March 12, 2009

Ashland High School’s

Ashland, Oregon

March 12, 2009

www.roguenews.net

Vol. III Issue VII

Pajama Game

By Elle Swarttouw

It’s opening night of “The Pajama Game” and the stakes are high. Backstage is a frenzy of colorful costumes, nervous actors and clouds of hairspray. This stressful environment could be overwhelming for newcomers to the theatre life, but the cast and crew are old pros. Everyone involved in the production hustles to prepare each element of the show. Whether it’s moving the stage equipment or rehearsing a dance routine, it’s all part of the big time goal: bringing the audience a performance to remember.

A tremendous amount of work has brought the actors to this moment. They have been rehearsing for months now, spending precious time perfecting every song and dance. The hours are excruciating and many participants in the play have little chance to do homework or take care of other obligations. Although it takes extreme dedication, all of the work is worth it for the cast and crew. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” actress Aurelia Grierson said.

Keep in mind, just as much goes on behind the scenes as does on stage. The actors we see all dolled up in the spotlight don’t get that way by magic. Two large rooms separated by a set of dark stairs are havens for the actors when it comes to hair, make-up, and wardrobe. There is a kind of mystique to being backstage. It would be easy to for one to get lost in the dimly lit halls and various rooms, but these kids know it like the back of their hands.

Just before the performance begins, nearly all cast and crew members gather in a large circle backstage and call for a ceremony. Speeches of unity and gratitude are made. “I’m so proud of you guys,” stage manager Anna Barth says to the group.

Even when the show has begun, there is still much work to be done. Techies are the backbone of the show. They are strewn about the theatre during the performance, fixing what needs to be fixed and monitoring all the little details that often the audience doesn’t even notice. A number of techies sit in a dark room behind the seats, all wearing headsets to notify one another of problems such as a crooked curtain or a costume malfunction.

You may wonder how actors get in and out of costume so quickly. Its called a quick change, and they are not made for sissies. When cast members leave the stage, a basket of garments worn in their next scene, put together by the quick changers, waits for them. Although actors are completely focused in the short amount of time they have for changing, often they need some assistance. “ I like the rush of it,” says Olivia Granach, quick changer, “I am very eager before each one.”

“The Pajama Game” was a great success, but even greater is the work it took to put the show together and the great times had by all involved. “ I love the fun of it all. The best part is being excited with everyone,” director Christine Williams says. In the art of theatre, it is truly the journey, not the destination. “ The stress is pretty high, but it’s all worth it in the end,” says freshman actor Drew Woods. After all, there’s no business like show business.

sophomores shock state

By Morgan Hall

Ashland has long had a reputation for being an extraordinary school. Last year, we were recognized for our superior academics by US News and World Report. In a district with declining enrollment, Ashland High School has somehow defied the predictions. AHS enrollment has kept steady for the last two years, when

it was expected to drop. Many people have pointed to our silver medal ranking as the reason for the high school’s stable rate of enrollment in a district that is on the decline.

This year, Ashland High School offered the Preliminary SAT not only to juniors, but to sophomores as well. On Oct. 18, 409 AHS students took the PSAT. The State

of Oregon fully covered the cost of these tests for the 229 sophomores.

While the juniors boasted many qualifiers for the scholarship, the real story is the scores of the sophomores. This year, our sophomores’ scores exceeded the state and national average in reading, writing and mathematics. continued on page 2

March 12, 2009

Page 2

Where in the world is Ben Small?

Lisbon (Portugal’s capital).

According to Small, Viseu is very energy efficient. Locals walk everywhere and electricity-generating windmills sprinkle the surrounding hills. Also, “no one uses dryers!” Citizens of Viseu hang up all of their clothes on a clothesline to dry outside their windows.

“On nearly every building, minus offices, there are clotheslines stretching all over them.” Small said.

He says that his school schedule is “particularly annoying.” In Portugal, students are asked to choose an area of study (Small chose art), and are also required to Photos submitted by Ben Small Ben Small and Sebastian Lande, an exchange student from Argentina, take P.E., Portuguese, and pose for the camera on the beach in Foz de Arelho, Portugal. philosophy. School starts tercultural exchange program. This year, at 8:25 a.m., and there is a AFS has eleven students from all over two-hour long lunch. This all sounded

By Madison Knox the world in Lisbon. “The application fantastic until Small was told about the process for AFS, or any international 6:30 p.m. release. Small said that durAfter spending time in the San Fran- exchange program for that matter, is ing one of his Geometry classes, a tarcisco airport and New York City, AHS a long, time- consuming project that dy student knocked on the door. Small junior Ben Small boarded a plane to requires dedication, motivation and a turned to the door and let the student Lisbon, Portugal. Alone and completely real desire to go and study abroad,” in, sending the teacher into a bad mood. oblivious of what was to come, Small Small said. It’s a huge challenge that The teacher then walked the student left his family behind in the states. Small family and students alike have to take out of the classroom and asked Small knew that what he was about to expe- on- the preparations alone take over in broken English, “Who is the boss?” rience would drastically change his life. a year. The operation is difficult, but Small, confused, responded “Tu, claro.”

