NS district protects summer band program
Girls softball team plays well at state tournament, takes 2nd see page 6
See page 9
NS choir acheives straight I’s at State competition
Well Said:
I was our best It season yet. I loved everything about it. Our team did really well and we pulled through when we needed eded to. t
Said by senior and pit pitcher h r Shelby Earl about the recent state softball ft tournament where the team took 2nd.
Upcoming events: Today: Project day/nightnew gym
Thursday:
Spring sports
award ceremony- 7:00 p.m.
Friday:
Elemtary track
meet
Saturday: Miss Fairview Pageant- 6:30 Auditoruim
Photo provided byy Aaron Jordan
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BY CARLYY CHAPMAN On May 7, the NS choir earned the highest possible
scores at the UMEA State Choral Festival. The choir went to the competition not knowing what to expect, but
left glad to compete successfully. “The students were already loaded [on the buses]
Times takes 2nd in state
By the Numbers:
Number of seniors from NS who received their associate degrees.
Number of seniors from NS planning on attending Snow College in the fall.
Cruz Rodriguez’ rank in number of goals scored in 3A.
The number you should always choose when you pick between 1 and 10.
Photo byy Parker Christensen
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Contents A & E................9 Crossword.........10 Features.............4 News..................1 Sports................6
SEE PAGE 3, STATE CHOIR
Seniors make future college plans, most choose Snow BY AMYY BANGERTER With graduation just around the corner, most seniors at NS have made plans for the coming year. Even with the costs of college rising, most seniors are planning on continuing their education, with the majority staying close to home. Forty-six percent of this year’s graduating class are planning on going to Snow College. Twenty-three percent are attending larger universities in Utah including BYU, Dixie, SUU, USU, UVU, Weber, and Westminster. Thirteen percent have selected schools outside of the state and 9 percent are undecided. For another 9 percent of the seniors graduating this year, going to college is not in their plans. Many seniors going to Snow are also planning on rooming with friends from NS. Derek Erickson is on a full academic scholarship and will be living with Erik Johansen, Dyllon Tabler, and Brandon Mabey. “I’m excited to be away from home and live with my best buddies,� Erickk son said. Erickson is thinking about majoring in engineering, and he plans to keep his part-time job at Cavaliers while going to school. Most of his family has gone to Snow and he is following the tradition. Nathan Aagard is also planning on not separating from his high school
when I got the scores,� said Carisa Hilton, NS choral director and vocal coach. She decided to not yet reveal the scores, but gave one bus of students a somber speech on the importance of choir performance. When she felt the time was right, she unenthusiastically told the students they earned perfect scores. “I had to refrain from crying,� said Karen Crosland, senior. “They started screaming, screaming,� Hilton said. “They all just ran circles around the buses, screaming—ruining their voices.� The judges commented that the choir was set apart because of the deep connection students had to the chorister and music. Students noticed this connection as well. “We were really in sync
with the director and everyone there. That had never happened before,� said choir member Devin Shelley, senior. Judges said the performance was captivating. They also noted the variety and good diction of the choir, commenting that NS was the first group of the day they could actually understand. The choir performed three pieces: “Indescribable,� a contemporary gospel arrangement by Andy Albritton; “Je Le Vous Dirai!� a 16th Century French gossip song; and “The Call� from the Five Mystic Songs by Ralph Vaughn Wiliams. “I wasn’t going to take them to the Region level because we were having trouble with the [tempo],� said Hilton. In effort ff to master the music above, Hilton had to arrange after-school and weekk end practices. “We ran the gauntlet every day,� Shelley said. He said the choir put in an enormous amount of extra time for practices. “I did feel some pressure because the band had done well, and we had a goal that all of us would make it to state,� Hilton said. Even though the choir worked hard every day to accomplish this goal, Shelley said Hilton kept the class atmosphere light and friendly. “[Hilton] pushed us really.
friends. “I’m living with Pete, Cheese, JP, Kaden, and Ham,� Aagard said. Aagard also has a full-tuition scholarship and is planning on going to Snow for one year before serving an LDS mission. Taleena Holgreen will be going to SUU in the fall where surprisingly less than ten NS seniors are headed following graduation. Holgreen is anxious to move on in life and wants to major in photography. Although the majority of seniors do know where they are headed, there are still many who are worried about
finding a job. Sixty-five percent are unsure of where they will work. There are some who are planning on keeping their current jobs and others who say they will likely work for their family. Some seniors are hoping to find a job at a restaurant, a hospital, or work as a nanny. One thing is sure—almost every one hopbgers for work on or near campus. Shelsie Parish is going out-of-state to the Culinary Institute of America in California. She hopes to find a job on campus at a restaurant and to use student loans to pay for expenses. “I love baking, and that’s what
made me want to go,� Parish said. “I fell in love with the school when I saw a picture.� Parish is worried about being in California alone but she is excited to go somewhere different ff where no one else is going. Whether they are staying right next to home or moving miles away, seniors at NS are preparing to go out into the real world. Although most seniors are worried about money and the changes of being on their own, almost all of this years graduating class are ready to move on and are doing so in confidence.
2
Senior trips rare among Utah schools Documentary film fi class available for next year seniors
Photo from lagoonpark.com
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BY SADIE IVIE After 13 years of attending school and suffering ff through classes and homework, seniors may be happy to know that their time and hard work will be rewarded with a year-end senior trip. The senior trip that NS High sponsors consists of a day at the local amusement park, Lagoon. Despite the opportunity to skip a day of school, ride rollercoasters and spend a day with friends, seniors at NS wonder if the trip is worth their time and money. The NS High trip is scheduled along with the NS middle school and many other schools throughout the state of Utah. Every year the park is crowded, has extremely long lines and is filled with underclassmen. “I’m not going,� said senior, Alisha Peckham. “It’s dumb because you’ll only get on one ride the whole time you’re there because there are so many
people.� Some NS seniors also feel that the Lagoon trip is boring and mediocre compared to other senior trips throughout the state. Some of these more exciting trips are Dixie and Juab High School’s vacation to California, Disneyland and Knottsberry Farm. Although the NS Lagoon trip may seem boring or small compared to other senior trips, NS students may be grateful to know that they are one of only 5 out of the 12 surveyed schools who have a choice to even attend a trip. Many high schools throughout the region, like Delta and Emery, don’t offer ff seniors the choice. And the schools in our region that do offer ff a trip, like Manti and Richfield, also go to Lagoon. Many people think that the larger, richer schools in our state would take their students on a more elaborate, funfilled trip. But they are wrong. Many of these schools, like Provo, Skyline, Lehi,
Cedar and Riverton High Schools, don’t offer ff their students any vacation at all. The faculty at NS only has the students’ interests in mind when they plan this trip. They plan it to offer ff the seniors a reward for their hard work and one last opportunity to have a great time with your fellow classmates before everyone separates and moves for college. “I think the senior trip will be a blast!� said senior Shyanne Ison. “It will be one of the last times all of the seniors get to be together and have fun, and I think everyone should take the opportunity and go.� Although most NS students have visited Lagoon many times in their lives, including the 8th grade trip, Ison is not the only one who is looking forward to going. “It’s Lagoon. It’s going to be fun for whoever goes,� said senior Jared Watts.
