Retiring Staff
2009 Senior Spots
page 3
centerspread
Gypsy calls it a wrap page 10
the Talisman shstalisman@gmail.com
a student newspaper
Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 44 Issue 8 June 10, 2009
Farewell, Class of 2009
Greg Cantwell photo
Seniors Macy Bothman, Kendra Desler, Natalie Boring and Megan Swenson smile wide for the senior athletes photo in the courtyard. This was one of the last group moments for the seniors before graduation. They are ready to end their high school lives and begin their new adult lives.
Springfest activities energize Sheldon courtyard The annual three-day-long festival in May brought unsurpassed fun and activities to the Sheldon student body by Jamie Burns opinions editor Every year, to celebrate spring and school spirit, Sheldon holds the annual Springfest, which lasts three days. The event is organized by leadership members, who work hard so that students will have a memorable and enjoyable time. Senior Parker Alberts said, “I love everything about Springfest. The free Jamba Juice last year was the best.” The celebration consists of longer lunches, snacks for students, and various exciting activities. Springfest is held near the end of the school year. This year, the festival was held from May 27 to the 29. Students are not required to stay on campus to attend the event, but it gives them a chance to have fun together and show their school spirit. Springfest has a variety of outdoor activities, designed to entertain students. Junior Samira Lobby said,
videogames, jump roping, face painting, and ice-cream in the courtyard. Leadership students were in charge of giving out ice-cream, running activities, and cleaning up. Sprague said, “I was surprised; there were really a lot of students there. I didn’t expect so many, but it was probably crowded because the weather was pretty nice.” A popular activity among students was the Pitch Burst, which gave students a chance to throw a ball at a target, and dump water balloons on the heads of staff members, such as Michael Voss. The second day of Springfest had an even greater turnout than the first day. Students enjoyed the warm weather., while some chose to play on a blowup obstacle course, hula hoop, play foursquare or participate in the activities that were also set up the first day. There was also a barbeque in the courtyard available for students, so they could eat while experiencing other Springfest events. On the third day there were new activities to catch students’ interest. Along with events from the first day, the third day consisted of a fitness corner, a cupcake walk, a graduation table, Jamba Juice for sale, and Italian sodas. There were also performances by two Sheldon bands, the first a ska and punk band, and the second Greg Cantwell photo an alternative group. Parker Alberts also performed. Overall, Springfest was a huge success, with great weather, Counselor Michael Voss gets all the hydration he could ask for at the Pitch Burst at Springfest. a large number of students, and many enjoyable activities. “Springfest is for celebrating spring and enhancing the happiness of the season.” Not only were there interesting activities and games, but there were also music and refreshments for students who attend. Junior Sarah Sprague said, “I usually just go off campus during Springfest because I like having a long lunch, but sometimes I like to go to the courtyard because there is always a barbeque, and I really like snacks.” Springfest had different activities for students. On the first day of Springfest students enjoyed bubbles, dancing,
Peer mentors ready to pave the way for Class of 2013
Next year’s juniors and seniors have been called upon to be leaders and mentors to incoming freshman by Stephanie Barnes awards page editor
Every year on Freshman Orientation Day, incoming ninthgraders are greeted at the school by an excited bunch of juniors and seniors, ready to make the new freshmen’s high school experiences as pleasant as possible. These juniors and seniors are hand-picked by the school’s counselors and teachers. Their task is a difficult one. They try to calm down an antsy, nervous group of kids, when some want nothing more than to be at home. But instead, they are in a new, frighteningly-huge and mysterious place. Lucky
for them, peer mentors are there because they actually care about what they’re doing as mentors, which is part of the reason that they are chosen for this job. “I chose peer mentoring partly because my counselor encouraged me to, and I also remember coming in on Freshman Orientation Day and seeing the mentors. I thought that it would be fun to be one of them,” said junior Blair Galick. Many freshman remember their first day as a frightening experience, which was somewhat alleviated by the older, wiser juniors and seniors who accompanied them. They remember their first day as being nerve-wracking for the first few minutes, but once they got going with their peer mentors, their tension began to ease. Some juniors and seniors aren’t as enthusiastic as others about it, though. Junior Jesse Wilson said, “[I don’t think I’d do peer mentoring] because it’s my senior year, and I’m pretty much done with school.” Others have a lot of work in the coming year, and are anxious about that, so they opt not to participate in peer mentoring due to their other extracurricular activities, or simply because of schoolwork.
The peer mentor program has been in place for about eight years, and was started by Carey Beneke, a former Sheldon counselor. Its goals are to help freshman students transition into high school, as well as to help juniors and seniors in the program to learn leadership and mentoring skills. On Freshman Orientation Day, they help with the big welcome assembly, take the freshmen on a tour of the campus, help them with their schedule, and show them where their lockers are. They also help throughout the year in advisory, eighth grade forecasting, some tutoring, and new student tours. To prepare for this, they have to take a few training courses on what it is to be a mentor, as well as learn how to run activities and be aware of diverse needs. Counselor Katie Reed, who is in charge of peer mentoring, said, “I really look for peer mentors from all different student groups because the incoming freshmen are a very diverse group, and it’s good for everyone to be represented.” This year there are going to be about forty to fifty peer mentors, ready to help our school community in the coming school year.
2 June 10, 2009
News
the Talisman
Classes to grow after budget cuts Students may have to adjust to not having some desired classes next year by Jaime Fazio senior pages editor Due to the current budget cuts, Sheldon has had to let four teachers go, decreasing the staff numbers and making the departments where staff was cut to have a fewer teachers. This can potentially make classroom sizes increase because more students will be in each class and the availability to get into some of the classes will be more challenging. The classes that will be available for students after the cuts will change in a sense that it may
be more difficult to get into Honors/AP classes, but won’t affect the regular classes that students need to graduate. The prospects of next year are that there won’t be as many students coming into Sheldon as previous years, so the letting go of the four teachers won’t affect the student body as much. All things are being reduced, and Sheldon is trying to do the best with what they do have. Assistant Principle Mark Watson said, “I feel that student’s aren’t going to see a huge difference next year.” The four staff that is being cut isn’t necessarily four people, but may be portions from departments, such as cutting back the teacher’s hours. Only four of the 60 on staff members are being cut so there won’t be a drastic change, “Student’s aren’t going to come to school next year and see that everyone is gone,” Watson said. The number one priority of the staff is to allow students the
ability to get what they need for graduation. Mark Watson and the scheduling office base a lot of the final selections of classes on student requests. Forecasting helps the scheduling office enormously when choosing what classes are going to be available for the upcoming year, and gives the teachers an options on what classes they want to teach. Junior Martin Fellez said, “I think it will be harder to get the classes I want because now they are having waiting lists for classes like IB Bio, and they dropped AP Physics, so now I’m panicking.” Obviously the studentteacher ratio would increase with more students, causing teachers to put their time management skills to use when helping each student evenly. Junior Hanna Powers said, “I don’t really like bigger class sizes as much because it gets crowded and jumbled up, but it’s necessary to have more students in the class, so I guess I could deal with it.”
