Microsoft Word - 2016 2017 Yearbook

Isabella R.


Hey, everyone! My name is Isabella R., and I'm 15 years old. I have a wonderful
family with my Mom, Dad and my 4 amazing brothers, Isaac, Caleb, Nathan, and last but
definitely not least, Luke. I love to write short stories, which I usually never finish. I enjoy
reading biographies and stories about how God has continued to spread His love and mercy
through His people. My favorite movies to watch are old shows like Andy Griffith and Little
House on the Prairie. Exploring my backyard with my brothers is enjoyable and exciting. Most of
all, I love spreading the love of Jesus with everyone I can, and I hope to do this in India when I'm
older.

Pennsylvania in the Fall


In the fall my family and I took a trip to Pennsylvania. We flew on a plane. We drove
out to the places where my grandma grew up, and on the last day we went to Hershey Park.
Since we went in the fall, the colors were vibrant and beautiful. This was my most favorite trip
of the year.

Our trip began with our flight to Pennsylvania. When we got to the airport, we had a
hard time finding a place to park. My brothers and I were so excited as we watched the
different people check in their bags. When we got on the plane, we had to wait a long time for
everyone to take their seats. As the plane took off, we enjoyed listening to the sound of the
engines and seeing the different buildings get smaller. As we were flying, we got to see a
lightning storm. It was probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen. After seven hours of
flying, I was so tired. However, my brothers seemed to have lost no energy on the plane. They
were just as excited and hyper as they had been when we left.
The day after we arrived was very busy as my grandma, my aunt, my cousin, my mom,
and I took a drive out to the place where my grandma grew up. It was so beautiful. My
grandma and my aunt took some amazing pictures. We went to the church that my great-
great-grandfather built. In the church there was a stained glass window that was dedicated to
my great-grandmother. Out behind the church there was a graveyard where my great-
grandmother is buried. After that we drove out to Millerstown. The drive out was amazing.
The vibrant colors perfectly matched the cloudy blue sky. The long drive made all of us
exceptionally hungry. We ate at a little restaurant on the side of the road. The food was so
good. I was so tired after having a really busy, long day.
That Sunday, my aunt, cousin, and my family went to Hershey Park. We first started
with the chocolate factory. We took the chocolate tour. We all were a little sick, so sadly we
didn’t have any chocolate. The rides were amazing. My most favorite ride was called Black
Bear. At the end of the day, my aunt, cousin, and my family were all really tired.
Our time in Pennsylvania was both exciting and fun. Eventually the time came to leave,
and we had to say our goodbyes. I will never forget Pennsylvania. I will never forget my first
plane ride or Hershey Park, but it was seeing the places my grandma grew up and hearing all
her stories that was the most memorable for me. Our fall trip to Pennsylvania was without a
doubt my most favorite trip.

Catherine T.


Hello, everyone! I am a sixteen-year-old traditional roman Catholic in eleventh grade,
and I can truthfully say that I am content in this state, although there are downsides to the
grade aspect. In my family, I am pretty pleased to say I am the eldest sister to seven and
godmother to two of these. Thankfully, domestic activities are my forte because sewing,
reading, cooking, and so on are things which might prove to be very useful later in life like
storm cellar during a tornado! When I am a bit older, visiting Europe, particularly Italy, is
definitely a prospect that I hope will come true in the near future. Since I am sure that all of us
have some goal in life, I would wish to state that mine is to become a perfect lady in order that
Heaven will be that much simpler to achieve. May the Holy Ghost watch over me and other
eleventh graders as we complete our school year!


Preparing the Turkey for Thanksgiving


After summer is over and the crisp fall air surrounds everything, it is time to start
fattening the turkeys. This process begins months before Thanksgiving as it ensures that there
will not be a skinny turkey in sight. Treated with specially designed feed, the birds, which
haven’t a care in the world, are very happy. Poultry treated gently equals a tender and juicy
morsel. Truly, these animals are given VIP treatment. Only the best are picked out for dinner
and fattened even more because a healthy, overweight turkey makes a happy person. At the
beginning of fall, the excitement of fattening the turkeys fills the air.
It is time to prepare the turkey for the Thanksgiving meal. Only the most deliciously
young and plump turkey must be purchased. All the stuffing ingredients need to be brought
out because the bird needs to be stuffed generously and buttered. Next the legs must be sewn
up which prevents the filling from spilling out since no one really want charred stuffing. Soon
the turkey is arranged perfectly in the pan to allow for even cooking. Finally, pop the bird in the
oven well before you want to serve the dinner. A turkey’s presentation for the Thanksgiving
celebration is a lengthy one but well worth it.
It is time to devour! The turkey, when finally cooked, awaits the next step. Carefully,
the turkey is carried out of a scorching hot oven like a previous treasure. Later, after it has
cooled down just a little bit which prevents burnt tongues, the bird is placed on a plate.
Garnish always makes the turkey look its best so dinner should be decorated right before
serving. Always have Dad carve because that is the way to ensure generous portions of this
delectable feast. After a whole day of hard work, it is now time to savor the turkey
masterpiece. When it is time to swallow down the turkey, all the effort put into it will vanish,
and one’s Thanksgiving holiday will just begin.



