June 2, 2015 talisman vol 50 iss 6

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TALISMAN

Sheldon High School

a student-edited newspaper

2015 Senior Issue vol. 50│iss. 6│June 2, 2015

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June 2, 2015

Senior

the Talisman

Senior pranks: good or bad Jack Forrest & Solomon Faulkner page editor & staff writer

Since 1963 the last few weeks of seniors’ high school careers has been a frenzy to come up with the next best prank. Pranks range from a variety of different jokes, tricks, and activities. Some mess with the students, some with teachers, and others are meant for the entire school population. Pranks are becoming more advanced as time goes on and teachers are becoming much more aware. This year the suspense is whether or not there will actually be a prank.

For over 50 years senior pranks have been separated into to two groups: the legendary and the terrible. Senior Pavel Specht shared his favorite senior prank: “Flooding the parking lot with paper boats, with teachers’ names floating on top.” Senior Ryan Knapp enlightened us on the opposite side of the spectrum with the worst prank he had heard of: “poison oak on the toilette seats.” This shows how pranks can range from very interesting and clever to very harmful.

Staff members feel differently about the different pranks. Some approve while others really do not. When asked what the worst prank he had ever heard of, campus supervisor Darin Henry replied with seniors putting toothpicks in the locks were the worst he had heard of; it was a prank that affected the school very negatively: “It cost the school thousands of dollars and work hours; it affected students needing to go to class to pass classes.” This prank is one that should not be repeated, although other much less harmful ones can be very entertaining.

While there may not be a plan for a senior prank this year, it has long been a tradition. These pranks are of all different varieties. Some, harmful to the school and students, other pranks entertaining to all. The question now, is whether this tradition will live on, or if Sheldon has put a permanent ban on these jokes and tricks. The future has yet to tell.

illustration by Gracie Thompson

How seniors decide where to go after high school Davis Glazebrook & Zakary Pace staff writers With its infamous costs, strenuous lifestyle, and demanding work, only about 66% of high school graduates immediately enroll into college. Over 7,021 Universities and Colleges call The United States home but with so much variety, how do people choose? Major studies,

student body size, dorms, cafeteria food, and campus life are some of the deciding factors of choosing a good college.

Senior Evan Ackley wishes to attend Oregon State University for a bachelors in engineering. “OSU’s engineering programs are some of the best I’ve ever looked into,” Ackley stated; “I’ve looked into several different colleges and the location of OSU really worked for me.”

Senior Molly Love said she wants to attend San Diego State University. “I’m going to live in the dorms there. Although they’re very small, it still beats living in an apartment.” Love wishes to attend to get a bachelors in forensic sciences. “The one thing that really sold me on San Diego is the location, I love

it there.”

Senior Brandon Le wants to study chemistry at the University of Oregon. Le says “the most frustrating part of attending UO I believe is the commute, mainly talking about driving and/or walking all over campus.” He also added, “Since I live in my own home I wouldn’t have to pay a lot of money for living in the dorms or an apartment.”

Senior

the Talisman

June 2, 2015

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Sheldon teachers share words of wisdom Rachel Barnhart & Gracie Thompson page editors The teachers here at Sheldon High School are people who we sometimes forget were once in our shoes. They too once had English exams and algebra homework on top of extracurricular sports and friends. What were our teachers like when they were our age? What advice would they give to their less-experienced selves?

English teacher Mr. Lawton reflected on his high school past, Lawton said, “In freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t understand how important education was.” Lawton shares that his love for education wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for a few teachers giving him the push in the right direction. “I learned that [my education] was very important, then I applied myself and my grades improved,” Lawton explained.

If Lawton could tell his high school self one thing, it would be, “Just do it. Just do the work now and it’ll be less hard later.”

Science teacher Mr. Landis also shared his high school past, Landis said, “I had a very active social life; I was not very serious about academics.” Landis then went on to mention a few things he would say to his high school self: “I would say, maybe work a little harder at school and socialize a little less, and maybe don’t worry about so much stuff.”

