Benchmark Financial Groups, Aliso Viejo, CA
Bulletin Board Complaint

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, 65 Enterprise Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

"Let the Buyer Beware"

(from: http://benchmarkleasinglosers.com/ --collection of complaints web site by Ron Kensey:
http://benchmarkleasinglosers.com/Contact.html)

This is the eighth Bulletin Board Complaint received by Leasing News and concerns the return of $4,120.65 from HCCN, Inc dba Hispanic Christian Community Network, 8500 N. Stemmons Freeway Suite 5050, Dallas, Texas.

Since November 10, 2010 Leasing News has made numerous telephone calls to Benchmark Financial Groups principal Marcus Davin from three different telephone numbers in case the original Leasing News was being blocked, as well as sending emails from three different email originations. None of the communication attempts were returned, although documents and statements from the Hispanic Christian Community Network were included.

The complaint stems from a proposal dated October 7, 2008 with a signed document and ACH check procedure on January 19, 2009.(1)

November 9, 2010:
"Hello Kit, my name is Antonio Cesar Guel from HCCN, Inc. and I am contacting you because I looked Leasing News up on the web, and it got my attention because I have a problem and maybe you can help me, I paid more than $4,000 four thousand dollars to a company (Benchmark Finance Groups, LLC) to get a loan and they didn't give Hispanic Christian Community Network anything. I have more than a year and they have said, "I will return the money" but they haven't returned anything to me so I think that is not fair, and I was wondering if you could help me some how with my situation I will really appreciate it."

Antonio Cesar Guel / CEO
8500 N. Stemmons Freeway Suite 5050
Dallas, TX 75247
Tel: 214-879-0081
Fax: 214-879-0083
E-mail: cesarguelhccn@aol.com

A Google search brings up many complaints:

Trust Link Ratings:
http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Benchmark-Financial-Groups-LLC-205943816

Scam
http://www.complaints.com/2010/june/28/
SCAM_BY_BENCHMARK_FINANCIAL_GROUPS_LLC_236740.htm

January 7, 2010 Ripoff Report:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/loans/benchmark-financial/benchmark-financial-group-llc-afce2.htm

March 8, 2009 Ripoff Report:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/loans/benchmark-financial/benchmark-financial-groups-ll-3eae3.htm

 

Benchmark First Web Site:
http://www.benchmarkfg.info/

A telephone conversation with Mr. Antonio Cesar Guel, Hispanic Christian Community Network, said he has talked to many at Benchmark for over a year with promises of sending the money back, and now they don’t even take his telephone calls.

In addition to the complaints on the web, there are many filings of small claims and other court action:

Benchmark #1
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Benchmark1.pdf

Benchmark #2 (Here are more filings as well as UCC filings showing leases with Enterprise Funding Group, Evans National Bank, LEAF Financial, and Lakeland Bank.)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Benchmark2.pdf

Benchmark #3 (Court case)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Benchmark3.pdf

1. HCCN Lease Documentation
   http://leasingnews.org/PDF/BenchmarkDocs.pdf
   

Better Business Bureau "F" rating:
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Benchmark-Financial-Groups-LLC-100045720

Previous Leasing News Bulletin Board Complaints

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2010/4_07.htm#bbc_benchmark

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://leasingnews.org/archives/December%202009/12-29-09.htm#bbc

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://leasingnews.org/archives/December%202009/12-14-09.htm#benchmark

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://leasingnews.org/archives/September%202009/09-24-09.htm#Bulletin1

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://leasingnews.org/archives/September%202009/09-24-09.htm#Bulletin2

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/June%202009/06-10-09.htm#BulletinBoard

Benchmark Financial Groups, LLC, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/April%202009/04-06-09.htm#bbc

Classified Ads---Job Wanted---Sales

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment
or looking to improve their position)

Cherry Hill, NJ College grad seeking entry level sales position for equipment leasing and financing in small to mid-size ticket markets. Have 6 months experience in the industry and self-motivated. Contact Matt at 609-280-2178 or email at mkuzan@gmail.com

California Aggressive, competitive self-starter with vendor/direct equipment leasing and asset-based lending experience. Success in business banking sales and financial planning. Email: dsp559@hotmail.com | Resume

South Central, FL Years of exp in mid-ticket niched leasing. Not currently in leasing. Seek entry or other position with direct lender. David34983@att.net

Garfield, NJ 15 years experience small to large ticket sales exp. All types of equipment industries. Vendor & direct. Self motivated. Work with leasing company or broker. Tony Lio tonylio@optonline.net

Marlton, NJ Over 25 years successful experience, sales and sales management, equipment leasing.  Captive, vendor, bank-oriented.  Mainly mid-ticket.  Willing to travel. steve.gaul@signsbytomorrow.com phone: 856.985.6400

Minneapolis, MN 16 years leasing experience from micro to large ticket market, variety of equipment. Most recently calling on vendor telecom dealers in Upper Midwest.  golfadm@yahoo.com

Montgomery, AL Individual with 10 years advertising sales exp. & 7 years insurance sales exp. Wants independent contractor situation in Alabama. Work with leasing company or broker. 334-590-5133 E-mail: billmcneal2003@yahoo.com

Orange County, CA 20+ years in leasing sales & sales management. Have estab. existing remote office with Lessee /Vender following. Looking for a partnership w/funding source. shermbp@gmail.com

Philadelphia Metro Area - 30 Years experience Healthcare sales/ management- 3 years experience newly create "small-ticket" healthcare division. Good success - Mitch Utz 215-460-4483 Email: mitutz@msn.com

