Talisman vol. 59 iss. 6 June 10, 2022

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Senior Issue

Roe v. Wade student walkout page 8 Memorable Students page 3 Sheldon High School 2455 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401

Art Shows in the Community page 5 vol. 59 - iss. 6 - June 10, 2022

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Sheldon Staff

June 10, 2022

the Talisman

Spotlight on some of Sheldon’s retiring staff Bethany Cochran staff writer Sheldon is saying goodbye to some wonderful teachers this year. As the school year is ending, the Sheldon Talisman wants to recognize some of the school’s retiring teachers. Not only are these great teachers, but amazing people as well.

They will be missed here at Sheldon.

Math teacher Mr. Cedarlund was interviewed about his plans after retirement: “Eventually I hope to go to Chile. When we lived in Poland for a couple of years we did a lot of traveling all over. I wouldn’t mind going back there.”

When asked about his favorite memories at Sheldon, Cedarlund said, “Just all the amazing students over the years.”

On what his favorite grade to teach is, Cedarlund said, “I don’t have a favorite grade, but middle school was fun to teach because it’s a different animal and a lot of energy.” There is a big difference in maturity level in middle school versus high school.

Science teacher Ms. Standefer is also retiring this year: “My plans are to visit my

Teacher Bill Temple

kids more often and be able to visit them all season.” Having only summer months off work means that you only get to travel in the summer, and some places can get really hot.

When asked about her travel plans, Standefer said, “I plan to travel to Croatia once the pandemic cools down a bit. I plan to work at an animal shelter and I want to be a CASA.” A CASA is a court-appointed special advocate and is someone who ensures foster children’s needs remain a priority in the child welfare system.

Business teacher Mr. Temple is retiring as well and said, “I will play a lot of golf and pickleball, and have lots of family time.”

When asked about his favorite memory at Sheldon, Temple said, “My favorite memory was probably all the football seasons and all the tennis seasons. My wife and I have attended almost every football game for twelve years, even the playoff games.” Temple has worked at Sheldon for twelve years.

When asked what he would do differently throughout his career, Temple said “If I had the talent, I would be a professional singer. I used to be a singer, but not good enough to go full time, I used to perform quite a bit.”

Sheldon will not be the same without these amazing teachers. As the 2022 school year comes to an end, we would like to appreciate the teachers who are leaving. photos by Sofia El-Shammaa

Teacher Vern Cedarlund

Teacher Carol Standefer

Book recommendations Sheldon staff book recommendations gathered by Senora Albrich

Joe Renaud recommends Utz by Bruce Chatwin “Utz is a quiet, charming little novel, very short, about a porcelain collector in Prague.”

Zac Supan recommends The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo “Good life lessons here.”

Jeremy Hutchins recommends Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. “Rock Star Books = Rock Star Life”

Josh Riley recommends Extreme Ownership

by Jocko Willink.

“Offering more than just skills on taking ownership, this book will help you develop the confidence to take the initiative on you path to success. Good Luck!”

Wes Flinn recommends The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. “This is a daily, not a novel - just a little reading to help remember what is important”

graphic by Beatrice Walton

Jackie Owens recommends The Martian Andy Weir and The Wizard of Earthsea

by Ursula K. LeGuin. “The Martian is awesome - totally absorbing! Wizard of Earthsea is the first in a great triology.

LeGuin is a legend! (Also definitely recommend Dune! Frank Herbert, the author, and LeGuin both lived in the PNW. I love the influences of our geography and culture you can feel in their writing. Go to the Oregon Dunes and read Dune! Happy reading!”

Carrie Mertz recommends Boys in the Boat by Daniel James. “You will remember this book for years to come - I promise!”

the Talisman

Memories

June 10, 2022

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Memorable students: the good, bad, and ugly Shiloh Capiak editor Throughout high school, students will have many memorable experiences with their a curtain while they were out getting textbooks. When they left, we moved all their stuff and teachers - some negative and others positive. The same is true for teachers. Throughout threw it into a pile and moved all the desks into the middle of the room and stacked them on their careers, they encounter many students, some more memorable than others. top of each other. It was a nightmare for them, in a good way.”

Chemistry teacher David Whalley recounted a particularly memorable experience with a One thing that Whalley wishes people knew about teaching is the amount of hours that student early on in his career. Whalley said, “A student blew himself up after school doing are put in outside of the classroom. He said, “We put in a lot of hours outside of school. an experiment. He ended up having seventeen stitches. His mom came, she was an ER Even when things look horribly unorganized, it may be because we were up until one in the nurse. I thought that I would have to get another career but she actually came and berated morning doing it. When I leave at night, the only car left on the lot is Albrich’s. I can’t stay him for not helping clean up his own mess. She told me, ‘Oh, he does this all the time.’ I later than her, I refuse. But every once in a while, I beat her. When I mention that to her, guess he used to experiment a lot at home and he was doing dangerous stuff with his dad. she’ll say, ‘Well, I had a hair appointment.’ She doesn’t even really want to concede that I’ve He was kind of a science prodigy. He has now successfully defended his PhD thesis in stayed longer than her. She’s here until 10:30 at night; she works 80 hours a week. Being the astrophysics and works in the industry. So, that turned out okay.” best teacher in the building doesn’t come naturally, it comes from hard work.”