they have reasonable prices and the food is amazing.” Right now, Chipotle! is accepting applications, though they have only posted an ad for a prep cook. They have over 830 restaurants in over 30 states that take pride in their quick, casual service where customers can make a burrito from an assembly line that includes chicken, steak, barbecue or free-range pork, as well as beans, rice, guacamole, and other veggies and salsas. Freshman Reba Tolles said, “I am so excited for Chipotle to open! Anything with burritos is awesome for me.” The officers behind the company are chairman and CEO M. Steven (Steve) Ells, Montgomery F. (Monty) Moran who is the co-CEO, secretary, and director, and the CFO
John R. (Jack) Hartung. Since 1993 when Steve Ells founded the company in Denver, Chipotle has specialized in their San Francisco burritos and tacos. Freshman Jazie McKenzie said, “I love Chipotle! It’s healthy, fast, and delicious. I can’t wait for the Eugene location to open.” Since the opening of the restaurant, health.com has praised Chipotle! labeling them one of the “healthiest fast food restaurants.” From a Time Magazine interview, Steve Ells states, “The food is simple; the raw ingredients are very identifiable: chicken, steak, tomatoes, avocados, rice and beans. But we elevate those very simple things through great cooking techniques. Just because you serve something fast doesn’t mean that it can’t be of the greatest quality.”
The wait for Chipotle is finally over New Mexican grill opens with a bang by Molly Morris centerspread editor There is a new restaurant coming to Eugene this summer called Chipotle! Many students are excited for the grand opening on June 5th because of Chipotle’s great location, the delicious food, and fun atmosphere. The restaurant will be near Oakway Center on Coburg Road, across the street from Baja Fresh. It serves a wonderful Mexican cuisine that is loved by many. Junior Dalton Bergevin said, “I am excited for Chipotle to open because
Principal of the Year award goes to... Sheldon High School’s Dr. Bolden by Brittney Schooley news editor A round of applause is in order for our very own Dr. Bob Bolden. Dr. Bob has won the title Oregon Principal of the Year for Secondary School Principals. As many can guess, this is a great honor for Dr. Bob and should be for Sheldon High School. Dr. Bob was recommended by multiple sources varying from teachers, community members, and other staff members from Sheldon High School. Dr. Bob has shown hard work in several areas, but two especially-notable attributes that Dr. Bob has are his courage and visionary perspective. In his recommendation letter for Dr. Bob, Superintendent George Russell said, “Dr. Bolden has chosen multiculturalism as an important part of the Sheldon High School academic, culture and school life. It is making a difference and that difference is measurable based on the evaluations filled out by the students. Most consider this class a critical part of their education at Sheldon High School and a critical part of making Sheldon High School an excellent school. The reason--Dr. Bolden and his vision and courage.” Multicultural studies/EMSAN teacher José Alonso said, “I think that Dr. Bob stood out of the crowd because he had the courage and visionary outlook to step outside the box and promoted multicultural education when most opposed it.” Last but not least, from a student’s viewpoint, Sophomore Megan Burch said, “I’m not shocked that
Dr. Bob got the Principal of the Year award. I think that it’s great that he’s being recognized for his hard work.” COSAis the Confederation of Oregon SchoolAdministrators. COSA is a non-profit, member organization serving about 2000 administrators around the state. Dr. Bolden’s award, Principal of the Year, is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, so he is Oregon’s finalist. Each state selects a winner, and NASSP will select a national winner from that pool of candidates. He will be honored at COSA’s Conference June 24-26 in Seaside. Dr. Bob will also be honored at the NASSP Convention next year. He was selected by the executive committee for OASSA (Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators.) The news of Dr. Bob and his accomplishment was posted in an article on COSA’s website. The KVAL news crew also came and interviewed Dr. Bob, math teacher Paul Michael Chase photo Schultz, multicultural studies/EMSAN teacher José Alonso, Dr. Bob shows his funny side during Springfest. and some fortunate students about Dr. Bob’s achievement on June 8, 2009. Some people still wear masks and use hand sanitizer religiously Dr. Bob said about been said, if this happens, the detrimental winning Oregon’s by Adam Green properties of the two influenza strains, Principal of the Year features editor could be deadlier than any sort of flu award, “It’s an award we’ve seen yet. Junior Sam Luse warns for everyone; my selection validates all There is likely not one in the United States who about the danger of take the possible of the hard work that has not yet heard of the swine flu. But, the fact of hazard of swine flu too lightly, “There staff, students and the it is, many of us are getting sick of hearing so much are a lot of similarities between the community have done about it. There is much critical mockery coming swine flu and the bird flu. Just like to make Sheldon a very, from many people with those feelings. Freshman the swine flu, the bird flu was written very special place.” Tracey Barber said, “Swine flu is not a big deal. off as no big deal. Then, that winter Everyone is freaking out about it but lots of it came back and surprised everyone! people die from the regular flu all the time.” That’s what they are worried about.” On a more certain and less sifi-like note, Unfortunately, it seems as if the possible severity of swine flu is grossly the WHO (World Health Organization; underestimated. What people may not not the band) has been reluctant to set understand is that the fear is not of H1N1 H1N1 as a level 6 pandemic. For now, (swine flu) as we know it today, but as it it is considered a phase 5. The biggest may soon become. As viruses spread, they difference between the fifth phase and a mutate and adapt to different vaccines we as full-fledged pandemic (phase 6) is that humans create, thus making them stronger, a phase 5 is classified by the humanand stranger than the previous version. to-human spread. Phase 5 means that English teacher Kate Tierney said, “The real a pandemic is eventually immanent. thing people are worried about is that since WHO’s “flu chief,” Keiji Fukuda said we don’t have an immunity built up to [swine that the WHO has recently decided flu] yet, if the virus has a chance to spread to merit more flexibility to bumping south during their winter, the effects could the level of concern to phase 6 on the truly be detrimental. Also, the backlash may request of health officials in Geneva. So far, about 26,000 cases of swine flu come back to us just in time for the end of fall. Although there is not proof so far as to what have been confirmed and 150 deaths – may happen in regards to H1N1, some say 106 in Mexico, and 39 in the U.S. The if it has a chance to mutate in the southern number of infections, especially in North warm weather, it could somehow take on America, is growing quickly day by day, traits similar to that of H5N1 (bird flu). It has but the cases are usually mild and not fatal.