After interviewing two of our teachers here at Sheldon, we discovered a similarity between them. Both Landis and Lawton had meaning-

Talisman staff of 1964 hard at work to meet deadlines. Although fashions change, seniors are still dealing with similar issues. ful lessons about the importance of education to share with their younger selves. Perhaps students can all learn from what our teachers have experienced first-hand, rather than learning things the hard way themselves.

Traditions like senior skip day and pranks endure Ethan Hauck managing editor

ried out senior pranks were caught. This didn’t stop some students, but it was a scary thought that so many could be threatened by so few.

In high school, seniors are the elite. They’re the experienced, battle-hardened veterans. Because of this, they tend to have traditions, things that they all do at some point or another. These are them.

Junior John Lam doesn’t like senior skip day.

“It gives students an excuse to do something that they shouldn’t. Not only can skipping end poorly for them but it can result the same way that senior pranks do - classes and students threatened over the choices of others.” Personally, I feel that both of these traditions are acceptable, assuming they are moderated and those who participate understand the consequences. So why crack down on them? Ultimately, the school system feels that they need to demonstrate that they’re still in control. According to the Huffington Post it can be a poor choice to skip, but if you do, you should ensure that your teachers and classes are okay with it, and that you’re not negatively affecting them.

There are really only two well-known senior traditions: senior pranks and senior skip day. Recently, these have come under fire. Senior Michael Hughes said this about them: “Senior pranks can be hilarious. At times, people have done some great ones. In the eighties my dad put his school up for sale. Put ads in the paper and everything. But some people take them too far. The next class flooded their gym, which cost $8000 to repair.” Because of this, many administrations have decided that they need to crack down on senior traditions. Last year, the senior class was threatened that they wouldn’t walk until any students who car-

photos courtesy of 1964 SHS yearbook

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June 2, 2015

Senior

the Talisman

Mural brings color to Sheldon Sam Fox page editor

Top left: sign posted by Khalia Solar - photo by Sam Fox Bottom left: self-portrait by Khalia Solar Right: mural - photo by Sam Fox Recently, the school has gained some color. These ‘white’ walls seemed too jail-like to senior Khalia Solar, the artist behind the new mural in the English hall – directly across from Ms. Tierney’s room. “I wanted to leave my mark [on the school.] I’ve grown a lot this [school] year and it’s a challenge that I thought would be fun to achieve,” Solar said. “The [reason I chose the English] hall was [that it was] really empty and I felt that the hall needed to be brightened up with a positive message.”

The mural illustrates different shapes and designs spilling from Solar’s lips. “My friend Dennis Lorenzo’s original music inspired the drawing [that would become the mural,]” Solar said. “I was asking friends for some inspiration to spark… something and he called me up and asked me what my opinion on his music was – from that I knew exactly what I was going to draw.”

Solar said, “Ms. Tierney and Ms. Fitz have been really motivational towards me this year.” In response, Ms. Tierney said, “It has been awesome to have Khalia painting the mural across from my classroom.”

“Music, things I’m going through in my life, and stuff like that [inspire me to create my artwork],” Solar said, who has been in a highly selective LCC art gallery and was one of fifty-six selected out of 400 for a show at the University of Oregon. The U of O gallery was the home to the original image for the mural for a while and was the reason that Solar had to use a printed picture of the art to show others. “I do a lot of abstract and I like pen and markers, though every once in a while I’ll use pencil. I just really enjoy doodling and those are usually the tools that are available.”

“I started drawing when I was really young, but I didn’t feel confident about it until I was in eighth grade,” Solar said. “[Artistry] runs in my family - my uncle sells his art on the streets in Germany so I have a lot of drive to continue my artwork throughout life, but I would never pursue it as a career because of the stress that comes with it.”

Senior Farewells

the Talisman

June 2, 2015

Dear Senior,

I hope your life so far has taught you what you need to know for the next phase of your life. Most of all, I hope it has taught you this: you are not special.

