Ceramics: squishy creativity
Vending machines: inconvenient?
Valentine’s Day: oh, love!
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the Talisman a student newspaper
shstalisman@gmail.com myspace.com/shstalisman 2455 willakenzie Road, Eugene, Oregon 97401 volume 43 Issue 4 January 31, 2008 Sheldon High School
New “Honors” medals created for grads
Requirements have caused mild controversy, but remain flexible by Ashley Admire photo editor
Four years ago, Jeremy Washburn, Mary Youngblood, and Herb Hahn decided to pitch an idea to their departments to award their most successful students with new graduation medals. These medals finally came to fruition, and will be given out to this year’s seniors. The requirements to receive the new medals, however, and the mid-year timing in which they were announced have caused some controversy. The decision to create new medals and the requirements to receive them were decided by teachers in the English and social studies departments. In order to receive the medal,
which has gone from being called an Honors medal, to an AP humanities medal, to a medal with a final name that has yet to be decided on, a student must pass a collegelevel history class and a college-level English class. Despite the teachers’ good intentions, there have been some complaints. The requirements were announced in late 2007, too late for seniors to fit their schedules to the requirements, should they desire the medal. Even though the medal is not technically called the “Honors medal,” it is inspired by the program and the word Honors appears on its current design. This may exclude some students who have gone through the Honors classes and some college-level classes, but are not eligible. Some students, for example, have taken a college-level English class, but not an AP history due to either higher interest in a different subject or simple schedule conflicts. Fortunately, Washburn has listened to some of the issues and stated
that, “since this is the first year we are doing it, there will be some confusion but there will also be a lot of flexibility. Down the road the criteria will be more strictly enforced as students are made aware of the criteria earlier in the process.” Some students are excited for the new medals, such as senior Chris Lew, who said, “It’s unfair that IHS students get medals, but honors kids don’t.” For some students, this small debate just seems silly. Senior Shannon Kieran said, “Why should I care about medals? Besides, IHS is a separate school, so they can do what they want.” Most of the teachers are in support of rewarding students with the new medals, but a few have some reservations. English teacher Barbara Faunce said, “I value greatly recognition, but I think the venue is not appropriate. If the Honors group wants to have a separate recognition event, fine.” She continued, “Graduation should be an event where everyone who has achieved a diploma can stand out.”
Annual MLK assembly celebrated Sheldon unity
Assembly advocated message of individuals making a difference by Gracie Beaver editor-in-chief
Every January, students gather in the gym for the Martin Luther King Jr. diversity assembly. This year, the assembly was held on January 18. While most of the assembly reflected earlier years, the traditional gospel choir was absent. Musical compensation was provided by the Sheldon jazz band and choir. The choir opened the assembly with a traditional African song called “Sigalagala.” Choir director Nancy Anderson explained, “[Sigalagala] literally means, ‘let there be ululation’…we like doing because it feels so good to sing…and because it’s authentic and celebrates African culture.” The choir was followed by the jazz band’s performance of a song by Duke Ellington. The ball really got rolling when keynote speaker Johnny Lake, a doctoral candidate at U of O, presented his speech. He walked around the gym, vividly gesticulating, and involving the audience in a hypothetical story. The purpose of the speech was to demonstrate how one person’s experience can make a difference, and how a whole community can come together to end discrimination. After Dr. Bob presented the “Sheldon MLK Awards” to staff members Wade Powell, Angie Barley, and Mary Goddard, the choir and band performed another song each. One of the most touching moments of the assembly came when Senior Jessica Rasmussen sang a heartfelt, self-penned song about discrimination and acceptance. Finally, the assembly wrapped up with the “unity chain,” which sadly broke. Senior Tess Murrell chose not to participate in the unity chain. “It seems like a very simplistic activity,” she said. “I think we’re old enough and mature enough to know what ‘unity’ means.” Not all students share Murell’s sentiment, however. Senior Rashelle Kunkle views the
Ashley Admire photo
The jazz band performed a catchy song by famous African-American composer Duke Ellington. MLK assembly as “a tradition for me in high school.” She defined diversity as “having a variety of people and at the same time accepting each other for who we are.” Freshmen and multicultural counselor Aura Solomon, a member of the assembly planning committee, said she hoped the assembly would encourage students to be more inviting to their peers. “If we make ourselves available and reach out to each other, we get more information about each other’s experiences.” Solomon sees the assembly as a refresher for celebrating diversity. “This isn’t a one-day deal…it’s the day we use to remind people.”
