C4 Wednesday, November 14, 2012
BRUIN TRACKS
Delta County Independent
Students
Bruins Cedaredge High School
Velkommen, Siri By Dakota Baldozier Staff Writer Growing up, Siri Jåsund was constantly emerged in different cultures. Schools in Norway teach English as a second language; therefore, her English is easily understandable. Traveling through Europe is very common for all Norwegians during their cold summers. Once the Jåsund family traveled to California, Siri fell in love with the cultureimmediately. Siri watched all the typical American high school movies. One of the reasons she wanted to be a foreign exchange student is because of these movies. ”I love American high Photo Submitted school spirit,” she says. According to her, Siri Jasund is happy to be experiencing the Ameri- Cedaredge, Colorado is just like the movies. can teenage life. “The hallways, lunch, junk food, school bus-
es, and just everything I’ve seen in different movies. The people seem different, but not really.” She wanted to experience living the typical American teenage life. Norway and America have some cultural similarties, but not many. If you asked her what some weird things she has seen in the states, she would reply, “The weirdest thing is you guys never use knives. I use a knife everytime I use a fork. And you guys have cheese on everything. And because people can get their license at 16 instead of 18, everyone has like five cars compared to my one.” Everything is going great for this brave Norwegian. America has truly rubbed off on her in the best possible way. She plans to live here in the future. Siri loves America and can’t wait to spend more time here.
Witamy, Peter By Megan Wick Staff Writer Three foreign exchange students arrived this year. Peter is exceptional because he is the only male exchange student we have. Some of his interests are math, problem solving, computer science and engineering, and studying languages such as Polish, English, German, and French. Peters’ dad gave him advice that got him interested in math and physics. “Son, there will come a day when you’ll realize that life goes like a graph of sine.’ And that is the best summary of life I think.” Peter started to dig around in his dads’ college books last year after the topic came up. He said that he almost failed physics last year but he was so interested he kept going. Peter’s parents have no English translation, but his sisters’ name is Patria and his brothers’ name is Paul. He says “I’m not homesick, at least I don’t
think I am. I miss my brother. We tried to stuff him in a dryer once. We haven’t succeeded yet.” His hardest adjustment being in America is that there are no kabobs, which are his favorite food. What Peter enjoys most about the Cedaredge community is the kindness of the people. His host parents are cool. “We have a lot of the same interests.” His high school had at least seven hundred students. “We didn’t have a cafeteria because we are in the center of the town, and it’s senseless. We didn’t have to be passing to leave campus. Some of the guys left without coming back to school that day.” He says he hasn’t had any problems adjusting to our small schools’ size. He gets bored after school because there aren’t any kabob places. “Kabob places are places you can go when you’re happy Photo by Megan Wick or sad, you can take your dates there too.” Peter Plonka reminiscences about life in Poland.
Willkommen, Annabel
Photo by Atlantis Campbell Annabel Mempel looks forward to showing Bruin Pride at the next football game.
By Raven Moreland Staff Writer We have welcomed Annabel Mempel from Rimbach, Germany. She has come to Cedaredge to meet new people, broaden her curricular choices, and learn everything she can about the U.S. When asked what she hopes to take home from her experience, she replied, “Make friends at the other side of the world, learn better English, and experience how to live as an American.” Annabel is well on her way here at CHS. The schools are different academically and structurally in Germany. “We can’t use notes on tests, the teachers are more strict, but we do have a fifteen minute break after every second hour.” Although Cedaredge differs, she has adjusted well. Being away from her family and friends is a challenge that she has overcome. “I miss the
people in Germany, but I’m not really homesick.” Her friends here are important while being far from home. Annabel is excited to participate in sports at Cedaredge. She plans to play basketball this season and tennis in the spring. She is ready to join the team. Annabel enjoys supporting Cedaredge High School. She shows her Bruin Pride by attending every football game, wearing blue and white, and cheering for the win. “I love the school spirit! We don’t have that in Germany.” She is a huge fan of the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew”, and is excited to watch the playoffs. When asked what she likes most about Cedaredge, she replied, “I like how the people are, the community, and the school spirit!” She is certainly welcome at Cedaredge. She fits right in with her positive attitude and determination to do well.
85th Annual National Convention By Kaitlyn Kissner Staff Writer Agriculture: one word, one class, one organization that means so much to over half a million members nationwide. The 85th National FFA Convention took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 24th through the 27th. Proudly representing the Cedaredge Chapter were Christian Forkner, Alyssa Weeks, Kaitlyn Kissner, Ryan Latta, Ryan Bowen, Mycala Read, Rachel Huerkamp, Ethan Fritchman and Keenan Lawrence. They attended the convention under the supervision of advisor, Katie Johnson. This year’s convention theme was “Grow.” The focus was not on the growth of plants and animals, but on the growth and development of leadership skills, integrity, courage, and the overall development of each member as individuals. This convention encouraged them to be the best person they can be. These four days proved to be life changing for over 65,000 members who were in atten-
dance. FFA itself has grown tremendously over the years, changing from 33 farm boys in 1927 to over 500,000 young men and women in 2012 Members were introduced to new perspectives on life as they listened to speakers such as Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton; NBA player Walter Bond; and Marine Corporal Josh Bieill, a double amputee. Speeches were also given by the 2011-2012 retiring national officers, leaving every member with encouragement, courage, selfconfidence, and comfort in the fact that they are part of a great organization. This convention proved to be not only life changing, but packed full of fun activities as well. Before the convention, the Cedaredge Chapter went to Kentucky and toured places such as Keeneland Raceway, St. Joseph’s Orphanage, the Louisville Slugger Factory, Churchill Downs, and many others. They constantly joked and laughed throughout the trip.
Photo By Katie Johnson A select group of FFA members takes time out of their trip to tour Fair Oaks Farm, one of the largest dairy farms in America. During the Convention, activities such as a Brantley Gilbert and The Band Perry concert took place as well as a dance which was a bonding experience for each individual with a common passion for agriculture. From the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Maine to Hawaii, FFA members came together and learned to be leaders through building
confidence, compassion, and a willingness to accept and understand one another. Each member experienced life changing growth. They left Indianapolis stronger than they arrived. National FFA conventions are outstanding opportunities that every person should experience. Agriculture is much more than horses, barns,
cowboy hats, and big green tractors. It is a brotherhood, a family, a group of young men and women standing up and striving to reach their full potential. Students returned with a renewed energy and dedication to FFA and all it stands for. Many activities are scheduled for the coming year.