S.T.A.R.S.Advice for teens
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Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 44 Issue 7 May 7, 2009
No elections for 2009-10 ASB officers A lack of candidates to run for ASB officer spots means all those who applied were appointed positions by Jaime Fazio opinions coeditor
year. Math teacher and ASB coordinator Dan Clark said, “We never really have a lot of people run for ASB. Last year we had ten students and this year we had seven, and I think it will stay pretty consistent. There is a ton of dependability that comes with running for office and it takes a unique student who wants to take on all that responsibility.” This year, due to the amount of students who ran for ASB, the student body did not get to choose their ASB officers at an assembly. The assembly allows students to get to know who will be representing them as ASB officers next year, but this year, the candidates were picked from among the students who turned in ASB applications. The low turnout of people who were willing to run for ASB was shocking to everyone, especially the ones that did show up. Houck commented, “I was actually really
surprised. Because in NHS, there was at least three people running for each position, and there are only about 40 people in NHS all together. There are so many more juniors that could have run.” Officers are hoping that elections for class officer elections will be better. Clark also said, “I hope next year’s crew will follow [the lead of the current ASB] as far as being organized, setting a great example of what it means to be a Sheldon studentleader, and staying close together. Next year’s ASB will be awesome; they are extremely creative as a whole group and I hope they follow through on some of their great ideas they have. Follow through is one of the biggest aspects of ASB that sometime gets missed. One thing I hope next year’s ASB will do is go to a summer leadership camp and go on a before-school retreat to plan out the new year.”
It’s the time of the year when junior representatives begin to campaign for a chance to be ASB officers, but that wasn’t the case for the current junior campaigners. This year, only seven current juniors submitted applications for ASB spots, and since there are seven positions to fill, each one got in without a fret. No campaigning, no speeches, no ASB assembly, nothing at all. Joseph Houck, by a unanimous vote of ASB members, became the new ASB president. Joseph Houck commented, “I really liked being Junior Class President, and I figured this was the next step up. I’m really excited to work with people from all grades in the school, and not just my own grade level.” Alongside him are Kayla Chan as Vice President, Blair Galick as Secretary, Holly Anderson and Paige Bornstein as Activities Coordinators, Hannah Rosenburg as Treasurer, and David Kim as Publicist. These seven people make up the team as ASB officers for the approaching school year. Their jobs include: planning assemblies, promoting school spirit throughout Sheldon, putting on and organizing all school dances, and doing a tremendous amount of community and voluntary services around Sheldon and Eugene. Junior Blair Galick commented, “I think that each year, assemblies get better, and next year I want to keep that streak going. I also feel good when at sporting events fans Michael Chase photo are cheering. I want to improve the number of fans for all sports.” ASB is a Sheldon tradition in which students Hannah Rosenburg, Kayla Chan, Holly Anderson, Paige Bornstein, Joseph Houch, Blair Galick, show the student body what’s in store for the upcoming and David Kim, the 2009-10 ASB officers, are excited to make a difference at Sheldon High.
Budget cuts to negatively affect staff and students
The nationwide financial crisis has reached the 4j school district, and staff changes are expected to come by Jamie Burns opinions coeditor
Next year some of the current staff members will not be returning to Sheldon due to an insufficient budget. Sheldon will be cutting the equivalent of four full time teachers. The recent recession has left many Oregon schools with reduced funding. According to KVAL, it is estimated that the Eugene School District 4J will have $10 million less operating money next year. The lack of money has caused schools in the district to search for ways to decrease spending. Laying off staff members
is just one of the measures Sheldon is taking to adjust to the recently lessened budget. Sheldon will attempt to assist staff member who are cut with finding jobs at other schools by writing letters of recommendation and making phone calls to potential employers on their behalf. The recent talk about cutting staff members has sparked many concerns among teachers, parents, and students. Senior Hannah Long said, “I think that if a lot of teachers are fired, the ones that are left might not be able to spend as much time helping students with their individual needs because they will have a lot more responsibilities.” Despite students’ worries, Sheldon is attempting to reduce spending, without a lot of negative consequences for students. Principal Bolden said, “We are attempting to cut costs away from classes so that students won’t see a dramatic change in their classes.” The effects of the loss of teachers are also expected to be minimal because of the projected enrollment for next year. The number of students attending Sheldon now is
expected to be higher than the number of students who will be at Sheldon next year. Bolden said, “It is possible that we won’t see a drastic change because we are projected to have fewer students next year. We would like to have more staff and less students, but in the current situation we are hoping that there won’t be a dramatic change.” Letting go of teachers is not the only approach Sheldon is taking to conserve money. Current half-time assistant principal, Nancy Pollard, will be retiring at the end of this year, and her position will not be filled. A campus supervisor will be leaving and not replaced, along with some librarians and other staff members. Next year a counselor will also be cutting their day by half. Sheldon will also be avoiding adopting new textbooks until absolutely necessary. Junior Jimmy Huynh said, “A lot of our textbooks are falling apart and we need new ones, but because Sheldon doesn’t have a lot of money right now we can’t get new ones.” Next year’s changes will have an impact on students, but the faculty is working to minimize negative effects.
