Students During the Christmas Season

By Calies Van Philips

Christmas cards hanging on the main office door window at Atlanta Adventist Academy in Duluth Ga. on Friday Dec 12. 2014

The students at Atlanta Adventist Academy have different opinions about Christmas including; their favorite part of the season or how they celebrate Christmas, if they even do. But overall, students seem to enjoy this time of year. 

“I like giving gifts to those I care for because I love to see them happy and smiling, I also love receiving gifts,” said senior Jeslyn Henley.

Cristal Pizarro, a senior, said she likes spending time with her family by the fireplace while watching TV or playing video games. 

“I hate the singing, every year it’s the same thing!” said Matthew Cordner, a sophomore. 

Cordner said his family doesn’t celebrate Christmas because it’s a pagan holiday, but he still enjoys the presents he gets from his family. Myjoi Barker, also a sophomore,agrees with Cordner about the fun of gifting.

“…The presents, that’s actually all I like,” said Barker.

Even though students may not celebrate Christmas, they allagree that Christmas is about others.  

Pizarro said Christmas is about “recognizing” that Christmas is not about the gifts, but to “remember” Jesus was born on this earth to save us. 

Since its not Jesus’ real birthday, Henley said Christmas is about the “family and friends” she loves spending time with. 

At the end of the day it seems the students at AAA will be happy spending time with friends and family during this holiday season. 

Morgan Parker walking through the doors of Atlanta Atlanta Adventist Academy in Duluth Ga. on Friday Dec. 12, 2014

From the left: Ronald Sorto and Morgan Parker walking though the hallway. The AAA Christmas Tree is in the middle with presents for the less fortunate sitting underit at Atlanta Adventist Academy in Duluth Ga. on Friday Dec. 12, 2014 

Atlanta Adventist Academy's trip to the CNN Headquarters

The CNN Headquarters in Atlanta Georgia is seen on Monday Nov. 17, 2014 (AAA News/ Calies Van Philips)

According to a security guard that works at the CNN Headquarters, the rooms pictured are a mix of hotel rooms and offices.

Atlanta Adventist Academy's trip to the CNN Headquarters

The CNN Tour Guide leads the tour at the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta Georgia on Monday Nov. 17, 2014 (AAA News/ Calies Van Philips)

Atlanta Advertising Academy's Trip to the Atlanta Journalism-Constitution

 Mark Waligore's Office is seen at the AJC Headquarters in Dunwoody - Perimiter Center, Georgia, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 (AAA News/ Calies Van Philips)

Atlanta Adventist Academy's Trip to the Atlanta Journalism-Constitution

The AJC Staff hard at work at the AJC headquarters in Dunwoody - Perimiter Center, Georgia, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014.(AAA News/ Calies Van Philips)

According to entertainment editor, Jamila Robinson of the AJC, when there is a new social media site, they "get on it" right away. 

"It depends on how useful the social media site is.." 

Robinson uses Instagram and "loves" it. She thinks it's very convenient because there isn't a character limit and a photo can be added. 

"....we show stories and pictures." She says.

Robinson thinks Twitter is also a great way to get news out in a short amount of time and to gather information. She uses it often in her line of work.

Atlanta Adventist Academy's Trip to the Atlanta Journalism-Constitution

From the left sitting is Ronald Sorto, Myjoi Barker, Derick Mendez, Jayvon McKinley, Mark Wiligore, Hansley Joseph, and Cristal Pizarro at the AJC Headquarters in Dunwoody - Perimiter Center, Georgia, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 (AAA News/ Calies Van Philips)

Mark Waligore, a managing editor at the AJC, says that the company has a meeting every morning at 8:00. In this meeting they discuss important information. 

"Typically this meeting is where we ask 'what should we follow'" 

They typically follow stories of high interest.

"A lot of our best stories come from a follow up" Waligore said.