French teacher Angela Barley has also had her fair share of memorable experiences. One Barley also emphasized the hard work that takes place behind the scenes. She said, “My job that stands out to her is pretty negative. She recounted an experience early in her career is hard. I think all of us tend to make it look easy. There’s a lot of multitasking happening that has stuck with her. Barley said, “When I first started teaching, I had a student who every time I teach.” wrote death threats in his workbook to me. I did take it to administration and he did not Youngblood also pointed out the hard work that happens when class is not in session. She back down. It was awkward, to say the least, and ultimately, we had to have him taken out said, “We spend so much time making sure that it’s all worthwhile for you guys, so I wish of class because I didn’t feel very safe with him.” they knew that we’re not just hanging out, we’re actually doing stuff. In class, if kids are History teacher Mary Youngblood-Lee has also had to go to administration due to a doing something, I’ll be on the computer and I think they assume I’m playing games. In student’s actions. She said, “A few years ago, a student wrote not very nice words on a test. reality, I have a million tabs open and I’m researching and trying to improve things for the They were using some very derogatory language. When I went to talk to someone above next year. That’s my number one goal, constant improvement. I strive to give you the best me, they told me that the student could write whatever they want to because of the First and most important information.”

Amendment, which is not how the First Amendment works at all. The kid seemed decent, Ultimately though, Whalley, Barley, and Youngblood have found that their experiences but he had some issues. I just thought, ‘Why would you ever write that?’ It doesn’t make with students have been extremely rewarding. Barley said, “I feel very lucky to know what’s sense.” happening with younger people. If I were working some other random job, I wouldn’t Barley emphasized, however, that her happy experiences with students have been far more have that same connection. It gives me a lot of hope for the future. I know a lot of times frequent than her unhappy ones. Barley said that many of her happiest moments with that people are negative about younger generations. I know that when people are trashing students come from trips abroad. She said, “Watching students use their language skills different generations, I can step in and say that I know for a fact that there are some amazing in real-life situations and getting excited and seeing all the things we’ve talked about is so people in this age group that will do wonderful things for this world.” exciting. All the things we do in the classroom builds up to those experiences. It’s too bad we can’t have more people go and do that.”

Whalley has also found that his positive experiences with his students have far outweighed the negative ones, which he said are “usually very temporary.” He has had many touching moments - or rather what he describes as “collections” of moments - with his students. He said, “I had one where the kid asked me how I can do the job that I do, on a particularly bad day, and I told him that I mostly parent all day. He said, ‘Well, that makes sense because you are more of a father to me than my own dad.’ That was very poignant. It was a little heartbreaking. There’s not necessarily any particular moments, but collections. Seeing progress in the bridge program - from kids who were struggling in ninth grade to now graduating college - is kind of heartbreakingly beautiful. The best thing is that from ninth grade to twelfth grade, kids who you aren’t sure are ever going to walk across the stage make huge leaps and gains in four years.”

One of Youngblood’s best experiences with her students was pulling a prank on another classroom. She said, “We would play pranks on the teacher next door to us - I was in a different classroom at the time. We would open photo by Shiloh Capiak Angela Barley and David Whalley in Barley’s classroom.

