Inside: Elyse Myers returns.............2 Singing’ in the Rain............3 Mr. Irish............centerspread Dance team off to State.........6 Comic contest winner.....backpage
t h e Ta l i s m a n New
semester...new
Talisman
your student newspaper
shstalisman@gmail.com myspace.com/shstalisman 2455 willakenzie Road, Eugene, Oregon 97401 volume 43 Issue 5 March 6, 2008 Sheldon High School
Drugs and alcohol spark dialogue Recent events have opened a new discussion of disciplinary policies by Jordan Eddy assistant editor Several weeks ago, the Talisman received an anonymous letter of complaint from a Sheldon student. The letter detailed the actions of three students who had been in some way involved with alcohol while on the Sheldon campus. It expressed deep disappointment about the decisions of the students, but its main grievance was directed at Sheldon’s administration. The note claimed that Sheldon is not cracking down hard enough on students who are caught with drugs such as alcohol at school. Figuring out if there is any truth to that assertion is quite an ambiguous task, but it begins with discovering just how big of a drug problem the school has. “I would say that it’s an issue that we deal with,” said Assistant Principal Mike Johnson, “It’s an issue that people deal with on every campus.” Similarly vague
answers were given by other Sheldon employees. Although everyone who was interviewed confirmed that there is drug and alcohol activity within Sheldon, none could attest to the actual size of the problem. That’s partly because students are unlikely to tell administration about such issues. This is exemplified by Sheldon’s recent gun scare. “About forty students,” saw that a Sheldon attendee was in possession of a firearm, according to school police officer Savage. However, none of them talked to a Sheldon employee about it— it was a parent that eventually reported a sighting made by a student. If students are failing to report problems like this, it is nearly impossible to accurately determine how big of a drug and alcohol predicament Sheldon is in. However, according to the letter to the editor, Sheldon’s consequences are the real problem. Sheldon’s punishments come off of something called the Memorandum of Understanding. It’s a checklist that helps assign “one size fits all” consequences for specific actions. For example, if a student is caught with alcohol on campus, he or she will probably be suspended for three to five days, as specified by the Memorandum. Officer
Savage also follows a checklist to dole out legal consequences such as fines and Minor in Possession citations. Savage believes that this method of punishing students might not be the best, “Some people, when you suspend them, I don’t think it’s much of a deterrent. Some kids don’t go to class anyway.” So perhaps there is some room for change in Sheldon’s punishment system. Johnson emphasized the importance of getting the word out about the dangers of drugs before students try them. This is something that the school has tried to do through visitations by organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Parents Against Alcohol. Campus supervisor Darin Henry agreed that punishment might not mean prevention, “We’re the only country that jails drug abusers rather than rehabilitating them,” he said. Maybe it’s time to completely rethink the way that we deal with students who are involved with drugs and alcohol.
Amazing Grace
School spirit? Maybe, maybe not Coaches see Irish pride, but others find that Leprechaun more elusive by Ashley Admire centerspread and photography Anyone who has attended a Sheldon Irish football game has seen and heard the large green congregation that is the student cheer section. These students come to the games decked out in the most Sheldon-friendly clothes they can muster up, and they do their best to support the Irish and loudly cheer them to victory. People around Sheldon, however, cannot agree on whether this pride exists elsewhere in the school. Whether for other sports, school events, or just the general community, some think school spirit is lacking. Coming out of the state championship for 2007, Sheldon’s football team can still boast of a large student cheer section at each game. Judging by attendance, students are not always as appreciative of other school sports, and activities outside of sports are nearly ignored. Sophomore Holly Cardwell, who described herself as someone with school spirit, does not think this has to do with the school itself, but rather how spirit is showcased. She stated, “Even though [Sheldon] is a great school, school spirit is most made known through sports.” She conceded, “Football is definitely cheered the most,” but acknowledged that last year’s state championship is the reason for that. Even in places where school spirit is often abundant,
some are noticing a decrease in pride and participation. Cardwell noted that, “Between last year’s seniors and this year’s seniors there is a bit of a difference.” She is unsure why this is, but stated, “I don’t think you can just improve school spirit,” leading to the assumption that some classes simply feel more spirited than others. Connie Minihan, who works in the scheduling office, disagrees. She theorizes that Sheldon can and should improve spirit, and she suggested that Sheldon “close campus and force students to stay for lunchtime activities that cheer kids on.” She is disappointed by the lack of rallies at Sheldon compared to when she attended high school. She also thinks that the assemblies can be improved some, asking, “Who cares about a pie in the face? We need someone on the floor to cheer kids on instead of us watching them fly through the air.” Basketball coach Ron Lampe and football coach Marty Johnson haven’t noticed an absence of all-around spirit. Lampe said, “Sheldon is successful at many different activities which gives the entire school a great sense of pride.” Both coaches have, like most, noticed the differences in attendance at different sports games, but neither are worried about the state of pride in any Sheldon sport. Johnson said that “certain sports are more popular than others,” but that “all of our activities at Sheldon are supported by our student body.” Lampe hopes that other sports will soon have as many in the cheer section as football, and stated, “I think as our basketball program continues to improve, attendance will too. Our football program is a proven winner and the stands are packed for every game. I am looking forward to that happening with basketball at Sheldon too.”
photo courtesy Sacred Heart Hospital
On February 22, Sheldon principal Dr. Bob Bolden and his wife Alisa welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Amazing Grace Alvalisa Amethyst Bolden. She was born at 5:55 a.m. and weighed eight pounds, fifteen ounces. Amazing Grace’s siblings include a brother, Robert Jr., and two sisters, Lecxi and America.
