_________________________________________ / -1997 Storytelling Contest- \ | -December 20, 1997- | | Recorded & Edited by Aubrey McMichaels | \___http://pages.prodigy.net/aubreymcm/___/ ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn says, "Okay. Here are the rules." Ceit Galbraith smiles at Calvin Vaughn. Calvin Vaughn says, "First, if you are signed up to give a story, you must stay to hear all the stories. Otherwise, you will be disqualified." Calvin Vaughn says, "Secondly, each story should be five minutes in length maximum, and it must be a short story." Calvin Vaughn says, "Third, the stories must be appropriate for the occaision. All normal policy rules apply." Julie Green stands up to address the assembly. Calvin Vaughn asks, "Julie?" Julie Green says, "Do they need to be original? " Calvin Vaughn says, "No, but please give credit where credit is due." Julie Green nods. Julie Green sits down. Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn asks, "Any other questions?" Calvin Vaughn says, "Now, for our judges." Calvin Vaughn points at Zaria Jade. Zaria Jade waves. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "First, the lovely hoste, Zaria Jade!" Zaria preens. Someone's pleased with herself! Eve Roquelaure lets out a hearty cheer for Zaria Jade. Zaria Jade grins. GameHost Zaria Jade says, "Good Luck, guys." Calvin Vaughn says, "Please raise your hand if you have a question." Calvin Vaughn glances at Kira Waters. Calvin Vaughn says, "Kira Waters is our second judge..." Calvin Vaughn points at Kira Waters. Kira Waters curtsies. Eve Roquelaure lets out a hearty cheer for Kira Waters. Zaria Jade lets out a hearty cheer for Kira Waters. Zaria Jade giggles. Kira Waters waves. Kira Waters smiles at Calvin Vaughn. GameHost Kira Waters says, "I'm sure it will be a tough contest." Calvin Vaughn says, "And not least, Winter Letteau." Calvin Vaughn points at Winter Letteau. Zaria Jade lets out a hearty cheer for Winter Letteau. Ceit Galbraith lets out a hearty cheer for Winter Letteau. Eve Roquelaure lets out a hearty cheer for Winter Letteau. Jennifer Plumley stands up to address the assembly. Jennifer Plumley asks, "If we are booted, and then come back, are we still disqualified?" Calvin Vaughn asks, "Jennifer, you had a question?" Calvin Vaughn says, "I have no way of knowing if you were booted. I'm sorry, but you would be disqualified." Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Deena Tobin stands up to address the assembly. Calvin Vaughn asks, "Deena?" Calvin Vaughn smiles. Deena Tobin asks, "Um, ok, what if our story is more of a poem-story that doesn't have to do with xmas?" Calvin Vaughn says, "As long as it is in story format, it would be acceptable." Deena Tobin says, "I wrote this awhile ago...it doesn't really have characters but its sorta a story" Calvin Vaughn says, "That's fine." Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn nods. Calvin Vaughn says, "I have been informed that Audrey Reede was on the list and was take off unexpectedly." Calvin Vaughn says, "Audrey will speak after Madeline." Calvin Vaughn says, "Any other questions? Please raise your hand." Zaria Jade nods to Winter Letteau. Eve Roquelaure says, "I think we're ready to start, Calvin." Eve Roquelaure grins at the crowd. Calvin Vaughn nods to Eve Roquelaure. Calvin Vaughn says, "I believe so." Zaria Jade leans on Eve Roquelaure. Calvin Vaughn smiles. Kira Waters nods to Calvin Vaughn. Calvin wipes the sweat from his brow. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Okay. First up, Jennifer Plumley!" Jennifer Plumley stands back up. Jennifer Plumley stands up to address the assembly. Jennifer Plumley smiles at everyone Calvin Vaughn applauds. Jennifer Plumley says, "This is a story, based on something that happened to someone I know." Jennifer Plumley says, "A true story, may I remind you." Jennifer Plumley says, "This is the story of five girls, on a cold, cold February night." Jennifer Plumley says, "To begin with, none of the girls were good friends." Jennifer Plumley says, "In fact, they barely knew one another." Jennifer Plumley smiles. Jennifer Plumley says, "But it's funny how one night can change things like that." Jennifer Plumley says, "It all started with a speech tournament, which their school was invited to." Jennifer Plumley says, "They, being part of the group, attended." Jennifer Plumley says, "Overnight, sounded like fun." Jennifer Plumley shrugs. Jennifer Plumley says, "They, along with 4 other students, and their teacher, left early one morning." Jennifer Plumley says, "On Valentine's day, to be exact. They were missing a day of school, but none of them minded, you can be sure of that." Jennifer Plumley says, "The tournament was supposed to take place over two days, a Friday and a Saturday." Jennifer Plumley says, "And they were to stay in a hotel Friday night." Jennifer Plumley says, "They all did well on the Friday, so when they arrived at the hotel that night, they were all happy." Jennifer Plumley smiles. Jennifer Plumley says, "Room assignment's were given, and fighting arose over them." Jennifer Plumley says, "But it was soon fixed." Jennifer Plumley says, "There was to be one room of 4 students, one room of three students, and one room with the teacher and two students." Jennifer Plumley says, "The five girls were mostly split up." Jennifer Plumley says, "Pizza was called for, and eaten quickly." Jennifer Plumley says, "In the following game of truth or dare, the five girls started talking, and when the call came for lights out, a quick room switch