Philadelphia, Pa 16 years small to large ticket sales exp., variety equip. w/vendor & direct. Top performer, building new and existing territories. Email at phillylease@hotmail.com

Pittsburgh , PA Aggressive self starter looking for leasing position w/10 plus yrs sales exp., plus banking experience 814-227-4592 mwiser500@hotmail.com

Pittsburgh, PA Over 25 years of leasing experience including Captive, Dealer, Broker, and Third Party. Multiple equipment types. Seeking a Territory or National Sales position. vsiegel2@aol.com

San Francisco Bay Area: Business Development “Hunter” with transferable book of business in multiple segments: commercial construction, technology, fitness, etc. Years of managerial experience: can also be a “player/coach”. E-mail: VdrPgmBizDev@aol.com

Texas/Oklahoma 15 year lease vet looking for plact to take business.great references. all major equipment types. open to compensation. please contact if interested. E-mail: bankingdallas@yahoo.com

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

Is the New Washington Tax Proposal Good for Leasing?

Putting aside any politics or talk about deficits, but just looking at the tax proposal worked out by President Obama’s team and the Republican leadership team (remember, staff does the work, not the actual president or congressman or senators), it looks favorable to increasing capital leases, and may also spur more operating leases, even with new FASB rules that will make shorter leases and return of equipment more popular for tax purposes.

Leasing News asked Shawn Halladay, Principal, The Alta Group, well-known author and highly respected accounting expert, as well as a director on the Leasing News Advisory Board, for his opinion:

“What you refer to in the article is the expanded Section 179 deduction, which allows 100% expensing up to the $500,000 limit with a $2,000,000 phase out plan. This benefit is in the current Code. What the Administration is proposing is part of a bigger program: 100% expensing of equipment without any limitations.

“Allowing businesses to expense the full cost would cost about $30 billion over 10 years, which, as we all know, is a timing cost since it would cost around $200 to 300 billion in the first 2-3 years. The benefit, of course, and as someone once pointed out, is that these incentives can deliver a large short-term “bang” for a relatively low long-term ‘buck.’

“ The government has used these techniques for many years, although there is debate as to how effective they really are. You may, for instance, get a boost in capital expenditures as businesses take advantage of the tax savings, but they may slow investment when it expires, or defer investment now in expectation of an extension of the benefit that can be used when the economy is stronger. I don’t know how realistic such a provision really is, though, given the current deficit.

“With that said, any incentive like this is looked upon favorably by the equipment finance industry. Much of the benefit will flow through nontax lease financing, as companies shelter their income by keeping the depreciation benefit. Lease rates will become very attractive for those lessees with NOLs, AMT credits, or foreign tax issues.

“I could even argue that now would be a great time to take advantage of FMV leases, since there is a short window when lessees can receive aggressive, tax-based pricing, and still get off balance sheet financing on the deal. Furthermore, given the expected timing of the lease accounting changes, this off balance sheet benefit will have minimal future consequence for shorter term leases.”

Shawn Halladay, The Alta Group
shalladay@thealtagroup.com

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 proposed by President Obama and signed into law last September extended first-year bonus depreciation up to 50%, allowing companies to accelerate depreciation that would generally be taken in later years.

The new proposal increases the maximum deduction for newly acquired personal property to $500,000, meaning qualifying taxpayers may deduct up to $500,000 in the cost of qualifying depreciation. There are limits in depreciable property for the year; however, the latest proposal brings the limit up from $800,000 to $2 million for tax years beginning in 2010 and 2011.

In addition, investment in small business stock would exclude a gain if held for more than five years, and at the same time, not result in AMT tax.

To be eligible for the exclusion, the individual must generally acquire the small business stock at its original issue (directly or through an underwriter) for money, for property other than stock, or as compensation for services. When the stock is issued, the aggregate gross assets of the issuing corporation may not exceed $50 million. In addition, the corporation also must use at least 80 percent of the value of its assets in the active conduct of one or more qualified trades or businesses.

The amount of gain eligible for the 100 percent exclusion by an individual with respect to any corporation is capped at the greater of 10 times the taxpayer’s basis in the stock, or $10 million.

There are other provisions all aimed at giving incentive to create new businesses.

More information on the current proposal:
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Theres-Still-Time-to-Write-Off-Up-to-500000-in-Asset-Purchases-for-2010-NYSE-TRI-1364566.htm

Farmers may not be thrilled with the new proposals:
http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/enhance-risk-management-strategies-through-tax-planning-112

Gary DiLillo, President 216-658-5618 or gary@avptc.com To learn more about the benefits of outsourcing personal property tax, please click here.

Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Sales

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Arvest Equipment Finance is looking to fill the position of Equipment Finance Specialist. Qualified applicants should have (5) plus years of bank leasing experience, a college degree, as well as a proven track record of success in sales. If interested, please go to www.arvest.com and click on careers for a complete and detailed job description. We offer an excellent pay and benefits package along with a company vehicle. EOE/AA Arverst Equipment Finance

Vehicle Lenders Group, LLC is looking for dynamic sales associate. Either work out of one of our offices in Calif. , Dayton, or Oyster Bay, NY or your own office. Draw w/benefits after three month probation period. Must have excellent references, honest, self motivated, able to generate $500,000 a month by the end of 12 months of employment. Curt Webster, CVLE 516-922-7447 ext 104 http://www.trucklendersusa.com/

Account Executives - Inside Sales Calabasas, CA Base salary plus commission. Minimum 1 yr experience. Please send resumes to: jobs@teqlease.com Attn: Mike Lockwood or Russ Runnalls CLP www.TEQlease.com

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

First Trillion investors let Galloway team down

As noted when Dwight Galloway, CLP, was closing down LEAF Specialty Finance, South Carolina, he was aware his former team was negotiating funding to open a small ticket operation exclusively
for brokers. His investors have backed and the only Christmas gift this season appears to be the first time Dwight is not active in the industry he loves.

