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Man on the street! What are you eating this Thanksgiving?

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Man on the street! What are you eating this Thanksgiving?

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Video by Clarissa Velasco and Arianna Escobedo 

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Giving back: STUCO canned food drive raises food for Crane’s needy

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Giving back: STUCO canned food drive raises food for Crane’s needy

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This past week, students at Crane High School have been donating cans for the student council’s annual canned food drive. The food drive raises food for needy people in the area during the holiday season.

We surveyed people's thoughts on that, and this is what they said!

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Junior, Paris Tafoya, paints "Charlie Brown" characters for the door competition in floral design.

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By Rodrigo Alonso Perero

El Ave News staff writer

My name is Rodrigo Alonso Perero, and I am a foreign student from Spain. I've recently come to Texas, and next week something awesome happens for me: Thanksgiving.

I know about the existence of Thanksgiving primarily because of the movies. If you're confused by that, it's because we don't have anything similar to Thanksgiving in Spain. To us, November is just another month.

My host family celebrates Thanksgiving by preparing turkey and ham in the traditional way. Then, the rest of the members prepare something of their choice, which might be desserts, stuffing, or whatever else they desire to make and eat.

The ironic and interesting fact about Thanksgiving is that Columbus came to America by way of Spain. His explorations were funded by Spanish monarchs, and after the conquests the Native Americans began celebrating this distinctly American holiday with the Europeans who came over on the Mayflower and subsequent ships. Even so, this tradition never made its way back to Spain and greater Europe.

I am very excited about next week. I am going to learn a lot of things about the U.S. while I am here, and Thanksgiving is part of that.

If I can, I will also add a traditional Spanish dish to the Thanksgiving meal this year.

Hope you all enjoy this celebration as much as me. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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Into the Dark: Pilgrim - Official Trailer • A Hulu Original

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Hulu's new horror anthology series, "Into the Dark," has fans on the edge of their seats

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Hulu's new horror anthology series, "Into the Dark," has fans on the edge of their seats

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By Dadyt Perez
El Ave News staff writer

Hulu's anthology series, "Into the Dark," is composed of short horror movies all having to do with a different holiday.

One of these movies is "Pilgrim," which was directed by Marcus Dunstan and produced by Blumhouse Productions.

"Pilgrim" has to do with the holiday of Thanksgiving. It was actually inspired by a true story about Noah Feinberg, an executive assistant at Blumhouse.

The show centers around a typical American family. As a young boy, Noah's mother, a PTA president of a Connecticut school, arranges a Thanksgiving festival for the students. The festival involves a group of pilgrim re-enactors who put on a play about the settling of America. After this festival, Noah's mother offers one of the actors a place to stay. For two days, the person never breaks character, often talking about how he crossed the ocean aboard the Mayflower.

This movie follows Cody, played by Reign Edwards, still moving on from her mother leaving her and her family. Many years later her father, Shane, played by Kerr Smith, remarries to Anna, played by Courtney Henggeler. Cody never really gets along with Anna and feels detached from Shane, I fly feeling close to her half-brother, Tate, played by Antonio Raul Corbo.

During dinner, Anna mentions how she wants to bring the family together with quality time. Anna mentions plans for a HOA harvest festival. This doesn't sit well with Cody, stirring an argument with Anna. Shane decides to break the tension with a wishbone between Tate and Cody. Before breaking the wishbone in half, Cody wishes that Anna's plan backfires on her. After breaking this wishbone, Cody gets her wish not knowing what's to come.

During this HOA party, Anna mentions hiring a couple of pilgrim reenactors to show them the way of the old way of life. As the party goes on, the doorbell rings, and standing there are Ethan, played by Peter Giles, and Patience, played by Elyse Levesque. These are the so called “pilgrim reenactors.” But when Anna called them this, they look confused, not knowing what she’s talking about. As the party goes on, Ethan mentions where he and Patience would be staying, not knowing what's to come in the following days.

After a few days of staying, more and more pilgrims show up. These pilgrims start to take over the house and build their own settlements. But when Thanksgiving Day arrives, still refusing to break character, Ethan and Patience realize the family aren’t truly thankful for what they have.

They start to take final measures as a last act to bring this family together.

This film is pretty solid. I’d give it three out of five Golden Cranes.

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Into the Dark: Pilgrim - Official Trailer • A Hulu Original

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Latrina Little, left, and Christy Digiacamo, collect donated comforters from the Crane community to deliver to nursing home residents in Crane.