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Senior Fun

June 10, 2022

Senior traditions

the Talisman

College decisions

Molly Dahlager editor

Beatrice Walton co-editor-in-chief

Every year, seniors look forward to traditions like senior sunrise, senior trips, senior Deciding where to go to college is a massive decision that impacts the rest of your breakfast and so many more. It brings the students together and is a fun way to celebrate life. Each year many seniors struggle to figure out what is next after high school. If graduation. Senior Chloe Shedrick said, “I will be attending the senior breakfast they decide to go the college route, many more choices open up. Deciding what college because it will be fun!” Senior Breakfast is a breakfast for seniors at the Graduate hotel is right for you is a daunting choice. Each person values different parts of the college the morning of graduation. Seniors look forward to so many different activities as the experience like social life, athletics, or academics. Another important factor that cannot school year goes on, starting with the senior sunrise and ending with graduation and go ignored is the financial burden of attending college. Senior Johanna Gilbert, on her post-graduation party. Senior sunrise was at the beginning of the year when students college decision, said, “What ultimately made my choice was that I felt very at home came to Sheldon early enough to watch the sunrise to start off senior year! There are and welcomed on campus. When I visited for the second time to compete for the honors many different opportunities and exciting things planned to keep the seniors’ final year program scholarships, I was surrounded by people who had good hearts, high ambitions exciting. and a love for learning and I felt like it was a place where I would be able to grow Seniors have been looking forward to all kinds of different traditions every year. alongside like-minded peers. I loved the campus culture and the school’s dedication to Even this year’s juniors are beginning to look forward to the traditions they will get to Christ-centered education.” participate in next year! Junior Mary Frances Sluga said, “I’m really looking forward Each school has different opportunities to offer and attract students to their school. to being a part of senior skip day as well Nowadays research into college is mostly on the students because there are so many as the sunrise! It will be fun to just be in ways to find out information online. Senior Livi Gallagher said, “When deciding where a group with all the other seniors for the I want to go to college I took into account scholarship offers from different schools, activities planned.” Traditions come and go, what the schools can offer me as a student beyond just an education, and student life! but as more arise, both current and future I definitely recommend searching up videos on YouTube or TikTok about the schools seniors look forward to them. They gives the you’re considering so you can hear an honest opinion from real students about their students a sense of friendship and fun before experiences.” With all the resources available to help you figure out what college is best graduation. for you beyond the information released from colleges, it’s easier to pick what school to Being included in things is a big part of go to. why senior traditions are so popular; many Lots of students want to go to prestigious colleges, but not always for the reasons participate, so it is like being a part of a you may think. Senior Posey Chiddix, who is going to Ivy League school Columbia community. Senior Jake Nash said, “Senior chose Columbia mainly based off location as well as just academics. She said, “Mostly skip day is my favorite senior tradition because it’s in NYC, but it also has the best program for my major and I love the Core because I get to spend it with my friends.”

Curriculum.” As Chiddix said, in many cases academics, although a massive factor in The senior traditions really bring the senior college choices, are not the only things that matter. class together, and get them excited for what comes next in their lives. photo courtesy of Molly Dahlager Seniors Ella Swangard and Sam Poole at senior sunrise.

Creating a senior quote Natalie Kaiser editor Senior quotes are a dreadful thing to write for many students. Should it be funny, or maybe witty, or inspirational? It’s just a line or two, but how do you encapsulate yourself in a book for people to read years down the road? It’s not easy, that’s for sure. Senior Maddie Wingert’s quote is: “I even procrastinated on my senior quote.” This takes a relatable approach. Wingert said, “I decided on my quote because online school made me turn everything in late. I thought it was super funny that I was going to have to turn in a quote late [too].”

Sometimes the best quotes are a phrase you say often. Senior quotes are a way for people to remember who you were in high school. So how do you know if your quote is good or bad? Senior Tori Leyba said, “I think the worst quotes are the inspirational ones because I don’t think it really works.” Some people are fans of the inspirational quotes, and others not so much. It’s pretty easy to agree that a funny quote is always a good quote, though. Leyba’s senior quote is: “Pull my finger.”

A play on words or on your name is another option. Most likely these are funny quotes, too. Senior Kyle Knapp’s quote is: “Yes, I do take a lot of naps; thanks for asking.” I think we can all pick up on the joke here. If not, I don’t know what to say. Knapp said, “A mix of humor and inspiration makes a good quote. I think something relatable [is good too].”

Overall, don’t overthink your senior quote. It can be difficult to create something unique, but as long as you enjoy it, that’s the most important thing. Remember, don’t try to fake inspiration; we all know high school wasn’t perfect for anyone.

photo courtesy of Beatrice Walton

Pictured here are some seniors wearing their decorated hats!

Experiences

the Talisman

June 10, 2022

Arts shows in the community Liam Cottle staff writer Students in the art programs at Sheldon have a lot of opportunities to show their work. There is the art show at the community center at the end of every trimester, and many other various ones in the community. In addition, there are some through the local colleges, and some in the community. Sheldon art teacher Peter Saraceno said, “Works must be ready to hang, and be intriguing and enjoyable for the clients of the community center. I also ask that the works be cared for and look complete.”

For advice to artists trying to get into the scene, junior Troy Sproul said, “I think if you have any passion for art, entering art shows is great. Seeing people appreciate your art, and being in an environment of art-driven people is really refreshing. For me, I feel inspired to continue to pursue art after a show.” Getting your piece into an art show can be refreshing, you can get recognition for your hard work and creativity and get further inspired for your future art. Saraceno said the reason to enter an art show is “That it is fun and powerful to share their artwork with an audience. When you start that process, you transition from a hobbyist to an artist.”

There are a lot of roadblocks between students and creating art. Junior Zach Braatz said, “It’s hard to set aside time to do art when you have a busy schedule. I still do art a lot. I’ll use free time in classes to do drawings, which sometimes become some of my favorite pieces. Honestly, when I try to sit down to create a piece of art, it doesn’t flow as well. Being in the right mindset is the best way to create work you’re proud of.”

Many people create art but putting it in a show can transform a hobby into something more professional.

The Doe: ink on paper

illustration by Liam Cottle

Working as a teen: worth it or not?