Saturday’s prom night to be sweetened by Wonka
With a unique theme and dedicated officers, this year’s prom hopes to top all events of recent memory by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief
Juniors, seniors, and fortunate underclassmen, get ready for perhaps the most fun night of the school year: prom. Cash is flying out of students’ and parents’ pockets for tuxedos, dresses, dinners, flowers, and post-prom activities with the purpose of making the night enjoyable for all involved. Junior class officers have always been assigned the task
of planning for prom. This year’s junior officers have worked very hard in order to make this year’s prom the best in recent memory. Junior class President Joseph Houck said the theme, the originality, and the promoting of the prom should help make it a great experience. Junior class Treasurer Hannah Rosenburg said, “It has been a long process and a major time commitment, and we will see the results of all of the hard work on May 9.” Just as a piece of advice, get your taste buds prepared for chocolate and candy- and lots of it. The theme, which is “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” should tell all who will attend the night that the atmosphere will not be supported by Eugene’s dentists. The unique theme was “announced” when students went to buy tickets for the event, which were golden tickets taped to the back
of Wonka chocolate bars, parodying the popular movies. For many juniors, this will be their first prom, and most, if not all who are going are very excited about the experience. Junior Kendyl Alie said, “I’m really excited for prom. It has a really fun theme and I can’t wait to see what the decorations will be like.” The cost for a single ticket was twenty-five dollars, leading some people to ask the question, “Where is that money going?” Campus Supervisor Marques Green said, “The money we get from ticket sales from this year’s prom will generate more revenue for next year’s activities.” Prom is expected to be one of the most fun school functions of the year. The officers and their advisors have been working tirelessly to make it a great experience for all. So have fun, be safe, and have a great prom night experience.
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News
the Talisman
Businesses file bankruptcy The current economic situation is influencing many corporations by Adam Green features editor Imagine for a minute many different boats of different shapes, sizes, and types all fixed to the ocean floor. Some boats have anchors buried deep within the sand while others are tethered shallowly to the topsoil. Certain boats also have a longer chain to their anchor with lots of slack whereas others have chains as tight as guitar strings; maybe they just couldn’t afford as much line. Suddenly a massive tidal wave comes up out of no where. The wiser boats with more slack will be able to ride the detrimental tidal wave with ease and remain tethered to the ocean floor. However, the boats with less slack in their chain will either remain fastened to the ground and go underwater, or will lose their fixation and float away with no control. The ones which remained fastened to the ground, just may be able to wait out the tide, or they might get caught up in the undertow and drown. Our struggling economy today is a reckless tidal wave. Some businesses have invested wisely in secure markets and set aside money for rainy days such as these. Others may have invested poorly or do not have the money to provide the flexibility needed to stay afloat. Today, many small businesses are already bowing out to this massive economic wave of destruction, but many larger businesses are also struggling. Some are cutting back, some are trying to add more links to their chain of security, and some are just trying to wait it out as long as possible hoping the wave is not going to be as large as predicted. As for Joe’s, the main cause of determent is unknown. The large nationwide corporation filed for Chapter 11
bankruptcy early last March. Gordon Brother’s Liquidation, said, “The government should just give every United States the very same corporation that bought out and liquidated citizen $30,000, because then [Americans] would go out and all of Circuit City’s merchandise, was quite anxious to buy tons more cars, thus creating new jobs. Problem solved” get their hands on Joe’s Sports, Outdoor & More. These The list of solutions to the problematic tsunami is discount prices will continue to decrease until the store is endless, and will continue to grow. But it seems as if mostly empty. A total closure date is nearing everyday the skies are clearing and Poseidon’s wrath is finally with steep deals practically throwing items off the shelf. beginning to subside. Sophomore James Duke said, To some, this sudden