Volume 48 Issue 6 - April 11, 2013

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Longboarding: a popular form of transportation

Relive the World Language’s trip through France and Spain

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the Talisman

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 48 Issue 6 April 11, 2013

Mr. Irish winner is crowned: Sam! Sam Seno writes about his Mr. Irish Pageant experience in a celebratory fashion Sam Seno contributing writer Three years ago, I sat in the Sheldon auditorium and watched the 2010 Mr. Irish pageant. This was the first Mr. Irish Pageant that I ever went to. Ever since that night I have admired the Mr. Irish pageant in all that it benefits and what it stands for. I was super excited when I got a chance to be a part of the pageant in 2013. I had very high expectations heading into the pageant about what the experience was going to be like. After three months of raising money and hanging out with the other contestants, I can honestly say that the Mr. Irish experience was far better than anything I ever could have imagined. The opportunity to build stronger relationships with friends while raising money for a good cause made the Mr. Irish pageant one of the greatest times of my life. Mr. Irish coordinator Hope Zima said, “Every second was worth it, and I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful contribution.” It was so much fun getting to know all of the

contestants and the coordinators with their outgoing personalities. Of the many humorous instances during the months leading up to the pageant, one of the most memorable was when Mr. Irish contestant Colton Clark actually serenaded random customers at Chapalas Mexican restaurant with his one-of-a-kind voice. Because of the positive mental attitude and sense of purpose within the Mr. Irish team, even things like corner begging in the rain became enjoyable. Zima later added, “I love every single one of those boys with my whole heart, and I’m so proud of them!” But having fun and hanging out with friends is only half of the experience. It was important for us not to forget why we were raising the money. Our trip to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) was an eye-opening moment that reminded us all of the reason for which we were participating in the pageant. Senior Taylor Allie said, “I knew what Mr. Irish was for and what the fundraising money went to, but after seeing it firsthand it really sunk in that we were making an impact in these families’ lives. And that was a great feeling.” We got to walk through the NICU and see the little babies that were receiving care. We also got the chance to see the equipment that the money raised by past Mr. Irish pageants had been used to buy. I am grateful because the Mr. Irish pageant

was truly a blessing in my life and I would not trade the experience for anything. I got to meet a bunch of new people and really felt like I was making a difference in the community. Being a part of Mr. Irish was very time consuming, but after walking through the NICU, it was clear to me that every moment was time well spent.

Robin Seno photo

Brandon Hawks (L), Tony Tokatly, Sam Seno, Dylan Lewis, Ivan Faulhaber, and Sam Hobbs celebrate the crowning of Mr. Irish.

4j reworks health system to cut spending The Health Center may be removed from Sheldon next year as 4j may implement new district health system Jarred Rogers co-features editor It is a well-known fact that 4J has suffered many financial setbacks in recent years, resulting in cut classes and several job lay-offs. Recently, however, new laws concerning inschool health clinics have been instated, and as a direct result various health clinics may be shut down by the end of the year. In their place, it has been planned to hire new nurses to care for students. There are massive drawbacks to this plan, and not just in terms of job loss. Without

functional health clinics, students will be unable to receive various services, which may cause long term problems. In-school health clinics are used for a variety of reasons, ranging from performing vaccinations, providing psychological help, and giving students check-ups. Although having new school nurses will be helpful for basic problems, without a proper health center, schools will be unable to provide any advanced care or treatment. Junior Trisdon Zepeda said, “I guess I can kind of understand wanting to save money, although personally I think it would be more important to have better care for our students.” Although the additional nurses may provide some support, students seeking psychological help will find themselves out of luck. Without proper health clinics, schools will be unable to provide mental health help to any students who may be seeking it. Although cutting the health clinic will save money, this may make it so that students who can’t

find or afford psychological help elsewhere. As a result, this may cause problems with students farther down the line. The district has stated that by cutting funding for these programs, money can be spent elsewhere. The idea for this change originated when a new bill was introduced, effectively increasing the upkeep of having an effective health clinic. New nurses will also be hired in the hopes of making things more convenient. It is true that the school has had to make several budget cuts, however much money may be saved by taking these measures. Although the benefits of the decision are still in question, it has been estimated the new changes will take place by the end of the year. It is unsure when the new nurses will be hired, or how they will manage to effectively treat students at the multiple schools in the district. Either way, the school should have a larger budget; although in the end, the pros may not be able to outweigh the cons.

Hundreds gather to Run for the Shamrock The Run for the Shamrock serves as a great community event to raise funds for Sheldon Track and Field Ray Lavariega staff writer Founded in 1977, the Run for the Shamrock has been a trademark and tradition of Sheldon High School. The Run for the Shamrock is a 5K walk or run and a 10K run established to benefit Sheldon Track and Field. The race begins every year at Alton Baker Park; the 10K and 5K courses are flat, fast, and scenic. Placed on the Willamette River bike path, the race starts and finishes near the shelters at Alton Baker Park. This year was the 36th annual Run for the Shamrock. There was a good turnout of runners, but there could have been more. There seems to be concern by the track and field team each year to get enough participants. Most Track and Field athletes can agree on the fact that it is hard

to get someone to walk/run a 5K and even harder to run a 10K. Since most people cannot be lured so easily they tend to prove that the race is fun, can be done with others, and that it’s safe as well as friendly. Therefore, it’s important to support and ask about this awesome event. Sheldon High School’s Track and Field program encourages all types of runners, benefactors, and people to come to this event. The event itself is tremendously fun; although it has a 25 dollar fee, it is well worth it. There are prizes given to the top competitors of every age division. This year, at a time of seventeen minutes and seven seconds, Rick Nielsen came out on top at the race. Meanwhile, Eric Jeffers and our very own Maggie Schmaedick arrived in second and third place with great times under eighteen minutes. Tucker Darland, the youngest competitor this year, ran an incredible time of an hour, which is truly amazing due to the fact that he is only six years old. Tucker would agree that this race is really tons of fun for he has done it for the past two years. Although Tucker had never run a 10K before, this year he did it accidently by getting lost during the 5K and by following the 10K bikers who led the race. He seemed to have proven himself as an athlete. “My legs hurt so much when I got home, but the race was fun,” Darland

proclaimed. Having indeed worried his parents, he seemed to have surprised everyone else as he came in through the finish line, sprinting to set his time. “An outstanding young competitor, that Tucker,” stated senior Kyle Radley. But the most impressive thing of his whole race was that he was able to set a time about ten minutes faster than his older brother’s first 10K. It is appropriate to say that young Darland will have a great future if he keeps this up. “The Run for the Shamrock is the second oldest race event in Eugene, with the Butte to Butte being the first,” head coach of track and field Erin Regali asserted. “I like the Run for the Shamrock’s long standing tradition.” The Run for the Shamrock was started by the Sheldon Plaza owners and has been run by the Sheldon track and field team for the past 25 years, ever since the football program split from it. “It ties in with St. Patrick’s Day for the Sheldon Irish and I must say that that is my one favorite thing about the run,” coach Roger Herbert stated. “The best part of the event is watching the team aspect and its unity on working towards improving our track,” jumps coach Bruce Goodnough said. Although in some years the race may be harsh, with the cool spring weather and all, the best part is the good time that everyone is sure to have when they attend.


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Volume 48 Issue 6 - April 11, 2013 by The Talisman - Issuu