The 4J school district has almost 30% minority students, but Sheldon isn’t quite there yet. There are approximately 50 African American students here, which is about 3% of Sheldon’s population of 1700. There is a slightly higher Hispanic population of about 105 students. Student perceptions of Sheldon’s diversity vary. While Kunkle enthusiastically deemed the school multicultural, when Murrell was asked whether she thought Sheldon was diverse, she quickly laughed and said no. Diverse campus or not, Sheldon students came together on January 18 to demonstrate respect for all cultures.
Sweetheart Ball to have Valentine’s Day theme Informal V-Day dance on February 9 by Leslie Lundy staff writer The Sweetheart Ball is a dance which is held every year, that is unless it is cancelled because students behave badly at previous dances. Since last year’s Sweetheart Ball was cancelled, freshmen and sophomores most likely don’t know about this dance. However, some students can’t wait to attend. “It will be fun,” said Junior Erin Malliris. Each year, the leadership and ASB students work together to make the ball possible. The funding for the event comes from ASB accounts and ticket sales. The Leadership students set up and clean up the ball, and are rewarded
with community service/credit in the Leadership class. The dance will be held on February 9 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. There will be a Valentine’s Day theme for this year’s Sweetheart Ball and it will be more informal than formal. The ticket cost is $4 for a ticket with an ASB card. “Any Sheldon student can go to the ball, except if they have been suspended,” said counselor Michael Voss. Teachers go to these balls to chaperone, but have a good time as well. “It was fun,” said Dr. Hans Volwerk, who chaperoned at a previous Sweetheart Ball. Volwerk suspects that he might be going to the ball as a chaperone again this year. In order for the ball to happen, many things must be done. Students need to get police, campus supervision, teachers, and parents to chaperone. In order to have the dance at school, Leadership/ASB students have to fill out and turn
in a building use form to the office. They also have to get a DJ who has music that has been appropriately edited for middle/high school students. They then have to pick a theme, set up, and decorate the place where the dance will be held. The theme is different every year and is chosen by the ASB and leadership students. The dance will also have to be in the Perspective, Sheldon’s event calendar, which means the date must be chosen by the last week of school the year before. Also, they have to decide whether or not to sell water, which they are going to do at the Sweetheart Ball. Tickets are on sale at the finance office, which is right next to the main office. Since the ball is for everyone, not just couples, don’t be afraid to just go with some friends. The ball was created to get students to grow closer with other students, especially in the areas of friendship and trust.
2 January 31, 2008
News
the Talisman
Sophomores worked hard on their career projects Even through all the stress, job shadows prove to be very beneficial by Jenness Howery staff writer For every sophomore student in English class, there comes a time for the career project. One of the main sources of information for the project is the job shadow. The career choice should be something that the student would like to pursue or is interested in. To gain experience, it’s required to job shadow someone in that field. A typical job shadow consists of following a person around for a few hours and observing what the job is all about. It concludes with an interview with the person who was shadowed. The information collected from the job shadow goes into a research paper, and the entire project takes up the entire nine weeks. The point of the project and the job shadow is to give students real-life experience in a controlled environment. It also gives students the opportunity to differentiate between jobs they are interested in and jobs that may not be what they are looking for. Job shadows also prepare students to make wise career choices because they give an idea of the job’s criteria. Sophomore Todd Wellman said, “My job shadow was successful. It gave me experience for the real thing.” Like most assignments in school, a certain amount of stress occurs in the process of completion. With this assignment, students are in a different environment during the job shadow. Planning the job shadow and finding the right adult to do it with can be a burden as well. Sophomore Aime Osterberg said, “I felt rushed. I had difficulty finding a convenient day to do my job shadow, and there isn’t much time to search for one either.” To be more precise, there are about two weeks after the project has begun to complete the job shadow, which is
why teachers recommend students begin thinking about their career choice going into their sophomore year. The project puts stress on the teachers as well. Getting all the projects graded and ready for the night where the project display boards are shown is time consuming, and takes away from teachers’ original planning and grading time. It is also a state requirement that students
do some sort of career research in order to graduate, so it has to be a part of the class. Sheldon teachers realize that students are put under stress and help as much as they can to support students with this project. Honors 10 English teacher Sinde Fitz said, “[As teachers], we are always looking for new ways to make the project more relative and less of a burden for students.”