Kendall Smith editor

When entering high school, there’s lots of different milestones that most teens look forward to like getting their license and a car, applying for college, and getting a job. These are all things that can bring people some sort of freedom, especially a job. The freedom that comes from making your own money can be an eye opener for teens.

One very important thing required to apply for a job is a resume. For most, this is something that they do on their own or with the help of a guardian. Though the lack of access to the internet or a computer for some can cause this process to be pretty difficult. Senior Keira Collier, who works at Target, said, “I think that all students should be taught at some point how to make a resume. It is not a

hard task to create one but it is a skill everyone should know how to do.” This poses the question of whether things like making a resume, how to apply to jobs, and where to find good job listings should be taught in schools.

Making your own money is one of the biggest reasons that teens decide to get a job but one of the more long-term effects of getting a job is the life experience you gain. Senior Ethan Stitt, who works at Walmart, said, “In my opinion, I think the best time to get a job is as soon as possible. I acquired my job right after I turned sixteen… I often am able to look back and see how much I have progressed in my job and in my own life due to having a consistent job for so long.

One of the main skills I have learned is consistency in the workplace. Consistency in school and at work are two very different things and I think it is beneficial to learn both.”

Learning how to balance your time with a job and

school can come in handy when it comes to the “real world.” Senior Jadah Atterberry, who works at Coburg Pizza, said, “Having jobs has most definitely made me grow as a person as well as become more mature. Each job has taught me different things about myself and important life skills. More specifically, learning to be on time, better work ethic, respect of my peers and authority, the right and wrong ways to deal with money, personal accountability, etc. I’ve been able to mature more because of the responsibility you have while having a job. It hasn’t always been easy because sometimes you miss out on things, you’re tired, and just not in the mood to work. Though still, going in and getting the job done and seeing the result of money ultimately is worth it in my

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Senior Map

June 10, 2022

Where college-bound seniors are going Oregon

University of Oregon-

Hannah Aasheim Carson Anderle Addison Baker Elsa Brotz Vanessa Champion Ryan Crowley Payton Dowell Jianna Rice Tilman Ritchie-Tuisue Parker Ross Ian Salisbury Abigale Schnoor Abigail Scott Jung Jai Shin Ian Shreve Magdalen Edelblute Adrian Espina Grau Lauren Evans Derek Frey Allison Gordon Dominic Graziano Emily Guereca Shae Harper Logan Harrington Mariana Hernandez Ordonez Ethan Hlebechuk Adrien Howe Cristina Johannesen Raefe Kelley Esther Koenig Marilla Lehi Karysa McMahan Emily Mitchell Damian Montero Ramirez Montero Javan Nguyen Natalie Plough Taylor Suit Ella Swangard Mason Taylor Tawny Thomas Connor Thorn Oliver Verga Hannah Wheeler Nigel Yandall Alexa Zitterkopf

Lewis and Clark CollegeZoe Bockoven

Bushnell UniversityElizabeth Box

Western Oregon UniversityGrace Gartley

Idaho

Beatrice Walton & Callie Lininger co-editors-in-chief

Oregon State Southern Oregon UniversityUniversityLillian Avery Audrey Bivens Siena Buchanan John Gelsomino Sabrina Giulietti Hannah Hamilton Ethan Hickman Ian Christopher Sydney Mercer Tristan Nicolson Kaylen Pedersen Ethan Quesada Caleb Scott Keahna Ranck Ethan San Miguel Nicholas Shininger Spencer White Benjamin Zientara

Lane Community College-

Abdulaziz Algubaisi Jadah Atterberry Taylor Bridges Emma Brown Nathan Brown Coleman Bryant Maxwell Cameron Aurora Cardone Michael Carrancho Woojin Chun Keira Collier Kyrsten Crittenden Maxwell Day Kylia Fagan Aiden Fuller Haylee Germyn Kailey Glenn Antonio Gonzales Maiya Hatcher Cecilia Hernandez Cortes Emma Jensen Liam Jostmeyer Rowan Killen Garret Killgore Charlene Kilmon Malaya Kiner Ryker Schultz Jarren Seitz Henry Shepard Bree Skelton Aiden Stitt Ethan Stitt Heaven Stratton Alexander Stringer Deacon Trano Marcus Turner Nathaniel Kokkeler Kacie Lee Keegan Line Collin Lisoff

Anna Pierce

Linn Benton Community College-

Oregon Institute of Technology-

Keenan Coates Jorryn Phelps Gage Smith Daniel White

Tori Leyba

Warner Pacific University-

Jillian Cockman David-Andreas Georgescu

Portland State UniversityBenjamin Collins Emma Johnston Lillian Macdonald Anastasia Tibbet

