Steer Nation Message 11-20-20 In The Spirit of Thanksgiving

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and

lab-confirmed cases.

Graham Steer Football- The Steers will be playing Perryington in Area playoffs at 7:00 pm tonight at

Lubbock Frenship. Graham will be the home team and all tickets will be sold online

at Graham vs Perryton. GO STEERS!

Smokin Steers BBQ Team- This weekend there will be a High School BBQ competition on the downtown square. This is the first one hosted in Graham and because of COVID, it will be somewhat small. We have three boys that make up the Smokin Steers BBQ team. Landon Locker, Diego Arvizu, and Lucio Arvizu are coached by Rock Bottom BBQ’s Brendan Locker. There is a need for judges this Saturday. There are five categories and 5 judges are needed for each category. HSBBQ Inc. will explain the judging rules and expectations.  If you are interested in being a judge, show up early in the day and sign up under the tent for a time slot. Early bird gets the worm! You may sign up for more than one category, but you can’t judge two categories in a row. Please stop by and say hello to the boys as well. The Grand Champion can earn a $3,000 scholarship per kid to a culinary school in Austin. 

The schedule for Saturday will look something like this: 

5:00 AM- Teams can start their fires. 

6:00 AM- Teams pick up their meats and start preparing. 

10:00 AM- Dessert turn in and judging. 

11:00 AM- Beans turn in and judging. 

12:00 PM- Chicken turn in and judging. 

1:00 PM- Ribs turn in and judging. 

2:00 PM- Brisket turn in and judging. 

3:00-3:30ish- Awards presented

Lady Blues Volleyball District 5-4A All-District Honors- District MVP: (Sr.) Leah Holland;

District Defensive Player of the Year: (Sr.) Reese Echols; District Outstanding Server:

(Sr.) Morgan Patterson; 1st Team: (Sr.) Addi Kimberling, (Sr.) Hannah Isom, (Sr.) Ashton Reese;

2nd Team: (Sr.) Lily Gregory, (Sr.) Marilyn Milton-; Honorable Mention: (Sr.) Aubrey Iles,

(Jr.) Rachel Grimsley-; Academic All-District: (Sr.) Reese Echols, (Sr.) Lily Gregory,

(Jr.) Rachel Grimsley, (Sr.) Leah Holland, (Sr.) Aubrey Iles, (Sr.) Hannah Isom, (Sr.) Addison Kimberling,

(Sr.) Marilyn Milton, (Jr.) Emma Parker, (Sr.) Morgan Patterson, (Sr.) Ashton Reese, (Sr.) Sarah Sanders,

(Sr.) Samantha Martin. 

In the  Spirit of Thanksgiving... 

There are a lot of myths around the first American Thanksgiving in 1621, but one thing is for sure. The Pilgrims were lucky to be alive, and they knew it. “Eleven months earlier the Pilgrims had arrived at the tip of Cape Cod, fearful and uninformed,” says Nathaniel Philbrick in his book, “Mayflower. By all rights, none of the Pilgrims should have emerged from the first winter alive. But they did. With the strength of their faith, and help from many Native Americans, they did more than survive.... they began to flourish… they were thankful!

I challenge each of you to think of someone you consider to be really happy. Do they smile more than others you know? Do they laugh more than others you know? Does being in their presence make you happier? What makes this person different? In my opinion, this occurs in large part due to one's ability to be grateful and express gratitude. Let’s face it, bad things happen to all of us... it is not what happens to us that matters, it is our reaction to it. I hope you each take the time over this Thanksgiving Break to pause and consider what you are grateful for. May we all strive to have an attitude of gratitude!

I hope you each have a wonderful, safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What kind of key can’t open doors? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A tur-key!

Steer Nation Message 11-13-20 Thirteen Folds

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and lab-confirmed cases.