BY HANNAH ALDRIDGE Next year’s seniors will have the opportunity to take a class that has never been offered ff at NS. However this class, which will be instructed by Nan Ault, is a competitive one. Only ten students will be accepted into it, and only after they have turned in an application. “This class will just be a way for students to express themselves,� said Ault. She hopes that this class will present NS SEE PAGE 3, DOCUMENTARY CLASS
Teachers, students preparing for 4 seniors graduate with associate degree changes in graduation ceremony BY KIMBERLY LARSEN After four years of hard work, NS seniors will soon take the final steps in their high school careers. The NS graduation ceremony will be held on their behalf on May 28 at 7:00 p.m. Although this year’s graduation will be very similar to those in years before, there have been a few changes made. The greatest change is that the teachers this year are required to attend the ceremony and wear robes. They will be wearing the banners of the universities or colleges that they graduated from and will be sitting up near the students. In years past, teachers and staff ff haven’t been required to come to graduation at all, let alone have to sit by the students. There are varying opinions on this matter between staff ff members at NS. “I think they’re going to be excellent, the changes that we make,� said Jim Bowles, the principal at NS. Bowles feels that by attending the ceremony, teachers and staff ff members will show support for those graduating. Nan Ault, a senior class advisor, feels that the changes will help teahcers show greater support for the students. She said that having the staff ff members dress in robes shows the audience that the graduation is a formal
and important thing. She pointed out that at graduation ceremonies at college and universities, the professors dress in a similar way. “We want to place a bigger emphasis on the academics at our school,� said Ault. Not all of the teachers feel that the changes are for the best. “It seems to me to take the focus off ff the kids,� said Shawn Ledingham, a math teacher at NS. Ledingham feels that the changes will draw more attention to the teachers rather than the students, when the ceremony is for those graduating. Some also feel that purchasing the robes is an unnecessary expense in these difficult times. The robes will cost the high school about $1000, and some feel that this money could be spent on something else. The robes though, will probably be used in years to come so the money may not be such a large issue. There have been some small changes in the graduation ceremony, but there is still a lot of effort ff that goes into the preparation process. “There is a lot of work that goes into it,� said Bowles Those who are in charge of graduation start preparing for it months in advance. SEE PAGE 3, GRADUATION
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BY BRANDI PEAHL On April 30, four students from NSH graduated from Utah Valley University, before graduating from NSH. Lincoln Olmstead, Erik Johansen, Brandon Mabey, and Tori Egan earned theri associate degrees. Two other students, Laurel Bailey and Elizabeth Fullmer, completed more than half of the graduation requirements but
did not complete the pro- to graduate from. A major ingram. centive to finish the program These students began takk in the past has been the New ing college classes in the sec- Century Scholarship. ond semester of their soph“It’s fun when you’ve got omore year. They have gone all of your friends,� Olmstead through each summer taking said. classes as well as a full schedIn order to qualify for ule throughout the school this scholarship the students year. must complete the associate In order to complete the degree and maintain at least program students must earn a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship 60 credits from the school they choose SEE PAGE 3, ASSOCIATE DEGREE
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NS students elect ‘10-11 SBOs
Photo byy Sadie Ivie
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BY SADIE IVIE With this school year a step away from the finish line, preparations for the next school year have already begun. The first order of business was to elect the new Student Body Officers’, President Ezra Hainsworth, Vice President Taylor Walker, Secretary Shane Mickel and Acitivity Agent Amber Mecham. Winning the students over to get their votes was not an easy task. SBO candidates had to endure the tough and hectic election week filled with campaigning, planning and little sleep. “The hardest part of the week was
coming up with ideas for the assembly and the amount of time we had to put in,� Hainsworth said. Campaigning was not the only difficult task the candidates had to prepare for. There was also the interview, which counted for 30% of their vote that made some of the candidates nervous. “The interview was the hardest part because I didn’t know what to expect,� Walker said. Now with the elections finally over the new SBOs don’t have much time to rest before they begin work for next year. Throughout the summer they will be attending leadership conferences and
begin planning activities for their peers. “I’m excited for the activities we’ll do next year,� said Mecham. All of the new officers are looking forward to next year. They are excited to be involved with the students and teachers and host activities and assemblies everyone will enjoy. “I am stoked hard core,� said Hainsworth. The theme the new SBOs have chosen for the 2010-2011 school year is, “The difference ff between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather, a lack in will,� Vince Lombardi.
Associates degree,
Documentary class,
continued from page 2
continued from page 2
covers 70% of tuition for two years following graduation. All four students who graduated qualify for this scholarship, although after next year the scholarship status will be unknown. Budget cuts have had a huge impact on the future of the scholarship. According to Christy Bird, Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator, the average number of graduates is seven. The drop is attributed to the uncertainty of the New Century Scholarship. Although the scholarship may be cut, students have found other benefits of completing the program. These benefits include being two years ahead, spending time with friends, learning good study habits and pushing one another to excel academically. “Three of us dudes down here are always in competition with each other,� said Johansen, a senior from Spring City.
students with an opportunity that they have not had before. She has high hopes for the class. The film class will start “our own version of the Sundance Film Festival.� In this festival students will create their own short film and enter it in a competition that will be judged by a group of people. This festival will hopefully be judged by a group of film professors. Ault believes that film is just another form of art that students can relate to. Her motivation for starting such a class was the desire to provide students with a new opportunity. One may wonder where the funds for the program are coming from. Ault plans on buying the cameras with the money from a grant she has recently applied for. The class will take place in the NS library, and the movies will be created on the computers there. The filmmaking class is also very beneficial addition to a student’s schedule. “[Enrolling in this class] is a competitive process,� said O’Dee Hansen, counselor. “Students have to apply.� According to Hansen, the competiteveness of this class will help students understand how applying for things works. The class will teach students valuable research skills that will help them later in life. Hansen also believes that this class will become a way for they community to connect with students.