was done, to the annoyance of the teacher." Jennifer Plumley exclaims, "Lights out came, and of course, no one went to sleep. It was only 10pm, they said!" Jennifer Plumley says, "The girls finally settled down, with two in chairs, two in a bed, and one in the other bed." Jennifer Plumley says, "One of the girls got up, and turned off the lights." Jennifer Plumley says, "As she was walking back to her bed, the televison flashed on." Jennifer Plumley says, "This scared everyone, as no one had the remote." Jennifer Plumley says, "So, they quickly settled down again, and turned off the lights..." Jennifer Plumley exclaims, "It happened yet again!" Jennifer Plumley says, "Their screaming woke the teacher, who came and searched the room, but didn't find the remote." Jennifer Plumley says, "They were told to settle down....and they tried." Jennifer Plumley says, "But when the lights were turned off, yet again the television flashed on." Jennifer Plumley says, "The girls were really scared by then....and this time, the remote was found, and hidden." Jennifer Plumley says, "But by then, they were all scared, and all decided to sleep in one bed." Jennifer Plumley says, "One double bed. Five people" Jennifer Plumley giggles. Jennifer Plumley says, "Needless to say, no one got much sleep that night." Jennifer Plumley says, "But the girls formed a friendship unlike others that they had felt." Jennifer Plumley says, "And they made a pact, to always be there for one another." Jennifer Plumley says, "Unfortunatly, after that night, they lost the friendship." Jennifer Plumley says, "Not able to get together often, they drifted apart." Jennifer Plumley says, "And now, only two of those girls are good friends." Jennifer Plumley says, "One of them..." Jennifer Plumley says, "Being me, 8 years ago." Jennifer Plumley smiles. Jennifer Plumley curtsies. Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Thank you, Jennifer!" ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn says, "Next..." Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Mr. James Vaughn!" James Vaughn stands back up. James Vaughn stands up to address the assembly. Calvin Vaughn applauds. Kira Waters applauds. Winter Letteau applauds. James Vaughn says, "All right, this a completely fictional story"" James Vaughn says, "It starts in Chicago in the year 1999"" James Vaughn says, "At a mental asylum"" James Vaughn says, "It was a normal day until all of a sudden the fire alarm want off"" James Vaughn says, "But there was no fire"" James Vaughn says, "One of the inmates had pulled the alarm and escaped"" Jerry Tempesta steps out of the shadows. Jerry Tempesta drops an inflatable armchair which inflates to full size. lookJames Vaughn says, "He sneak into a Ford truck"" Kira Waters grins at Jerry Tempesta. James Vaughn says, "Then hot-wired the truck and drove off"" James Vaughn says, "He arrived 10 minutes later at a factory"" James Vaughn says, "He want into the factory but he didn't know what was inside"" James Vaughn says, "Two criminals who had escaped from prison had weapons stored there"" Ceit Galbraith was going to lean on an inflatable armchair but clearly she weighs too much! James Vaughn says, "Illegal weapons that is"" James Vaughn says, "There were a bunch of crates full of weapons lying there"" James Vaughn says, "So the patient grabbed a couple of uzis and exited the factory"" James Vaughn says, "He went to where he parked the truck only to find it had been stolen"" Ceit Galbraith starts to get an armchair, but realizes it doesn't belong to her. James Vaughn says, "So he tried to hot wire a car"" James Vaughn says, "But little did he know it was a police car"" James Vaughn says, "And the cop who owned it came out just then"" James Vaughn says, "The patient pulled the trigger on the uzis"" James Vaughn says, "Only to find out they weren't loaded"" James Vaughn says, "So the cop slapped handcuffs on the patient and put him in his car"" James Vaughn says, "The cop drove to patient back to the asylum only to find that"" James Vaughn says, "The whole place had been burned to the ground"" James Vaughn says, "It turned out there was really a fire in the asylum when the patient pulled the alarm"" James Vaughn says, "But since he pulled it that he was faking the whole thing"" James Vaughn says, "So the cop arrested him for arson and carring illegal weapons since the cop though the patient had started the fire"" James Vaughn says, "But it turned out the whole thing had been set up by someone"" James Vaughn says, "Since the person who start the fire had burned in it there was no proof the patient didn't start the fire"" James Vaughn says, "So the patient was arrested"" James Vaughn says, "And was sent to jail for 20 years without parole"" James Vaughn says, "The End"" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn says, "Thank you, James." ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn says, "And now,..." Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Berena Gregory!" Berana Gregory says, "I'm a little nervous and I tend to speak fast when I'm nervous, so bare with me" Berana Gregory smiles. Berana Gregory says, "This story was given to me by my friend Lisa and it's about the true meaning Christmas, Its titled The Elf who Save Christmas" Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Berana Gregory stands up to address the assembly. Berana Gregory says, "This story was given to me by my friend Lisa and it's about the true meaning Christmas, Its titled The Elf who Save Christmas" Berana Gregory says, "One day this past October, just when the air was turning crisp and the leaves on the trees were changing into bright shades of yellow and red and gold, Jovy the Elf walked into Santa's office. " Berana Gregory says, "Boss," Jovy said. "I am tired." " Berana Gregory says, "Well," said Santa, "take a couple of hours and get some rest. Take a nap. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and --" " Berana Gregory says, "Just then, Santa looked up and saw Jovy shaking his head and wiping away a tear from right in the very corner of his eye. " Mary Wishing just arrived. Berana Gregory says, "Santa Claus knew then that Jovy meant he wasn't tired just because he hadn't slept well the night before. Santa knew that Jovy was getting old. He had told Santa once before that he would soon like to start spending more time at home with his wife Rebecca. " Berana Gregory says, "It will make me sad when you leave your job," Santa told Jovy. "You have always been my hardest-working elf. You have always been an elf that I am proud to have my other workers look up to. Nobody has been with me on as many Christmas Eve sleigh rides. I will miss you, Jovy, but you deserve happiness all the days of your life, and if it is staying at home with your Rebecca that makes you happy, then so be it." " Berana Gregory says, "I will miss you, too," Jovy told Santa. "But I love my Rebecca very much. We are getting old and we would like to be able to spend more time with one another." " Berana Gregory says, "I understand," Santa said. " Berana Gregory says, "But what will you do, Santa? How will you be able to find someone to take my place in time for Christmas?" " Berana Gregory says, "Santa told Jovy he would be fine. "Don't you worry, Jovy. I will go to the newspaper tomorrow and ask them for some help finding another elf." " Berana Gregory says, "Secretly, Santa was worried. But he didn't want Jovy to know. It wasn't long until Christmas and Santa wasn't sure if he would be able to find another elf, especially one as hard-working as Jovy, a very special elf who also knew the real meaning of the season. " Berana Gregory says, "The next day, an advertisement appeared in the North Pole Gazette. It read: " Berana Gregory says, "Help wanted at famous North Pole toy factory. Hard working elf needed to help Santa Claus make toys for good little boys and girls. Any elf who would like to have this job needs to be a good, trustworthy helper who is willing to work long hours so that children around the world can have a Merry Christmas." " Berana Gregory says, "That afternoon, there was a knock at Santa's front door. " Berana Gregory says, "Santa went to the door an opened it. Standing there was a tiny elf holding a copy of that day's North Pole Gazette. "Hello," Santa said. "Can I help you?" " Berana Gregory says, "Yes sir. My name is Lucky. I am an elf who would like very much to have the job that you have available. I am trustworthy and hard-working and, well, I love toys, too!" " Berana Gregory says, "Oh yes, Santa. I know I can do the job. Just point me to the toy factory and show me where I can start. And, thanks, Santa." Santa was glad someone wanted the job so quickly. It seemed like Lucky was going to be a good worker who would also enjoy his job. " Berana Gregory says, " " Berana Gregory says, "Yes they are, Lucky. But I will give you a chance if you think you can do the job." " Berana Gregory says, ""Oh yes, Santa. I know I can do the job. Just point me to the toy factory and show me where I can start. And, thanks, Santa." Santa was glad someone wanted the job so quickly. It seemed like Lucky was going to be a good worker who would also enjoy his job. " Berana Gregory says, "There was going to be only one problem as Santa would later find out. " Berana Gregory says, "'Santa led Lucky to the factory where all the toys were made. As Lucky walked into the gigantic room, his mouth dropped open and his eyes sparkled with magic. Never, ever, ever had Lucky seen so many toys. There were bikes and dolls and animals and games, trikes and sandboxes and puppets and trains. There were toys everywhere. Everywhere, that is, except for one corner of the room where The Happiest Elf there sat a big stack of neatly-folded clothes. There were big shirts and little shirts, long pants and short pants. There were dresses and p-j's and overcoats, too. And at the very tip top of this humongous stack of clothes, there was one great big sock, red and blue with yellow stripes, too. Lucky looked at the stack of clothes and scratched the top of his head. " Berana Gregory says, "Hey Santa ... why all the clothes? Why are they here in your famous toy factory?" " Berana Gregory says, "Well, I expect you'll learn about that soon enough." " Berana Gregory says, "Lucky shrugged his shoulders and again stared at all the toys. "So, where do I get started?" Santa put Lucky to work hammering nails into toy boxes. Santa noticed that Lucky was a good worker and that he finished his tasks quickly. But Santa also knew that he was going to have to teach Lucky a little bit more about what Christmas really meant. Santa returned to his office to begin the long, but mostly enjoyable task, of reading the letters that children from all over the world had sent. Santa always chuckled when he read letters from children who wanted bright new bikes or beautiful new baby dolls. What made Santa even happier was when he could take a big bag of those toys right down a great big chimney on Christmas Eve. When Santa was able to visit the houses where all the children were happy, he always left