News Maverick Makes it to Hollywood
7
Feb.
Student steps into the spotlight of “American Idol”
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Photo by Claudia Matthews
Sophomore Aubree Bouche is competing for the top prize in the American Idol competition.
Rikki Backus Staff Writer
he dreams of sophomore Aubree Bouche became a reality from the moment the golden ticket reached her hands. Aubree auditioned for “American Idol,” but was unable to disclose exactly how far she’s advanced until recently, when her first audtion was televised and it was revealed that she earned a place in the Hollywood round. Fighting her nerves, Bouche sang her heart out and made it to the next round of eliminations. “I was nervous,” Bouche said, “but I tried my best to give it everything I had and just live in the moment.” Since the age of three, Aubree has been singing in hopes of one day turning her passion into a career. After ten years of waiting to be on screen, Aubree’s anticipation has finally reached its end.
Reaching New Heights Scientists discover new Earth-like planet that might support life Gage DiRoberto Staff Writer
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e have found thousands of other planets, but one in particular stands out and it may be the closest thing to the place we call home. This wonder planet is creating a lot of buzz throughout the science world and may lead to more extraordinary discoveries. Kepler-22B is located in the Kepler system, which is around 500 light years from our solar system. It has an average surface temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 Fahrenheit) and is approximately twice the size of Earth and is five times the mass. Since it is bigger than Earth, its gravitational pull is twice the force of the Earth. NASA does not know if the planet is mostly rock, Kepler-22b gas, or liquid, but they think it has a high possibility of having water, a key prerequisite for life. “Water is the staple of life. Without it, life could not be supported,” Earth and Space teacher and California certified astronomer Kevin Fairchild said. The star that Kepler-22B orbits off of is only slightly smaller than our sun and is almost exactly the same as our sun. Kepler22B’s year is equal to 290 Earth days and each day is only about 3 hours longer than ours. Kepler-22B is so similar to Earth
it has earned the nickname “Earth 2.0” among scientists. Some experts believe “Earth 2.0” may potentially support life. “I would not be surprised if Kepler22B contains life but I would be very surprised if we can reach it anytime soon,” Fairchild said. Other astronomers are skeptical about the chances of there being life on Kepler-22B. “When we look at how unique and exact conditions have to be to support life, we see how hard it is for there to be forms of life,” s c i e n c e 600 Lightyears Earth teacher Bob Away Sills said. Despite t h e s e concerns, m a n y astronomers believe that this planet, Graphic by Meg Shepro and those like it, could contain life. The Kepler telescope, which found Kepler-22B, has found hundreds of other “earth-like planets” and is continuing to find more.At this pace we may find many more planets like Kepler and may even find intelligent life, but in the meantime scientists will focus on Kepler-22B. As the world continues to spin, the search into the great beyond continues. If we can keep up exploration at the current the pace, we may have yet another extraordinary discovery on the horizon.
“I have wanted to try out for “American Idol” since the show first started,” Bouche said. After facing the judges and listening to them critique her singing, Aubree’s emotions flew through the roof when she found out she had made it through the auditions. “I was so excited that I burst into tears the moment I saw my family,” Bouche said. After being viewed on national television, even people who did not know Aubree showed enthusiasm about their local television star. “A lot of people came up to me and congratulated me that I don’t really know,” Aubree said. “It was nice, but it seemed a little strange to me.” Now that Aubree has started to pave the way for a successful career, her life has seen shifts in everyday activities and normal routines. However, Bouche
has crossed her fingers that life will continue to change as she hopes to use this opportunity to further promote her career in the music industry. “I am looking forward to continuing my singing career and hopefully go somewhere with it,” Bouche said. Aubree not only has the drive to sing, but has also expressed interest in acting. “Singing is my main passion, but I do love acting as well,” Bouche said. “My ultimate goal is to pursue film and singing.” Aubree now has the pressure of school and pursuing her singing goals, realizing that she has to juggle both aspects of her life equally. “I have missed a week of school already and it is very hard to catch up,” Bouche said. However, Aubree is not going to allow her school work to get in the way of her lifelong dream.
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