In September, Ron Elwood, Marketing Coordinator, First Trillion Funding, LLC, made this announcement:

“We are excited to announce the formation of First Trillion Funding, LLC. FTF will provide funding nationwide for brokers and lessors through its office in Columbia, South Carolina. The funding source will offer application-only financing up to $75K and commercial and franchise financing to $250K. Although a new entity, First Trillion will be operated by an experienced team of managers and many experienced credit, funding and servicing experts already well known to most of the broker/lessor community. The team expects to begin funding in November.”
relwood1@windstream.net

The date was then put off to December, but Trillion is now calling brokers signed up for the program to tell them the bad news.

Dwight appeared very upset and did not want to talk about it. He did send out a personal message to his friends on his mailing list.
 
"Although more than two dozen South Carolina employees (formerly the team of NetBank Business Finance and prior to that Republic Leasing) have been working for months preparing to open for business, First Trillion's planned-for network of banks has not materialized and the managing member has made the decision not to go forward with the equipment finance business. 

This sudden development leaves me without an alternate plan but I will immediately try to find a solution that will enable this great, profitable team to build another successful equipment finance funding source to serve the broker industry. 
 
"My personal contact information is: 803-528-0875 and dg29210@gmail.com."

Ready, Willing, Able: Dwight Galloway, CLP
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2010/8_11.htm#willing_able

John Kenny Receivables Management • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement • Fraud Investigations • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167| www.jkrmdirect.com

Resource America cuts LEAF Financial’s Allowance
by Christopher Menkin

As Leasing News has been writing about the serious layoffs at LEAF Financial, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, here’s one of the main reasons: the three months ending September 30, 2010 for its parent Resource America (NASDAQ: REXI) shows a GAAP loss of $8.5 million. The balance sheet loss shows $7.87 million compared to a profit the same time period in 2009 of $126,000. Year-end 2010 is a $13.5 million loss and 2009 $14.9 million loss. More than likely the Cohen’s will wind up buying Resource America back, or most of it, as a private enterprise. Reportedly The Cohen shareholders already own 23% of the stock (fully diluted).

Echoing the cutbacks in personnel as reported in previous Leasing News articles regarding LEAF Financial, the three month ending 2010 for "commercial finance" for Resource America shows September 30, 2010 revenue shows $1.85 million compared to $7.9 million for September 30, 2009. The year-end is not as dramatic, but indicates the trend is continuing downward as year-end September 30, 2010 is $23.67 million compared to $48.7 million September 30, 2010.

Leaf has no equity of its own, it never has. It has always got its working capital from Resource America and equity for the funds from investors. It has no separate financial statements to show the public, everything is "blended/consolidated" with the parent. This makes it more difficult to see how LEAF was really doing as a standalone company. Their funds are set up where the investors take all credit losses – not LEAF and not Resource America.

There are many million of dollars of credit losses not showing up on the parent’s financials because they are being absorbed by the investors. Even with credit losses not showing as part of Resource America, they are still showing operating losses on their books.

If “commercial finance is “ Leaf, they are showing a -81% decrease in revenues from $9,805M to $1,853M; and a loss of -$2,493M from a gross profit of $4,690M (before G&A expenses) for the same 2009 quarterly period last year.

A press release from Resource American noted:
"Decreased Borrowings: As of September 30, 2010, the Company reduced its consolidated borrowings outstanding by $125 3 million, or 65%, to $66.1 million from $191.4 million at September 30, 2009. This decrease primarily reflects the repayment and termination of the commercial finance credit facility, which had a $136 5 million balance at September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2010, borrowings include $20.8 million in non-recourse short-term bridge financing for commercial finance, $14.1 million of corporate revolving debt, $14.3 million of senior notes, net of a discount, and $16 9 million of other debt, of which $13 5 million is in mortgage debt secured by the underlying properties."

September 30, 2010 8K SEC filing:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/ResourceAmericaFilings_1210.pdf

More Layoffs at LEAF:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leaf_resource.html

Classified ads—Software

Leasing Industry Outsourcing (Providing Services and Products)

Software: Edmonds, WA Preferred Broker Solutions offers software support (also custom templates & reports) for the System 1 and CapitalStream Advantage products. Ask about our Web Application interface. E-mail:support@pbs4u.com

All "Outsourcing" Classified ads (advertisers are both requested and responsible to keep their free ads up to date:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing.htm

How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing-post.htm

 

### Press Release ############################

Lake Forest, California Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

Submitted false and altered bank statements to Internal Revenue Service during audit

Los Angeles – Sergio Villegas, the sole shareholder of Blue Line Cleaning Service, Inc. located in Orange, California, pleaded guilty to a tax charge in United States District Court in Los Angeles.

A resident of Lake Forest, California, Villegas entered his guilty plea before the Honorable United States District Court Judge George H. King to charges that he failed to report all of his income to the Internal Revenue Service for tax year 2006.

According to the filed plea agreement, during the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, Villegas failed to deposit all of Blue Line’s business checks that he received for cleaning and maintenance services provided by Blue Line. Instead, Villegas diverted funds from his corporations for his personal use by taking checks payable to Blue Line, cashing them, and then depositing the cash into his personal bank account.

The checks that were not deposited into the Blue Line business bank account in 2004, 2005, and 2006, represented the income that Villegas failed to report on the Blue Line’s corporate tax returns (Forms 1120), and also on his personal returns for 2004, 2005, and 2006 (Forms 1040).