with a smile on his face thinking about how surprised and thankful they would be the next morning. " Berana Gregory says, "But when Santa opened letters from children who needed things much more than toys, it would always cause him to become very sad. Letters from children who needed clothes or food or warm blankets would often begin, "Dear Santa, I usually ask you for toys, but this year mom and dad said they don't have much money this Christmas." Santa hoped that a Christmas would come some year very soon when he would no longer have to open letters like those, but he also knew there would always be kids who would need so much more than just toys. Santa folded up a letter and remembered how Jovy had always packed the bags filled with clothes and shoes and blankets with special care and love. But before closing those bags, Jovy would always put a few sprinkles of candy, and some Christmas cookies baked from the heart by rs. Claus. " Berana Gregory says, "It was 2 o'clock in the morning when Santa looked up at the clock. He was very tired from spending the whole day reading letters from boys and girls. "Maybe just one more," Santa said to himself as he rubbed his eyes. " Berana Gregory says, "'Just then, there was a knock at Santa's door. "Come in," Santa said. It was Lucky. " Berana Gregory says, ""My goodness, Lucky, what on earth are you still doing up?" " Berana Gregory says, "I have been working all day putting toys together," Lucky told Santa. "I think everything is almost finished and we will be able to leave on time." Christmas was just one short month away. " Berana Gregory says, "Santa chuckled softly. He knew Lucky meant well. But Santa and his elves still had quite a lot of work to do before Rudolph could be told to start the Christmas Eve journey. "What about the clothes in the corner?" Santa asked Lucky. " Berana Gregory says, "What about them?" " Berana Gregory says, "Before we go anywhere, we must get the clothes ready to go," Santa said. " Berana Gregory says, "But where will we be able to fit them on the sleigh, Santa? And why must we take clothes?" " Berana Gregory says, "Dear Santa," the letter said. "My name is Jennifer. It's been a hard year for us. We lost our farm because we had a lot of rain and it washed away all the corn daddy was growing. Now, daddy says we might lose our house, too. Santa, I usually ask for toys, but this year my mom needs some new shoes, and my daddy really could use a new work hat and some work gloves. I suppose I need a new dress, but only if you have enough room in your sleigh. Thank you Santa. Love, Jennifer." Lucky looked sad. He never knew that children had to ask for clothes at Christmas. He had always thought that Christmas was a time to spread joy with toys and other happy presents." Berana Gregory says, "Lucky never knew until this very moment that some children need clothes and shoes and jackets even more than toys. Lucky suddenly realized this was all the happiness some kids would ever know -- or ever want. " Berana Gregory says, "'Lucky put down the letter and turned to walk away. " Berana Gregory says, "And after that day he took more care with the clothes and packed them very carefully into the sleigh" Berana Gregory says, "Then the night of Christmas Luck asked Santa if he could go with him that night, He wanted to meet the girl" Berana Gregory says, "Santa of course let him go, Lucky hoped that Jennifer would be ther first stop of the night" Berana Gregory just left. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Eeek!" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn glances around. Calvin Vaughn asks, "Where's she go?" GameHost Zaria Jade says, "Punted, Calvin." ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn says, "I'm going to continue on." Calvin Vaughn says, "Berana can finish between stories." Calvin Vaughn nods. Calvin Vaughn says, "Next up: Johnothan Blair." Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Johnothan Blair stands up to address the assembly. Johnothan Blair says, "Hello everyone, Happy Hanukah" Johnothan Blair says, "I'm going to read my profile on how I came to this lovely island" Johnothan Blair grins. Eve Roquelaure grins at Johnothan Blair. Johnothan Blair says, "hope you enjoy" Johnothan Blair says, "s peak, a young CIA agent named Johnothan Blair had been assigned go undercover in Cuba and infiltrate Fidel Castro's nuclear weapons silos." Johnothan Blair says, "I'll start over" Johnothan Blair grins. Johnothan Blair says, " In the middle of the Cold War when tensions between United States and Soviet Union was at it's peak," Johnothan Blair says, "a young CIA agent named Johnothan Blair had been assigned go undercover in Cuba and infiltrate Fidel Castro's nuclear weapons silos. He soon met a British secret agent named 007 who's reputation as the greatest British spy ever preceeded him." Johnothan Blair says, " In Cuba, Blair and Bond worked together as a team. Soon they discovered the Soviet's plans for a second Cuban Missile Crisis. At the missile silo where the nuclear bombs were about to be launched at Washington D.C., Bond and Blair defused the bomb mere seconds before it was launched." Johnothan Blair says, "Unfortunately for Blair, his shirt was caught on the nuclear bomb (now a dud) and he and the bomb were sent to the skies...." Johnothan Blair says, "(We now join are hero in a seemingly immposible situation)" Johnothan Blair says, "s terms, screwed." Johnothan Blair says, "As Blair regained concioussness he was aware of 2 things:" Johnothan Blair says, "1. He was flying 