“I’m feeling indescribably uncertain yet Small was ready to take on the work. (You, of course). Small said “I can’t Small is staying in Viseu, Portugal, say I’m the best student I’ve ever been; optimistic of what is to come,” he said.

Small is traveling with AFS, an in- which is located centrally and north of in relationship to the states, that is.”

PSAT

Although he is frequently confused and finds it difficult to participate while speaking Portuguese, his background in Spanish is a huge help, and communicating gets easier everyday.

Small is excited to be sharing an abroad adventure with his good friend Alex Landt, who is currently on a Rotary exchange in Ecuador. The two email and even chat on the phone at times. Ben and Alex are proof that even though they’re separated by oceans, a similar experience can keep two together.

When asked of what he has learned from his time in Portugal, Small said, “Keep an open mind about every-

Scenery in Portugal.

thing, and just live life to the fullest extent. A.K.A. LIVE IT UP!” To read more about Ben’s Portuguese adventure, you can visit his blog at Beninportugal.blogspot.com.

Continued From Pg. 1

“We are extremely proud that we can teach our students to score this well on a national standardized test.” John Skinner, AHS counselor, said. “We don’t teach to the test,” Skinner continued. “We find our students learn better when taught a wider spectrum of these subjects.”

The high school uses the results from the sophomore class to gauge possible fits for their AP courses. They’ve already been able to specify fits for each AP Class, with an average of 70 possible student fits for each class. Some classes, like AP World History have seen 90 matches or more. The state of Oregon is the fifth most proficient in the nation when it comes to AP Exams.

“The reason why this is so great for the sophomores is three-fold. One, it allows them to see how they would do

on a standardized test in math, reading and writing. Two, it gives teachers the opportunity to see who qualifies for their AP Classes. Three, it prepares these students to take the PSAT to qualify as juniors, as well as the SAT.” Skinner stated, “We feel that it’s tremendously beneficial.”

This only adds more polish to the academic achievement exhibited by Ashland High. The last three graduating classes have tested a higher percentage of students than the average school in the state and the nation on the SAT. Our former students tested higher on their SAT’s than the national and state average, and 86 percent of the class of ’08 went on to a two or four-year college.

This data shows the strength of the programs that prime Ashland’s students from a young Graph by Morgan Hall age. Without the stellar programs that begin in middle school and continue in high school, our above average scoring could not be possible. From the beginning of school to graduation, the Ashland school system once again proves itself to be exceptional.

March, 12 2009

AHS crossword

clues

ACROSS 1. Skateboarding mathlete. Miles _______.

3. Teacher with a collection of hats on his walls.

4. Color of violation stickers.

9. Nickname of the school president who rules opposite “Dreads.”

10. Damaged a book lately? Face her wrath.

11. Female baller attending Berkeley next year. (Last name.)

13. Our school mascot.

16. The real name of Doc, the crossingguard.

DOWN 1. Political film starring Sean Penn.

2. What one says to get dibs on the front seat.

5. Weekend activity involving cars and running.

6. Homeland of exchange student Robin Hasse and Marie Wasem.

7. Girls’ golf coach.

8. The latest school musical.

12. Favorite lunch destination of freshmen.

13. Infamous school band featuring 9 across.

15. The only female counselor.

Page 3

Gerber Baby

By Arthur Lawniczak “What if Stalin never changed his name,” Alex Gerber questions in one of her musical escapades. Well, this ‘what if’ scenario sparks another question: what if Alex never changed her name? In case you didn’t know, the artist formerly known as Alex has changed her name many times within her life. In the 7th grade she changed her name to “Alyx” to better suit her unique personality, and again changed her name to Olivia after her wondrous voyages abroad. But, as William Shakespeare says in his play, “Romeo and Juliet,” “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” or in this case-sound as sweet.