Let me explain.

You are not more important than any of the other people you will encounter in your life.

So, treat others well. Wait your turn in line. Yield to the person in the car next to you in traffic.

Smile and nod to the stranger you pass on the street. Make friendly small talk with the checker at the grocery store. Live your life so that others are glad to know you.

Have the courage to live the life that’s right for you. I hope you receive at least as much kindness and happiness as you give.

Cory Fields

Bye!!

Extraco de Proverbios y cantares, XXIX Antonio Machado

Caminante, son tus huellas el camino y nada más; caminante, no hay camino, y al volver la vista atrás se ve la senda que nunca se ha de volver a pisar.

Caminante no hay camino, Sino estelas en la mar.

To the graduating class of 2015,

Be certain to follow your muse, but do not waste time in pointless pursuits. Be kind to people and animals and don’t engage in hurtful behavior at the cost of others. Smiling at people can be a worthwhile pursuit. Try to leave the earth in a better state than when you found it, a difficult proposal these days, but one worth fighting for. Try to listen to and heed sound advice and be able to tell the difference between that and foolhardiness. Always stay young at heart, but DO take the time to grow up and become a responsible citizen. Don’t let today’s material culture convince you that consumerism is your most important role in life , but do find an existence that allows you to achieve contentment.

Speak out if you see injustice and don’t let the man tell you that it has always been that way.

Finally, always remember, its not just how others perceive you, but how you honestly perceive yourself. Take care!

Mr. Hahn Recommended by Señora Albrich

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Oregon

Where are seniors going?

Lane Community College Justus Adams Sunday Archer Jackson Baker Alyson Berry Connor Bland Eli Bonosevich-Gekosky Hannah Bridge Josie Burk Gina Cajina Naomi Camacho Isaiah Cartwright Morgan Challburg Younghoon Choi Riley Clayton-Sanders Sarah Cobb Jeremy Combs Justin Cope Emily Cox Bailey Davis Corey Dayton Madison Diehl Megan Dougherty Brittany Duong Chandler Fosback Justin Ferguson Joshua Fritz Alexander Grabofsky Olivia Grieve Arianna Hamill Jonathan Howell Curtis Hubbard Hollie Irwin Oceana Johnson Kaelin Kane Austin King Karen Lomeli-Ramirez Alan Long Branden Long Danny Long Thomas Long Jonathan Martinez Sara McDermed Brandon Melo Colton Mikkelson Tanner Mitchell Matthew Molinari Aaron Mueller Michele Neill Jesiah Nelson Amanda Nokes Bao Pham Devan Pitzer Austin Potter Anne Regali Rosa Rios Gomez Katy Rodriguez Hayden Schuldt Justice Setliff Christina Shaneyfelt Linden Skoog Pavel Specht Jaren Stansell Sydney Strader Ezequille Strong Mark Testi Danielle Thomas Megan Tilby Libbie Tryon Tristan Van Cleave Colton Vanderplaat Colin Walsh Ryan Ware Aleesha Wickham Payton Williams Oregon State University Jarod Bays Bridget Canel Lauren Clay Kira Cuthbert Savannah Davis Bailey Devers James Felsher Dominic Filip Roan Fox Victoria Girod Payton Kubiak Owen Loughran Sierra Moon Natalie Olmos Julianna Rathsack Claire Roberts Courtney Sherwood Brandon Stansell James Stock Tim Wellette Elise Whisler Hailee Wright Maddie Yamamoto University of Oregon Jada Allender Jacob Brannen Rachel Brungardt Payton Bruni Andrew Castillo Brian Chastain Danica Chin Tania Cobian Baez