According to the fled plea agreement, Villegas submitted false and altered bank statements during a 2004 IRS audit for his personal tax return.

For tax year 2006, Villegas failed to report an additional $198,359.00 in gross business receipts on Blue Line’s corporate return, resulting in an additional tax due and owing of $77,359.00.

For tax years 2004 and 2005, Villegas failed to report an additional $100,715.00 and $96,967.00 in gross business receipts on Blue Line’s corporate returns, resulting in additional tax due and owing of $32,998.00 and $32,278.00, for the respective years 2005 and 2005.

Villegas conducted financial transactions in a manner that was designed to conceal his true and correct taxable income, and he knew he received substantial income during years 2004, 2005, and 2006, and was required to report his true taxable income and paying the taxes due. For tax years 2004, 2005, and 2006, Villegas diverted $396,041.00 in corporate income from Blue Line to himself, resulting in an additional tax due and owing of $20,791.00, $23,667.00, and $33,376.00 for the respective years 2004, 2005, and 2006.

The established total income tax loss (corporate and individual) to the government is $220,469.00.

“This guilty plea serves as a reminder to all individuals and business owners that they risk prosecution if they intentionally conceal their income and fail to report it to the IRS,” said Leslie P. DeMarco, Special Agent in Charge for IRS-Criminal Investigation in the Los Angeles Field Office.

Villegas is scheduled to be sentenced March 7, 2011, before Judge George H. King.

This investigation is a product of work by IRS-Criminal Investigation in the Los Angeles Field Office and the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

#### Press Release #############################

Aliso Viejo, California---Adopt-a-Dog

Terry

Breed: Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium) / Cairn Terrier Mix
Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Color: Black - With Gray or Silver
Sex: Male
Age: Young
Terry is:
already neutered
not good with kids
has special needs
not good with dogs
not good with cats
up to date with shots

"Terry is a very special dog who needs a loving, patient, and understanding owner! He came from a shelter and has fear/aggression issues with strangers. However, he's getting better daily with his training and is learning to trust people again. He is a great lap dog and loves going on walks and being near his person. Terry is about two years old, neutered, and up to date on all his shots."

Contact this rescue group to adopt Terry ...Rescue Group: Hearts for Hounds

Phone: Please email this shelter below!
(They don't list their phone number here)
E-mail: heartforhounds@gmail.com
- Let 'em know you saw "Terry" on Adopt-a-Pet.com!

Hearts for Hounds
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
heartforhounds@gmail.com

http://www.adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/76789.htm

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/\

News Briefs----

Is proposed tax plan a game-changer for the economy?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-12-08-taxecon08_CV_N.htm

For Obama, Tax Deal Is a Back-Door Stimulus Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/business/economy/08leonhardt.html?_r=1&hp

Mitcham Industries Reports $20 Million due to Leasing
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mitcham-industries-reports-fiscal-2011-third-quarter-results-111467244.html

The improbable rise of Marc Benioff and Salesforce.com
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_16801739?nclick_check=1

 

 

You May have Missed---

The 50 Greatest College Football Players of All Time
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/528267-the-top-50-college-football-players-of-all-time#page/1

 

 

 

Sports Briefs----

Last chance for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith
http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_16802901

 

California Nuts Briefs---

California's economy will pick up somewhat in 2011, forecasts say
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-1207-econ-forecast-20101207,0,226435.story

Schwarzenegger misses last chance for unvarnished budget message
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/07/3238182/dan-walters-schwarzenegger-misses.html

Jerry Brown makes First Appointments
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/12/jerry-brown-names-first-two-ap.html

 

 

 

“Gimme that Wine”

From water -- to wine? Fiji Water buys California winery
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2010/12/fiji-water-winery-justin-vineyards-paso-robles-sale.html

Napa: long, cool 2010 promises 'elegant' vintage
http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/509023/napa-long-cool-2010-promises-elegant-vintage

Alluring Burgundies in Low Places--by Eric Asimov
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/dining/08wine.html?ref=dining

Book presents guide to Livermore-area wineries
http://www.mercurynews.com/libations/ci_16770614?nclick_check=1

Small Virginia Winery Goes Up For Sale
http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/07/small-virginia-winery-goes-up-for-sale/

The Hub's Hottest Chefs Take Center Stage at the 20th Anniversary Boston Wine Expo
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-hubs-hottest-chefs-take-center-stage-at-the-20th-anniversary-boston-wine-expo-111438934.html

