Talisman vol 56 iss 3 June 10, 2021 senior issue

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Senior Issue

Mr. Wright’s COVID-19 Survival Story page 3 Senior Advice to Juniors page 5 Sheldon High School 2455 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401

Senior Plans for Fall 2021

page 6-7

vol. 56 - iss. 3 - June 10, 2021

2 June 10, 2021

School Life

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A year of learning Natalie Kaiser editor This year has been one like none other. It’s affected the world, our neighbors, and Sheldon students all in different ways. While we could all list off many things that have been difficult recently, there have also been many lessons learned that will stick with us for the rest of our lives.

The most evident challenge is the COVID-19 pandemic. It has stopped everything in its path, changing how everyone lives their life. Senior Rachel Huang said, “Since the pandemic started we can’t go back to school, aren’t able to socialize with our friends and family.” Family, friends, school, and sports all look so different this year.

It’s challenging to see a positive side to such a chaotic and destructive event, however it’s crucial in order to keep strength throughout life though.

Freshman Kiana Ayoma said, “It’s important to talk about this to prevent the same thing from happening again and to save lives of people who could be more negatively impacted by illnesses.

I hope future generations take outbreaks and other types of events affecting the whole world more seriously to not let it get to the extent the coronavirus did.”

There’s more than just a worldwide pandemic that has challenged people recently. Take the wildfires that displaced so many people at the start of the school year. It was something that was unknown and worrisome. Sophomore Olivia Feist said, “I felt the gravity of the situation when some of my friends had to evacuate their houses and everyone was watching the news and their phones to see if we needed to evacuate. That was definitely a situation that I had never experienced before.”

Racial inequality is something that has been prevalent in the world for a very long time. This year has been no different. The news has covered death after death of innocent black and brown Americans being killed or racially profiled. People shouldn’t have a target on their back because of the color of their skin. We all need to stand up for each other. We need to make our voices heard and help those who are struggling in any way we can. Sophomore LC said, “A big thing for me is empathy. I really think people need to have more of that in their life. To not go into something saying ‘you’re saying their life matters more than me’. It’s not that, it’s empathy.

It’s like, oh my god, this whole race has been oppressed for so many years and are still having to face it and deal with it and violent acts are still happening against these different races.”

Another difficulty for students recently was the 2020 presidential election, teaching us all about being respectful and compassionate towards others. No matter your opinion, this election was different, scary, and impactful. Sophomore Josh Kubu said, “I would say to future generations that you should learn about the things that you care about, and make decisions that advance that topic. And also that you don’t have to care about everything, just take a few things to really focus on and you will do the most good there.”

All of these events have impacted each and

photo by Natalie Kaiser every person differently. It’s crazy to look back on the last year and everything we have all faced. Remembering the lessons every one of us has learned this year is crucial for the betterment of our community and the whole world.

Whether you learned how to look on the bright side of events, the importance of empathy, or how compassion can be key, it can all make a difference. The past can’t be changed, but we can all come together to better our future.

Desired changes for Sheldon’s future Benjamin Zepeda staff writer I’m sure we’re all fed up with COVID-19 and other problems, but we all know high school is the number one thing we can’t escape from for four years or so. I’ve decided to look around and ask some students about what they would change about the school, and what would be the number one change? Sophomore Yaretzi Moreno said, “The time we get [to] school because some of us aren’t fully awake yet.” I agree with Moreno in a way. Although it does help us learn to have a good sleep schedule, I believe school should start at a later time to help us relax and enjoy class a bit more.

Sheldon is mostly known for its athletics and how the football team was named twenty-fourth in the nation by USA Today in 2002. But with that said, if it’s known for sports and is a high school, shouldn’t the academics be balanced with sports? Another student says otherwise and wishes for changes about the school. Sophomore Luis Espinoza said he would like the school to be “Not super sport focused.“ Most of the school is known for sports, and I can agree with this.

I am aware that this part of the article is mostly negative but there are good moments.

Every now and again the school does something good, such as how they are proud when

you put effort into work. Freshman Garrett Atterberry said, “I would change how things are graded. I think that some classes have it down fine. A lot of health classes have a huge focus on mental health and physical health and reward points for putting in the time and effort and putting a part of yourself into it. I think creativity, effort, and passion should be rewarded more. Memorizing answers is good and all but it leads to people forgetting things because it’s not needed on a test. But If you get hooked on a topic and put real effort into something, supporting the people who do those things will lead to happier and more gratified students and might help them pursue the topic they love.“ On a real note, I believe that Garrett Atterberry is correct in saying that if the students get more support, they will be able to be more successful and positive. I especially liked the part in which he said “I think creativity, effort, and passion should be rewarded more” because it helps students to be innovative and additionally encourages them to learn new things. Students will mature as good communicators in addition to improving their emotional and social skills.

