There are 23 rides including a ferris wheel, 18 vendors providing traditional carnival foods such as cotton candy and ice cream and a wide variety of games. There will be lots of music and fun activities.

Herman Schnell, who is running the Carnival said the money raised from the Carnival will go toward the St. Andrew Catholic School to improve technology in the classrooms.

Dietrich Von Danikken brought his four year old daughter Gizelle. “This will be a lot of fun and it gives you a chance to be a kid yourself,” he said.

Bob and Dolly Conlin brought their grandson Bobby Conlin. They were looking forward to enjoying the carnival.

Duncan emphasized that he believes education is a critical investment for the future of the United States and that for the nation to be competitive in a global economy, citizens need to be better educated than ever before.

“You are not just competing with people in your community, you are competing with people in China and India,” said Duncan. “We need to reduce the dropout rate and we need to ensure that high school graduates are ready for college and the workforce.”

Duncan said that when a young person drops out of high school, they have few options in life and usually face hard life. He said that technology should be a part of education and that efforts should be made to reduce the cost of textbooks. Duncan said that more money should be provided to students who need help with college tuition and that students who agree to work in the public sector will see a reduction in student loan debt.

When asked about teacher pay, Duncan said that efforts should be made to pay successful teachers more. “I would like to double the salaries of teachers. I want to reward talented teachers. Too many teachers leave the profession because they want to buy a home. A good teacher makes an important difference in the lives of students.”

Duncan said that economic models are being studied that would allow sch0ol districts to pay their teachers more money. He said that efforts need to be made to improve the appearance of schools and ensure they are properly maintained.

“A lot of politians don’t really care as much about education. I care about education,” he said.

Duncan also said it is important to ensure that arts programs are not cut. “Many young people go to school for the extra activities,” he said. “I remember how much I enjoyed playing basketball when I was in school.”

The Colts beat Cardinal Gibbons 34-33 with three of their top wrestlers out with injuries. Congratulations Colts.

Next up on Friday night is a meet against Stoneman Douglas.

Last year the Colts won the district championship and finished with a 17-5 record. This year could be even better.

Coach Frank Bumbales said the players on the team are very good. Lewis Brinson, who plays centerfield has signed with the University of Florida baseball team. He is also being scouted by all the teams in the major leagues and could be a first round draft pick. Last year Brinson batted at over .400 and hit five homeruns.

“My goal is to bat over .500 and win the state championship,” said Brinson.

Alan Sharkey, who plays first base has signed with the Nova Southeastern baseball team. Last year he batted over .500.

“I want to win a state title,” said Sharkey.

On February 7, the Colts will play Palm Beach Central and on February 9, the Colts take on Wellington. On February 14, Coral Springs will play in a tournament including Sagemont, Coral Springs Charter and American Heritage Plantation.

In other news, Stoneman Douglas will host St. Thomas on Friday night for a women’s regional soccer game. Douglas defeated South Plantation 5-0 and St. Thomas defeated Taravella 3-0 in women’s soccer.

Coral Springs Christian defeated Westminster Christian 77-62 in men’s basketball. Nura Zanna scored 22 points and Jamie Anderson had 22 points. The Crusaders are 18-3.

Northeast defeated Taravella 54 to 42 in men’s basketball and Northeast defeated Taravella 40 to 25 in women’s basketball.

“I would like to be on a college track team,” said Frederick.

The Coral Springs track team could have good season this year.  Coach Brantley Barr said this year’s team is very deep. Jared Joyner, who performed well on the football team is expected to do well in the sprints and the long jump.

Most of the more than 1,200 people who attended were supporters and often shouted “Newt, Newt” after he made a point. But there were some hecklers and one woman was escorted out by Coral Springs Police after attempting to shout Gingrich down.

Gingrich said he could not believe President Obama had called for a 30 percent capital gains tax during this State of the Union Address. Gingrich said such a plan would kill many jobs for U.S. citizens. Gingrich said he considers Obama a “food stamp president” who has developed policies that have made it hard for Americans to find jobs.

“I want to work for the American people,” said Gingrich.

“How many of you think America is on the wrong track?” asked Gingrich.  Many in the audience responded by shouting “yes.”

Gingrich said Obama’a policies have been bad for the United States. Gingerich said that if he wins the Republican nomination he will challenge Obama to a series of debates.

Gingrich said there are three major questions. He believes the economic situation needs to be changed to one that favors businesses that create jobs. He wants lower taxes, a balanced budget and a cut in federal spending.

Gingrich wants values that favor American execptionalism. He wants young people to be taught about the positive benefits of the U.S. Constitution and freedom. He believes it is wrong for a president to look at U.S. citizens as subjects rather than citizens.

Gingrich wants a strong defense. He criticized Obama for not being aware that many people in the Middle East don’t like Americans and want to destroy Israel.

“I believe the world is a dangerous place. America needs to be so strong that no one will be foolish enough to take us on. Obama lives in a fantasy land where he believes there are just misunderstandings between U.S. leaders and middle eastern leaders.”

Gingrich asked members of the audience to join with him rather than simply asking him to solve all the nation’s problems.

“I can’t do it alone, no one can,” said Gingrich. “I ask you to join with me and together we will work to solve our problems.”

“I will work to provide more jobs rather than food stamps. Most people would rather work than collect food stamps,” said Gingrich.

After his speech, members of the audience gave him a cheer.

Chamber of Commerce guests Al Razza of the Razza School of Art and Chef Kim Floberg author of “My Meals on Heels” cookbook will be present.

The objective is to create edible art. Contestants will have to create a work of art for display during the evening that is edible.