1000 feet over the Caribbean Sea on a nuclear bomb" Johnothan Blair says, "2. He was, in laymans terms, screwed." Johnothan Blair says, "With this in mind, he worked frantically to free his shirt, and with a mighty pull tore it off, as he did this he was aware of two things: 1. He was falling one thousand feet over the Caribbean Sea, and 2. He was, in laymans terms, still screwed." Johnothan Blair says, "Quickly he recalled the class at CIA Headquarters called "So, you're Falling One Thousand Feet Over the Caribbean Sea with no Parachute." The first rule was to find a parachute, it was not however, emphasised on how to get one. " Johnothan Blair says, "This is futile." Remarked Blair as he hit the water at terminal velocity." Johnothan Blair says, "3 MONTHS LATER ON A MYSTERIOUS ISLAND IN THE CARIBBEAN..." Johnothan Blair says, "Blair awoke exactly at noon, sat up and took a good look around, he was on a dock that led into a building with a sign that said "Port Authority." For reasons unknown to him he was wearing a mayan tapestry vest, jeans, a PBR communicator and black oxford shoes." Johnothan Blair says, "He had $500 in his pocket and a mysterious voice was giving him a spiel about how to walk. Slowly, he stood up and made his way through the crowd into the Port Authority building. " Johnothan Blair says, "Inside, he took a drink from a courtesy drink cart and asked a man where in the hell he was." Johnothan Blair says, ""Cape Marassas, Morada ya stupid newbie!" He answered. Blair made his way to the door and stepped out onto the street. His first thought was to contact CIA headquarters, but it was put off as heresy as a group a beautiful women in bikinis walked by." Johnothan Blair says, " He started toward downtown and and smiled at the thought of living on this island, crime appeared to be low, there were no weapons, and most importantly there was a hotel, he would manage." Johnothan Blair says, "The rest was history." Johnothan Blair says, "Thank you" Johnothan Blair bows. Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn says, "And now, Berana Gregory will finish her story." Berana Gregory says, " So there they are flying over Jennifer's house and...." Berana Gregory says, "Rudolph set the sleigh down gently on her roof top. " Berana Gregory says, "Here you go, Lucky," Santa said. "I'll let you take care of this house." " Calvin Vaughn says, "Just a second, please" Berana Gregory says, "Lucky grabbed Jennifer's bag full of clothes and started toward the chimney. He swallowed hard and felt just a little nervous. He had never been given quite so much responsibility. " Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Berana Gregory stands up to address the assembly. Berana Gregory says, "Lucky landed with a soft thud at the bottom of Jennifer's chimney. He brushed the ashes and soot from his suit and looked all around the darkened room. " Calvin Vaughn points at Berana Gregory. Berana Gregory says, "There, in one corner of the room, was a chair. Beside it was a small lamp with a dimly lit light bulb. And sitting there, next to the chair and underneath the lamp, was Jennifer. " Berana Gregory says, "Tightly clutching a raggedy, old teddy bear in one hand and a blanket in the other, Jennifer had fallen asleep on the floor, waiting for Santa Claus. " Berana Gregory says, "Lucky tip-toed over to where Jennifer was sleeping. " Berana Gregory says, "Jennifer?" Lucky said softly, hoping to gently wake, but not startle, the little girl. " Berana Gregory says, "Jennifer slowly opened her eyes and looked up at the elf. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched a little, looking at Lucky with sudden wonder. " Berana Gregory says, "Hi!" Jennifer said. "You must be one of Santa's elves." " Berana Gregory says, "Yes, I am. My name is Lucky and I have a few gifts for you." " Berana Gregory says, "Lucky then reached down and pulled out a brand new pair of dark blue shoes that looked to Jennifer like they would fit her mom perfectly. In his right hand, Lucky held a work hat and a pair of work gloves that Jennifer just knew were for her dad. " Berana Gregory says, "Wow!" Jennifer said. "Thank you, Lucky." " Berana Gregory says, "Lucky next reached in his bag and pulled out a pretty red and green dress with lots of ribbons and bows. " Berana Gregory says, "Is this for me?" Jennifer asked. " Berana Gregory says, "Yes, it is." " Berana Gregory says, "Thank you so much, Lucky. It's what I've been dreaming of. And please tell Santa Claus thank you, too. I felt a little selfish asking for something for myself and I almost started to write you back again and -- " " Berana Gregory says, "Just then, Lucky reached down into his bag once more and pulled out a beautiful hair bow. It was pink with speckles of silver and gold, and soft streaks of red and green. It would make Jennifer's blonde hair look extra pretty on this Christmas Day. " Berana Gregory says, "A few tears came into Jennifer's eyes as she stared at the simple beauty of the new hair bow. " Berana Gregory says, "I ... I ... I thought you might need a little something to go along with your new dress, Jennifer," Lucky said. "You didn't ask for many things, yet you need so much. And you deserve to be happy. Next year, maybe I can bring you a bag full of bright, shiny toys and dolls and games." " Berana Gregory says, "Next year," Jennifer said as she sniffled gently, "if you just came by and said 'Merry Christmas' to me, that would make me the happiest girl alive. Just like I feel tonight." " Berana Gregory says, "And it would make me