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com

http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm

     1776- George Washington's retreating army in the American Revolution crossed the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.
    1850-The first college graduate who was African-American woman was Lucy Ann Stanton of Cleveland, OH, who graduated this day from Oberlin College, Oberlin OH, receiving the Bachelor of Literature degree.
http://www.oberlin.edu/archive/holdings/finding/RG5/SG4/S3/graduates.html
    1861-William “Billy “Durant birthday, almost forgotten by US history. He was a leading producer of carriages at Flint, Michigan; promoter of the Buick car; co founder of Chevrolet and founder, in 1908, of General Motors. He lost, regained and again lost control of GM, after which he founded Durant Motors, went bankrupt in the Great Depression, and operated a Flint bowling alley in his last working years. He died in New York, New York, 1947, basically a penniless man.
http://www.classiccar.com/articles/william_durant.asp
    1863- President Abraham Lincoln issued a" proclamation of amnesty and reconstruction," offering full pardon to all southerners who voluntarily took a "prescribed oath." When the Civil War was over, there was great political strife toward forgiving the South and various plans that Abraham Lincoln had in place were ignored, except for this proclamation, which also halted the hanging of Jefferson Davis as hatred was more popular at the time than coming together as one nation. Historian believe that if Abraham Lincoln were not assassinated, he would have changed the history of Southern reconstruction and would have united the nation with this action. President Lincoln issued another proclamation on March 26,1864. President Andrew Johnson issued supplemental proclamations on May 29,1865: September 7,1867; July 4,1868: and December 25,1868.
    1879-Louisiana ratifies a new state constitution, also moving the state capital from
New Orleans to Baton Rouge
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec08.html
    1886-Birthday of Diego Rivera, Mexican painter whose murals became center of political controversy, born at Guanajuato, Mexico. Died in his studio at San Angel, near Mexico City, Nov 25, 1957.
http://www.diegorivera.com/
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/rivera_diego.html
    1894-James Grover Thurber, American humorist and artist, long-time contributor to the New Yorker, born at Columbus, OH. Died at New York, NY, Nov 2, 1961.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/thurber.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~ritter/thurber/index.html
    1894-Popeye creator Elzie Crisler Segar was born at Chester, IL. Originally called Thimble Theater, the comic strip that came to be known as Popeye had the unusual format of a one-act play in cartoon form. Centered on the Oyl family, especially daughter Olive, the strip introduced a new central character in 1929. A one-eyed sailor with bulging muscles, Popeye became the strip's star attraction almost immediately. Popeye made it to the silver screen in animated form and in 1980 became a movie with Robin Williams playing the lead. Segar died Oct 13, 1938, at Santa Monica, CA.
http://home.earthlink.net/~thimbletheatre/ecsegar.html
    1912-Clarinetist Irving Fazola (Irving H. Prestopnik ) born, New Orleans, La.
Died 29 March 1949.
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/fazola_irving/bio.jhtml
http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/f2/irving_fazola_b.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/
195844/104-3191958-8595946
    1913-Trumpeter-violinist Ray Nance born Chicago, Ill ( with Duke Ellington from 1940 to 1963).
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,472065,00.html?artist=Ray+Nance
http://trumpetjazz.netfirms.com/Artists/Ray_Nance.html
http://www.theiceberg.com/artist/24957/ray_nance.html
    1917 -a severe winter storm struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes. Buffalo, NY was buried under 25 inches of snow with wind gusts to 78 mph. 26 inches fell at Vevay, IN with drifts to 14 feet
    1923-Norman Rockwell’s “Christmas,” one of his earliest covers for the Post when they were still in black and red, Norman Rockwell's 1923 Christmas cover for the magazine depicted a trio performing Christmas carols. In Rockwell's biography he reveals that not one of his three models had an iota of musical talent.
http://posters.barnesandnoble.com/search/Product.asp?userid=
4Z1KKRMDX1&WRK=3346590
http://www.satevepost.org/
http://www.nrm.org/norman/
    1925-Birthday of Sammy Davis, Jr., born at New York, NY, Sammy Davis, Jr, was the son of vaudevillians and first appeared on the stage at the age of four. He made his first film appearance in Rufus Jones for President in 1931. He then joined the Will Mastin Trio. The popular song-and-dance team was popular on the night club circuit; as Davis matured, his singing, dancing and impersonations became the center of the act. Davis began performing on his own in the 1950s, headlining club engagements, appearing on television variety shows and making numerous records. His Broadway debut came in 1956 in the hit musical Mr. Wonderful, and in the late '50s and early '60s he starred in a number of films, including a series with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Davis died at Los Angeles, CA, May 16, 1990. Sammy Davis, Jr
http://www.sammydavisjunior.com/ http://www.celebritystorm.com/bluesandjazzandfolk/pics/SammyDavisJr/
    1926-Guitarist Slim ( Eddie Lee Jones) born Greenwood, MS
    1927-bassist George Tucker born Palatka ,FL
http://www.mosaicrecords.com/DisplaySelectionDetail.asp?SelectionID=1002
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/music/00/09/14/horace_parlan.html
http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/woods_j_cat.html
    1932-bassist Bob Cranshaw born Evanston IL
http://www.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,418363,00.html?artist=Bob+Cranshaw
http://www.centrohd.com/biogra/c1/bob_cranshaw_b.htm
    1937-composer Don Sebesky born Amboy, NJ
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/sebesky_don/bio.jhtml
    1937-Birthday of James MacArthur ( “Book ‘em Danno.”) Los Angeles, California.
http://www.jamesmacarthurfanclub.com/biography.shtml
http://www.jmdigitalscrapbook.com/javaindex.html
    1938 - The temperature at La Mesa, CA, soared to 108 degrees to set a U.S. record for the month of December.
    1940—Birthday of David Carradine, “grasshopper,” born Hollywood, California.
http://www.ieway.com/~ckbales/david.html
http://www.davidcarradine.org/
    1940-The most lopsided victory: The Chicago Bears won the NFL championship by defeating the Washington Redskins, 73-0, the most one-sided victory in the league’s title game. Played at Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC, the Bears won the Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy. This game was also the first professional football championship game broadcast on radio. The Mutual Broadcasting System paid $25,000 for the rights to the game, which was broadcast by Walter Lanier “Red” Barber.
    1941-Jimmy Dorsey band records, “Tangerine,” Decca 4123
    1941-trumpet/flugelhorn player Franco Ambrosetti born Lugano Switzerland
http://www.weinmanntours.ch/current/artists/franco_ambrosetti/franco_ambrosetti.html
http://www.enjarecords.com/FRANCO_AMBROSETTI.htm
http://www.inderbinen.com/franco.htm
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/ambrosetti_franco/bio.jhtml
    1941- America's Pacific fleet lay in ruins at Pearl
Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt requests, and receives, a declaration of war against Japan. Leaning heavily on the arm of his son James, a Marine captain, FDR walked haltingly into the House of Representatives at noon to request a declaration of war from the House and address the nation via radio. "Yesterday," the president proclaimed, "December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." Roosevelt's 10-minute speech, ending with an oath-"So help us God"-was greeted in the House by thunderous applause and stamping of feet. Within one hour, the president had his declaration of war, with only one dissenting vote, from a pacifist in the House. FDR signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband to symbolize mourning for those lost at Pearl Harbor. On both coasts, civilian defense groups were mobilized. In New York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered the rounding up of Japanese nationals, who were transported to Ellis Island and held in custody indefinitely. In California, antiaircraft batteries were set up on Long Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Reports on supposed spy activity on the part of Japanese Americans began pouring into Washington, even as Japanese Americans paid for space in newspapers to declare unreservedly their loyalty to the United States. War is also declared upon Japan by British, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Free French, several South American countries. China declares war upon Germany, Italy and Japan. The latter is a formal declaration only as a de facto state of war has existed between China and Japan for 7 years. Montanan Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress and a dedicated lifelong pacifist, casts the sole Congressional vote against the U.S. declaration of war on Japan.
