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Lewiston High School
Nov. 5, 2013 Vol. 87 No.1.2
Students lose hair over senior projects lauren reitz senior editor
Each year, when spring rolled around, juniors began their long journey into the realm of senior projects, accompanied only by their assigned senior mentors. This journey, which became a graduation requirement during the 2011-2012 school year, proved to be a daunting task for those who struggled in choosing their topics. Some students, however, pondered possible topic ideas since junior high as in the case of senior, Alexis Shriver. “My presentation is going to be on the psychological effects of cancer within the family,” Shriver explained. This topic held certain sentimental value to Shriver, whose aunt passed away from cancer when she was in sixth grade. “I always kind of knew it’s what I wanted my senior project to be,” she remembered, “even in junior high.” Senior projects consisted of four basic
components set to be completed throughout the year: the research paper, field experience, portfolio and presentation. Along with field experience, faculty expected students to spend at least 15 hours of handson experience pertaining to their topic. “I donated my hair once, through Locks of Love,” Shriver recalled, “and that’s how I thought I’d get my hours.” Shriver’s original goal stood at 100 people to donate 8 inches of hair through a program called Beautiful Lengths, sponsored by Pantene; however, her goal changed when reality hit. “It’s kind of crazy how many people value the length of their hair,” Shriver explained the difficulty of trying to rally girls and women throughout the community to donate; in order to create one wig, ten ponytails are required. Despite the struggle to obtain enough donations, quite a few peo-
ple expressed their interest in donating to Shriver. “A lot of my family members and family friends said they’d do it with me,” she said. Shriver also planned to fulfill her hours by joining forces with the LHS crochet club to make hats and prayer shawls for cancer patients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. In choosing her topic, Shriver was careful to find a way to make hers stand out from the rest of the seniors’ cancer-related projects. “That’s why I went with Beautiful Lengths,” she explained, “because it’s not as wellknown...and you only have to donate 8 inches [minimum], instead of 10, which is required through Locks of Love.” Shriver’s decision to study the psychological effects cancer has on patients’ families also stemmed from personal experience. After her aunt’s passing-- a result of lung
cancer that spread throughout her body-Shriver’s uncle remarried. “That’s why I wanted to study the psychological aspect of [cancer]…,” she elaborated, “just how that affected my family. Some people don’t focus on that, they just focus on the patient.” In order to write a research paper that properly portrays the psychological aspects of cancer, Shriver said she plans to conduct interviews with community members who have experienced life with a cancer patient. “A lot of people have contacted me already,” she said, “and it’s interesting how many people have cancer in their families and want to share their stories with me.” While the topic Shriver chose brings with it a somber air, she remained positive and passionate. “It’s really cool because you can tell your side and then compare stories.”
Foreign exchange students adjust to new surroundings
Ten foreign exchange students currently attend LHS including, Pedro Fonseca from Brazil, Timo Ivanda from Germany, Millena Kondo from Brazil, Solho Lee from Korea, Josh Sopon U Amnauy from Thailand, Azis Toktobaev from Kyrgyzstan, Donat Unger from Hungary, Martin Vidlicka from Slovakia, Yossathon Worakulchai from Thailand and Chanjae Yu from Korea.
Q: What is your favorite part about LHS?
Q: What was the hardest part about coming to America?
A:The students and teachers are so kind to me; I really enjoy school! -Josh Sopon U Amnauy, Thailand
Q:What do you miss the most about home?
A: Leaving my family to come to a country where I didn’t know the language and live with people I didn’t know. -Millena Kondo, Brazil
Q: What is your least favorite part?
A: I don’t miss that much. I am just enjoying being here!
A: My least favorite part is all of the homework that we get.
-Solho Lee, Korea
-Chanjae Yu, South Korea