I am thankful to have custody of a teenage boy, two jobs and a very interesting roommate.  I am thankful for my family.  I love them.

Latoya Shelton
Chief Photographer

   I am thankful to almost be finished with school.

   I am thankful our current president only has roughly a year left in office.

   I am thankful to live in a country that allows me to be critical of it and express unpopular opinion.

   Most of all, I am thankful for my friends and family, especially those that have been instrumental in helping me become the only success story to ever come out of Southeast Arkansas.

Michael Ford
Senior Staff Writer

   I am thankful for everything.  Even though some things are perceived as being bad, they always turn out to be for the good.  The joy that comes from being an optimist is what I'm really thankful for.  Try it!

Eric Bell
Staff Photographer

   During this special time we call Thanksgiving, I am thankful for many things. 

   First, the music that fills my life with joy everyday.  My life would be rather boring without music.

   Second, my friends.  I am forever thankful that they have been there for me and will continue to be.  I do not know what I would do without them. 

   Last, and most importantly, my family.  Arriving three months early put my life in danger several times, and for my life, I am also very thankful.  But it is my family who has stood by me every day of my life.  If I ever need anything, even just a shoulder to lean on, there are many shoulders available.  That is why, at Thanksgiving, one song sums my life up.  Kelly Clarkson's "Thankful," could not be more perfect.

   "Don't you know that I'm thankful for the blessings and the lessons that I learned with you by my side?  And I'm so thankful for the love that you keep bringing in my life.  When I didn't think I could go on, you made me feel strong.  I'm so thankful," are the lyrics Kelly wrote about her friends and family.  

Douglas Boultinghouse
Staff Writer

   At this time of year, gratuity and appreciation flows through family members and friends as we reflect on those important to us. When I think of who needs to be thanked in my life, God tops the list as I appreciate every day that I wake up. 

   The next on my list goes to my parents. They perform the tasks associated with parenting and the tasks that remain unveiled. In my past, tribulation wreaked havoc, and it seemed a solution hid in the dark corners unable to be found. My parents revealed the light and helped me in every way possible. Financially furnishing me the needs and wants to build my life back up to where it once was. Emotionally, they stabilized the effects of troubles, which without them could have destroyed me. Other people also reinforced my belief in love and trust.

   One person whom deserves recognition, my sister, caught me many times when I contemplated falling. She lent her ear to my troubles and still does. As we were not close as children, we regain what was lost by being there for each other now. Her taking my daughter to do things, e-mailing back and forth regularly and calling just to check up on me fills my life with happiness, and I owe my parents and my sister many thanks for all they have done for me. 

   Friends encourage me daily also. I wish to thank all my friends for putting up with my pranks, jokes and attitude.

Susan Harmon
Staff Writer

   I'm thankful for many things.  I'm thankful for my close family and good friends who mean a lot to me.  But what I'm most thankful is the ability to be able to walk again. 

   You see, I had a car accident last May.  I broke my ankle real bad.  My bones in the ankle were broken in pieces.  It was real serious.  I've had two surgeries and been forced to use crutches. But I've been determine to push forward, slowly.  And in time I was able to lose the crutches. 

   I'm walking on my own now.  Taking it easy.  I hope by this time next year, I'll be thankful to RUN once again.

John Horn
Staff Writer

   Well to be honest, I'm thankful for myself.  That's right, myself.  I'm the reason why I'm still in the game of life. 

   I also thank God for just letting me exist.  Otherwise, I have little or nothing to be thankful for.

   When I become wealthy, and I mean no offense (white-man wealthy) then I can be thankful for more things - but for now, I thank myself.

Chad Newton
Staff Writer

   This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my fiancée, Derek McGee, who passed away back in March.  I am grateful for all the things he taught me while he was alive and the love he gave me.  I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, and have yet to learn, with his death.

   I am also thankful for his family for taking me in as one of their own and helping me through this time of loss.  I am also grateful for my blood family and friends who have supported me in my time of need.

   And finally, to my faith, without which I think I would be lost.

Brittany Pickett
Staff Writer

   I am truly thankful for all of my wise and supportive friends who surround me because without them I would go crazy.

Amber Rowe
Staff Writer