There were rhythmic high school bands, famous cartoon characters, huge balloons covering the sky, shimmery tap dancing trees, Skyline High’s ROTC and of course no parade is complete without cheerleaders.

There were cheerleaders, but the Lions cheerleaders, who were featured in the parade last year and the year before that too, didn’t go this time as scheduled.

“I think it was because of Occupy Oakland that we didn’t go,” said Alisa Jones, an 8th grade cheerleader. 7th grade cheerleader Carolyn Gill also believed it was for this reason that the cheerleaders had to cancel.

For safety reasons, due to the possibility of danger from the Occupy Oakland protesters, the Saint Leo’s cheerleaders and pep squad had to postpone their appearance at the Oakland Holiday Parade this year.

Samantha Colbert-Neal in 5th grade, a member of the pep squad said, “I was sad and disappointed. I was looking forward to the parade.”

by: Aliyah Muhammad, 8th grade
Reporter
THE LION LEDGER

The 8th grade boys basketball teams of St. Leo the Great and St. Lawrence O’Toole (also known as SLOT) have always been rivals on the court— one that dates back to before these two teams ever set foot on the basketball court when they were in 3rd grade.

It’s no surprise then, that, whenever the Lions and Tigers meet up on the court, a battle to the finish will occur. Especially for these two powerhouse teams who have made it to the CYO Championships every year since they were in 4th grade. This makes both teams quite possibly the best in the East Bay Parochial League since they always are the final two contenders in the end. 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were all championship games fought between the two schools.

And in the end, every year since 2009, the Lions have come out on top.

In the regular season however, it’s a different story. SLOT has won their games against St. Leo over the past four seasons. On average, two games are scheduled between the two teams, one game on each school’s home turf. Sometimes it’s a win and a loss, or two wins or two losses for the season, depending on which side you’re keeping track of. Which brings us to Friday night’s game between the Lions and the Tigers, the last regular season game ever between the two rival teams— the only one scheduled for this season.

At 7:00 PM, there was barely any room in the gym for people to breathe. The place was packed with spectators from both schools. All the seats in the bleachers were filled and so were the temporary bleachers set up off to the side to accommodate overflow. There were so many in attendance to watch the game that people were standing on the sidelines under the basket and on all corners of the gym!

Fast forward to the fourth and final quarter where the intensity of the game was heating up. With just a little over a minute left on the clock, the Lions were trailing 9 points to the Tigers’ 26-point lead and with only one scheduled face off during the season, this was going to be it. The Lions had to make their stand! In a matter of 36 seconds, the Lions had managed to bring the score to 21-28, Tigers still in the lead. The Tigers were getting nervous causing a number of fouls that allowed the Lions to earn some free points. The SLOT team called a time out to clear their heads and focus on their strategy.

With 21.5 seconds left on the clock, the score was now 25-29, St. Leo’s just shy of tying the game into overtime. Unfortunately, the four points the Lions needed to tie the game would go to the Tigers after a technical foul and two additional free throws in their opponent’s favor. As the clock wound down from 18 seconds to zero, the SLOT Tigers would win the game, 25-32. So is that the end of the rivalry between both schools? Of course not. But for these two great teams, it would be the end of the road for a great five-year run. Unless they meet up one last time in the CYO Championships later this year.

(If that happens, that match-up will be the game to end all games).

by: Joe Leo
Advisor
THE LION LEDGER

Stay tuned…

Since it is Christmas and also the season of giving, think about it: this way you could either give a gift to a person in need who might not get anything this Christmas, compared to all of us who will get  what we want and already have what we need.

Think about the people in the world who might not even have the minimum— food and a home.

Sometimes the things we want are not that necessary. Looking at the people who barely have anything makes you realize that maybe we should be thankful for what we already have. And giving gifts to someone else. Those who are really in need.

An easier way that you could make a difference is simply going to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill and instead of giving “hand-me-downs” to your little siblings you could donate something to person in need. Or maybe that necktie you were going to buy for your dad, bring it over and donate it there.

Another one is making a donation directly to charity which might be a bit more complicated but it’s possible. Using the money you would have used to buy your parents a gift, you can donate it and make the donation in their name and tell them their gift is making a difference in someone else’s life this year.

What you do is purchase a gift card or a printable e-card to make a donation to one of over 250 charities. It’s really easy! You can choose how much you want to donate and if you would like to order straight from the site, you get a cute little greeting card that you then give to the person.

If you would like to visit the site and make a donation, go to: www.charitygiftcertificates.org/

Need some other ideas?

Mercy Housing
Website: www.mercyhousing.org
Here’s one charity that you really might want to donate to because of the financial state our country is in right now. It is called Mercy housing and it is for lower income children and homeless individuals.