Mt Hood CCMalee McClelland

University of Idaho- College of IdahoCole Benson

Kellin Hess

Boise State University-

BYUI-

Danica Meyer

Callie Lininger

Paityn Rhode

Umpqua Community CollegeUniversity of Broderick Spurlock

Eastern Oregon University-

PortlandAlyssa Woods

Keira Vaughn

California

San Diego State UniversityMildreth Duran Corona Manuel Lopez Ruiz Issac Mayfield Karson Mazziotti Carson McCabe Grace Miller Andrew Murray Abbygale Myers Jayson Neville Joseph Page Kyrsten Potterf Madelyn Raleigh Eshaan Raman Liam Reyes-Evans Maddox Roberts Stella Roche Joshua Rodriguez Ronan Ruddick Briseida Sanchez Castaneda Ismael Sandoval Urias Carter Schroeder Cooper Smith Molly Smith Kallin Sperry Kayla Srabian Karen Vargas Nolan Victor Oscar Villada-Youel Abbygail Villegas Riley Wirfs Kiana Woodard Liam Zamora-Fields

Azusa Pacific UniversityGabrielle Fendrich

Loyola Marymount UniversityOlivia Gallagher

Westmont CollegeJohanna Gilbert

University of San Fransisco Mya Guerin

Occidental CollegeGrace Plumb

Stanford UniversityNabikshya Rayamaihi

College of San MateoLogan Ross

Sacramento StateChloe Shedrick

Cal Poly SLOBeatrice Walton

Hawaii

University of Hawaii at ManoaAmelia Stoddard

Senior Map Washington

Clark CollegeTaylor Langworthy

Seattle PacificDanika Starr

Montana

University of ProvidenceAlayna Hughes

Colorado

UC BoulderAaron Green

Ellie Roberson Olivia Utley

University of Denver-

Emelia Hall

Sydney Quinney Olivia Santee Bergen Walker

Colorado State University-

Colorado Mesa University-

UC Colorado Springs-

Montana State University-

June 10, 2022

Zane Prevedello

Gavyn Tatge

New York

Columbia UniversityPosey Chiddix

Sarah Lawrence CollegeMagdalaina Fountain

John Jay College of Criminal JusticeEva Garcia

Massachusetts Boston CollegeGabrielle Thorburn

Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University ProvidenceMolly Blanchette

Illinois

Loyola UniversityCharlotte Ford Emma Merwin

Wisconsin

Nortland CollegeMadison Kincaid

Florida

University of MiamiKatalina Salave’a

Arizona

University of ArizonaRylee Bonin Ella Ritchie

Madison Wingert

Grand Canyon UniversityCameron Bridgens Anna Moore

Sam Poole

Northern Arizona UniversityChristopher Coven Sophia Miller

Utah Arizona State University-

BYU Provo-

Samantha Curtiss Morgan Eipp Chanel Pestrikoff Ryan Thornton

Kyle Knapp

Mesa Community College-

Weber State-

Alexa Sheidenberger

Utah State UniversityCorinne Lillywhite

Jacob Nash

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Kansas

Kansas State UniversityJalen Klemm

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June 10, 2022

My Body My Choice

the Talisman

Commentary: Roe v. Wade must be upheld Sofia El-Shammaa editor “The detriment that the State would impose upon the pregnant woman by denying this choice altogether is apparent,” wrote Justice Harry Blackmun in the majority opinion of Roe v. Wade in 1973.

The ‘choice’ Blackmun refers to is obviously abortion. While in the 49 years following Roe v. Wade, conservative legislators and senators have fought tooth and nail to limit the right to abortion, it seemed like Roe v. Wade would always stand, at least somewhat, especially in more liberal states like Oregon. That, obviously, came crashing down when a draft of a majority opinion penned by the conservative Justice Samuel Alito was leaked on May 2, 2022. The draft opinion (which would rule on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health) is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade - completely.

Originally, Justice Blackmun said that “the Ninth Amendment’s reservation of rights to the people, is broad enough to encompass a

woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.” The Ninth Amendment assures that unenumerated rights of the people are to be respected.

Despite the fact that a CNN poll from this January shows that 69% of Americans do not think that Roe v. Wade should be overturned completely, the leaked draft claims that overturning Roe v. Wade would “return the issue of abortion to those legislative body, and [allow] women on both sides of the abortion issue to seek to affect the legislative process by influencing public opinion, lobbying legislators, voting, and running for office.” It seems wrong to present the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a win for democracy, allowing the people to decide whether or not abortion should be accessible when a very small minority support the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The leaked draft sparked outrage nationwide. Here at Sheldon, a group of freshmen organized a walkout that took place on May 12 which was attended by hundreds of students

despite the pouring rain that made the ink of protesters’ signs bleed. One of the freshman organizers, Lucy Fromm, said she helped organize the walkout because, “it’s really important to me to step up for others because while abortion is likely to stay legal here, there will be so many deaths and unsafe abortions that take place in other states.”

This is the sentiment originally portrayed in Blackmun’s Roe v. Wade majority opinion, but the effects of an unwanted pregnancy go beyond “[s] pecific and direct harm,” as Blackmun put it. As one of the other Sheldon walkout organizers, freshman Julianna Lavan, put it, “It’s the fact that they’re controlling a woman’s reproductive rights, which is really only her thing to control.”