COVID-19 Experience

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June 10, 2021

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A survival story of hope and appreciation Scott Wright teacher In November of 2020 I contracted COVID-19. Since the pandemic began I did my best to hunker down and protect myself, and others, by wearing a mask while practicing social distancing. I was less careful around my family and it turns out all eleven of my immediate family contracted the virus. Our symptoms ranged from asymptomatic to my severe illness. The majority of my family had flu-like symptoms for a few days but they all got better with time.

I spent fourteen days battling the virus at home before going to the hospital. I had never been this sick before in my life. The rest of my family was recovering relatively well, so my hope was that I too would get better soon.

The day I went to the hospital I used a pulse oximeter that I had at home to measure my blood oxygen saturation level. When I put it on my finger it read 24%. I knew right then that recovering at home was not going to be an option. The ER doctor would later explain to my family that in his 28 years of practicing medicine he had never seen anyone alive with a blood oxygen saturation level measuring that low.

Shortly after I was admitted to the ER I learned my condition was much more serious than I could have ever imagined. It was in the first 30 minutes that the head of the ER was asking me who I wanted to make the decisions for me when they put me on life support.

That’s when it really sank in that I was battling for my life. It was scary for me to hear the term “life support.” I knew I would be counting on doctors, my family, and ultimately God to determine my fate.

I spent the next 71 days in the hospital. I was put on a ventilator in the ICU at Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend but I showed minimal improvement.

After eight days the doctors decided I needed to be put on a more advanced level of life support. Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland sent a special medical team down to Eugene to put me on ECMO and transport me back up to Portland. My family was told it was a risky procedure and that I would have close to a 50/50 chance of survival.

For 21 days I was in a drug induced coma as they tried to allow my lungs and heart to heal. I remember very little of the time I was on ECMO but there are parts I definitely remember. During that time I had some pretty serious complications, one of which was blood clots. The blood clots in my lungs forced the right ventricle of my heart to dilate which was leading to right heart failure. My family informed me it was touch and go for most of the 21 days and at times my odds of survival dipped far below the original 50/50.

ECMO is the highest level of life support and it is considered a last resort. ECMO requires highly trained healthcare professionals and there are only eight machines at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. There are a total of only 28 machines in the entire Pacific Northwest. When the doctors first considered me a good candidate for ECMO, COVID was running rampant and all the machines were being used to save peoples’ lives. I am very fortunate there was a spot available for me to be put on an ECMO machine. I am very thankful my doctors recognized I needed this life saving technique and I am blessed a machine opened

up for me when I needed it most.

After doctors determined I had made enough progress on ECMO I was transported from the Neuro Trauma ICU and moved to the Trauma Recovery Acute Care Unit (TRACU) at Legacy where I spent the next 32 days. For nearly two months I didn’t walk or talk, nor could I eat or drink for myself.

I was confined to my bed. As a result I had lost over 50 pounds of body mass and had to relearn the fundamentals of walking, talking, eating and drinking.

At one point in TRACU I weighed only 129 pounds. My body was severely deconditioned and I was very weak. I remember the first time I sat up on the edge of my bed the entire ICU floor cheered for me. Sitting up in my bed was a major victory.

I will never forget the first glass of water I was able to drink. I had been getting fluids through an IV but my mouth was dry and I was extremely thirsty.

Everyday in TRACU I would think about the day I would be able to drink water again. I was limited to a sip at first but it was so good it brought tears to my eyes.

Once I became medically stable enough I was transported to the Rehab Institute of Oregon (RIO) in Portland. I still had a chest tube but was granted special permission to attend RIO. Rehabilitation was eight to ten hours per day of both physical and occupational therapy. On February 1, 2021, I returned home and followed the doctors’ orders of a daily physical regiment of training.

Thankfully, my recovery has been mostly spectacular. I had one setback that sent me back

photos courtesy of Scott Wright

to the ER at Riverbend hospital for an additional six days. After being home for two weeks my right lung collapsed and the doctors had to put in another chest tube. As sometimes happens with this procedure, I developed an infection and was sidelined for an additional three weeks. It had been 121 days since first contracting the virus but after recovering from the infection I was finally medically cleared and on a sustainable path to a full recovery.

I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the love and support I received from family, friends and the community. My entire family stood by my side from day one. I had the best medical care a person could possibly hope to have. I have a new appreciation for healthcare workers that risk everything to serve others. I had community support beyond my wildest imagination. When I review the notes, letters, posters, video messages, text messages and recall the phone calls I received from family, friends, teachers, coaches, administration, and especially students and players it makes me emotional to this day. The way I was treated and cared for inspires me to want to be there to help others even more.

I will be forever grateful for the support from the Irish community. It is overwhelming to think of all the people that were there for me when I needed them most. I thank God every day for my family, friends and the community.