bankruptcy among large businesses “Things are finally starting to settle down. The price of has come as quite a shock. Junior Brandon Shaw said, gas is going up, which is a good thing for the economy. “I was really surprised to see Joe’s go out of business. The key to saving the economy is that people need to They seemed like they were doing well enough.” start spending more, which Americans are good at.” Recently, Gottschalk’s has also filed for bankruptcy protection. After 105 long years in business, the company is now being split up to a large team of liquidators to sell out the remainder of the merchandise. Every person has his/her own theory for fixing the economy. Sophomore Austin Neet said, “If I were a small business owner, I would just start firing people and raising my prices, because then the people who do buy from me will pay more and I would be able to make ends meet.” Junior Garret Gray has a much more elaborate theory to save major Alicia Luck photo businesses and possibly Joe’s Sports, Outdoor & More, in Delta Oaks Shopping Center, is closing its doors. the entire economy. He
Stephanie Condon finally found The body of the missing teen was finally found near Glide ten years after she was abducted by Stephanie Barnes staff writer Stephanie Condon’s death has been haunting Douglas County for nearly a decade. But her family is finally at the end of their desperate search for the fourteen-yearold who disappeared from her cousin’s house ten years ago. Her remains were found, and a suspect in the case from the beginning, Dale Hill, has been arrested in Nevada on unrelated charges. He is facing extradition from Nevada to Oregon. However, since he won’t waive the extradition, the Douglas County Sheriff’s office will have to acquire a governor’s warrant to get Hill back to Oregon. It is not yet known how Condon died. Condon was abducted on October 30, 1998, late at night,
while babysitting for her cousin’s two-year-old twin girls. The twins were asleep when the abduction took place. The primary suspect from the very beginning was Dale Wayne Hill. He claimed to have stopped by the house while Condon was there, looking for her older cousin, Cheryl Richey. However, her older cousin was out at a bar with another man. Neither Hill nor Condon’s cousin would state their relationship. After the kidnapping took place, Condon’s parents and Douglas County law enforcement officials began an endless search for justice. Even the FBI got involved. It was never really a cold case because Stephanie’s family kept searching with the help of the Douglas County Sheriff’s office and British helicopters using radar to scan the ground for unusual protrusions where a body might be buried. Is there ever such a thing as a cold case, though? “Yes. You can’t just keep police officers on a single case because they have to move on to other cases and put the case to rest,” said junior Rebecca Boling. Although it all seemed a fruitless effort, Stephanie’s parents and community kept searching – and remembering. Finally, ten years later, her remains were found by a hiker
on an abandoned logging road. The man who found them, Joseph Mellin, said that he usually runs his dogs on the road. Mellin had been walking his dogs, and decided to take a break when he saw a skull gleaming in the sun. It was that quick rest that broke open the Condon case once more. After he walked home, he called the police and told them about the skull that he had found. This case should generate an interest in self-defense classes for males and females, both young and old. It is incredibly important to a society that has increasing crime rates, especially in abduction rates. When asked what we could do to help stop crimes like these, junior Cory Brown said, “The state should offer free self-defense classes at schools, but not require them.” He said that if schools require them, then a lot of people would skip out on them. Junior Courtney Hines said, “[Teens today need to be able to protect themselves] because there are so many creepers…things happen more often than you think.” It is important that kids today know at least the basics in self-defense and what to do when a stranger approaches them. If Stephanie Condon had known some self-defense, maybe this wouldn’t have happened to her, and we could have avoided one horrible, tragic murder. The public memorial service for Stephanie Condon took place on April 18, 2009. People came from all over to remember and honor this young girl who was so brutally murdered for no apparent reason. Although Stephanie’s remains were found in Glide, Oregon, on March 25, 2009, her parents are still determined to figure out exactly what happened to Condon that tragic night. Her life and story will never be forgotten, thanks to the plaque that sits on a stone in Riddle park, dedicated to Stephanie.
