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Every week, Oliver Ames High School columnist Drew Beck writes about the latest issues going on in the schools from a student's perspective.
Thanksgiving traditions are unique to every family.  For some, the day of turkey may include watching either the Lions or Cowboys on TV after a splendid meal.  For others, a hike in Borderland may be on the agenda.  However, over 500 local residents annually add the Tiger Turkey Chase to their entourage of festivities. Started several years ago by George Harrington as a way to raise funds for the growing cross-country program, the Tiger Turkey Chase has grown into one of the largest and best-run Thanksgiving road races in the South Shore.  Mr. Harrington is a general in the United States Army…
"I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." -- Nathan Hale Every Nov. 11, America celebrates Veterans' Day to display a small token of gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice given by her soldiers.  The holiday should hold the same importance in American's hearts as Independence Day, for, though we declared our independence in 1776, we have fought ceaselessly to defend it.  Because of the bravery and servitude of our nation's soldiers, both past and present, we are able to live free with privileges the majority of the world's population remains unable to attain.  However, …
 "The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age." This article of the United States' Constitution, ratified in 1971, states the minimum voting age for US citizens is 18. Now, 40 years later, it's hard to fully understand the gravity of this statement.  Added to the Constitution during the Nixon Administration, Amendment 26 came into fruition because of severe protesting of the Vietnam War.  These protesters, who were mainly young adults, claimed it was unfair to …
One thing that parents always agree upon is that teenagers seem to be constantly eating.  In fact, on numerous occasions, I've personally been called a "bottomless pit".  Recently, as I was out with a group of friends at a restaurant, the question came to my mind: just what are the top five choices for a teenage "bottomless pit" in Easton?  What local outings combine prices and quality that appeal to my generation?  So, let me give you my top five rankings and the reasons behind them 5) Avellino's Pizzeria -- 700 Depot St, North Easton, MA 02356 Located at Five Corners, Avellino's Pizzeria …
As a freshman in the fall of 2008, I understood for the first time the impact of sports on school pride at Oliver Ames.  It was the year the girls' soccer team competed against a very talented Duxbury squad in the playoffs during the state tournament. My friend and I went to the game held in Duxbury, and cheered for the team in the freezing cold weather.  We weren't alone. Nearly 200 Oliver Ames students made the trip to watch and support their fellow classmates.  Though the game ended in a loss, chants and cheers rained down from the OA Super-fans.  It was the first time I'd ever experienced…
 Hanging from Oliver Ames' students' necks are identification badges.  Observe closely enough, and you will see both the name and the photo of the person wearing the card.  In addition, on select seniors' cards, there is a sticker with the initials C.S., representing community service.  Every other day, students wearing these unique I.D. badges spend a full school period assisting teachers in various capacities.  Though teachers stress the importance of the hours logged by these students as vital and college applications appear lacking without them, I'm not entirely convinced community …
 Since I obtained my driver's license a few weeks ago, I have experienced many things out on the road, both positive and negative.  Being able to drive myself wherever I need to go without having to depend on others is a liberating feeling, and I understand the joy of independent transportation.  "Ain't nothin' out here but me, the road, and the radio," croons country star Kenny Chesney when describing the experience. However, now that I'm able to drive by myself, I've noticed that I am indeed alone, with only me, myself, and I as companions.  This sense of loneliness results in an urge to …
A few weeks ago, members of the Oliver Ames' fall sports teams signed a statement confirming that they read the student-athlete handbook, which contains several anti-bullying clauses.  Consisting of "three basic types of abuse – emotional, verbal and physical" and typically involving "repeated dominance of a weaker person", bullying is a topic on the lips of many high school adminstrators, teachers and students alike in Easton and across the state. As this past spring's "bully-cide" of Phoebe Prince from South Hadley High School in western Massachusetts grabbed headlines around the country, …

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