the Happiest Elf," Lucky said. "Like I feel tonight, too. " Berana Gregory says, "Lucky turned and walked toward the fireplace. Now that he had met Jennifer, he would be able to finish the night with a warm feeling in his heart. " Berana Gregory says, "Merry Christmas, Jennifer." " Berana Gregory says, "And may you have all the happiness in the world, Lucky. erry Christmas." " Berana Gregory recites: "THE END" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn says, "And now, we will hear Madeline Avenue's story." Madeline Avenue stands up to address the assembly. Madeline Avenue says, "My story deals with what happens when you don't have your priorities straight." A look of pain crosses Madeline Avenue's face. Madeline Avenue says, "The adviser's voice blared over the intercom. "The following students have made the Riverview Middle School's cheerleading squad: Kirsten Thomas, ..." The rest of the names turned into a blur. " Madeline Avenue says, "Kirsten had made it! All those hours of work had paid off! She ran home and let her parents know. Her dad took a different view." Madeline Avenue says, "He said, 'Hey, that's great honey, but you have all those tests coming up. We let you slack off while preparing for the tryouts, but I know you've got exams tomorrow. Why don't you go study." Madeline Avenue says, "Kirsten hated studying, especially when she was this excited. She went upstairs, closed the door, and tried to concentrate. " Madeline Avenue says, "But it didn't last for long. Pretty soon Kirsten was up on her feet practicing the new cheer. The first big game was that Saturday night, and practically the whole school would be watching." Madeline Avenue says, "She couldn't afford to mess up. The next day she winged it through all her tests." Madeline Avenue says, "Kirsten forgot about the tests when Saturday arrived. She felt so proud putting on the bright red uniform. At the game, she stepped up and began her solo. "Kirsten yelled, "We've got spirit, yes we do. I have spirit, and so do you! S-P-E-A-R-E-T! Yeah, that's what we've..." She didn't finish. It seemed everyone in the bleachers was laughing. " Madeline Avenue says, "Kirsten was still crying by the time she got home. But inside she knew if she had spent more time on her school work, none of this would have happened. She promised her dad she would study before" Madeline Avenue says, "she practiced from then on. When the next test came up, Kirsten was ready. Kirsten felt prouder about the "A+" test on the refrigerator than she had ever felt before." Madeline Avenue curtsies. Madeline Avenue sits down. Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Thank you, Madeline!" ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn says, "Now, going off the list, because she fell off the list..." Calvin Vaughn furrows his brow. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Audrey Reede!" Audrey Reede stands up to address the assembly. Audrey Reede smiles as she looks down at her paper Audrey Reede says, "Thanks Calvin" Audrey Reede says, "My story is called The Snow Angel" Audrey Reede recites: "It was the night of the year that few children can sleep. The night when everyone hopes that snow will fall and they will wake up to a garden of glistening diamonds grown by the morning sun. It was Christmas Eve." Audrey Reede recites: "As many had hoped, snow was falling. It slowly covered the houses and streets in a thick blanket. The moon shone her silver light down on the white world, and but for one, there was nobody to view the kind of beauty that things such as love and dreams are made of. The only one there to see the spectacle was a small boy of five, or six years. " Audrey Reede recites: "This little boy possessed a beauty not of this earth, a beauty that surpassed even all that surrounded him. His curly blond hair had never seen a blade, and it framed a face that belonged to a " Audrey Reede recites: "Cherub of apainting of old. His eyes were of the brightest, clearest blue, and they sparkled like pools of water born on the earth's first day. His skin was as pink and soft as a newborn child's. It was a beauty born in the dreams of dead poets, and the few lucky enough to see it with their own eyes would remember it as long as they lived. " Audrey Reede recites: "On this night of happiness and anticipation, the little boy wandered sad and alone through a painting so beautiful no one could ever paint it. The glistening tears frozen to his cheeks told a story, but it is one that is lost to us. No one will ever know why the boy was alone, and there was no one to even care that he was. And that was all he wanted. He walked through the snow hoping only that someone would save him. That someone would come to him, and hug him, and tell him that" Audrey Reede recites: "Everything would be all right. And maybe, just maybe, someone would love him. That was the thing the boy wanted most in the world on that cold night. On the night that every other child wished for toys, and ' puppies, this little boy wished for love. And nothing more. " Audrey Reede recites: "Finally, the little boy came to a stop, not wanting to ever take another step again. He raised his downcast eyes, and in front of him stood a church. He remembered that he had been to church before, and the building that loomed above him stirred vague memories. The boy made himself stumble a few more steps, and pressed his face to the glass door he had arrived at." Audrey Reede recites: "He looked in, and saw the church was lit up inside. There was light coming from behind a man on