Blake S.


Hey, y’all! My name is Blake, and I am 18 years old. This is my junior year, and I’ve been
homeschooled my whole life. I am a competitive travel baseball player pretty much all year
nonstop. Whenever I have time I usually hangout with friends or work at a carwash here in
town. If I’m not working or schooling, I am practicing baseball or working out, and I enjoy it
more than anything. This summer I plan on traveling a lot and seeing friends from different
states as well as seeing as many professional baseball games as possible. When I grow up I will
probably do some kind of pastoral ministry since I love talking to people and sharing what Jesus
has given to me.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is something that will occur through getting older, working through
certain situations, and getting to know yourself more. Two years ago, I applied for staff at a
program called TeenPact Leadership Schools. I had attended TeenPact two times, once in Ohio,
and once Tennessee, and I enjoyed it more and more. Hundreds of kids that I knew and did not
know applied for staff, and only four on average were selected per state so it was quite
competitive. Tennessee was a particularly small class so I was confident in my ability to make
the staff team and do well. After the interviews and some of the talk about who would be
accepted simmered down, I found out that I was accepted to staff the Tennessee state class
and I was very excited and scared at the same time. I was excited because it was a big deal and
I was very blessed to be accepted, but scared because I did not know if I was fit for the task. By
the time staff training rolled around, I was feeling more confident about the whole situation
since I knew some of the people there and met some new friends.

By the time staff training ended and I returned home, I studied my handbook endlessly
trying to prepare for the class I would be leading the next month. Since Tennessee is a smaller
class, it is very early in the TeenPact season so that staffers can head to other states and not be
rushed. Knowing this, I prepared in advance and already knew my role for the week. I got to
lead a field experience on how a bill becomes a law and explain it every day to different groups
of students and parents in attendance. We did a few skits to explain things in a simple manner,
and it ended up being an amazing week.

This is an example of personal growth and seeing myself mature and accomplish a task
that in the beginning, I did not feel confident about in the least. I surprised myself and fellow
staffers with how I did, and enjoyed the week more than I ever expected to. I knew that I
would not be the best staffer since I am not the most politically sound, but I used my strengths
and talked to as many students as possible and got to know them on a personal level every day.
The beautiful thing about TeenPact is young people lead young people, and it was an
experience I will never forget. I never saw myself presenting and teaching students about
political processes while developing relationships that will last for a lifetime. Throughout the
TeenPact week people would come up to me and say they were surprised I was on the staff
team since I can be goofy at times and make people laugh. They would follow up with saying
that I surprised them with my level of maturity and knowledge as well, and that was something
special.

Katelin U.


Hi, my name is Katelin and I am 16 years old. So, a bit of info about me. In my family

there is a total of seven kids with an age range between 18 and 3, five girls and two boys. We

have been back in the U.S for about a year and a half, having moved from Dubai where we lived

for about five-ish years. I love to cook and bake which is why I do it almost every day. During

the school year, I play forward position on a competitive soccer team with our homeschool

group. This summer I’m going to be babysitting and traveling a bit.

The Study of Tom


Readers have thoroughly enjoyed this story for ages and it’s easy to see why in just one
chapter from the comical adventure novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The author, Samuel
Clemens, is better known as Mark Twain. Although the author is American, the book was first
published in England June of 1876 and then six months later in the U.S. Creatively narrated in
third-person, the novel gives a special insight to Tom, who is the main character. Throughout
its pages, the book contains a beautifully written childhood nostalgia because the point of view
in the story is that of an adult.

The scene opens up with a cheery description of an iconic summer Saturday morning in
a village. Everything seems to be going wonderfully until Tom, who is the main character, is
introduced. As he enters the mood changes abruptly. Heavily Tom brings a deep melancholy
and discouraging voice in to the picture. Because the change in moods is so opposite and rather
sudden, Twain uses their contrast to really show you Tom’s feelings and how they differ from
the world around him. The abrupt decline in spirit helps in visualizing the setting and attitude of
the character and his surroundings.