Pushing each other has helped each of these students obtain this high honor. This program is not for everyone though. “[This program] is not for everybody,� Bird said. “It takes a lot of time and dedication.� Bird says that an individual needs to know if the program is right for them. Those who are looking at Junior College schools will not benefit as much from the program. Also those who plan on playing sports in college will not benefit. Those who choose to participate in the program face many challenges. A lot of time is spent at the Ed-Net building, working with the same people day after day. They also take many elective classes which do not focus on their intended major. “It was totally worth it,� Bailey said. “I suggest to other people to start taking college classes now.�
NS Times Staff Editor-in-Chief Chana Thompson
Austin Sanders Alexis Fryer
Managing Editors Brandi Peahl Sadie Ivie
A&E Carly Chapman, editor Amanda Johansen Kim Larsen
Advisor Ben Cox News Brandi Peahl, editor Hannah Aldridge Whitney Nafus Chris Larson Sadie Ivie Features Jesse Richmond, editor Kim Larsen Alyssa Hall
Sports Amy Bangerter, editor Paul Cook Amanda Clark Layout Sadie Ivie, editor Chana Thompson Brandi Peahl Photography Hannah Aldridge, editor
Graduation,
story continued from page 2 Many things have to be done including reserving a location for the graduation party, choosing speakers, organizing the seating chart and also making up the diplomas. Those who are chosen to speak at graduation are the seniors who have the highest GPA. This year they chose to speak on attitude, determination, future, the retrospect of school, and courage. These speakers have to prepare their speeches long before hand and get help from teachers on editing during the last month before the ceremony. The last month is also the time when the graduating
students start to practice as a group. During these practices the students are taught the graduation song, how to march, and where they will be seated. They practice the ceremony many times. These practices are important. When students are late they are charged $3 and are charged $5 if they miss a practice completely. The school does this to show the student that puncuality is important so the real ceremony can start on time. Just as it is important for seniors to show up to the practices, it is important for the other student in differ ff ent grades to shoot for their own graduation.
State choir, continued from page 1 . . hard, but it was worth it,� Crosland said. The class received outside choral help from Steve Meredith, Ross Christensen, and Roy Ellefsen. Hilton said the students had to learn to delve into the songs and perform each with emotion. The choir also had inside help from their accompanist Shirley Hilton. “She gives us suggestions and tells us what we need to work on,� said Crosland. “She’s really helpful in that way, because she knows what she’s talking about.� The choir performed their semester concert the night before State. Even with all this practice, Hilton has discovered that a “hyped-up� routine directly before performance prepares her and her students by calming nerves. “We compare it to the Ramses pre-fight routine from Nacho Libre,� Hilton said. She said the routine consists of a series of inside jokes. Choir members agreed their performance was relaxed but the songs energized, creating a Superior performance.
4
Students anticipate summer fun and activities BY ALYSSA A HALL The time where popsicles are constantly in stock in your family’s freezer and barbecues become a regular form of family dinner is rapidly approaching. With only eight school days left in the school year anticipation is in the air for the upcoming summer months. What most excites the students at NS about the summer season? For obvious reasons a large portion of students feel that the best part of the summer is being free from the clutches of school responsibilities. “I’m most excited to be done with homework and to be able to sleep in,� said freshman Kaytie Nielson. Not only is a well-deserved break from schoolwork much appreciated, but
the warm weather is also enjoyed immensely. The opportunities to participate in numerous activities are much greater this season because of the fewer numbers of limitations due to weather interference. Skyline’s outdoor swimming pool seems to be a big hit during the summertime. Those who enjoy events such as four-wheeling, horseback riding, fishing, and camping trips also occupy Fairview and Spring City’s canyons on a regular basis during these summer months. “Having campouts and barbecues is one of the best parts of the summer,� said junior Tyler Olsen. “The outdoors is the best place to be.� According to senior Austin McCulloch, the good weather also creates opportunities to watch and partici-
Photo byy Jesse Richmond
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pate in sporting events. “Being able to watch and play sports during the summer is my favorite part of the summer,� said McCulloch.
The cities are mostly responsible for the summer sporting events. There are softball and baseball city league games played through-
Students talk summer plans and vacations BY CHRIS LARSEN
Miguel Ramirez
Kenyon Anderson 1. Where are you going? “Mexico.� 2. How long are you going for? “For one week.� 3. How are you getting there? “Cruise.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “Yes, most of the time.�
1. Where are you going? “Idaho.� 2. How long are you going for? “2 - 3 weeks.� 3. How are you getting there? “Driving.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “Yes, every year, my family and I take a vacation somewhere during the summer.�
Damien Eliason
Ben Rodriguez
1. Where are you going? “Camping.� 2. How long are you going for? “For a Labor Day weekend.� 3. How are you getting there? “Driving.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “Yes, every year, my family and I go camping for the Labor Day weekend.�
1. Where are you going? “New York.� 2. How long are you going for? “For about a week or little more.� 3. How are you getting there? “Flying.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “No.�
Dominick Booth
Brian Jackson
1. Where are you going? “California.� 2. How long are you going for? “For a couple of weeks.� 3. How are you getting there? “Driving.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “No.�
1. Where are you going? “California.� 2. How long are you going for? “For one week.� 3. How are you getting there? “Driving.� 4. Do usually take vacations? “Usually.�
out the summer for both youth and adult leagues. Slow pitch softball games and tournaments for men, women, and co-ed teams are held throughout the summer months. There are also allnight tournaments that take place. During many of the town celebrations there are also co-ed softball tournaments and volleyball tournaments held to encourage participation. In past years these tournaments have been a hit. “I love playing in the coed tournaments during the town celebrations,� said junior Amber Mecham. “I got to play with old people, and that was a fun experience for me. Except for when you mess up they get pretty ticked and you worry for your life.� Along with these sporting events, there are also other traditions that take place during the town celebrations. Spring City starts things off ff on May 29 with the Heritage Days festival and later hosts a celebration on the July 24. Moroni holds their celebration on July 4 as well as Mt. Pleasant who has their Hub City Days celebration on the same day. Fountain Green is next with their Lamb Day’s festivities, which take place July 16 – 17, and Fairview City concludes with the annual Pioneer day celebration taking place July 7 – 24. Some of the events that happen at nearly every location include a fireman’s
breakfast, games at the park, and parades. Some towns host dances and fun runs, entertainment and food, such as the mutton fry in Fountain Green. Spring City holds its own with Heritage Days as they offer ff home tours and art exhibits. Mt. Pleasant and Fairview both hold rodeos during their celebrations. According to freshman Emily Johansen, this is her favorite part of Fairview’s festivities. “I like it because I love to watch the bull and wild horse riding,� said Johansen. “I secretly want to watch them get hurt. It’s intense.� Along with Fairview’s rodeo, they also host the annual demolition derby on the night of July 24, which is followed by a large firework show. Visitors from all over the state come to participate in this event. According to Fairview City, on average, Fairview hosts approximately 4,000 spectators at this event every year. Although some of the highlights of summer include these pre-determined town celebrations, there are also many fun and exciting things to do that can be self-orchestrated as well. With the summer months being few, it can often feel like summer vacation is too short to many. This is why in many cases students at NS will be taking advantage of the summer events North Sanpete has to offer. ff