H1N1; virus a viable threat?
Features
the Talisman
June 10, 2009
3
The Johnson family: a Sheldon legacy The Johnsons bring a whole new meaning to home field advantage
by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief
It’s a sight that is normally seen only on the Kidsports fields or the YMCA courts: fathers and sons sharing the same playing fields. The fathers are the dedicated and caring coaches, looking to develop their sons’ athletic abilities and character. Rarely is it seen in the higher ranks of high school, college, and the professional levels. But sometimes it does happen, like with college football’s Bobby, Tommy, and Terry Bowden; major league baseball’s Ken Griffeys; and hockey’s Bobby and Brett Hull. And for the last three years, Sheldon has had their own family connection with athletics: Football coaches Marty and Lane Johnson, and Marty’s son, quarterback Jordan Johnson. Coach Johnson has been the head coach of the Irish varsity football squad since 1997, and Jordan followed him every step of the way as a ball boy with his friends on the sidelines. “To a certain point it gave me a head start because I knew all the little things that were necessary [to be a good football player], but there are always new things to learn,” Jordan Johnson said. “[Having my dad on the sidelines] definitely helps because I can go home
and talk about thing that happened at practice.” In the 2007 season, the Irish went the distance and won the 6A state championship. Jordan played an integral part of this team as the starting quarterback his sophomore year. “[As Jordan was growing up],” Coach Marty Johnson said, “I knew he had a shot [to win a state championship], but I just wanted him to be a part of the team. [The championship] was a total team effort.” Marty’s brother, Lane, is also an integral part of the Sheldon football team. He said that coaching with his brother has been a great experience. “The Michael Chase photo coaching with my brother is a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I never thought it would result Jordan warms up with his dad in state championships. I have coached with a lot of and coach Marty Johnson good coaches, but none of them compare to Marty.” [above]. Some have said Lane About his nephew as the quarterback of the team, Johnson has a commanding Lane Johnson also said, “I don’t think I’ll have a presence on the field [right]. Michael Chase photo full appreciation of it until he has left the program. Its really neat that he grew up as a ball boy for the team who has been around the program for a number of years and it was neat seeing him succeed. It still kind of is.” knows the Johnson family as being synonomous with As Jordan enters his senior year of high school, college Sheldon football. To many people, the Johnson family has scouts become more and more aware of his skills and created their own legacy within the program and within talents. Based on his talents, football IQ, and overall the community of Oregon high school football teams. personality, he has a good chance of playing football in the However, the level of humility by the brothers is unyielding. next level. “I’d like to play college football, but after that “I don’t come close to thinking of us as a legacy,” Lane I want to be a teacher or a doctor,” Jordan Johnson said. Johnson said. “I see the ones I played under as God-like Jordan Johnson also described how different he thought figures. And I don’t judge our success by the wins and his football experience would have been had his father losses, its that we have been doing things the right way.” Regardless of their humility, the Johnson family has not been on the sidelines with him. “It wouldn’t be as special as it is. It would still be fun to play with my taken the Sheldon football program to heights that had friends, but there’s just something about my dad being out previously been somewhat unknown in this community. there with me that makes it that much better.” And judging by the quality of the players and coaching The Johnson family has been a stable of staff in the program, the only thing on the horizon for this Sheldon football for more than a decade. Anyone family, this program, and this community is more success.
Retiring Staff Pam Bray
Department Secretary Pam Bray has been working for the past 35 years and at Sheldon for the last fourteen years; she has been planning to retire for five years. She has impacted a lot of people over the years. One of her favorite things has been being able to watch students grow from freshman year, turning into successful adults. Bray said, “I’m going to do some traveling in the U.S., scrapbooking, writing two books and quilting. I have an 18 month old grandson with whom I’ll get to spend a lot of time with.”
Nancy Pollard
Assistant principal Nancy Pollard has worked in education for 33 years, including two years in her position at Sheldon. Before working here, she spent one year as an instructional assistant, seventeen years as a secondary teacher, and fifteen years as an administrator. She has worked for 4j for 22 years. Pollard said, “I’m going to spend more time with my family, and friends, doing hobbies, and traveling.” She also plans to read a lot and play golf; she plays in couples tournaments mainly. One of her favorite things has been working with the administration, students and staff, and seeing amazing performances in and out of the classroom.
4 June 10, 2009
2005
* President George Bush re-elected * Myspace.com * Star Wars III - Revenge of the Sith * Video iPod * Sean Paul * Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister * New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX * Unemployment rate: 5.1% * High-Definition DVDs
Senior Issue
THEN and NOW What has changed in America?
*Playstation 2, XBox *VCR recorders * Flip phones
the Talisman
2009 * President Barack Obama inaugurated * Facebook.com * The Dark Knight * iPod Touch * Lil’ Wayne * Forever 21 and Nordstrom * Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII *Unemployment rate: 9.4% * Blu-Rays * XBox 360, PS3, Wii *Digital recorders, Tivo * Touch screen- Iphone, Blackberry Storm, LG Vu, etc.
Farewell Seniors!!!
Some seniors from the graduating class of 2009 comment on what they are going to miss about their four years at Sheldon, and what plans, excitements and aspirations they have toward next year and the future.
