Voice
Your thoughts, your words: ds:
“Where’s the fun in a dance if you’re afraid of getting kicked out?”
of
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Mighty
Hawks
New year, new look, new life
NS science teacher: cher: ntor athlete and mentor
Tips for keeping off the pounds. See page 6
What you may not know about Ed Staker. ker. See page 9
The new leader of the band BY KATIE HEALEY
Sophomore Laurel Bailey on school dances
CONTENTS News............. p. 2 Opinion..........p.5 Features..........p. 6 Sports............p. 9 A & E...........p. 13
PHOTO BY KATIE CARPENTER
Tim Kidder, the new band teacher who was hired to replace Bob Beal, directs the early morning jazz band practice.
This semester Mr. Robert Beal, the long-time band teacher at NS, is leaving, and Tim Kidder, a fresh graduate, is taking over as the new director. Beal is retired this past semester after nineteen years of teaching and coaching. Beal has been with the Hawks for eight years teaching many music classes. He finally decided it was time for a change, and he couldn’t find that change at NS. “In school we’re so traditional. We know what we need to do but we’re so politically bound that we don’t know how to go about change,” said Beal. Beal’s most memorable times were going on the band tours. He also enjoyed working with many of the talented students these past few years. “I’m a little scared and nervous See page 3, Band
Salsa dancing heats up commons in the early morning BY CHANTE’ BIRCH
Lively Latin music echoes through the commons as students dance and laugh—the sounds carry through the halls as the dancers pound the floor. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 am, members of the Multicultural Club meet in the commons and learn how to dance. Their instructor: Julio Tapia. Tapia, a senior from Fountain Green, has been teaching dance for three years now to a group of students that consists of mainly of Multicultural Club members. So far, the dancers have learned Merengue, salsa, Cumbien, and hiphop moves. The dancers go to have a good time and dance, but eventually they plan to learn a routine and perform it in front of the student body at the end of the school year.
Where does Tapia get the dance material? “I just see people dance in different places,” he said. Most of the moves are possible only with partners, but the lack of males has left uneven pairs. Usually two girls have to pair up with one boy, which makes it difficult to perform twists and turns. Despite this difficulty, the dancers have compensated by having dance-offs between couples and switching off the girls half way through the song, making the dances interesting and creative. The dance choreography and music originate from central and southern Mexico, where many of the students and their families are from. “I feel like I know more about my culture,” said Montano, after dancing. “So the dancing is not just fun and thrilling, it’s a way to get to know your own
ancestry or another person’s traditions and background.” The dance group plans to get traditional costumes for their performances: big dresses for the girls and tuxes for the boys. They intend to hold some fundraisers, such as selling Mexican food at games and wrestling matches, and they will also use money from past fundraisers. All of the participants would like to see an increase in attendance. They are contemplating adding practices on Mondays and Wednesdays after school to attract more students to dance. They also encourage people to join the Multicultural Club. It currently consists of mostly Hispanic students, but everyone would love to see a more diverse crowd. “It’s not just a Latino club; it’s an every body club,” said Tapia.
PHOTO BY CHANTE’ BIRCH
Members of the Multicultural Club dance in the commons area at 6:30 in the morning. They learn a variety of Latin dances.
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Dropouts Part II: dropouts earn less, cost more BY REBEKAH LARSEN
Across America, a new consciousness on the fate of the nation’s youth is growing. Students are leaving formal education forever to start lives filled with subsequent, serious consequences. “Not getting your high school diploma affects a lot. [Dropouts] usually have a higher drug rate, crime rate—it’s been proven that people who drop out are more poverty stricken,” said O’Dee Hansen, a guidance counselor at North Sanpete High. The publication of many sobering statistics from a variety of research and survey sources has brought to light the seriousness of the silent epidemic. Students who drop out are twice as likely, as their peers who graduated, to slip into poverty in a single year. Approximately half of household heads on welfare were high school dropouts. According to recent calculations, present dropouts will earn $200,000 less throughout their lifetimes than present high school graduates. According to a research series conducted by E. Gregory Woods, dropouts are significantly more likely to engage in potentially dangerous behaviors—premature sexual activity, early pregnancy, delinquency, crime, violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. Dropouts are more than eight times as likely to be in jail or prison as high school graduates—they make up nearly half of the prison populations. A limited education can obviously have a detrimental effect on the individual, but it can also push down the quality of living for members of the same society. A survey conducted in
Indiana determined that, after three decades, a dropout can cost a community as much as $500,000 in public assistance, health care, and incarceration costs. This half-million could have been spent in other, needy areas in the community. Assistant Superintendent Leslie Keisel feels that the act of dropping out does have a serious effect on the whole community. “When people lose their ability to earn a wage, it highly impacts everyone else. You have to pay more for services for people who can’t provide for themselves; then you’re going to pay that in taxes,” Keisel said. One example of this societal effect could be found in Sanpete County as a whole. The county’s poverty level is around a high 15% when compared to the state’s average of 9.4%. The correlating dropout rates could show a connection. In every report, despite the source, Sanpete’s dropout rate was consistently higher than the rest of the state. However, many students at North Sanpete High feel that dropping out isn’t even an option. “It’s dumb. It’s better to finish—you’ll have a better life,” said Connie Freeman, a junior from Fountain Green. Her friend, Sharissa Hardman, a junior from Mt. Pleasant, feels the same way. “I have goals, and I want to reach them. I have to go to college to reach them,” she said. Momentum for change is coming from this kind of attitude across the nation; school officials, public leaders, and communities alike are viewing the consequences of unacceptable dropout rates and looking for ways to combat the serious problem. Keisel feels that the answer lies in piquing students’ interest at critical points along the educational journey.
“Hook those kids in—seventh and eighth and ninth grade. Be very intensive about getting kids connected to education,” said Keisel. She also mentioned that current after-school programs at North Sanpete Middle School are geared toward keeping students caught up, and this could be essential in reducing the dropout rates. On a national level, governors in each of the 50 states signed a Graduation Counts Compact in 2005 that will bring a uniform way of calculating the previously varying graduation statistics. This measure could be the first step toward saving the nation’s youth, as a clear picture of the problem is brought to the table. Other states are beginning to ratify laws that will up the mandatory school-attendance age to 17 and 18. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia already have such measures in place. Many other sources of change are growing in communities throughout America. Editorial Projects in Education Inc., a non-profit publishing organization, has created an online resource for concerned community members to view the graduation rate of their district in comparison to districts in their respective states and the nation. Right now, the focus is on awareness; once a clear picture of the crisis is painted, a solution can be found. As the picture becomes clearer, prevention and rectification processes are growing. Governors are naming education improvement as a priority on their state agendas; intervention programs are being developed and placed in struggling schools; students are being educated on the consequences of dropping out. In the next several years, these efforts will hopefully produce the desired results, and America’s youth will face a brighter future.
Teachers’ attendance policies not compliant with state guidelines effectively. Then came the faculty meeting that will live in infamy. During this meet, the staff learned that the current attendance policy did not adhere to state laws. If a student receives credit, P K C regardless of Students who sluff or leave class early are subject to various measures of correction, including an incomplete mark on their transcripts. attendance, said student issue, a new general rule for shall receive said credit. For BY JEREMY ZABRISKE NSH attendance was devised, the remainder of the meetThe old attendance policy one in which 7 absences ing, the faculty contested. “It’s a helpless feeling,” said is no longer in existence. would merit an incomplete, That is the rumor that has or in essence an F. For the Brad Bentley, science teacher so been spread throughout few months it was put into at North Sanpete High. The situation is not as simthe school. And for the most effect, most teachers noticed a perceptible improvement ple as it seems. Attendance part, it’s true. Attendance is a nation- in attendance. Of course, can be factored into citizenwide and a school problem. there was the occasional hic- ship points, which would This is not unknown. In an cup, but most teachers felt adversely affect a student’s attempt to circumvent this the problem was addressed overall grade. Also, under HOTO HY
ATIE
ARPENTER
state law, a student may not progressive, but it will help other schools in Utah, since be truant more than five to maintain the integrity of they’ve chosen to withstand. If not, the only reformation school attendance. times per year. According to Carol Lear, would come from a trip to Truancy, as defined by the state law, is “being absent an education attorney, any the courthouse. Thus far, teachers have without valid excuse.” Mea- extreme attendance policy, sures can be taken once such which violated the current seen a drop in attendance. limit has been reached, and a state code, would not hold It remains to be seen if this parent can be charged with a its ground in court. Per- surplus of indiscretions is the Class B misdemeanor if apa- haps this change will incite result of pent-up delinquenthy outweighs participation. a more “legal friendly” atten- cy, or if it is a trend that will In accordance, as well, dance-policy change in the continue to prevail. Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, must yield a 93% attendance rate. If a school does not •Seniors must check their transcripts to determine if they have enough credits to graduate. consistently make AYP, serious “corrective actions” •Mr. Hansen and Mr. Keisel are currently holding SEOPs for sophomores and freshmen, respectively. can occur. Call 462-2452 ext. 211 for Mr. Hansen or 462-2452 Currently, the ext. 217 for Mr. Keisel. school’s attendance policy is being retrofitted •Current ACT Test and Registration Dates: to appease the April 12th...........Register by March 7th legislature, and saJune 14th.............Register by May 9th tiate the teachers. The newly-revised •Scholarships for seniors are posted in the cabinet edition is unlikely outside the counselors’ office. to be extremely
Counselors’ Corner
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Love it or hate it: making lunch is hard work BY KRISTINE BUSBY
According to a recent survey, the majority of students at NSH reported that they like school lunch but few seem to understand or appreciate the work and effort that goes into preparing food. Though many complain about the food, a surprising number of students at NS High enjoy the cafeteria food and eat it every day. John Allan, a senior from Mt. Pleasant who attended a number of different schools in Europe before he came to North Sanpete, said that out of all the school lunches he’s had, school lunch at North Sanpete is the best. He said that school food in Europe was generally cold and unappetizing. Other students were less complimentary, but appreciative. “It’s food; how can you complain about food?” said Kathryn Peel, a sophomore from Mt. Pleasant. But many do complain, perhaps not realizing how much time and effort is put into preparing the meals. “Sometimes it’s a thankless job,” said Karen Seely, the food manager for North Sanpete High School. Seely is in charge of planning the food schedule, making sure that all the food meets the government’s requirements, and buying the food from businesses such as the USDA, Nicholas, and Sysco, School lunch organizations have to follow strict guidelines issued by the federal government. The gov-
PHOTO BY KRISTINE BUSBY
ernment gives a target range for nutritional requirements such as iron, protein, vitamin A. Seely goes through the lunch schedule for each day and distributes the food types in accordance. At the end of the week, if she has gone over the target ranges, she has to devise a way to correct the problem. In March a state representative will come to NSH and go over all the school’s records to make sure it is in compliance with the nutritional guidelines A lot of time and effort go into
the preparation of school food, but some students feel that there is still something missing in the school lunch program. “I would have more things on the menu instead of the same things every week,” said Amy Rose, a senior from Moroni. Many students agree with Rose and suggest that the lunch crew bring more variety to their menu. Some even propose that NS follow the example of other schools in the state and bring franchises to the school menu. “If we could bring restaurants
in, that would be cool,” said Kenna Christensen, a sophomore from Moroni. Although bringing restaurants into the school for lunch would be a pleasant change for students, according to Seely it is not possible. “In order to open a restaurant, you have to purchase a part of it, and there’s no way the district will be able to do that,” said Seely. Students will continue eating cafeteria food or seeking other meal options, such as Terrel’s Marketplace or Wheelers in the future.
Band continued from page 1 about leaving,” Beal said, “but I’ve got a business on the side with my wife that hopefully goes well.” The band students are reluctant to lose their familiar director, but they are also excited for the new experience that will come with a new band director. This will be Kidder’s first time teaching. Currently, he’s over the band, guitar, jazz, percussion and general music classes. Kidder said he’s quite excited about this new job. He decided to be a music teacher during his own high school band experiences. “I didn’t really get along with my band director,” said Kidder with a smile. “I thought I could do better than him and that’s what really got me started.” Kidder grew up in North Salt Lake and graduated from Snow College. He’s still taking classes at the University of Utah and finishing an internship. Kidder is also married with two small boys. Steven Johansen, a junior from Mt. Pleasant, is currently taking Kidder’s early morning jazz band. Johansen says Kidder knows a lot and Johansen expects to learn a lot this semester. Dyllon Tabler, a sophomore from Fairview, feels that a change is good. “He’s working us hard,” said Tabler. “I’m starting to really like it.” Kidder has been hired until the end of the year. If all goes well, he’ll be back next year, ready with baton in hand.
Class presidents offer students incentive for battling garbage, vandalism BY BRANDI PEAHL
The halls are lined with wrappers of lunch snacks, the parking lots have omnipresent pop bottles left in the snow, and the bathroom walls are a medium of communication, and janitors constantly pick up after the students. North Sanpete has a problem with garbage and vandalism. Writing on the walls, broken lights, intentionally damaged lockers, and scattered trash are all examples of school and property abuse at the school. “Our school is something we need to take pride in,” said senior class president McKenzie Proctor, in response to the littering. According to Kerry Coates, a custodian at NS, students vandalize for different reasons, much of the time the intent is to get even with the principal or a teacher. The vandalism rarely involves those for whom it is intended, but the janitors always have to clean it up. Though Coates doesn’t remember any major vandalism that has occurred since about four
years ago, it is still an ongoing problem. Vandalism affects the school budget because the cost to fix everything comes out of the tax money set aside for education funds. Punishment for vandals who get caught usually ends up as a minimum of ten hours of community service. The time is served before and after school and sometimes during lunch break. Sometimes the level of trash strung throughout the building can affect the whole student body. The candy and pop machines are often dark as a result of littering. Students are responsible for the problem in one way or another, and the student body officers are implementing a plan to reduce the amount of garbage in the halls. Class presidents are given five tickets per week to give out to those they see picking up trash. That ticket can be entered in a drawing for prizes that takes place at the end of the week. They hope this measure will make the student body more aware of what is and what is not going into the trash.
PHOTO BY REBEKAH LARSEN
A Coors bottle lies in the snow at the side of the road next to the Continuous Learning Center, a building on the NS campus. Trash and vandalism are problems for the school.
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State Capitol remodeling took years of work, planning
PHOTO BY CHANTE’ BIRCH
The newly-renovated state capitol boasts new technology to resist earthquakes while keeping its regal air intact.
BY CHANTE’ BIRCH
Four years of work is what it’s taken to restore what ninety years of pollution, grime and weather have done to Utah’s State Capitol Building. It was finally opened to the public on January 4th, the day Utah became a state 112 years ago. Construction for the building was started in 1911 with the best
technology known at the time. When it was finished in 1916, the State Capitol was one of the finest buildings in Utah and beyond. Even though it was built to the most modern design back then, years have brought the State Capitol Building to its knees. “The fact (was) that the building was beginning to crumble,” said Al Mansell, the former State Senate
President, in the recent documentary With Anxious Care. There were cracks throughout the floors and walls, art in the building was fading and the columns in the front became unsafe. It also wasn’t able to withstand an earthquake. “If it was hit with a significant earthquake… the capitol dome would have probably collapsed,” said Mansell.
But why take the time and tax payers’ dollars to fix the disintegrating building? “It’s not just a building, it’s a symbol,” said David H. Hart, ALA, Architect of the Capitol. “It’s a symbol of who we are as a people; it’s a symbol of our government. It’s a symbol of what we represent and really a symbol of our freedom.” So with that, the transformation of the State Capitol began. It commenced with taking the building apart in pieces, which were stored away for their protection. Seismic base isolators were put into the foundation using a beam and girder system. “What we’re doing here has never been done before,” said Jerald Poulson, the Project Scheduling Consultant. The process took two years, finishing in May, 2007. The Capitol can now sway and shake up to twenty-four inches on any side. The next project was cleaning the outside of the building. There were carbon stains from the Great Salt Lake, and pollution and grime from time and the city. Under the extra layer of filth, they found other little holes and blemishes in the exterior. After fixing and cleaning the outer walls, the Capitol appeared as good as new. There were also little undertakings during the remodeling adventure. Five thousand pieces of art and sculptures were taken down
and repaired or reconstructed. There are now four new allegorical bronze sculptures in the niches of the rotunda and other statues in the building. Plus there are also four pristine lion sculptures in the front that are shaped slightly different than the last four that used to occupy that spot and range from looking young to old in age. “I don’t know that the average guy on the street is going to understand or appreciate what the workers… have put into this,” said Hart. There were a lot of little details put into the building. Like all the new furniture that was made specifically to look antique, but can hold modern technology like computers, or the new cherry trees that were chosen exclusively out of 510 trees for the walkway. Workers have said that the job has been very stressful and hard, trying to hurry and meet the deadline, staying under budget and making it look perfect all at the same time. “There’ve been moments when you kind of want to jump off the building,” said Hart. Everything worked out and construction finally finished. The State Capitol Building held an open house on January 5th to the 12th for the public to come and see all the hard work and effort. Jim Chipp, a foreman said, “It’s the type of job you hate to be on, but after you’re done, you’re glad you were on something like that.”
STUDENTS, wanna get published Prescriptions, Sundries, Gifts and More
on the web? ,
Where your first choice is still your best choice.
Post your own writing and read other students’ work on the Hawk Literary Magazine Send your work to Nan at nan.ault@nsanpete.org or hand it in at the library. Visit www.nsh.nsanpete.org/~nan/litmag to view student work
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Voice
of
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Mighty
Hawks
NS Times Staff Editor-in-Chief Brittany Campbell ManagingEditor Rebekah Larsen Photography Editor Jeremy Zabriskie Graphic Designer Sara Lafollete Advisor Ben Cox News Kristine Busby, editor Chante Birch Brandi Peahl Sam Allred Features Nia Ricks, editor Kathryn Alexander Lincoln Olmstead Hilary Workman A&E Katie Carpenter, editor Tabitha Morin Sara LaFollette Emily Wright Caleb Rose Katie Healey Sports Scott Bentley, editor Chana Thompson Tucker Morin Kim Draper Web Sam Allred
HOW TO SUBMIT LETTERS
Email: news @nsanpete.org Or Give letters to Mr. Cox LETTER POLICY The NS Times welcomes letters on any topic. (Appropriateness will be determined by the editorial staff.) If published, work may be edited for length, grammer, accuracy and/or clarity. Letters must include writer’s full name and phone number, though only name will be published.
Our View America is the country of growth and expansion—literally. From Manifest Destiny to the first moonwalk, we have led the way. Now, we lead the world in an undertaking of larger proportions—that of our expanding waistlines. Obesity is a significant problem in this nation; nearly one third of the 300 million Americans are considered overweight, obese or morbidly obese. Sanpete is no exception to this condition; we are all gaining, and we are all gaining faster. According to Greg Critser in his book Fat Land, if obesity is left unchecked, almost all of America will be overweight by 2050. What happened? Only thirty years ago we were at a static 25% obesity rate, one that had endured for decades. Suddenly, in the 80s, the rate started to skyrocket, and we are currently about two-thirds of the way to our totally overweight America. Many people do not realize the consequences of those few extra pounds, and even fewer realize the seriousness of those consequences. Excess flab ups the risk for numerous types of cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and stroke, to name a few. To put it plainly, obesity is an epidemic of health risks. So what can we do? First of all, we should take responsibility for ourselves. We shouldn’t blame franchises, parental influences, or the government for our problems with fat. All it takes is a little awareness and determination. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are all that’s needed in most cases to raise life expectancy and personal-image satisfaction.
THE PUBLIC FORUM Lack of Variety Our school really lacks in extracurricular activities. We have a few, but we could really use a larger variety. I think our school should get a swimming team. I know many people who would definitely join! We could also use a lacrosse team. That would be awesome! I have heard many people talk about how they wish they could join a lacrosse team. It’s a way to get more students involved.
~Erika Ence
CORRECTIONS
tIn the Staff Spotlight of librarian Nan Allsen, it was stated that she has three children. She has four. r*O B DBQUJPO GPS UIF GPPE CBOL BSUJDMF ,PSUOFF 4DIVI mann was named the student body secretary. She is the student body vice president.
Your comments, questions and letters are appreciated!
Bathroom Space It has happened to me on countless occasions. I make my way to a girl’s bathroom only to find it packed with drill teamers and all of their stuff, getting ready for the day. I don’t even want to attempt to find my way through all of them to get to a stall. I then have to walk all around the rest of the school to try to find a bathroom that is not crowded with all of these dancers. If these girls need to get ready at school in the mornings, they should do it in the locker room where there is more space and it is less chaotic. I am sure many people, including myself, would appreciate this small change in our school.
~Anonymous
No Exchange Students?
Absent Teachers
This summer I finally convinced my parents to host an exchange student for the school year. We filled out all of the paperwork and were just waiting to be approved. Instead we were informed that North Sanpete School District won’t host students any longer. This made me very angry because I don’t understand why. Hosting an exchange student would have been a great experience not only for my family but for everyone. I know, from experience, that learning about other cultures is the best. If my family had been able to host a foreign exchange student, we would have been able to teach this student about our culture too. I think this policy is unfair. I can’t think of a good reason to stop permitting students to host. I know that surrounding districts still host, and I think that next year NS should be able to host once again.
Where did all the teachers go? There are so many subs that we don’t seem to learn anything anymore. Subs halt the learning process because they don’t know what we’re doing in class. With subs, we just watch movies or do homework. This absolutely kills us students working with the AB schedule. I think that students would actually come to class more if there weren’t so many subs. I have a sub at least once a week, and I hate it! Please teachers, come to class and help us learn. We are so sick of subs!
~Jill Coombs
~Anonymous
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Voice
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Holiday weight woes and what you can do to battle the problem BY KIMBERLIE DRAPER
The holidays are a time for giving, a time to share with family, and a time for the push to pad the belly. Everyone looks forward to presents and traditions of the cheery season, but especially to the delectable chow that come with it. No thought is given to the unwanted poundage that comes with each sugary calorie consumed. The holiday season can derail any healthy, previ-
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Counselor Hansen keeps students and faculty happy
ously successful diet. It is a time for cookies, turkey and eggnog. Who can say no? Maybe dabble in a little bit of this, or taste a smidgen of that. These little snitches add up to a lot of weight—most people don’t seem to realize that many small portions can be worse than one big helping. The consequent weight gain can be dangerous—high blood pressure, heightened cancer risk, and depression are a few possible consequences of obesity. See page 7, Weight
PHOTO BY JEREMY ZABRISKE
O’Dee Hansen, a counselor at NS, poses with a golf ball. Golf is one of the many passtimes that Hansen pursues to relax after dealing with students.
BY BRITTANY CAMPBELL
PHOTO BY CALEB ROSE
An unnamed student displays the results of holiday binging. While many make resolutions to work off the weight, few maintain the routines beyond the first few months of the year.
FBLA creates the business leaders of tomorrow BY LINCOLN OLMSTEAD
One club at North Sanpete emphasizes the business world and all it can offer. The purpose of the Future Business Leaders of America is to introduce members into this world through service and subjectoriented competitions. Of course, many students join just for the fun and networking— most of the competitions and conferences have students from across the state at dances and activities. Kimberly Larsen, a freshman from Fairview, joined FBLA for the excitement. “It sounded fun and both of my sisters are in it,” said Larsen. Kimberly has been in FBLA for a little while but has already been in some parties and meetings. She See page 7, FBLA
PHOTO BY TINA MITCHELL
Members of the FBLA pose for a picture at a recent competition. Students compete in events such as accounting, business math, and public speaking.
The end of the first semester means one of two things: students are frantically trying to raise their grades and counselors are working around the clock to fulfill the SEOPs (Student Education Occupational Plan) scheduled. These students bombard the two men who help all 700 North Sanpete students pave the road to their futures. O’Dee Hansen, guidance counselor, is one of these men. Seated in a high-backed office chair and surrounded by sport and college paraphernalia is a man who has not only experienced North Sanpete from a professional stand point but also from a student’s point of view. Hansen is one of 15 returning alumni on staff at North Sanpete High. Raised and currently residing in Moroni, Hansen graduated from North Sanpete in 1996 and went on to attend Snow College and Utah State University. He received a Bachelors degree in science with a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish and a Masters degree in school counseling. “I guess it all goes back to when I took psychology; that’s where my interest in counseling sparked,” said Hansen. “I wanted to help people.” But Hansen’s love for science stems back to his high school days. Hansen was named Science Sterling Scholar for the class of 1996 and was favorite of students and teachers. Ed Staker, a science teacher at North Sanpete and former teacher of Hansen, is one of them. “We get along great; he was the Science Sterling Scholar so we spent a lot of time together,” said Staker. “I have great respect and confidence in his abilities; he’s a good colleague.” Hansen admits that he had always wanted to return to Sanpete. After going on an LDS mission to Spain, where he learned to speak fluent Spanish, furthering his education, and working as an intern at North Sanpete, Hansen did just that. Returning to his hometown and past stomping grounds, he became a school guidance counselor. He enjoys the small-town feel of Sanpete County and believed that a job in the area would allow him more time with his family. “He’s the same as he was in high school—easy to get along with, friendly and intelligent,” said Dr. Roy Ellefsen, an English teacher at North Sanpete High. But academia is not the only interest of this former Mighty Hawk. Hansen is also a well-practiced snowboarder and enjoys playing, as well as watching, golf and soccer. “I watched Ski Patrol and started snowboarding when I was in sev See page 7, Hansen
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Student of the month Bagley is a friend to everyone
Photo By ?
PHOTO BY CALEB ROSE
Emily Bagley, who ate chalk as a child, now shares her talents with others. Bagley attributes the development of her talents and abilities to her parents and firends. She also no longer eats chalk.
BY HILARY WORKMAN
For someone who once drank Windex and ate chalk and modeling glue, Emily Bagley has become a versatile young woman, juggling school, dance and her love for helping others. Bagley was born in Canada, but at the age of two, she moved to North Carolina where she lived for eight years before moving to her current home in Moroni. While living in North Carolina, Bagley took jazz, tap, and ballet lessons. She is currently taking ballets classes
with the Central Utah Dance Academy and has been in five different productions of the Nutcracker. And with the many years of dancing she is happy to have finally reached her goal of getting onto ballet point shoes. Setting goals is something that motivates Bagley and has lead her to her many successes as a student. “Emily has always loved school and always cared about achieving and succeeding,” said Bagley’s mother, Marilyn Bagley a teaching assistant at North Sanpete High. Through setting goals Bagley has been able to become a member of the National Honors Society and is in Juniors’ Honors English. “I find that if I do my best on my homework, things usually turn out for the best,” said Bagley. Bagley’s favorite part of school is, of course, the social part, but Bagley also enjoys gaining knowledge. Her favorite subjects are seminary, French and English. She hopes that after she graduates she will be able to attend a major university and become a psychologist. But Bagley enjoys many activities outside the dancing and academic worlds as well. She designs dresses in her spare time. And is contemplating selling some of her recent designs. She has taken several art classes at North Sanpete High and enjoys sculpting and painting. But visual art is not the only art Bagley partakes in. She has been playing the flute since she was in 6th grade and has been in many band concerts throughout her career as a musician. But aside from her artistic hobbies, Bagley loves to help people. “I like the feeling of knowing I have their trust and that I am capable of helping them,” said Bagley. And she does just that. She is known for her talent in listening to other’s problems. And is one that people often go to for help. “Emily always looks at others as what they can become. Everybody is a child of God in her eyes; they are all equals,” said Mrs. Bagley. But in the words of Ryan Aagard, “Emily’s only fault is that she has no faults!”
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Easy Potato Soup Ingredients: 7-8 potatoes cut into cubes 1 stick of butter ¾ cup milk Optional toppings: Bacon Shredded cheese Onions Sour cream
PHOTO BY UTAH CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Government and civics students at NS recently visited the state prison in Gunnison where they visited with several inmates. The trip is an annual event from the class.
Civics students get lessons from inmates BY NIA RICKS
Every year, North Sanpete High sends its students to the clinker, and it all started two years ago when the Government and Civics class went on a field trip to the prison. “I think it helps students see our government in action,” said Tyler Bailey, the current Government and Civics teacher at NSH. Going to the prison makes the high school students and teachers want to be a better citizen and a better person. When the students get there they actually come face to face with the prisoners. The prisoners tell their stories and then the students and teachers get to ask them questions about anything. The prisoner’s talk about how they got into prison and what bad choices they have made. The mi-
raculous thing is that for most or all of them, their bad behavior began in high school with drugs and alcohol. Sylvia Bedford said, “I was excited to go, but I was kind of scared because they were right in front of you.” One of the main things the prisoners focused on or said the most about was drugs and alcohol. They warned students not to get hooked in high school. The thing that was the most fun on the trip for Bedford was just talking to the prisoners and hearing all their accents. Bailey said that the funniest thing that has happened on the trip was when a student asked one of the prisoners what his favorite candy bar was. Another thing that makes Bailey laugh is when after they get out of the prison most of the students run to the bus to check their text messages.
(whatever type you like) Photo By David Murray
Recipe By Joy Campbell
Procedures: 1.)Boil in a large pot until soft, leave the juice 2.)Add 1 stick butter 3.)Add ¾ cup milk 4.)Add water until the pot is half full 5.)Stir 6.)Let cook till warm 7.)Add whatever toppings you wish **Take a cup of warm water and add 3 Tablespoons of corn starch and add to pot to thicken.
8
Weight continued from page 5 Now that the New Year is here and most of the temptations are eaten, many are ready for a change. For those who aren’t ready for a tummy-tuck or staple, but for those who just want to lose a few inches or pounds, there are plenty of easily incorporated, daily changes that can help. 1. Go through the fridge and cupboards and throw out greasy, high-calorie foods like chips and cheesecake: Out of sight, out of mind. 2. Bring fruits or veggies to eat at lunch. Be sure to drink plenty of water— eight to ten glasses a day are recommended by the USDA, and water can help tide over the appetite. 3. If five hours at the gym is not possible, then do small things around the house like lifting laundry or washing dishes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. All of these little activities add up to many burned calories. 4. Find ways to make exercise more interesting, and it won’t seem like such a tedious chore. Buy an iPod and find a friend to participate. 5. Don’t stress! The more stress an individual is feeling, the more likely they are to gain weight. Discover an activity that relieves stress, and engage in it.
PHOTO BY TINA MITCHELL
The most important part of a consciously healthy lifestyle is commitment. Don’t get discouraged, and keep in mind the ultimate goal: a long, vigorous life. Start the year off strong and stay strong.
Stephany Leon, Nallely Montano, Jon Bundy and Karen Montano during a recent FBLA competition. Several students placed in the top five in various competitions.
FBLA continued page 5 plans on being in FBLA for all of her high school years. Michael Edmunds, a sophomore from Spring City and the FBLA Activity Agent, joined FBLA because he wanted to improve his English and computer skills. He became Activity Agent by request. He helps plan and set up services and club projects. FBLA is an organization oriented toward fun, but the main idea is to get a taste of business. “FBLA lets you progress in all realms of business skills for jobs,” said Tina Mitchell, an advisor for FBLA at North Sanpete. “And it lets you ‘network’ and meet others in the business world. It’s just one step closer to the job you want.” Mitchell was an FBLA member at North Sanpete when she was in high school. She became a business teach-
er and also an advisor when she moved back to Sanpete after school. NSH currently has 32 active FBLA members. They participate in the community by doing service projects—they recently made cookies and visited the senior citizens’ homes in Sanpete. They also hold local chapter activities such as movie nights, ice-skating and barbeques. Like most clubs, the FBLA has region and state competitions. This year the region competition was held on January 15 at Snow College Richfield, and four members—Brittany Campbell, Parker Earl, Rebekah Larsen, and Michael Edmunds— placed in various areas. Last year, five individ-
uals and one team placed at state, which took place in Salt Lake City. One individual, Rebekah Larsen, took first in Business Law and qualified for the national competition in Chicago. “It was awesome,” said Larsen, a senior from Fairview. “I’ve never eaten so well in my life; the pizza was excellent.” Larsen and Mitchell traveled to Chicago during June 2007. “We got to tour museums, and we also saw Wicked on Chicago Broadway,” said Larsen. She was awarded tenth for her performance on the Business Law competitive test. State competition will be held in Ogden this year, on April 3rd and 4th, and members are preparing in their respective areas. This year, the North Sanpete High FBLA club members will live the state FBLA theme: Make It Your Business!, as they make it their business to have fun and explore career options.
Go on line to read more stories and see more photos at www.news.nsanpete.org
Hansen continued from page 5 enth grade,” said Hansen. “I’m not sure about the high school, but I do believe I was the first one in the middle school to have a fiber-glass board.” Like many in the Sanpete area, Hansen agrees that snowboarding is a fun recreational activity and admits to being more of a carver and less of a trick rider. “I guess you could say I like the smooth powder. I do like rails, but I’m mostly a carver,” said Hansen. Golf is another one of Hansen’s hobbies, but this sport has been a part of his life for a long time. Hansen has been golfing since he was six years old and has used it as a bonding instrument with his father. “Golf was a time when we could talk about things, just the two of us,” said Hansen. These sports have gone on to play a role in Hansen’s professional life as well as his personal life. Unlike the stereotypical idea of a counselor’s office, Hansen has sporadically decorated his with his love for sports. Pictures at famous ball fields, golf desk ornaments, photos of golf greens and a prized Derek Jeter jersey framed on his wall show that Hansen is not afraid to admit his love of sports, nor does he let many hassle the Yankees. Outside of school, this guidance counselor can be seen with his family, which he considers to be one of his priorities. Hansen enjoys spending all the time he can get with his family and can often be seen participating in many things around the community. He coaches one of his four children’s t-ball teams each
summer in Moroni. Most of all, Hansen enjoys the simple things in life such as paella (a rice dish), Reese’s peanut butter cups, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, many sports, the New York Yankees and his various memorable experiences. One memory of Hansen’s in particular is unforgettable. Everyone has a memory that can turn a smile at any moment, and for Hansen this is true for a not-so routine experience. On his mission to Spain, Hansen spoke of a barbeque in which he mistakenly expected the typical American hamburgers and steaks. “When we walked in the grill had a lamb skull with its brain still cooking inside,” said Hansen. “It was the first time I had lamb brain and it was my last.” Spain gave Hansen memorable experiences, but he also picked up a few skills that would benefit his professional career. This fluent Spanish-speaking counselor works HARD with various students to find a future suitable for every individual. Working three years as a guidance counselor at North Sanpete has given Hansen many opportunities to work in areas that he is passionate. “I’ve been counseling all my life; it’s just part of who I am,” said Hansen. With his high-backed office chair and an office devoted to academia and sports, O’Dee Hansen—snowboarder, golfer and counselor—works to make a difference in the lives of many NS students one tentative school schedule at a time.
9
Voice
of
the
Mighty
Hawks
Chemistry teacher, baseball coach, and tennis star BY CHANA THOMPSON
PHOTO FROM 1967 YEARBOOK
Ed Staker, second from the left, in his junior year of tennis. Staker, a science teacher at NSH, has been involved playing and coaching many different sports throughout his lifetime.
At the end of the day, Ed Staker wipes the black marker dust off his hands and boards— he’s a science teacher at North Sanpete High who scribbles formulas and definitions for students to laboriously copy down, but few of his students know of his past. Years ago, Ed Staker was a student at NSH who played many sports, including basketball, baseball, football and tennis. He was successful in each sport—he was a linebacker in football, a pitcher in baseball and an almost-state-champion tennis player. Even in Staker’s glory days, he kept his thirst for knowledge that has served him well in his profession. “I think these days kids lose sight of playing for the fun of playing and too often it is a win at all cost,” said Staker. “I enjoyed every sport I could play, but most important was doing well in the classroom and in my academics.” Students and peers alike respect Staker’s morals. “He has always been a great person,” said Terry Brotherson, Staker’s high school doubles partner from Mt. Pleasant. “He treats everyone well; he is a good team player and very talented.” Staker and Brotherson were within points
of winning an underdog tennis state championship against Manti in 1968. It was a close game, but Manti pulled out the win in the end. “It was the first state championship we had been to,” said Brotherson. “Being doubles partners we had to depend a lot on each other; we made a good team, though, because he was left-handed and I was right-handed. So on the outside we did well.” But Staker’s athletic involvement didn’t stop there; he went on to be the head baseball coach of NS for 10 years and assistant basketball coach. He also coached tennis at Green River 1A school, where his team took a state championship. He also coached volleyball. “He is a great coach and a great man,” said Chet Keisel from Nephi, head coach of the basketball team at the time Staker was an assistant coach. NS has paid tribute to this favorite teacher, mentor and athlete. To the south of the high school is a baseball field named the ‘Ed Staker Field’. According to Keisel, it is fitting that they named the baseball field after Staker since he put a lot of work into making it a nice field, just as he has dedicated himself to helping students understand atomic theory and DNA replication.
Athlete of the month stars in three sports BY SCOTT BENTLEY
Tall, quick, great game sense and dominating offensive post moves are ways to describe star basketball player, Erika May. May, a senior from Fountain Green, has been chosen as the Times’ January Athlete of the Month. May averages 12.3 points 3.9 steals, 4.3 deflections, and 1 block per game, which puts her at the head of the girls’ team. She averages 62.7% of her shots complete successfully from the free-throw line and 38.2% successfully from the court, which places her other stats as second and third on the team respectively. May also serves on the seminary coun-
cil and is active in many sports such as volleyball and softball. May gives credit to others for her successes on and off the court. “I’ve been given so much support from my friends and family,” said May. May also said that she looked up to Jessica Aagard, a former NS player, in her earlier basketball days for Aagard’s strength as a center on the girl’s basketball team. May is a player who exhibits willingness to push until weaknesses improve into strengths. “Erika works hard all of the time,” said girls’ basketball head coach Cheryl Hadley. Right now, May is to the point where
she can use this trait on the court. “The biggest improvement that I would like to see from her is to be more consistent with rebounds,” Hadley said. “She is getting double teamed by many teams now. She needs to find other ways to get open and score.” May and Hadley get along well, and this is a good thing for team as a whole. Communication is key in any sport, and it builds a better base for achievement. May was a teacher’s assistant for Hadley, and both are avid Atlanta Braves baseball fans. Erika May is an athlete that can and does deliver, as her record has shown, and will continue to be an asset to her team.
Erika May, a senior from Fountain Green and a talented athlete plays for three teams at NSH: volleyball, basketball and softball.
NSH Winter Sports Stats as of January 21, 2008 RECORDS
BOY’S BASKETBALL
GIRLS BASKETBALL
WRESTLING
OVERALL
9-6
5-9
30-4
REGION
2-1
1-1
3-1
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Sexism plagues NS sports
PHOTO BY TAMMY BENTLEY
Student supporters look on, though seeming disinterested, during a recent boys’ basketball game. Typically the size of crowds for boys’ games more than double that of the girs’.
BY CHANA T HOMPSON
The girls’ basketball team is fighting it out on the court while the empty or quiet stands sit in the background, and some students and fans are wondering: why the small crowds? According to a survey taken atNS, most students prefer boys’ games in comparison to the girls’ games. “I think that students, teachers, etc. don’t give girls the same recognition as the boys,” said Erika May, a senior from Fountain Green and a member of the girls’ basketball team. “I think they like [the boys’ games] more because they are quicker, more exciting and play a faster-paced game.” Most students indicated that they feel that girls aren’t as strong, fast or as fun to watch. To put it plainly, many feel the girls’ games are boring in comparison to the boys’ games. “The girls basketball team doesn’t have as many [fans] because they are not as aggressive or as intense as the boys basketball team,” said
Lacey Burch a senior from Mt. Pleasant. However, some fans wonder if it’s more a problem of underexposure. “I think girls’ sports are disliked more nationwide because we overlook the girls sports compared to the boys sports,” said Chad McKay, a junior from Mt. Pleasant. Whatever the cause, attendance at a girls’ basketball game is rather stilted when compared to the boys’ games. The difference in crowd size seems to show there is definitely less support for the girls. But according to the girls’ basketball team, the cheering and fans pushes up their adrenaline and improves their game. Most similar boys’ and girls’ sports at North Sanpete have similar crowd size differences, though volleyball has exhibited a staunch fan base. In the end, the girls’ teams would like more support, and the fans would like more action. There seems to be no obvious answer to this dilemma.
Main S Street treet Me ed dia Rent a movie tonight
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Movies for only Rent any time, day or night Look for the YELLOW boxes at:
Fairview: 35 S. State St. Mt. Pleasant: 85 W. Main St. Reserve movies online at www.msm.dvmatic.com Moroni: 62 W. Main St.
Hawk’s basketball team grounds Eagles, Spartans BY TUCKER MORIN
With a combination of great defense, accurate shooting, and a will to win, the North Sanpete varsity boys’ basketball team snatched a win away from the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle. Despite a two-game losing skid, the team’s spirits were up as they worked together to pull ahead of the Eagles during the second quarter to clinch the game. Juan Diego started off the game with the first points, but the Hawks didn’t let them enjoy their lead for long. At the end of the first quarter, the board read 15 to 12. The Hawks came back in the second quarter to take the lead by 10 points before half time. Playing tough defense, the Hawks were able to direct the Eagles to the door at the end of day. Russell Christensen, a senior from Mt. Pleasant, had another solid double double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, pushing the Hawks to a convincing win over the Soaring Eagle. Karl Bailey, a senior from Fountain Green, also had a good game with 16 points, followed P R L by Shaun Seely, a senior from Mt. Pleasant, Russell Christensen scores a layup despite the with 13 points. foul during the Hawks victory over Emery last Because of great communication during the Friday. The Hawks are 2-1 in region play. game, the team had some nice passes into the inside hoop, making the lay ups easy for those waiting underneath. The final scoring of the games was 63 to 49, giving the Hawks their first region win. The Hawks also defeated region rival Emery Friday 87-85 behind a balanced attack. Five players scored in double figures. This brings the team to 2-1 in region play, and gives them a record of 9-6 record. The Hawks have five more games ahead of them to determine their standing at state. HOTO BY
EBEKAH
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SAVE Gasoline SAVE Travel Expenses (food, etc.) SAVE Impulse Buying costs SAVE Baby-Sitting costs! SAVE more TIME for YOU! SHOP YOUR LOCAL SANPETE COUNTY MERCHANTS Tuesday— Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 22 West Main Street, Moroni 436-9604 MAIN STREET MORONI
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NSH drill team preps morning and night for competitions Region and state are up next for dancers BY KIMBERLIE DRAPER
Every morning, in sweats and dance shoes, the NS drill team dances to a variety of songs and genres as they prepare for competition. “We have to do double days; we practice from 6 am until around 7:45 am and from 3:30 pm until 8 pm to prepare for region and state,” said Cheyene Nebeker, a junior from Fountain Green. “Being part of the drill team means a lot of hard work and effort,” said Staci Gardner, the NS drill team advisor. “The girls work very hard. They have good clean routines and their techniques blow away other schools in the region.” The drill team is known for doing very well at competitions—they’ve placed in pre-region competitions already. “They have a better chance for taking region this year; I don’t see why they couldn’t take it,” said Gardner. “They just need to break down and do it.” The team has been giving it their all, and hopefully this coming competition, they’ll be able to show it. “We’ve been practicing a lot,” said Tiffany Taylor, a sophomore from Mt. Pleasant and a member of the team. Despite their hard work, the routines aren’t perfect yet. “I think the biggest thing they need to work on right now are their facials and the timing,” said Gardner. The drill team’s upcoming competitions are approaching fast. Region is on Wednesday, January 23rd, and state is on February 2nd.
PHOTO BY REBEKAH LARSEN
The NSH drill team practices their novelty routine in preparation for upcoming region and state competitions. The group begins rehearsing each day at 6 am, and often rehearses after school as well.
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Fairview City Winterfestival February 2, 2008 Rodeo grounds and surrounding area in Fairview, UT Concessions and entertainment throughout the day.