Laptop questions answered for college bound seniors BY JESSE RICHMOND For the college-bound student, a laptop can be a great tool. Having your own computer beats waiting in line for a school-supplied machine, plus you can bring along all of your music and pictures from home. Desktops offer ff these advantages, too, but lack the ability to be carried around for note-taking in class. Science teacher Dax Higgins says that he didn’t have a laptop until his last year of college. When he did have one, he says he enjoyed the freedom of not having to use school computers, which sometimes had long lines, but also noticed it sometimes hampered his productivity. “It was nice,� said Higgins. “It was also a distraction.� Higgins says that it is very easy to engage in distracting activities on a laptop, like playing a game of solitaire instead of listening to a lecture (he does concede, however, that doing this may actually help some people listen more
attentively). So, laptops seem to be ideal if you want a computer at college. The problem is:
which kind do you get? The various kinds of laptops can be broken down into three main groups: netbooks, notebooks, and tablets. Netbooks are the smallest of the three types. These are built with portability as their main focus, and as a result, they generally don’t get bigger than about 8 inches long. Of course, with great portablitity often comes not-sogreat hardware. Netbooks
are most suited for internet surfing, so they have less RAM and hard drive space than a standard notebook (though these can be upgraded to a certain degree). Compllex programs like Phootoshop aren’t going to run on these tiny compputers. Then again n, with the small screeen and slightly cramped c keyboard, m o s t graphic des signers wouldn’t turn to a netbook to suit their needs. The price of a standard netbook ranges from $200$400. Notebooks are the broadest category of laptop. These can range in both size and hardware capacity, depending on the use. Gaming laptops are the biggest of the hardware bunch, offering ff top-of-the-line graphics cards and lots of RAM. On the other end, some notebooks are practically netbooks, only
distinguished by bigger keyboards and screens. The advantages of notebooks over netbooks are mainly size. The screens are bigger, and thus better for watching movies, and the keyboards are less likely to cause cramps. Of course, they’re also longer and heavier, so a special bag or backk pack might be needed to carry them comfortably. Most notebooks will cost somewhere between $300$700, though higher end models can cost over $1000. Lastly, there are the tablets. Tablets are so called because they feature a touchscreen, and hand gestures or a stylus are used to navigate. Some tablets, like the Apple iPad, are all touchscreen, while others feature a swiveling screen and a keyboard. Also, some tablets have full computing capabilities (“Tablet PC’s�), while others (like the iPad) have more limited power and are mainly used for web surfing. Due to their more specialized features, tablets can
range from $400 to over $1000. For the college freshman, Higgins recommends the netbook. He says that netbooks offer ff the greatest advantage to most students since they are light and small. These allow easier note-takk ing in class, as well as lessening the weight a student has to carry around. While Higgins does recommend netbooks to most students, he says they’re not for everyone. Graphic Design students, for instance, will have problems with a netbook’s small screen and lack of hardware. “[Netbooks] don’t have the
capacity to get anything photo-wise done,� said Higgins. However, Higgins says that the basic functions most college students
would use (internet surfing, writing papers, taking notes) work just fine on a netbook, thus earning his recommendation. As a precaution, Higgins warns that all portable computers are unstable. He says that the components of laptops are very sensitive, and even moving the computer while it is powered on can hurt it. “The problem with laptops is that they’re more unstable,� said Higgins. In addition, since laptop hardw a r e iis more specialized, it is alsoo more expeensive to replace. Determining which computer best fits a student’s needs (and budget) shouldn’t be taken lightly.
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NS counselors work behind the scenes
Popular T TV series entertains with music, drama and comedy
Photo byy Sadie Ivie
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BY HANN A NAH ALDRIDGE Many students have benefited from the help that the two NS counselors off fer. O’Dee Hansen and Chet Keisel are the two men that have helped countless students both during and after high school. Keisel and Hansen provide assistance with student’s schedules; help with the SEOP (student educational occupation plan), and assistant students applying for scholarships. Many students rely on these two men for help with all things academic. They assist students in applying for colleges they are interested in, and give them advice on how to pay for it. Many students believe that these two men are an incredible recourse. “They do have to do a lot for stuff ff for students,� said Maria Reyes, Junior from Wales. Reyes feels very close to both counselors, and can be found it their off fices often times. She feels that many people at NS, students and teachers alike rely on the counselors for many things. This, she
feels, it what makes them to valuable to NS High. The counselors at NS also do what is called a “guidance curriculum.� This helps prepare students for post-high school life. Of course, both counselors encourage all of their students to go to college. This is their main goal as counselors. Both say that it is a difficult and troubling thing to see students miss out on a college experience by decide not to further their education. “I love helping students find direction and overcome issues,� said Hansen. He has been a counselor at NS for 5 years, and hopes to remain one for years to come. Hansen states that he enjoys helping student reach their fullest potential. Hansen became a counselor for that reason, he enjoys helping students overcome issue and find direction. Keisel also became a counselor for similar reasons. “I enjoy working with students,� said Keisel. Keisel’s favorite part of being a counselor is seeing students succeed.
He hopes that he can encourage students to further education, and succeed in that way also. Both Hansen and Keisel feel that what they do at NS is immensely important for the students that attend the school. Keisel believes this because he feels it is his mission to help students understand what their options are after and during high school. Keisel does his best to make sure that he is helping students in this way as much as is possible. Hansen feels that his job is important because students need help outside of what teachers do. “[Counselors] add one more team member to help students toward success,� said Hansen. He feels that the NS staff ff is just like a team of people; all with the goal of helping students succeed in life. He feels that counselor’s are just one more help toward that goal. It is clear the both Hansen and Keisel provide an enormous amount of help for NS student. Many students hope to continue to have their help for years to come.
Students debate over contacts vs. glasses
Photo byy Jesse Richmond
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BY AUSTIN SANDE A RS There is a great battle that is brewing out there over such a simple subject, which is should I get glasses or should I get contacts. Many people worry about how they look. Some say go with contacts. Others say that it is not hard to make glasses match with what their wearing. So the question was answered after some hard research. We have found that there are few differences ff in the eyewear. With contacts it makes it so that your peripheral vision is also workk ing, but glasses can cut off some of your peripheral vision. Glasses can make it so that you have tunnel vision. “Contacts are nice, but they are scary to put in.� said Dallas Gardner He is not the only one who dislikes glasses “I likes
the contacts because I could not see good before,� said Damien Elison Even teachers don’t like glasses. “I hate glasses,� said Mr. Cox. Also some people don’t like glasses for other reasons. “I hate glasses because they cut off ff my peripheral vision and they are annoying in the rain,� said Amy Bangerter a senior from Fairview. “They also give me a headache.� People who wear glasses do not seem to like them. So if you are debating I would suggest that you talk to your eye doctor about contacts. One reason that glasses are better than contacts is that they are cheaper. Glasses cost about $100 a pair. But contacts cost $220-$260 per year. A big price difference ff but some say it is worth it. There are also other options such as Lasik, which
is a good way that is a more permanent solution. Lasik costs more, but it works most of the time. There have been cases were peoples eye vision goes back to normal. It is surgery and there is always a risk. Some people say that they like glasses better. “My eyes just aren’t good with contacts because [they] irritates my eyes,� said Rhett Bird Adversely, Sophomore Nathan Beck likes glasses more. “I don’t like the thought of putting something in my eye so glasses are way better,� Said Beck. “I love glasses they are easier to use. When you read contacts can make your eyes hurt more from contacts getting dried. Contacts open up ways of getting an infection,� said Dax Higgins, science teacher.
Based on whom I interviewed students at NS like contacts better. So if your vision is lacking then talk to your eye doctor. See which option is best for you.