    1941 - Japanese troops occupy the city of Shanghai and capture a small US garrison in the foreign section.
    1941- A US tanker was shelled by a Japanese submarine off Cape Mendocino. During this time period oil fields were fired on as well as small submarines landing, balloon bombs in Oregon, more likely more a "fear" tactic, but it worked as it worked, resulting in many defense projects for landings by Japanese, as well as the inturnment of American citizens of Japanese descent.
    1941 - USS Wake (PR-3), a river gunboat moored at Shanghai, is only U.S. vessel to surrender during World War II.
    1941- The Japanese attack begins with the capture of Bataan Island and the creation of an airstrip for plane refueling. Japanese invasion troops leave Paulau for the Philippines. The main attack begins with massive air bombardment which reduces the American defenses to 17 B-17's and less than 40 fighters. Most of the planes are destroyed on the ground. American General Douglas MacArthur has under his command 130,000 troops (20,000 Americans). His plan to defend the island becomes nonviable after the destruction of the main portion of the his air force and the losses at Pearl Harbor.1941- Fears of offending American public opinion by violating Thailand's neutrality have prevented the British from preparing defenses in Thailand and difficulties with Thai border guards prevent a quick response to the Japanese landings further north.
    1941 - Japanese aircraft attacked Wake Island within hours of the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. Marines of the 1st Defense Battalion and Marine Fighting Squadron 211 resisted Japanese invasion attempts for over two weeks before finally succumbing to an overwhelming force. A small Japanese landing force leaves Kwajalein escorted by a cruiser and two destroyers.
    1941- Japanese General Yamashita began his attack against the British army at Singapore. General Tomoyuki Yamashita earned the name “Tiger of Malaya” for his masterful capture of Singapore and the whole Malay Peninsula from the British, who had a superior number of troops. Yamashita’s forces landed on the northern Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand on December 8, 1941, and moved rapidly southward toward Singapore, which surrendered on February 15, 1942. The peninsula and Singapore remained under Japanese control throughout the war. Later in the war, while defending the Philippines from Gen. MacArthur‘s return, Yamashita's troops wantonly slaughtered more than 100,000 Filipinos in Manila. He was later tried and executed for war crimes.
    1942 - Eight PT boats (PT 36, PT 37, PT 40, PT 43, PT 44, PT 48, PT 59, and PT 109) turn back 8 Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.1943- U.S. carriers sank two cruisers and down 72 planes in the Marshall Islands.
    1943-Birthday of James Morrison, Singer, songwriter, known as "The Lizard King," lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison is considered to be one of the fathers of contemporary rock. Born at Melbourne, FL, and died at Paris, France, July 3, 1971.
http://www.americanlegends.com/morrison/
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/morrison.htm
http://www.thedoors.com/band/jim/?fa=home
    1944- An American naval force, commanded by Admiral Smith and consisting of 3 heavy cruisers and a destroyer escort, bombarded Iwo Jima.
    1944 - On Leyte, the US 77th Division advances from its beachhead to within 1 mile of Ormoc. Attacks by the Japanese 26th Division, near Buri, are repulsed by other US forces.
    1944---FRYAR, ELMER E. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U .S. Army, Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division. Place and date: Leyte, Philippine Islands, 8 December 1944. Entered service at: Denver, Colo. Birth: Denver, Colo. G.O. No.: 35, 9 May 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Fryar's battalion encountered the enemy strongly entrenched in a position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. The battalion attacked, but in spite of repeated efforts was unable to take the position. Pvt. Fryar's company was ordered to cover the battalion's withdrawal to a more suitable point from which to attack, but the enemy launched a strong counterattack which threatened to cut off the company. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground and opened heavy and accurate fire. He was hit, and wounded, but continuing his attack he drove the enemy back with a loss of 27 killed. While withdrawing to overtake his squad, he found a seriously wounded comrade, helped him to the rear, and soon overtook his platoon leader, who was assisting another wounded. While these 4 were moving to rejoin their platoon, an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at the platoon leader. Pvt. Fryar instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Pvt. Fryar's indomitable fighting spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His heroic action in unhesitatingly giving his own life for his comrade in arms exemplifies the highest tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    1945 - The Toyota Motor Company received permission from the occupation government to start production of buses and trucks--vehicles necessary to keep Japan running. After World War II ended with Japan's surrender on September 3, 1945, Japan remained under Allied occupation ruled by an occupation government. Its war industries were shut down completely. This was the first rumble of the postwar auto industry in Japan.
    1945---Top Hits
It’s Been a Long, Long Time - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Kitty Kallen)
That’s for Me - Dick Haymes
It Might as Well Be Spring - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Billy Williams)
It’s Been So Long Darling - Ernest Tubb
    1946-The first snow-melting apparatus using pipes embedded in the sidewalk was test by Best and Company, a department store in New York City, which installed a system of 15 coils comprising 4,530 feet of pipe. A solution of about 67 percent water and 33 percent antifreeze by volume was circulated as protection against freezing temperatures as low as five degrees below zero. The system was put into full operation during a blizzard on December 26.
    1949- As they steadily lose ground to the communist forces of Mao Zedong, Chinese Nationalist leaders depart for the island of Taiwan, where they establish their new capital. Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek left for the island the following day. This action marked the beginning of the "two Chinas" scenario that left mainland China under communist control and vexed U.S. diplomacy for the next 30 years.
    1950-Ralph J Bunche becomes the first Black person awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
http://www.michmarkers.com/startup.asp?startpage=S0363.htm
http://www.nobelprizes.com/nobel/peace/1950a.html
http://www.ralphbunche.com/
http://www.pbs.org/ralphbunche/
    1953---Top Hits
Rags to Riches - Tony Bennett
Many Times - Eddie Fisher
Vaya Con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford
There Stands the Glass - Webb Pierce
    1953 - Los Angeles, California became the third largest city in the United States, edging out Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the distinction in a special census. Today Los Angeles is the second largest United States' city, and the 16th most populated city in the world.
    1953-Singer Diane Schuur born Seattle, WA http://www.arizonamusicscene.com/bios/bio_dianeschuur.htm
http://www.dianeschuurfanclub.com/bio.html
http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Diane-Schuur.htm
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=
831749&sourceid=1500000000000000294900
    1956-"Singing The Blues" by Guy Mitchell tops the Billboard chart for the first of an eleven week stay. Marty Robbins' version of the same song was released simultaneously and peaked at number 17.
    1958-"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville and the Chipmunks entered the Billboard Top 40 chart on its way to a four week stint at #1.
    1959-The first movie with scent was “Behind the Great Wall, “ a travelogue of modern China, presented at the De Mille Theatre, New York City. The film depicted a tiger hunt, fishing with cormorants, a May Day parade in Beijing and other scenes. The scent was forced through ceiling vents by the Aromarama process.
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/showmovie.asp?MI=19386
