These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Star of the Game

I would play soccer! My special moment will be to score a goal in The World Cup! — Matthew Smyser, second grade, Roundtown El., Mrs. Kelly

I would play soccer, and I would score 20 goals in the first half of the game, and I have 64 goals at the end of the game. That would be my moment. What’s yours? — Madison Dicely, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

If I were a professional athlete, I would be a rally racer. An amazing moment in my career is in my first race. It would be neck and neck at the finish. He gets a little ahead of me but I catch up. At the finish, I get ahead by a teeny bit and win. That would be my amazing moment in my career. — Dominique Ullrich, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

If I could be a professional athlete, I would be a swimmer. One time that was awesome in my swimming career was, when one of my teammates was being drowned by unconsciousness, I dived down and grabbed her hand and pulled her up. Pretty Cool! — Jara Mumma, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

It’s the 4th quarter, the score 38 to 33. We’re on our 15-yard line and I’m the quarterback. I call a Hail Mary. Hike…the play starts. Nobody’s open. Then my wide receiver jukes his guy. I pass it and it’s a perfect one. “TOUCHDOWN,” boomed the announcer. — Garrett Moore, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

I would play basketball, and my amazing moment would be if I got the ball in the hoop 32 times. — Gabby Messenger, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

Softball pitcher! I was in the last inning, pitching. The crowd was so silent that you could hear your own heart beating. The batter walked up to the place, ready, focused and fierce. I took a deep breath. If I didn’t strike this person out, the other team would score and we would lose. My team would be devastated. “Foul,” yelled the umpire as the pitch flew off the bat. “Foul,” he yelled again. I took one more deep breath. “STRIKE!” he yelled. He was out. We had won. — JoAnne Grosskopf, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

I would like to play NFL football. One game I dived for the

These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Star of the Game

I would play soccer! My special moment will be to score a goal in The World Cup! — Matthew Smyser, Grade 2, Roundtown Elementary, Mrs. Kelly

I would play soccer, and I would score 20 goals in the first half of the game, and I have 64 goals at the end of the game. That would be my moment. What’s yours? — Madison Dicely, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

If I were a professional athlete, I would be a rally racer. An amazing moment in my career is in my first race. It would be neck and neck at the finish. He gets a little ahead of me but I catch up. At the finish, I get ahead by a teeny bit and win. That would be my amazing moment in my career. — Dominique Ullrich, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

If I could be a professional athlete, I would be a swimmer. One time that was awesome in my swimming career was, when one of my teammates was being drowned by unconsciousness, I dived down and grabbed her hand and pulled her up. Pretty Cool! — Jara Mumma, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

It’s the 4th quarter, the score 38 to 33. We’re on our 15-yard line and I’m the quarterback. I call a Hail Mary. Hike…the play starts. Nobody’s open. Then my wide receiver jukes his guy. I pass it and it’s a perfect one. “TOUCHDOWN,” boomed the announcer. — Garrett Moore, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

I would play basketball, and my amazing moment would be if I got the ball in the hoop 32 times. — Gabby Messenger, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

Softball pitcher! I was in the last inning, pitching. The crowd was so silent that you could hear your own heart beating. The batter walked up to the place, ready, focused and fierce. I took a deep breath. If I didn’t strike this person out, the other team would score and we would lose. My team would be devastated. “Foul,” yelled the umpire as the pitch flew off the bat. “Foul,” he yelled again. I took one more deep breath. “STRIKE!” he yelled. He was out. We had won. — JoAnne Grosskopf, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

I would like to play NFL football. One game I dived for the ball in the back of the end zone and I caught it one handed. — Jaden Henline, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

I’m a softball player. Two outs. It’s the bottom of the 7th inning. I’m pitching. Bases loaded. We’re up by one. Pitch one…she hits it! It’s foul. Pitch two…strike. Pitch three…strike! She’s out! We win! — McKenna Baker, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

I don’t like sports, but if I were a good golfer, I’d get a par. — Cayden Healy, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

As a pro-lacrosse player, I would make the last goal. The score is tied 7 to 7. One more point and we would win. Halfway down the field someone would pass me the ball. I would shoot and miss with 30 seconds still on the clock. Someone would pass me the ball. I would shoot. I made the last goal to make our team win. Everyone would cheer and clap. We had won the game! — Jordyn Altland, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

I would swim because it’s refreshing and very fun. That’s why I would swim. — Patrick McCullough, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

The sport I would play is field hockey! I would make an amazing goal and win the game. Everyone would yell “Yay” or “Go, Alyssa!” It would be a perfect win. That’s my amazing moment. — Alyssa Conaway, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

