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It all started when Arkeith "AJ" Shannon had a doctor's appointment and the doctor asked how he planed to spend his Christmas break; he also asked what he planned to do after high school. AJ replied it would have something to do with music. The doctor suggested he should share his gift of voice with others and described ways to do so. After some thought, AJ asked his mom, Dorothy Hightower, to help him make arrangements so he and football teammate Machale "Mississippi" Harvale could sing carols at the local nursing home during Christmas. Both guys said they really enjoyed the privilege, honor and blessing to give their time and talent to share with others. "We didn't have money for gifts, but we gave what we could, our voices." Hightower shared in the songs and felt she was very proud of both boys. Arkeith is also the recipient of the 2012 Heart and Soul Sports Award.

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"AJ," "Mississippi" and Dorothy Hightower.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY STEVE KNAPP, SBigDaddyKnapp@aol.com

Arkeith "AJ" Shannon and Machale "Mississippi" Harvale pose during one of the past season's football games. The duo entertained seniors with music over the Christmas break, bringing cheer to some shut-in seniors.