February 25, 2010

Who? What? Wynn! Where? Wilder!

Check out their presidential debate Pg. 3

Ashland High School

Bizarre sports Pg. 4-5

For more stories, reviews and information go to Roguenews.net

201 South Mountain Avenue Ashland, OR 97520

February 25, 2010

Vol. IV Issue VIII

Ashland, Oregon

First Friday

Key

Illustrations created by Arthur Lawniczak and Taylor Patterson

by Angelica Florio and Kara Wells Van Gogh, Picasso, DuBois and Kuriyama; what do these people have in common?

Their art is on display for many to see. Ashland High School is home to a number of budding young artists that will have their artwork showcased at local galleries near you. Sponsored by the Ashland Gallery Association, sixteen students will have the opportunity to display and sell their work at the First Friday Art Walk on March 5.

The art walk will take place all over Ashland, event coordinator Kim Olsen explained, “Uptown, Downtown and Railroad District galleries will participate in the student art show.” Senior Meghan Payne will have her paintings shown in American Trails gallery downtown. Seniors Anja DuBois and Kaylee Tracy will have drawings hanging in Enoteca Wine Bar and Bistro. Websters will have pieces from AHS’s Fiber Arts class while junior Kevin Schilling and senior Joe Maulsby’s woodwork will

be featured at Nimbus. Thomas Lee Gallery will flaunt work by senior Riley Price and sophomore Camille Pegcha’s pencil drawings will be exhibited at The Crown Jewel.

Amanda Adams, a senior whose photography will be shown at JEGA Gallery & Sculpture Garden, is excited for this opportunity, “Everyone likes to get recognition for their work.

I’m also excited to get some feedback and am hoping to sell some pieces. It is the ultimate gratification to have your work in someone’s home,” Adams said. It is not every day that students are able to immerse themselves into the competitive atmosphere of the art world.

For Atiana Kuriyama, photography is, “A way to express different points of view without having to do something like public speaking.” The Ashland High School Art Department facilitates this expression by offering many different art classes. Laura Davidson, the fiber arts teacher is very excited for her students to participate, saying, “I’m so very proud. It’s so great that this community is so open and willing to appreciate our students’ creations.”

New principal announced

by Tim Borgerson and Willis Plummer The least that can be said about incoming AHS principal Michelle Zundel is that she was no dark horse candidate.

Zundel, who has over the past two decades fulfilled numerous positions throughout the school district – including vice-principal of AHS for five years – was the obvious choice to fill the shoes of retiring principal Jeff Schlecht.

Zundel boasts an impressive resume. During her tenure in the Ashland School District she has been principal of three of its elementary schools: Briscoe, Walker and Bellview, where she is currently principal. Before her most recent stint at Bellview, she filled the less visible, yet nonetheless integral, position of curriculum director for the entire district.

Regardless of the capacity the district decides have her fill, Zundel is always doing her best to create opportunity for students. “Education is opportunity, and it is something I want to make sure everyone has access to,” she notes.

However, as the school district continues to tighten its belt financially, this opportunity becomes harder and harder to make. But, to Zundel it is just another creative

challenge. “I plan on meeting with all the staff to find ways we can best serve our students needs with the resources we have,” she said. One of the ways she believes this can be done is through the constructive use of technology in the classroom. “I find technology an amazing learning tool, and I feel it can be better utilized throughout the district.”

Zundel is no stranger to tough situations. As principal of Briscoe elementary school when it was closed, she is accustomed to making difficult transitions. Fortunately, her transition to AHS should be relatively smooth. Having already been vice-principal at AHS, Zundel already knows most of the staff. In order to re-acquaint herself, she plans on meeting individually with Mr. Schlecht and every staff member. Moreover, she looks forward to engaging in conversations with students and parents so she can get a feel for their needs.

For some AHS students, Zundel’s takeover might conjure up a little bit of déjà vu. Those who attended Briscoe will recall that it was Zundel who filled Schlecht’s position as principal of Briscoe when he took the job as principal of the high school. “I have some big shoes to fill,” comments Zundel. “I greatly admire his positive outlook and all of

Photo by Grace Riley-Adams

Michelle Zundel, ready and prepared to become principal.

the connections he is able to make with the student body.”

When it comes to making tough decisions, Zundel has a clear philosophy: “I try to be practical and make sure what I am doing works for students and staff alike. I always try to look for what creates possibility.”