Despite occasional violence, Sheldon students feel safe Gun incident arouses safety concerns by Lauren Scott staff writer The hallways of Sheldon flow and pulse like an artery. Students come and students go. Laughter, intense conversations, and slamming lockers fill your head as you make your way to your classes. But are confabulations and friendly encounters really all that are going on in this “home away from home?” Much concern has arisen about this topic at Sheldon High School after the recent event with the new student who carried a gun. He felt threatened here, thus resorting to a potentially violent solution. Luckily, he did not follow through with whatever he had intended. Consequently, faculty and students alike posed the question, “Do I feel safe at school?”
“Personally, I believe some form of violence happens everyday,” said sophomore Jandee Todd, “usually this is very small, though…the McDonalds parking lot is a major place for violence, with fights probably occurring at least once a month between Sheldon students.” In a recent survey of 100 Sheldon students, 86% said that they feel safe at Sheldon. On the flip side, 14% said they don’t feel safe. Obviously, something is going on that would make 14% of the students polled feel vulnerable at school. National studies found violence and harassment in high schools are mainly based on race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, and perceived sexual orientation. However, here at Sheldon, Officer Savage said most of the violence has something to do with talking trash, or more commonly, a relationship issue. Officer Savage commented, “I don’t think [Sheldon is] the worst as far as number of incidents. I wouldn’t say that we have any more or less than any other high school.”
Could the reason behind the violence be because of the mass media that constantly surrounds us, in the form of TV shows, music, and video games? After being asked this question, Campus Supervisor Darin Henry said, “I think it is absolutely true, because if you are familiar with pointing a gun at human images and are conditioned to pull the trigger, of course it will influence students. It’s old psychology, you know? It’s nothing new.” When asked why he thought students sometimes act out in violent ways, IHS teacher Wade Powell said, “People are seeking a false status among their ‘groups’…most bullies have been bullied.” In the end, a simple way you can make yourself feel safe is to make others feel safe. If all the students at Sheldon banded together to put an end to bullying and harassment, then no one would be the victim. That would make for a happy, healthy student body. The flowing pulse of the hallways would go on.
2 March 6, 2008
News
the Talisman
Put on your rain boots, Sheldon This year’s spring musical is Singin’ In The Rain, a fun, entertaining romp unlike anything the Sheldon stage has seen in the past by Anna Catalano staff writer It’s that time of year again, Sheldon. Your very own theatre department is putting on a musical! No maneating plants this time, though—now they are Singin’ in the Rain. This classic musical that gets people singing after just mentioning the title was originally brought to life on the silver screen in 1952. Now, Sheldon Theatre rolls up their sleeves and gets ready to super soak that stage. The show stars a dashing movie star named Don Lockwood (played by senior Trevor Eichhorn) who, along with his best friend Cosmo Brown (senior Kirk Mann), tries to make it big in a world where silent pictures are
being replaced by talkies. Don meets and falls in love with Kathy Seldon (sophomore Kaitlyn Sage), who is an actress on stage. Now, when Don’s career is in jeopardy, Kathy volunteers to dub over the voice of his leading lady, Lina Lamont (junior Rachel Edson), whose nasally and annoying voice is not attractive enough to be heard on screen. But there is trouble ahead: Lina is convinced that her and Don’s film romance is real, and takes matters into her own hands to take Kathy out of the picture—literally. This show is full of comedy (including a one-man slapstick routine by Mann), romance, and, of course, outrageously big dance numbers featuring a talented chorus. You have to wonder how everyone is able to pull it all together. Well, it takes many hours of rehearsals after school, and sometimes even on the weekends to get the show up. Everyone involved is required to help build the sets, which in this case will be very big and elaborate. But when the going gets tough, the tough stick together. Everyone in this theatre is a family, and that definitely comes across during a performance. Senior Marilena Schwaderlapp, an actress and assistant director in the show said, “I love being in drama because it’s a great way to meet people and hang out
with friends.” She also added, “The best way to balance homework and drama is to just work hard after rehearsals end.” Lynda Czajkowska-Thompson, the executive director and producer said that, “the hardest part of putting on a musical would be maintaining consistent artistic excellence with sets and costumes as well as performances.” She added, “I absolutely love it when students come to the teasers, and I hope that everyone keeps coming to them.” Senior Robert Anglim knows that this show is different from anything that Sheldon has done before. “There is more choreography this time, and it’s just a really cheery and merry show,” he said. Actors and crew alike agree that Singin’ in the Rain will be something that everyone can relate to (we do live in Oregon, right?). Anglim joked, “If the audience doesn’t leave the theater with a smiling face, then something’s wrong!” So, come out and support these talented people who have been (and are still) working hard to provide good quality entertainment for Sheldon High School. Singin’ in the Rain hits the Sheldon stage May 2 and runs May 3, 4, 9, and 10. Tickets are $8 unless you buy them from a cast or crew member at a discounted price of $7. Break a leg, guys!