In the excerpt, Twain captures remarkably well the boyish struggle of Tom against
authority and responsibility. Showing that because Tom doesn’t have enough wealth to
exchange for his freedom, he is unable to buy off Jim to do his work. While Tom is discouraged
and rather reluctant to do his work, he suddenly encounters a great inspiration. He proceeds to
make art of his work and insists that it is unattainable to any other, claiming that Aunt Polly,
who is quite particular about her whitewashing wouldn’t allow it. Creatively Twain expresses
the mischievousness and cunningness of a little boy.

Tom triumphs in his trickery. Successfully, Tom gets the boys to unknowingly do his
work for him. As Twain entertains the reader, he uses Tom to ingrate a little life lesson, which is
that work is what you’re obliged to do and play what you aren’t. In the end, because Tom is a
bit smarter than he and everyone else thinks, the fence gets three coats of whitewash. During
the fiasco, Tom comes into the possession of much wealth plus all the company and idle time in
the world.

Throughout the novel, the childish actions of Tom and his friends are so realistic which
makes the tale remarkably believable. Constantly giving the book feeling and, an airy depth the
atmosphere is well written. Because Twain opted for his characters to speak in a certain slang,
it definitely puts the context into the time period. Unfortunately, some of the words Tom uses
are too mature for his character since he is portrayed as a little boy. Overall, The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer is a classic and a must read for any generation.

Caleb V.


My name is Caleb V., and I am eighteen years old. I am a missionary kid living just
outside of Mexico City. I am the second of five children; I have three sisters and one brother. I
enjoy drawing, playing sports (mostly soccer), and playing music. I play drums, keys, and guitar.
I am involved in the worship in my church and hope to eventually dedicate myself entirely to
music ministry. Some of my other interests are videography and science. I will graduate high
school this year, and I plan to study environmental science at Biola University in California. I
also enjoy reading comics; my favorite strips are Zits and Peanuts.

Acid Deposition: Causes, Forms, and Effects
Caleb J. V.

Write for Success


Abstract


Acid rain is a phenomenon that results when rain mixes with sulfuric and nitric acids. It was first
discovered in the mid-1800s by Robert Angus Smith. While rain is normally acidic, nitric and
sulfuric acid make it dangerously acidic. Acid rain can negatively affect animals, plants, and
humans. It has both natural and manmade causes. However, it is less of a problem as much of it
has already been handled.


Acid Deposition: Causes, Forms, and Effects


The term “acid rain” is used with great familiarity in industrialized countries such as the
United States. Environmentalists are greatly concerned with attacking the problem, and the
term has an ominous connotation. But what exactly is acid rain and for how long has it been a
problem? The term was coined by Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith in the mid-1800s. Smith
noticed that rain was more acidic in areas where there was a greater amount of pollution in the
air. Smith also discovered a correlation between the burning of coal and the deterioration of
buildings in those areas. In the 1950s, scientists began to research and gather information
about acid rain as a widespread problem (Willyard, 2010). Acid rain can affect animals, plants,
humans, buildings, materials and more. Acid rain is a problem, but it is not manmade. There are
many natural causes. Neither is acid rain limited to wet precipitation like rain or snow; it can be
a problem in dry form as well. Acid rain can carry pollution from one area to another and
disrupt ecosystems if the conditions are right.

Causes of Acid Rain
Acid rain is caused by chemical reactions between water vapor and pollutants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into
the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with
water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with
water and other materials before falling to the ground. (What Is Acid Rain?)
Normal rainfall is formed when water evaporates from the ground and rises into the air. When
it reaches a certain height, the cold air makes it condense back into water droplets. These water
droplets form clouds. As the droplets bump into each other, they get progressively bigger and
heavier until they fall to earth. When there is a large amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides (these include nitrogen dioxide and monoxide) in the air, the water droplets in the

clouds mix with these chemicals before falling to earth. This is the phenomenon that is known
as acid rain. Kim Masters Evans, author of The Environment: A Revolution in Attitudes (2008),
says that acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides “are converted to sulfuric
acid and nitric acid in the atmosphere and can be carried by the winds for many miles from
where the original emissions took place.” The two main chemicals that cause acid rain are SO2
and NOX, as these turn into acids and combine with rain. Because the wind can take it so far,
acid rain can have long-term impacts on more than one area. It can affect many different areas,
regardless of where the pollutants were emitted. Where there is a high amount of the right
pollutants, rain becomes contaminated with the resulting acids.