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A warm, comforting gesture: Little Flower Shop collects blankets for Crane nursing home residents

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A warm, comforting gesture: Little Flower Shop collects blankets for Crane nursing home residents

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Photo and article by Brad Pettit
CHS journalism teacher

A local flower shop is doing its part to wrap Crane seniors in love and warmth this holiday season.

As fall gives way to winter, the Little Flower Shop, owned and operated by Latrina Little, is collecting new blankets for the residents of the Focused Care nursing home on the outskirts of Crane.

Little said that these simple blankets can keep the residents warm in more ways than one.

"Some of them have nobody to visit them. They're cold and alone, and they deserve something special this holiday season."

Little said that she and her employees came up with the idea this year, but she's hoping to make it an annual tradition.

"The ladies and I got to talking about how seniors get cold. We made the connection that many of the nursing home residents don't have anyone to visit them during the holidays, so we came up with the idea of bringing them blankets as gifts to show them that they are loved, appreciated, and remembered."

Little said that some of the residents are not from Crane and seldom have visitors.

"Many of them do not have family here," she said. "Or, their family has already passed on. So, we decided that it would be nice to bring a little joy into their lives this Christmas."

Christy Digiacamo, an employee of the Little Flower Shop, agrees.

"I’m more excited about bringing these blankets to the elderly than I am giving Christmas gifts to my own kids. Because for some of these older ladies and gentlemen, a blanket may be the only thing they receive."

Digiacamo said she has a soft spot for the elderly.

"We shouldn't forget about them. They stay cold, every one of them, and so I hope everyone participates by bringing them some blankets."

Little's father is a Focused Care resident, and so she routinely visits the nursing home. During the time she's been visiting her father, she has noticed that many of them would benefit from having a nice, warm blanket.

"I would love for us to reach our goal and make sure that every resident of the nursing home feels valued and comforted this Christmas."

The ladies at the Little Flower Shop have so far raised about 15 blankets, but their goal is to collect one for every resident. That would mean they would still need to raise more than 60.

Micha Bandy, Life Enrichment Director at Focused Care of Crane, said that she and the entire staff are thankful for what's being done for the residents.

"We are so very grateful to the Little Flower Shop for orchestrating this blanket drive for our residents. And we want to thank everyone who has donated blankets for them."

Bandy said that with the arrival of the holidays also comes mixed emotions for some of the residents.

"The holidays are hard for some of our residents, and these donations have the potential to make this holiday season special for them."

The Little Flower Shop is no stranger to helping people in need. In the wake of the awful tragedy in Uvalde, the employees of the Little Flower Shop, along with some teachers and staff of Crane ISD, delivered flowers to grieving Uvalde families.

Jessica Pettit, CHS math teacher, was there to witness the love and generosity of the Little Flower Shop employees first hand.

"My husband and I went down to help the ladies in whatever way we could," she said. "And the way they used their money, talents, love and time to help those in need was some of the most beautiful stuff we saw in the midst of that sadness and heartbreak. It doesn't surprise me at all that these ladies are helping people in another way."

One of the Focused Care residents who learned of the blankets to be donated said he was very happy about it.

“We thank and appreciate the Little Flower Shop for setting up a blanket drive for us," said Thomas Polach. "We are thankful to the people in the town that are getting involved and donating to their little town nursing home."

Another resident, Joseph Myles, echoed these sentiments.

“I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate everyone who is thinking about us  enough to make sure we have things for Christmas.”

Juanita Lee, who also lives at Focused Care, said that blankets are one of her favorite gifts.

“God bless everyone who cares about us and is giving us blankets. They are one of my favorite gifts. Merry Christmas!”

If you would like to donate a blanket to a nursing home resident, please drop it off by mid-December at the Little Flower Shop in Crane at 1208 S. Gaston.

Please consider doing your part to make this holiday season a special one for the elderly residents of Focused Care in Crane.

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These "I voted" stickers were handed out at the Crane voting locations.

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"A house divided against itself cannot stand"

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"A house divided against itself cannot stand"

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By Lily Heredia
El Ave News staff writer

The race to control the House majority has sent people from both parties into a frenzy of clamor across the Internet, as well as the nation.

The division between Americans and politicians has never been greater, and the result has been nothing short of a boorish pandemonium.

For the Republicans, they believed that there would be a “red wave” due to the belief that there would be a lack of the younger generation’s vote. However, this was far from what was originally predicted.

Republicans suffered greatly at the ballot box in large part because of their support for the overturning of Roe V. Wade. The seeming lack of empathy for those who might be forced to carry a pregnancy to term, regardless of the circumstance for the pregnancy in some states, placed the votes right before the Democrats feet.