If I were a pro athlete, I would be a pro athlete in cheering. A good moment that happened in my pro sports career is when I won a trophy for the best cheerleader. — Mia Christensen, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

This is the X-games. I have to pull off something great. “Jordan Flander,” the loud speakers called. I pulled my BMX bike up and dropped down the quarter pipe. I flew off the ramp and did a double tail whip into a grinding pull and did an icicle grind down it. I got a score of 10 and won first place in X-games BMX!!!! — Jordan Flanders, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

In my baseball experience, I had one amazing experience. I had 99 runs. I ran and touched the base and I got 100 runs. — Everest Robinson, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

If I were a professional football player, I would be on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I would be a left side receiver like Troy Polamalu. It is 27-26 against the Ravens. They’re at the 5-yard line about to get a touchdown. They hike it. I tackle Ray Lewis. There are only two seconds left in the game. It was over. The Steelers have won. Whopee! — Kia Andrews, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

I would play football. It is fun. A great moment would be to get to win the Super Bowl and get the MVP Award. — Trevor Henderson, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

“Go, Go, Go, Go!” shouts the crowd. And Olivia Hanlon wins the race. Everyone shouted and whistled and cheered. If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m a professional track and field star. The biggest moment in my career would have to be this one, winning my first race just barely. Well, bye. I’m off to claim my prize. — Olivia Hanlon, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

If I were a professional athlete, I would be a cheerleader. The best moments I’ve had so far in cheerleading is getting my running round-off backhand spring tuck. I could never have done it without the support of my friends. — Caylynn Beinhower, Grade 4, Fishing Creek Elementary, Mr. Richcrick

It’s the first time my cheerleading squad entered a competition. We go through the routine one last time before it’s our turn. It was perfect except for the last part – the stunts! We only had two weeks to practice the whole routine and every time we tried we failed. The coach mixed us up with different people. They called our names and we were very scared. We stepped out on the mats. One little mistake and my team goes back a level, so far so good. It’s time for the stunts. The crowd is screaming our names and the judges look impressed, time for the stunts. The first one is okay, but the back one is perfect. Everyone in the crowd is cheering! — Grace Couse, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate, Mrs. Myers

This educational story was written by a second-grade student in Mrs. Strayer’s class at Roundtown Elementary.

By Ian Kletzing
Look out! It’s a giant octopus.
They have eight arms. They eat crabs, fish, and baby sharks.
Giant sharks can eat octopuses. But the giant octopus can get away by squirting out ink.
Some giant octopuses can grow as long as a person. If people get too close to a giant octopus, it might attack!

By Karyn H., Grade 4, Paradise Elementary

Here are some spring stories from a bug’s point of view. They were written by students in my first grade class at Roundtown Elementary in the Central York School District. — Mrs. Jennifer Myers

Twitch
By: Guy Welty

Hi, my name is Twitch. I am a Hercules beetle. These are my friends Scorpion, Firefly, and Caterpillar. I have black and brown pinchers, plus I am as big as your hand. Uh oh! It’s raining. It never rains in the desert. I should go underground. I will ask my friend, Scorpion if I can sleep with him. Scorpion said, “Go to Firefly.” “He can help you with the rain,” he said. It was still raining. Finally, we were there. Let’s go and ask what’s wrong with Firefly. The fire ants are burning my house down. “Can you help me, “ he asked. Then scorpion scared the fire ants away!

Black Widow
By: Nicholas Guadagnino

I live in the grass in the forest. It has lots of trees, bushes, and a web. Hi! I’m a black widow spider. I have to go to school! Today we are going to tell what we are going to be when we grow up. The bell rang for recess! I told scorpion that I will try to fly. Scorpion fell right down on the floor laughing. Okay, I guess he is weird. I was about to fly when the whistle blew at me. I had to go to the principal’s office. My mom came to school. I saw scorpion at the nurse and he had to go home. So I had to go back to recess. But recess was over. Back in the classroom, we were talking about what we were going to be when we grow up. When it was my turn, I said, “I want to be a super hero.” Then everybody started laughing. Well, first I need a cape. Then had no cape. Well I’m not going to fly now. I’m not going to be a super hero.

Butterfly
By: Dawson Bashada

Did you ever see a bug named just Butterfly? Hello! I’m Butterfly. In the morning, I was at my house. I am beautiful, blue, and as beautiful as a star. First I was a happy butterfly. Next, someone was chasing me. AHHH! I flew away fast! I finally got away. I was out of breath. I almost got killed. Zoom! Back to my house I go. I was a happy butterfly again! Good thing it was all a dream – or was it???

