Thursday, April 23, 2009

Uplifted Young Voices

This program is an opportunity for students to act as local correspondents for Be Uplifted Magazine. Our Mission is to help others by promoting happier, healthier, more fulfilled and simpler lives, while employing socially, economically and environmentally responsible business practices and fair trade.

The Uplifted Young Voices program is intended to give further exposure to students at local schools. The program encourages and educates students interested in pursuing journalism, fiction or non-fiction writing (or related fields) as a career.

18 comments:

  1. The Luv Shack doesn't Horse around!

    By Sonja and Reagan
    Advisor: Stacey Lane

    When Joey Ogburn first started the Luv Shack she was determined to make a difference for abused horses. It all started in 2004 with three mustangs; Frankie, Remington and Harley, who were brought in as abused foals. Joey wanted to change the way horses were treated. Ms. Ogburn saw the abusiveness of the people to horses and wanted to help so she created a loving ranch for the mistreated horses to be rehabilitated. That was how the Luv Shack was born. The Luv Shack is located at 10th Street and Carefree Highway, 36029 N. 10th Street, Phoenix.

    All types of horses are welcome. Every local is welcome to visit the Luv Shack or to volunteer. Volunteers can be any age, have no experience and still help these lovable animals. The Luv Shack is also a home to donkeys, goats, dogs and chickens.

    The Luv Shack is made up of volunteers and people who had a similar passion as Joey. At the Luv Shack willing volunteers attempt to familiarize the horses with strangers, feed, groom and love these spectacular horses.

    Horses at the Luv Shack have gone through some prior obstacles that you wouldn't believe. From starvation, to getting beat up with a frozen hose and being mistreated by the same humans that were raising them. Joey also rescues horses that are on their way to slaughter. "I cannot believe what people are doing to these horses," Ms. Ogburn said. Joey Ogburn also recognizes the therapeutic value of pairing children and horses. There is opportunity to adopt, sponsor, visit and volunteer. Everyone who enters the Luv Shack has a feeling of care and determination. To learn more about the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Ranch Rescue visit http://www.luvshackranch.com

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  2. By: Trystan
    An Unforgettable Experience

    Desert Botanical Garden is hosting a very special event: Chihuly: The Nature of Glass. Renowned artist Dale Chihuly showcases his first exhibition in an outdoor desert environment. Over 200 museums from around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, London's Victoria and Albert Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, showcase the notorious glass artist.
    The exhibit is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. with three timed entry sessions: 8 a.m.-noon / noon-4 p.m. / 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
    This is a special event that lasts only until the end of May. Reservations can be made online at http://www.dbg.org or via phone at 480-481-8188. Come and see the incredible combination of art, light, and nature.

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  3. Nicole
    Worrier

    I never said I was a worrier.
    I always felt it inside.
    During school my friends tell me I’m worrying to much.
    I would have to agree with them.
    Every class I don’t think I have everything but truly I do.
    When I have a crush on a boy I am worried he will talk to me and I’ll freeze up.
    Sometimes with a test I will always study but I get worried and I fail.
    And then it feels like I have a tail that won’t get off me
    It will just deep following me around.
    Like I said I’M NOT A WORRIER!

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  4. By Daniella T.

    Socrati, founded by Sava and Stella Trimmis, is a newcomer to Arizona’s fashion. Sava and Stella Trimmis have had much experience in Johannesburg, South Africa with fashion by opening five stores, four in Johannesburg, and one in Cape Town and now they want to share their sense of fashion with all of Arizona.
    This stylish team started there first store in 1998 in one of the best malls of South Africa which was Sandton Square. Their last store which had a different name, Paradoxo, was located in the best mall of Cape Town, Waterfront. Their one store in Johannesburg was voted “Best Shoe Store in Johannesburg” in 2006.
    Their items consist of shoes, handbags belts, and their newest accessory, jewelry. All of these items were sourced in Italy, Spain, Greece and Brazil, and have brought Socrati to the top for the past 9 years.
    Their new store in Scottsdale is now located in Fashion Square, and Sava and Stella Trimmis are ready to introduce their unique fashions to Arizona. I f you have any concerns go online to www.socratiusa.com.