The Sheldon community continues to be such a blessing to me. The Irish mean more to me than I could ever put in words. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

-Scott Wright

4 June 10, 2021

Student Involvement

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There are perks to student involvement in school Zoelle Ranstad editor High school is a time full of personal growth, social interaction, and many lessons to be learned both in and out of the classroom. Certain opportunities within these times, however, are capable of providing all of this while

photo by Greg Cantwell

also offering something impressive to put on a college application or job resume as well as a break from the realm of midterms and finals. These opportunities can be found within student involvement such as clubs, sports teams, and other student organizations. As seniors reflect on their high school experience, many have made memories and friends, learned lessons about themselves and life, and even gotten jobs and college acceptances due to their involvement and would encourage others to get involved as well.

Sports are arguably the most popular way to get involved at Sheldon and senior Emma Hawley took advantage of that opportunity. Hawley has played basketball throughout her high school years and has used this involvement in many applications for colleges and jobs. Hawley explained, “I believe my sports involvement definitely boosted my applications because it shows that I am determined and it represents teamwork, which is especially important in job applications because they want to know how you work with people.”

Aside from her involvement in sports being a great application booster, she also walked away with some valuable skills she can use throughout the rest of her life. When discussing this, Hawley said, “Playing sports has allowed me to improve on many things but mainly stepping out of my comfort zone, taking risks, and improving my communication skills.”

Elayna Beaty is another senior athlete who will be graduating with many positive takeaways from her involvement. Beaty plays soccer as well as lacrosse and explained, “Lacrosse has been the most beneficial for me because the running involved keeps me in shape.”

For many, sports like these are a great physical and

social outlet outside of the classroom.

While Beaty’s involvement took place throughout her time in high school, it will have long lasting effects as it has helped her grow as a person. Beaty explained, “Playing sports has led me to be more confident and outgoing. If I didn’t play sports I don’t really know how much I would have grown as a person at this point in my life.” This positive impact will continue to benefit her post graduation and help her succeed in the future.

While sports are a great way to get involved, clubs come with their own fair share of benefits as well. Junior Madi Kincaid explained this while discussing her involvement in french club. Kincaid said, “I really enjoyed going to french club because I got to hang out with my friends and do fun activities. It was nice to have a place to just hang out.”

This educational club provides students with the opportunity to be social and artistic and has been known to offer some pretty delicious benefits. Kincaid explained that she would recommend this club to others and plans to use this involvement on college applications next year. For those looking to get involved, Kincaid suggested you, “bring a friend and be open minded.” This advice applies to many clubs at Sheldon and should be kept in mind for anyone looking for something new and engaging to become a part of.

Sheldon offers many ways to get involved that provide a variety of different benefits and some guaranteed social interaction. While certain clubs and sports are great physical and artistic outlets, they also give you a chance to meet your peers, make new friends, and become a part of a subcommunity that is often family-like. In addition to acquiring these immediate benefits, involvement is also a great way to boost your job and college applications and could ultimately pay off in a literal way. Overall, getting involved in the Sheldon community has its perks and is something that every student should consider.

One weird school year Maddox Roberts staff writer With the school year’s end a little less than a month away and COVID-19 hopefully close to over as well, I think it would be nice to remember what happened this year. I could talk about the attempted coup, or the riots, or the people who were anti-science, but instead I would like to keep the focus on our little Sheldon.

But before we talk about Canvas let’s take a second to remember Google Classroom. As pretty much all of you already know Google Classroom was what we used before Canvas. Since our district was still reeling from COVID school was very primitive. Teachers had office hours but there weren’t classes, just assignments. The lack of interaction with our peers and teachers made it eventually feel like a time loop. Like there was nothing before this and nothing after. Ms. Tierney allegedly almost left because of how miserable it was, and I’d imagine several teachers were also about to snap too. Then boom we move onto Canvas and Zoom. They kept what you liked about online classes and improved what you didn’t like. Since most teachers didn’t make you turn on the camera you still didn’t have to put on pants, but now you could actually interact with your teachers and classmates. Also, while I don’t think many of us used it, the grading system allowed you to see what your grade would look like if your assignment scored a little higher was nice.

photo by Zoelle Ranstad Apparently moving onto Zoom was still hard for teachers, but luckily it didn’t come with the same whiplash as Google Classroom.

Now we are in hybrid learning, where you get to see people in person some days and get to relax at home during others. This is pretty nice, but to quote campus supervisor Darin Henry, “For this school year I am most excited about students coming back with a better appreciation for everything schools do for all of us,” and I’m sure you all are too.

Go Irish.

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Student Advice

Senior advice to juniors

June 10, 2021

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you will get into. These should be schools that you would be happy to attend if your other schools don’t work out.

Safety schools can include community colleges.

Senior Riley Gibbons will be attending Lane Community College in the fall and she said, “I would recommend community college, because it’s low stress, has just as good of an education, and will save you a lot of money.”

There are a lot of great colleges out there to choose from, you just need to find the right fit for you.

Once you make a list of schools that you would like to apply to, you should learn about their college application process. You should take notes of their deadlines, the requirements, and materials that you might need for the application. Schools may open up their applications in August, so you can get a head start. If your school uses the common application, you should make an account and start filling out as much information as you can. You could also start brainstorming and writing for your application essays.