    1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Heartaches by the Number," Guy Mitchell.
    1961-The Supremes begin recording their third single, the Smokey Robinson penned "Your Heart Belongs To Me", which will become the group's first Billboard charting record, peaking at #95.
    1961-The Beach Boys first recording, "Surfin'", is released on Candis Records, a small L-A based company. The song was written by Brian Wilson and his cousin Mike Love and recorded with Brian's brothers, Carl and Dennis and their friend Alan Jardine. Carl played acoustic guitar, Al played double bass and Brian kept time on a garbage can.
    1961---Top Hits
Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren
The Twist - Chubby Checker
Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
    1961 - "Surfin’", the Beach Boys' first record, was released on Candix Records, becoming a local hit in Los Angeles, California, but only making it to #75 nationally in the Untied States. The surfing music craze wouldn't sweep across America for another year. By the time "Surfin’ Safari" hit Top 40, in September 1962, the Beach Boys were riding a wave of popularity.
    1962 - International Typographical Union's striking workers closed nine New York City newspapers. The strike lasted 114 days, before it ended on April 1, 1963, affecting a total of 5,700,000 readers. The loss of coverage made people turn on radio and television. The San Francisco Chronicle basically just closed this department as they announced all typeset is now digital, not with film or negatives that made print. Hot lead typesetting, linotype, went out in the early 1960’s.
    1963--19 year old Frank Sinatra Jr. was abducted at gunpoint from his hotel room at Harrah's Casino in Lake Tahoe, California. Two days later, he was released unharmed after his father paid the kidnappers' $240,000 ransom demand. Three amateur criminals were rounded up within a week and later tried, convicted and sent to prison. Today he sings his father's songs at charity and other private events.
    1963 - Lightning caused the crash of a jet airliner killing 81 persons at Elkton, MD
    1964-Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Dr Martin Luther King Jr,
http://www.almaz.com/nobel/peace/MLK-nobel.html
    1965 - On Broadway, Humphrey Bogart’s wife, Lauren Bacall, opened in "Cactus Flower", also starring Barry Nelson. The production ran for 1,234 performances, and was awarded Best Play honors.
    1967-Traffic's "Mr. Fantasty" LP is released.
    1968---TAYLOR, KARL G., SR. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company 1, 3d Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 December 1968. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born: 14 July 1939, Laurel, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving at night as a company gunnery sergeant during Operation MEADE RIVER. Informed that the commander of the lead platoon had been mortally wounded when his unit was pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, S/Sgt. Taylor along with another marine, crawled forward to the beleaguered unit through a hail of hostile fire, shouted encouragement and instructions to the men, and deployed them to covered positions. With his companion, he then repeatedly maneuvered across an open area to rescue those marines who were too seriously wounded to move by themselves. Upon learning that there were still other seriously wounded men Lying in another open area, in proximity to an enemy machinegun position, S/Sgt. Taylor, accompanied by 4 comrades, led his men forward across the fire-swept terrain in an attempt to rescue the marines. When his group was halted by devastating fire, he directed his companions to return to the company command post; whereupon he took his grenade launcher and in full view of the enemy, charged across the open rice paddy toward the machinegun position, firing his weapon as he ran. Although wounded several times, he succeeded in reaching the machinegun bunker and silencing the fire from that sector, moments before he was mortally wounded. Directly instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow marines, S/Sgt. Taylor, by his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless dedication, upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.
    1969---Top Hits
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam
Leaving on a Jet Plane - Peter, Paul & Mary
Down on the Corner/Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Okie from Muskogee - Merle Haggard
    1977---Top Hits
You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone
Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue - Crystal Gayle
How Deep is Your Love - Bee Gees
Here You Come Again - Dolly Parton
    1980 - Former Beatle John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, arrived at New York's Dakota, the apartment house in which they lived, after an early-evening recording session. As they walked through the apartment gates, a lone gunman stopped and fired five bullets into Lennon, killing him almost instantly. The gunman, a crazed fan named Mark David Chapman, did not attempt to escape and was immediately apprehended. Lennon's untimely death set off a week of worldwide mourning, and the murder was considered to be the most shocking in the history of rock music.
    1980-Pat Benatar receives a platinum record for her debut album, "In the Heat of the Night." The former waitress and bank teller was discovered late one night at the Catch a Rising Star club in New York. Her album made it to the Top Ten and the follow up, "Crimes of Passion," will go to #2.
    1984-"Out Of Touch" becomes Hall and Oates' sixth US number one single, confirming their status as the most successful duo in Rock history
    1985---Top Hits
Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
Never - Heart
Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie
I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose) - Lee Greenwood
    1987-Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers became the first goalie in NHL history to shoot the puck into the opposing team’s net in a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
    1987 - A cold front crossing the northwestern U.S. continued to produce high winds along the coast, and heavy snow blanketed parts of the western U.S. Snowfall totals in the mountains of western Nevada ranged up to 18 inches at Heavenly Valley, and near the Boreal Ski Resort, and winds at Reno NV gusted to 56 mph. Thunderstorms over southern Florida deluged the Florida Keys with up to five inches of rain. Strong winds, gusting to 48 mph at Gage OK, ushered wintry weather into the Central High Plains. Goodland KS, which one day earlier was 63 degrees, was blanketed with two inches of snow.
    1988 - Santa Ana winds buffeted southern California, with gusts to 92 mph reported at Laguna Peak. The high winds unroofed buildings, and downed trees and power lines, igniting five major fires, and numerous smaller ones. Damage was estimated at 15 to 20 million dollars
    1990 - Stevie B's "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)" reaches No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, a position it holds for four weeks. Billboard ranks it the top song of 1990.
    1991-The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist, as the republics of Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine signed an agreement at Minsk, Byelorussia, creating the Commonwealth of Independent States. The remaining republics, with the exception of Georgia, joined in the new Commonwealth as it began the slow and arduous process of removing the yoke of Communism and dealing with strong separatist and nationalistic movements within the various republics. Khrushchev was long buried as were many communist leaders who had threatened to “bury the U.S.”
    1991-Kimberly Bergalis, the first patient believed to have contracted the AIDS virus from a health care professional, died at Fort Pierce, FL. It is theorized she was infected from her dentist while receiving dental care Her case sparked controversy over how the disease is transmitted and incited calls to ban infected health care professionals form the workplace.
http://www.aegis.com/news/mh/1991/MH911212.html
    1992-- Barry Bonds signs the richest contract in major league history. Bobby's son will make $43-million over the next six years with the Giants.
    1993-President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement which cut tariffs and eliminated other trade barriers between the US, Canada and Mexico. The Agreement went into effect Jan 1, 1994.
    1994---Top Hits
On Bended Knee- Boyz II Men
Here Comes The Hotstepper (From "Ready To Wear")- Ini Kamoze
Another Night- Real McCoy
Always- Bon Jovi
    1999---Top Hits
Smooth- Santana Featuring Rob Thomas
Back At One- Brian McKnight
I Wanna Love You Forever- Jessica Simpson
My Love Is Your Love- Whitney Houston