“I’m going to miss my friends the most! But I’m excited to have new experiences.” - Stefanie Francis
S E N I O R S “I’m really excited for the new academics I’m going to get to learn in college.” - McKenna Cooper
“I’m going to miss people and friends, but I’m excited to meet new people in college.” - Lily Bussel
O F 2 0 0 9 “I’m going to miss Mrs. Faunce. I’m looking forward to learning things about nursing.” - Kiyah Williams
the Talisman
Senior Issue
“I’m going to miss all my long-time friends and all the high school memories.” - Tyler Reynolds
June 10, 2009
“I’m excited to move out and enjoy my summer before I leave for Boise.” - Raevyn Joli
“I’m going to miss Theater the most when I leave Sheldon, but I’m looking forward to the freedom that college gives, and also the classes I get to take.” - Nicole White
“I’m excited to meet new people in college and excited to leave high school.” - Ashley Buchholz
“I’m going to miss extra curricular activities like sports, but I’m really excited for collegelevel math.” - Phillip Welch
“In college, I’m excited to learn subjects that I’m interested in.” - Derrick Dymock
Good Luck Seniors!
5
Where Are The Seniors Going Next Year? Washington Schools: Whitworth University Brandon Curtis Puget Sound University Rachel Edson Seattle Pacific University Kelsey Hertel Walla Walla University Allison Berger Oregon Schools: University of Oregon Oregon State University Western Oregon University Lane Community College Portland State Universtiy IBS Cosmetology Northwest Christian University Portland Community College Linfield College Portland Bible College George Fox University (See inset for names)
Minnesota Schools: Hamline University Billy Pinz
Massachussettes Schools: MIT Christine Perlow University of Massachussetts Tea Rogers
Idaho Schools: Boise State Raevyn Joli Kellie Reeves
The Culinary Institute of America Seongho Hong
Bently University Emily Wanless Pennsylvania Schools: Penn State University Min Ahn Utah Schools: Illinois Schools:
Utah State Ruby Kostur Brigham Young University McKenna Cooper California Schools: Westwood College Evan Woodruff University of San Francisco Tyler Radke California Polytechnic State Univ. Molly Budge University of California- Berkeley Ian Taylor
Colombia College Chloe Howard
Washington DC Schools: American University Satchel Kornfeld
Missouri Schools: Arizona Schools:
Cottey College BrittaStina Nelson-Munson
Arizona State University Molly Morris University of Arizona Olivia Alison Kendra Desler Anne Mohler Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Brady Gough
Oregon Schools: University of Oregon: Kayla Bennett Madison Brown Ashley Buchholz Lily Bussel Danielle Clark Danielle Collins Hannah Ehlers Kyle Gribbin Nicholas Hadley Eve Hannah Tanner Harris Katherine Harsh Jasmine Hatmaker Joel Iboa Erik Jenson Kevin Jenson Aimee Johnson Brittney Le Huyen Le-Jovenal Wen Jen Pan Hai Min Park Jake Powell Evan Ruffier Cristen Shope Stephen Snyder Ashley Spence Henry Stender Kenzie Stuart Michael Sugar Jacqueline Trunnell Alena Volokhina Sarah Weber Oregon State University: Tamara Brown Nicholas Davis Derrick Dymock Alesha Evans Eric Favreau
Seniors pose in the courtyard for the traditional group picture in the shape of their grad year: ‘09.
Greg Cantwell photo
Stephanie Fortuna Olivia Girod Lexi Harn Jacob Keeton Megan Kernan Michelle Kerrigan Andrea Larson Monica Lindly Julia Littell Daniel Olson Tricia Olson Bailey Philpott Samantha Powell Samara Simpson Ryan Skeele Jonathan Stewart Megan Swenson Jenna West Maxwell Wright
Western Oregon University: Jodi Andersen Macy Bothman Kelsy Kangail Molly Kirkelie Mathew Meltebeke Chelsea Welding-Stepp Lane Community College: Andrea Anderson Jacob Babcock Krystal Baimbridge Aaron Baker Danielle Barnett Emily Beckett Dana Bollinger Heather Brown Anna Catalano Justin Chatham Ashley Clem April Cullins Benjamin Dixson
Erik Garibay Melissa Gibson Scott Hicks Courtney Jarvis Sean Kinch Elizabeth Lewis Trevor McCarty Zachary Miller Trang Nguyen Karuel Osada Amanda Parker George Psomas Kyle Ripbeger Andrew Sexton Kimberly Spellman Alyson Stoneberg Jared Tillford Ryan Tiniakos Mason Trapp Kristi Van Ravenhorst Christopher Vasquez Brandon Vogel Jonathan Weiser Katheryne Wilson Casey Wright
Portland Community College: Nicole Kaufman Linfield College: Heather Thompson University of Concordia: Brad Bevens Willamette University: Max Faulhaber Portland Bible College: Nicole Dasso George Fox University: Grace Stopher Corban College: Katheryn Wilson
Other:
Portland State University: Jenessa Dewitt Hannah Douglas Lindee Howe
Fudan University (Shanghai, China) William Roehl
Art Institute of Portland: Joshua Balthrop
Military- Marines Steven Bahia Chris Coke
IBS Cosmetology: Bethany Chase
- Army Brittany Brown Northwest Christian University: Taylor Hatleberg Emma Mitchem Travel- Sweden John Bohlin
8
Senior Issue
June 10, 2009
Bin Ahn Bausch & Lomb Science Award OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar Outstanding Advanced Physics Student Olivia Alison ASB Officer Award-Activities Holly Anderson Outstanding Spanish Student Award Samuel Aron U.S. Army Signing Bonus for Cavalry Scout U.S. Army Early Entry Program Krystal Baimbridge Outstanding Yearbook Student Award Allison Berger OASSA Student of Merit: Fine ArtsVisual OSAA Activity Scholar Walla Walla University Scholarship 4.0 GPA Student Bradley Bevens ASB Officer Award-Activities OSAA Athlete Scholar Halcyon Binder Outstanding Japanese Student Award Natalie Boring OSAA Athlete Scholar Macy Bothman OSAA Athlete Scholar Senior Class Officer Award-Treasurer Megan Brewer Outstanding Visual Arts Student of Merit Award Tamara Mavis Brown Oregon State University Full Athletic (Volleyball) Scholarship U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Ashley Buchholz Delta Rotary Scholarship Fitness, Wellness, and Human Performance Award EWEB Credit Union Roberta Nelson Memorial Scholarship & Fund OASSA Student of Merit: Health/ Physical Education Selco Credit Union Scholarship University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Molly Budge ASB Officer AwardVice President Lily Bussell Composition Crown
the Talisman