a big cross, and two huge Christmas trees shone in heavenly splendor. Looking at the man on the cross, he had a faint recollection. He half-remembered, a long time ago, that someone reading from a big book had said that the man on the cross would come on Christmas. That he came every Christmas. " Audrey Reede recites: "The little boy supposed that if anyone would help him, it would be the man inside. He loved everyone. So, the little boy laid down in front of the church, and as he slipped off into sleep, a glimmer of hope, that the man would come and save him from the cold and loneliness, warmed his heart. The snow continued to fall, and bells jingled far in the distance. Presents were laid under trees, and visions of sugar plums danced in most children's heads. But not the little boy who slept " Audrey Reede recites: "On the church steps under the winter sky. The little boy dreamt of warmly glowing, beautiful creatures that came, and carried him far away from the cold church. They brought him to the man from the cross. " Audrey Reede recites: "The man, whose name the boy did not know, hugged him and told him everything would be all right. Then, the man who was as beautiful as the boy, gave him a present. It was a small gold chain with a cross on it. The little boy held it tightly, and it glowed like the light that came from the man and his friends. He looked down, and saw that his old clothes had been replaced with shining white garments " Audrey Reede recites: "Like those of the pretty things that had brought him here. Then he turned his head, and Saw wings that had grown and spread out from his back. The man loved the little boy, and had made him one of his own. It was the best gift the little boy had ever gotten. It was the only gift the little boy had ever gotten" Audrey Reede recites: "Then he looked back at the man, and saw that he had tears in his eyes. The man called the little boy back to him, and held him close. Then, the man whispered in the boy's ear that he must go back home now. And that he must be sure to show his present to everyone. So, the boy left the man, and made his way home. " Audrey Reede recites: "When he stepped inside his house, he found no one there. He walked through the darkness of the house, and saw everything was covered in dust and cobwebs. He walked into the living room, and over to the Christmas tree. It wasn't as he remembered it though. It had turned brown, and the needles had fallen off long ago. The star had fallen from the top of the tree, and lay forlornly out of place on the floor." Audrey Reede recites: "The boy knelt down before the tree, and looked at the star. A beam of moonlight cut through the darkness, and it made the star shine like one that had fallen from the heavens, rather than from the top of the tree. The boy picked it up, put it in his pocket, and walked away. " Audrey Reede recites: "Heading back through the house, the little boy heard and felt echoes of the past that were still inside the house. Yelling and crying resounded in his head. Pain, and sadness flared. Then, through the din, he heard someone singing. It was a little boy singing a Christmas carol, his song breaking through all the sorrow and sadness in the house for a solitary moment. Then, it faded away, and the little boy left his house for the very last time." Audrey Reede recites: "He wandered through the white streets again, and once again, stopped in front of the church. This time though, he was not sad. He had no tears, and he was not alone. The man inside loved him, and that was all he had wanted for Christmas. As before, he laid down on the church steps, and waited for the man to come and take him away. " Audrey Reede recites: "The next morning, on the most joyous day of the year, there was no joy in one small church. Only sadness. More sadness than many had ever known. Early, on that glorious morning, churchgoers found the little boy. He laid there on the church steps, covered in snow that he wore like a shining white garment." Audrey Reede recites: "The little boy had frozen overnight, but even death could not take his beauty away. It was said, that the little boy looked more like and angel sleeping innocently on the church steps, and less like a lifeless child. The little boy had died with a smile on his heavenly face, and clutched in one hand was a gold chain with a crucifix, and in the other, was a small plastic star, covered in silver glitter. " Audrey Reede bows. Audrey Reede says, "Thanks You" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "And now, Ms. Julie Green!" Julie Green stands up to address the assembly. Julie Green smiles. Calvin Vaughn smiles. Julie Green says, "My story is based on the book "The Polar Express" by Cris Van Allsburg. But my own adaptation." Calvin Vaughn asks, "Julie?" Calvin Vaughn smiles. Zaria Jade glances around. (Julie Green gets an old journal from her hand bag.) (Julie Green opens the journal and notices the writing of a young child, all loopy and crooked.) Julie Green says, "I just had to refresh my memory. After all, I was only 9 when this happened, and my brother was 7." Calvin Vaughn nods. Calvin Vaughn says, "Please continue." Calvin Vaughn smiles. Julie Green recites: "It was Christmas Eve, and my Mother and father told my brother and I to go to sleep. We knew Santa wouldn't come if we were awake, so we scrambled up the stairs and tucked ourselves in." Julie Green recites: "But, of course, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about what I wanted to get for Chirstmas. And I could have sworn I saw