However, this wasn’t the half of it. Many people believed that the Democrats were at fault for the rise of inflation and saw this as their primary motivation to give their votes to the Republican Party. Currently, there is lots of discourse in the media on what the results of the midterm elections might mean for this country.

On one hand, Democrats are being accused of being made up of a majority of ignorant young individuals who know very little regarding political issues. On the other hand, Republicans are viewed by many as cynical and bigoted folks who lack empathy. No matter how you view others, or your own party, no one wins when a double-edged sword is being plunged into the heart of this country. I believe that we can do better.

Along with the midterm elections, former President Donald Trump has announced that he is planning to run again in 2024. This could hurt the Republicans, considering the former president’s time in the office was nothing short of disastrous for both parties. Some Republicans have also mixed feelings on Donald Trump’s announcement, so it’s not just the Democrats who are looking at the possibility of a second Trump term with a sideways glance.

The end result of the midterm elections is somewhat of a shock to many. Democrats lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives and now face two years of gridlock. Republicans won’t be so quick to celebrate their control over the U.S. House considering that the likelihood of getting major legislation passed is rather limited because Democrats held the Senate and President Biden still has veto power.

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or somewhere outside of that, it’s always a good idea to do research and to vote, even if you feel like it doesn’t affect you. Even if it feels like politics isn’t your thing, it may be a good idea to form an opinion on your own terms and vote via your own research.

Voting is one of the best freedoms we have in this country, and it’s up to all of us to cast a vote based on information rather than ignorance and hatred.

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Let’s “glow” Cranes: CHS celebrates blackout pep rally

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Let’s “glow” Cranes: CHS celebrates blackout pep rally

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By Miranda Salcedo
El Ave staff writer

Every year, the cheerleaders, along with many different individuals, put in hard work to make sure the Blackout pep rally is a success. The Blackout pep rally is usually the Thursday before the first varsity football playoff game. It starts around 7 p.m. in the evening, and the community of Crane comes to watch while decked out in glow-in-the-dark items.

This past Thursday, the Blackout pep was phenomenal, just like every other year. The theme was “Working through the Playoffs.”

The cheerleaders play a big role in this pep rally. Not only because they have to set up and take everything down afterwards, but because everything stays in order thanks to Varsity and JV cheer coaches, Terra Willis and Jessica Pettit.

Cheerleader, Mayson Brown, a sophomore, explained how they put it in the work in order to make this happen.

“I put in a lot of work, as well as all the other cheerleaders. We decorate and practice for hours to make sure we don’t blow it. Decorating takes a while because we have to make sure every black light works.”

Brown shared how the percussion performance is the part she enjoys the most about the whole pep rally.

“My favorite part of the pep rally is watching the percussion do their cadences.”

Every year, the percussion section does a few cadences back-to-back. To the audience, it looks like they have some type of glow liquid on the drums that is flying in the air each time a drum stick collides with it. However, it’s actually hole punches illuminated by the black lights. It looks amazing!

Senior, Andrew Rodriguez, discussed how he and the other percussionists have to put in extra work to make sure they didn’t mess up.

“We put in a lot of work to get the cadences down. Compared to last year, we did a little more cadences. So we had to perfect them and learn the transitions from one to the next.”

Rodriquez agrees with Brown that the percussion part is the best part of the Blackout pep rally.

“My favorite part of the pep rally is the percussion part, and this year is especially memorable because it was my last time getting to do something cool like that. I hope people enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Another great moment of the pep rally was when guest speaker, Mike “Doc” Hailey, took the mic. He had great things to say about our Golden Cranes and Ladybirds.

“I really enjoyed speaking in front of everyone at the pep rally! I was happy to be there and felt thrilled.”

Everyone seemed to love the drum line because Doc himself proceeded to add great feedback on how the percussion was his favorite part!

“The pep rally was overall great, but I’d have to say my favorite part was the drum line. It looked so cool.”

Every part of the Blackout pep rally was stupendous and a huge success. Crane Nation definitely knows how to have fun! The excitement taken from this pep rally helped the Golden Cranes win their football game the next day against the TLCA Eagles in Lamesa.

In a town that's had two blackouts in the past few weeks, it’s pretty cool that the third was super fun and done intentionally!

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Senior, Aden Vincent, perfects his catapult on Tuesday for physics class in hopes that it will go far.

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Name: Landry McNeese

Job Title: US History Teacher

How long have you been in education: I have complete 15 years in education; this year is 16.