2009 Academy Awards Award Delta Rotary Scholarship Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics Award Outstanding Senior Young Woman of the Year Award University of Oregon Presidential Scholarship Anna Catalano OSAA Activity Scholar Joel Chapman OASSA Student of Merit: Fine ArtsPerforming Outstanding Young Man Choral Student Award Performing Arts Student of Merit Award Christopher Coke Certificate of Business Internship Mckenna Cooper Social Studies Student of the Year Award Nicole Dasso OSAA Athlete Scholar Wyatt Davis OSAA Athlete Scholar Science Achievement Award in Physics Senior Class Officer Award-VicePresident University of Arizona Academic Excellence Award U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/ Athlete Award Kendra Desler ASB Officer Award-Secretary OSAA Activity Scholar University of Arizona Academic Excellence Award 4.0 GPA Student Mekhala Dissanayake Outstanding Spanish Student Award Science Achievement Award in Chemistry Mohona Doe Lane Community College Wayne Shields High School Scholarship Hannah Douglas National Merit Finalist Outstanding Technical Theatre Student of the Year Derrick Dymock Network Analyst Award Rachel Edson Puget Sound University Dean’s Scholarship Hannah Ehlers OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar U of O Dean’s Scholarship
Margaret Eichner AP European History Student of the Year Award Alesha Evans Outstanding Language Arts Student Margo Faulk National Merit Finalist OSAA Activity Scholar Outstanding Advanced Biology Student Society of Women Engineers Highest Honor Award Stephanie Fortuna OASSA Student of Merit: Language Arts Stephanie Francis OSAA Athlete Scholar Campion Scholarship Lisa Gai Outstanding Advanced Chemistry Student Benjamin Gardner Louis Armstrong Award Daniel Gardner Delta Rotary Scholarship National Merit Finalist OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar Outstanding Senior Young Man of the Year Award Social Studies Student of the Year Award Erick Garibay Outstanding Ceramics Student Award Hollis Gehrett Best Actress of the Year Olivia Girod ASB Officer Award-President Oregon State University Dean’s Scholarship Oregon State University Diversity Achievement Award OSAA Athlete Scholar Selco Credit Union Scholarship Sheldon Booster Club Scholarship Society of Women Engineers Honor Award U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/ Athlete Award 4.0 GPA Student Brady Gough U.S. Air Force ROTC Scholarship Boy Scouts of America Trail’s End Scholarship Fund Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University S-STEM Scholarship John Philip Sousa Award OASSA Student of Merit: Social Science OSAA Activity Scholar U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Nicholas Hadley Certificate of Business Internship Delta Rotary Scholarship Eugene Masonic Lodge No. 11 Scholarship Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Future First Citizen Award for Sheldon High School Outstanding Spanish Student Award Senior Class Officer Award-President Eve Hannah Certificate of Business Internship Outstanding Young Woman Choral Student Award Lexi Harn Oregon State University Diversity Achievement Award OSAA Athlete Scholar Katherine Harsh Band Service Award OSAA Activity Scholar Outstanding Photography Student Award University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship University of Oregon General Scholarship Taylor Hatleberg Northwest Christian University Academic Scholarship Northwest Christian University Athletic Scholarship (Volleyball) Northwest Christian University Leadership Scholarship OSAA Athlete Scholar Jasmine Hatmaker Boise State University Western Undergraduate Exchange Waiver Emerald Empire Kiwanis Student Recognition Outstanding Yearbook Student Daniel Herr Male PE Student of the Year Kelsey Hertel First Christian Church Scholarship
OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar Seattle Pacific University Philip W. Eaton Leadership Scholarship Seattle Pacific AXA Achievement Community Scholarship Seongho Hong Certificate of Business Internship Culinary Institute of America High Impact Leader Scholarship OSAA Activity Scholar Taylor Housley AP U.S. History Student of the Year Award Chloe Howard Columbia College Chicago Achievement Scholarship Greatest Contribution to Radio Production Award Gavin Hyde OSAA Athlete Scholar Chelsea Ingram OSAA Activity Scholar Cassandra Jahnke California Institute of the Arts Roy O. Disney Scholarship California Institute of the Arts President’s Award California Institute of the Arts Scholarship Colette Jardine Dance Student of the Year Erik Jenson University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Kevin Jenson OSAA Athlete Scholar University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Raevyn Joli Boise State University Western Undergraduate Exchange Waiver Bronte Jorgensen Female PE Student of the Year Kelsy A. Kangail OSAA Activity Scholar Western Oregon University College Night Scholarship Western Oregon University General Scholarship Western Oregon University Presidential Scholarship Jacob Keeton Outstanding Drama Student of the Year Alison Kerns ASB Officer Award-Treasurer OSAA Activity Scholar
Michelle Kerrigan John Philip Sousa Award OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar Molly Kirkelie Delta Rotary Scholarship OSAA Activity Scholar Satchel Kornfeld Certificate of Business Internship Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship OASSA Student of Merit: Science Ruby Kostur Senior Class Officer Award-Secretary Society of Women Engineers High Honor Award Kasey Ladely 4.0 GPA Student Jessica Langdon University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Julia Littell OSAA Activity Scholar Isamar Lopez Outstanding Spanish Student Award Alex Louie Science Achievement Award in Biology Erik Maberry Most Improved Senior of the Year Award Aaron Matney OSAA Athlete Scholar Zachary Miller Lane Community College Gilma Greenhoot High School Scholarship Emma Mitchem Certificate of Business Internship OASSA Student of Merit: Business/ Marketing OSAA Athlete Scholar University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Annie Mohler ASB Officer Award-Publicity OSAA Athlete Scholar University of Arizona Academic Excellence Award Todd Moore AP U.S. History Student of the Year Award Molly Morris OASSA Student of Merit: Industrial Arts Talisman Layout & Design Student Joseph Muller Academic Achievement Award Tyler Murphree Bellotti Turnaround Achievement Award Trang Nguyen Liberty Bank Lane