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  5. By Nicole M.

    loud crashing spirit
    mist rising through the god's sky
    relaxation times
    waterfalls

    puddles behind me
    the cold wind freezing my head
    wondering what's wrong
    my broken heart has fallen
    I now know it was a boy
    Sadness

    friends
    they're there for you
    always give you comfort
    I love my friends when I have broke
    kindness
    Friends

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  6. The Blessed Ballerina
    By Alexa Rose, St. Thomas School

    When I first started dancing I was three years old. My mom put me in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and modern dance. I really liked it. When I got older my mom also put me into sports like tennis and volleyball but eventually it got too hard for me to do all of that and all of the other dances. I go to ballet at The School of Ballet Arizona, located at 3645 E. Indian School Road. I really like going there but sometimes it can be frustrating because I have lots of things to do. But I always try my best. I have been in performances like the Nutcracker and Midnsummer's Nights Dream. I love dancing!

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  7. Time Well Spent

    By Trystan and Tatum Y.
    Arcadia High School
    Christ Lutheran School

    This summer my sister, Trystan and I volunteered at the Children’s Angel Foundation Thrift & Boutique, 4648 North 16th Street in Phoenix. The Children’s Angel Foundation, is an affiliate of Hacienda HealthCare, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds that benefits kids with special needs. We sorted and tagged clothes, set-up displays, and processed donations, cleaned and stocked inventory and yes, shopped there.

    There were a lot of people coming and going, donating, volunteering and shopping. We also learned that there are many opportunities for young people to help those in need. For example, there is the Thrift and Boutique Store where even just shopping there helps because all proceeds from the Boutique directly help the infants, children and young adults cared for through the Hacienda HealthCare.

    Interested volunteers can also donate their time directly to the Hacienda Care Facility. We had the opportunity to tour this facility July 15 with Volunteer Coordinator, Tara-Ann Buettner. Ms. Buettner explained to us that the center offers a variety of programs to children and young adults with special needs. Programs include providing a home for chronically ill children and young adults.

    “Children come to us for a many reasons such as automobile accidents, near drowning, abuse and diseases such as cerebral palsy, “ Ms. Buettner said.

    Volunteers are welcome to come and share their talents with residents, such as playing an instrument or singing. We saw volunteers reading to residents, playing games and an arts and crafts room for fun projects. You could also help with weekend activities, outings or decorate for events held at the facility. Holidays are celebrated, with Easter egg hunts, Fourth of July Barbeques and Valentines Day parties. This year a sixth annual prom will be held for the young adults. Donating a prom dress or suit is welcome too. “You can also be a Child’s Angel by becoming a big/little brother or sister with one of the residents,” Ms. Buettner added.

    We met many people and volunteers over the summer and it has been very rewarding. We are also looking forward to continuing with the upcoming school year because it is fun to make a difference and we always felt welcome.

    “We believe healthcare is a very personal business and it is through our relationships both personal and professional that we are able to continue our mission. We are so grateful to have such wonderful volunteers at Hacienda HealthCare. It is through the generosity and kindness of our volunteers that we are able to continue our efforts of enhancing the lives of the infants, children and young adults we serve. It truly is all about providing the best quality life possible and our volunteers become part of the Hacienda family in providing that quality of life,” Staci Glass, Director of Marketing & Development said.

    To volunteer, contact Tara Buettner at 602.243.4231 ext: 126 or via email at tara@haciendahealthcare.org, to learn more visit www.haciendahealthcare.org or www.childrensangelfoundation.org

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  8. Mysterious Pete
    By Hannah E.
    RSPS

    Ben watched as Pete, the one-legged man, climbed the useless stairs. Pete did that everyday, right next to the crumbling and broken building. Everyday Ben would go to the giant tide pool that used to be a big wave. The wave had destroyed the building. Ben colleted the white rocks that the wave had mysteriously brought in. No one knew why, he just did. So, as Pete climbed the red staircase to nowhere, Ben stood watching. As the seconds passed, Pete would just climb up, and then climb down to return home. Ben guessed Pete did that to stretch his leg. But no, this is what Pete actually did.
    As Pete reached the top of the stairs, he gently pressed the freeze button with his food. The whole universe would stop, and not one or anything would ever age while that button was pushed. Then Pete would open the door to Heaven. The Angel treated him like a god. You see, Pete had given up his leg so the devil would die, and so he could feed the angles. Yes, Pete was their cook. Angels ate bad memories to give way to the good ones. But bad memories are hard to find. Pete sings to the bad memories to lure them to heaven and when he finds enough, stirs them all together, and then adds the flavoring. Pete gets all the flavoring from the white rocks. Ben gives Pete the white rocks without knowing it. And to flavor the bad memories, Pete crushed the rocks. The rocks can taste like strawberry, pina colada, lemon, lime, and blueberry, and then the Angels are happy!
    Pete dropped back onto the top of the stair and he presses the unfreeze button with his foot before he climbs back down. Every day Pete goes to Heaven to feed the Angels.