Where were you at before Crane: I coached and taught in Monahans.

What do you do for fun: Follow my kids to all their sporting events and workouts.

What do you like most about working in education: I love being around my kids.

How many siblings do you have: I have one sister, Regan Crump, who lives in Idalou.

Children/Grand Children: I have two daughters: Berkley, 13, and Tenley, 10.

What is your dream vacation: A month in Europe studying and visiting historical places.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies: Any book by Emily Giffin.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up working in education, what would you do instead: I would move out and work on a ranch.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you: I grew up on a ranch my whole life, working in the sheep pens and riding horses.

What inspires you: My children.

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Man on the street: Who will win the Thanksgiving Day game?

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Man on the street: Who will win the Thanksgiving Day game?

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Seniors, Kevin Morales and Jaxon Johns, use a tower of popsicle sticks to give height to their catapult in physics.

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Potential energy transformed into practical reality

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Potential energy transformed into practical reality

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In Coach Eric Hill's physics class, students test how much elastic potential energy will be needed to get a .02 kg rubber-band ball to fly 15 feet. In addition, students test trajectory of the ball and what angle is best for each catopault.

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By Jolee Seabourn
CHS AG/FFA teacher

Monday was a great day for Crane FFA! We have three teams advancing to Area in LDE’s: Ag Issues, Ag Advocacy and Senior Quiz!

Big Bend District Results:

Greenhand Creed

6th--Holt Carlton

9th--Paiton Woods

11th--JJ Rodriguez

Senior Creed

7th--Nick Pettit

11th--Hope Heredia

Job Interview

3rd--Gentry Barraza

Radio Broadcasting

3rd--Hayden De Leon, Victoria Tavarez, Paiton Woods

5th--Genie Gonzales, Genesis Villasana, Nayelly Sanchez

Ag Advocacy

2nd--Chris Lewis, JJ Jimenez, Bryan Tinajero, Xzaiver Porras

Greenhand Quiz

4th--Dayami Rocha, Holt Carlton, Carter White,

7th--JJ Rodriguez, Gracin Huertas, Victoria Tavarez, Izayah Saucedo

Senior Quiz

2nd--Crane #2: Chris Lewis, JJ Jimenez, Bryan Tinajero, Alberto

5th--Crane #1: Karyme Rocha, Nataly Reyes, Amy Lewis, Jacqueline Bernard

Ag Issues

1st--Nick Pettit, Nataly Reyes, Jacqueline Bernard, Karyme Rocha, Dayami Rocha, Amy Lewis, Alberto Cordova

I am very proud of of these kids and their hard work!

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CHS culinary students serve up holiday meal for more than one thousand CES students, their families

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CHS culinary students serve up holiday meal for more than one thousand CES students, their families

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The Crane High School culinary class prepared and served thanksgiving meals to hundreds of Crane Elementary School students Thursday in the CES cafeteria.

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Alina Garza, sophomore, inbounds the ball during the home game against Midland High.

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Lady Birds make giant strides in basketball program

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Lady Birds make giant strides in basketball program

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Article by Arianna Garza
El Ave News staff writer

Photo by Aaliyah Moreno
El Ave News photographer

The Lady Birds basketball season has started with many big and exciting changes.

On Tuesday, the Crane Lady Birds took on Midland High and kept up with them until the start of the fourth quarter, when they eventually fell short, 47-35.

Senior, Zithlalic Camacho, explained how this year’s basketball season is going.

“It’s been tough, but I’m excited to see where we are going this year. So far, we have been growing so much as a team!”

Camacho seemed motivated and pushed by her parents when asked what inspired her to play basketball.

“My mom and dad have pushed me to always try something new, and if it wasn’t for them I probably would have never played basketball.”

Junior, Tatum Flores, explained why she started playing basketball in the first place.

“I first started playing basketball because I wanted to get in shape for track season.”

Flores’ goals are to become on the court throughout the season.

“My goals are to become a better player and have more confidence in myself.”

Freshman, Shae Coates, seemed very excited about this year’s basketball season.

“I feel very excited. Mostly because we have a new coach, Coach Tibbets. He is very determined to help us build a program and get something going. I’m excited to learn new things as a freshman.”

Coates explained that she started basketball because she enjoyed doing it for fun.

“At first, basketball was just something I did for fun, seeing that I started in first grade. After that, it turned into something I really enjoyed and I think basketball has played a big part in the person I am today. It has helped me become a better athlete, mentally and physically, and helped me build relationships with people.”