Senior Lucy Dale said, “I feel I did well on my personal essays, I found it really helpful to keep a Google docs full of different essays responding to common prompts, that way I could copy/paste my responses.”

Some other tasks you could do this summer are plan out your SAT or other tests. You’ll want to be prepared for these important exams, so you should look at the schedule for the exams and start studying. However, you should check to make sure if there are any test score requirements for your school. You can also start looking for scholarships and writing application essays. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the more financial opportunities you’ll have. You won’t regret getting started on scholarships as soon as you can. You may also want

The major you pick now isn’t going to dictate the rest of your life. Just find something that interests you and have some fun with it.

You may want to consider working, volunteering, or JUNIORS! College may seem so far into the future doing an extra-curricular this summer. Having experience right now, but it’s coming up sooner than you think. can boost your college applications, plus, it can give you People may have been telling you to get started with your something to write about in college and scholarship essays. college planning this summer and they’re right. Trust me, If you can do something that is related to your career you do not want to ignore this advice. interests, that’s even better because you’ll be able to gain The college application process can seem experience in that field. Even if it’s not related to your overwhelming and you may have no idea where to major, any experience you can get will benefit you in the future.

Sometime this summer you should - Senior Elizabeth Watson make a ‘wants and needs Attending University of Oregon, Fall 2021 list.’ This list can help you start. Although you may not be motivated to get started find colleges that you want to apply to.

What aspects in a this summer, you will regret not starting and therefore college are the most important to you?

Location?

Price? stressing during the beginning of your senior year. Senior Academic Programs?

Extracurriculars?

Clubs?

Sports?

Elizbeth Watson will be a freshman at the University of Population? Private/public? With 5,300 colleges in the Oregon this fall, and she has gone through the process.

U.S., having a list of your wants and needs in a school can She said, “When I started the process, I also had no help you narrow down which ones you really want to apply idea where to start and I didn’t know the first thing to. about applying to college. My advice would be to start You’ll want applications earlier and to do college visits. I feel like I to make a good missed out on a lot of fun and beneficial opportunities list of safety, by procrastinating applications and by never visiting the target, and universities. I think I would have been more passionate dream schools. about the universities that I applied to if I had visited The amount them and really gotten to know the environment.” of schools You’re not the only one who is feeling confused about - Senior Emma Reposa that someone college applications. These tips will help you figure out Attending University of Oregon, Fall 2021 will apply what you need to do to get started. Keep in mind that to will vary everybody’s application process will be different because from person everyone has different wants. These are just some tips to consider visiting the colleges you’re interested in this to person. A dream school should be one that you would from seniors who have recently gone through the process. summer. Being on campus physically does not compare want to go to if money wasn’t an issue. It can also be a It’s important that you get started now. You do not want to virtual campus tours. Visiting colleges may eliminate school where the chances of getting in may be low. Even to wait until the last minute. Start thinking ahead about colleges that you want to apply to, or it might make you if you think that you’re not going to get in, you should college applications. This summer would be a great time more excited about applying to a school. still apply to those dream schools because you never to start thinking about what you can do to make your All of these tips will help you get a head start on college know if you’re going to get into a school until you try it. college application stand out. You could volunteer this applications this summer. The most important takeaway is Don’t let the price tag scare you, because you might be summer, get a job, or start making creative projects. It’s to just get started!

Dale said, “Don’t hold out for the school able to get financial aid at that school, which would make never too late to get started on something… so why not to give you information, it’s quicker to look things up it much more manageable. A target school is one where do it now? yourself but be wary of misinformation.” your academic achievements match the ones of others The first thing you may need to do is find out what Everybody’s application process will be different, and who have also been accepted into that school. There are you’re interested in. Some people may already know you might change your mind about what schools you no guarantees that you will get in, but you can probably what they want to do with their lives, but don’t worry if want to apply to or what you want to study. Be open expect to be accepted. A safety school is one that you know that isn’t you. Take a look at the things you’re already minded about interested in. What activities are you involved in? What the process, do you like to do during your free time? What do your because you friends tell you that you’re great at? What are you excited may find to learn more about? If you’re having trouble finding yourself with something that sparks your interest or you’re not sure an opportunity if something is the right career path for you, do some that you never more research. You can watch YouTube videos about the expected to subject, do research on companies or jobs that you could - Senior Ahnwyn Bowden happen. work for, talk to people you may know in that major or Attending Pitzer College, Fall 2021 career, or drop into some college classes for that major.

You should also understand that your plans will change.

Meghan McMahan editor-in-chief

“Get a head start on it! This is especially important when it comes to recommendations.”

“Get it done BEFORE the deadline. Don’t procrastinate!”

“Start writing your common application essay in the summer!”