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  9. My Dream
    By Barrette J.
    Christ Lutheran School

    I am from my never-ending dream of becoming a Star, I am from the tall stage above the theatre seats where anyone can see me, I am from the beat of the music flowing inside my heart.
    I am from the rhythm of my feet fa-lapping on the hard wood floor in the beautiful dance room of the theatre, I am from the drama that comes pouring out on those fabulous days when I visit this glorious place, I am from the exciting nights when I get to perform in front of thousands.
    I am from the joy of having my name printed into the play bill, I am from the costume stores where I must find the perfect costume to perform in, I am from dress rehearsals where we entertain the thought of what the real performances will be like.
    I am from the dressing room where up to fifteen girls are racing to get dressed in time to prance onto the stage and give it our all, I am from the backstage moms pulling and tugging on my golden blonde hair, I am from the anxiety of waiting on the stage's wings to enter on my queue, I am from annoying my mother and father by practicing my part, as I was asked to do.
    I am from the headset placed upon my head to increase the volume of my voice for everyone to hear, I am from opening night when butterflies soar inside my stomach.
    I am from my never-ending dream of becoming a Star!

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  10. On October 9, 2009 Kenton Knepper enchanted the Rancho Solano Private Schools Missouri Campus with his magical Singing Bowls. Bowl Sounds are deeply massaging vibrations masterfully created by Mr. Knepper through the use of ancient Tibetan and Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls. Students experienced a magical concert of symphonic sounds as they listened to the unique and harmonious playing of his mysterious bowls.
    The class was intrigued and described the experience as sacred, secretive and something you have known your whole life but never understood….
    Sixth-grader, Hannah E. reflects;
    I felt like I was entering some forbidden, ominous and yet magical place. A forest. It felt like I wasn’t exactly there. The noise seemed too loud for my ears; it went through my whole body with a vibrating feeling. Part of the time I was terrified about… something. I could almost hear the exotic birds chirping, and when I closed my eyes – a dense green, lush, amazing forest. It made my heart thump as though something terrible was about to happen. Then it got better, although I was still somewhere forbidden. I feel honor and respect for Mr. Knepper for playing such unique instruments. It made my stress and worries fly away – and I was…. carefree. All my attention was now on the music...

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  11. It was an honor to meet these fine students and share the BowlSounds with them. I learned as much from them as they may have gathered from me. We all learned from the Bowls, as usual.

    Kenton Knepper
    www.BowlSounds.com

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  12. The "A" in Life
    By Kelsey K.
    All Saints

    An ape was eating an apple,
    The apple had an ant in it and the ant had ash on it.
    An ambulance was called to remove the ash,
    An angry alien arrived in the ambulance and argued with an atronaut.
    The astronaut advertised an aircraft to space,
    Abroad the aircraft was an anteater that had eaten an apple found in the abdomen of an ape.

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  13. Random Act of Kindness
    Art Misunderstanding
    By Charlotte R.
    All Saints

    One day in art class I did not quite understand the assignment, so Isabelle explained to me that we had to draw a picture of the assignment. Then I completely understood! Isabelle looked proud that she had helped me to understand. I was happy that I understood and so was Isabelle that she had helped me. She looked as if a big rainbow just burst out of her and little butterfiles and flowers followed along with it!

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  14. Random Act of Kindness
    A Good Friend
    By Kelsey K.
    Third-grader, All Saints

    Last Tuesday I was not selected for a musical part that I really wanted. It made me very, very sad. At recess Isat all by myself being sad. A good friend of mine saw me and came over to see if I wanted to talk. All I could do was shake my head "no." My good friend did not want to leave me alone. And so we sat quietly, my good friend and I.