Taylor Conlon Alex Dillon Carlee Dotson Madison Edwards Alicia Figueroa Gonzales Sarah Hall Ethan Hauck Rachel Hill Blake Holcomb Matthew Holmes Andrew Houck Jackson Howery Kyjah Huntley Nathan Kim Diamond Huynh Aurionna Kirton Lauren Kitzel Keira Klein Morgan Le Jacob Leturno Paige Madden Adam McCall Ryan Mitchell Ariston Mokaya Jack Prochnau Kassidy Rayl Eric Ritchie Katherine Rogers Hannah Schwarte Molly Schwarte Kerissa Sheley Dillan Shouppe Daviana Smith Sabrina Smith Kellen Strahm Ashlen Swick Austin Tharp Sam Todahl Erica Vasquez-Farfan Cayla Walker Connell Warren Mikayla Watson Regina Weber Garrett Welt Paul Wilson Rochel Wyncoop Dorian Yeh Portland State University Taylor Doble Bryttnie Holden Shaun Poe Davis Miller University of Portland Aileen Calletano

Dylan Clark

Western Oregon University Chris Cockman Sammie Tracewell

Logan Comer Trent Rodewald

Linn Benton Community College Jacob Bryant

Erika Schaufler

Southern Oregon University Tristan Carpenter

Adrian Vasquez

Portland Community College

Molly Love

Cascade Portland Community College Anna Mastrandrea Linfield College Mariah Moore Chemeketa Community College

Jessica Phillipo

Oregon Institute of Technology

Brandon Stansell

Mt. Hood Community College

Courtney Smith

Eastern Oregon University

Philip Stinnett

Reed College Clara Riordan Lewis and Clark College

Sophia Warner

Aveda Institute Portland

Emily Pierpoint Oregon and U.S. drawn by Gracie Thompson

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Where are seniors going?

Oregon Continued...

Hawaii

Treasure Valley Community College Wyatt Johnson

University of Hawaii at Maui

Lauren McMichael

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Madison Nelson

Hawaii Pacific University

Karlie Ranck

Central Oregon Community College Mario Huenergardt New Hope Christian College

Joseph Vasquez

Le Cordon Bleu Portland

Drisana Norlie

Washington

Michigan

University of Michigan Molly Forrest Kalamazoo College Catrina Steckler

Utah

Walla Walla University Kianna Almeida

Shara Mae Owen

University of Washington Mackenzie Barron

Jonathan Kim

Brigham Young University Tyler Furgason Ryan Knapp Kyle Leatham

Massachusetts

Clark University Jacie Carson

Gonzaga University Ben Ely

Idaho

Clark College Taylor Frost

College of Idaho Abby Schwarte

Perry Technical Institute

Hunter Kubiak

Wisconsin

Seattle Pacific University

Geneva Lehnert

Pacific Lutheran University

Alison Wriggle

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Amelia Cioffi

Louisianna Tulane University Elizabeth Laing

Bellevue College

Rhode Island

Brian Brancato Alyssa Valencia

Brown University Cathlyn Medina

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Arizona

Blu Fonttenaus

Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding Langdon Junge

California

Maricopa Community College

Kobe Moody

Montana University of Montana Maggie Schaefers

El Camino Jayhdis Holman California Polytechnic State University Abby King University of San Diego

Mackenzie Mendez

Stanford University Isaac Meyer Humboldt State University

Alex Nelson

Azusa Pacific University

Elizabeth Prevedello

University of California, Irvine

Elise Tran

San Diego State University

Griffin Wilson

New York Syracuse University Isabella Cuevas St. Francis College Brenda Kise Cornell University Gracie Todd

Virginia University of Richmond

Ben Wanichek

New Mexico New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Peter Stefano

Florida Full Sail University

Ivan Estrada

Ohio Clark State Community College

Siobhan Kennedy

Abroad International Christian University (Japan)

Mizuki Hayashi

Marist College (Italy Campus)

Noah Roberts

Military Army Garrett Franklin Taylor Frost Zach Hodson Zach Parrott Jaren Stansell Blu Fonttenaus Marines Megan Ford Taylor Peters Navy Alec Apparcel Coleton Dean

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June 2, 2015

Features

the Talisman

Going on exchange to the United States Wasseem Al-Qudah staff writer Participating in an exchange program is a big challenge that a lot of people choose to accept. There are a lot of nice things about it, but there are also a lot of tough and hurtful things about it. However, most exchange students would agree that being an exchange student was one of the best experiences they had in their lives. It changes the way a person thinks and it changes his or her personality.