Dr. Volwerk: Chemistry of music Most students know Dr. Volwerk as one of Sheldon’s science teachers, but when he isn’t busy teaching chemistry, he spends some of his free time playing in a rock band by Ashley Admire centerspread and photography This spotlight interview was conducted through email. Please note that face characters appearing here were included in original questions and answers. What’s your band’s name? Basement Jelly. As in Basement Jam, got it? :-)
How long have you been playing in it? We’ve been jamming’ together for about a year and a half. What instrument do you play? I play drums and sing harmony. How many other band members are there? Are they all teachers too? : ) There are six of us. Three are teachers, one is a graduate student who also teaches, one is a contractor, and one is a computer programmer. What style is your music? Do you play covers or original songs? Definitely rock. Style-wise we’re all over the place, from sixties Grateful Dead to Ashley Admire photo nineties neo-punk. Dr. Volwerk left serious gigging behind long ago and spends his We play covers but days teaching chemistry here at Sheldon High School. In his free time he enjoys playing in his rock band Basement Jelly. give it our own twist. Not very often. Mostly private parties or a Do you play for live audiences wedding, mostly for friends. I left serious very often? Where do you play? gigging behind me a long time ago. Isn’t your son in a band too? He has been off and on since he was in high school. He Started out as a drummer but now has developed into quite an accomplished bass player. If we weren’t living on different sides of the Atlantic we would be a heck of a rhythm section. Until recently he took his music more seriously than I did when I was younger. Now the pressures of feeding a family weigh a little heavier. Sooner or later 99% of all rock musicians have to face the hard reality that playing in a band can be a lot of fun but doesn’t pay the bills. Anything else you want to say? Hey all you aspiring rock stars, Rock On!!! Just be smart and realize that it is your education and the job it will create for you that will make it possible to afford the luxury of playing in a band.
the Talisman
Features
March 6, 2008
3
Car spotlight: nice rides Valuable Sheldon employee is due to return to work by Jeff Toreson sports editor Senior Tommy Stewart’s 2007 Chevy Tahoe
Tommy put custom rims and sound system to make his mean-looking ‘07 Tahoe a thing of beauty.
Sheldon has missed school-to-work coordinator Elyse Myers, who has been gone since January, but is expected to be back this month by Jordan Eddy assistant editor
Jeff Toreson photo
Campus Supervisor Travis Melvin’s 2004 Nissan 350Z
Travis has added 2006 wheels, headlights, tailights onto his 2004 350Z. Not to mention he has a JWT pop charger intake, a catback exhaust and a radar detector to make his 350Z better than any other 350Z you see on the streets.
Jeff Toreson photo
Senior Zach Gray’s 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Zach put a killer sound system in his black on black Eclipse with tinted windows and custom black rims to get the full bad-boy effect.
Jeff Toreson photo
Campus supervisor Marques Green’s 2002 Chevy Avalanche
Marques’s Chevy Avalanche shines in the Sheldon back parking lot as he put 20” spinner rims on it. As for the sound system, he has two 10” kicker subs.
Jeff Toreson photo
When Elyse Myers temporarily left her job two months ago, those in charge of replacing her must have been scratching their heads. Finding a substitute for one woman that seamlessly performs three jobs had to be quite a daunting task. After all, Myers influences students throughout their high school careers. She guides sophomores through the perils of the Career Related Learning Experience, has a big hand in the proceedings of prom night as the ASB Coordinator, and even aids students in finding a career—and receiving school credit for keeping it. That’s why, when Myers bowed out for surgery in late January, administration dropped two rookies into her formidable position. Ana Flores and Laura Thorkildson, both recent graduates of the University of Oregon, had been working at Sheldon as temporary campus supervisors when they were tapped for the job. “At first it was a challenge not knowing exactly what to do, but we were pretty motivated,” said Thorkildson. Even so, the two women said that they have worked hard to keep Myers’ position fresh. Besides carrying out Myers’ regular duties, they have pulled together a career fair, networked with companies to give students school credit for holding a job, updated the career website, and worked to improve Lunch n’ Learns. When Myers returns to her position, she will certainly have a few new dimensions to explore. And return she will, despite having received neck surgery and a full knee replacement in the past two months. Just days after her last surgery, Myers sounded quite cheerful over the phone, “I’m recovering a lot quicker than I expected,” she said. She plans to return in early March, and looks forward to resuming the job that she has performed for six years. Myers says that she will find much solace in returning to her everyday life, “I really miss not being around the students. I think that a lot of my recovery will take place once I get back to the school,” she said. Of course, Myers isn’t the only one looking forward to her return. ASB president Judy Lee said, “Elyse has been a valuable member to the ASB team. I have sincerely missed her, along with the students of leadership and ASB, and look forward to seeing her back in the halls.” Not to worry about Myers’ substitutes—Flores and Thorkildson have been offered another position at Sheldon, “We’ve been promised more hours in a different area.” Sheldon can be glad to have such a dynamic member of the staff back in action.