If you haven't had a chance to catch one of their games, make sure you watch the Lady Birds hoop it up at their next game!

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Seniors, Bella Velasquez and Ace Garcia, conduct a physics experiment in the hallways of Crane High School Wednesday.

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Sophomore, Denise Bolanos, experiments with a bunsen burner during science class Wednesday.

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Crane Elementary students try to pin the American flag on the President during the Reading and Social Studies Family Night Tuesday at CES.

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Crane Elementary School students play a cakewalk trivia game during the Reading and Social Studies Family Night at CES Tuesday.

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Jack Carman, left, and “Wild Bill” Brite, brave the cold to root for the Crane Golden Cranes during last Friday’s bi-district playoff game in Lamesa.

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Sophomore, Angel Reyes, prepares to head back out onto the field during this past Friday's bi-district game against San Angelo's TLCA Eagles.

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Senior, Manuel Aranda, outruns the defender after a reception during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday night in Lamesa.

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Senior, Manual Aranda, wrestles one in during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday night in Lamesa.

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Article by Oved Cruz
El Ave News staff writer

Photo by Dekota Scott
El Ave News photographer

Playoffs—the hardest part of any football season—is where teams try their best to see who will be state champs this year. One of the playoff games that happened last week was the TLCA Eagles vs the Crane Golden Cranes. And in a hard fought battle, the Cranes took the victory over the Eagles with a score of 55-20.

Although we took the victory that night, there were many issues in the way. One of the biggest was the weather. It was below freezing, and with every snap of the ball, it felt as if it was getting low colder and colder.

Not only was this challenging physically, but also mentally, as it affected many of the players, including receiver, Manuel Aranda.

“It’s something we don’t see a lot, and it just gets to you; especially when trying to catch a ball, it gets harder. Even for Keaton (Sena), when throwing the ball, it was just something we just had to overcome in the moment.”

Besides the hardships that occurred, there was a lot of thrilling game play. Our boys tried their best each play and never stopped until the whistle blew.

One of the top plays of the night was made by junior linemen, Ivann Martinez, when he lived every lineman’s dream of scoring a touchdown. In a key moment of the game, Martinez intercepted the ball and ran 73 yards into the end-zone.

“When I first got the ball, I was surprised that I even caught it, and so I just held it tight and ran,” said Martinez.

But of course, as is the case with any team, we didn’t play flawlessly. As the game progressed, we lost some steam, allowing the Eagles to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. This problem was noticed by the coaches, and they made sure that the Eagles stayed at 20 points for the rest of the game. This strategy played out well for the Cranes in the end.

“I think for the most part we played pretty well,” said head coach and athletic director, Michael Pittman. “I think we could have played better, but I am happy with the win.”

Overall, the team did very well that night, and as a trainer on the sidelines, it was a thrill to watch them play. And I am glad to have seen this team grow for my last year in highschool.

Just like me, though, quarterback, Keaton Sena is ready for this week's game against the Idalou Wildcats.

“I think we stand a really good chance to win this Friday, and I think both teams are evenly matched.”

So good luck this Friday to our team and Go Cranes!

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The Crane Golden Crane band takes the field during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday night in Lamesa. The Golden Crane band played military songs with the TLCA students in recognition of Veterans Day.

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From left: Shae Coates, Alexys Suarez, and Erika Ortega, all members of the Color Guard, show off their spirit while taking the field during the halftime performance at the bi-district playoff game in Lamesa this past Friday.

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The twirlers of CHS stop for a quick photo during the halftime performance during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday night in Lamesa.

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Senior, Antonio Garza, throws up a peace sign at this past Friday's halftime band performance during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles in Lamesa.

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Junior, Esmeralda Mendoza, hugs her new friend at Friday's halftime show when Crane and TCLA bands combined to perform military songs in honor of the veterans for Veterans Day.

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Holt Carlton, left, and Omar Reynoso, beneath the flag, both drum majors, conduct the band's halftime performance with the assistance of drum majors from TLCA during the bi-district playoff game this past Friday in Lamesa.

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From left: Seniors, Jesse Castro, Kenley Seabourn, and Hannah Erfanian, play their clarinets in the cold during this past Friday’s halftime performance at the bi-district playoff football game against San Angelo's TLCA Eagles in Lamesa.

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Jose Lomeli, junior, plays in sync with another trumpet player from the TLCA Eagles' band. Both the CHS band and the TLCA band joined forces to play music in honor of our veterans for Veterans Day.

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The Crane Golden Cranes huddle up during the bi-district playoff game this past Friday in Lamesa as they took on the TLCA Eagles.