Veterans Day Celebration- Our annual Veterans Day program is one of the many things that make Graham ISD special. This year, the event was held at Newton Field. Thanks a ton to all that made this event such a success. A special thanks to GISD staff members Josh Kidd, Stephanie Talbott, Katy Huitt, Stephanie Sanders, Alice Day, Viktoria Wankowicz. A BIG thanks to GHS Students: Easton Wolfe, Raider Horn, Callie Dobbs, Olivia Isom, Zara Van Alstyne, Cooper Gordy, Emily Epperson, Madison Freeman, Kodie Gough, Gorgina Guerro, Jayden Harrell, Mega Miller, Caitlyn Rexroad, Jaytin Sims, Connie Grace Taylor, and Gabriella Wooters. GJHS Students: Russell Warner, Hunter Smith, and Abigail Suffield. Woodland Students: Kynleigh Larance, Walker Bennett, Cash Holland, Kate Hufstedler, Cooper Anderle, Skyler Morton, Hudson Weatherman. Crestview Elementary 3rd Graders and Pioneer Elementary Kindergarteners.

Lady Blues Volleyball- Lady Blues end the season in the Regional Semifinals to Canyon. 22-25, 25-20, 25-27, 20-25. Great season Lady Blues! As always our girls represented themselves, their families, and their community in fine fashion!!!

Graham FFA is the Oil Belt District LDE Sweepstakes CHAMPION for 2020! All first and second place teams are bound for AREA IV LDE on November 23rd. Oil Belt District LDE Results:

• Greenhand Creed Speaking-FIRST- Graham Representative: Kiya Cope

• Agriculture Advocacy-FIRST- Team: Brodie Bates, Bryce Robertson, Leah Holland, Nayeli Ramirez, and Yaneli Ramirez

• Agriculture Issues- FIRST- Team: Cade Anderson, Haidyn Chancler, Haylee Diehl, Jayden Brown, Luke Holland, Mason Reese, and Travis Anderle
  Greenhand Radio Broadcasting- FIRST- Team: Cody Epperson, Kiya Cope, and Michael Young

• Greenhand Agriculture Skills Demonstration- FIRST- Team: Bowen Boenish, Ethan Rae, Lela Chisholm

• Public Relations- FIRST- Team: Creed Jordan, Jade Jordan, Kaci Reese, Tucker May

• Radio Broadcasting- FIRST- Team: Jennifer Bayardo, Lorenzo Simental, Miya Cantwell

• Senior Agriculture Skills Demonstration- FIRST- Team- Cade Anderson, Hannah Isom, and Reese Echols

• Spanish Creed-SECOND- Graham Representative: Lizbeth Castillo

• Senior Creed Speaking- THIRD- Graham Representative: Rebecca Burgess

• Job Interview- THIRD- Graham Representative: Rebecca Burgess

• Greenhand Quiz- FOURTH; Lela Chisolm FIRST INDIVIDUAL. Team: Bowen Boenish, Cody Epperson, Kayla Shifflet, Lela Chisholm, Lizbeth Castillo, Mckaylee Metcalf, Porter Robinson, Zathin Reyez

• Chapter Quiz- FOURTH- Team: Brodie Bates, Haidyn Chancler, Jayden Brown, and Kaci Reese

• Senior Creed Speaking- EIGHTH- Graham Representative: Laney Dundon

• Greenhand Creed Speaking- EIGHTH- Graham Representative: Porter Robinson

Graham Steer Football- The Bi-District playoff game vs Van Alstyne at 7:00 pm tonight at Boyd High School. Graham will be the home team and all tickets will be sold at the gate. GO STEERS!

GPEF Hall of Honor Fall 2020 Selections- The following nominees have been selected by the committee for induction into the GPEF Hall of Honor. The date for the Induction Reception tentatively set for Friday, January 29, 2021. The event is subject to change due to COVID-19. 

Alumni Award Selections

Bruce Street, Sr.