USSRA Skyline Snow Drag Race Races begin at 10:00 a.m. Register day of race from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. $25.00 Registration fee ISR Rules and Regulations
$
2500 added purse Admission
Mountain Sled Snow Cross Races Races begin at 10:00 a.m. Pre-register at Fairview City Hall—(435) 427-3858 $10.00 Registration fee before January 29 Register day of race from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. ($15.00 Registration fee)
Family
$20.00
immediate up to 6 people
Adult
$5.00
Youth 12–18
$3.00
Children 3–11 $1.00 Children 0–2
Free
13
Voice
of
the
Mighty
Hawks
Experience, passion propel this year’s Dance Sterling Scholar, Whitney Ison
Picture of Whitney Ison doin’ some good dance.
BY CALEB ROSE
Whitney Ison, this year’s Dance Sterling scholar, poses with her ballet shoes. Ison began dancing when she was two years old.
Dance has always been an integral part of this year’s Dance Sterling Scholar’s life. Whitney Ison demonstrates her penchant for devotion on and off the stage. “ I have been dancing since I was about two. It’s just a part of me,” said Ison. “Dance is very important to me, but family, school and church are my most important priorities.” Ison looks at dance as an opportunity to display her talent. Ison not only practices on her own technique constantly, but also teaches and choreographs dance routines. Four years ago, when the Central Utah Dance Academy was complete, Ison immediately became an
apprentice to Jessica Pay, a former dancer and teacher and current director of the Central Utah Dance Academy. Pay was involved in dance and drill for years, and she uses her knowledge and skills in dancing to benefit not just Ison but other dancers as well. The spring show put on by the Dance Academy will feature a dance Ison has choreographed. “Jessica Pay helped bring back the spark in me,” said Ison. Ison was a little discouraged her freshmen year after drill team when she discorvered drill was not for her. Once she met Pay, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams and improve her talent again. “Whitney is very versatile; she’s
really good at all forms of dance,” said Pay. “I see Whitney as a dedicated student who works hard, and it shows in the end.” Ison devotes a lot of time to practice, but she still has the occasional mishap. “One time when I was performing, I accidentally performed two different dances together,” said Ison. “I feel it was my most embarrassing dance moment I’ve ever had.” In spite of this kind of experience, Ison still loves dance and plans on continuing her education in this art form. She wants to attend SUU upon high school graduation, and dance auditions in California may be another option for this talented and determined dance student.
High school soirées: the same old song and dance BY KATIE HEALEY
The North Sanpete High school dances are rarely hopping, to say the least, as students choose alternative forms of Friday night fun over dances that seem to never change. There are many supposed reasons for this lack of involvement. Some students complain of the strict dance policies—required activity cards and specific dance conduct, to name a few. Students must show a current school activity card, obtained at the first of the year, to get into school dances. For those who have lost their cards, a temporary dance card is available. Once a student is in the dance, there are the rules of conduct to follow. The restrictions are a nuisance to many of the dance attendees, and those that don’t follow them could be kicked out. “The last few dances I went to, there was hardly anyone there. I think it’s because of [Vice Principal Jim] Bowles and [Principal John] Ericksen. They’re out to get the ‘dirty dancers’,” said Laurel Bailey, a sophomore from Fountain Green. Where’s the fun in a dance if you are afraid of being kicked out? There are also many of the opinion that NSH is in need of a new DJ; the music selection has been the same for dance after dance, year
after year. “The songs are old. We need some of the music we listen to now—the stuff we hear on the radio. That’s what we want to dance to,” said Bailey. The music may be monotonous, but the dances themselves are reaching the point of same-old, sameold. A different high school club sponsors each dance, hoping to raise funds for club activities and needs. However, since the point of the dance is to raise money for the hosting club, much isn’t invested into the dance itself. The decorations are the same and little is done to get the student body interested in coming. A change of tactics for attracting more students could be just what’s needed to heat up the dance floor. “I think that we need themes to our dances to mix things up,” said Erin Cowley, a senior at from Fountain Green. The current main dances with themes—Junior Prom, Senior
Ball, Preference, Sweethearts, and Homecoming—also have their own set of problems. They are usually labeled girls’ or boys’ choice, and this sometimes lowers the dance attendance. Three out of the five main dances are girls’ choice, the other two are boys’. Consequently, the boy’s choice dances are thin in attendance, and the common opinion holds the boys are generally less interested in going than the girls. However, the waning dance attendance could be attributed to an unrelated obstacle. There are a lot of other bids for the time of the young. There are tests to study for, jobs to get to, and responsibilities that must be fulfilled before the fun can begin. Some students just don’t have the money or time to go to a dance. Whether it’s old music, or disinterested students, or a lack time, the dances at North Sanpete are beginning to fall in attendance. Something new could possibly bring the students back to the much need fundraiser dances.
“Where’s the fun in a dance if you’re afraid of being kicked out?”
PHOTO BY JOYA FONTAINE
Kortnee Schuhmann and Aaron Watts dance together at Senior Ball. Due to low attendance, the senior class barely broke even on their fund-raising ball.
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NS Times staffer reviews top movie releases of 2007 BY TABITHA MORIN
This past year has seen the release of a lot of movies, from threequels--Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Carribean 3 and Ocean’s Thirteen--to family movies like Meet the Robinsons and The Bee Movie. I picked five of the biggest movies of 2007 to review. These are my thoughts. Stomp the Yard Released: January 12 B+ DJ Williams, a freshman in college, feels out of place at Truth University. Originally from LA he’s used to a street dancing called battling, at Truth they do something similar called stepping. Along with the typical “get the girl” thing, he also has to face his past and help his fraternity, Theta nu Theta, win the National Stepping Championship. I’m not going to lie, when this movie was over, I wanted to go and get in line and watch it again. True, the plot was predictable, you knew who was going to get the girl in the end, and you knew who was going to win the stepping championship. But the acting in this movie was superb and the soundtrack features some of my favorite hip-hop songs. I would watch this movie over and over again just for the stepping parts.
Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard Released: June 29 A This movie’s two main characters are John McClane a detective and Matthew Farrel a computer hacker. At the start of the movie McClane is told to bring Farrel into the feds for questioning when someone attacks the U.S. computer system but before long this unlikely pair become partners in a race to find the culprits. I haven’t seen any of the other Die Hard movies, but I give the fourth in the series two thumbs up! I was into the movie from beginning to end and was either laughing or staring wide-eyed at the screen the whole time. This movie has a moral too, it shows what it takes “to be that guy”, referring to how being a hero sucks, but someone has to do it. Bruce Willis is now one of my action heroes.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Released: July 11 C+ Combined with the Minister of Magic calling Harry a liar, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the troubles of being teenagers, and the return of Lord Voldemort, Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Hogwarts crew are in for an interesting year. With the return of Voldemort came the return of the Order of the Phoenix. Harry and his friends want to fight too, but their new DADA teacher isn’t teaching them anything useful, so they form their own group and name it “Dumbledore’s Army”. As a faithful reader of the books I sat in the theater, mocking all of the overly cheesy moments and grumbled about the parts the movie did wrong or left out entirely. If you haven’t read the Harry Potter series, you might enjoy this fifth edition to the movie series.
Enchanted Released: November 21 A Giselle, your typical fairy tale princess, is to be married to her prince. But before she can she gets thrown into a well by the evil Queen Narissa and gets sent to the most gritty, unhappy place on earth, New York City. After experiencing the cruel New York streets, Giselle gets rescued by a man named Robert and his daughter, Morgan. While Giselle, with Robert’s help, is trying to find a way home, Prince Edward has come to New York and is looking for her with the help of his man-at-arms Nathaniel and the chipmunk Pip. Enchanted is a film the whole family can enjoy. It manages to be funny without being crude, a major accomplishment in today’s movie world. Along with some of its toetapping musical numbers and loveable characters this movie is one you’ll want to watch over and over again. I loved this movie!