Ben
Melton Coordinator: Katie Vanderford How it felt to be nominated: I thought it was pretty sweet. Best part of being a contestant: Eh, I would have to say it is playing all the games and going to our
activities. Reason you should win: Me? Well I am a red head. That pretty much says Mr. Irish right there. Best technique to solicit donations: I employ the “if you want to donate, come to me” technique. Thoughts on the NICU: It is actually pretty insane. I have always heard about the babies being the size of an adult palm, but I never really believed it. Our hospital proved me ultimately wrong. Comments: I’d like to win, but if I don’t, I had a hell of a time just being part of it.
Trevor Eichhorn
Coordinator: Kelsey Drechsler How it felt to be nominated: It felt really great. It’s just cool to know that people were thinking of me and thought I would fill the role well. Best part of being contestant: The guys are all so lively and fun to be around. It’s awesome spending time with them. Reason you should win: I don’t know for sure thatI think I should win. Some of the other guys deserve it just as much as me. I’m just here to help out and hope for the best! Best technique to solicit donations: Letters to friends and family Thoughts on the NICU: It’s a pretty incredible thing. I have friends who were actually “miracle babies” and they probably wouldn’t be alive if not for the help that the NICU gave them after their birth. They save lives every single day, and I think that’s pretty amazing.
Daniel Bodily
Coordinator: Tiffany Honochick Best part of being a contestant: Having fun and savin’ babies at the same time! Reason you should win: Aside from my obvious charm... It doesn’t matter
to me as long as babies are being saved. Best technique to solicit donations: I go around and match donations. If I get a group of people to donate five dollars I’ll put in a couple. Usually, though, you’ll see me pestering people in the science wing. Thoughts on babies: Up until we visited the NICU this was a lot of fun without much purpose. Seeing how small those babies were and how they were struggling to survive helped put the experience into perspective and added a lot of motivation to fundraising. Comments: Anybody else see a strange resemblance between Peter and David?...
Todd
Coordinator: Liz Erwin How it felt to be nominated: I was scared at first but it’s probably the best thing I have ever done. Best part of being a contestant: Got to go with the dance practices. Reason you should win: I don’t care about winning, I’m just out to have fun. Best technique to solicit donations: Dancing for someone scores the big bucks. . . it got me $600 dollars. Thoughts on the NICU: One of the saddest/most insparational things I have ever done. Comments: Go to Mr. Irish to see some sexy men.
Coordinator: Stephanie Blewett How it felt to be nominated: It is a great honor to be nominated for Mr. Irish with all the other great boys. Best part of being a contestant: So far the best part has been becoming friends with all of the other contestants since I didn’t really know all of them that well beforehand. Reason you should win: I should win because I am better than the other nine boys, plain and simple. Best technique to solicit donations: To make good money I just ask anyone and everyone I know, even fellow contestants. Thoughts on the NICU: The babies in NICU were really cool to see. It was nice to know what Mr. Irish was all about rather just ten funny boys.
Jaeger
Gluz
Zach
Stringfield
Peter
Eitan Coordinator: Sienna Stanley How it felt to be nominated: I was really excited to be nominated, I’ve worked on the pageant week before with the theater and I hoped to be able to take part in it this year. Best part of being a contestant: Getting to work at Coldstone and Ben & Jerry’s was awesome. Plus, free ice cream after your shift... Score!!! Reason you should win: I’m not so sure I should, I think any one of us could, no one truly stands above the rest. Best technique to solicit donations: I prefer mostly the non-verbal can shake. Making people aware of any change they might be withholding. Thoughts on the NICU: The babies were adorable. The smallest things you can imagine. Visiting with them really brings the whole point home, you really know what you’re doing all this for.
Drew
Mr.2 Irish 0 0 8 Kevin McKimmy
Coordinator: Carly King How it felt to be nominated: Unexpected. Can something do that? Feel unexpected. Oh well, for our purposes it can. Best part of being a contestant: Hard to say. Probably the adoring fans. Reason you should win: Because, who, I mean really, who would have seen that coming? Best technique to solicit donations: I have found dance to be particularly effective. That or being Parker Strom. Thoughts on the babies/the NICU: Wikipedia redirects a query for babies to the page on infants, where it goes on to say that an infant is a human child in the youngest stages of life typically less than a year old and unable to walk. Urban Dictionary, however, defines babies as “A good source of protien.”. Comments: There are only 18 COUNTRIES richer than Bill Gates. Perhaps we should ask him for money.
Coordinator: Jill Grieder How it felt to be nominated: It felt really good because it meant that there were some people that felt I would do a good job representing Sheldon and it gave me an oppurtunity to help some babies. Best part of being a contestant: Meeting people you wouldn’t normally hang with. This year’s guys are the best ever. Reason you should win: If you come see me dance you’ll get a lesson on how to bust-a-move. Best technique to solicit donations: Tell a bunch of middl-schoolers that you’ll put their names in a raffle and buy them a Blizzard. For a $2.00 Blizzard the kids will donate $1-$20. Thoughts on the NICU: The babies in the NICU are really small and often really sick so if you have any money that you feel like donating please do it will really help these babies, and they are really freakin’ cute.