Community College Scholarship Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics Award 4.0 GPA Student Delia Oh OSAA Activity Scholar Haemin Park University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Ryan Pedersen Outstanding Technical Theatre Student of the Year Christine Perlow OASSA Student of Merit: Mathematics OSAA Athlete Scholar Outstanding French Student Award Jake Powell University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Samantha Powell Oregon State University Diversity Achievement Award OSAA Athlete Scholar Tyler Radke OSAA Athlete Scholar Kelsey Rea OSAA Athlete Scholar Kellie Reeves Boise State University Western Undergraduate Exchange Waiver Outstanding Yearbook Student Tribal Scholarship Salvador Rios Turnaround Student of the Year Award Hannah Rosenberg Science Achievement Award in Chemistry Katina Ross University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship Kathleen Richter OSAA Activity Scholar Corinne Scott Certificate of Business Internship Ryan Skeele Oregon State University Diversity Achievement Award OSAA Athlete Scholar Henry Stender OSAA Activity Scholar Grace Kathryn Stopher George Fox University Stevens Academic Achievement Scholarship OSAA Activity Scholar Michael Sugar Best Actor of the Year OASSA Student of Merit: Foreign Language OSAA Activity Scholar
Outstanding French Student Award Derick Thomas Louis Armstrong Award OSAA Activity Scholar OSAA Athlete Scholar Heather K. Thompson Linfield College Diversity Grant Linfield College Faculty Scholarship OSAA Activity Scholar Jared Tillford Technical & System Support Student Award Oresta Tolmach AP European History Student of the Year Award Outstanding Advanced Chemistry Student Award Outstanding Spanish Student Award Jacqueline Trunnell OSAA Activity Scholar Ethel VazqueaSolorzano Bellotti Turnaround Achievement Award Emily Wanless OSAA Athlete Scholar Sarah Weber OSAA Dance, Drill, and Cheer Association Academic Scholarship Oregon’s Junior Miss Academic Award Oregon’s Junior Miss Spirit Award OSAA Activity Scholar University of Oregon Presidential Scholarship 4.0 GPA Student Jenna West OSAA Athlete Scholar David (DJ) Wright California State University Sacramento Athletic (Track) Scholarship Anthony Yakovich U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Chen-Yun Yang OSAA Activity Scholar Alexander Young Dr. Niles & Team Civic/Scholastic Award
The Talisman apologizes for any misspellings or omissions. Way to go seniors!!!
Reflections
the Talisman
June 10, 2009
9
The future looks hot for SHS senior
by Molly Morris centerspread editor
Thinking back on the year brings great memories of friends, family, and birthdays. I also remember events like homecoming, prom, and senior skip day, not to mention the excitement of getting everything ready for graduation. I had to find time to decide which colleges I was going to apply to, sit down and fill out the applications, take the ACT, and wait to hear if I got in. I ended up getting accepted to the three schools I applied to: The University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Arizona State University. As of right now, I am expecting to travel to Arizona on August 19 to meet my roommate and move into my dorm room. When I get there it should be the end of monsoon season and very hot. I recently got back from orientation and already it is around one hundred degrees constantly. Being there was an awesome experience and the people were great. Everyone was so friendly and I was even able to make a few friends in the short day we all spent together. I also found out that the dorm I will be living in is getting renovated so it will feel like a brand new dorm which I
As my junior year concludes, I feel like a lot has happened. It is really hard to believe that I will be a senior next year. All through the year, the teachers have been making me suddenly concerned about college, and I think to myself, “Hold on, I’m still a kid!” But I am actually preparing myself to take steps into the real world. Sheldon has been my home, or so it seems, for three years, and it is still really hard to take in how fast time has flown. I don’t want to sound clichéd by saying, “It feels just like it was yesterday,” but to be honest, it really does feel like I was a freshman only yesterday. Adults always tell me, “Enjoy your years in high school while you can,” but it’s almost impossible, when in hindsight it was so fast, I have barely had a chance to blink. I’m not saying I wish it could’ve gone slower, because when I’m stuck in school, everything moves slower, and it seems like I’m are stuck in a different dimension where time moves in fractions of what it actually is. The other part of me is wondering how much heavier my
backpack will be. I am curious to know if senior year will be any tougher than my junior year. I think that’s a natural feeling, but “curiosity killed the cat” and I must admit, I do not want to be dead, so maybe I don’t have to be curious because it will probably be more of the same. That’s the thing about school – it doesn’t get easier or harder, it’s just more of the same. I think it is a useful thing for a student to interpret information in a lot of different ways, and that is why school is so efficient. To all of you who are reading and wondering about what will happen next, my advice is, just go with the flow. Take things into your mind as they are given to you, don’t worry too much about your future. Everything always turns out okay in the end. Even in school, through thick and thin, with your best effort, you can get through it. It’s just school; even our parents had to go through school. It is just another necessary evil, and despite what we think, it makes us better and allows us to enjoy the world better. Although it is odd that school only leads to more school, college is a keystone for living.
am pretty excited about. In all, I think I could move down there tomorrow. But, as this year ends, I feel like I am not ready to leave home and live so far away. I will miss the comfort of my home and having healthy dinners almost every night, but the thing I will miss the most is my truck. It is my only mode of transportation and I will be using the bus next year. The thing I won’t miss next year is the cold, rainy, and windy weather during all but three months of the year. Looking back, I can remember beginning high school as a freshman at Marist High School and knowing almost everyone in my class, then sophomore year began the “difficult teen years,” as my mother likes to call them. Then I switched to Sheldon my junior year and didn’t know hardily anyone but was able to fix that very quickly. Now as a senior I feel like I have found out who I am and who I want to be. I am looking forward to college to help me achieve that and hopefully I will be successful in my study of anthropology and will be able to move with that into graduate school and beyond.