Students may be anxious to know if a new principal means significant changes will be coming to AHS. However, you might want to wait before you start petitioning for a longer lunch or later start times. Zundel notes, “I’ll have to do some listening and learning before I can say what, if any, changes will be made.”

Rogue News

Page 2

Jersey Shore

true MTV scholar “This is ‘Jersey Shore’.”

This experience served as my introduction to the latest in a long line of melodramatic television spectacles that have proven, time after time, to captivate American teenagers by transporting them away from their bland suburban lives to one From left to right: Mason Costantino, Photo submitted by Jacy Mairs that is more exciting Stephen Dickey, Hannah Ketchloin and glamorous. For all the squares out there who have managed to overlook this sparkling

by Lucas Opgenorth gem of pop-culture, allow me to explain: the ingenious producers at MTV grabbed eight It was Saturday. I was carrying out my usu- young men and women and threw them al routine of wandering through my house in a house on the coastline of America’s while waiting for some weekend excitement Garden State. Viewers are treated to canto come my way. I don’t know exactly what did interviews with the cast members, who it was that captivated my attention but, for give blow-by-blow recollections their daily some reason, I was drawn to the television events, which usually include fighting, going in my brother’s room. What I found, on the to clubs, and getting into fights at clubs. Via screen, was an incredibly inarticulate East- ‘Jersey Shore’, the American public has beCoaster. “Is this ‘The Real World’?” I asked. come acquainted with such colorful charac“No, this is different,” he explained, like a

ters as Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, who, in one episode, is punched in the face and, former exotic dancer, Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino. That’s right; he calls himself “The Situation.”

While many have dismissed the television show as trashy and unsophisticated, ‘Jersey Shore’ ignited a nationwide sociological discourse regarding the sub-culture of EastCoast Italian-Americans known as “Guidos.”

Many find that the unintelligent, self-indulgent, and belligerent stars of the program cast Italian-Americans and New Jersey natives in a negative light. However, several aspects of this culture have become quickly integrated into mainstream American culture.

The ‘Jersey Shore’ trademark “fist-pump”, in which dancers thrust their fists in time with fast paced club music, has become particularly common among AHS students.

Thanks to MTV’s ability to construct a universal cultural language, all American teens can enjoy the lifestyle of East-Coast partiers and follow the trials and tribulations of modern icons, such as “The Situation”.

While fame may have once demanded talent or creativity, all it now requires is a good nickname and a fake tan.

New eighth period

by Anna Hume When the ODE announced that Ashland High School was short approximately ten instructional hours, panic struck. The staff immediately put their heads together to come up with a way to make up the hours while the students fearfully anticipated school on Saturdays and elongated classes. As it turns out, the solution was right in front of everyone’s eyes all along. And don’t worry, you will still get your glo-

rious extra forty five minutes of sleep every Friday.

One of the many unique aspects of AHS is the 1:45 release on white days. Not only does this give students extra time to hang out with friends, but it is also a period that teachers are available to offer help and guidance. Mr. Schlect noticed just how many students were spending extra time at school on white days, and proposed an idea to the ODE. From here on out, 1:45-2:10 on white days counts towards the missing instruction

hours.

“I have called it the ‘Ashland Advantage’ for years,” Schlect said of the extra opportunity to receive help. “ But it is now officially called an Academic Support Program.”

The only new addition is a log sheet that students are required to fill out when they see a teacher for help. “ We’re not trying to keep track of who is showing up and who isn’t “ Dean of Students Glenna Stiles reassured, “It is merely a demographic snapshot.”

The logs are a source of accountability that will give teachers a way to see who is falling behind in what. They are also a good record of how many people are accessing this extra help.

Both Schlect and Stiles are hoping even more students will begin to take advantage of this time to access help. Teachers are required to be in their classrooms after school each white day and their instruction is available to the entire student body, so don’t be afraid to seek out their help.

February 25, 2010

News Wire New Clubs: Kung Fu Club, Gunness Book of World Records Club, World of Warcraft Club.

The old English lecture hall is being used for Interactive Video Conferencing Be sure to congratulate our Ashland High School Swimmers for their success at State Finals!

Go to the AHS Art Walk! You may recognize a few friends and colleagues!

Leadership has started placing compost bins around the Quad.

Help out their cause and put your unfinished food in them.

Grease starts soon!

Here are the showtimes: Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30 PM March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 Matinee showing on March 7 and 13 at 2:00PM

February 25, 2010

Page 3

Rogue News

Sandman Sorrows

by Ella Riley-Adams The feeling: eyes slowly shut of their own accord, breathing deepens, you begin to write below the line of your notebook paper and your neck tilts back until, okay this is interesting. Come on. Only 20 more minutes of class. You attempt to slap yourself in the face without drawing attention.

And again, eyes slowly shut…the routine repeats. Perhaps your down jacket feels like a snuggly duvet and your teacher’s voice is a lullaby. If only you were still in bed, taking time to process what you learned

Teenagers’ circadian rhythms (that dictate when we sleep and wake) are naturally set so that we feel the need to go to sleep and wake up later. The average teen’s bedtime is close to 12 and school starts at 8, so seven and a half hours is the most amount of sleep one could get; nine hours is the medical recommendation. Besides unfortunate dark eye circles, a lack of sleep can translate to depression and apathetic school performance. According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving under the influence of sleep deprivation equates to driving with .08 percent blood alcohol content in terms of decision-making capabilities and focus.

As a solution, some schools have delayed their start times to nine o’clock. I have long been a proponent of nap-class, where students can rest their minds and

bodies instead of wasting time in a fauxuseful class like study skills. “I would love to teach a relaxation class,” AHS teacher Jane Claussen said, “We’d have graham crackers and milk, read beautiful poetry then take a nap. Can you imagine how full that class would be?”

It would be filled. Other classes might also be filled with alert students, ready to attack quadratics and Socratic circles. But before any nap classes or late-starts are incorporated into our schedules, be aware that sleeping may cause a brash teacher reaction. “I have thrown kids out of class,” science teacher Mrs. Kennedy said. So unless you would prefer standing in the cold morning air to learning about sound waves and momentum, have a friend poke you when your eyes shut and perhaps consider watching less Jersey Shore before bed.

by W

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by Wilder S

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With the recent passing of the holiday known as President’s Day, all of us have, hopefully, reflected on the legacies of bygone commandersin-chief. And in these contemplations, you no doubt confronted a conundrum of considerable capacity. Who is more epic, hardcore, if you will, Andrew Jackson or Teddy Roosevelt? If you haven’t had time to personally investigate this matter, read on, and I shall endeavor to unburden you of your ignorance.

The answer to the aforementioned query is, quite obviously to the trained eye, Andrew Jackson.

Nicknamed “Old Hickory” due to his extreme resilience, this son of a bitter Irishman was the toughest of

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the day before. But no, AP US homework took longer than expected (or perhaps procrastination took its toll) so the hours of shut-eye you got were minimal.

“I remember the days when staying up late was a competition. Now I’m jealous of my friends who go to bed before me,” junior Anya Ludwig said. Late nights lose their glamour when they become an obligation. “I am kept awake by large amounts of homework and debate work,” junior Ryan Mills lamented. Dubious adults often contest that, if teens would simply concentrate after school instead of Facebooking or texting, there would be no need for Monday midnight coffee runs.

However, for the typical Ashland High student, who has extracurricular activities after school in addition to homework, a ten o’clock bedtime is nearly impossible.

Presidential Pugilism the tough. Now, your average President fights one or two duels if he’s extremely lucky. Andrew Jackson fought thirteen. Big deal, you say, he probably didn’t take any bullets.

Wrong! In fact President Jackson took that shot to the chest and then fired back, forcibly introducing his opponent to his proverbial maker.

This blip of all-important information as you can see, contains no disparagement whatsoever of Theodore Roosevelt. This is, in part, because I believe the actions of King Andrew speak for themselves, and also because this column has temporarily been cut to 200 words. I blame Wynn.

Presidents Day comes but once a year. On ments as a naturalist, explorer, hunter, author, this most holy of days, I enjoy sitting by the soldier, and last but not least, politician. He’s fireside reminiscing our countries great lead- what you call a true renaissance man. ers. While giving my thanks to the shining Allow me to tell you a story that can attest lights of our nation, a quaint little query im- to T.R.’s rugged nature. When Roosevelt went posed itself upon my mind. Who is the most to the bar, he wouldn’t order a beer. He’d orepic president of them all? Almost as quickly der milk. If some cowboy were foolish enough as this devilish question presented itself to me, to taunt him, said cowboy would return home I in turn, presented it with my answer. Theo- with nothing short of a broken nose. dore Roosevelt. 26th President of the United Wilder’s choice to advocate Andrew Jackson States. is nothing more than evidence that he skipped Now, Theodore is not your run of the mill the Roosevelt chapter in his American hispowdered wig-wearing sissy. We’re talking tory book. Until next time, always remember, about a former boxing champion from Har- when confronting my opponent about your vard. It’s not often you find a commander- opinion on our heated debates, “Speak softly in-chief who can fight as zealously as he can and carry a big stick.” speak. Roosevelt skills in the boxing ring were accompanied by his achieve- Editors-in-Chief........................Anna Hume, Arthur Lawniczak, Ella Riley-Adams

Editorial Board

...........................................................................................................Jackson Santee Front Page Editor..............................................Arthur Lawniczak, Taylor Patterson News Editor..........................................................................................AJ Bottimore Feature Editor....................................................................................Jackson Santee In-Depth Editors.............................................................Jacy Mairs, Hannah Sayles Opinion Editor..............................................................................Ella Riley-Adams Sports Editors................................................................Meris B, Mason Costantino Backpage Editor.............................................Grace Riley-Adams, Jasper Raynolds Photography Editor....................................................................Grace Riley-Adams Managing Editor.................................................................................Adam Pavlich Chief Designer...................................................................................Hannah Sayles Production Manager................................................................................Jesse Smith Business Manager…….…..….............................................................Heather Case Executive Editors’ Assistant................................................................AJ Bottimore

Rogue News

Rogue News is published by the newspaper classes of Ashland High School, 201 South Mountain Ave., Ashland, Oregon 97520. (541) 482-8771 ext. 195. The editorials written by the Rogue News express the opinions of the editorial staff on issues relevant to the staff, the school and the community.

Personal columns do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire staff and are written as the opinion of the individual author. Letters to the editor, which should be under 250 words, are encouraged. They can be dropped off outside of Room 202, put in Mr. William Gabriel’s box in the main office or emailed to RogueNews@ashland. k12.or.us. No letters will be printed without a verified signature.

Letters received in the second week of production will not appear until the next issue. The Rogue News staff reserves the right to refuse to print any potentially libelous or obscene material, anything that would invade the privacy of others, or anything that could cause a disruption of the school environment.

A boy who

by Taylor Patterson

Sports. They encompass the lives of most high school students and even more of the general public. They are an age-old practice and the world seems to come up with more activities for athletic activity year-by-year. One of the more obscure of these activities often attached to a circus scenario, is trapeze. AHS Junior Kyla Damman helps bring trapeze to Ashland.

“It was super scary at first, but then it became fun,” Damman said. It all started when she was four years old, living in Tucson, AZ. Damman’s mother says been interested in trapeze, so she encouraged her daughter to pick it up again. This particular form isn’t exactly what you’d expect. It’s not flying through the air 50 feet up with the chance of plummeting to your death. Though

i t

is, dangerous, it is low-flying aerial dance; no tricks.

No longer is this high-flying activity limited to the circus ring. After a while, Damman made her mother, Peg Paver, learn how to do trapeze so that she would start teaching. Paver has teaching been for about two years now, and Damman has a place to pursue her passion.

When told that her activity was courageous and daring, she modestly replied, “It’s just something I do. It’s fun.”

Bike P l First, there was the sport of polo, then dawned water polo, and finally Bike polo, the ultimate culmination of intellectual and athletic ability. The game was invented in 1891 by a retired cyclist who decided it was time to upgrade from horses to bikes.

Now, over 100 years after it’s initiation, this sport is taking cities by storm. New York, New Delhi and many other major cities around the globe are joining leagues, making teams and gearing up their ten-speeds to play Bike polo. Locally, pick-up games are at 6:00 pm every Wednesday, so if you’re feeling trendy, grab a bike, and hop on the bandwagon. Check out the official Ashland Bicycle Polo web page at www.myspace.com/ashlandbikepoloner for more information regarding local game play.

Rules differ from the USBPA (U.S. Bicycle Polo Association) guidelines, so if you’re thinking about playing in a major league then check out http://www.bikepolo.com/ for all official Bicycle Polo guidelines.

by Arthur Lawniczak

plays foo

otball and a girl who sings? Then there are others who do more remarkable things!

Ballroom Dancing Ella Riley-Adams

“Dancing,”playwright George Bernard Shaw says, “is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music.” This quote rings true, especially given the popular dance style of today’s teenage population. “Grinding,” crude even in its nomenclature, is a far cry from the classic steps once taken

by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. However, there are a few from our age bracket that dare to stay classic--and classy.

Sienna Stevenson, one such renegade, started dancing at age three.

“I first did the typical children’s dance classes then ballet,” Stevenson says.

“I lived in Turkey for two years so I started ballroom there in eighth grade.

I like it better than most other dances because it’s with another person.”

A sophomore at AHS and fall-season water polo player, Stevenson sports an evening gown when she’s not in a swimsuit. “We don’t wear the

The

art

beaded things you see in the movies, but we do dress up for showcases,” she comments.

Stevenson takes dance classes with Cori Grimm, who started teaching as a high school student alongside her father. “Recently, the movie Shall We Dance created a new burst of interest in partner dancing which was further fueled by the reality show Dancing with the Stars. Starting about five years ago, pre-teens and teens began showing up to dance class with their parents. Right now I’m teaching six teen- and pre-teen classes a week,” says Grimm, who teaches in Medford as well as at the Grove.

Ballroom dancers compete in swing, tango, salsa, foxtrot and waltz, with variations depending on the competition. Stevenson has participated in dance showcases and plans to compete this year. “I don’t really have a reason why I ballroom dance,” she says. “I just know I love it.”

of

Fencing

by Anna Hume

Along with cannons and the bow and arrow, swords are a weapon commonly believed to be seen only in the history books. In fact, upon the mention of said weapon, ones mind would probably jump to a knight in shining armor or a particularly intense game of World of Warcraft. Marion Blox, a French exchange student at AHS, is bringing the sword back in style. An avid fencer, this weapon is an everyday accessory for her.

Fencing teachers and schools can be found in European historical records dating back at least to the 12th century. It has gained widespread popu-

larity in Europe and is one of only four sports that has been featured at every summer Olympic Games. With it’s popularity and accessibility in Europe, it is no surprise that Marion picked it up at such a young age.

For a reason she doesn’t remember, Marion became interested in fencing in grade four. Because her school didn’t offer sports, she started taking lessons at a club. She began by competing in local competitions but soon qualified for a more advanced club that traveled around the country.

By the age of 15, she was ranked 16th in all of

France. “ I like the pressure of being by yourself,” Blox responded when asked what her favorite aspect of the sport is. “ It requires a lot of thought.”

Although Marion hasn’t been fencing since she came to the states, she has already proven that she can keep up to the competition away from home.

When she was a sophomore she did a semester long exchange in Australia and was ranked 16th for fencing there as well.

Page 6

Hope for Haiti

February 25, 2010

Rogue News

Children in Haiti

by Erin Keoppen Hope: A word that seems buried under the vast piles of rubble Haiti now finds itself under, but this word may finally be uncovered and perhaps fulfilled for this country which has not only suffered recent disaster, but century-long turmoil as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Hope is something the Ashland High School community is trying to bring to a nation nearly 3,000 miles away.

There are approximately 212,000 dead (“CNN Report: “Fact check: Haiti by the Numbers”) as a result of the January 12th earthquake. In total, 3 million people have been affected. The question of how we can effectively help this impoverished country is currently the most pressing. Because of the failing economic and political circumstances of Haiti, the

“Haiti”

international community will have to be cautious in the way it approaches this particular disaster.

AHS has heard the call to help Haiti and responded in it’s own way. The Interact Club put on a “Rumble in the Jungle” dance and made close to $2,000 dollars to donate directly to Haiti aid.

In addition, the Global Citizens Corps is organizing a bake sale for the cause. In other efforts to raise money Ashland High School’s staff has encouraged students to get their cell phones out and send donations via text (“Haiti” to 90999).

Submitted by Google Images AHS teacher Rick Cornelius feels very strongly about the topic of donating. “We live in a global community where we have a mutual responsibility to fellow man; if one country is devastated by disaster it affects all of us,” he said.

Money donations to the various relief efforts including the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders will go first towards providing basic necessities of water, food, shelter and medical needs. Other much required materials include hygiene packets, blankets and cooking tools.

It doesn’t seem like a lot to buy a five-dollar dance ticket or spend ten dollars for a concert, but every penny counts. By acting locally and thinking globally, a small donation of just a few dollars can buy someone 3,000 miles away something priceless: hope.

by Ian Alpenia As the city lays there, broken and crumpled, I sit, in my house watching the news.