Control and anatomy were both at the heart of Roe v. Wade and now they’re at the heart of Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health. As Fromm said, “If I could ask those justices one thing, it would be: ‘Why do you feel the need to control women’s bodies?”

photos by Sofia El-Shammaa

Here at Sheldon, a group of freshmen organized a walkout that took place on May 12 which was attended by hundreds of students despite the pouring rain that made the ink of protesters’ signs bleed.

Finish Line

the Talisman

June 10, 2022

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Overcoming burnout and senioritis Audrey Bivens editor With summer right around the corner, staying motivated is more difficult than ever. For many students completing homework assignments and delegating time to study for exams is difficult.

With warmer weather there’s more outdoor activities and distractions that could affect one’s motivation to study and put someone’s time management skills to the test. This is an especially difficult battle for seniors with graduation just days away. Senior Elle Roberson said that recently “all my good study habits have gone out the window…

It’s a lot harder to pay attention and focus when thinking about the future.” Seniors are currently making decisions that affect life outside of high school which can make it difficult to remain on task during the day. This goes hand in hand with the lack of motivation many seniors and students feel in general.

Burnout is another issue that students, more specifically seniors, are battling at the moment. Many

seniors have taken some of Sheldon’s most challenging classes, countless AP exams, and have already gone through the college application process. After all of that, the remainder of the year to some seems “pointless.” Senior Morgan Eipp said, “I’ve already applied and committed to college so it feels like school right now is kinda optional.” After-high-school decisions are difficult ones to make, but they make high school and current problems less relevant.

Another challenge that many upperclassmen encounter is how to balance sports, work, and school, while having fading motivation. With college around the corner, many seniors are putting in more hours at work in preparation for the high cost that college life is known for. Senior Michael Carrancho recently joined the workforce and is learning how to time manage school and work. Carrancho said, “Balancing work and school is hard especially as a senior. There’s a lot of pressure to plan for after high school, which makes keeping up with school feel less important.”

Luckily for students, this school year is nearing its end.

With may teacher’s lenient late work policies, it is to be expected that students are scrambling to turn in a lot of work within the next few days to improve final grades and prepare Graphic by Kendall Smith

Taking the next step after graduation Madelyn Raleigh editor Students face harsh decisions regarding their futures, goals, and dreams which can be extremely stressful. Life after graduation can be a challenging time for many graduates: finding a place to live, deciding whether or not to go to college, acquiring a job, etc.

Senior Aiden Stitt portrays his fears of life after high school: “Life after high school and moving on into the future is something we all fear; the fear of not succeeding and not being successful is something I fear most. From my experience this is one of the most stressful times in my life due to the thought of not succeeding in college or life. Yes, it is exciting, but it’s also a bittersweet feeling; the thought of growing up and finally being an adult, but the duties that come with it are concerning and almost overwhelming to think about.” Even though stressful times aren’t the best, they tend to be the most motivating and beneficial to your life.

High school signifies a transition to adulthood; a time to discover your true self and

Turning eighteen Callie Lininger co-editor-in-chief Adulthood. Turning eighteen is a very exciting and anticipation-filled time for teenagers.

There are many new opportunities and experiences for eighteen-year-olds. Senior Olivia Santee said, “The things I have looked forward to since being eighteen have been the opportunities now available to me. I have looked forward to being ’legal’ and trying new things in the adult world. The classic eighteen-year-old new things have been on my mind but the one thing I have accomplished in the last month of being eighteen has been getting a credit card to start building my credit. I look forward to continuing to make responsible decisions on my new adventure.”

to experience making memories, forming friendships and relationships, developing selfconfidence and self-love, as well as educating oneself, not just in the classroom, but in life as well. Senior Cadence Ochoa emphasizes her experiences in high school: “I have learned a lot about myself and met so many amazing people these past four years at Sheldon. My favorite class by far would have to be economics. The course taught me how to budget and save money as well as how to stay updated with today›s society. Since I am living on my own now, economics has been so beneficial to me and my savings.» Many students find high school to be a valuable learning experience.

Graduation is a time of celebration and excitement, from gaining more free time to entering the next phase of your life. Senior Ethan Stitt speaks about his plans after graduation: «The endless choices I have and the range of fields I can explore makes it difficult to decide. However, what makes it worth it is finding what you are passionate about and love to do. In my case, it’s a trade school. It has always interested me and has been at the top of my list. The idea of being a part of something that I fit in with is the most intriguing; [also,] the drive to become an adult. I am looking forward to all of the new opportunities life brings me.» As you advance in your life, you gain personal growth, a sense of accomplishment, and new opportunities.

There are many new things available to people as they become legal. When you turn eighteen you are legally allowed to vote, join the military, buy lottery tickets, get piercings or tattoos without parental consent, sign a contract, change your name, and so much more. Many people take advantage of all these new experiences. Senior Mya Guerin said, “I’m looking forward to voting. I’m excited to help make a difference in our government. I think many opportunities for jobs, interviews, and other things open up when you turn eighteen.”