Termite
By: Evan Eisenhart

Munch! Munch! Hi, my name is Evan and I am a termite. One summer, I was munching through some wood in Annabelle’s house. She had great wood from the ceiling and the porch. Oops! I started to get a loose tooth. So, I softened it up by chewing more wood, more wood, and more wood, until I got full. So, I spent the night. Before I went to sleep, I had to get my timer. I set it for ten hours. Then five hours later, I looked at the clock. Five more hours to go. I’m going to turn on the radio. Well, I was having fun eating again. I realized that I needed to lose some weight. So, I did some push-ups, head ups, and I ran on the treadmill. Then, I said, “Everything is tiptop shape!” Hey you! Hey you! Do you search for bugs? If you do, don’t some searching for me!

Ticky
By: Elle Mummert

Do you like bugs? One hot, summer day, Ticky the Tick was on a person and sucking blood! I am Ticky. I’m brown, sneaky, and very very small. I am as little as a string of carpet. “Oh no!” shouted a little girl. The girl ran to her mom. “Hee, hee, hee!” I laughed. “Mom, look. What is this?” asked the girl. “A bug bite,” said her mom. “Bug bite! What can I do?” asked the girl. “Go out in the garage,” said the mom. “The girl said, “Okay.” SQUIRT! SQUIRT! “NO! Do not put that on!” I shouted. The girl put the bug spray down. “Hmm. Is that a bug saying that?” the girl thought. “I put the bug spray on, Mom,” the girl said. “Oh darn,” I whispered. I guess I will go and pick on another kid. That was not fun at all! “I want to go home,” I cried. “Honey, honey, what happened?” my mom asked. “I was picking on a kid and she sprayed me with bug spray,” I said. “I do not want to talk about it!” I screamed. “Okay,” said Mom. So, I went to my bedroom. I laid in my bed’s comforter that was red, blue, purple, green, and white. “I do not have any friends,” I whispered. “Wait! I have a great idea. I can make a new friend!” Tomorrow I will !

Thomas Firefly
By: Thomas Elder

Oh hi! My name is Thomas Firefly. One July, I was in the Donner’s backyard. I’m fast, light, cool, and small. I’m as light as fire! I’m as fast as a hair! I love the nighttime. I love that people like me and adore me! One day, Joe came outside. We looked at each other for a while. Then Joe trapped me in a can and took me inside! I had no clue what was going on. I tried to escape, but I couldn’t get out. I was really getting mad! They were packing suitcases. I had no clue why. I really got lucky that I grabbed snacks and clothes. We all put our seatbelts on, including me! It was a long trip! I still didn’t no where we were going. I flashed my yellow stripes – everybody looked at me. Then do you know what happened? We wrecked into a wall! I said, “Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch in the wall, but nobody heard me! We went to the repair shop and waited for another day. But then… WE GOT THERE! We were at the beach. I fainted, because I was never at the beach before. I woke up twenty-four minutes later – I was counting. I didn’t know what to do. I thought and thought and thought and thought until… We were all in the sand! I was in Joe’s pocket. I was excited until Joe headed down to the water. I started yelling, but nobody heard me. Luckily I went to swimming lessons! “I’m ready,” I said to myself. “I’m floating!” I said in a very happy voice! “Oh no!” I was so scared! I said, “Geronimo!” I was flying, but not for long! “AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” I cried. I got to shore and somehow I got home. I looked around. I fell asleep. After that, every time I saw a firefly, I asked, “Did you ever get caught and find your way back home?”

Grace the Caterpillar
By: Anna Yankanich

Crack, Crack went the egg! Hello, my name is Grace, I am a caterpillar. I am happy, nice, and green. I have a friend named Cathy. She is a firefly. I only come out in the spring and summer. I live in a garden. I love to play. I am as green as the grass. My antennas are as tall as a leaf. Oh no, I got lost! Oh no, what’s happening to me, why am I spinning like a spider, why am I hanging like a J? Oh, I’m making my chrysalis. Maybe I should turn the radio on, so I can listen to bugtones. When am I going to get out of here! Well, it’s only been ten days. I am scared. I am crazy and I look like a J! Pop! I’m a
butterfly, now I can fly like my friend Cathy the firefly! Yay! Now I am with my family! “Now my family and I can fly like the wind!” the butterfly announced. A hero, and it was me! An then all the butterflies formed an egg.

Annabelle the Tick
By: Annabelle Bowman

“I love Evan’s juicy blood!” exclaimed the tick. At 12:00 pm, in August, I am on Evan in his bedroom. I am a tick. I’m brown, black, and small. I’m as dark as black. “When is he going to realize I’m on him? He is so silly!” I said. It’s getting so dark. Dark is my enemy! It’s the time that the parents wash up! The hot, steaming, and bubbly bath water is hurting me so bad! He got me! He is so smart! These are shiny things. “Ahhhhhhh!” I called. They picked me up and flushed me down the toilet. I’m very, very, very, very sad that they flushed me down the toilet and I’m only a baby bug.