Darrell Weatherbee

Staff Award Nominees

Bennie and Dorothy Lane

Zohn Solomon Milam

Community Member Award Nominees

Graham Regional Medical Center

Walter Oliver

Historical Award Nominees

Miss Nell Sammons

Bertie Johnson

Thirteen Folds… More than Pomp and Circumstance

Most Americans have seen the traditional folding of the American flag, at specific events, such as funerals. Have you ever wondered why Old Glory is folded that specific way? Much more than just pomp and circumstance, each of the 13 folds holds special meaning.

Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times?  You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!  

 

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.   

 

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. 

 

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. 

 

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in the time of war for His divine guidance. 

 

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.' 

 

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie.  It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 

 

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic. 

 

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. 

 

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and Mothers.  For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 

 

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were firstborn. 

 

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

 

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. 

 

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of our national motto, 'In God We Trust.' 

 

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges, and freedoms they enjoy today. 

 

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

 

Have a nice day...take care of yourself and others!

 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What do you call an empty parrot cage? (Scroll down for the answer.)

A polygon!

Steer Nation Message 11-6-20 People Have Diverse Value... Look Deep

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY FRIDAY!

COVID-19 Information- Please visit this site for the GISD COVID-19 procedures, protocols, and lab-confirmed cases.

Lady Blues Volleyball- The Lady Blues captured the Area Championship on Tuesday night with a victory over Krum High School 25-19, 27-25, 17-25, 25-22. This evening at 6:30, the Lady Blues will face Stephenville at Minerwells High School in the Regional Quarter Finals. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Go to grahamisd.com to purchase tickets. The team will have a send-off from the front of the gym this afternoon at 4:00 pm.  GOOD LUCK LADY BLUES!

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Cross Country Regional Qualifiers- Our regional qualifiers will be competing this coming Tuesday in Lubbock. Best of luck to Lady Blues Madie Wilde and Kylee Miller! Also best of luck to Graham Steers Marcos Herrera, Creed Jordan, Holton Weatherman, and Anthony Carillo!

Graham Steer Football- The District Champion Steers are open this week. The Bi-District playoff game will be played on Friday, November 13 at Boyd High School. The Steers opponent will be either Van Alstyne or Sanger… more than likely Van Alstyne. Graham will be the home team and all tickets will be sold at the gate. GO STEERS!

People Have Diverse Value…Look Deep

As a young boy, I was a fan of the 1960’s television show, Gomer Pyle USMC.  I saw Gomer Pyle as a goofball who seemed to mess up nearly every task he was issued. He was a walking disaster area.  However, somehow in the end everything always came out OK.

 

From 1964 thru 1969 it was filmed and set in California, it stars Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle, a naïve but good-natured gas station attendant from the town of Mayberry, North Carolina, who enlists in the United States Marine Corps.  Frank Sutton plays Gomer's high-octane, short-fused Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter.  Gomer Pyle was a "deep escapist" show; it avoided political commentary and offered viewers a distraction from the social changes of the 1960s.  Despite being a military-themed show and airing during the peak of the Vietnam War, the show never discussed the war.   Instead, the show was founded on "Gomer's innocent simplicity [and] Sergeant Carter's frustration and later concern for Gomer's well-being."  

As I enjoyed watching the silly show, I never sought to know what the real Jim Nabors was really like.  I assumed he was the same gangly misfit in adult life… I assume many others viewed him the same way.  The episode titled “The Show Must Go On” aired, in which he sang “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” in Washington, D.C., at the U. S. Navy relief show, accompanied by the Marine Corps Band was eye-opening. To see individuals beyond their “outer shell” and deeper than their surface image aides in the realization that people are more complex than what may be observed in a causal superficial relationship.  If you want to know and appreciate others, then you must devote a little time & energy to get beyond your initial impression.

Have a nice day and a grand weekend…take care of yourself and others!

Gomer Pyle USMC – Sings the “Impossible Dream” https://youtu.be/yJlgio-UOng 

 

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY

What do you call a pencil with two erasers? (Scroll down for the answer.)

Pointless!