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Senior Map

June 10, 2021

Where college-bound seniors are going

Oregon

University of Oregon Andrew Boyd Brandon Broch Trenton Bynum Sophia Calevi Makayla Dreyer Julio Espina Grau Justin Gamble Cardin Haffner Peyton Hankins Larson Helikson Ernest Ho Claire Jenkins Chloe Kriz Aletha Lengkong Nicole Meyer Angelica Miller Connor Quinney Zoelle Ranstad Emma Reposa Elliott Reynolds Christopher Soetan Macy Steinbaugh Chloe Straub Mallorie Tucker

Oregon State UniversitySamantha Bateman Elayna Beaty Maylee Bezates Gustav Bock Lucienne Dale Holden Eastman Olivia Eberle Indianna Ellis Halle Fisher Kenneth Harrison Brandon Healey Abigayle Heinrich Ashlyn Heusch Henri Holub Carter Neuman Jenna Price Madelyn Sherris Payton Shields Aidan Thorn Jonathan Trefethen Bushnell UniversityAbigail Askew Portland State UniversityAbigail Donde Nikolas Olsen Isabella Respicio Western Oregon UniversityKyla Glaser

Lane Community College Jesse Bishop Livia Cartwright Haley Christopherson Cindy Collins Jaime Cook Camden Crawford Sydney Dedrick Chloe Driver William Erickson Rylea Ewan Bailey Freeman Emily Goff Jack Graham Shawn Haniuk Edgar Hernandez Meg Hubbs Casey Janisse Jacob King Emily Koistinen Tysen Lindsey Briana Morgan Joseph Morton Hunter Mowry Amaia Osterman Sophia Pegram Ryan Sender Sophia Sessions Luis Vargas Gurrola Melance Vodvarka Savannah Wilson Dabin Yun Lewis and Clark CollegeElizabeth Grieve Edie Poulsen Rogue Community CollegeNatalie Kiser

Washington Bellevue College Nathaniel Ross

Idaho

Boise State University Mikaela Mosher

Montana

Montana State University Kira Cosgrove Seamus McKenny Ashley Rubin Clayton Sherlock Nhaya White

California

California State University Northridge Meghan McMahan University of Redlands Jenner Sherman San Diego Christian College Carly Wheeler

Chemeketa Community CollegeBraiden Miller Southern Oregon UniversityKyle Riordan Savannah Schwidt University of PortlandCynthia Salgado Mora Shasta CollegeHayden Salisbury

Arizona

Colorado

Arizona State University Grace Winetrout

Colorado School of Mines Serena Strode

University of Arizona Hannah Doan

Portland Community CollegeSuhyun Song * information based on data provided by students in NAVIANCE as of May 28, 2021

Colorado State University Ella Thomas

Meghan editor

Senior Map McMahan in chief

Winsconsin Alverno CollegeSamantha Vinti

June 10, 2021

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Illinois

Loyola University ChicagoJenna Ward

Indiana

Purdue UniversityAnne Greatwood

New Jersey Seton Hall UniversitySophie Ulm

Texas

Baylor University Ashton Meeker

Out of Country University of VictoriaKaden Bourdage

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n o d l e h S f o e d i s t u O s c i Athlet Eugene Athletics

Sofia Kokkino staff writer

Throughout the recent pandemic it’s been easy to lose motivation, whether that’s working out, doing well in school, or even getting out of bed to complete simple tasks. Many found themselves in a funk and struggled to get out of it. Luckily, some Sheldon students found an outlet that would help them feel a little bit better.

This outlet is an organization called StarCycle. This is a cycling studio where the classes last for 45 minutes with loud music, an encouraging staff, and the lights off during your ride for a judgement-free zone. You are pushed to do as much as you can and make your ride as successful as possible.

As many know, working out releases endorphins which can alleviate depression, improve self esteem, and reduce stress. This is what many of us have needed throughout this pandemic. Sophomore Brooke Tucker stated, “My biggest motivation during the ride is the rewarding feeling you get afterwards. You just feel complete and ready for the rest of your day.” After each of Tucker’s workouts, she wants to continue to make her day productive and the best it possibly can be.

These classes incite a continuous loop of wanting to return in order to beat your last ride and make even more improvements.

Sophomore Sydney Potter said, “StarCycle has to be my favorite form of exercise outside of Sheldon. It allows me to look forward to workouts and step out of my comfort zone. During the pandemic, it has just been so difficult to get back out into the world, but cycling really helped me do that.”

When it is easy to fall susceptible to a routine of sitting at home, adopting new rituals unlike what we did pre-pandemic, it is hard to break those habits. For Sydney, she was on the Sheldon tennis team during her freshman year, which enabled her to be able to get outside with friends and do something she enjoyed.

However, the pandemic changed that for her and the rest of the world’s population.

Unable to continue her sport, she didn’t have much to do. This is where StarCycle came into play. She heard about it from a friend and had to try it. She now goes twice a week and loves it as a new confidence-building outlet. This activity that is not affiliated with Sheldon helped her re-ground herself in the midst of the pandemic, and has inspired her to try new things without fear.