David
Parker
Coordinator: Katie Melton How it felt to be nominated: I felt like part of the social circle. SIKE! I don’t know, it was pretty cool I guess because I got a green letter during class and I always envied the people
Coordinator: Kelsey McConville How it felt to be nominated: It was really cool. Best part of being a contestant: Being with
Lee
who got those. Best part of being a contestant: Uh...hanging out with the guys and DOIN’ WORK on the staff hahaha Reason you should win: I never really thought about it, uh I dunno I like to gel my hair in cool ways and I’m korean...rep rep... enough said? Best technique to solicit donations: Dance for dollas. Thoughts on the NICU: My brother was in there, so it brought back old memories. It’s amazing how small they are. Comments: I wanna give a shoutout to my pod, much love guys much love hahah
Strom
everybody. Reason you should win: Because I save babies. Best technique to solicit donations: Dance fo’ dollas. Thoughts on the NICU: The babies were soooo small! Comments: Help me save the babies! Donate please!
6 March 6, 2008
Sports
the Talisman
Olympic Trials coming to Eugene After long months of preparation, Hayward field is almost ready to host the best Olympic Trials ever by Jeff Toreson sports editor Eugene and Hayward Field will soon be host to one of the most anticipated Track and Field events of the year, the 2008 Olympic Trials. The 2008 Olympic Trials are soon to be one of the biggest meets Hayward field has ever held. The Oregon Track Club and other participating partners of “The Road to Eugene’ 08” have worked hard fundraising for the Trials by hosting “Road to’ 08” national track meets and selling T-shirts with partner sponsor Nike. The Road to Eugene 2008 is a group of hard-working people involved with the Oregon track club, and the United States Association of Track and Field to help make what they say will be the best Olympic Trials Ever. Hayward Field has hosted the Olympic Trials three times before (1972, 1976, and 1980), and has just been asked to hold the 2012 Trials as well. Although Hayward has been the site of previous Olympic Trials, some renovations are needed to make the 2008 Trails a comfortable fit at Hayward. The Trials are expected to attract about 17,000 people each day, and inject $16 to $18 million into the local economy. “I believe that Hayward Field is ready to handle such an event, as the city has been preparing very well over the last two years,” said sophomore Hayden Randall, who expects to attend the Trials. Hayward is under non stop construction right now in preparation for the trails as they must have all the additions up and running by July 27. Eugene’ 08 is planning on adding additional seating, a jumbo video screen, and a new track surface. “With all the preparations that have been made, I would say Hayward Field is more than ready for the Olympic Trials”. “The commotion of the 2008 Trial will only be for the
Jeff Toreson photo
Track Town USA’s nationally-renowned Hayward Field undergoes extensive remodeling and revisions in order to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Trials. The stadium is expected to host 17,000 people. better of Eugene”, said Randall, “the national coverage will put Eugene back on the map as track town, USA!” With two weeks of non-stop coverage on ESPN, Eugene and Hayward Field is soon to be known one of the greatest track towns in the nation. If you are interested in watching
a part of history, you can get your ticket for the 2008 Trials by waiting for a ticket when they go on sale in the spring, or shopping around on ebay or Craig’s list and trying to snag a ticket. The Trails are going to be amazing so don’t miss out as they are coming to your home town, Eugene!
Colleens procede to state championship The varsity dance team reaches new heights as they prepare to compete for a 6A state title by Naima Lobby staff writer Guess who’s going to the 6A Small Dance and Drill State Championship! That’s right, our own Sheldon Colleens. The Sheldon Colleens Varsity team consists of fourteen girls, twelve of whom will actually be taking the floor to compete: four seniors, four juniors, and four sophomores as well as two freshmen alternates who have previously danced with the team to fill in if there is an injured dancer.
To make it to state, teams must meet specific qualifications and our girls have received scores high enough to pre-qualify for the final round. The girls met their season goal Saturday, February 23, at Sprague High School during an OSAA competition. For the first time in Sheldon history, the Colleens received a box four score, which is a score met by only the best of the best in Oregon Dance Teams. Sheldon’s score was the highest of all 25 teams in attendance and they placed first in their division. Sophomore Breanna Baxter, a member of the varsity dance team said, “I’m very nervous because I don’t know what to expect, but I am really excited and hope this will be a fun experience.” Varsity Dance Team coach Hillary McClintick said, “The team has shown an impressive amount of growth; it is unparalleled to any other team in the past four years that I have coached here at Sheldon. These dancers are
driven to achieve perfection. They demand dedication and determination while continuously motivating and encouraging one another. These athletes work well together both on and off the floor, and their commitment to each other and this program surpasses every team that I have ever coached.” Coach McClintick also added. “With just a few days left of hard work ahead of them, these ladies aren’t about to stop! Despite the end of season outcome, the Sheldon Colleens have conducted themselves in a most impressive manner, and they have a lot to be proud of.” Freshman Cayla Bollinger, who is a member of the Junior Varsity Dance Team, said, “I’m so proud of the varsity girls for making it that far and hope to see myself out there competing with them someday soon.” The State Championship will be held at The Portland Coliseum on March 12 and 13 so start planning your trip to go watch our girls win that championship!