The exchange experience is filled with a lot of nice things that stay in exchange students’ minds and hearts all their lives. Hiba Al-Sheyab, an exchange student from Jordan, said, “The nice thing about being an exchange student is knowing all these nice people that I will always miss and having two completely different families.” By the time exchange students leave the exchange country, they will have memories full of things that they tried, saw, learned, liked, and loved.

They would also be able to fit in two different societies without having many difficulties.

Exchange students live in houses and societies that are totally different than what they had previously experienced. However, it has a lot of benefits for both the students and the host families. Students get to learn more about their host families’ cultures, traditions, and language. As Debra Pennicott, a teacher in Springfield school district and a host mom, said, “There is nothing like the day-to-day experiences of living together to really get to know about someone else’s culture.” Hosting exchange students develops ideas and relationships with different cultures and people, not only for exchange students and host families, but also for people who get to meet them.

Exchange students learn and achieve a lot during their exchange experience.

They attend high schools and participate in activities such as sports and community clubs in order to learn, help, make new friends and a lot more. For example, in the United States, there are a lot of special things that are normal for Americans, but special for exchange students such as high school prom, sports and graduation. Also, visiting American cities such as, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Seattle is exciting and special for them, too.

Although there are a lot of nice things about being an exchange student, exchange students face a lot of struggles.

Debra Pennicott said, “We still have a tendency to judge according to preconceived notions about culture, religion and race.” Stereotyping is not the only problem they face. Exchange students also face some struggles with the language because English is full of subtext.

Exchange students also feel distress because of their separation from their home, family and friends.

No matter what happens during the exchange experience, exchange students go home sad, because they have to leave a lot of things they love, but are also excited to see their families and homes.

They go home proud and happy of what they have done. They always know that photos courtesy of Waseem Al-Qudah their experiences and memories will Exchange student Wasseem Al-Qudah poses outside the White never be forgotten, their love for their families and friends in the country they House on a visit to Washington, D.C. visited will never end, and they will be back.

Controversy over unisex bathrooms Ayla Bussel copy editor

Unisex bathrooms are becoming more and more popular in schools across the United States. Unisex bathrooms are individual stall bathrooms that can be used by both females and males. Junior Ryan Ayala said, “I think unisex bathrooms are becoming more accepted because of all of the recent feminist movements that have been going on throughout the past year.” Senior Bao Pham had some questions regarding the bathrooms: “Would there be lines for every bathroom now? There’s no lines for boys’ bathrooms. Would it be stalls or urinals? I think it’s fine if it’s stalls.”

The topic definitely can stir up quite a few mixed reactions as it would greatly alter the atmosphere among teachers, students, and their peers. Churchill High School senior and president of the school’s Gay and Straight Alliance club, Storm Williams, said, “You immediately feel like you have to be on your guard. You don’t feel comfortable going into the male or female bathroom.” Some students Williams knows don’t drink water at school to avoid going to the bathroom.

Williams, along with other students, urged Eugene School Board members to pass a policy that gives special accommodations to transgender and gender nonconforming students instead of having only a bullying prevention and discrimination policy. According to The Register Guard, the school board unanimously passed the policy last week. “It makes me, and I hope a lot of other students, feel comfortable being in this district that there’s actually a policy dealing with all sorts of harassment that has come

up for years, but never formally addressed before.” All four of the district’s new school buildings being constructed under other approved bond funds will include a genderneutral bathroom.

Senior Brandon Le remarked on the unisex bathrooms saying, “I remember when it first came up at an assembly with this senator who came earlier this year I thought it was outrageous and I was all against it at first, but then I started thinking about those [people] who classify their gender differently.”

