the previous second meetings has had as much as a rematch with Charleston, who the Bearcats will see Saturday night in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock riding on it.

The winner is a state champion. For the Bearcats it would be the fifth, with the last being in 2018. For Charleston it would be the sixth and first since 2014.

Charleston won the first meeting, 42-14 over an undermanned Bearcat team on October 21. That eventually relegated the Bearcats to the Conference 3A-1 second seed in the playoffs.

In that game the Bearcats ran for 363 yards with seniors Trace Hall (11-114) and Cody Elliott (17-112) both surpassing the century mark. Peyton Tatum, another senior, added another 77 yards and would be the leading tackler.

Booneville senior Trace Hall carries the ball for a big gain last week at Melbourne. (RNN Sports Photo / Glenn Parrish)

First half Bearcat drives ended in a turnover on downs at the Charleston 15 and 22 and the Bearcats ran out of downs a third time at the Charleston 41 in the third quarter.

Following the first meeting the Bearcats have played in Lavaca, had a week 10 road game forfeited to them. In the playoffs the Bearcats opened at home against Junction City then hit the road.

A long and winding road.

Trips to Smackover, a two seed from the 3A-5, and to conference champions from the 3A-3 in Osceola, and the 3-2 in Melbourne resulted in wins that got the Bearcats to War Memorial Stadium for the Class 3A state title game.

Neither game against the 3A-5 schools was close but at Osceola the Bearcats stopped a fourth quarter two-point conversion in a one-point game before pulling out a two-score win, and at Melbourne last week it took a stop after a successful onside kick to turn away the Bearkatz for a five-point win.

Along the way both Hall and Elliott have surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, and Dax Goff has topped the 2,000-yard mark as the Bearcat offense has run for 5,664 yards.

Since Oct. 21, Charleston has been away from home in week 10, at Lavaca, and last week at Rison, the 3A-6 champion. Other wins came at home against West Fork, who missed the playoffs, Gurdon, Centerpoint, and Newport.

None of those have been particularly close, except for a portion of the first half of the playoff opener.

The Booneville defense will face the challenge of slowing the running and passing attack of Charleston (RNN Sports Photo / Glenn Parrish)

That the schools finished first and second is of little surprise as they were picked that way, albeit in reverse, by coaches before the season and both were ranked among the contenders in virtually every preseason poll.

With three by the Bearcats and one each by Charleston and Greenland, the 3A-1 as a whole won five road playoff games and will finish the postseason with 10 wins, with the 10th coming on the neutral turf of War Memorial.

Obituary – Freddie Joe Essman (1956-2022)

Tammy Teague
-
0
Obituary – Freddie Joe Essman (1956-2022)

Freddie Joe Essman, 66, of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life on Monday, December 5, 2022 at his home. Freddie was born on September 23, 1956 to William Jackson Essman and Georgia May (Watts) Essman in Waldron, Arkansas. Freddie worked as a maintenance man for Tyson’s for 32 years. He was the Lake Hinkle Fire Chief for many years. Freddie loved hunting and fishing. Living in the Lake Hinkle Community and being on the water was something he truly loved. Freddie and Sue enjoyed drinking coffee on the front porch in the mornings and watching the eagles fly in with his dog Hass.

Freddie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Susan of the home. Four daughters: Ashley Baumgartner of Paris, Arkansas; April Rasdon of Waldron, Arkansas; Brandy Petersen of Waldron, Arkansas; Laura Petersen of Waldron, Arkansas and eleven grandchildren: Radon Baumgartner, Dax Baumgartner, Brook Baumgartner, Dillion Asbury, Faith Asbury, Hope Self, Kaci Rasdon, Jonathan Golf, Jakeup Petersen, Michael Paul Lutterull, Robert Lutterull, many nieces and nephews.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, William Jackson and Georgia May Essman; two brothers, William “JR” Jackson Essman and Royal Lee Essman; two nephews, Charlie Eden and Richard Eden and his beloved dog Bella.