Scientists determine the acidity of rain using the pH scale. “The lower a substance's pH
(less than 7), the more acidic it is; the higher a substance's pH (greater than 7), the more
alkaline it is… Acid rain usually has a pH between 4.2 and 4.4” (“What Is Acid Rain?”). At a basic
level of chemistry, it is common knowledge that some substances are acidic while others are
basic. Both acids and bases are measured on the potential hydrogen (pH) scale. At a pH of 7.0, a
substance is neutral, neither acidic nor basic. The scale is useful in meteorology to determine
whether rain is harmfully acidic. Masters Evans also gives the pHs of different forms of water:

Pure, distilled water has a neutral pH of seven. Normal rainfall has a pH value of about
5.6. It is slightly acidic because it accumulates naturally occurring sulfur oxides (SOx) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx) as it passes through the atmosphere. Acid rain has a pH of less
than 5.6”. (2008)
There is not complete agreement as to at what pH rain can be classified as acid rain, but it is
usually agreed to be between 5.4 and 5.6. Water as found in nature is rarely neutral, and, as the
pH of normal rain demonstrates, rainfall is never that close to having a neutral pH. However, if
rain is too acidic, it can harm organisms. The pH scale is a useful took in determining whether or
not rain is harmfully acidic.
Natural Causes
With all the excitement about acid rain, it would never occur to many people that rain is
naturally acidic. According to scientist Jay L. Wile:
The first thing to learn is that rain is naturally acidic… The key is that to be safe, acids
have to be weak. The acid in normal rain is carbonic acid, the same acid you drink in
soda pop… The pH of [acid rain] is usually about 5.3. (Wile, pg. 518, 2003)
Carbonic acid is naturally present in the atmosphere, but not at a high concentration. Water
droplets in the air mix with this carbonic acid and fall to earth. However, this rain is only slightly
acidic and is not harmful to life. An article on the Climate and Weather website also notes this
fact: “Rain is normally a bit acidic, with a pH of around 5.5; if the pH of rain is below 5.5, then
the rain is most likely contaminated by acid gases” (“Acid Rain”). Some acids are normally
present in the atmosphere, and water vapor and droplets can easily come into contact with
them. Additionally, water may have evaporated from a body of water that had a small amount

of acid in it. Whatever the case, it is normal for rain to contain a small amount of acid. All rain is
in a sense “acid rain,” but the term is used to denote an abnormal amount of acid.
Acid rain falls into a category of phenomena known as acid deposition. There are two
other forms of acid deposition: moist and dry. The EPA explains:

Wet deposition is what we most commonly think of as acid rain. The sulfuric and nitric
acids formed in the atmosphere fall to the ground mixed with rain, snow, fog, or hail.
Acidic particles and gases can also deposit from the atmosphere in the absence of
moisture as dry deposition. The acidic particles and gases may deposit to surfaces
(water bodies, vegetation, buildings) quickly or may react during atmospheric transport
to form larger particles that can be harmful to human health. When the accumulated
acids are washed off a surface by the next rain, this acidic water flows over and through
the ground, and can harm plants and wildlife, such as insects and fish. (“What Is Acid
Rain?”)
Wet deposition, when acids fall mixed with wet precipitation, is the most well-known form of
acid deposition. It is common in industrialized areas and the surrounding areas. However, dry
deposition is also a problem. Dry deposition is formed when there is no moisture for the acids
to mix with. It harms humans more directly than wet deposition. Because it is dry, it can sit in
the air and be inhaled. It also has an effect on organisms that live close to or in the ground.
When dry deposition mixes with water, it flows and soaks into the ground. Kim Masters Evans
also says:
Wet deposition occurs when the acid falls in rain, snow, or ice. Dry deposition is caused
by tiny particles (or particulates) in combustion emissions. They may stay dry as they fall
or pollute cloud water and precipitation. Moist deposition occurs when the acid is
trapped in cloud or fog droplets. This is most common at high altitudes and in coastal
areas. Whatever its form, acid rain can create dangerously high levels of acidic
impurities in water, soil, and plants. (2008)
Masters Evans lists a third category of acid deposition, moist deposition. This type also affects
humans and non-water-dwelling organisms directly, as the pollutants sit in the air mixed with
fog and can be inhaled. Areas that are prone to fog are more susceptible to moist deposition.
Moist deposition is more likely to affect organisms through the air they breathe, as the
pollutants stay in the air for longer. Sooner or later, all three of these forms of acid deposition
end up in bodies of water where they pollute the aquatic ecosystem. While the most well-
known form of acid deposition is wet deposition, these two other types also harm the
environment.
Man-made Causes
While much of the emphasis is on man-made causes of acid rain, there are many natural
causes. Climate and Weather gives a brief overview of natural causes: