Senior superlatives! See PERSPECTIVES, pgs. 5-8
How do students feel about the 2010 yearbook? See FEATURES, page 2
Looking back at the past year of sports See SPORTS, page 11
Class of 2010 - The best Underwood retires after 38 years there has ever been! By Colleen Stafford Messenger Staff Writer
Photo courtesy Potpourri
What are you going to miss most about the class of 2010? By Emily Mattson Messenger Staff Writer
Larry Alberts “I will miss the wit, the charm, the good looks, and the pleasant faces that greet me everyday and show their appreciation for me opening their eyes to the arts.”
Mike Janus “The football games were awesome over the past two years. They were super fun and we owe it to the 2010 class.” Mike Pahl “Hmmm, the senior class is very....creative. Many have a great work ethic and have quality work. There is definitely a sense of leadership.”
For the last thirty eight years, Mr. Mark Underwood has been a part of the Placer Hillmen teaching staff, but this 2009/2010 school year will be his last. Underwood has been teaching at Placer since he was twenty two years of age. He has witnessed historical events, principals change, and the continuous and never ending spirit of Placer High School. Most students on Placer’s campus are aware that Underwood is the Psychology and US History teacher and most have also had the privilege of having him as a teacher. Throughout the years Underwood has not only taught the two classes he his currently teaching, but an array of many others as he explains, “I have taught economics, sociology, people and technology… everything you can imagine in social sciences.” Underwood is a highly educated teacher and has experience not only in the classroom, but also in life that he brings into his teaching abilities. He has done an incredible job of relating and connecting with his students over his years and has left a great impact on the lives of many of his students. This relationship built between the students and him has also been one of the most unforgettable parts of Underwood’s teaching career. “The kids are great, just getting to know the students. There have been some incredible people. You can’t put a value on how people enrich your life. I’m lucky.” One of the students who have had the benefits of a class with Mr. Underwood is Senior Stephanie Bonitata. Bonitata describes her experience with Underwood, “I thought he was a good teacher, he knew his information and he is really passionate.” This passion is apparent not only in the classroom, but in other school activities as well. Underwood has had the opportunity to make a lot of memories
during his stay at Placer. He describes one of his favorites. “There have been so many memories. I remember the Aggie Days, when I was doing all the crazy things. Chasing the pig… eating egg contents. I have wonderful memories of being involved in school events.” So with all these good experiences, why would Underwood choose now to retire? The answer is more complicated than many would assume. Underwood gives explanation, ”I didn’t want to retire, I like teaching I chose to not work on what is called a ‘clad-credential.’ The district said, because of this, I was out of conformity with the state. So I thought, maybe it’s time to retire. Otherwise, I would have hung on for one more year. I would have liked to have done something more fun and special for closure in my last year.” Whether or not Underwood feels it to be the perfect time for retirement, he has left an unforgettable mark on the Placer campus and in many of the hearts and minds of his students. Bonitata recalls a memory from her experience in Underwood’s class, “We were doing an activity in psychology. He got on his hands and knees and made sheep noises. He always knew how to get his point across.” Underwood’s fearless ability to be different in his teaching style has given his students an unforgettable experience. He has been a huge part of the Placer High campus for the last thirty eight years. As far as plans go in the future, Underwood is looking forward to his retirement. “I am activating my counseling again and I want to write. I think there a couple books within me. I want to write a serious book about education and a science fiction.” Maybe we will see Mark Underwood’s name on the best seller’s list in the near future, but if not, he will always be remembered as a part of Placer High School.
Brittany Haydon “Despite their procrastination, I will miss their enthusiasm and spiciness.”
Leonard Schull “Well they sure are thrilling!”
John Adams “Dude, they had absolute creativity at homecoming. They are super memorable.” Photo credit: Colleen Stafford
Mark Underwood with one of his favorite students, Alex Sibaja