Freddie’s family will be hosting a memorial service of remembrance at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

You may leave words of remembrance for Freddie’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com

Obituary – Gloria June Owens (1943-2022)

Tammy Teague
-
0
Obituary – Gloria June Owens (1943-2022)

Gloria June Owens went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Gloria June was born July 12, 1943 in Lickskillet, Arkansas to Leonard and Mildred Wagner. She was a storekeeper in Blueball for many years, and co-owner of L.O. Poultry. During this time, she made an impression on many lives and lifelong friends. Gloria June was a lifelong member of Mt. Moriah Community Church in Haletown, Arkansas. Her Christian legacy has impacted countless lives and she will be greatly missed.

Gloria June leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 61 years, Royce Owens; one son Gregory Owens of Waldron, Arkansas; one daughter Tammye Sherrill and husband  Phillip of Waldron, Arkansas; one sister Loreta Daggs and husband Jim of Waldron, Arkansas. Nanee will be missed by her three grandchildren, Clayton Owens and wife Tesia of Waldron, Arkansas, Caroline Pearson and wife Rachel of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Caleb Sherrill of Waldron, Arkansas; three great-grandchildren, Natallie, Austin, and Gracie, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

Gloria June was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Leonard Wagner and one brother Bud Wagner.

Gloria June’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Mt. Moriah Community Church in Haletown, Arkansas with Rev. Caleb Sherrill and Rev. Joe Powers officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Gloria June’s pallbearers will be Myrtie Owens, Chad Owens, Shane Owens, Jason Daggs, Darren Hatton and Tim Cox.

Gloria June’s visitation will be Monday, December 5, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. 

Obituary – Holland Leamon Piles (1949-2022)

Tammy Teague
-
0
Obituary – Holland Leamon Piles (1949-2022)

Holland Leamon Piles, better known as Leamon, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, November 30, 2022 with family by his side. Leamon was born March 18, 1949 in Waldron, Arkansas to Holland Piles Sr. and Inez (Frost) Piles. He was 73 years old.

Leamon was a hard working man. He was dependable, reliable and always gave 100% to whatever he was doing. He started his career by working at Waldron Furniture Factory, then he went to work at Tyson Foods in the hatchery. Having moved on to the live haul department and just about every job in between, Leamon eventually retired as the feed haul pick up driver after 30 years of service. When he wasn’t working, Leamon enjoyed piddling on his farm, riding motorcycles and riding horses. Leamon was devoted to his family and especially his wife Edna. He looked forward to family time and being surrounded by his loved ones.

Leamon leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 33 years, Edna Piles of Parks, Arkansas, one son Jason Piles and wife Terri of Greenwood, Arkansas, two daughters, Karla Scott and husband Buster of Cedar Creek, Arkansas and Keri Davis and husband Jason of Greenwood, Arkansas. Poppywill forever remain in the hearts of his 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Leamon will be missed by all those who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family and friends he loved dearly.

Leamon was preceded in death by his parents, Holland and Inez, two sons: Richie Dee Piles and Kristopher Wayne McCullah.

Leamon’s celebration of life will be 1:00 p.m, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Hill officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Leamon’s pallbearers will be his beloved grandsons: Dylon Piles, Justin Scott, Colten Scott, Deavon McCafferty, Kaiden Mundy and Kylar Mundy.

Leamon’s visitation will be Friday, December 9, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Arrest Reports 11/27

Tammy Teague
-
0
Arrest Reports 11/27

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Micahel James Henry Curtis of Paris was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 27 at 4:02 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Curtis was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Felony.