Freshmen girls go undefeated The future of Sheldon girls basketball looks promising as the freshman class caps off a perfect season with 25 wins and no losses by Anna Catalano staff writer
Attention Sheldon— the freshmen girls’ basketball team has had a perfect season! Led by the incredible Coach Brad Brancardo, these girls have worked hard to represent Sheldon in the best way possible for the past 25 games. Brancardo, who has been coaching for two years at Sheldon, said that the girls work so well together, both on and off the court. In the last game of the season, Sheldon beat (oh, who are we kidding- they completely wiped the floor with) Roseburg, 49 to 20. All the girls were at the top of their game. Lydia Wanless and Kelsey Spellman each scored an impressive 13 points. Hannah Brown contributed 11 points to that total as well. Junior Jenna West, whose sister Megan is a wing player on the team, is super excited over the recent victory. “It’s been an insane season,” West said. “They completely dominated every game.” This was about the same attitude the players
had after the game, as they were jumping around and screaming with excitement. Coach Brancardo stated, “The end of the season is usually the best because the girls get their motivation back.” He continued, “I feel very lucky after winning every game. It feels very good.” These girls have a bright future ahead of them as they plan to continue playing basketball at Sheldon, and it shows through their hard work, dedication, and long hours of practice that comes with the desire to do their best. What are the coach’s plans for the team in years to come? “I just hope that they will have learned the skills that they will need to be on the JV team,” Brancardo remarked. Well, there’s no doubt that this team and these players are going places. So keep on supporting them Sheldon, and keep up the great work girls!
Want more on girls basketball? Check out the varsity girls as they enter the 2008 OSAA 6A State Championship. The team tips off against Central Catholic at 6:30pm on March 6 at the Chiles Center at the University of Portland. If you can’t make it to the game, you can find updates on the team’s progress by following the basketball links at www.osaa.org
Opinion
the Talisman -Sound-off-
March 6, 2008
7
-Ask Alicia-
In-school suspension: Help me, Useless or effective? Talisman! Out-of-school suspension is just like a vacation for the wrong-doers
If students get in trouble at school, they should just stay home
by Cammisha Manley features editor
by Devin Calhoun staff writer
What do suspended students do on their days of suspension? They may say they stayed home and did homework or watched TV. To some this is a boring day and somewhat of a punishment, but for others it’s just like a normal day off of school. According to campus supervisor Darin Henry, in order to be suspended a student may have gotten in a fight or have stolen something from the school. A person who may have done that should be given the fair punishment so that other students may learn from their mistakes. When asked about her experience with in-school suspension sophomore Kirsten Deroos said, “It was better than having to go home for a few days because then I’d miss all my classes, but I was able to sit in the class and just get my work done.” This is a perfect example for why in-school suspension is very necessary. Students might wonder about the difference between in-school suspension and detention. Henry said, “Detention is usually given by teachers for their own reasons but in-school suspension is something the principal enforces.” One way to receive in-school suspension would be to use profanity in class. A concern for students that receive in-school suspensions is whether or not it goes on their school records. “In-school suspensions are given with referrals, but the record of the referral does not go beyond high school records,” said Henry. In-school suspension is held from lunch to three forty, which means a student would miss two of their classes. For a student suspended in school, they can talk to their teachers about what they missed and get it done that night. “I didn’t think that it was pointless, but they should have it before or after school because you get it for skipping class,” said sophomore Leslie Lundy. Out of school suspension should be replaced with in-school suspension. No one is going to learn their lesson staying at home all day.
Kids sit in a classroom, their eyes drooping. They’re playing with their pencils, twirling their hair, and taking the punishment in the very same place they broke the rules. In-school suspension is not a good thing. It’s not right to make students sit in a room and not do anything related to school. I know they have gotten in trouble, but if they are such bad kids they should have been given regular outside school suspension or expulsion. It just doesn’t seem like a very good way to learn a lesson. If you’re in trouble because you’ve done something wrong at school you should not be in school at all. Some People think in-school suspension is a good thing because they don’t want the kids to just run off and do whatever they want while they are on outside school suspension, however if students have gotten in so much trouble they had to be suspended to learn their lessons I’m sure their parents would keep them on a tight leash at home while they’re suspended from school. If a student has done something so wrong that they can’t even go to class they should receive outside school suspension. If what they’ve done isn’t bad enough to get outside school suspension they should just get detention or have the administrators call their parents. They should sit in a room all day doing absolutely nothing. It just isn’t a very good thing. The administrators shouldn’t let the students miss class and get behind in their work just to sit in the same place they would be getting points for a paper they wrote or finish up a few problems of math. They should just have outside school suspension or lunch detention. All in all in-school suspension isn’t necessary .If a student messes up leave it for their parents to deal with or suspend the student form school. Have an opinion on in-school suspension? Send us an e-mail at shstalisman@gmail.com, or use the box in the main office. Letters to the editor may be published in next month’s issue.