Features
the Talisman
The S.T.A.R.S. program teaches about the dangers of having sex at a young age by Brittney Schooley news editor
In 1995 STARS was introduced in Oregon. STARS is an acronym standing for Students Today Aren’t Ready for Sex. The curriculum was designed to prevent the early beginning of sexual behavior among young teens and middle school students by constructing awareness of media influences, correcting misconceptions about sexual behavior, and building refusal skills of how to say “no” to peer pressure. During the 2002-2003 school-year a random sample of schools that applied the STARS program (treatment schools) were compared to schools that did not use the program (control schools). The results were that students who participated in STARS outperformed students in control schools on questions that assessed the students’ knowledge of the potential consequences of sexual behavior, appropriate prevention measures, and the low prevalence of early sexual behavior. The results also revealed
Saturday Market fun The Saturday Market is a good place to just take in the culture of Eugene by Gabe Anderson staff writer There is no better place to spend one’s Saturday than at the Saturday Market. It’s a wonderful event that has been held here in Eugene ever since 1970. Sophomore Donovan Rubio said, “I have been going to the Saturday Market for as long as I can remember.” It opens every year at the beginning of April and runs all the way through November. The Saturday Market is an excellent place to go for whatever reason. Sophomore Ben Pemberton said, “The Saturday Market “The Saturday Market is a great place for people of all is an excellent place for ages to go expepeople of all ages to go rience Eugene.” There are fantas- experience Eugene.” tic food booths, -Ben Pemberton music, and hand crafted goods, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Sophomore Terry Cobien said, “It is quite a different experience almost every single time I go.” The market even comes equipped with its own farmers market, which is perfect for purchasing fresh, local, organic produce of all kinds. So come chill at the Saturday Market, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s really a lot of fun and you would not regret going. Hope to see you there!
May 7, 2009
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more positive attitudes about sexual abstinence among students participating in STARS. Cynthia Thompson, the Executive Director for the STARS Foundation said, “For the past 10 years, the teen pregnancy rate has been steadily decreasing. However, in the last year there seems to be an unexplained increase. There seems to be an increase in sexually transmitted diseases among teens. Researchers seem to relate this to misunderstanding among teens of the consequences of sexual activity beyond pregnancy.” Many people have their opinions about the program. STARS is a program that informs students about the risks of early sexual involvement and helps them attain skills to help them say no to the pressures that life may present to young teens. Junior Karlee Hattan said, “STARS isn’t about telling kids that sex is bad; it’s about helping them with the pressures of ‘fitting in’ when it comes to being sexual active.” Thompson also said, “I think STARS is a good, age appropriate curriculum for young students in 6th and 7th grade. I like the fact that it offers high school teens a way to do good community service in their communities. I also like that it is constantly being evaluated by the trainers and coordinators.” DHS STARS Support Specialist Katherine Humphrey said, “The average STARS Teen Leader believes that postponing sexual involvement is the best choice for teens right now. Typically, they enjoy being involved in the community, working with other students, and taking on new challenges. Skills like public speaking, listening, and facilitating are developed through training and practice.”