Photo from fox.com/glee/
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BY W HITNEY NAFUS Teens singing their lungs out about their feelings in a group may not sound like a type of show you would want to watch. The name itself makes it seem unworthy and just plain silly. With reviews deeming it brilliant, thirteen million viewers, and numerous awards you may just have to see it at least once. Glee’s setting is a typical, ordinary high school. You have your usual cliques from preps to goths. The Glee club is for everyone, encouraging relationships between cliques. Still, getting together just to sing about what you’re going through at the moment doesn’t sound like the best storyline. Yet people all over the nation are craving more and more. Normally people enjoy shows they can connect to through its characters. Glee’s characters are vibrant and unique. The wide variety of cliques and how they act is something you see in real high school life. Glee is full of situations that seem realis-
tic and relatable. This is one of the reasons why the youth love Glee. “You can just relate to the characters,� said Caitlinn Mower, a student at NS. “You can find them in our high school, and it feels like people you actually know.� Glee seems to be real modern high school life in its funniest form. Full of energy and drama, it’s sure to attract audiences. The quick, witty script offers ff unlimited amount of humor. Also the characters add to the comedy with their personalities. “It’s absolutely hilarious, and I love every minute of it,� Christina Coates said. Glee takes old and new songs and seems to completely transform them into instant hits. You wouldn’t think that a rock song could be pulled off ff in choir form. It seems to be working with their albums selling in the top charts. “I like their voices and how they make songs new and fresh,� says Carly Anderson, junior. We will see more of Glee and the large amounts of fans called “gleeks� in the future.
6
Ladyhawk softball goes to state, takes 2nd
Photo byy Paul Cook
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BY PAUL COOK The Lady Hawks have ended another successful softball season and played well throughout the state tournament. With only one loss in region play, the Lady Hawks were able to
take the region championship and earn a number one seeding for the double elimination state playoffs. ff The first tournament game took place in Mt. Pleasant against Morgan who is number four in their region. Shelby Earl pitched a no-hitter as the Hawks took the win 4-0
to advance to the second round of the tournament. The other teams to advance past the first round were region rivals Manti, number one ranked Bear River, number four ranked Grantsville, and Union who dealt the Hawks one of their only losses of the season.
As the playoffs ff continued the Lady Hawks played the Wasatch Tigers who they easily beat 5-0. Anna Ledingham and Brooke Seely hit homers in the win. Up next was top-ranked Bear River who beat the Hawks 8-1 to send them into the losers bracket.
Immediately after the Bear River game, the Hawks played Manti for the third time this season. Shantel Ison led the Hawks to victory with a three run homer to eliminate the templars. The score was 4-2. That same day NS played the Union Cougars. The Hawks jumped to an early lead in the 1st, 5-1. But the cougars rallied to take the lead in the fifth, 6-5. But the Lady Hawks scored four more in the sixth and seventh to take the win 9-6. Ison and Ledingham both had home-runs. The Hawks continued fighting their way through the lower brackk et in the semi-finals game against Grantsville. Ison hit her third home-run of the season in the close win against the cowboys. The final score was 3-1. With the win the Lady Hawks were headed into the championship game to play Bear River for the second time during the tournament. The Hawks struggled throughout the game with hitting and errors, getting only two hits while having six errors. The Lady Hawks lost to the bears 8-1 for the third time this season. It was a tough way to end the season. But the season was in no way a failure. The Hawks managed to take second in state and win their region. “It was our best season yet,� said Earl who pitched 42 straight innings during the tournament. “I loved everything about it. Our team did really good and we pulled through when we needed to.�
NS track team disappointed pp with season, Student plays well to receive 2nd but did well at state despite injuries
highest scoring record in the state BY CHANA A T HOMPSON
Photo provided byy Bill Bedford
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Due to injuries and illnesses NS track team doesn’t perform as well as expected, but they enjoyed making new friends and gaining new experiences. BY AMANDA A C LARK Despite the high hopes of continuing the three year winning tradition, the team settles for second place in the Region. Injury caused this season of track to be unstable, with many of the star runners out for most of the season. Seniors Lindsay Bradley and Will Cruz were out for the majority of the time because of pulled hamstrings at the first of the season. They were both only recently able to compete in Region and the BYU invitational, along with Kody Kleven who received a stress fracture at the race held at Manti, during the region meet. “It was a disappointing season for us,� senior Haley Ence said. “We had a lot of injuries and illnesses and didn’t perform as well as we all hoped.� Ence, who suffered ff from not only pneumonia but also two broken ribs near the end of the season, wasn’t able to run her regular races. She performed well even with her injuries which were unknown at the time, and helped the 4 x 400 M team make it to state. Bradley helped the girls win region three years in a row and was a member of the twotime state champion 4 x 400 M team. Although Bradley’s injury affected ff the team greatly, sophomore Paige Franks was able to join the team and help them do well, quali-
fying the team to go to state with an excellent time of 4:05. Although the team had its ups and downs they received second place in Region placing behind Delta. The rest of the season was also successful, and according to the members of the team players have done well despite the injuries. Coach Butler said that through the season the team has been able to win easily without too much effort. ff The Hawks were able to have a good year while making friends and gaining new experiences. Ence notes that although the season wasn’t the best for her she enjoyed making friends. The team members loved spending time with their teammates as well as those they competed against. “My favorite part about track was just being with the girls,� Shyanne Ison, senior of Mt. Pleasant said. “We all get along really well and have lots of fun together. Plus we win and that is always fun too.� State was held on May 14 and 15. Those who competed did well despite injuries. The medley successfully placed third in a close finish against Ceder and Park City. The 4 x 400 M relay took first in state with a time of 4:03. The team consisted of Shyanne Ison, Leah Gull, Paige Franks, and Lindsay Bradley. They also broke the school record by five one hundredths of a second. Paige Franks, a sophomore, did well in the 300 M hurdles, placing sixth overall in state. Although there were many unexpected challenges towards the end of the season, the Hawks were able to place second in region 12 and successfully compete at state.