Arguably one of the most exciting things about attending a cycling class is that you know this ride will be unique. Each instructor brings something different to the table which makes the experience much more enjoyable. The staff loves to treat you like family and motivate you to push yourself past limits you didn’t know existed. Senior Mikaela Mosher added, “The instructors make the experience so special and unique because they welcome each person into the StarCycle family with open arms from the second you walk in the door, to the hardest part of your ride, up until the second you leave. They constantly make you feel supported and

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cared for.” It can be intimidating to try something new not knowing what may happen or where it may lead, but it is good to reach out of your comfort zone so you can explore more of life and what you are capable of. photos by Sofia Kokkino

the Talisman

pandemic athletics

June 10, 2021

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Senior athletes compete during pandemic Trent Bynum staff writer Everyone around the country has been affected by the pandemic, and student athletes are no exception. COVID has changed the way senior athletes at Sheldon were able to play their sports. This has truly changed my baseball career as I will never be able to have a full season of varsity baseball. This is the same situation for most kids with spring time sports.

Senior Kiran Sperry said, “I could have played so many more games but the pandemic took that away from me sadly.” She is a two-sport athlete and has gotten all of her seasons either cancelled or slimmed down the past two years.

Athletes everywhere who want to compete at the next level are struggling to get their names out. Without being able to go to skills camps and tournaments until recently, talented athletes have been going unnoticed. There are multiple talented athletes whom everyone knows have the talent to play in college, but don’t have the resources to do so.

Senior Connor Quinney, a standout lacrosse player, said, “There was really no chance to get noticed during the pandemic; I couldn’t go to any camps which would’ve really helped me get my name out there.” Senior athletes that had no interest from colleges before everything got shut down had little to no chance to get recognized before their senior season was already over.

There is a big buzz going around about the Sheldon girls basketball team. They knocked off the number one team in the state, West Linn early in their season. COVID restrictions have slowly been getting lifted, but there still has not been word as to whether there will be a state tournament for basketball. The girls would really have a shot of making it all the way if given the chance to do so.

Senior Carly Wheeler said, “It is very weird playing these games knowing that we don’t have an end goal to work for.”

In another strange 2021 twist, the culminating week for basketball, swimming, and wrestling all run until June 27, well beyond the end of the school year.

photos by Greg Cantwell Junior Maddie Wingert (L) and senior Ashley Rubin play in a tennis match versus Junction City on May 13, 2021. Senior Kiran Sperry (above) plays basketball against South Eugene on June 1, 2021 (Yes, basketball in June!).

Sheldon bowling team looks to future Lawson Reed staff writer Over this past year, the Sheldon bowling team had all strayed away from each other. It being the end of the season, COVID hitting everybody, and one of everyone’s favorite people leaving the team that year because they were a senior are the reasons why the team broke apart.

Senior Maven Reed had bowled on the team for three years. He was commonly regarded as one of the best on the team. This past season the team was on track to make state but choked it in the end and all were really disappointed cause they really had a team that year to make it. The team would always be talking about how they did after a tournament and would always have fun. The tournaments were always the best where the team would have the most fun. M. Reed said, “ I honestly just wish that I would be able to do one last tournament before I head off to college.” Even though sometimes the practices weren’t the greatest sometimes, or your just not having good days

for like a week straight, there was something about those tournaments that really made it fun even if you would be doing bad.

Senior Nathaniel Kimani was on the team for about two years. He really wasn’t sure what to think of the team before he joined it, because he was still pretty new to bowling, but after a couple of months and a few tournaments he was starting to become a really good bowler. Kimani said, “ I originally started bowling just to mess around and have fun with it, but then I actually found out that I really enjoyed it so I wanted to keep on doing it.” He and M. Reed always brought the light to the team because when they are together they are some of the funniest people and the other three players on the team really needed that on the team because no one else is like that. Having people on the team that can pretty much make you laugh at almost anything they say is really refreshing, especially if you’re having a bad day and they always seemed to be able to cheer you up most of the time.

M. Reed and the author’s father would always be at each and every one of the team practices and each and every tournament, so he had some perspective on the

team to offer. He always said that he just liked watching the team continue to get better over the years and he always liked seeing what the team’s new highest game was. He was always just really supportive and honestly really kept the author in check sometimes if having a bad day at practice or even at a tournament. The author’s father said, “The tournaments were always my favorite; watching you guys get something as simple as a strike when it was really needed then seeing all of you get super exited was by far the best parts.” There were times where the author wanted to quit or just go home, but his father always would try and push me out of that mindset so he could just overcome that, because that’s when he seemed to learn the most, after a ton of fails, then he start adjusting to accommodate for them then usually seem to get back into the hang of it.

The team really hopes that next year COVID restrictions will make it easier for the team to start up practices again if they have enough people. Bowling team is a great place to make memories. Mostly everyone has bowled in their lives but joining the team is really recommended to see how good you can really get, and get some friends to do it with you to make it a much more enjoyable experience.