ASPCA
Website: www.aspca.org
There’s even a solution for animals lovers. You could always make a donation to your local ASPCA.

There are so many different ways that you can make a difference in this awesome blue planet we call home during the season of giving, or at any time of the year!

by: Vinnae Collins, 6th grade
Reporter
THE LION LEDGER

The album features 11 holiday songs. Six original ones and five that are his remixes of popular songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Five of the songs were recorded with really great artists. They are Mariah Carey, Boys II Men, Busta Rhymes, Usher, and The Band Perry. Fans of these artists may also buy the album because they’ll like the songs by those artists too.

That is one of the reasons why this album is so great.

One song on this album, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a song that was originally done by the famous Mariah Carey. Justin Bieber’s is a remix of this song. Although the song still has its original melody and tempo there is a little change to the lyrics.

Another thing is that the remixes of his songs are actually pretty good. Something that makes them unique is that Justin Bieber has added his own different type of melody. Some of the songs are like this— that’s what makes this Christmas album so great and different from the rest,

There are also some other remixes from famous songs like “Drummer Boy.” which was actually a traditional song with a slow beat but is now transformed into a modern song with a fast beat done with rapper Busta Rhymes.

This new album will surely be adored by Bieber’s dedicated fans (Beliebers) everywhere. Justin Bieber is known for his amazing songs and albums, but this album really put him over the top.

The album was very good. From listening to this album I also like Justin Bieber even more. (Should I become a Belieber?). To me it has a lot of holiday cheer.

I really enjoyed it!

My favorite song from this album, aside from “Drummer Boy,” would have to be “Mistletoe” because it is original and a cool song to listen and sing along with. Those two are some of his major hits from the album.

Hopefully this is just a sneak peek of what’s to come from Justin Bieber. I am hoping that in the near future he will perform and record more songs with even bigger and better artists, and have a much bigger fan base.

Fans are also hoping that Justin Bieber goes on another tour so he can meet more of his screaming fans.

I think “Under the Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber is a MUST BUY because this album is one of his best albums so far! I can tell that a lot of work has gone into this and have a feeling his fans will love it.

You can buy the CD in stores, or download it on iTunes

by: Hiwot Dereje, 7th grade
Senior Editor
THE LION LEDGER

Dear Readers:

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holiday season. Who doesn’t? Warm sweaters, candy canes, and the smell of pine! This Christmas, I will be going to my uncle’s house and all of my family will be there. We will exchange gifts and talk about things from politics to school.
    Many of us will be with our families and receive gifts that we’ve been begging our parents for. Don’t forget to keep in mind the people who are not as fortunate as us, and may not have a family to spend time with, or gifts to give or receive.
    Saint Leo, being in the spirit of giving, had their annual toy drive. Every student donated an unwrapped toy and three to five dollars to give to children that are less fortunate than they are.
    We also had our Christmas Concert on Wednesday. It was amazing! So much great music. This was the first concert with our new music teacher Mr. Peabody. Look for a story on him in the January edition.
    Speaking of great music, I don’t know if you heard, but Michael Bublé, one of my favorite singers, has released an amazing holidaty album called “Christmas.” It has many classic Christmas songs, from “Felíz Navidad” to “Jingle Bells” and “Blue Christmas.” His voice is too wonderful for words! While I’ll always love Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé has a special place in my heart. I, have impeccable taste in music, so believe me when I say, that you will love this album!
    Another holiday album out is Justin Bieber’s “Under the Mistletoe” and you can read a review of that album by senior editor Hiwot Dereje in this month’s edition (along with all the other stories that have a holiday theme to it because it’s Christmas!).

Anyway, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Saba Kinfe, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief

Liz Guneratne is the new Asst. Superintendent at the Diocese of Oakland Department of Catholic Schools. She replaced Kathleen Radecke (who students may remember, after her many visits to the school for WASC/WCEA last school year) who moved on and is currently the Superintendent of the Diocese of Monterey.

“In order for me to serve and support all of the schools in our Diocese, I need to know you! I am visiting all of our schools so that I can see in person what makes each school special and unique,” Ms. Guneratne said.

She took on this new role just a few months ago after working at schools in the diocese for 13 years. She started out as a junior high teacher at St. Elizabeth Elementary School and then became principal of St. John Catholic School for six years. Her job is to support the principals, teachers, and families in all of the Catholic schools in the diocese.

“I am learning new things every day. I am blessed to be a part of a dedicated team of wise educators who work so hard for our schools,” she said.

After hearing many great things about the school she finally got a chance to come and check out what Saint Leo’s was all about. She was given a tour of the entire school by four student council leaders. She saw a variety of things, from the Pre-K napping to the 3rd graders’ math lesson and even the 8th graders practicing for the annual Christmas Concert.