Traditions at Sheldon High School Sheldon has long been home to many Irish traditions; while some of them are as old as the school itself, others are practically brand new by Molly Morris centerspread editor Over the last 40 years, Sheldon High School has had many Irish traditions. The first tradition that was introduced to the school was the kissing of the rock. Since then, the rock has turned into more of a sign of the beginning of high school for freshmen at orientation and a canvas for rival schools who think the rock may look better in their school colors. School-to-work coordinator Elyse Meyers said, “It’s kind of lost its pizzazz.” Some well-known traditions around the school are Snowflakes of Joy, Springfest and the school’s Leprechaun mascot. The shamrock, the bell, and the newer tradition of the Irish Night of Giving are also traditions that are carried throughout the years. Counselor Michael Voss said that the traditions “promote school spirit.” Two traditions we have lost since the school began are the pep club and the letterman’s club, along
with the Christmas formal and Sadie Hawkins dance. Also, the kissing of the rock is voluntary, although leadership tries hard every year to entice new freshmen to participate. Senior Christina Wadnizak stated, “I think there should be more awareness of all the traditions that our school has.” Another part of Sheldon’s history that has been lost over time is the fountains that used to sit out in front of the school. One used to be where the large green statue now sits and the other is now a large circular cement block with a shamrock on top of it. If you would like to learn more about the school history and its traditions, the yearbooks from 1964 to now have a lot of great information. Sheldon alumni can also be a great source for curious Sheldon High School students.
Tony Ahn
PROM COURT 2009
Ali Kerns
Wyatt Davis
Ruby Kostur
Samantha Powell
Nick Hadley Ashley Buchholz
Zach Manley
theme: charlie and the chocolate factory
6 May 7, 2009
Opinions
the Talisman
Possible gun limit causes controversy to be able to hunt.” This is an extremely common belief that is shared by many. The problem with gun violence is not the guns, but the people who are misusing and mistreating them. “Americans have had the right to bear arms for hundreds of years; to stop that practice now is absurd. Not by Drew Miner to mention that it was a principle that our staff writer founding fathers felt necessary to insure the safety of America and protect us from The second amendment clearly states that a tyrannical government,” said senior Zach all citizens of the United States have the Smith vehemently. right to bear arms. A controversial topic in The Obama administration is currently today’s America is whether we truly have brewing a gun law that, if passed, will the right to bear arms and if so, what type be the most restrictive in history. As the of arms we are allowed to bear. Certain senator for Illinois, Obama voted yes on the laws banned the average American citizen ban of manufacture, sale, and possession from owning certain assault weapons, of hand guns, as well as assault rifles. specifically put in place by the Clinton This is an outright infringement of the administration. This ban did also in fact constitution and most definitely hinders the lapse under the Bush administration. rights of American citizens. “Gun violence Today’s current administration proposes an is something that is not a pressing issue at even stiffer policy than that of the Clinton the moment; our dwindling economy and administration and has the potential to the sky-rocketing rate of unemployment inflict damage on the rights of not just gun are much needier of our attention. There is owners, but all American citizens. a price for freedom and we all must pay it,” “People that are sane and law abiding stated junior Jake Ficker. have the right to own and operate any Why would you even want to own an firearm that they choose within reason,” assault weapon? This question is asked said junior Bronson Mock. He continued, over and over. Well the real question that “A possible solution could include a safety more people should be asking is: if I am course that certifies you to own a firearm, a sane, American citizen why should a much like a hunters safety card allows you government founded on the idea of “We
Proposed new gun laws attempt to reduce gun violence by restricting their production and sale
the people” be able to tell me what I can and cannot own? The same logic could be applied to the freedom of speech; if we limit what people are allowed to say we are straying from the very structure of America which is freedom. The right to bear arms is something that all law abiding and sane Americans should have the right to. Yes there are flaws in the
amendment, but it lies in who is allowed to get guns, not the guns themselves. Gun violence is an important topic, but there are more logical topics to approach such as the threatened economy and the staggering rate of unemployment. An outright ban of assault weapons and the sale of them is an infringement of the constitution that we as American people should not allow.
Jamie Burns photo
In hopes of reducing shootings and other gun altercations, the Obama administration is supporting possible gun law changes.