10 June 10, 2021

Opinion

the Talisman

Helping Sheldon’s AAPI students Sofia El-Shammaa editor For years, anti-Asian hate crimes have been decreasing.

Anti-Asian hate crime incidents decreasing from over 350 incidents in 1996 to an all time low of 111 incidents in 2015. 111 is still a disgusting amount, but the downward trend had left many with hope. Unfortunately, that hope was quickly dashed, as anti-Asian rhetoric has been steadily increasing since 2016. However, the number of instances is expected to grow even more rapidly, due to misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sophomore Natafira Suryanata said, “Something I’ve noticed, especially with different movements that are, like, popular on the internet, is that some people just support it without fully knowing what’s going on. These rumors of like, oh, ‘Asians are the cause of the coronavirus.’ They’re really harmful.”

Despite the fact that it has no scientific backing, 29.04% of Americans mentioned that China or Chinese people are responsible for COVID-19, according to a New Centre for Public Integrity/Ipsos poll, and 3.96% believe that it was the Chinese government specifically.

While those who feed into the misinformation may be a minority, they have contributed to the hate and violence against the members of the AAPI (Asian-American and Pacific Islander) community. The effects of the slew of misinformation comes in many forms, from verbal harassment to being spat on and even physical assault.

Senior Aletha Lengkong, president of the Asian Student

Unior (ASU) said, “I have received multiple text messages and phone calls from family that live in Indonesia… I got a phone call from my grandma telling me that I shouldn’t leave my home alone, because she’s scared that someone would hurt me based on my race. That was very eyeopening for me.”

Spikes in anti-Asian rhetoric is nothing new, even in modern history. For instance, there was an increase in 2014 when a report describing North Korea’s human rights violations and in 2018 after the trade dispute between China and the United States. But those spikes pale in comparison to what the AAPI community faces today: a 149% spike in hate crimes across America since the COVID-19 pandemic started, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.

That isn’t the end of the story, though, because there is support for Asian students at Sheldon. The ASU has been around for three years, with members both in and out of the AAPI community, and it’s enjoyed by all. ASU advisor Andrew Cabrera said,“We [the ASU] always had a really positive and comfortable vibe. I’ve learned a lot in my years of being the advisor.”

The informational side is only one aspect of it, though.

Junior Zoe Bockoven said, “I go to learn, but also to get a sense of community.”

The ASU mainly focuses on cultural topics (such as food) from various countries and regions, from the Indian subcontinent to Japan and Indonesia to Thailand.

Bockoven said, “In the past, the ASU had a strict format of… a presentation where we learn about a new Asian culture. Then we have a new Asian food and we do an

activity. Obviously, we can’t do all that, but it’ll resume [next year].” Beyond that, there are countless resources such as the Asian Awareness Project and Anti-Asian Violence Resources to support the Asian-American and Pacific Islanders.

These resources also educate those outside of the community, which is a vital part of support. Senior Iman Zarlons said, “It’s very easy to state your opinion, and even if you have good intentions, and be like ‘I’m actually an expert in this,’ but it’s like, no, you’re not. Take a little step back and just listen to those around you that are actually from the culture, and maybe just observe… Don’t feel bad about having to observe. You don’t have to be involved all the time.”

illustration by Sofia El-Shammaa

Playing devil’s advocate doesn’t sound as smart as you think it does Michael Reed staff writer

illustration by Michael Reed

Have you ever been in a class discussion and either your teacher or one of your classmates has decided to play ‘devil’s advocate?’ For those of you who don’t know what that means, playing devil’s advocate means that you take on an opposing view for the sake of an argument to prove it’s validity. For example, if you’re in a discussion where the topic is about whether red or blue is a better color and most people say blue, the teacher might play devil’s advocate and argue for why red is better while still thinking blue is better. It allows for someone to bring up an opposing argument just for the sake of it. Sophomore Veronica Dutton said, “Often we get so isolated in our own views it closes us to the spectrum of [other] people’s ideas, thoughts and viewpoints especially on such controversial topics… It allows both me and the other person(s) in the discussion to see opposing viewpoints...”

Now with that being said, not all topics of discussion need to have a devil’s advocate. Dutton said, “This is

based on my own personal views, but I [whole] heartedly believe topics that are inappropriate for a devil’s advocate are any topic of human rights and any other form of humanitarian rights...” She said that because she believes that humanitarian rights should be all human rights and are non-negotiable.

On the other hand, sophomores Derek Starr and Patrick Lynam both told me that they don’t mind what topics are talked about, as long as it respects people’s boundaries.

Starr said, “I think that almost every discussion needs a devil’s advocate, just to keep people in line.”

When people play devil’s advocate in a discussion it can change some people’s views on that person. Lynam said, “Generally, it doesn’t show much [about that person]; it can mean they just didn’t know they were trying to get a reaction so they can just be annoying people.” Dutton said, “If the purpose of playing the devil’s advocate for an inappropriate topic was for the purpose of education and a learning standpoint, then my viewpoint on the person isn’t much different … However, if the person playing devil’s advocate was out of that, being their own personal stand and viewpoint, my view changes drastically.”