Students at Sheldon seem to have somewhat similar viewpoints about the topic, but there are many questions that remain. When and in which schools would these bathrooms be installed? What are the benefits to these new bathrooms? And how will students and faculty react if they are installed? Overall, many of these questions will go unanswered but it does not seem likely that Sheldon will be installing unisex bathrooms anytime soon.

Features

the Talisman

Track and field

Bike popularity

Tanner Mitchell contributing writer

The Sheldon track and field season was incredible this spring. Many athletes placed well at state and districts. But, of course, where would the program be without amazing seniors? In total, the team had roughly 150 athletes, the largest team sheldon has had in a long time and the program will miss them in upcoming years.

According to Athletic.net, Sheldon placed fourth overall in state. They swept varsity districts., sending five senior boys and five senior girls to state, who helped guide Sheldon to a fourth overall finish in state. Many of them reached personal goals for the season as well.

On his post on Facebook, senior Pavel Specht said his last jump for high school was “too good to be true.” Specht set a new personal record in the triple jump of 45 feet, five and three quarters inches in the state meet- placing him fourth in the event at state. In the district meet, he placed second in the triple jump at 44 feet and five inches. Specht ended high school with a successful season.

In all, the team had a great season. Placing fourth in the state was a great accomplishment. Sweeping districts for the third consecutive season was also a great way to go out. The seniors helped pave the way for future classes and will now look to pass the torch on to the next class.

Homophobia

Kaitlyn Schauer staff writer

June 2, 2015

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Pascal Konyn & James Kang staff writers

Eugene has always been well known for its environmental awareness as well as its fondness for bikes. Recently, biking has exploded in popularity. Sophomore Evynn Pickering said, “The biggest advantage of biking is that it is good exercise, and it has no negative environmental impact.” Many people have recently become more active in trying to prevent the emission of green house gases. Biking places instead of driving helps reduces harmful green house gases from being released into the air.

While biking is a good green means for transportation, it is also a very competitive sport in many places. Famous bike races such as the Tour De France are just the beginning. There are many local ones such as the annual Seattle to Portland bike ride. Freshmen Gio Vasquez said, “I really hope to one day participate in a bike race.” Vasquez’s desire is shared by many Oregon youth.

There are many benefits to riding a bike; one of the biggest is that it is inexpensive. The average cost of a bike is $308 which compares lightly to used cars that average $8,220.

Cars also have to be fed with gas or else they won’t be able to get anywhere. Gas prices are a struggle due to the fact that they are very inconsistent. Bikes, however, don’t need gas.

Obesity is a growing problem in America. Regular vigorous exercise is critical to a healthy lifestyle. A great way to get some exercise is to ride your bike places. Riding a bike can burn up to 500 calories an hour. Junior Hidetaka Hayashi said, “Biking is a great way to stay in shape.”

Biking is also a good way to connect with nature. There are many nature routes to take while biking. While riding a bike you may meet some interesting people. It is also fun to bike with friends and family. graphics by Gracie Thompson

Homophobia is a major issue throughout the world, despite efforts to further the acceptance of same sex couples. This problem is especially prominent amongst youth, including but not limited to high school and middle school students.

High school senior Rachel Lauren voiced her opinions on the importance of discussing homophobia in schools: “I believe talking about homophobia in schools is important because I still hear things like ‘that’s so gay’ and ‘faggot’ thrown around as put downs, when being gay is something that they are and are incapable of changing.” Lauren also commented about the progression of acceptance of homosexuals. “I believe there is some progression in the world in the way of accepting homosexuals, but there is still homophobia and setbacks. It seems [homosexual people] are portrayed as jokes, especially in the media. They are not given realistic roles and they are stuck in stereotypes on TV shows and movies generally.”

Junior Melissa Rice also said, “I definitely believe [harassment based on] homophobia is an issue, and I know people who have been hurt by it. I also believe it is important to stand up to this type of harassment because people should not be targeted based on who they love; they should be judged only on who they are as a human being. If two people are happy together then it does not matter if they are the same sex or not; they have the right to love whomever they want.”