March of Dimes: improving the health of babies Community members help unfortunate babies through donations and events by Brittney Schooley news editor At first I struggled about what I was going to write about. What do I feel so strongly about to write for my peers to read? Then, on Saturday April 25th I went and walked the 10K walk at the March of Dimes: March for Babies event. That’s when I realized what I wanted to write about. I have always surrounded myself with the people that mean the most to me, the people who have made me who I am today. I have learned that friends and family open doors to new environments and experiences that normally I wouldn’t have been able to. One of those experiences was about 5 years ago with my friend Marissa. Marissa and I had been friends about my whole elementarymiddle school career. Marissa was an only child and her mother and father were like my second set of parents. When we found out that her mother was pregnant we couldn’t believe it. Marissa was afraid that the limelight who transition from her to the new baby. Over time, Marissa and I got use to the idea of a new little brother or sister. About 28-32 weeks into the pregnancy there were complications. The little pre-me girl named Rylee Grace had serious health issues and passed away a few days later. After a year, Marissa’s mother got pregnant again. It was all our hope to have a little one running around our feet and snuggling in our arms, but we were afraid that this pregnancy might have the same complications that there was with Rylee. After months of anticipating the news of the sex of the baby, we found out there wasn’t a baby, there were two! We were going to have a baby boy and a baby girl in the family. Both Ryan and Megan were premature, but with the help of the March of Dimes Foundation they were fortunate
in living the life that every baby deserves. Happily I can say that both Ryan and Megan are now healthy, growing toddlers running around and creating havoc. March of Dimes Foundation is “mission is to “improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.”. More than 460,000 babies are born too soon every year. Some babies are so small that they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others will struggle with lifelong health problems. Their researchers are trying to find new ways to give all babies a fighting chance. They have the Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center to educate parents privately. I have personally done some charity events that March of Dimes has put on including that 10K walk at the March for Babies event on April 25th at Alton Baker Park. My family and I, along with some friends, did their March of Dimes: Bikers for Babies motorcycle ride in Bend last year. You donate money to ride in the Bikers for Babies events, along with trying to raise the most amount of money not only for a prize that is so minuscule to the problems you are helping fix, but for the self-fulfillment of knowing that you are helping babies battle to live their life. We are excited for the next one coming up this August. I hope everyone in the community, and even the country, donate to help save a baby’s life. Sometimes we wish away precious days because we have to go to school or work and we are burnt out of sitting in classrooms learning or dealing with our coworkers. We are privileged to have the opportunity to live days of boredom and work exhaustion. Some seem to live life like we have a direct path, and if we go off that path we can never return to success and sanity. The perfect argument for that is my favorite quote, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” We all deserve the chance to endure the journey we are made for.
Brittney Schooley photo
Motorcyclists donate money so they can ride to help save the babies.
ICE policy deports illegal immigrants
Parker Alberts and Connor O’Brien cartoon
Sports
the Talisman
May 7, 2009
7
Roll up the mats; break out the bats University of Oregon athletics has added baseball to the UO sports scene replacing wrestling
Straub. “I really like the way he took charge of the team and handled tryouts earlier this spring.” Oregon got off to a promising start this season, winning their first game against Saint Mary’s and defeating the defending National Champion Fresno State Bulldogs in their home opener at P.K Park. After a hot start to their season, the Ducks were 8-8 (.500), before entering a tough stretch of pac-10 play. Oregon currently holds last place in the Pac-10 with a 4-14 conference record, and are ten and a half games back of the first place Arizona State Sun Devils
who are 16-5 in conference play. Coach Horton will have to face his first-ever losing season as the 14-31 Ducks cannot break .500 with only eleven games left on their schedule. Although Oregon may not have impressed anyone this year, Oregon State continues to show its steady baseball by Jeff Toreson program as the beavers are in third place in the Pac-10. The Beavers are 27-12 overall and 11-7 in conference coeditor-in-chief play so far this season. Look for OSU to make another Earlier this spring the University of Oregon reintroduced run at the college world series as they will try and repeat its varsity baseball team since the sport was terminated in their 2006-07 national championship seasons. “OSU has 1982. The baseball program a solid program that’s started in 1876 and after been going for a while more than 100 successful now, so I think it will years the school dropped be a while before baseball as a varsity sport Oregon passes them and converted it into a club up as the best college sport. The Ducks baseball baseball team in the team will round out the state,” said Straub. Pac-10 as the 10th and The wrestling program final team in the league. will be missed by Unfortunately, Oregon had many at the University to drop wrestling as a sport of Oregon as they have in order to add baseball brought back multiple due to the number of sports Pac-10 championships a school is allowed to and even a National have. “I would rather see Championship. Oregon baseball because it However, the baseball has more of a following in program could soon America than wrestling,” turn the corner toward said junior Derrick Nielsen. winning if they keep The Ducks are led by working hard at skipper George Horton, practice, recruiting who has a track record good players, and of being named National listening to the advice Coach of Year, and led Cal of their highly prestige State Fullerton to a College head coach. “The future World Series title in 2004. looks promising for “Horton’s doing pretty the ducks because their well for his first season; I doing alright for their think he looks like a good very first season, and Jeff Toreson photo they have a lot of young coach for the future of the program,” said junior Chris The temporary P.K. Park is hosting the Duck’s first full season, before the final park is completed. talent,” added Straub.