Jackie Elmore of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 30 at 3:05 p.m. and released on signature bond November 30 at 5:26 p.m. Elmore was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
James Thomas Dickson Junior of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 29 at 12:30 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 29 at 2:39 a.m. Dickson was charged with Domestic Battering in the Third Degree – Purposely, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and Interfering With Emergency Communications – 2nd Degree.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Stephanie Nash, 25 of Mena, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 28 at 4:59 p.m. Nash is a hold for the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Luis Perez, 23 of Waldron, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 30 at 10:53 a.m. Perez is a hold for the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

Timepiece: Christmas Memories

Tammy Teague
-
0
Timepiece: Christmas Memories

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Virtually every Church sign, regardless of denomination, is currently announcing the date and time for their annual Christmas play. Usually composed of children actors and choir, the play tells the Christmas story portrayed by very novice children actors. Most plays include Christ, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and a menagerie of animals.

The choice roles are Mary and Joseph and kids at our church waited for years for the opportunity to assume those roles. My sister Glenda had dreamed for years of being Mary, with high hopes that one of the Trusty boys would play Joseph. She was extremely disappointed when her turn as Mary came and she found that she was stuck with me playing Joseph.

Kids practiced for weeks leading up to their debut as stage stars. Attendance that night was at a maximum. Grandparents and relatives that had not seen the interior of a church in months were suddenly vying for the front seat to see and hear their budding star. The end product often resulted in more comedy than drama as kids portrayed or sang everything imaginable and parents laughed at the resulting fiasco.

My cousin Roy was portraying the innkeeper and was doing a very respectable and dramatic recreation of sending the poor Joseph and Mary to the stable behind his Inn when his clothing caught the prop holding the inn upright. Not in the script but with urgency, the poor Sunday school teacher director screamed, “Stop Roy, stop. Your pulling it …..” Her line was interrupted as the entire wall toppled forward, narrowly missing the Virgin Mary and Joseph. Fortunately, Roy was left untouched surrounded by the remnants of his Holiday Inn.

The young children were the most fun as they sang the Little Town of Bethlehem or what passed as a facsimile of it. The loudest voices always seemed about a half-sentence behind the lead singer while two of the children verbally and physically fought over the microphone. At my colleague’s church at Golden City, her four-year-old niece Millie showed off her new dress and undergarments by mooning the congregation. The second part of her act was to get on all fours and to crawl under the benches and through the sea of legs with auntie in hot pursuit.

Little kids dressed as animals were always cute. Sheep, camels, and horses were included in the manger scene, all gathered around the manger celebrating Christ’s birth. Somehow, our church at Midway got a full-sized donkey suit so two adults were enlisted to portray the donkey. Wes White played the head of the donkey and his braying was something to behold and brought gales of laughter. I am not sure who played the donkeys rear end but that are no shortages of names that come to mind!!

Live manger scenes with animals did not work well as we discovered at Caulksville Cumberland Presbyterian church. I think our reenactment would have been much more pleasant if the owners of the animals had properly toilet trained the cattle and sheep before debuting them as actors. Reverend Vanmeter’s shoes will never be the same.

My son Lucas is a budding star and will make his first (and maybe final) appearance at our Christmas play on Dec.18th. I am anticipating, with some trepidation and fear, what secrets he may share or actions he may do as he gets his few minutes of fame.

As your holiday approaches and you remember the Christmas’s of the past, don’t forget to go watch some of these budding stars as they portray the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Booneville Teacher selected for Program ID Antarctica

Tammy Teague
-
0
Booneville Teacher selected for Program ID Antarctica

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Georgia Littleton, Booneville gifted and talented teacher, has been selected by Rutgers University to participate in the prestigious I.D. Antarctica program.  Each year, hundreds of teachers from across the U.S. apply to participate in the program.  Georgia was one of three, and the only one from Arkansas, selected to be a part of the program.

I.D. Antarctica provides curriculum and materials to the teacher and students of selected schools.  The materials allow students to work closely with research scientists as they explore life in the Southern Ocean.  During Jan-Feb, students participate in a weekly blog session facilitated by research scientist Andrew Corso.  During this time, students explore the unique organisms that exist in polar climates.  Each week students are provided a challenge and task to complete as part of the course.  During the blog, students will be able to interact with the scientist and explore the data as they discover answers to such questions as how do whales find food, how do glaciers change over time, how are oceans changing, and how does pollution such as plastic cycling affect life in Antarctica.  