Semester Two Talisman Staff
Melissa Gibson banner design
Bios featured from left to right: Nicole Callihan: “I am out-loud and in-your-face. I Am Nicole the Great!” Ashley Ruderman: “Researchers say that some of Sheldon’s hottest (senior) girls play lacrosse. So you should come support at our first home game, March 11th, 7pm, at Dennis Ludwig. Taya Alami, I expect to see you there. Holla.” Ashley Admire: “I call Converse ‘Chonverse’ because I’m cool like that. My coolness is also shown by the Aladdin poster hanging on the back of my bedroom door.” Gracie Beaver: “Much like a vehicle of the future, I run on alternative fuel. This includes stress, green tea with extra matcha, and the Sci-Fi Channel. I like watching poorly animated zombies explode off-screen. It makes me happy.” Jordan Eddy: “I love running and writing. I like almonds and apple pie.
I dislike warm string cheese and fetal pigs. I hate having the flu all weekend. So there.” Melissa Gibson: “I’m the Photoshop nerd, even though I have no artistic talent without a computer.” Cammisha Manley: “I find everything funny and exciting. You’ll probably see me smiling but I’m still pretty down to earth. I like alternative, indie and rock music. By the way, I need a job, so let me know if you’ve got any ideas.” Alicia Luck: “There are many things that I love and one of the top ones is to write. I love to give advice, so send a letter my way. Giving people advice helps me to solve my own problems.” Devin Calhoun: “I love hanging out with my friends. My favorite book is Twilight, and One Tree Hill is my favorite show.” Naima Lobby: “My fave color is
red. I like to cook and Devin’s my favie!” Jeff Toreson: “I love skiing, golfing, and football. I like to go camping, and I can’t bake. Oh, and I am also a three time state Olympic weightlifting champion.” Megan Keough: “I love to hang out with my friends and I love summer. It’s my dream to move to California when I’m older, where the sun always shines!” Anna Catalano: “I love doing theatre, especially here at Sheldon and I am very much looking forward to the spring musical. Also, I tend to have lots of involved movie conversations with people as well as pepper my speech with random movie lines (but why is the rum gone?!).” Lauren Scott: “If it has anything to do with art, literature, or design, then I’m in heaven. I’m just a person in a canoe without a paddle, struggling to maneuver my way through this wild, twisted, fantastic thing called life.”
When students ask questions regarding tricky social situations, the Talisman comes to the rescue by Alicia Luck opinion editor Dear Talisman, There is a girl I really don’t like on my sports team. I have to play with her, despite how rude she is. The coaches don’t care that she is like that and they don’t do anything about it! I can’t stand her and I don’t know what I should do! -Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Your coaches probably do care, but don’t show it because in their line of work they see it all of the time. I think the reason your coaches don’t react as much as you would like them to is because they probably don’t see her being rude as much as you and the other players do. This girl probably has issues in her life that you don’t know about and in order for her to be nicer to you, you have to be nicer to her. People normally can’t be mean to someone who is being extraordinarily nice to them. Just talk to her and ask how her day is going. Of course if that doesn’t work, just ignore her if she doesn’t seem to become a nicer person. However, remember that not every person has to be your friend. Some people grow out of the person they are during high school into someone who is hopefully better. Dear Talisman, I’m having a hard time getting over an ex-boyfriend. I didn’t think it would be this hard. Do you have any ideas? -Anonymous Dear Anonymous, High school brings a lot of different conflicts into one’s life, but after graduation, most of them will probably be washed away. We live in a society where the norm is to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, but not many of us do. There are many reasons why people break up and obviously your break up wouldn’t have happened if there wasn’t a good reason. Once you think about it for a while you will realize that you were never going to stay with this guy long term. Most girls have their high school sweethearts, but how many do you think actually end up marrying them? When I think of a couple who got married right out of high school, I think of a marriage that most likely wouldn’t last until the end of time. There are always more guys around the school who have great personalities and they will make you happier than this guy ever did. If you can’t find a guy at this school, try to find a guy at another school that you can get to know. Dwelling on the past only makes it worse. Things can’t be changed that are in the past, but you can make changes for the future. Need advice? E-mail shstalisman@gmail.com, or just use the box in the main office. We’re happy to help.
Talisman Staff
Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Ads Manager Features Editor Opinion Editor News Editor Sports Editor Centerspread/Photos Copy Editor Staff Writers Anna Catalano Naima Lobby Staff Advisor
Gracie Beaver Jordan Eddy Nicole Callihan Cammisha Manley Alicia Luck Megan Keough Jeff Toreson Ashley Admire Ashley Ruderman Devin Calhoun Melissa Gibson Lauren Scott Greg Cantwell
A message from the Talisman The Talisman is run by students for students. The views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letters to the editor, please e-mail the Talisman at shstalisman@gmail.com, or drop a letter in our box located in the office. We kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.
