Toys for Tots makes a difference page 4
Happy Holidays from the Talisman staff page 6
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Pokémon still entertains some page 8
a student newspaper
the Tal sman shstalisman@gmail.com Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 46 Issue 3 Dec. 17, 2010
Mr. Irish contestant gives an insiders view of the event
Mr. Irish helps save babies with a great attitude and sense of style J.J. Juilfs staff writier
This year marks the 20th anniversary of when Sheldon student C.J. Martin began fundraising with his classmates to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network. Two years after he began raising money his effort evolved into a full fledged pageant including a dinner with the judges the night before, contestant made videos, a talent portion, a question and answer section, and a tear jerking mom and son part. This pageant has now become an annual tradition which occurs at twenty schools in the Sacred Heart service area, but it all started with a single student here at Sheldon. This year’s contestants, who were voted on by the senior girls, include JJ Juilfs, Terry Cobian, Ross Lindly, Colton Surcamp, Erik Larson, Justin Carpenter, Daniel Herr, Clark Fancher, Matt Melancon and Eric Robinson. “Our goal for ourselves is to leave a mark and separate this group of contestants from all the previous ones,” said Terry Cobian. Each of the male contestants is paired with a female coordinator who assists with fundraising and making sure all events run smoothly. These girls are lead by Head Coordinator Bridget Jamieson. Nearly one hundred percent of money raised goes directly to the Children’s Miracle Network. Fundraising events include a pizza night at Track Town Pizza, basketball games pitting the Irish contestants against contestants from other schools, letter writing, selling of contestant-made cakes and the pageant itself. Rumors has it the contestants may produce a Mr. Irish musical album in association with local Bona Records. The contestants also place donation jars at stores around town and carry
photo courtesy of J.J. Juilfs
Colton Surcamp, J.J. Juilfs, Terry Cobain, Eric Robison, Daniel Herr, Clark Fancher, Justin Carpenter, Erik Larson, Ross Lindly and Matt Melancon all are on a mission to save the babies. a donation jar with them at all times. “Check out my difference in children’s lives,” said Eric Robinson. The donation jars, I’m swimming in the money, come and find experience of being a Mr. Irish contestant is certainly me, Nemo,” said Colton Surcamp, who has already raised special. It is a time of personal growth and helps teach over three hundred dollars from his donation jars alone. In how joyful it is to think of others before yourself. It is 2009, $28,000 were raised giving last year’s group one of a time of great fellowship with other contestants and the highest totals ever. “The Lights shine their brightest it is a time that will be remembered by the contestants on the night of the pageant, but most of our fundraising and spectators forever. Most importantly it is a time that comes from all the events before,” said Justin Carpenter. will be felt by the thankful children whom it benefits; This year’s pageant will take place on March 5 in the because the children are the reason that twenty years Sheldon auditorium. “Bring your popcorn because it’s ago a single student at Sheldon made an admirable effort going to be a show. We’re going hard all the time for to help those he saw in need. Thank you C.J Martin, the babies, doing work getting that dough all to make a you have made a difference in many people’s lives.
4j reconfiguration proposal takes a new approach to school Superintendent proposes new school reconfiguration for K-3 and 4-8 Anthony Rhoads editor-in-chief There has been a big hubbub about the new proposal for the K-3 and 4-8 reconfiguration. The proposal would combine the grades kindergarten to third in the same building and fourth through eighth all in the same building. Many have expressed anger at this proposal. Campus supervisor Darin Henry said, “I think it is a bad idea because there is a lot of peer pressure and a maturity gap. Maybe if it’s a small town with 200 people.” The revised plan was presented on December 8. The board will next meet and on January 5, and there will be a public hearing. On January 12, the superintendent will
present the final recommendations for the reconfiguration. Then on January 25 the board will take action. Right now there are a lot of mixed emotions and a lot of ideas in the air. However, this proposal is now off the recommendations list for now, but will need to be reconsidered in the future according to Russel. English teacher Jeremy Washburn said, “I can see both positives and negatives. If we have to do anything, I think this plan would be reasonable.” The reconfiguration proposal is to cut costs. Athletic Secretary Julia Girod said, “Several ideas come to mind. Immediately I feel they need to look at any and all excessive costs that exist in the district, for instance re-evaluate employees, job responsibilities to ensure better time management and make sure the work calendar matches the needs of the building. Secondly, as much as I support the alternative schools, I feel all classroom sizes must be equalized. This may force the re-evaluation of the
usefulness of schools.” The ultimate goal of this proposal is to save money, as well as provide education for the students.
Anthony Rhoads photo
Meadow Lark is a school that would have been affected by K-3 and 4-8 reconfiguration.
Teens and drug abuse is a real problem in highschool and society Drugs and teens mixing together causes problems in peoples’ lives Gabby Bernhardt staff writer Teen drug abuse is a reality in many schools. Alcohol is by far the most common drug in use among high school students, but marijuana is commonly used among teens as well. Even though most teens do not use drugs every day, the truth is that most teens have had some sort of experience with drugs, at least at one point in their lives. In the case of alcohol, nearly every teen has tried it. According to teen drug abuse survey 80% of high school students and 44% of middle school students have personally witnessed on school grounds, illegal drugs used, selling, or students who are “high” or drunk. “There has never been an incident where I have caught a student doing or selling drugs on campus,” teacher Jose Alonzo said. “I was a drug and alcohol intake counselor at Looking Glass before I was a teacher. Because of that I am aware of students
who use drugs.” There are lots of drug and alcohol abuse in high schools- there are problems with acid, marijuana and other common drugs. A way to reduce this could be teaching students more about the outcome and problems of drug use. Teenagers whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about the dangers of drug use are 42 percent less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t. “I feel sorry for them,” said senior Jamison Glazebrook, “and I think it is for a Gabby Bernhardt photo reason and not just for fun.” Do you feel safe coming to school with people using drugs? The current trend relates to how young people think of drugs. Many teens are not paying attention to the dangers of drugs. This may be due in part to the increased
attention being paid to the issue of drugs by parents, community groups, the media, and the government. Many rock stars sing the praises of drugs and sexual behavior. Have you been peer pressured to do drugs? School is supposed to be a safe place you can go to learn and “get away” from the hard times. “Out of my friends very few use drugs,” said junior Dylan Johnson. “According to the appearance of Sheldon many people would think that the drug use isn’t very high, but I think there is a lot of marijuana usage here. I would say that 45% of Sheldon students are or have done drugs,” Johnson later added. 63 % of the youth who drink alcohol say that they initially got the alcohol from their own or their friend’s homes. Having drugs on campus is illegal, so why do people do it? “They should just take it somewhere else, and do it on there own time,” freshman Daisy Rang said. “It doesn’t help that there is medical uses for marijuana, because then people think that it can help you,” said Rang. More people know when you’re doing it than you might think. Not to mention it is illegal. Drugs should not be on school property, so keep them away!