Although this was Ms. Guneratne’s first visit at Saint Leo’s, she has known principal Sonya Simril, for many years. She is also a huge fan of our gospel choir, after hearing them at a couple of events.

Ms. Guneratne was very impressed with our school. She was excited about all of our new technology and how it is being used in the school. She decribed it as “some wonderful 21st century teaching.” She also loved our Peace Patrol program, she said it was a program worth emulating.

“I have heard about what an incredible school it is, but this was my first opportunity to see it for myself! My visit confirmed all of the positive news I have heard about the Saint Leo community.”

by: Saba Kinfe, 8th grade
Editor-in-Chief
THE LION LEDGER

A lot of people say the Raiders aren’t going to make it to the Super Bowl. Others say they have a chance. The Raiders have lost a handful of games but they are still able to go to the Super Bowl with their standing right now. But that record isn’t enough and might give others a chance to beat them.

I think the coach is the key to winning a game and making it to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers have gotten better this year. They’ve gotten new plays and players, and a new coach. You can see the difference. Now that Jim Harbuagh has taken over, he is doing a good job and the team is doing better than they were before with Mike Singletary or the other coaches before him.

Ever though they are good, they are not the best. Many 49ers fans have a feeling the 49ers will make it into the Super Bowl and will have a chance to win the world title again.

by: Cameron Gill, 6th grade
Editorial Asst.
THE LION LEDGER

The Wii U is the next generation for the Wii system. It is going to be more advanced in many ways. The upgraded system has a lot of new features.

The system itself is about two-thirds the size of the current Wii. There is a new “remote” that has a touch screen and a stylus. The remote itself can become the screen, making you able to play the game even when the T.V. is not turned on. You can play the game even if you are in another room, making the system partly portable.

Many new games now have been confirmed for release on the Wii U, like “Legend of Zelda,” “Super Mario Bros. Mii,” and “Darksiders 2.”

The Wii U has been very anticipated by many gamers. The Wii has been losing gamers ever since the Kinect for Xbox 360 came out. Nintendo hopes that the new Wii U will help to get the company back in the ratings beating Microsoft and Sony (with their Playstation 2).

The Wii U will come out sometime in December 2012.

by: Christopher Mullins, 7th grade
Editor
THE LION LEDGER

But for kids and teens, the numbers are much different. A study by the Pew Internet Research Center says that 75% or teens age 12-17 have cell phones and 88% of them text message. Over 3,000 texts each month!

What if you could contribute to a worthy cause and all you had to do was say “hello” or “what’s up?” just by sending text messages on your phone. Imagine being able to do something you do on a regular basis and know that what you’re doing helps out others at the same time!

This may seem impossible, but DoSomething.org has made it a reality by creating another way kids and teens can help out in the world without much effort at all. They want to encourage kids to give back to society and be aware of social causes. The organization believes that cell phones are a platform that can bring change. And since kids and teens all have cell phones nowadays, this is a perfect way to do it.

How can this work? An example would be when the earthquake in Haiti occurred, people donated money just by sending texts.

This can be a good way for parents to set responsibilities for their kids, with such a privilege like texting. Sprint came out with an app this month that lets parents control when their kids can text and how much they’re allowed to. Instead of limiting texting, they could, for example, have them do chores and earn money and that money would get donated by texting.

By doing this they use texting, something a lot of kids like to do (and already do a lot of), to excite the kids into seeing that giving back is fun and easy as “:D”.

Sources—
•Tech the Best: “Happy 19th Birthday to Text Messaging – ‘SMS’ Thing Turns 19”
•Pew Research Center: “Teens, Cell Phones, and Texting”
•Fast Company: “Do u h8 h8? DoSomething.org Wants Teens To Text For Social Good”
•Fierce Mobile Content: “Sprint, Safely target parents with Mobile Controls“

by: Alinda Amuiri, 7th grade
Senior Editor
THE LION LEDGER

Here is what I think about them.

I feel that the fries didn’t change too much. I think it just got saltier and fatter, but I still think that the new fries are much better.

The old fries were skinny and hard.

I wanted to see what other people think, so I interviewed people in my class (fifth grade) who have tried the new fries.

Miya Wandera tasted the fries a few days after they came out. “I like the old fries better than the new fries,” she says. She likes the way the old ones look “old school.”

Naila Smith-Woods went to BK last Saturday. “I like both of the fries, but I like the new fries better.”

Nia Chinn has also tried the new fries and likes both the old and new ones. But like Naila,? she likes the new fries much better.

I’ve been to BK a bunch of times but I like McDonald’s better (because of their Big Macs). Before going there to try their new fries, the last time I went was about a month ago. I was curious and that’s why I signed up to do this report!

I hope you get to taste BK’s new fries like I did. If you do try them, let us know what you think too.

by: Makeda Solomon, 5th grade
Reporterr
THE LION LEDGER