Getting Involved

the Talisman

June 10, 2021

11

Reducing your carbon footprint is not as difficult as you think, say students People throw around the word climate change like it’s easy to understand, but what does it really mean? Climate change has been an ongoing problem on Earth. The official definition of climate change is that the climate is changing due to the rising amount of manmade greenhouse gases in our atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and methane. Climate change has caused global warming, natural disasters, rising sea levels, and more. If we continue to do what we are doing, then it will be too late to stop or reverse climate change. Junior Shae Harper said, “[Climate change is] an issue and it needs to be dealt with. Everyone needs to help because the Earth is dying.” One person can help change the direction of climate change, but things will only greatly change if everyone helps.

The Earth is our only home. The question is: how can we help?

There are a number of things that someone can do to help the Earth such as reducing your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released because of one’s actions. There are various ways you can contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Junior Livi Gallagher suggested, “People can carpool, ride a bike, try meatless Mondays, or go thrifting.”

Carpooling can help reduce your carbon footprint because there will be one less car out in the street causing greenhouse gases.

Emily Vasquez-Silva staff writer

Riding a bike is even better because that creates no greenhouse gas emissions at all. Meatless Mondays are a great idea because livestock make up about 40% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, through both enteric fermentation and manure management, according to the EPA.. Thrifting is super fun and helps reduce your carbon footprint. These are just some examples that can help you get started on helping the environment.

People in our community are starting to get more involved in the fight against climate change.

Students such as Gallagher and Harper are actively involved in the Sheldon Environment Club to help our community. Other students participate in out-of-school activities and organizations such as Sunrise Eugene, which is an organization created in Eugene and Springfield that pushes for climate action legislation at the local and national level.

Some students decide to be less involved in clubs or organizations but decide to help in more subtle ways. For example, sophomore Shinny No said, “In order to prevent the negative impacts we have on others and on Earth, we must work together to keep it healthy.”

Everyone is involved differently, however, they all have one common goal - to be successful in the fight against climate change.

illustration by Emily Vasquez-Silva

The end of COVID through vaccination Ian Salisbury staff writer The COVID-19 situation is something that has hit school culture hard, and all of us are looking to change school culture back to the way it was. This won’t happen until the virus is controlled enough, and it is beginning to be controlled by the three vaccines available to the public.

Nearly half of our country has gotten at least their first vaccine dose, and as it is becoming more available to our age group. It is interesting to know

what students’ views on the vaccine are.

Many students at Sheldon say they have gotten their vaccines already, which is great because it makes the school safer. Lots of people believe that the vaccine will allow us to not use masks by next year, if it gets the infection rates to drop.

The virus is able to be carried on you even if you have the vaccine, but it just won’t infect you. That’s why it is important that everyone gets vaccinated, because you could still get it from someone who is already vaccinated if you don’t have the vaccination. Ms. Bounds, the school’s

band director, said, “I believe that the COVID vaccine should be treated like the other vaccines we have to get to come to school, because we all need to get it in order to stay safe.”

As more people have been getting vaccinated, the government has allowed us to start lowering the amount of mask wearing we have to do in public. It hasn’t reached schools or most businesses yet, but we could be heading there very soon. Ms. Winnor, our school’s nurse, said, “I am hopeful in seeing so many students excited about getting vaccinated, [that] we can have a somewhat normal high school experience in the fall.”

photo by Ian Salisbury Those who are vaccinated recieve a record card.

Run by students, for students.

Frontpage Editor ...........................................

Meghan McMahan School Life pg. 2 Editor ...............................Natalie Kaiser COVID-19 Experience pg. 3 Editor .......... Natalie Kaiser Student Involvement pg. 4 Editor ........... Zoelle Ranstad Student Advice pg. 5 Editor ....................... Meghan McMahan Senior Map pg.6-7 Editor ............................Meghan McMahan Eugene Atletics pg.8 Editor ....................... Zoelle Ranstad Pandemic Athletics pg.9 Editor ................ Greg Cantwell Opinion pg.10 Editor ....................................

Sofia El-Shammaa Getting Involved pg.11 Editor ................... Sofia El-Shammaa

Backpage Editor .............................................

Meghan McMahan Editor-in-Chief .................................................

Meghan McMahan Staff Adviser .....................................................

Greg Cantwell

Staff Writers Alex Bradford Destiny Branch Trenton Bynum Makai Hamilton Sofia Kokkino Michael Reed Emily Vasquez-Silvia Lawson Reed Maddox Roberts Ian Salisbury Harmony Sparks Benjamin Zepeda

Natalie Kaiser Zoelle Ranstad

Meghan McMahan Sofia El-Shammaa

find The Talisman on ISSUU.com cover - photo by Greg Cantwell Seniors Jaiden Duke (Left) and Tia Ramos sign the class of 2021 senior shield. backpage - photo by Greg Cantwell

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