Here's a little holiday cheer from Don Mahler, the sports editor of the Valley News.
This is from his column on Dec. 24, 2002 entitled "Sharing the True Holiday Spirit."
Here's how he ended his article, which talked about dreams and gifts.

"Then there are the kids on the Dartmouth swim team. Since the college announced on Nov. 25 that the swimming programs at the school were being eliminated, these kids have come together to show their support for each other and their defiance for the decision.

They have been forced to grow up as people as they have grown closer as a team. But as they have been jolted by one of life's speed bumps, they have also been comforted by the efforts and concerns of parents and friends who have rallied around them.

Tomorrow, 53 students will look for something special under their tree. It won't be there. But the hope will still burn that a last-minute reprieve can save their program.

Yet no matter how the situation eventually plays out, the hope is that those swimmers continue to take matters into their own hands as they grow into adulthood. That they take the lessons learned this past month and apply it to their future lives.

Learn better how to treat your fellow man, learn better how to reach out to those in need and learn better how to treat another person's dream. For the gift of compassion is a gift that will last a lifetime."