B a c k p a g e -7 Days-
Living as a “single parent” Spending a week as a single mom turns out to be way more difficult than plain-old babysitting by Jordan Eddy assistant editor Getting the idea for a 7 Days experiment and actually doing it are two very different things. I can compose long lists of possible situations to torture myself with quite easily. It’s actually doing an experiment, or even facing the prospect of beginning a 7 days situation, that can be tough. This was especially true as I prepared for my week as a single parent. The idea formed in my head as my dad and sister prepared to set off on a two week vacation. It was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at parenting- and relieve my mom of the mammoth stress that usually ends up on her shoulders while my dad is away. My original thought was that my week as a parent would be a lot like an extended period of babysitting. This presumption was blasted from my mind as I sat down for an interview with a single mom.
She convinced me that my two sisters and brother (my “children” for the week) were going to need a steady structure of rules and expectations, a sense of regularity surrounding the extraordinary situation that we were all about to step into. Thankfully, this structure was easily created by a large whiteboard that I filled with an agenda, some rules, and a chore schedule. It was my own responsibilities that made my head spin. On my list of things to do, I had wearily scribbled “Clean house, do chores, entertain kids, make meals, do activities with kids” and “get kids to do chores.” Just as my interviewee had warned, there was no partner to support me in these duties. I was on my own. But if 14 million U.S. single parents can interminably survive through this situation, then I could do it for just one week, right? That was my consolation on Day 1, even as I rolled out of bed at some ungodly hour to tend to my already-hyper “children.” By Day 3, I had discovered just how hard single parenting can be—and just how much it isn’t like babysitting. Not only was I being physically worn down by housework, but dealing with the kids (even in their most peaceful moments) was exhausting. Coupled with the constant driving to get each child to
his or her activities, the days seemed dauntingly endless. The busy schedule also meant that my own social life had to be thrown to the wayside. The one party that I did attend came with a catch: I had to pay my sister for babysitting services while I was gone. At the party, I snarfed down marshmallows by the dozen and lectured guests on the trials and tribulations of being a single parent. I probably seemed like a party pooper, but I was an emotionally damaged single parent, darn it! Of course, it wasn’t all bad—especially the aftereffects of the experiment. Now that my week as a single parent is behind me, I’m much more willing to help out around the house. I completely understand how hard it can be to face even the smallest of tasks when you have to do them on your own. I also have a lot more respect for real single parents. Just thinking about what I didn’t have to deal with during my single parenthood makes me amazed that they can do what they do. I’m not sure I could have held up if, besides taking care of the kids and doing the housework, I had to hold down a job, strand my “kids” at daycare or shop on a minimum wage budget. It makes me think that a new holiday is in order. Forget “Mother’s” and “Father’s” day—let’s celebrate those people who have to find their way through parenting on their own.
-Beaver State of Mind-
Oh, the fantastic fetal pig! Unnatural smells, a dissection by candle light, and fancy purple gloves highlight AP biology adventures by Gracie Beaver editor-in-chief “God help us, doctor! She’s flat-lining!” “There’s nothing more we can do!” While Lola Petunia didn’t come to us in a soap opera hospital room, her post-mortem adventures were no less dramatic. She arrived, along with several more of her little friends, in a cardboard box, vacuumsealed and submerged in a pungent preservative. Bags were ripped open, scalpels were sharpened, and Lola Petunia was dropped into a small, black tray.
Comic Strip Cheese
Bonjour Pierre
Aside from the drama of Lola’s first moments, soap opera emotions also rippled through our AP biology classroom. Some people were excited; blunt probes gleamed in their eyes. Others were curious; what wonders lurked in this mammal’s small intestine? As for me, I just felt kind of pukey. We were cutting open a fetal pig. Cutting. Open. A. Fetal. Pig. The whole debacle felt like something from the Sci-Fi Channel movie of the week. You know, something dreadful like “Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Revenge.” It was like the stupid thing was going to come oinking back to life. Mr. Sanderson advised us that we form groups where at least one member was slightly more scalpel-happy than everyone else. Instead, I joined up with three other pukey individuals. Day One of the Fetal Pig Incident was awful. This small pinkish-grey creature lay in a dish in front of us with its eyes closed and its tongue protruding. Weird hairs covered its body and the smell of preservative permeated our outfits. Lola Petunia was nausea incarnate. I’m allergic to powdered latex gloves, but I sacrificed the
-Snack-size humor-
by Gracie Beaver
peacefulness of my palms for a day anyway; there was no way I was touching that thing. However, that first day provided me with some very important life lessons: Don’t wear rubber gloves if you can avoid it, and don’t inhale too deeply around preserved dead animals. On Day Two, I came in armed with new fancy purple latexfree gloves and a lilac-scented candle, fresh from Wal-Mart. Our group looked like we were performing some sort of creepy séance. Lola Petunia was tied down to her tray, her legs up in the air, and our candle flame flickered brightly. Truth be told, though, the fetal pig dissection experience was nothing short of freaking awesome. Yes, sickening noises and unsightly bodily fluids were a drawback, but actually seeing the inside of the body and being able to link locations of structures and their functions makes everything worth it. I mean, I probably won’t decide to become a surgeon or anything, but I must admit that dissecting away tissue until a vein is exposed is especially rewarding. As for Lola Petunia, I can only hope that she is in a better place than the science wing refrigerator right now. by Cassie Jahnke