Daily Archives: November 30, 2010

Do Not Forget to Remember “Forget Me Not” Day

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By Tiffany Buchanan

While most are unaware, there has been a specific day set aside for our nation to take time to appreciate friends and family more than usual.  Held annually on November 10th, “Forget Me Not” day originally recognized living ones but along the way became a memorial day for the deceased also.  Students and staff at Plymouth High School share their new found interest in this holiday.

People bustle from place to place with the same routine everyday, usually not taking an extra minute out of their day to appreciate the people in their life.  Senior Anthony Berg explains, “Everybody’s gotta always be going somewhere and doing something all the time.  Just relax.”  Many agree that our society has become so hurried that we tend to take the people in our life for granted.  Junior Jessica Cleveland thinks people do not  cherish their loved ones enough and need to tell them how much they mean.  Sophomore Brandi Reiter says, “You think they will be there forever until one day they might not be.”

“Forget Me Not” day is an attempt to show people how many loved ones they truly have in their life and to remember the ones who are not fortunate enough to still be here.  Freshman Will Sibal explains the importance of this day by saying, “It gives us a chance to slow down and appreciate the people that are or once were in our lives.”  Berg thinks it could help give people relief of the stress in life and wants everyone to use it as an excuse to stay home with the family.  Cleveland explains celebrating “Forget Me Not” day could, “encourage a more friendly environment.  People will not feel  neglected or disregarded on this day.”

This day originated as a day to remember the ones who stand next to you during your everyday trials and tribulations.  Eventually people began recognizing “Forget Me Not” day as a time to reminisce on memories of the living and dead.  Berg thinks the day is fit for both celebrating the living and remembering the dead.  He says, “You love the living, but you can’t let your memories of the dead fade either.”  Cleveland would also celebrate the living because they can better appreciate the time and effort.  On the other hand, some believe  the day should be a memorial for past lovers and friends.  Sibal reasons, “We should not forget the people who were once in our lives.”  Reiter agrees it would be easier for some people to forget the people who have passed away.

Although none of the students or staff interviewed had ever heard of this holiday before, they had some ideas as to the best way to celebrate.  Reiter explains, “with the people in your life now, you should show them some appreciation.  For the people you have lost, take flowers to their grave on this day.”  Cleveland believes everyone should spend time with their loved ones and give them gifts.

One of the reasons this holiday is in the shadow of others could be attributed to the fact that not many people are familiar with “Forget Me Not” day.  To increase popularity of this holiday, Berg suggests making, “a TV show about it and then somebody will put it on Facebook!”  Mrs. Sizemore agreed with making a TV special about the holiday but also added the idea of having people at school writing about someone special in their life and posting them in the halls or library.  Cleveland throws out a few ideas: “People could announce it in school, put it on the calendars, or just start celebrating it every year with their loved ones.”

Now aware of this day, Mrs. Sizemore gives a definite yes to celebrating it this year.  She plans on texting the people she loves and posting a remembrance on her Facebook wall.  Berg answers, “Sure, might as well [celebrate this day]!”  Reiter and Cleveland also decided to add the event to their calendars after learning about the holiday.

Do the people you love a favor this year and celebrate “Forget Me Not” day.  Send flowers, cards, emails, or any appreciative gesture to your friends and family on November 10th.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest Takes the Stage

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By Maggie Morrow

Cast members rehearse a scene from this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest. Photo by: Christina Chipman

Each fall, the Theater Department puts together a family-friendly play for children from surrounding areas to enjoy.  This year, the first trimester acting class will be taking the stage as the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest.
Although the public must wait to see the production until Friday, November 5, there are four children’s shows open to elementary classes; two on Thursday and two on Friday during the school day.  “My favorite part of the class is when we do the children’s shows.  It’s really fun to see them all file in and be excited to see the show,” says junior Kelsey Shaffer.  Elementary students from Plymouth and several surrounding towns come to see the interactive show.  “There’s so much energy when the kids are involved,” Shaffer also adds.
Like Shaffer, everyone has their own favorite parts of the theater class. Whether it be spending time with all the other cast members, or a specific scene, they have all enjoyed many laughs together.  “My favorite part of class is when we are having fun and the whole class is laughing hardcore about something someone said,” says senior Olivia Houin.  While senior Lauren Kelso most appreciates the freedom given during class, junior Olivia Hilliard says, “I love acting, spending time with my friends, and expressing myself as a different person.”
Putting all fun aside, however, the cast has a rigorous and time-consuming schedule in preparation for the show.  Class time each day is dedicated to running through scenes, preparing costumes and make-up, making programs, organizing advertisements and more.  Each student is on a committee involving one of these many needs for preparation, each with their own duties.  Also, two weeks prior to the show, there are mandatory dress rehearsals every night for about two to three hours.  “Since I have been in many other shows, I know what to expect.  However, for the new people it is probably more work than they expected because a lot of effort goes into these shows,” states Kelso.
With so much to do, most of the students find themselves rehearsing lines at home or during down time in other classes.  Houin admits to practicing her lines for about one to two hours on the nights before memorization tests.  “Practice is key.  The more you practice, the better you know your lines and then you can focus more on creating a fun character,” states Shaffer.  Although senior Sarah Gouker is not at all overwhelmed with her work load, she does say that keeping in character as the bunny she portrays can sometimes be challenging.  Junior Connor Flynn, like Gouker, sometimes finds a challenge impersonating his character as a dwarf.  “It is kind of funny that dwarfs are short and I’m one of the tallest people in class,” he jokes.
Although the concept of being child-friendly is in no way new, some students feel as though there are several different aspects this year that may take some getting used to.  “I think this play is more modernized than some,” Shaffer states.  “It’s super fun and different because last year we didn’t have animals,” Hilliard says in comparison with last year’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Shaffer also adds that there are many surprises in store for this year’s production.  “I love acting and I always have.”

“I just hope that everyone likes the play this year,” says senior Jordin Cook.  “There is a princess in this one, what more could you want?”