Greg Cantwell photo
Sophomore Tyler Stock prepared his career project board for Wednesday’s demo night.
SAT tests are on the way for many juniors and seniors Students should start preparations now if they are planning to do well on the SATs that are starting in March by Ryan Pederson staff writer The SATs are an important test needed to get into most colleges, although many accept the ACT as well. These tests are fast approaching, and students are starting to prepare for them. Many juniors are planning on taking their first one this year. By taking the test for the first time early on before their senior year, they get a chance to do
better if their scores weren’t what they hoped for. There are many ways to prepare for the SAT. Students can buy special prep books that help prepare for the SAT. Studying can either be done alone or with a friend. Partners can quiz each other on topics they need to be familiar with. Another way is to take classes that help students prepare for tests. Junior Mason Trapp said that buying an SAT prep book is good, “but not as effective as having someone else teach you what you need to know.” Because of this, Trapp is planning on taking an SAT prep class. For those students planning on taking the SAT for the first time, it is a good idea to first take the PSAT. Test results from the PSAT should give a general idea of a student’s future SAT scores. It also gives students a good idea about what the test environment is like (only the PSAT is much shorter), and test scores,
can reveal both students’ strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of how students prepare for tests, they need to be ready for it when the time comes. Advice is always useful when getting ready to do something that affects students’ futures. Junior Katie Harsh recommended that while taking the test, “Try and manage your time. If you don’t know the answer to a problem, skip it, and if you have time later go back and try to figure it out.” This advice might be very helpful, because unlike a normal test, an incorrect answer on the SAT subtracts points from the total score, so it is better not to guess on answers unless you have a good idea about what the correct answer is. It is undeniable that the SAT is a very important test that could pave the way to college. So study hard, stay focused, and bring a sharpened number two pencil. The test is very long, and sometimes panic attacks seem like the right answer, but they are not, and ultimately they do not help at all.
Student-directed Rendezvous proved to be a success All of drama’s hard work payed off when they showed off their skills by Larry Simmons features editor Two months in the making sounds like a hectic and stressful time, but working hard isn’t something that comes new to
drama club. The winter production debut was on January 25, 2008. This production brings the audience, according to junior Ian Hicky who has a leading role, “A fresh new look on World War II.” Seniors Cory Darniell and David Landon, the directors, gave the play the name Rendezvous. A play like this is really timeconsuming and takes a lot of team work. Everything from props to costumes has to be in check for opening night. Rehearsals are two and a half hours a day and are Monday through Friday, totaling about fifteen hours a week. The casting process is just one step in making a production come alive, but that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult. Landon said, “The casting process was very difficult because I had the parts but I needed the actors. I have friends who are actors, but I wanted to let everyone have a chance to get a role, not just give a friend a part because they’re my friend.” With crazy jam-packed rehearsals every night after school, you might think: when does a student have time for academics? But that’s not the case for the students who are involved with the drama department. Students are aware of the time obligations they have to put into every production before they sign up. Being involved in a play and watching it come to life is
gratifying to them. Landon said, “Watching what you write come together through words…of the actors, is amazing.” One important piece of information is what inspired one of the directors to write such a play. Landon said, “I wanted the drama department to come together and we decided to make a statement about being in war, because there are eighteen-year-olds such as myself and other students fighting in war now.” With the actors producing impeccable lines to the audience, and being in front of a packed auditorium they must get nervous before opening night right? On the other hand some don’t, such as junior Ethan Mohr. He said, “I don’t get nervous.” Mohr elaborated, “It’s really not that big of deal to me, because I’ve been doing this since freshman year.” To those actors who get nervous, here is a word of good luck from the director. Landon said, “Become your character, relax and project.” On Wednesday, January 23, 2008, the drama department put together a sneak peak of the winter production for Sheldon high school. The play isn’t all shooting and trying to survive the war, Rendezvous has a comedic side to it too. Characters jumping out of the realistic airplane and the very sarcastic sergeant being so mean gave the audience little laughs here and there. Head drama director Lynda Czajkowska- Thomson said, “opening night will be great, there will be two hundred people in the audience.” When asked how opening night will go. Thompson also thought that the kid’s response to the teaser was “gratifying.”