Thinking, what do mangoes taste like?

The newscaster said The water has swallowed the city It was as if you could feel it breathing.

I didn’t want to believe Those families were living like that.

I reject your reality and substitute my own I think to myself To live is an act of courage I believe that people in Haiti Are thinking When you can’t go right, Go left.

Think for yourself Question authority Is what the Haitians should be doing.

They should also remember Past is past, present is present, Live for today and not for Tomorrow’s satisfaction.

While the city thaws in the stomach, It slides to the intestine.

Go to sleep and let your mind shut down.

It’s the key to blocking out your worries This is what I would tell them, The last thing is For every dark day, there is a brighter one.

SOU Scholars Program

by Elle Swarttouw

AP classes, SAT, ACT, and the usual load is enough to overwhelm any Ashland high school student, but what about all that and a college English course? Academic achievers, ahoy! Southern Oregon University has graced AHS with the chance to do a little extra, for a lot of extra credit, and it’s called the SOU Scholars Program, developed by administrators from both AHS and SOU to give juniors the opportunity to enroll at minimum in one University Seminar class, packaged with at least one AP course taken at the high school. The SOU Scholars program has been in action since fall of 2009, and AHS SOU Scholars (including yours truly) are heeding the challenge.

“I think that anywhere we can create an environment

where authentic, mutually engaging learning happens is where students and teachers need to be. My university course offers any student (high school or otherwise) a chance to expand his or her awareness. I have greatly enjoyed having high school students in this course, not because they are “high school students” but because they are hardworking, dedicated, insightful, curious, and enthusiastic learners. These students have the will to learn; kudos to them for embracing such a challenging opportunity!” SOU instructor Elizabeth Whitman said. Whitman and Warren Hedges were the two predetermined AHS-SOU instructors for the 2008-2009 school year. This year’s sophomores ought to start thinking about taking the AHS-SOU Scholars Program on

for next year, “If enough kids sign up, and there enough good feedback, the program will continue,” Principal Jeff Schelcht said.

“The class has opened me up to many issues of st the 21 century, and taught me how to be more aware and accepting, and how to be a more active world citizen. The first term gave us the opportunity to reflect upon our values, life goals and personal beliefs,” AHSSOU Scholar Nayeon Kim said.

The program isn’t for just anyone, but students who are willing to dedicate themselves to intellectual heights in and out of the classroom. The general work loads meets if not exceeds that of an AP class. For every hour in class there’s two hours of work out of class. Not to mention, AHS-SOU Scholars pay the same cost as regular SOU student, a heaping $60 a credit.

But hey, a higher education is priceless.

“Being a part of the AHSSOU Scholars program was one of the best schedule decisions I’ve ever made. I think it made me a better reader and writer, and definitely developed my knowledge of global issues. I would completely recommend this program to anyone up to the challenge,” AHSSOU Scholar Annika Hearn said.

With nothing but positive feedback, it’s clear that this program is highly beneficial to all involved. It’s not about what it looks like on a transcript, its about the initiative we take as young people to better ourselves and our world; who could pass that up?

Rogue News

February 25, 2010

Page 7

Grizz swimmers finish strong Ask the Fan

Gus Simms swimming the 100 butterfly

by Mason Costantino

After capturing the conference championship for both the boys and girls, the Grizzlie swim team went into the state meet with plenty of confidence. The team set at least ten school or district records at the meet and were able to qualify five individuals and six relay teams to the state meet.

While the Grizzlies were not able to replicate the amount of success they enjoyed at districts, they were still able to make a splash at the state meet. Junior Kirstein Ericksen, a transfer from Texas, was the Grizzlies top performer at the state meet despite a knne-injury which has forced her to undergo surgery,. She finished in third-place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:07.68. She also added a fifth-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley finishing in 2:17.68. Although Ericksen’s times did not win her a title, she was still able to break the school record in the 100 breaststroke, which she set the week before, by half-a-second.

“She (Ericksen) is the main reason we had the amount of success we did,” Senior teammate Eliana Pool said, “Her ability to fight through pain to help out the team was inspirational.”