Research has proven that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages ten to twenty-four.

“LGB youth are four times more likely, and questioning youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide as their straight peers,” says www.thetrevorproject.org, “Suicide attempts by LGB youth and questioning youth are four to six times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or overdose that requires treatment from a doctor or nurse, compared to their straight peers.” Homophobia is a serious issue the LGBTQ community faces. The suicide and self injury rates in the LGBTQ community spikes a huge amount in comparison to heterosexual peers. “Suicide is the leading cause of death among Gay and Lesbian youth nationally,” says www.speakforthem.org, “30% of Gay youth attempt suicide near the age of fifteen. Gays and Lesbians are two to six times more likely to attempt suicide than Heterosexuals. Almost half of the Gay and Lesbian teens state they have attempted suicide more than once. It has been conservatively estimated that 1,500 Gay and Lesbian youth commit suicide every year.”

Homophobia is not only a big issue, but also a dangerous one. We need to speak up and help before more LGBTQ lives are impacted by this harassment.

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June 2, 2015

Variety

the Talisman

Scholarship tips for juniors Issac Meyer staff writer Applying for college is not easy. Hopefully some of these tips I learned can make life a bit less stressful next year, and who knows, maybe you, too, will get into Stanford!

Pro Con

Before you apply — Visit your top colleges in the summer or fall. That way, if you decide you don’t like a college, you won’t waste time and money applying there.

— Make a list of schools you want to apply for and when their deadlines are.

— As you visit or research different schools, make a pro-con list and take note of anything you particularly liked or didn’t like. This will be very helpful later!

— Don’t immediately rule out schools simply because they seem unaffordable. Of all the schools I applied to, Stanford had the highest tuition price, but also gave me the most financial aid.

The Application — Ask for recommendation letters and transcripts well in advance. Keep in mind that some colleges require multiple recommendation letters from teachers in different subject areas, or even from adults who are not teachers.

— Be prepared to explain anything unusual. If your grades were low as a freshman but they’ve improved since, or if schedule conflicts or family obligations have limited your accomplishments, don’t be afraid to say so.

Writing Essays — Make your essays unique and interesting. They should make the college admissions staff want to get to know you personally.

— Describe yourself, not some ideal student you think the college would want. As Stanford advises, “Don’t write that War and Peace is your favorite book unless it really is.” Otherwise, you risk sounding unoriginal.

— When approaching a new essay, see if you can tweak one of the essays you’ve already written rather than writing a new one.

— Make sure you proofread any essays you write, and work with an adult you trust to ensure the essays reflect you well and don’t contain errors. I found that working with Hollie Roman, a tutor specializing in college essays, vastly improved the quality of my essays.

House hunting for graduates Maya Dickinson staff writer As the curtains of high school begin to draw to a close for the graduating seniors this year, the seniors are saying their goodbyes. While the seniors have been finalizing their post high school plans, they must also finish the process of house hunting.

When asked about her house hunting experience, senior Madison Yamamoto said, “My plan is to attend OSU! I’m living in a two-person dorm with my best friend Roan!” Yamamoto also explained, “At OSU, freshmen are required to live in the dorms their first year.” She later described how the rule made her house hunting experience much easier.

Senior Natalie Olmos, who is also planning to attend Oregon State University, will be living in the dorms her freshman year.

When asked if anyone helped her house hunt, she said, “My friend Molly, who is a freshman at OSU right now, helped me prioritize which dorms were best on the housing application.” She also said, “[Finding a dorm took] a month; the school assigns you your housing for the most part.” When asked about any difficulties she encountered while house hunting she said, “Housing wasn’t difficult, but finding a roommate was somewhat difficult. I wanted to room with someone I didn’t already know. So I had to use the roommate finding on the housing application.”