the Talisman
Goodbye 2007
Features
by Kaylee Wolf backpage editor
Two thousand and seven was an eventful year for some, and an average year for others. Every year of our lifetime is unique and 2007 kept that trend up from pop culture, to political science, natural disasters, wonders, economic problems and all the other events in between, but at Sheldon, life goes on, amidst the chaos around us. Like many other years, Sheldon High School had its ups and downs. Most classes were dull, field trips were fun no matter what the consequences, people have come and gone. Here are some of the student’s opinions: junior Zoe Muellner was glad to see her friend (Kellen Davis) from drama club win Mr. Irish. “I was really happy because he’s from drama and he’s a really cool guy.” For some, the academic field here began to sink in as responsibility increased with age. Junior Margo Faulk said, “Many times I miss my freshmen year when me and my friends used to play elementary school games on the playground during our free fourth instead of doing homework.” Also, Sheldon librarian Karen Alavi said that 2007 was a good year because, “Melinda Warburg returned and Sheldon football won the state championship.” But Sheldon was not the only place where big events happened in 2007; there’s the entire world to consider. Despite Al Gore winning the Nobel Prize to Britney Spears’ scandalizing headlines and Larry Craig’s “bathroom incident,” the world rotated around the sun in 365 days as it has been for the past 4.5 billion years. 2007 was the deadliest year in Iraq as the war in the desert raged on and everyone got a taste of enormous political change as the first woman and AfricanAmerican man began to run for president. Ex-prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, while President Bush contemplated going into Iran. There were some morbid things but there were other positives. Science had a great year in 2007 discovering new possibilities. Scientists were able to create stem cells from skin cells, clear aluminum as strong as steel and discover a new planet that may be able to support life. All around the world people gathered to watch the New Year come and say goodbye to 2007. It was an eventful year politically in the U.S., but 2008 will be even more intense with the presidential elections. But the year is still young, we have much more of 2008 to explore and hopefully, it will be good year to all those who need it to be.
3
Ceramics program
Even though 2008 is now here, we The ceramics program is a great are still reminiscing of the memorable alternative to photography or drawing year 2007 gave us by Andrew Mross staff writer
January 31, 2008
Art class for some is a break from the more strenuous classes such as AP and Honors, but to others it is just a requirement. Most people think of an art class as merely drawing with charcoal and playing with paint. However, at Sheldon we have many different options in order to complete the task of two consecutive art classes. The ceramics program is an alternative to photography or drawing and painting, which also has the option of independent study. Ceramics 1 focuses on making pottery you can utilize such as bowls and salt and pepper shakers, where as Ceramics 2 gives room for more creativity with less specific assignments such as making a sea creature and your own chess set. Senior Chiarra Arpaia said, “When I was in ceramics I liked doing sculptures. The cat we had to make was really fun.” James Lenier, the ceramics and photography teacher agrees that “Bob the cat,” a plastic wildcat figurine that students are asked to replicate into clay, is an assignment that has been popular. As far as the functional side of the ceramics
program goes, Lenier said, “The students don’t get very excited with the coil pots, but the salt shakers are fun because it blends sculpture and function together.” After taking Ceramics 1 and 2 there is also an opportunity for independent ceramics. Lenier admits, “I invite people to do it more than people ask to do it, but most people don’t know it’s available.” However, there are many options outside of Sheldon for students who are interested in continuing ceramics after the classes are over. Maude Kerns Art Center is currently registering for their winter classes and LCC also offers a program that includes wheel throwing and glazing techniques. Lenier remarked “LCC has a very professional atmosphere.” The ceramics classes at Sheldon are very laid back, but there is also a lot of work involved. There are drawings that are due once a week and a plethora of projects to be made. However, the creativity and atmosphere involved in the class encourages many people to join. Lenier said, “We never have a problem with enrollment.” Many students will agree that this is partly due to the attitude of the teacher. Senior Erin Cunningham said, “I took ceramics class because I love Mr. Lenier!” Whether art is seen by students as a dreaded task or a form of leisure, the ceramics program is a desirable class option and learning experience for those who choose to participate.
This term’s ceramics students put much effort into sculpting a variety of creative projects.
Kaylee Wolf photo
Fundraising money so the seniors can have a party Money was raised at Papa’s Pizza for the graduation party at the end of the school year
by Olivia Davis staff writer
not to attend. The price for admission into this party is said to be set at thirty dollars. Senior Casey Correll stated, “I will not be going because the majority of my friends are not going.” The party is provided to the seniors so that they can have fun and be in a safer environment— one with no drugs or alcohol. Correll continued, “The main reason they do it is for parents.” Senior Geoff Belleville said he would be going to the party “just to be with my class.” Belleville said, “I will stay for a while. I would probably go to other parties. The next day I’m going to the coast, to have my own graduation party.” The fundraiser was located at the Coburg Road Papa’s Pizza Parlour, and “fifty percent of what you purchased went towards the graduation party and fundraising committee,” stated Connie Minihan, head of the fundraiser. A flyer was
Each year Sheldon has a fundraiser to earn money for the nightlong party seniors have after their graduation ceremony. Last year, students could raise money by driving bumper cars at the mall. This year students (and anyone else involved) got the chance to raise money by having fun once again. The fundraiser was on January 23 at Papa’s Pizza, and the money that was Editor-in-Chief earned there will go towards this year’s graduation Assistant Editor party at Camp Harlow. Those who were in charge of Ads Manager the fundraiser have worked hard to raise money for Features Editor the graduation party, but many seniors will decide Opinion Editor News Editor Sports Editor A message from Photo Editor the Talisman Centerspread The Talisman is run by students for students. The Staff Writers views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily Olivia Davis those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High Megan Keough School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you Justin Miljan have any letters to the editor, please drop them off in Andrew Mross the Talisman box located in the front office. We also Staff Advisor kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.
Talisman Staff
Gracie Beaver Kaylee Wolf Nicole Callihan Larry Simmons Caroline Hanson Tia Kerrigan Nick van Eekeren Ashley Admire Jaime Fazio Taya Alami Jenness Howery Leslie Lundy Bradley Morse Ryan Pedersen Greg Cantwell
needed, just like in most fundraisers associated with Sheldon High School, to contribute fifty percent of a purchase. There are also other options for anyone interested in raising money for the senior graduation party. Approximately twelve thousand dollars are needed for the graduation party. Donations are accepted, especially from any businesses interested in donating their services or money. Parents can donate, and any senior who buys a ticket to the party contributes as well. Anyone who had bought a gift certificate on the night of the fundraiser for someone else automatically donated twenty-five percent of the amount of that purchase as long as they had the required flyer. Anyone with questions about the fundraising event should contact Debbie Pierce and Paula Free—the two that were in charge of the fundraiser.
History of Sheldon *Cheerleading*
From 1965 to 2008!!
History of Henry D. Sheldon
Then and Now: Talisman edition! 1990 Flag design:
Flag design:
Staff size:
Staff size:
19 people
*Dances*
2008
19 people
Big Sheldon news:
Big Sheldon news:
The computer center recieved a grant to purchase IBM computers at $2,000 each. These computers are IBM clone computers, complete with color monitors.
The Honors teachers in the English and social studies departments decided to create new “Honors” medals for graduation.
Quotes of the times:
Quotes of the times:
*“Yeah right, as if!” *“...you would have surpassed Doogie Howser long ago.” *“I have ‘dissed’ him...”
*“Do you know what YouTube is?” *“...Britney Spears’ scandalizing headlines” *“It’s finally 2008, woot!”
The hallways we walk down every day have seen many students come and go since the Sheldon High School building was constructed in 1954. It was named in honor of Henry D. Sheldon (1874-1948). Sheldon was a well-known educator at the University of Oregon, and acted as dean of the School of Education. He did much to improve the University and Oregon’s public school system as a whole. Though much of the building remains the same as the day it was built, there have been some changes in recent years. In 1991, all of Sheldon’s lockers were removed. Thirteen years later, after parents and students complained about heavy bags, new lockers were purchased to replace them. 2004 also saw the construction of a new science wing, complete with classrooms, labs, and a bright open area in which students can relax or complete schoolwork. Most recently, Sheldon installed automatic doors in the school, and added glass doors and security gates in order to enclose the courtyard. These small renovations have occurred in order to better the daily lives of Sheldon students, and hopefully more can be completed in the future.
The current mascot Zach Childers holds up the Irish tradition of rallying a crowd
The Sheldon High Press!