Laura the Preying Mantis
By: Abigail Carlise

Cricket! Cricket! My name is Laura the preying mantis. One day I was at the park. I was as green as new grass and I was a nice preying mantis. I was large, about nine inches long. It had small eyes and big wings that we about ten inches tall. I loved the park. It was my most favorite thing in the world! But most of all I love the jungle gym! No one ever played on it because it always was too high and because it was over water! I love swimming, but I never go under the water, because it was 300 feet deep. On Saturday, in the afternoon, I got thirsty. But when I tried to turn the water on, I fell down the drain! It was nasty down there. it had cat’s hair balls and smelled like rotten cheese. “Yuck!” I said, as I tasted the rotten whatever. After five hours in the drain I came to paradise! It was Alaska’s beach. The beach’s name was Zebra Beach. They had hot dogs, unicycles, and ice cream. I loved their hot dogs and I just liked their ice cream too. But most of all I like the unicycle, it wiggled and jiggled so much it felt like an earth quake. But I loved it a lot! I love Alaska so far, but I still want to go back to Maryland, but I like it here too. “I’ll stay here for a month or two,” I whispered. That day I went to the jungle and met tiger. “Hi,” growled tiger. “Who dares cross my paradise?” snorted the tiger. “I just got stranded here from the drain to the Alaskan Beach,” I wailed. “In that case, come on in,” whispered the tiger. Tiger showed me Aboo, the monkey, and the boy, Mowgly. Mowgly showed me to the slippery slide tree. It was as slippery as a seal. I was getting ready to go. My friends wanted to come so the tiger, Mowgly, and Aboo went Maryland. Soon they had babies and got married. “I have baby preying mantis and all of my family is named the seashells!” I cheered. “I’m so happy to have a family of preying mantises!”

Little Miss Lightning Bug
By: Grace Rishel

Flash! Flash! Hi, my name is Little Miss Lightning Bug. Well, my butt is so bright and shiny. My wings are so beautiful when I fly. I’m the color black. I’m as bright as a light bulb. It’s May right now and it feels so good to be in the bushes. When I am a bug and we like to chase each other, hide in the bushes, and light up at night. In the day time we do not come out, because then people might not see our light and also because we might die. We lightning bugs eat slugs and snails. In the summer frogs like to eat us! Oh no! My light on my butt won’t light up anymore! But wait, it just wasn’t screwed in enough! Look a frog is at the pond. I am going to stay, but wait! I forgot frogs like to eat lightning bugs! That frog is going to eat me. Ahhhh! Gobble, gobble, gobble!

Lightning the Firefly
By: Madison Kurland

One summer night I was in a yard. Clink! Flashed the light on my bottom. “Hi, I’m Lightning the firefly and I’m tiny and I’m as bright as fire too,” I whispered. Also, I have to be quiet because I don’t want to wake the people who are in bed. Also, I’m afraid of the dark, but I have a light on my bottom remember? Clink! Oh no, my light has gone out! “Mom, Dad come on!” I yelled, “Where are you?” Mom answered, “What honey?” “Nothing,” I said, “I’m jut scared.” “Scared of what, honey bunch?” asked Dad. “The dark Mommy. Can you come here?” I asked her. “Yes, but why are you scared? Did your light go out?” Mom asked. “Yes!” I yelled. “Can you give me some of your light dust?” “Ok!” she said. Poof! All better. Got you! Oh
no, I was captured and that was the end of me flying around in the summer night.

Pretty the Caterpillar
By: Ryan Donner

In the spring I like to go in the grass with Nicely, my caterpillar friend. My name is Pretty the caterpillar. Crack! Crack! Went the grass. I have two stripes of color they are black and yellow. I have eight legs. We are going to eat leaves. Climb, Climb, Climb. We had trouble climbing up but now we had something to eat. We ate and ate and ate. But we’re still hungry. We didn’t know what to do. We thought, and thought, and thought. Then I had a good idea, we could go to a tree to eat, but the next place is in Florida. So, we are going to slide to Florida. We got tired and fell asleep for ten days. We had a cocoon. ”Help! Help! Help! Get me out!” I screamed after ten days. I was a butterfly, but my friend is still hanging. Then my friend came out and the beetle came down and took me away. I called Nicely and saw him coming to save me. She made it and she pulled and pulled and we were finally down and on the ground. I was so happy to not be eaten!