Junior year full of thrills and spills
by Jordan Flowers staff writer
Sophomore ready for upperclass
by Gabe Anderson staff writer
Sophomore year was more of a relief than a burden to me. I was just happy that freshmen year was over. But it wasn’t all fun and games. Unfortunately, there was a lot of work that came with it. Term one went swell, I had some of the most-down-toearth teachers that work here at Sheldon High School. My first period was English 10 with Mr. Cantwell; he’s a great teacher. I had Jose Alonso for second period multicultural studies; Mr. Alonso taught me a lot that first term. And last but not least, I had third period with Mr. Bell who taught me a lot about human emotions. Second term for me was just as good as the first if not better. First period was awesome. I still had Mr. Cantwell by my side teaching me all about the English language. The second term I was always looking forward to second period because it was taught by one of my favorite teachers of all time, Mr. Phillipo. Mr. Phillipo taught me a lot about the latest computer programs. He also helped me get my first job shadow, which made it a lot easier to think about what I want to do in life. Last class of the second term was no fun – Science Foundations. Don’t get me wrong,
I passed the class no problem, I just thought it was a very boring experience. The first semester was over; it was then time to start on the second. This was the hardest part of the year for me considering the fact that I am no good at math. Although math was a required subject, I tried to stay away from it as hard as I could. But I couldn’t; math was actually the first period of the day for me and there was nothing I could do about it. Once math was over I moved on to my language of choice, Japanese. Japanese was really easy for me because I had taken two years of it prior to high school. Once Japanese was over I was off to the last class on my schedule, Talisman. Talisman was actually my favorite class of the day. It was taught by my English teacher Mr. Cantwell. Mr. Cantwell is a great teacher and over all just a really good person. I loved going to his class and writing about all sorts of different things. My sophomore year was a blast. I learned a lot about many different things including myself. I am very happy to say that I am satisfied with the outcome of my sophomore year and I’m sure it will be a year I will never forget.
Freshman keeps his head up his first year As a freshman, my first year at Sheldon was great. Especially the freedom that I was given was great. One of the things that happened this year that was interesting was when I first started Talisman. I knew absolutely no one and as the year progressed then I still didn’t know anyone, then I got a leadership position for the class and got to know everyone. Now I’m a lot more myself; I talk more and the environment in the class was a big factor in that and I think that Talisman is a great class. When you think about it as a freshman you kind of figure out what you plan to do and who you’re going to be. So to know that I’ve got an idea of what I’m going to do and who I’m going to be and that is a very good feeling. One other great experience this year was after spring break my best friend came joined Talisman. We had a blast joking around when we weren’t working we were, but we had a lot of fun and got things done at the same time. Having him in the class was fun and gave the class a new character as well. I also met some very cool people as a
Talisman writer. With all the people you get to interview you get to see all the different kinds of people that make up the school and the community. One of the great things that happened to me this year was when I went to Mexico for spring break; I went on a mission trip with EBF. It was a life-changing experience. I had never left the country before and I was really anxious to go, and when we headed down we drove. It took us three days to get there, and then we stayed for four days. I got to reroof some gazebos, build a carport, paint a playground for little kids, and I also became closer to God. I also got baptized on San Diego beach, which was a milestone for me; it stands as a reminder of who I am and what I believe in. The trip took us ten days to complete. I went as the person I was and I came back changed inside and my attitude changed a lot with it. Throughout my freshman year I have changed a lot, seen different ways of life and have seen how much of life I have taken for granted.
by Anthony Rhoads ads manager
10 June 10, 2009
Opinions
the Talisman
The reward of donations questioned Many charitable opportunities exist throughout the world, but some may be more important than others by Adam Green features editor Save the whales! The rainforest! World hunger! And now… the Guatemalans need stoves! This is obviously the most important issue in our world today. There are hungry children in Africa and people all around the world struggling with deadly epidemics taking many lives. Oh don’t forget stoves in Guatemala. Allow me to fill you in on what the stove project actually is. The stove project, put on by the Spanish club, collects money to provide stoves to Guatemalan families who cannot afford their own. The reason this is seen to some as such a high priority issue is because many families in Guatemala depend on warmth and cooking from open fires. As one would imagine this would create an abundance of unhealthy smoke in the air. Also, there
are many reported cases of young children falling into the open fires. Although, this issue is a sad and unfortunate one, somehow once upon a time, the rest of the world also had no stoves. I’m sure way back then, people had to deal with the issue of smoke in the air and fatally irresponsible and clumsy children. Yet, here we are. The issue was clearly not above the ability for our species to advance. Another major issue is actually directed in an attempt to solve world hunger. The Heifer (hef-er) Project is a project that raises money to buy a heifer (a young cow over one year old that has not produced a calf) for those less fortunate in third world countries. The project is based on the impractical concept that the very large problem of starvation across the globe can be solved with animal agriculture. As Americans, we seem to think of food as meat, dairy, eggs, etc. This is just unrealistic. An acre of ideal agricultural land can produce, 50,000 pounds of tomatoes, 40,000 pounds of potatoes, or 30,000 pounds of carrots, but only 250 pounds of beef. That is just 0.5 percent of what can be produced my tomatoes. Also, cows require food and water, (which is often
scarce in the areas that the heifer might even be useful) as well as room to roam (the room they may be given for roaming and grazing would be quickly destroyed and not cultivatable.) If that area could be used for crop and the food fed to the cows could be eaten instead, an end to world hunger would not seem so out of reach. I am not personally opposed to the idea of helping the Guatemalans or other third world countries currently going through similar crisis. However, I know that if I tried to satisfy every vitamin, mineral, water, and every other food need my body has all at once, I would surely suffocate, or perhaps break my own jaw. America is being smothered with fundraiser after fundraiser ranging from a Girl Scout bake off, to selling cheap stoves to Guatemalans, to trying to cover your carbon footprints. (I’ll save that argument for another day.) Maybe it’s time to finally prioritize and decide what is truly important. Sure, it’s great to give to charities and support a cause, but maybe not every cause should be considered a top priority issue. And, maybe some causes are truly a waste of resources. Do your research before deciding to give. One dollar will go much further some places, than others.
The spring musical, Gypsy, a success Despite an unusual storyline, the spring musical was a success due to catchy songs and enjoyable acting by Jaime Fazio senior pages editor This year, Sheldon’s theater put on Gypsy as their spring musical. I wouldn’t say that it was my favorite play that Sheldon put on, mostly because the story line was kind of awkward, but other than that, the songs were pretty catchy, the cast acted together, making the place enjoyable and made the audience forget about the really stuffy auditorium that they were sitting in. Junior Stephanie Hawkins played Louise (Gypsy Rose Lee), a shy girl who is “invisible” to her mother’s affection, in the shadows behind her sister June’s success, but once her sister leaves, the spotlight is on her. Junior Hollis Garrett played Rose, a controlling mother who lives through the talent of her children; junior Kaitlyn Sage played June, the young talented star who hates all the costumes, songs and performances that her mother makes her do, and senior Michael Sugar played Herbie, the agent who stays with Rose and Louise through think and thin, and when Rose finally says yes to his proposal, he realizes the truth about her and walks out. The rest of the cast contributed to the whole of the play and it turned out to be a real success!