Some lesser known things you can do at eighteen are buy a pet, get a hotel room, skydive, be called to jury duty, file a lawsuit, buy spray paint, and more.

Many people look forward to getting older and experiencing new adventures.

Freshman Morgan Lininger said, “I am most excited to be able to vote and be involved in our government. I also want to be able to buy lottery tickets and get new piercings.”

While this is a very interesting time in your life, it’s important to not rush through life and to remember to live in the moment.

10 June 10, 2022

Reflection

the Talisman

Advice from seniors Tawny Thomas staff writer High school remains in the memory banks. It’s glorified in the movies, still spoken of by our grandparents in a fond tone, and seems to impact the lives of maturing children transforming into young adults. Each and every one of us remembers the pre-high school feelings of excitement, nervousness and unsureness of what our high school lives would entail by the time we graduate. High school can be tricky to navigate - coming from a senior, even I am still learning to figure out the path-of-least-resistance in order to prepare myself as best as possible for the real world.

What once seemed so far is coming up in the blink of an eye - Graduation. High school might seem like an eternity for freshman, sophomores, and even juniors. But what feels so never-ending sure enough reaches its last day.

From Sheldon High School Graduates of ’22 some words of the wise are surely valuable in the hands of future graduates. Graduating seniors have lots of great advice to give. High school has been painted out to be parties, popularity, and perfect scores, but is that the reality? The comparisons between society’s perspective on high school versus the reality seem to be far from accurate. The truth is, high school doesn’t have to be getting trashed on a Saturday night or falling in love or being the prom king or queen - it can be much more raw. Its self-discovery.

Senior Mary Snide said, “I stopped dressing like everyone else, and I stopped caring when I wasn’t invited to kick-backs and stuff like that. I started honoring more of what really resonated with me. I don’t like spending hours at the mall, but I do like to go on drives with the windows down. Playing on my phone all night and discussing likes and comments on Instagram doesn’t interest me at all, but I love going to the Saturday Market. I stopped trying for others and started trying for myself.” In Snide’s opinion, the most fulfilling part of high school was honoring her individuality. She recommends doing nothing less.

In our daily lives as students- it’s easy to lose ourselves

completely in the work we are faced with each day. It can even be complicated to balance a healthy social life because of our heavy workloads, but is that what we really crave? Are the piles of homework going to linger in our minds in the same way our nostalgic teenage memories will?

While prioritizing grades and scholastics is detrimental, making memories seems to be just about as important. Senior Liam Zamora-Fields said, “Hanging out with my friends made high school the most fun. There is a time and a place for socializing, but for example, in class, goofing around with the homies while there’s free time or the classwork is slow - that honestly makes some of the best wholesome, memorable memories. My advice would be to not only focus on academics, but allow yourself to have fun as often as you can.”

Any high schooler can relate to that - it’s sometimes the simple things that remain in our hearts for years to come.

Senior Keira Collier said, “I would say to my freshman self to work hard for your grades and do the best you can.

High school can be fun but it’s about preparing for adult life afterwards as well.” This piece of advice should be Illustrated by Tawny Thomas considered true words of wisdom. Within the four years each student spends in high school, it’s important to remember to put your best foot forward - give your education all you got.

With our seniors leaving and spreading their wings, such students hold years of experience and learning as to how to navigate school; the advice spoken from their lips derives straight from personal experience. For the future seniors, juniors and sophomores reading this, know this: your high school experience can be whatever you make it. The lifestyle you crave is in your grasp, waiting to be brought forth into fruition. And to the seniors leaving this summer and beginning your next chapters, remember that the fright of beginning something is the worst part, and new wonderful changes await you. We’re all grown up.

Favorite high school memories Liam Zamora-Fields editor

Seniors have spent four long years in high school with various classes and classmates. All this time spent at school adds up to create some great memories with lots of people. Whether it was you messing around in class or at lunch sometime, there are always some memories created. High school memories hold a special place in our minds for years to come. Such impactful moments can sometimes make for a great laugh.

One of senior Spencer White’s favorite high school memories was drivers ed his sophomore year. He had friends in the class and they were able to get through it and have fun together. They could walk around the school a bit on breaks and it was a good experience.

They also had lots of fun in class just messing around

while doing the work.

Senior Jessica Scialfa’s favorite memory was hanging out with friends at the top of the football bleachers. They would hang out up there and chill thinking about life. It was a break from normal chaos of school and a good moment to relax.

Everyone needs a break from the stress of school.

Freshman Ryland Zamora-Fields’ favorite high school memory so far has been a class with his friends. There was a really chill sub and they played browser games in the back of the class. He said the class was normally slow and boring but the sub made it fun for the class to do whatever.

His friends played against each other in one big match and set up their own tournament to see who was the best.