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  15. I Am From
    By Brandon H.
    Fifth-grader, All Saints

    I am from the land of the scorching desert.
    I am from the land where the sun blazes across its face.
    I am from the land where coyotes howl at night.
    I am from the peak of a mountain.
    I am from the mountain where the eagles soar.
    I am from a family with many backgrounds.
    I am from a family of many. I am from a family of Asians. I am from a family of New Zealanders. I am from a family with a brother. I am from the womb of Lee Lee.
    I am from a school where uniforms are permitted. I am from a neighborhood of a giant pipe running.
    I am from a house with an old dog.
    I am from a house with many windows reflecting sunlight.

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  16. United in Cause:
    A Poem of Peace for a New Decade
    by Sarah S.
    RSPS

    Can we expunge all bad things from society,
    And do so with a sense of dignity and sobriety?
    Can all nations join hands and live in the moment,
    Without having our people cower in tents?
    Can we celebrate how we’re different and how we’re the same,
    While shirking prosperity, fortune, and fame?
    Do we not seek peace, love, and happiness,
    Without ostentation of prominence and largess?

    Let there be peace, peace, I say,
    With an auspicious future, we must be optimistic today!
    We cannot eradicate persecution, genocide, and war,
    But those are veracities we certainly abhor.
    We cannot avert anarchy and overthrow ruthless tyrants,
    But we can introduce new markets and impel merchants.
    We cannot hold antipathies against each other,
    For we wish for peace and harmony, my sisters and brothers.

    Especially today, the world has so much to overcome,
    And nothing can easily be just said and done.
    According to Gandhi, “Peace is its own reward,”
    Without embracing the menacing clout of the sword.
    MLK hoped America would one day fulfill its creed—
    That we’d progress to impartiality for all, and not retrocede.
    With these equitable perceptions and great pacifists in mind,
    We must wend from hostility to concord on this wynd.

    With practically two hundred countries and thousands of cultures,
    It’s iniquitous to practice prejudice like callous vultures.
    We cannot base convictions off stereotypes,
    Even if others are of other phenotypes.
    We cannot treat people based on appearance,
    For their skin color, race, and religion make no difference.
    With a potpourri of cultures and ever-increasing diversity,
    Our prejudice and discrimination is causing partial calamity.

    Does not all mankind deserve a chance at life and independence,
    But more importantly, at the pursuit of happiness?
    Jews, Hispanics, Asians, and blacks have been denied civil rights,
    And Iranians today are being battered amidst their unrelenting fight.
    Genocide in Darfur should not be eschewed,
    And child labor is a ghastly means of frugal servitude.
    Gender and racial bias is wrong and sadly prevalent,
    But this is merely the result of minds being indolent.


    The desire to alleviate suffering from famine isn’t sufficient,
    But a continuous effort to eradicate world poverty is efficient.
    Almost half the world lives on under two bucks a day,
    For in order to survive, there is no other way.
    Every five seconds one child dies from starvation;
    Every thirty seconds one dies from malaria—ultimately a lack of vaccination.
    Immediate relief must be obtainable by all,
    For this abominable reality may lead to our downfall.

    Foreign policy today is very problematic,
    And not just in the U.S., where ideas are anything but static.
    We must forsake big stick and dollar diplomacy,
    Before we forsake our economic chassis.
    Moreover, nuclear weapons are a mounting peril,
    Making nations with this implement possibly feral.
    We must allay bomb threats to eliminate superfluous hostility,
    So we can focus on attaining peace and maintaining civility.

    We must divest of the stereotypical images of the Middle East,
    For not all inhabitants are coldblooded terrorists and savage beasts.
    Of course, the conflict between Israel and Palestine is unremitting,
    But the only resolution is peace, how fitting.
    Africa is an area of augmenting turbulence—
    A nation of civil war, genocide, poverty, and diffidence.
    In order to ebb poverty in Uganda, malaria in Kenya, and genocide in Darfur,
    We must coalesce, for we can take no more.

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  17. An Acrostic By Neha A.
    RSPS

    Special in every way
    Takes everything she does seriously
    Always kind and supporting
    Colors your day bright
    Everyday is a perfect day
    You make everyday special

    Loves to write
    Adores holding her grandchildren
    Never lets anyone down
    Everyday is agood day when you are with
    Stacey Lane

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  18. This is the most amazing poem!! I hope she writes more poems like this. This is really a nice and exciting poem.

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