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Senior, Jack-Jack Bernard, puts her cold hands together during the bi-district playoff game this past Friday in Lamesa. The Golden Cranes won their outing against the TLCA Eagles and will now advance in the playoffs.

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Ivann Martinez, junior defensive tackle, rests up following an amazing interception for a 73-yard touchdown return.

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Gassed!: Defensive tackle intercepts the ball, returns it 75-yards for touchdown

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Gassed!: Defensive tackle intercepts the ball, returns it 75-yards for touchdown

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Article by Jacob Bejarano
El Ave News staff writer

Photo by Dekota Scott
El Ave News photographer

What happens when a big boy gets a chance to return a fumble? Usually, he gets tackled within five yards. However, that was not the case when Ivann Martinez, a junior defensive tackle for the Crane Golden Cranes varsity football team, took a fumble 73-yards to the house during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday.

Martinez was in shock after the catch and made the most out of it.

"At first, I was surprised I even caught it. Then I just took off."

Martinez had a good game following the interception.

“I think I had a pretty solid game. I had a couple of tackles."

Senior, Dekota Scott, was on the sidelines when Martinez intercepted the ball. Scott felt like Martinez’s touch down was the play of the game.

“I thought it was a pretty crazy play because a lineman picked the ball and then took it to the house. To me, that was definitely the highlight of the game.”

I was there to witness it first hand, and he after caught the ball and ran, it felt like everything was in slow motion. The crowd was ecstatic, cheering from every section of the stands. Players and coaches ran to the other side of the field to watch Martinez run it into the end-zone.

It isn’t everyday that a linemen gets to intercept a ball and run it back 73 yards for a touchdown, but when it does happen, it’s certainly a sight to see.

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Senior quarterback, Keaton Sena, keeps a play alive during the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles this past Friday night in Lamesa. The Golden Cranes ended up defeating the Eagles 55-20.

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Senior, Oved Cruz, throws up the fours during this past Friday's bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles in Lamesa.

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Golden Cranes defeat TLCA Eagles to win bi-district championship

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Golden Cranes defeat TLCA Eagles to win bi-district championship

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From left: Seniors Bryan Galindo and Xavier Porras; junior, Kevin Iniquez; and freshman, Ivan Moreno, look on with joy as Head Coach, Michael Pittman, is presented with the gold ball following the big win over the TLCA Eagles for the bi-district championship this past Friday night.

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CES students shop around for something to read during the book drive Monday at the Crane Elementary School library.

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Crane Elementary School hosts book drive

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Crane Elementary School hosts book drive

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Photo by Dekota Scott

Article by Adrian Ramirez

Crane Elementary School had its annual book fair this week. The book fair lasted all throughout the week. The students were allowed to go to the book fair during Music and P.E. on Monday and throughout any class Tuesday through Friday.

All the profits that the Crane Elementary School raises will be split 50/50 with the provider of the book fair.

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Article by Arianna Escobedo and Clarissa Velasco
El Ave News staff writers

Every year, the Crane High School student council hosts a food drive to help out the needy in the Crane community.

Since thanksgiving is right around the corner, this food drive will help the people most in need of food. Each grade level will need to bring the most canned foods in order to win a pizza party for their grade level.

Jessica Pettit, algebra teacher and student council advisor, organized this year’s food drive, along with STUCO co-sponsor, Patty Rizo.

Pettit says that their ultimate goal was to teach kids that there are many people who are not able to celebrate Thanksgiving, and to always give back.

“We wanted kids to understand that there are others in the community that are unfortunate, and won’t have a full Thanksgiving meal, so we wanted kids to bring food from their houses to give back to the community.”

Pettit states that all of the food donated will go to the community food bank at the Methodist Church here in Crane.

We asked a few high school students who participated in the food drive what their thoughts are on the canned food drive.

Natalee Velasco, junior, brought 27+ cans to help out the CHS food drive. She states that she wanted to help out the community by donating food for the people in need because it's the small things that can change a person's day for the better.

“I felt like it would be the right thing to do. Not everyone has a family to celebrate with and enjoy these times with, so as little as giving some canned food can warm a person’s heart.

Velasco says that she feels good knowing that she is helping out the community and is giving back to those in need.

“It feels really good knowing that I am helping the less fortunate that don’t have all the blessings that many of us, including me, take for granted.

Junior, Alondra Campos, feels confident that the junior class will win the pizza party for collecting the most cans.

Campos says that she has always participated in the canned food drive because it is one way she is able to help out many.