In the four years of high school you can have lots of fun moments. Live life how you want to and don’t dedicate yourself to school only and never have fun. You’ll regret it later when you think back on your high school years.

Sports

the Talisman

June 10, 2022

11

Sheldon softball goes deep in the playoffs Olivia Gilhuber staff writer The softball team at Sheldon is very competitive and was crowned State Champion in 2019. This year the team has six seniors who are all sad to go. These seniors are Ella Swangard, Tori Leyba, Molly Blanchette, Abby Schnoor, Natalie Plough, and Mya Guerin.

All these wonderful players have brought this team together and made it a family. All of them are strong leaders and great players.

Throughout their four years on the team, they have made many memories and established great friendships.

All of these girls have been playing since they were very little and some of them even had their parents coaching them. Senior Tori Leyba said, “My dad got me to love softball and has been a coach for me since I was nine. He has always helped me with my hitting and fielding skills.” Plough, Guerin, and Blanchette also started playing around the age of nine or ten.

Everyone has a different reason for starting to play a sport.

Whether it was a parents’ influence, a game seen on tv, or something else, everyone has their reason for starting to play.

Senior Molly Blanchette said, “I started playing softball because two of my closest friends started playing. We all played our first season in Kid Sports, and even though I was the only one who stuck with it, I fell in love with the sport.” Kids find inspiration everywhere to start a sport, extracurricular activity, or hobby.

Every athlete has something amazing they did during a game that they will never forget. It could be a diving play, a grand slam, or an amazing pitch. Senior Natalie Plough said, “My favorite play was when I dove in Colorado and stopped the ball.” Athletes work so hard in season and out of season, so seeing that hard work pay off in games is a great feeling. There are some moments during games that athletes will never forget.

Now that their softball playing years are over, the seniors have thought of their favorite memories from their time on the Sheldon team. Senior Mya Guerin said, “My favorite memory was all the

bus rides this year! I love spending time with my teammates.” Making memories with teammates is one of the best benefits of playing team sports. The friendships created on teams will last a lifetime and always be special. Having a strong team environment and knowing how to play together is one of the biggest accomplishments a team can make.

Sheldon softball was knocked out in the third round of playoffs this year. Getting this far was a huge accomplishment for the team because they worked every second to get there. The end of the season is always a bittersweet time, but this year was particularly upsetting. Saying goodbye to our six seniors was sad for everyone.

Sheldon had a very successful season this year and they should be very proud of their achievements.

Senior Ella Swangard playing softball on the new field!

Photo by Greg Cantwell

Being a girl on the baseball team Guest commentary by Avery Coffin This season was the first season back in full swing and it was an easy adjustment getting back into it and having a great time while playing. This year I was a Varsity/JV swing, so I was able to get more time playing in the field and also have my shot to pitch. I think the first year back playing a normal season went really well.

Just as a program we made it through the second round in playoffs with a tough loss in the third, and I think we are all proud of what we have done this season but we are ready to come back next year and hopefully make it farther.

I think the best memories this season were in states and being able to play a normal season again. Being able to play the game I love again was an amazing feeling, and I’m so proud of what our guys did this year. I think one of the biggest challenges over this season and most seasons is being a girl playing with a bunch of boys. They tend to be stronger, faster , and taller but I always find my way around those obstacles and am still able to compete with them.

This season was a good season for me. I managed to have a .344 batting average, with a 1.016 ERA, and a .931 fielding percentage. I’m really proud of how this season went as a program and as a player, and I can’t wait to see what we can do next year.

Avery Coffin hitting and pitching.

Photos courtesy Avery Coffin

Run by students, for students.

Staff Writers Tennen Balikian Bethany Cochran Liam Cottle Olivia Gilhuber Tawny Thomas Ana VillagomezLopez

Molly Dahlager

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

Callie Lininger Sheldon Staff pg. 2 Editor .........................

Audrey Bivens Memories pg. 3 Editor ..............................

Shiloh Capiak Senior Fun pg. 4 Editor .............................

Natalie Kaiser Experiences pg.5 Editor ................... Kendall Smith Centerspread pg.6-7 Editors ..................

Beatrice W. & Callie L. My body, my choice pg. 8 Editor ..............

Sofia El-Shammaa Finish Line pg.9 Editor ..............................

Madelyn Raleigh Reflection pg. 10 Editor ..........................

Liam Zamora-Fields Sports pg.11 Editor ............................Molly Dahlager Backpage Editor ....................................

Beatrice Walton Co-editors-in-Chief .................................

Beatrice W. & Callie L. Staff Adviser ...........................................

Greg Cantwell Liam Zamora-Fields

Callie Lininger Beatrice Walton Shiloh Capiak

Natalie Kaiser Sofia El-Shammaa

Madelyn Raleigh

find The Talisman on ISSUU.com cover - photo by Sofia El-Shammaa backpage - photo Kendall Smith

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Kendall Smith