The complete program promotes students’ science, literacy, data interpretation (math), and history while assisting in solving “real world” problems.  

Booneville 5th and 6th grade students will begin the program following the Christmas break.  Even before the program begins, students are busy collecting information and preparing to actively participate in the research effort.  

The program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.  Other teachers participating are Sandra Stamos of Bayonne, N.J. and Jessica Packard of Kansas City, Kansas.  Georgia and Booneville are to be congratulated for becoming the first school and instructor selected from Arkansas. 

Third Generation Merechka to Play in a Football State Championship Game

Resident News Network
-
0
Third Generation Merechka to Play in a Football State Championship Game

Without question, a state championship, in any sport…is special. Most players never get close to being in a state championship game or match, much less win one. Being in the state title game is something that can never be taken for granted. It is truly special. Reaching the pinnacle of high school sports at the championship level is the nexus of talent, experience, tradition, hard work, sacrifice, and yes, sometimes the ball has to bounce your way. In the rare times in an athlete’s career that all of this may come together, and often it does not, the result is a truly magical moment that cannot be artificially created in the movies or on television. And so it is for the players and coaches for the Charleston Tigers and the Booneville Bearcats.

At press time for this story, Charleston and Booneville were making final preparations for their historic date in Little Rock where they will play for the Class 3A state football championship at War Memorial Stadium. And for one Charleston family, the third generation of high school football players in their family will be on the turf Saturday playing for a state title. The Merechka family, who have played in two previous state title games, will be cheering for Charleston’s Reese Merechka who will be playing in the third state title game in his family’s history.

Lynn Merechka played in the 1974 state championship football game for Van Buren against Magnolia (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)

Reese is a junior football player at Charleston who plays offense, defense, and special teams for the Tigers. In other words, he rarely comes out of a game. In 3A football, playing at least two ways (offense and defense) is very common place across the state. It has always amazed me at the players’ conditioning and their ability to play all night with very little rest and be as effective as they are.

Earlier in the week, RNN Sports had the pleasure of sitting down with Reese’s grandparents, Lynn and Mary Merechka. Lynn played for the Van Buren Pointers in the 1974 state title game vs. Magnolia. Later that school year, Merechka was named to the state All-Star game in the summer of 1975.

Lynn and Mary Merechka (Photo courtesy of Brandy Merechka to RNN Sports)

I had the pleasure of recording approximately 90 minutes of an interview with the Merechkas at a local restaurant in Charleston, and I greatly enjoyed my visit with both Lynn and his wonderful wife, Mary. They were both beaming about their grandson Reese having the opportunity to play on Saturday, and in the words of his son, Matt, who also played in a state championship game for Van Buren, Lynn “has not been this excited in a long time.”

Matt Merechka played for Van Buren in 1996 state championship game (Image courtesy of Brandy Merechka to RNN Sports)

Lynn began by saying, “I played for Van Buren in the state title game against Magnolia in 1974. And then, Matt, played in the state championship against Fort Smith Northside in 1996. And now, we have Reese. So, we have three generations (who have or will play in a state championship football game). But Ransom, his team last year (played for Charleston), they got beat in the first round ( a loss to Centerpoint in the second round of the state playoffs after having received a bye in the first round.)

I asked Lynn what is has been like watching Reese play this year. He responded by saying, “It has been great. I don’t see how he plays the whole game with the intensity that he does. With me playing ball and coaching Little League, I coached Matt and I coached Reese, also. They kind of learned my kind of ball. You know how Rison controlled the ball? That was my idea. I was thinking that was no different than what I used to do. I know Reese didn’t get his athletic ability from my side. He had to have gotten it from Brandy (Reese’s mother). I have seen him do some things on the field and I was like where did he learn that from? I saw him laying flat on his back once after a play was over, and all of the sudden he just jump up right to his feet. I wondered, how did he do that?”