"I have always participated in the canned food drive because I feel sad for others who are unable to celebrate with their families and can't enjoy the holiday, which revolves around food."

Giving back to the community is one way to make another person's day. Always give back to those who need it most, and remember to spread kindness. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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Nov. 18- varsity football
Cranes vs Idalou

Nov. 19- FFA-Area LED Contest

Nov. 19- Lady Birds basketball
Crane High School Vs Big Spring

National Holidays

Nov. 19- Men’s Day

Nov. 21- Odd Socks Day

Nov. 20- Future of America Day

Nov. 24- Thanksgiving Day

Nov. 28- French Toast Day

Nov. 29- Chocolates Day

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Senior, Amenah Chapell, gets accepted into Odessa College.

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Senior, Kenley Seabourn, begins the National Honor Society induction ceremony this past Wednesday in the Crane High School sur.

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Nataly Reyes, senior, poses for a picture during the blackout pep rally Thursday

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Junior, Christian Campos, is feeling the scene before the start of the black-out pep rally Thursday.

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Sophomore, Orlando Villegas, is in the zone during Thursday's blackout pep rally.

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The Crane Middle School twirlers are happy to be participating in the Crane High School blackout pep rally.

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Senior, Bethany Todd, and sophomore, Amber Delatorre, are all smiles during Thursday's blackout pep rally.

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National Honor Society 2022-2023 Induction Ceremony

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National Honor Society 2022-2023 Induction Ceremony

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NHS members gather for a group photo after the National Honor Society Induction ceremony this past Wednesday.

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Donovan Clark-Martinez, CHS student, and his grandmother, Donna Bishop-Young, enjoy a moment together prior to the start of the blackout pep rally Thursday night in the Tommy C. Jones Gymnasium.

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Sophomore cheerleader, Miranda Salcedo, takes her spot at the top of the pyramid while other cheerleaders support her during the blackout pep rally this Thursday in the Tommy C. Jones Gymnasium.

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Senior, Lilly Pinon, cheers loud and proud at last Thursday's blackout pep rally.

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Junior, Hayden DeLeon, enjoys the moment at the blackout pep rally last Thursday night.

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From left: Nayelli Rodriguez and Neveah Espino take a stroll through the darkness during the blackout pep rally Thursday.

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Jack-Jack Bernard, senior, enjoys the audience cheering out during the blackout pep rally last Thursday night

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Cristian Velasco, sophmore, plays the drum during the blackout pep rally on Thursday.

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Orlando Villegas, sophomore, is quick with the sticks during Thursday's blackout pep rally performance.

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Alina Garza, sophomore, gets crazy with the drums during the blackout pep rally Thursday in the Tommy C. Jones Gymnasium.

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AJ Rodriguez, in the hockey mask, pounds on the drums this Thursday during the blackout pep rally.

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Mike “Doc” Hailey gives an inspirational speech at the black-out pep rally this past Thursday.

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The Crane Golden Crane football team gets rowdy in the center of the gym Thursday as they pump themselves up in anticipation for the bi-district playoff game against the TLCA Eagles.

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From left: Jack Jack Bernard, senior; Lilly Pinon, senior; Miranda Salcedo, sophomore; and Maddie Bernard, senior; smile at the audience during the black out pep rally last Thursday.

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Alberto Cardona, sophomore, cheers to the audience during the blackout pep rally on Thursday.

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The CHS cheerleaders stop for a quick group shot prior to the lights coming back on after the blackout pep rally reached its end on Thursday.

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Natalie Velasco, and Jack-Jack Bernard, senior, read some inspirational words for the veterans during Thursday's annual Veterans Day Assembly.

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From left to right: junior, Paulina Esquivel; sophomore, Alberto Cardona; and senior, Hannah Nichols; play sweet notes at the Veterans Day assembly this past Friday.

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By El Ave News staff writers

CHS journalism teacher and Air Force veteran, Brad Pettit, was selected to give the keynote address at this year's Veterans Day assembly this past Friday in the CHS auditorium.

Pettit spoke primarily about how much he loves and respects those who served in the wake of September 11, and how the military, in his words "helped save my life."

Pettit said that Veterans Day is all about remembering all veterans who served anywhere and in ALL capacities. However, he expressed how all Americans should be especially mindful of the sacrifice made by those who died in battle.

“Halfway through my four-year term, September 11 happened. We went from peace to war in a single moment. The people who went to Afghanistan, and to Iraq, are my heroes. I respect those men and women who served in the dirt and blood more than I can ever possibly express."

To drive his point home, Pettit quoted the words of Jesus.