In 1965, the Talisman staff members began an active year by publishing a four page bi-monthy newspaper which soon became an eight page bi-monthly. The Talisman carried a variety of news ranging from reflections on the world situatoin to comments and after-game locker room actics. *School Spirit*
*Football*
*Students*
Pictures courtesy of Sheldon Yearbook
*Sheldon mascots*
6 January 31, 2008
Sports
the Talisman
Track and field isn’t just running events Pole vault, long jump, shot put, and many other events are a big part of Sheldon’s track and field team
the relays. Sophomore, Paige Bornstein, a member of the track team, said, “This makes track more stressful for each person. In team sports you can rely on your teammates, but when you race, it’s all up to you!” At a normal meet, there are usually two to three different schools that will compete against each other. Each school
is rewarded a certain number of points for each event depending on what place its members finish. Then each individual athlete’s standings will be posted online and at that school. At the end of the season, districts are held for both J.V. and varsity athletes where both the athletes and the schools are rewarded for their performances.
by Megan Keough staff writer
How much do you know about the sport of Track and Field at Sheldon? Do you know how many events there are or how many of your fellow classmates participate in it? At Sheldon, the official track season starts on February 18 and ends in the middle of May. Last year over one hundred Sheldon students were members of the track team and participated in over fifteen track and field events. Sophomore Kelly McGehey, a member of last year’s track team, said that track is “not as acknowledged at Sheldon compared to other sports. People usually associate track with running, but tend to forget about the field events.” Sophomore Hannah Rosenberg said, “When I think about track I usually think about racing. I don’t really know about the other events.” At Sheldon, there are different coaches who are specified to train students for each type of event. There are separate coaches for long distance, sprinting, throwing and jumping events. Each coach does different workouts with his or her athletes depending on the type of event the athletes are training for. At each meet, students can participate in up to four events as long as they are not all races. Track is different from other sports because each event is competed in individually, with the exception of
Ashley Admire photo
This week, the Sheldon track was spotted with snow, but will hopefully see warmer temperatures for the February 18 opening of track season.
New England strives to break record in this year’s Superbowl, held on February 3 The New England Patriots are one big game away from a perfect season, as they go up against the New York Giants in the biggest game of the year by Jeff Toreson staff writer The 2007 NFL season has been a surprising season where records were set and new teams emerged as dominant forces.
Tom Brady and then New England Patriots continued their dynasty and went 16-0 in the regular season. They joined the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only team with a perfect regular season record. The Miami franchise, which was once Super Bowl champions, struggled to win a game this year as they went 1-15. “Miami really disappointed me this year; I didn’t expect much of them, but I wanted them to win more than one game!” commented sophomore Cody Skinner on the Dolphin’s lack of success. The regular season ends, and the competition gets a lot stiffer as teams enter the playoffs. The playoffs favorite is no secret; people are thinking the undefeated patriots will win it all and win their fourth super bowl in the last seven years. “The Patriots are my team because I’m from the northeast,” said senior Tyler Boston, “I hope they go undefeated and win
the super bowl!” San Diego tried and New York can’t wait to put an end to the Patriots historic season and be known as the team that put a reign on New England’s chase for a Championship. “I want the Patriots to lose,” said sophomore Connor O’Brien, “but I just don’t see that happening.” The Super Bowl teams are set! In only two short days, the New England Patriots will take on the New York Giants on Sunday, February 3. New England is coming off a 21-12 win over a beaten San Diego team, and this game came after they scooted by Jacksonville 31-20. The 10-6 New York Giants proved all the critics wrong and made it to the Super Bowl. New York had ended Dallas and Green Bay’s run for the Super Bowl, as they beat Dallas in a fourth quarter comeback 21-17 and Green Bay in an overtime thriller 23-20 to get their chance to end New England’s pursuit of the perfect 180 season and win their own Super Bowl championship.
New England Patriots
vs. New York Giants
Ashley Admire illustration
New England Patriots face off against the New York Giants Superbowl XLII.