American Football Poem

Special Poem written by first-grade students in Room 3 at Lowell Elementary:

Peyton Manning

Long ago you were just a little boy,
A football came to be your favorite toy.

Your days seemed to fly by,
With daddy Archie and brothers Cooper and Eli.

High School in New Orleans and college in Tennessee,
You were the best quarterback anyone had ever seen.

Now you're with us,
Here in Indianapolis.

Our Colts leader so smart,
Doing good with your kind heart,
That's why the foundation had to start.

The PeyBack Foundation was a terrific decision,
Leadership and growth are part of its mission.

You said you grew up with a blessed life,
Others aren't lucky and have had strife.

But you're here with an excellent recommendation,
It's good to raise money for the PeyBack Foundation.
The PeyBack Classic, Holiday Happenings, Play it Smart, CASA,
Peyton's Pals, Handoff for Hunger and Peyton's Rally at Gasoline Alley, Varroom!

You're come a long way Peyton Manning,
As a person we find you absolutely outstanding

----

Students who participated in writing this poem:

Alleh Clark Ashleigh Pflum
Sophia Yowler Ms. Mercer
Natalie Garner Morgan Underwood
Erica Hernandez Jacob Grimes
Blake Reese Cammaria Nixon
Kaylee Sanders Chase Brown
Brian Wyatt Katrisha Steele
Paris Garnier Keenan Turner
Mrs. White Paula Fancher
Kadin Harris Savannah Hizer

more about PeyBack: http://www.peytonmanning.com/peyback/