Cruz Rodriguez is a junior from Moroni and a student at NS, but once he hits the soccer field he is an unstoppable, aggressive athlete. He finished out this soccer season ranking second in the state for the most goals scored in 3A. “Playing defense and forward are my best skills in soccer,� said Rodriguez, “and giving it my best every game.� According to head coach Mauricio Montano, Rodriquez is a hard worker, he never gives up, and he can stay positive in adverse situations. “He helps the team to get their heads back in the game,� said Montano. “He tells them to play hard and to not give up.� Teammates agree that Rodriguez helps keep spirits high in a losing situation. “One time we lost to Richfield and we were all down and Cruz helped us to be positive,� said Osbaldo Jimenez, a sophomore from Moroni. But being positive isn’t the only great quality that Rodriguez contributes to the team. “Cruz likes to win, but he won’t cheat,� said Montano. “He’ll play fair. He plays every game like it’s his last; he has a lot of heart out on the field.� Though he plays fair, he is often aggressive and occasionally violent. During a home game against Richfield, Rodriguez received a red card for elbowing an opposing player in the face. “The kid didn’t like me because I had more goals. I schooled him and he punched me in the back of
Photo byy Chana Thompson T
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my head, but the refs didn’t see,� said Rodriguez. “Later he came up behind me and was saying stuff ff in my ear so I just elbowed him in the face and got red carded.� But this experience shows just how passionate Rodriguez is about the sport of soccer; he gets into the game and gets aggressive. And that’s how Rodriguez is a silent leader, through his passion for the game. “He doesn’t lead with words but with actions,� said Montano. “He is the type of athlete every team wants to have. He has played through the season with injuries and he puts his teammates before his own wellbeing.� But Rodriguez couldn’t have made it through the season without the help of his team. He said they help him by giving him passes to make goals. Rodriguez loves soccer and practices at home to get better year round. His mom inspired him to start playing the sport. Rodriguez has been play-
ing soccer since he was young and plans to continue playing after high school. “I want to play soccer professionally or go to college for it,� said Rodriguez. “It is my dream to play for the Mexico League team.� Besides soccer, Rodriguez enjoys wrestling, hanging out with his friends and watching movies. He likes attending North Sanpete and enjoys wearing the jersey that represents it. As this soccer season ends, he takes the good things that he has experienced to incorporate into his game next season. “I look forward to next year,� said Rodriguez. “We just have to put our heads into it and play our best.� Getting better includes playing soccer continuously even though the season is over, and that is just what Rodriguez hopes will happen in the future. “I hope the team keeps playing so that we can take state next year,� said Rodriguez.
7
Boys’ soccer feels good about their season BY CHANA A T HOMPSON The NS boys’ soccer season ended on Friday, April 29 when the team played against Ben Lomond; the game ended in a loss 6-1. “We went into the game with a lot of nervousness,� said head coach Mauricio Montano from Moroni. “We have a lot of young players, and we just didn’t have all the luck that we needed.� Varsity captain Javier Navarro, a sophomore from Mt. Pleasant, feels that it was an amazing opportunity to play in the first round of state but believes that the pressure affected ff the team’s ability to play their best. Players and coaches alike admit they are not as happy with their season as they hoped to be. They had higher expectations for the outcome of the season. “I thought we would win more,� said Osbaldo Jimenez, a sophomore from Moroni. The team may be disappointed with some aspects of the season but they also look back at the positive things that have happened. According to Navarro this season was much better than last season. He recalled that last season, varsity only won two games and this year they won six. Although it is a slow climb, the players feel that they are improving individually and as a team. Montano believes the team has gained a greater understanding for the sport of soccer. “The team understands that soccer isn’t about shooting,� said Montano. “It’s about possession.�
Photo byy Chana Thompson T
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But what satisfies Montano the most about this season is that the players are much better at controlling and passing the ball more accurately, and 9 of the 11 varsity players are coming back next season. Highlights of the season for Navarro include winning their last game against Manti 2-1. He felt it was a very successful moment
when they beat their rivals, especially after losing to them once earlier in the season. Now that this season is over, the coaches are making preparations for next years season. “We’re going to have our athletes play as much off ff season as we can,� said Montano. Navarro believes that the team can im-
prove greatly if they start getting conditioned early and learn each player’s weaknesses and strengths. Navarro is thankful to the coaches for teaching the team what they know and for all the time and effort ff they took out of their schedules for them.
Jazz have successful season but fall to Lakers in semis
Photo provided byy ESPN
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BY PAUL COOK A week before the start of this years NBA playoffs, ff the Utah Jazz appeared to have a bright path ahead of them. But that all came to an end as they suffered ff a crushing loss from the Phoenix Suns. What could have been a number two team dropped all the way to number five with a single loss. What came with the loss was a more challenging team, the Denver
Nuggets for the first round. And an even more challenging team for the second. Utah had a rough path ahead without home court advantage. Utah took a beating in the first game of the playoffs. ff Carmelo Anthony was unstoppable in the Nuggets 126-113 victory over the Jazz. Mhemet Okur suffered ff a tear in his achilles tendon in the first half leaving the Jazz close to helpless in the paint through the rest of the playoffs. ff
Utah’s season appeared to be over without homecourt advantage and unable to stop Carmelo Anthony. But Deron Williams came out and dominated game two scoring 30 points and dishing out 14 assists. The Jazz won a crucial game on the road 114-111 which would give them the upper hand throughout the rest of the series. The Jazz returned to Salt Lake City to play the next two games of the series. Utah won both games in what is arguably the most intimidating arena in the NBA. Deron Williams led the way averaging 26.75 points through the first four of the series and scoring his fourth straight double-double. The Nuggets returned home for game five and beat the Jazz by 14. Williams had another fantastic game, scoring 34 points and nine assists. But that was not enough to finish the Nuggets. Game six took place in Utah where the Jazz won to finish off ff the series 4-2. Undrafted rookie Wesley Matthews had one of his best games of his career scoring 23 points. The final score was 112-104. But the victory was bittersweet. With a win over Denver, Utah’s only reward was the Los Angeles Lakers, who had at that time beaten the Jazz fourteen straight times in the Staples Center and eliminated Utah in
the playoffs ff for the past two years. In game one the Lakers destroyed the Jazz in the paint; Pau Gasol finished the game with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. Utah was defenseless underneath with only inexperienced Kyrylo Fesenko, and undersized Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap trying to slow Gasol. Utah made a small comeback in the fourth, but it was short lived as the Lakers were in complete control of the game. The final score was 104-99 Los Angeles. The Jazz headed into game two with hopes of slowing the Lakk ers. But this time Utah took an even heavier beating, losing the game 111-103. Williams played his worst game of the playoffs ff so far, scoring only 15 points. Paul Millsap, on the other hand, played exceptionally well, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 boards to keep the Jazz in the game. But Kobe Bryant, being guarded by rookie Wesley Matthews, killed Utah on every part of the floor. He finished with 30 points, eight assists, and three blocks. The Jazz returned to Salt Lake City for game three where they hoped to steal a game from the Lakk ers. Utah played much better than in the past two and led almost the entire game. But L.A. cut their lead
down in the final minutes and led by one point with four seconds left. Both Williams and Matthews had a chance to win the game, but Williams missed his jumper, and Matthews was unable to get the tip-in. The Lakers took the win 111-110. With the series at 3-0 and playing the reigning NBA champions, there was close to no hope left for Utah. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3 game deficit. Game four went along much like the first two. Los Angeles dominated the game and were ahead by as much as twenty at some points. The Jazz were defeated 106-92 and lost the series 4-0. With Utah’s season at an end, the team realizes that they need to make changes. “We’re a playoff ff team, just not a championship team,� said Williams at a press conference after the game. “I think we need a couple more pieces, and until we get those pieces we’ll be a four of five seed.� Without more or better big men the Jazz won’t be able to get past teams like the Lakers who are so dominant in the paint. Utah has had their most successful season in years, and if they can build on that they will have championship potential.