Opinion
the Talisman
January 31, 2008
7
Vending machine inconvenience Sheldon’s vending machines are on a schedule that seems to conflict with the typical student class schedule by Jaime Fazio centerspread editor When a school has vending machines, students should be able to use them without hesitation. The Sheldon vending machines are often not available to alleviate student’s dehydration and hunger because of the inconvenient times that they operate. Also, some of them that have the “good” snacks don’t work. The ones that don’t work eat your money and don’t give you your snack, or they will run out of change and as a result, won’t give you your money back or your snack. Junior Eve Hannah said, “I think that when they start operating is inconvenient because they don’t work until after first [period] starts… and it gets frustrating when you can’t get the drink you wanted… if you don’t get to school early enough to walk across the street.” Students are complaining every day about the times in which the vending machines operate. Strangely,
the vending machines start working during class. Sophomore Marlene Melendrez said, “I would use the vending machines more if they started at regular times or [if] they worked all day…I never have the time [to go to the vending machines] and it makes me very impatient having to wait for what I want.” The vending machines don’t work before or during lunch, which makes students annoyed. Campus supervisor Darin Henry explained why the vending machines operate at these times because, “When we had sugary drinks like Pepsi and Coke and other soda pops. The students would get angry because they couldn’t leave class to go get a drink and not focus as much on their studies.” Sheldon’s staff agrees that the number one priority isn’t satisfying students’ thirst or hunger, but to educate them. It is much harder to focus on your studies when you are very dehydrated or famished. Melendrez said, “I like the variety that they have in the vending machines, I really like that they have vitamin water and orange juice too.” Although the wait to get what you want from the vending machines is treacherous, when you do get what you want, it pays off.
Jenness Howrey photo
Not only are Sheldon’s vending machines on a set schedule, but some are consistently out of order.
Ron’s Island Grill vs. Hawaiian Time The delicious Hawaiian restaurants are some of Sheldon’s student hot spots; which one do you prefer? by Justin Miljan staff writer
Island Grill but that’s just me. “The best part of both restaurants is either the teriyaki chicken or the macaroni salad,” said sophomore Caleb Grant. Sophomore Jonathan Daline agreed and said, “I would rather eat at Ron’s than Hawaiian Time.” It’s very nice to have Ron’s across the street now instead of next to Dairy Mart and it’s easier to get food and be back at class on time. The
former location of Ron’s was recently torn down along with its neighboring business to possibly make way for a Walgreen’s. If Ron’s was replaced I think it would leave a lot of Sheldon students upset, but it’s Hawaiian Time closed not many students would be upset. Junior Tyler black said he would be “upset if they took Ron’s away.” So the battle is done and Ron’s took the victory.
The delicious mouth-watering food from Ron’s Island Grill is available across the street from Sheldon High School and downtown next to Tactics Boardshop. Its rival Hawaiian Time is located on Coburg Road next to Albertsons. They both have delicious Hawaiian food which is very similar to one another. This has people arguing which one has the best teriyaki chicken, best macaroni salad, or who is just better overall. My friends and I argue about who has the best food and where we would rather go. Personally, I prefer Ron’s
23 Sheldon students were polled, and it looks like Ron’s holds the popular vote.
Justin Miljan photo
The battle between Hawaiian restaurants rages on, especially since Ron’s Island grill recently relocated directly across from Sheldon and updated with a trendy tropical look.
Freezing temperatures create student popsicles The cold winter weather in Eugene and unheated hallways is a chilly combination for students by Caroline Hanson opinion editor Sheldon is supposed to be a place to focus on academics and learn to adapt to a social environment. But how does the administration expect us to retain any information when
we are too busy trying to warm up and stop shivering? It is impossible to miss the recently added automatic doors located around the school. Sure they are convenient, but the amount of time it takes them to close after opening for a crowd of students contributes to our schools inability to retain heat. Senior Valente Castillo said, “This school is so cold.” In theory the automatic doors sound like an easy way to maneuver around the school especially for disabled students and students with their hands full of books. But I think many people would agree that we would rather be warm and have to open doors for ourselves than cold. Freshman Matt McCumsey said, “This school is really cold because it’s really open.” It seems that our school has
no chance to maintain a comfortable temperature because of its spacious design. Junior Brittany Brown said, “They need heater in the school it is too cold, I wear layers but I’m still freezing.” The doors are definitely a main contributing factor to the overall temperature of our school, but who could forget those green and white-striped circus-like tarps that are used in place of roofs located around the school? They would be excellent if we attended school in the summer or somewhere in California, but we don’t. I think many people would agree, what our school is not only a struggle for academic success but now a struggle to survive the cold winter months.