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The competition begins in February. Sign up now because spaces are limited!
I Am Legend Released: December 14 AA cure for cancer found? Sure, but the cure mutates the cancer into a rabies-like sickness that gives the victims an aversion to the sun, loss of hair and skin color. It also has a 90% kill rate. Robert Neville is the only survivor in New York City after the sickness spread. He, along with his faithful companion, Sam, for the last three years has been searching for the cure for this new disease with no luck. His immunity to the disease keeps him from getting it, but there’s nothing to stop the Dark-seekers from getting him. That’s what Robert Neville is dealing with in this intense-edgeof-your-seat movie. Guaranteed to keep you enthralled until the very end, I Am Legend is a movie I wait for to come out on DVD with bated breath.
Sign up with your club, or see Mr. Cox for more details
Show off your skills during Mad Skills Week. Compete individually and earn points for your class or club. Trophies and gift certificates will be awarded to the students who outperform their peers in these categories: Guitar Hero Art Music Poetry Debate Cooking
Engineering Sports Math Chess Movie/Flash Animation
and the BRAIN BOWL!
Compete for prizes, gift certificates and bragging rights!
15
Let’s Talk Music
BY KATIE CARPENTER & JARED JAKINS
From Relient K to Michael Bublé, Timbaland to Mozart, our school has a very wide variety of musical tastes. We asked some students and facutly what their music preferences were. What we found was an interesting mix of sounds in the hallways.
Mr. Ben Morley - Fairview Favorite Band: Guster Currently Listening to: RENT Soundtrack “I’ve seen Guster six times live.” Morley shows his support for the music he likes by going to concerts, buying t-shirts, stickers, posters or other band merchandise. He listents to everything except “gangster rap and modern country.” Mostly gets music by burning it from other people.
Lauryn Lambson - Spring City Favorite Band: Peter Brienholt Currently Listening to: LDS Hits of the 80’s “I don’t really get into music all that much. I just listen to it occasionally.” Lambson likes to listen to the oldies like Nat King Cole, for example. She learned her love of music from her parents.
Dr. Roy Ellefsen - Mt. Pleasant Favorite Composer: Wolfgang Mozart Currently Listening to: Classical music through XM Radio. “I don’t listen to bands or new artists. I listen to classical music.” Ellefsen’s choice of music was mostly influenced from his father. He likes to go to live performences and goes about six or seven times a year. He usually listens to the radio but also plays whatever is on his iPod.
NS students take in opera Tosca at Capitol Theater BY KATIE CARPENTER
A knife, a kiss, an opera. These were the words sixty students passed by before heading to their seats at the Capital Theater on January 17. Dr. Roy Ellefsen arranged for his classes to go to Salt Lake City and see the Utah Opera perform Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. Cavaradossi, the painter, and Tosca, his jealous lover, are caught in a tangled mess. While trying to hide an escaped prisoner, Cavaradossi is discovered by Scarpia, the chief of police, who has Cavaradossi arrested. Scarpia plans to execute the painter in the morning unless Tosca gives herself to him. Instead, in a clever ploy, she stabs him in the heart. Tosca thinks Cavaradossi is saved, but in the end, he is killed. Subsequently, she kills herself rather than live without her love. Sound interesting? The majority of the students thought so. Even though many of the people went merely for extra credit, they ended up getting more out of it than just a good grade. “You hear opera and you don’t get too excited, but I really liked it. I was pleasantly surprised,” said Haylie McFarland, a senior from Fairview. McFarland went mostly because she was cu-
Book of the month Blink marries cultures with intense action BY EMILY WRIGHT
Book of the Month: Blink Author: Ted Dekker
Hunter Erickson - Mt. Pleasant Favorite Band: Relient K This freshman’s family has greatly influenced his musical tastes. Music also has a big impact in his life. Erickson would absolutely go to see Relient K live the next time they come. Erickson pretty much gets all of his music on the internet.
Alex Hansen - Chester Favorite Band: Metallica Currently Listening to: Anything heavy metal. “Music has influenced what I do and what I like.” Hansen, a sophomore, usually listens to rock or heavy metal. He buys whatever he likes off of iTunes. To show he’s a fan he’ll occasionally buy a t-shirt or something of a certain band or artist.
Kathryn Peel - Mt. Pleasant Favorite Band: Michael Bublé Currently Listening to: Josh Groban “I listen to just about everything!.” Peel, a sophmore, gets most of her music from her sister and occasionally her friends. PHOTOS BY SARA LAFOLLETT
rious as to how much she’d actually enjoy an opera, but she didn’t mind the extra credit either. Other students had some different opinions, though. Nathan Bench, a senior from Fairview, didn’t like the performance all that much. When asked what his favorite part was he said it was the end, because it was over. “A lot of the time I felt [the plot] would just go around in circles,” said Bench. Bench was one of the students who wouldn’t be attending another opera anytime soon. The trip to Capital Theater was an interesting one. About sixty students and a few teachers rode in one very cramped bus. McFarland commented that she thought Ben Cox and Dax Higgins, two teachers at NSH and chaperones for the trip, were going to kill her for how loud she was being. She wasn’t alone though. It seemed as if you’d never be able to get the din of a thousand teenagers talking at once out of your head. All of the craziness seemed to be worth it though. The music was a good experience for the students that went and a lot said they’d recommend going to an opera sometime soon.
Imagine yourself about to marry someone you’ve never even met, someone your father chose for you, and if you refuse, your punishment will be death. This is the position Saudi Arabian princess, Miriam finds herself in. In the Middle East, girls marry at a young age, and to men their fathers choose for them. Women have no rights and men have three or four wives. But Miriam decides she can’t marry the man her father chose for her. But she knows she can’t refuse, after her 15 year-old friend is killed by her own father for refusing her husband. So she escapes to America. Her fa-
ther is furious and sends men after her. Seth Borders is a grad student with one of the highest IQ’s in the world, but he also has a strange gift. He can see multiple possible futures with every choice he makes. One night Seth is at a party and in his head he sees a woman hiding in the bathroom surrounded by men. He runs to the bathroom and gets Miriam out just before the men get there. Their fates become intertwined as Seth’s powers save them time after time. But traveling with a fugitive princess, with hit-men and a massive man-hunt closing in, escape becomes impossible.
“If you refuse, your punishment will be death.”
This book brings two cultures together and issues that have been around for hundreds of years and are still colliding in today’s headlines. Blink is an action-packed book; you won’t be able to put down!
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THE COGNITIVE QUEST
R ENTE IN TO W
NORTH SANPETE STUDENT LEADERS AND SCHOLARS CROSSWORD
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Freshman Level: Who is the student body secretary? Sophomore Level: Who is the new English teacher this year? Junior Level: What is the date of Junior Prom this year? Senior Level: Who was the tennis coach before Mr. Jeff Ericksen?
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Across Junior Class President Sophomore Class Vice President Dance Sterling Scholar Student Body Vice President Junior Class Vice President Student Body President Senior Class President Sophomore Class President Senior Class Vice President Student Body Activity Agent Visual Arts Sterling Scholar Sophomore Class Secretary Social Science Sterling Scholar Freshman Class President
Down English & Literature Sterling Scholar Computer & Technology Sterling Scholar Freshman Class Vice President Speech & Drama Sterling Scholar Trade & Technical Sterling Scholar Business & Marketing Sterling Scholar Freshman Class Secretary Senior Class Secretary Math Sterling Scholar Science Sterling Scholar Student Body Secretary Junior Class Secretary
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