The competitive spirit and the way the game should be played is something that Lynn instilled in his son Matt as a young player, and now Matt has passed it along to Reese. Mr. Merechka continued by saying, “What I instilled in Matt and he instilled it in Reese and Ransom is play the game like it is your last game. We used to have a championship game between Alma and Van Buren every year. We would come around to who got to go to Alma to play in this game. We were tied for first place with another team, so, we had to play Friday night. While we were waiting to play, one of my best players showed up and he wasn’t dressed. I asked him why he wasn’t dressed, and he said “Well, I have some bad news Coach. I can’t play. Doctor says that I have diabetes and can’t play. Can I talk to the team?” I said, “sure”, so he goes over to the team and talks to them. And I could tell the team was pumped up. We later went out and beat that team like 40-0. Before, it had been a 7-7 game in the past. So, we won the game, and I went home, and it was getting late, and I asked a player what had been said to him to get them so pumped up. The player said, “He told us that he couldn’t play anymore, and he started crying. We all got a little choked up about it, and then he told us to play like it would be their last game.” That was at about 9 p.m. that evening, and “I said, you just need to go to bed because we have to play early in the morning. So, he went to bed, and about midnight, he woke up and the house was on fire. He died in the fire.” This was in 1992, and a wife and two children were lost in the fire.

Matt Merechka (77) played for Van Buren in 1996 state championship game (Image courtesy of Brandy Merechka to RNN Sports)

Since that time, as he continued, “That is what we always said from that time on was, “Play like it is your last game.” So, the saying by the Merechkas, “Play like it is your last”, is more than a saying. It is a belief and a motivational philosophy that is based on reality and human tragedy. It is also a legacy piece of the player and his family who died tragically, and on Saturday night, that legacy will be in play again when Reese takes the field. Thirty years later, Reese and the Tigers will play like it is their last time to have the privilege to take the field for their school and community, and the legacy will live on.

Lynn, “instilled this into Matt (his son) and it went from him to his sons. And my youngest son, Maverick, he has two kids and they are ball players, too. And that is what he (Maverick) is instilling in his children, too. It’s a real deal; it is much more than a saying or a cliche. Maybe that is why we have always won over all of these years. I would like to think that my teams have passed down all of these great athletes, and I think it is just because they were taught the right things; not to quit. I think Reese is a 4.00 point student, as well.”

Lynn has great respect for the Tigers’ coach, Ricky May. Talking about last week’s semifinal win at Rison, Merechka talked about Charleston having a 27-0 lead late in the game. The Tigers were in scoring position late with less than a minute to go in the game, and could have scored to make it a 33 or 34 -0 win. But Coach May elected to call a conservative play that was intended to run the clock out. Lynn said, “He could have easily scored to run the score up, but he didn’t. He had the game won, and he didn’t run the score up.” That is, in my opinion, what the Charleston program under Ricky May is all about: win the game, that is the objective…nothing else.”

Saturday’s state championship match-up has all of the trademarks of a high school classic. It could be one that people will talk about for years. In fact, of all of the classifications, the 3A championship with Booneville and Charleston may be the best game. We will see.

But one thing is for sure….the chance to play in a state championship game is truly special, and RNN Sports congratulates all of the players and coaches from all schools across every classification who has earned the right to play for the state championship. One day, we may be writing a story on you, perhaps twenty or more years later, reflecting back on this special moment. Enjoy it, and soak in every second of it. You have earned that right.

Good luck, and RNN Sports will see you there!

Reese Merechka (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)
1...341342343...1,053Page 342 of 1,053

© Resident News Network | 2015 - 2026 | All Rights Reserved | Baggett Enterprises LLC | Isaiah 43:18-19