Another thing you need to know about Gerber (no relation to baby products gerber.com, check it out) other than her fungible name is that she is quite an accomplished artist. She has been playing guitar since she was 12, piano since she was four and breathing oxygen since birth. She is currently taking singing lesson, although she has been singing since she was in diapers (which only leads us to wonder

what the lyrics were about) and has already recorded a demo. She is also teaching herself to play the banjo and has future plans to learn the French horn. Her musical taste holds a vast array, and she draws her inspiration from Joni Mitchell, Rilo Kiley, Beirut, and countless others.

“I’m constantly looking for new influence and challenging myself to expand on my music and sound,” Gerber said.

For any inspiring musicians or singers out there that sing into their mirror every morning before school, Alex gives this advice, “It’s important not to feel like you have to write for other people, the only way to grow as a musician is to write for yourself.”

Gerber has been in various shows around town, she plays at the Revolution and other joints. She is, with all jokes aside, worth checking out, so if you’re surfing the web, look her up at thesixtyone.com/OliviaGerber, don’t get the name confused.

Gerber singing at the Revolution

Have you ever been stumped when you friend refers to you as DudeBrah, or wondered what you call it when someone breaks your mother’s vase at a party? Here are some common interpretations to our school’s slang.

By Ben stocks

Wikillectual. n. One whose knowledge consists strictly of information gained from Wikipedia.

Slow Burn. n. When an insult takes a while to sink in.

Textpectations. n. The antsy nervous feeling or experiences while waiting for a text reply. Usually consists of inability to sit still and constant checking of phone.

Party Foul. n. When an individual does something socially unacceptable or awkward in a party or social scene.

Dudebrah. n. The personification of both “dude” and “brah”. Most commonly found in California beach towns.

(Ask Ananda Goldsmith for proper pronunciation.)

Ghost Riding. v. “pull up hop out, all in one motion, dancing on the hood while the car still rollin’” – Mistah Fab. In simple terms, let Casper take the wheel.

Photo by Grac

&

e Riley-Adam

s

“Our parents used to match us…we had ou r own twin language to o.” -Emily Steele

y-Adams Photo by Grace Rile

“I’m very glad that I have a twin…I never had to deal with going to a new school and not knowing who to sit by at lunch. When I went to summer camps I always had someone to sit by on the bus. It’s nice to have someone share the experience.”

-Michele Kandaris

Photo by Grace Riley-Adams

“Lew’s got more facial hair, but I’m actually 9 minutes older.” -Charlie Sebrell

Photo by Azure Ginsberg

by Ella Riley-Adams

We all know Fred and George Weasley (may Fred rest in peace), and our generation grew up watching Mary-Kate and Ashley’s various escapades. Lindsay Lohan made every girl want a long lost sister when she acted opposite herself in “The Parent Trap.” What do these people have in common? They’re all twins.

Not only are there famous

twins in the Hollywood world, but at Ashland High School, we have six sets of twins in the senior class. The Blacks, the Kandaris’, the Parker-Shames’, the Marvins, the Sebrells, and the Steeles.

The Ashland High School class of 2008 had three sets of duplicates. In 2007, there were only two sets. But six? This years’ graduating class seems to be setting a trend, as there are five sets of twins in the junior class as well.

“A lot o f the tim e when question w or comm ent, we’ll e respond to a at the sam say the sa e time in me thing the same

t o n e of voice,” -Dahna B

lack

According to about.com, three births out of every one hundred will result in twins.

Page 6

March 12, 2009

Lack of leadership

By Ella Riley-Adams Imagine a scene from a typical American high school. Cheerleaders, pep rallies, football games and general goodnatured school spirit all come to mind.

We know Ashland is far from this typical image, but in terms of leadership, being unique may not be desirable.

The lack of leadership at Ashland High School has become strikingly apparent this year. Our students still excel as individuals, but what we’re missing is unity. True, we’re without a gym, which removes us from the campus, but it seems that real togetherness would-and should- transcend a building’s walls.

It is March, and we have seen no sign of a winter assembly. Students received their funny gifts, but without notice.

While the cheerleaders are expanding their squad, our dance team is non-existent.

So where are our leaders, motivating us to love AHS? The leadership class is still up and running, and students still attend, so why aren’t we seeing the results of this formerly successful thinktank? Ami Jacobson, the student body secretary, gives two reasons: “Leadership has been challenging this year because we don’t have a gym, so the only place to do anything is the quad. We also have a new teacher, and he’s great, but he doesn’t have experience [with the leadership class].”

It’s not only the leadership class that is responsible for our school’s energy level. A lot of a school’s spirit rests on the shoulders of the seniors. They are, after all, the oldest and most experienced students of the school. They have survived three years of high school life and seem to know where they’re going. Is it too much to ask, that they impart their well-earned wisdom to the classes below? For the class of 2009, the answer

is yes. The task is either too arduous, or they just plainly don’t care. Senior Dahna Black can attest to this, “Compared to my freshman year, leadership has dropped the ball in terms of organizing events and putting school spirit before their ego.”

The quality that seems to be missing from our school these days is initiative.

Those who are in a position of leadership should take advantage of that, and those who aren’t should contribute their ideas. And while there is a lot missing

Those were the days: an away football game, 2007

from our school fortitude, let it be said that we do have positive events. Music on the quad has been a pleasant occurrence, and pancake breakfasts have begun to brighten our mornings.

Now, more than ever, we need to band together as a school. With the lay-offs and budget cuts, everything is uncertain. Solidarity in times of duress can greatly lessen the burden. We’re all going through the same stuff, so while we’re at Ashland High School, let’s put in the effort to make it great.

Photo by Orville Hector

Don’t take your English for granted

By Emily Greenblatt There are several policies at this school that for the most part students have no problem abiding by. There is one, however, that completely frustrates some: the policy that only allows a student to get credit for one English class per semester. Students are allowed, however, to enroll in more than one math class, science class, or any other. Many students and faculty have strong feelings about the policy, if they are aware of it.

There are a few suggestions as to why this policy has been instated and, for the most part, strictly followed.

The first and most obvious is that there is limited space. There are only a few English classes that are not

filled to the brim. Ashland High counselor Steve Smith also made the point that making exceptions for students is never a good idea. “Once you open that door, then how do you say no to everybody else?” Smith said.

This is true. However, what could be detrimental about allowing eager students to enter those empty spaces?

This point leads to the second possibility behind the policy. Some think that the primary factor is an effort to keep students from graduating early and leaving the school system, since English is the only class required to be taken by students all eight semesters. Thus, the class size problem doesn’t seem to be the issue at all.

That reasoning would make sense if all the students who wanted to bend the rule were intending to graduate early, but not all of them want this. Some students simply enjoy English as a subject, and therefore want

all the opportunities they can get to further their skills, not to sneak in extra credits. Other students may have been out with an illness for the majority of a semester, and just want to make up the credit to graduate with their class in June. And finally, some are planning on traveling abroad.

Most students would much rather not spend their summer days in front of a computer screen working on an online English class, knowing that there are open spots in English classes right now. Being able to avoid the extra cost, time commitment, and other complications, like credit transfer, would mean a lot.

“It is just ridiculous and unnecessary,” declared junior Jasmine Gillett. “English is the backbone of our education as well as the structure for students’ careers and futures.”

Whether or not the policy will be changed, especially with so much else going on at the moment, may take time to become clear. But it is one of the policies at this school that should be examined further.

March, 12 2009

TravelingTEAMS

By Zach Kitamura

Whether it’s working daily doubles in the preseason or going to the state playoffs, sports are an integral part of Ashland High School life. Nonetheless, when Grizzly athletes hear the final whistle and take off their AHS uniforms, it is often not the end of their season.

There are numerous club teams that AHS athletes compete in, from fall baseball to spring soccer. These athletes keep working even after the school season is over, going year-round to improve their game and compete with the finest talent from areas far and wide. It is a grueling yet rewarding experience that takes dedication and passion.

Senior Brenna Heater has been playing on travel ing teams since sevJosh Mclaughlin enth grade, but the best experience was when she was selected to be on a national team sponsored by Nike last summer. After receiving scholarships to play for the team, she still had to pay $3,000 for food and other expenses. Without scholarships, she would have had to pay up to $15,000.

She was constantly flying to Los Angeles to practice where the team was based. Heater played in tournaments from Arizona to New York and only had about two weeks of break time from practicing or playing. “It’s fun but there’s no real vacation,” Heater said.

With such a hectic schedule, burnout is an everominous side effect of playing on club teams. “It’s the one thing you don’t want to happen, but it’s the thing that happens the most to players,” Heater said.

Teams play twice a day during tournaments, which usually last about four days. The only day off taken during the season is when the team is traveling to the next game.

Others may not travel as far and wide as Heater, but some do extensive traveling during the school year.

Senior Josh McLaughlin competes with a Southern Oregon traveling hockey team, which competes at the same time as the school season. This means

McLaughlin is practicing and playing for two teams at once. Weekends he might normally have off are spent at tournaments from Spokane to San Jose.

Junior Carolyn Thomas experiences this when playing winter soccer for the Ashland Soccer Club, where making weekend trips to Portland is commonplace. “After traveling to Portland for the fourth week in a row, you want to play at home and not worry about packing and finding directions,” Thomas said.

The pressure can be intense, depending on the level of play. For Heater, the competition is made up of top-flight NCAA caliber players. At any game, there can be anywhere from 20 to 200 college coaches watching to see who they want to recruit.

A player’s performance can change their lives - where they go to college and what scholarships they can get.

Others feel that playing for these teams is less stressful than playing for a school team. “When playing at a tournament it’s mostly parents watching, not a huge crowd,” McLaughlin said.

In clubs, the teams are made of players from different schools, changing the team chemistry and skill level. “The competition is a lot more consistent,” Thomas said.

The reasons to play for traveling teams are numerous, from gaining experience playing with different players and coaches to increasing a chance at getting college scholarships. But above all, these athletes play because they love the game.

“It feels good to do something you love instead of spending a lazy weekend,” McLaughlin said.

Thomas already works hard playing for her girl’s U-18 team, but she doesn’t stop there. She also practices with a boy’s U-16 team from time to time as well as playing pick-up indoor soccer games twice a week. “I try to play with the highest level team I can find, so I play with the boys to get extra experience,” Thomas said.

The traveling team experience is both difficult and rewarding, with athletes devoting much time to the sport they love.

Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief................Anna Hume, Ella Riley-Adams, Hannah Sayles Supervising Editors.......................Phoebe Parker-Shames, Zena Shelton Managing Editor................................................................Ella Riley-Adams Front Page Editors................................................................Hannah Sayles News Editors...........................................................................Sadie Shelton Feature Editors............................................Anna Hume, Ella Riley-Adams In-Depth Editors...........................................................................Abbie Deal Opinion Editor........................................................................Zach Kitamura Sports Editor.........................................................................Trevor Hilligoss Back Page Editors...................................................Pheobe Parker-Shames Graphic Designer/Ad Designer.................................................Jesse Smith Advertising Managers.........Brenna Heater, Adam Pavlich, Alex Quadrini Distrubution Manager............................................................Nicholas Dake Technical Advisor.........................................................Max Parker-Shames

Rogue News

-The Rogue News will strive to practice professional journalism at Ashland High School. It will aim to be a voice for the student body, and an important contribution to the school and community. In order to achieve this goal, the Rogue News will attempt to do the following to the best of it’s ability: -Report accurately and objectively information -Uphold all journalistic ethics and standards -Provide an outlet for voices within the school through letters to the editor and editorials. Unsigned editorials represent the views of the staff, all others are signed. Letters to the editor must be signed unless extenuating circumstances warrant a students name being withheld, as decided by the Editor-inChiefs or newspaper advisor.

-Attempt to cover school events fairly and evenly.

Page 7

Alpine Skiing: At the state races, the boy’s skiing team placed second in the Giant Slalom and fourth in the Slalom to finish third Overall. Freshman Dylan Fisher finished fourth individually in the Giant Slalom.

Bowling: The Boy’s bowling team was led by Seniors Aaron Beckwith and Max De Frisco while Senior Ba Martins led the way for the girl’s side.

Boy’s Basketball: The Ashland High boy’s basketball team made the state playoffs for the third straight year, soundly defeating the Dalles-Wahtonka High School before falling to number two ranked Wilsonville High School in the second-round. Charlie Sebrell made First-Team All-Conference.

Girl’s Basketball: The Grizzly girl’s hoops team came off a slow start to the season to go undefeated in the Southern Sky Conference and return to Portland for another trip to the final eight at the Chiles Center, placing fifth in the state tournament. Seniors Kelsey McKinnis and Brenna Heater as well as Junior Allsion Gida were named FirstTeam All-Conference, with McKinnis winning Player of the Year.

Ice Hockey: The Ashland Grizzlies hockey team swept the Southern Oregon Youth Hockey Association playoffs to win the league championship, defeating Crater 5-1 in the final game. Senior Josh McLaughlin and Freshman Keegan Healy were named First-Team All-League in addition to Casey Skolnik, who was named league MVP. Nordic Skiing: The Ashland boy’s and girl’s cross country skiing teams both placed fourth overall at the state meet. Coco Amarotico was the top individual competitor on the boy’s side while Hannah Ewing broke placed seventeenth for the girl’s.

Snowboarding: The Boy’s snowboarding team took the overall state championship at Mt. Hood, with many great performances. The Boys A team (Jay Barton, Dylan Hartzell, Noa Yates and Marvin) took first in slopstyle. Junior Teja Kritaka squeaked by his twin brother Kavi Taraka for second place in the banked slalom. Senior Max Marvin placed third in slopestyle while Taraka placed third in Boarder X. For the girls, Mimi Charter placed second in the Banked Slalom, Halfpipe and Slopestyle, while Junior Alisha Jucevic took second place in Boarder X. Congratulations on a brilliant finish to the season!

Swimming: Both the boy’s and girl’s swim teams won the Southern Sky Conference championship.

At the state meet, the Boy’s 200-yard medley relay team (Troy Robinson, Jake Gavin, Lucas Opgenorth and Robin Haase) took fifth place while the 400yard freestyle relay (Opgenorth, Robinson, Haase and Johnathan Plumlee) placed sixth.

Wrestling: Sophomore Jake Scarminach placed fourth at state in the 145 pound weight class after upsetting the fourth seed in the quarterfinals. Junior Issa Shahin also made state in the 171 pound class.

Photos by Jim Shameslogo by Julian Jones

By Laurel Sager

It all started with a girl, an idea and a whole lot of determination.

In the summer of 2008, Phoebe Parker-Shames attended the OSU Editors-in- Residence Camp, but little did she know that she was going to be learning a lot more than just how to organize a newspaper. Phoebe got to know one camp member in particular. They started talking and Phoebe soon learned that the girl was the captain for her school’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Team. Something clicked in Phoebe’s brain. A vision, a phone call and a couple emails later, Phoebe’s twin brother, Max, was already starting to plan a Robotics Team for Ashland High School.

Max applied for and got a $6000 grant from NASA, which paid for registration and robot parts.

“Everyone all over the world gets the same parts: three bags of stuff.” Max explains.

The AHS Robotics Club was quickly formed and started fundraising right away, but they had a disadvantage. Many clubs have up to 50 students, as many trained mentors and up to a quarter of a million dolframe. the robot’s n o rt s o rk P o lars of funding each year. The Ashland team had a w in petes n Schink r 3024, com e b Above: Dyla m u n t, o little less than two months to raise money for supplies AHS rob Below: the The robotics team, top row: Max Parker-Shames, Denny DeBey that for many teams went into many thousands of dolland (mentor), Jason Bluhm, Dylan Schink, Wylar McAnich-Ruenzi, bot- lars. They raised about $500, mostly from individuals and businesses in the community. They also reached tom row: Phoebe Parker-Shames, Julian Jones. out to various community members with some experience (relating to mechanics and machine building) to help build the robot. “We’re still in debt,” Max chuckled. The Robotics team is around $100 in the black and still has to raise six thousand dollars for next year.

When the building sessions started, the team met everyday in Max and Phoebe’s garage, a pool of steel, aluminum, plywood and flashing lights with many hard-working students swimming around contemplating how all that “stuff ” would eventually fit together. Max stated with a grin, “We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.”

Right: Max, Wylar, and Phoebe work on On March 5-7, Max and Phoebe Parker-Shames, the robot in “the Pit” during competition Dylan Schink, Wyler McAnich-Ruenzi, Julian Jones, Jason Bluhm and mentor Denny DeBey traveled to Portland for the regional competition with over 50 teams all competing in the same game: Lunacy. The game is played in a low- friction environment where the objective is to score points by launching various balls of different values into opposing trailers pulled by the robots.

“I think if you can go and step outside your comfort zone and step outside of what is usual or normal for your community, I think you get something that is unique and truly special and enriching. That’s something that I really felt every single day I was here [at the competition]: that the people were nice, that the people were supportive. This is something that if I could, I would do again and again. I can see all the things we didn’t do, and the things we should’ve done, and the things that we did do and did well. It is something that is meaningful over and over again,” said Max. But, in the end, it was a little glass marble that showed why the whole experience was worth it. There’s a tradition at the FIRST Robotics regional competition. Each year, one of the judges, an experienced space ship engineer and glass blower, gives away a single hand-blown glass marble to the one or two people who most represent what FIRST is all about. Those people just so happened to be Max and Phoebe ParkerShames. What makes this marble so unique are the tiny shards of silver scattered inside the glass sphere, all of which came from the judge’s spaceship. This small gift showed that you didn’t need millions of dollars or a fancy robot to win over the judge’s hearts.

The FIRST competition in the Portland Memorial Colesium with 54 teams attending