Ericksen wasn’t the only

Photo By Alex Georgevitch

Grizz girl to turn in a great performance. Senior Kaylee Tracy finished in fourth place in both the 50 and 100yard freestyles. Tracy, who won both events at the district meet, beat her 50 freestyle time from the previous week, swimming in 25.19.

On the boy’s team, Jake Gavin, Lucas Opgenorth, and Gus Simms all qualified for the state meet. Opgenorth was the only individual to qualify for the finals, finishing in fourth place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 50.03.

“I was more than pleased with my performance,” Opgenorth said, “The competition at state is much stronger than locally because they swim year round

on club teams. They are able to have constant coaching on their strokes and technique which ultimately leads to more success.”

While Simms was not able to replicate his success at the district meet, where he set meet and school records in the 100 butterfly and the school record in the 500 freestyle, his accomplishments as a freshman establish him as the future of AHS swimming.

The Grizzlies were able to advance two relay teams to the final round of the state meet. The boy’s 400 freestyle relay team of Opgenorth, Gavin, Simms, and Jonathan Plumlee finished fifth, while the girls 200 freestyle relay team of Ericksen, Tracy, Eliana Pool, and Sheralyn Shumway finished fourth.

“We exceeded our expectations at state. We worked together better than in previous years and it showed in our results,” Pool said.

After a fifth place team finish for the girls, and an overall strong showing from the boys, Coach Steve Mitzel and the Grizz swimmers were able to close the books on another successful season.

By Mason Costantino

Now that the Super Bowl is over, what sporting event are you most looking foreward to?

“Winter Olympics. The whole world joins in and it’s a chance for the U.S. to display its worldwide athletic dominance” -Ben Sager (Freshman)

“The U.S. Open (golf). It’s overlooked, but is actually really exciting.”

-Will Small (Sophomore)

“The Winter Olympics. You get unusual sports all on one channel.”

-Jesse Jones (Senior)

2010 Ashland High School Swim Team

Photo By Alex Georgevitch

“Watching the Boys and Girls BasketBall teams in the state playoffs.”

-Bill Street (Librarian)

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by Marion Blox and Raven Susu-Mago

My name is Marion Blox and I am an exchange student from France. I’ve been here for six months now, so let me jump right in and tell you some of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between school and life here and back in France.

First of all, let me just ask: What is the big deal with lunch?? Why does it matter so much??

Back home most of us either walk downtown or just go home and make our own lunch. We aren’t allowed to drive until we are eighteen, so maybe that is part of it but it’s really weird how much people seem to care about it here. I’m not going to lie, one thing that I have really enjoyed since I got here are the short days. Back home, my days at school on average last from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. except on Wednesdays and Saturdays when we only have school from 8A.M. to 12 P.M This time frame never includes extra-curricular activities. In fact, no high school in France has school sponsored sports or art programs. I started fencing in 4th grade but with a private club, because that’s the only way to have access to those kinds of programs. That’s another huge difference that I’ve noticed, the whole school spirit thing, with homecoming, prom, etc.

All the events that are a big deal here don’t even exist back home. School is for academics and your spare time is for everything else. Even things like class presidents, which we do have, are totally different. I was class president for a year and it was horrible, because I was responsible for grading my peers. I was supposed to watch kids in my class and tell the school board if they were “working hard or

hardly working.”

To a certain extent, it’s difficult for me to take school here as seriously as I do back home because, A. The classes are more flexible here, and B. None of my credits from this year count. When I go home I will have to retake my 12th year because our grading systems are completely different. I know this sounds like a horrible thing, but for me, it’s worth it. Starting in middle school we are required to take two languages besides French, but unless you go out and practice the languages beyond school it’s hard to actually become fluent. That’s why I came here. Especially in Europe, being bilingual is really important for almost any job. Also, French high schools have very strict academic standards and if you don’t pass the big tests at the end of the year, ”le BAC”, you have to redo the year. I have some friends who have had to redo a year. So there’s a good chance some of my friends will still be around next year when I get back.

Ashland really broke the stereotype I had in my mind about Americans.

I realize Ashland is pretty unique, but it’s also just surprising and kind of a relief to know that not everyone is fat and only eats fast food. You would be amazed at

how many people in Europe think that’s what all Americans are like. Then again, I’m sure you all have some preconceived ideas about French people too. Regardless, I won’t say that school and life here is better or worse than back home because I don’t think either of those is true. They’re just really different from each other, and that’s the best part.

Photo by Sophie Thruston

Marion Blox, a French native.