Hawk baseball struggles to end of season, looks for positives BY CHANA A T HOMPSON The baseball season at NS comes to a close with a less than satisfactory record, but the team struggled through until the end and looks back at the highlights from the season. “We were good in the field,� said junior Parker Christensen from Fairview. “We played good defense and stopped the ball.� For head coach Lee R. Sorensen from Fairview, the best parts of the season were the games when NS was able to stay close and had a chance to win. The team enjoyed spending time together at practice every day and as the season ended many younger athletes were sad to see the senior athletes leaving. And although many seniors from this year’s team will not be returning, the team hopes to improve their skills for the future and achieve a better winning record. The team feels they could have done a lot better this season if they would have improved some things. “We could have improved on our hitting,� said Christensen. “We had a dismal batting average.�
Sorensen said that the biggest challenge the team had to face this season was hitting the ball. Everything feeds off ff of it--if you can’t hit, your scoring struggles. Sorensen feels that the season would have went a little smoother if they did more in the off ff season. But they worked hard throughout the season too, doing what they could to improve. “The coaches brought in guys to help us with batting,� said Brendon Anderson, a freshman from Mt. Pleasant. “They also brought players that have already graduated to help us improve.� According to Christensen the coaches taught them new techniques and helped them to improve their fundamentals. Batting wasn’t the only thing that set back the team this season; athletes feel that some teams had an advantage because their teams were composed of mainly juniors and seniors with more experience. Although the record was not what the team neither expected nor wanted, they managed to finish out the season. With the end of the season comes the end of Sorensen’s coaching at NS, due to new policies that have been imposed.
Photo byy Chana Thompson
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“I appreciate all the help we had and appreciate the seniors for their leadership and will-
ingness to help with the field and get things ready,� said Sorensen.
8
Girls golf goes to state for first time in NS history
Photo provided byy Raberta Garlick
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BY AMYY BANGERTER On May 13, the NS girls’ golf team traveled to the Meadowbrook Golf Course in Salt Lake City to compete in the state tournament. This was the first time the team has ever
made it to the state tourney and Coach Todd Hansen as well as the girls feel it was a huge accomplishment in and of itself. “Every girl on the team helped us get to state,� Hansen said. He added that they were able to accomplish their goal for the season, which was to get to the state tournament. “They were able to go and see what it’s all about,� Hansen said. The top four golfers from NS were Annie Johnson with a score of 51, Kallie McCulloch who scored a 44, senior Raberta Garlick was third for NS with a 42 and Heidi Shelley golfed a score of 31. The overall team score was 137 and although they did not place in the top 10, they did well and feel that the experience was worth it. “It was good for our team to make it to state so next year they know they can do it again and they can do better,� Garlick said. According to Garlick she feels she could have done better than she did and she is sad that it is over. However she is grateful for the friendships she developed throughout the season. “I gained more friendships with the girls on the team,� Garlick said. The team is looking forward to next year but they will miss Garlick. “We hate to see Berta go, but the girls coming back are going to be strong next year,� Hansen said.
Boys’ tennis does well at region tourney BY AMANDA A C LARK Senior Kelton Rasmussen has always had a love for tennis since the time he was six years y old. His desire to start playp y ing tenniss so young was because of his grandmother’s influence. Playingg on the NS boys’ tennis team sincce freshmann year, Rasmussen has increased hiss talent thrrough the years and now playss first doubbles with sophomore Cameron Sego. The Th partnership has given them an unexpected u but positivee outcome this season. “I didnn’t think we would do this goodd,� Rasmussen said. “But surpprisingly we are playing well.� Rasmuussen said that the improvem ment is due to play-ing the gaame with more intensity. He added a that his doubles partner helped him reach the level where he is playing at today, but he still has work w to do. He notes that they need to work w on communicating, and personally hee wants to improve his serves. The paair took second in the region as a doubles team. Theey did exceptionally well at the Divisional Tournament andd according to Coach Ericksen, it seemed to be the highlight of the season when they received third place out of
eight other teams. This accomplishment ranked them above the region 12 champions, and just below Desert Hills and Hurricane. Although g Rasmussen has improved p his tennis skills, according to Ericksen he has also progressed persoonally. “It has been good to see him grow from a youung boy to a y ung man,� Ericksen said. yo The doubles team’s succcess through the season has helped thhe team as a w ole. In the region ttournament wh h ld in Richfield, thhe team did he w ll and moved onn to the first we round of state, held at BYU. S ephen Lewis w St was the only one to move onnto the seco d round of state in a on c ose match aggainst Morcl gan. The rest of the team p ayed well althhough they pl didn’t make it paast the first round. Rasmussen has been an example to the team m not only through his talent, but acccording to E icksen he brought a mentall toughness Er that the team needed. “[He] has brought a meanness that is an exam mple for the younger players,� Erickson said. “Our team without w him wouldn’t be the same.�
The girls on the team have looked to Garlick throughout the season because of her experience from previous years and her example. “She is awesome and she has inspired us all,� Johnson said. Next year the team is hoping to get in the top 10 at state and improve from this past season. “This year was a fun, developmental year,� said Hansen. “They are a great bunch of girls.� The team speaks highly of Hansen and how he helped them reach their goals and go all the way. “He believed in us and he told us that we could do it and we did,� Garlick said. The younger members of the team are anxious to improve upon the skills they have learned this season and they enjoyed their experience at state. “I thought it was amazing that we got to go and I hope we get to go next year,� McCulloch said. She added that during the season the team overcame certain challenges especially those due to difficult weather and working together. The girls were able to overcome these difficulties and feel that they made a lot of progress and are proud of their season. “We got better as it went along,� Johnson said. “Practice makes perfect.�
9
District gives money to maintain summer band program BY CARLYY CHA H PMA MAN A summer parade in Sanpete County is characteristically accompanied by the joyful sounds of a marching band. But creating a marching band takes money, and asking for funding is a queasy subject. North Sanpete School District will experience a budget deficit over $600,000 for the 2010-11 school year. But even with this im-
mense deficit, elected school-board officials still chose to provide funding for the annual Summer Band program. “In budget years, we have to protect the Arts,� said Leslie Keisel, Assistant Superintendant. She said that if the Board cuts an activity, the likelihood of it returning is small. The Summer Band program is a three-week band camp for applicable students in grades 6-12. They learn to march and memorize mu-
sic while also performing in local parades and festivals throughout North Sanpete. At the end of the camp, students are rewarded with a trip to Lagoon Theme Park. The program proposed a needed budget of $14, 640, though more than a third of that sum could be saved if the program coordinates transportation with the Migrant education program. But even at over $14,000, Keisel said “it doesn’t make a dent� in the district’s deficit
pool. Timothy Kidder, NS band director, must get the Summer Band budget approved every year. “Programs don’t come back when the money comes back, so we have to maintain them to keep them,� said Kidder. “This is the best thing for my program that I’ve done since I’ve been here.� He said the Summer Band program gives exposure of music to the community and bridges the gaps between elementary, middle, and
Freshman pianist impresses at state
high schools. Summer Band also bridges gaps between students and community. “It’s one of the most important [public relations] things the district does,� said Kidder, explaining the positive impact of band performances in community parades. “The community expects it for our summer festivals,� Keisel said. She said the summer program also provides opportunity for children’s learning.