Ruldoph' s bright nose shining outside my window. " Julie Green recites: "And as I lay there thinking, I heard a soft rummbling, getting closer and closer to my house. So I woke my brother up and we decided to go out side to investigate." Julie Green recites: "Well, you would never imagine what I saw when we got outside. There, in front of me, was a train emerging from a massive cloud of fog. My brother and I stood in awe of it's greatness." Julie Green recites: "Suddenly a conductor yelled, "ALL ABOARD!" Well, I looked at my brother, and we decided that we would get on that magical train. And when we did, it was filled with all children!" Julie Green recites: "I asked a small girl sitting in front of me where we were going. She replied, 'To the north pole of course." My brother and I filled with excitement in anticipation of our arrival." Julie Green recites: "After about an hour, the train came to a sudden stop, and the conductor yelled, "Last stop, Santa's village!" My brother and I piled out of the train and followed the other children. " Julie Green recites: "And what I saw was incredible. A town square filled with cheering elves! And in the middle of them all, was Santa himself. He was standing in his sleigh." Julie Green recites: "Santa announced that he would be handing out the first gift of Christmas to one lucky person there. They elves cheered some more, and all the children sucked in their breath with anticipatio" Julie Green recites: "Then a hush came over the square, and Santa pointed right at me! I was never happier as I scrambled onto Santa's sleigh to get my special gift." Julie Green recites: "Santa asked me what I wanted. I pondered, and tried to think of something I could treasure. I asked Santa for a jingle bell from his sleigh. He cut one off, and held it for all to see!" Julie Green recites: "The elves cheered! And Santa presented me with the first gift of the year! : I gently shook the bell and heard the sweetest ringing I could ever imagine. " Julie Green recites: "I put it in my bathrobe pocket to keep it safe. Then all the children were brought back to the train." Julie Green recites: "When we were on our way home, my brother asked to see the bell. I reached in my pocket and found that I had a hole! I had lost my sweet jingle bell. I began to cry." Julie Green recites: "All the other children tried to cheer me up, but they knew just how much I had lost." Julie Green recites: "When the train got to our house, my brother and I went in and went right to sleep. We knew that our parents expected us up early the next morning." Julie Green recites: "Christmas day was wonderful. It was filled with the usual holiday cheer. My brother and I got all we asked for and more." Julie Green recites: "When the gifts were all opened, my mother noticed a small package way behind the tree. It had my name on it. So I reached behind, took it, and opened it. It was the bell!" Julie Green recites: "Attached to the bell was a note saying, "Fix that hole in your pocket! signed, Mr.C" I was elated! I shook the bell and heard that sweet ringing." Julie Green recites: "My mother and father couldn't hear it. How sad it was broken, they said. " Julie Green recites: "Now, as the years have gone by and we are older, it gets harder to hear that bell. Only if you truly believe will it ring that sweet tinkling sound." Julie Green glances at a small golden bell. Julie Green asks, "Can you hear it?" Julie Green shakes a small golden bell. Julie Green smiles. Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Jerry Tempesta deflates the armchair and picks it up. Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Jerry Tempesta stretches. Calvin Vaughn says, "And now, our final contestant..." Calvin Vaughn says, "Uh, actually, there are no more contestants." Eve Roquelaure begins chuckling at Calvin Vaughn. Calvin Vaughn blushes a nice shade of off-pink. Winter Letteau just hugged Calvin Vaughn. Zaria Jade pats Calvin on the back. GameHost Zaria Jade says, "We wanna hear a story by you, Calvin." Zaria Jade grins. Calvin Vaughn says, "Perhaps another time." Calvin Vaughn grins. Calvin Vaughn blushes a nice shade of off-pink. Ceit Galbraith smiles at Calvin Vaughn. Zaria Jade nods to Calvin Vaughn. Eve Roquelaure rubs her hands together in excitement. GameHost Zaria Jade says, "Stage fright?" Zaria Jade grins at Calvin Vaughn. Calvin Vaughn says, "Okay. Judges, thank you for your service." Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn applauds. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn says, "And now the awards." Calvin Vaughn says, "All the stories were very good. Thank you for your efforts." Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Zaria Jade nods to Calvin Vaughn. Calvin Vaughn applauds. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "In third place, with 28 out of thirty points, Julie Green!" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn gets a knife sheath from inside his Storytell Prize Trunk. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "Next: in second place, with 29 points of 30, Berana Gregory!" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn gets a dark leather knife belt from inside his Storytell Prize Trunk. ******************************************* Calvin Vaughn calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down. Calvin Vaughn exclaims, "And in first place, with a perfect 30, Audrey Reede!" Calvin Vaughn opens the floor back up for general discussion. Calvin Vaughn gets a Darby certificate from inside his Storytell Prize Trunk.