Eugene Marathon 2009 The continually-growing race had just short of 5,000 competitors this year by Anthony Rhoads staff writer The Eugene Marathon has become a big event each year in Eugene. The 26.2 mile race started on May 3 this year, and 4,792 participants competed. Travelers from 48 states and five countries were there. Math teacher Lynn Hellwege said, “The training is hard and not really fun; we train three days a week. Normally, on Monday, we do an easy run, five to eight miles; Wednesday we do a speed or tempo run, and on Saturday we do a long run, 12- 20 miles.” The race started on the corner of 15th avenue and Agate Street, in front of Hayward field. Math teacher Scott Wright said, “The reason I run is because coach Hellwege motivates me to do it.” The first nine miles took runners around Amazon Park and the University of Oregon, then they crossed the Willamette River by the Knickerbocker footbridge. They then ran a six mile loop through Alton Baker Park and into Springfield. Runners then returned to the Eugene bike paths where they ran ten miles through scenic river trails and in and out of six different parks. Math teacher Kim Torrey described the difficulty of the race as, “Painful.” Throughout the different parks, runners
passed the University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium and new baseball park, cross the Willamette River again and give a final push for the finish line in front of Hayward field and the Bowerman building on 15th Avenue. Wright also stated, “It was a much better experience than the first time.” Hellwege also said, “We started training about four months before the marathon; it was tough. I’m glad it’s over; it stinks to be old.” Mr. Hellwege has run twice before, Mrs. Torrey has run five times before and Mr. Wright has run once before. 26.2 miles, one day, over 4,792 people, from 48 states and five countries―an event for all to remember.
Greg Cantwell photo
Three Sheldon math teachers participated in this year’s Eugene Marathon.
Girls hit the gridiron
On Friday, May 29, the junior girls powder puff squad will take on the senior powder puff team by Alicia Luck backpage editor
Powder Puff football is a club in which a senior girls team battles against a junior girls team in a form of flag football and are coached by some of the top players from Sheldon’s football program. Each team has twenty players. The two teams compete against each other on the final day of spring fest at six o’clock, May 29. This will also
take place before the Morp dance which will start at ten o’clock and many students can go after seeing the game. May 15 is when girls from the two classes can sign up to play. Because of the injuries possibly sustained during the game medical insurance is necessary along with a consent form with a parent or guardian signature. Julia Girod, assistant to athletic director Matt Binkard, explained, “Students will their IDs will pay one dollar while adults will pay three dollars. Jamba Juice will be there serving drinks. It will overall be a fun event much like the home football games and it will help fund the all-night party for the seniors.” The school is hoping this will be an effective new way to fund the party so other fundraising isn’t necessary.
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.