Still exciting, but Avatar loses luster when off ff the big screen BY ALEXIS FRYER
Photo byy Amyy Bangerter
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BY AMANDA JOHA HANSEN Solo and Ensemble is a big deal to those who perform at NS, taking qualifying for state is an even bigger deal. Making it to state with a solo performance and obtaining perfect scores at both region and state as a freshman is seldom heard of, Taylor Purcell has done just that. Purcell earned perfect scores in both region, and state competitions performing Bagatelle Opus 5 Number 10 by Alexander Tcherepnin. “I didn’t think the piece would go anywhere,� said Purcell. “I just started playing it, and others liked it.� Purcell had been working on the piece for approximately six months to master the piece for another competition. After randomly playing the composition for fellow students, they suggested of as did the choir director Carissa Hilton. This brought on a new source of determination for Purcell to perfect the incredibly fast and vigorous composition. “He did it all on his own and with support from his family, it was amazing,� said Hilton. Purcell performed his piece for the
region competition where he was up against other students from across the region, and those who would be judging the competition. At the competition judges would stop students during their performance and tell them how to fix their piece, and asked them to start over. This caused them to be behind on schedule, and Purcell was accidentally skipped, and he had to remind the judges that he was still there to perform. Despite this minor set back Purcell played his piece only once, maintained the perfect score of a one, and was eligible for the state competition at Lone Peak High on April 26. “As a freshman I wasn’t expecting to go to state,� Purcell said, “There were amazing people at state, and region was more the end of my goal.� Purcell performed the same piece as he did in region. When he got up to perform the judge had told him to switch the piano bench that was already up there with a creaky wooden one. When the switch was made he forgot to introduce himself, and started playing. He was then stopped and told to make the introduction and start the piece over. “I didn’t have an up-to-par performance in my mind,� said Purcell. “If I
were judging myself I would give myself like a one minus, or a two.� Purcell’s nervousness did not negatively effect ff his ranking, as he earned a perfect score. Purcell had a life full of piano before solo and ensemble. He wakes up at 5:30 each morning to practice piano for two hours. “It’s not just practicing the piano,� said Purcell. “If someone tells you to run 5 miles you can just do it. You can’t just sit at the piano and play you have to concentrate and really want it.� He started learning piano from his father, Rhodri Purcell, when he was about five years old. At age 11 he went on to learn from his grandmother who has sent four people to college majoring in music. “He wanted to quit for a while, and we kept telling him ‘no you can’t’, and about a year ago he started loving it,� said Rhodri Purcell. Purcell is currently working on The Apassionata Sonata which is the longest sonata by Beethoven, is 28 pages long, and will take approximately two years to master. He is also considering going on to college as a music major in piano.
“Avatar�, a visually amazing and tec h n o l o g i c a l l y advanced motion picture is one of the most revolutionary films of its time. Highly advanced special features opened new opportunities for those with creative imaginations and ambitious ideas. The new visual eff fects have been some of the most important factors in giving “Avatar� its great success. The significance of the new technology used for the film has been widely acknowledged since the film’s release in theaters. However, “Avatar’s� recent introduction into the world of home DVD players is predicted to ruin anything that once made the movie great. Many think that the only reason for the movie’s success lies in the captivating size and 3-dimensional effects; ff that without these traits it’s just like any other film. This is an extreme critique. I feel that even in their own home, people will be able to enjoy the film’s many captivating features. Of course it will be smaller, maybe less dramatic; but what movie isn’t when compared to the theater? Those that loved “Avatar� enough the first time to watch it over and over again will enjoy what they can get. The great depth is gone, yes; and those who watched in IMAX theatres may have a harder time adjusting than the rest of us, but for me, the 3-D only “made it� in a few parts.
James Cameron did a great job of creating the authentic feeling through a combination of reality and fiction, not just through viewing-size. Even the foreign things were similar, in ways, to what we know on Earth. Many parts were shown together with human forms, voices, and inventions, which we interpret as reality. This is not to say that the show was perfect; it’s visual effects ff and futuristic setting distracted from what would have otherwise been an average story line. It focused around a singular moral and did not establish a deep understanding that lets you get what you need personally. It was a great moral, but was possibly portrayed too harshly. Additionally, the shallow bad guys and the cheesy military dialogue took a great deal away from the depth of the story. Though it has it’s silly aspects, “Avatar� was an intriguing and well-crafted movie overall. Whether you view it as your favorite show, or just to observe the highly advanced visual technology, you will watch in awe; even on your very own television.
Drama entertains audiences with modern comedy BY ALEXIS FRYER Last week the young actors of the NS drama department performed their annual springtime play. This year’s performance was “Bull in a China Shop� written by C. B. Gillford. This piece is a variation of the classic play, “Arsenic and Old Lace� written in 1939 by Joseph Kesselring. The high school rendition was a bit shaky, but overall it was an enjoyable event. The students seemed excited about what they were doing and the audience, though small, was interested. The students did well in their choice of story,
costumes and set. The accents varied from time to time, and their delivery was staggered at some points, but they handled their errors well. Many students did preparation work and behind-the-scenes tasks to make the production come together nicely, though not flawlessly. The play told the story of six old ladies and their insane plans to meet their attractive, middleaged neighbor Dennis O’Finn, played by senior, Aaron Johnson. The old widows were played by Jessica Draper, Delilah Reece, Laura Honey, Amanda Johanson, Sarah Allen, and Erica Draper. The group’s designs
to meet Mr. O’Finn turn out to be quite morbid. They discover that he is a detective in homicides, so of course the logical thing to do is to cause a death. The next thing you know, there are only five old ladies; the sixth is laid out cold on the coff fee table to the sick delight of the rest. Apparently, someone slipped poison into the tea but none profess to know which of the others did it. It is up to O’Finn to determine who administered the poison. They won’t let him discover the culprit easily, that would mean he would go away. To add to the mess, a nosy reporter (Sarah
Bartholomew) discovers the mystery, and adds her own demands on O’Finn’s time. The frustrated detective’s predicament opened up opportunity for many humorous comments, commonly coming from his assistant Kramer (played by Trevor Ivory). Kramer pointed out at one point, however, that their discoveries were just leading them in circles. This fact seemed a little too true to be funny. They made slow progress at the end, but eventually the case was closed and O’Finn was freed from the insane house‌ at least for a while.
Photo byy Alexis Fryer
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10
Cognitive Quest !
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Freshmen What is the name of the end-of-school party next Thursday?
Sophomore Who is next year’s Student Body Activity Agent?
Junior How many times is the ACT administered yearly?
Senior How many times have we used Jesse’s glasses in this year’s newspapers?
Super Senior Bless you, ants.
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Halls
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