B A C K P A G E Put an end to Valentine’s clichés The holiday is often filled with candy and flowers, but should instead be a creative and personal day to show your significant other that you care by Tia Kerrigan news editor
Valentine’s Day can be a time of love for the lucky few who think that carrying around roses and huge balloons at school is the best thing ever. When the celebrators think of this Hallmark holiday, they think of fancy jewelry, flowers, and chocolate. Junior Amber Schultz said, “I love Valentine’s Day! It is one of my favorite holidays.” For the rest of us, myself included, we see beyond the commercialism and it only reminds us of the fact that we’re alone. Junior Sam Arnold commented, “Valentines Day is as lame as a turtle with a broken leg.” A common thing for couples to do on Valentine’s Day is to go out to dinner. How boring is that? And if you’re not a couple and you just like someone, there is so much pressure on what to do for the person you like. Do you ask them
out? Do you give them a present? What do you do?! It can on doing something for someone this Valentine’s Day, try be so scary, and for those like myself, know that there can making an effort, and really making it special for someone. be so much more to this day than just going to dinner and This isn’t middle school anymore, and it is okay to go giving ridiculous gifts. For example, my friend and I are making T-shirts that have a certain boy’s face on them with hearts all around it. We are also sending him a singing telegram, making him dinner, and sending him flowers and balloons. We have put much thought into this and it is really coming from the heart. It might sound lame, but that fact that we really do care about him, and that we are putting forth so much effort, shows our appreciation towards him. This is the first time that I am doing something for Valentine’s Day, and we are only doing it because we just love him so much. Caroline Hanson photo So if you are planning The students in Ms.Cavin’s art class made festive art for Valentine’s day.
Hardcore Stay true to your new resolutions Year’s resolutions are goals you video war New set for yourself in order to improve Teens use the popular website YouTube to amuse themselves with humourous video clips by Brad Morse staff writer
Do you know what YouTube is? If you don’t, then you probably don’t know anything about American culture, the Internet, computers, or modern civilization. Get some help. But for those of us who do know what YouTube is, there is a question that must be answered: What are YouTube’s best videos? The chipmunk/squirrel/ rodent thing that is far more dramatic than any situation calls for? The videos of David Blane terrorizing two men? Or is it the unicorn that has his kidney stolen? The Russian kids that pull off jumping stunts that shouldn’t be humanly possible? This is quite possibly the most important question faced by teenagers today. The “dramatic prairie dog is definitely in the top 10, as is “Charlie The Unicorn. “The battle at Kruger,” a video showing a fight over a buffalo between crocodiles, lions, and buffalo is probably one of the best ones as well. Junior Billy Williams said, “A classic is ‘The End of Ze World.’ Personally, my favorite is definitely the dramatic chipmunk.” Sophomore Charlie Waracle said, “I saw a YouTube video called ‘Secret Agent Tom Rogers Must Get His Daughter Back.’ It was probably one of the funniest videos ever.”
your life and should not be influenced by friends or your family members by Nick van Eekren sports editor
It’s finally 2008, woot! A new year brings new classes, events, and resolutions. A New Year’s resolution is one’s own personal goal that one wishes to achieve during the upcoming year. Many of these goals have to do with improving one’s self, whether it is grades, talents, or just habits that need to be nipped in the bud. A lot of student’s resolutions can be similar, but a choice few have goals that will knock your socks off. One way a lot of people make their resolutions is through influence from peers or parents. Freshman Clark Fancher
isn’t swayed by his parents. “I haven’t told them it,” he said, even though his New Year resolution was “to not have one.” The pressure from parents to succeed can be overwhelming and possibly sway one’s idea of a personal goal. Friends can be just as bad. Trying to fit in with your friends can be a powerful factor when deciding on a goal. A New Year’s resolution is something one would like to strive for and achieve; no one should make you change your goal. Unfortunately, many people forget their resolutions over the long 365 days. However, the more-dedicated people never lose sight of their goals and eventually achieve them. The feeling of meeting that huge resolution after persevering through tough times and moments when you wanted to give up is phenomenal. Or that’s the theory anyway. Some people meet their goal and feel only one percent better. An attitude like that is basically saying, “I did all this hard work for nothing!” Successfully fulfilling your resolution should feel great and empowering! IHS teacher Caleb Kostechka always remembers his goal. “I choose a new way to help an important cause every year. I feel so great knowing I can help in some way,” said the English teacher in class one day. Strive for your goal, don’t change your mind half way through 2008, and feel good about your decision and desire. It’s worth it in the long run. I’m going to try and meet my resolution this year. I haven’t done it before, but being a freshman, high school is a time for changes.
Valentine’s Day wordsearch V E F B B C Q Y X C D E K U P
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* Pink * Red * White * Love * Valentines * Chocolate * Cupid * February * Romance * Cards * Hearts * Candy