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Cafeteria needs to be kept clean Students have not been taking proper care of the Sheldon cafeteria by Brendon Kieser staff writer There has been an ongoing problem in the cafeteria throughout the school year with people seemingly never cleaning up their messes. Some students find it difficult to find a clean table at which to sit. There are times when a
table at which a certain group wants to sit is never clean, so they find a different table because they don’t want to clean up the mess. If people started cleaning up their own messes, then this wouldn’t ever be a problem. People could sit where they want, when they want, and not have to either clean up someone else’s mess or choose a different table. The cafeteria isn’t the only place where cleaning tables has become a problem. Often in the science wing there are crumbs and wrappers everywhere. Sometimes the mess isn’t limited to the tables. People knock things off
tables onto the floor and don’t pick them up. This can cause accidents like someone slipping on a wrapper. Sophomore Manny Narkrong said, “I see trash left behind on tables quite often,” and, “I shouldn’t have to clean their mess; it’s not my responsibility.” Senior Bethany Chase said, “I usually see plates and napkins left around, and I sometimes clean it up if it’s not a big deal.” People should start dealing with their own messes so others don’t have to look over at a table and decide they don’t want to sit there.
Spring/Summer Movie Releases Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
July 15
The movie many people have been waiting for is finally going to be released on July 15. Harry starts his sixth year at Hogwarts and begins taking secret lessons from Dumbledore. He then gets hold of a Potions book, which belonged to the Half-Blood Prince. Harry then learns secrets of Voldemort which he thinks can help him defeat Voldemort. Harry suspects Draco of assisting in evil doings of Voldemort. Not only that, but Harry realizes that he love’s Ron younger sister Ginny and he is caught in the middle of Ron and Hermione’s fights. This will be another great movie with a twist in the end that no one suspects. It stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
June 24
Deceptcon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after he learns the truth about the origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect mankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. This movie stars Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox as Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes, respectively. The first showing date is June 24.
The Proposal
June 19
The Proposal will star Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It is a story about an evil boss (Bullock) who just found out she is going to get deported—she is from Canada—and she won’t be able to keep her job, which means her assistant (Reynolds) is out of a job as well, if she gets fired. So she tells her bosses they are going to get married, even though Reynolds character has no idea. Eventually, they travel to Alaska to see his family. This movie looks like it will be very funny and entertaining. It should bring a smile to your face. The adventure starts June 19.
Summer concerts ‘09 Limited venues don’t always mean limited entertainment opportunities by Jordan Flowers staff writer It has been said before, “Eugene is small,” and because it is small, big concerts often skip Eugene. But fortunately, there are plenty of venues outside the city where good shows can be seen. Concerts have always brought loving fans and musicians together in venues. Where there is music, there are concerts. In Eugene, there is not much choice for shows, and venues, but there is still plenty of music. Concerts are usually a great way for a group or musician to prove their skills, and relate with the people who listen to their music. Junior Martin Fellez commented, “Concerts are fun because of the people, and it’s really exciting to see a band you like perform.” Even in Eugene we have two great venues: the WOW hall and the McDonald Theater. There are even some good venues in Portland, and some in Seattle (although Seattle is very far to go for a concert.) “I go as far as Seattle, but that’s as far as I go,” Fellez said. Senior Derik Lindgren said, “I would travel six hundred seventy-two miles for a band I like, but it’s cool when they come to Portland. Concerts are cool because of the great music, the people, and the explosions.” Concerts on the bill for the summer include (in the northwest); Motely Crue, Coldplay, the Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, Counting Crows, Nickelback, Steve Miller Band, and those are just a few. The list of bands that comes around gets bigger and bigger as summer moves along, and bands usually make a stop in Portland. So keep your eyes out for great shows this summer.
Star Trek
May 8
Fans of the Star Trek phenomenon have been waiting a long time for this movie. The movie comes out May 8 and includes many cast members from the original show. It gives lots of background information about Spock’s life. In the movie Spock must choose between the Vulcan, which will never accept him as anything other than “half human”, or Starfleet Academy, worlds away from everything he has ever known. When Spock and Kirk were younger they got into a lot of trouble, which leads Spock, on a dare, join Starfleet so he can follow his father’s legacy. May 8 is the release date.
Public Enemies
July 1
This is a true story about a Depression-era bank robber named John Dillinger, who is played by Johnny Depp. He becomes J. Edgar Hoovers most wanted and it becomes FBI agent Melvin Purvis’s life goal to catch him, played by Christian Bale. This movie is definitely action and with the great actors in it, a pleasure to watch. Public Enemies comes out July 1. Alicia Luck photos