Senior Bailey Devers is also planning on attending Oregon State University and will also be living in the dorms her freshman year. She was able to find her roommate from a roommate search on Facebook. She continued to describe her roommate and dorm-choosing process and said, “[I] met a girl from Lake Oswego who I’ll be rooming with next year and we will be in a coed dorm. We got put into a lottery which means you randomly get a date and time for when you can choose a dorm.” She and her roommate will be choosing their room next month and are currently waiting to see what rooms are left. Her future plans for living at OSU include rushing for a sorority next year. Devers also explained the complications of house hunting and said, “The only problem I’ve had is the website is extremely difficult and confusing but it’s just a matter of putting time to get what you want.”

Now the seniors are not only saying their goodbyes, but their hellos as they enter new learning environments. But even after they move in to their new buildings, Sheldon can always be called home.

the Talisman

Summer

June 2, 2015

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Summer trips Haylee Knapp & Kylee Paul copy editor & senior page editor

With summer just around the corner, students are anticipating the school-free sunny days.

Summer is the perfect time to take trips with friends and family and make lots of memories.

This summer holds a lot in store for many of the students here at Sheldon.

Summer plans and trips vary among students. From going on exotic trips to just staying in Eugene, summer plans are all across the map. Sophomore Grayson Druffle said, “This summer I will be going to Washington to work on my grandparent’s farm for two months.” Even though he’s not super excited to work for most of the break, he’s excited to make money and spend time with family and friends.

Although most likely the majority of kids are staying within the country, a handful of students are taking trips outside of the United States. Sophomore Madison Bailey said, “This summer I’m traveling to Fiji on a mission trip for almost all of July! I’m super excited to help the people of Fiji and I can’t wait to have a crazy, fun, adventurous summer!” Spending the summer helping out the people of Fiji will be a very unique and memorable trip.

As their final celebration of finishing high school, many seniors are planning fun senior trips with friends and family. Senior Molly Forrest said, “I’m planning to go to Disneyland and Palm Springs with a few friends the week after graduation!”

Summer break is approaching and students and teachers alike are excited for what this upcoming summer brings.

illustration by Emily Ely

Summer activities in Eugene Taya Norris staff writer

Looking for something to do on one of your boring days of summer? Visit one of Oregon’s many summer attractions! There are local events you can attend, such as the Lane County Fair, or road trip worthy events like Portland’s MusicfestNW. Junior Annika Skaja has attended a few of Oregon’s summer events. Skaja’s favorite event is the Oregon Country Fair. “I like the good vibes that come from the people at the fair,” Skaja remarked.

She hopes to go back this summer.

Fellow junior Shaylee Muhs annually visits the Willamette Country Music Festival (CMF). Muh’s appreciates the event because of all the different country singers she gets to see every year. “It’s really great getting to spend the weekend with your best friends, while making new friends along the way,” Muhs stated. This event brings together people of all ages to celebrate the life of country music.

If you are interested in attending an Oregon event, visit http://www.oregonfestivals.org/ for more information. As you’ll come to read, you’ll see there is a whole world of events to go to. Hope to see you there!

illustration by Gracie Thompson

Run by students. For students.

Editor-in-chief & Senior pg. 6-7 editor Ben Ely Managing editor Ethan Hauck Senior pg. 2 & Features pg. 8 editor Jack Forrest Senior pg. 3 editor Kylee Paul Senior pg. 4, Features pg. 10, & Summer pg. 11 editor Sam Fox Senior pg. 5 editor Bailea Nance Features pg. 9 editors Rachel Barnhart Gracie Thompson Copy editors Haley Knapp Ayla Bussel Staff adviser Greg Cantwell Staff writers Wasseem Al-Qudah Maya Dickinson Emily Ely Solomon Faulkner Davis Glazebrook James Kang Pascal Konyn Isaac Meyer Tanner Mitchell Taya Norris

Zakary Pace Kaitlyn Schauer

cover drawing by Khalia Solar back cover grelfie by Sam Fox

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