Pettit said, "The greatest man to ever walk the face of the earth once said, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for their friends.' I believe Jesus's words perfectly encapsulate the love and sacrifice of the American veteran.

Pettit spoke about how his lifestyle when he was younger was irresponsible and dangerous.

“I did stupid things, which make me shudder to even think about. Sinful things. I fought…a lot. With words and fists, I hurt other people and myself. I put things into my bloodstream that didn’t belong there. I put God on the back burner of my life, and I began to feel the heat of my life’s choices.”

Thankfully, Pettit was inspired after praying to join the military, and his time in the Air Force helped straighten him out.

“God’s voice came back to me clearly. Not in an audible way, but I knew that God was pulling me towards the military.”

Pettit said the Air Force assigned him to his dream job: public affairs.

“This job made me a writer. It put me in charge of communicating the mission of the base commander to all airmen on base through the written word."

The veteran said he saw God's hand in this as well.

"I knew this was God confirming that He wanted me to join the military, and so I did.”

During his time in the Air Force, September 11 happened. Pettit said he remembers it well.

“Halfway through my four-year term, as I was working on the base newspaper, our civilian secretary comes in and mutters something about a plane crashing into the World Trade Tower. We got to the television in time to see people jumping to their deaths to avoid being burned alive. We saw one building fall, and then another. Footage from the Pentagon came next, where we were stunned to see a hole in the side of the Department of Defense headquarters with fire and smoke issuing from it. It's hard to see images of that kind of thing and not think of Armageddon."

Pettit said he knew that the mission at his Air Force base was going to change as he watched the towers fall.

“Nobody in the room spoke a word. We all knew that our mission at Laughlin Air Force Base–and the mission of every U.S. base, post, and installation--had changed dramatically and indefinitely. Although we didn’t know the name for it yet, the War on Terror had begun.”

Pettit informed the audience that he did not serve on the battlefield, but that he has a place in his heart for the men and women who did.

“Thank the Lord for the United States military. And thank God for the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country so that we might be free. No words can truly express the magnitude of what our veterans have done for us.”

In his speech, Pettit recounted a story of when he was younger and undisciplined. He climbed a tower that was hundreds of feet tall, putting his life at risk for the fun of it. This was one of the many things he did that made him realize that he needed discipline, and that the only place to find it, for him, would be in the U.S. military.

"When I got to the top of the tower, I hung my feet off of the side of it, essentially daring God to take me from this world. Imagining what it would be like if I fell. I wasn’t suicidal, I was just careless. Undisciplined. Not doing anything productive with my life. Not bringing honor by the way I was living. Not to my God, not to my family, and not to myself. When I made it back down, I prayed and God assured me that the military would be a good place for me to find the discipline that would save my life."

Pettit closed his speech by using the recurring symbol of the tower to drive his point home.

"Although the military isn’t for everyone, my advice to you is this: listen to the voice of God in your life. Climb the towers that God wants you to climb. And when life comes along and knocks your towers down, pick yourself up and begin climbing again–one rung at a time. "

When you see a veteran, say, “Thank you for your service.” It's the least we can do, and while it doesn't do a whole lot for those who suffered on the battlefield, we can at least show them that we love and respect them for the sacrifices that they made on our behalf.

To listen to Mr. Pettit’s speech, check out the video link in this issue.

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Distinguished veteran recognized at assembly 

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Distinguished veteran recognized at assembly 

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Evan Santos is presented the Distinguished Veterans Award from his daughter, senior Karen Santos, during the Veterans Day Assembly this past Friday.

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Senior, Amenah Chappell, sings her heart out at the Veterans Day assembly.

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Senior, Hope Heredia, reads a poem honoring veterans during Thursday's Veterans Day Assembly.

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Hector Limon, principal, offers words of thanks and gratitude for the sacrifice of American veterans during the Veterans Day Assembly Thursday.

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Tavian Bustos, senior, reads out quotes from veterans during the Veterans Day Assembly this past Friday.

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Seniors, Andrew Rodriguez and Tavian Bustos, read out quotes from veterans during the Veterans Day Assembly Friday.

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Mr. Pettit gives Veterans Day keynote address

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Mr. Pettit gives Veterans Day keynote address

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Senior, Nick Pettit, introduces the keynote speaker for this year's Veterans Day assembly, CHS journalism teacher, Brad Pettit.

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Senior, Hannah Erfanian, reads some inspirational words this past Friday at the Veterans Day Assembly.

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The CHS journalism class shows off their new El Ave News hoodies.