Hope For Haiti
By: Julia Baynor

     The devastation in the country of Haiti after experiencing a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 is nothing less than catastrophic. The earthquake hit close to the country's capital, Port-au-Prince. Two-thirds of the buildings in the city, including historical sites like the Presidential Palace and the National Cathedral fell to the ground, killing countless people. To date, around 230,000 deaths have been confirmed, but total casualties are estimated to be up to 400,000.

     Shortly after the earthquake hit, images were projected across the world through televisions and computers of the heartbreaking tragedy that had destroyed an entire nation. The devastation in Haiti is great, but the global response has been ever greater. Relief efforts from all over the world began pouring into the suffering country, bringing food and water, medicine, and sanitary relief. Aide came from land, air and sea with ships and planes full of supplies and rescuers filling the skies and oceans.

     Thousands upon thousands of donations and pledges, as well as support groups that began to raise money sprung up immediately following the earthquake. People came together quickly, donations coming from every end of the world, spanning from large donations from celebrities, organizations, and governments, to small ones from schools and even individually run drives.

     MJHS was no different. In less than a week after news of the earthquake, senior Troy Solava organized the donation drive Hope for Haiti. With help from a plethora of students, Solava began taking cash donations as well as clothes and sanitary products like Germ-X, Band-Aides, and baby wipes and formula. For Solava, the devastation of Haiti hit him on a personal level. “Having been to Haiti twice, the children there inspired me to help. I love the country and the people”. And help he did. Hope for Haiti raised nearly 1500 dollars, in addition to bags and bags of clothes and sanitary products.

     Solava insists that he never could have made Hope for Haiti possible without the help of others, and would like “to thank fellow students for helping and donating, and especially [teachers like] Mrs. Pulley and Mr. Brown”. Solava's compassion for the Haitian people and effort to help them shows that even one person can make a difference. If the world can work hand in hand, one person at a time, there is hope for the people Haiti to rebuild their country, as well as their lives.

Congressman Jim Cooper Visits MJHS
By:Devin Siever

Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper came to Mt. Juliet High School to speak to students about the great opportunities available through political internships. Cooper, who visited the school for the ribbon cutting ceremony, was in the area and wanted to come to Mt. Juliet High school again. This time, it was Mr. Seal’s government class who had the opportunity to hear him speak.

     He told the students about the different types of internships that are available to them and about the process of application.  Mt. Juliet students have an advantage that many students do not have: living so close to the capital which is the hub of political activity in the state of Tennessee.  Getting involved in politics through these internships gives students the opportunity to gain a new perspective along with new skills that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

    Along with this, Cooper also told students about his personal background and answered questions about his opinion on different topics.  Not surprisingly the topic that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was the health care bill.  He believes that passing the bill is crucial not only to the nation but also to the state; however, he feels that there are several areas of the bill that still need improvement.

Because of this Cooper believes it will be awhile before the bill is passed. Mr. Seal was pleased with the congressman’s visit.  He said that it is good for students to have a chance to interact with a government official.  He says that these types of interactions allow high school students to build their own opinion of politics.“It is nice to see government officials taking an interest in high school education,” said junior Topher Davidson.

      Cooper is active in the Mt. Juliet area and is always glad to visit and talk with high school students. Cooper was not only impressed by the students but the school in general.

     “Mt. Juliet High School is the finest in the area and I was glad to visit,” said Congressman Jim Cooper.