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.
Talisman Staff Coeditor-in-Chief Coeditor-in-Chief Ads Manager Frontpage Editor News Editor Features Editor Senior pages Editor Centerspread Editor Awards page Editor Reflections Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Advisor
Michael Chase Jeff Toreson Anthony Rhoads Michael Chase Brittney Schooley Adam Green Jaime Fazio Molly Morris Stephanie Barnes Drew Miner Jamie Burns Jeff Toreson Alicia Luck Gabe Anderson Jordan Flowers Brendon Kieser Molly Meyer Greg Cantwell
The plot of Gypsy was weird: the story of an overcontrolling mother who doesn’t let her kids has a life of their own, but their lives are chosen for them, to an extent that their mother chooses what is best for them, the best choice being to become a “star.” Throughout the play, Rose tries everything in her power to get venues or auditions to places for Louise to perform, and they end up getting a venue at a burlesque, which they didn’t initially have in mind. There, Louise becomes the headline stripper. Junior Natasha Krasen said, “It was really exciting to be able to design costumes for this play because it called for more ‘unique’ styles.” The actors and actresses shared the stage together very well, singing and dancing in unison to the music. Junior Jimmy Huynh said, “I thought that the whole cast put in 110% and was very good!” My favorite song during the play was “Wherever you go,” sung by Hollis, Stephanie and Michael. It explains that wherever one of them goes, they will always go there together. Krasen said, “I love Sheldon Theater. It’s like a family to me and I think that Gypsy was one of our best shows yet.” All in all, Gypsy was a great play. I could tell that everyone devoted all the spare time that they could possible to make this show truly magical. Not just the actors and actresses, but also the behind-the-scenes people, like the lights managers, the set constructors, make-up and hair and costume directors. Give a big hand for a job well done. Junior Marlene Melendrez said, “The play was really funny, and the cast and crew worked really hard to make opening night amazing for the crowd.”
Greg Cantwell photo
Karen McGhehey and Hollis Garrett show off their acting abilities at the teaser.
Summer fun at some local fairs Despite high prices, the county and country fairs are still fun and unique events with activities for all people by Molly Meyer staff writer
The fairs around Eugene attract people from all over the county. The Lane County Fair is much more extravagant than the Oregon Country Fair. Many people tend to go to both of them because of how different they are. The Lane County Fair is full of rides, games, and music events. Many people enjoy the County Fair because it moves very fast and there is a lot of action. There are many musical performances and even a talent show. “I really like the fact that they have contests for all age groups, especially the photo contest,” freshman Allie Reiling said. One thing that people don’t like about the fair is the prices. First off, you have to pay to get in and second, you have to pay to get tickets for the rides and games. Finally, you have to pay if you are going to eat there too. “I wish they didn’t all have the same kind of food because I think it is gross,” freshman Tori Wilson
said. Some people have said they wish the fair had fresher food and more of a selection. If you have two or three kids, it really starts to add up. However, the fair does provide special discount days for things such as rides, games, or food. The Country Fair, or “hippie fest,” brings a lot of different people from all over; some even say it is more welcoming than the County Fair. It has a greater variety of activities for people. It also has music events with a range of genres. The Country Fair has a larger array of food than the other fair, and it doesn’t cost as much. This Country Fair also costs a lot less because it does not have rides and carnival games. “The thing that I don’t like is when people walk around without their clothes on,” freshman Aditi Sharma commented. Many people like Aditi find this a little awkward, but the truth is there are not many people walking around without any clothes on because the fair was losing business. People do not want to expose their children to that kind of thing. One thing that seems to happen every year that bugs people is the amount of dust there is if it doesn’t rain. This fair has more creative activities that families would like to do. Many people choose to camp right outside of the fair. Many vendors sleep inside the fair at their booths and usually have more fun once all the fair-goers are gone. Both of the fairs are worth going to. If you can only go to one, think about the kind of things you want to do and who you are going with. Have fun and take sun block!
Sports
the Talisman
June 10, 2009
11
Lakers face a Magical NBA final
Sixteen teams entered the playoffs, two have prevailed; L.A. Lakers play the Orlando Magic for the NBA title by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief
The NBA playoffs started with a field of sixteen teams hoping to fulfill the dream of winning an NBAchampionship. After weeks of gut-wrenching basketball games the field was cut to eight teams, then four, and now is down to the final two. The Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers are battling for the title of the NBA’s best team in a best of seven game series which started on June 4, 2009. Lebron James led the number-one seeded Cleveland Cavaliers through the first two rounds of the playoffs having not lost a game to that point. “Cleveland should have won
it all with Lebron James and West leading the way,” said junior Cameron Pagter. The undefeated Cavs were looking good heading into the Eastern Conference Finals against the third-seeded Magic who had to beat Boston in a game seven to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Orlando shocked the nation as they jumped out to a three to one lead in the series against what some called the unbeatable Cleveland Cavalier team and the unstoppable Lebron James. Orlando soon put a halt to the undefeated Cavalier’s Championship run as they finished the series with a 103-90 victory at home and were named the Eastern Conference Champions. The other number-one seed in the playoffs, the Lakers, dominated the Utah Jazz in the first round to a four-to-one series win. However, the second round proved to be a little harder for the Lakers, who went to a seventh game against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets surprised many people in this season’s playoffs as they beat Portland in six games and made a good run at beating the Lakers. Senior Tyler Reynolds said, “Aaron Brooks did an amazing job in this season’s playoffs. He out played every guard that he played against.” After the Lakers took care of business in Houston, they headed off to Denver to play the Nuggets in the Western
Conference Championship. Kobe Bryant averaged 34 points in the series which gave Los Angeles a four-to-two series win and gave them a berth in the NBA Championship. After three rounds of games, players have emerged as leaders and possible MVPs of the playoffs. “Hands down the MVP has been Lebron, because he can play inside, he can shoot, and he can drive. Even though he didn’t get the Cavs to the championship he still deserves the title of MVP of the playoffs,” said Pagter. There has been a great debate among sports fanatics all over the nation as to which player is better: Kobe or Lebron. However, James was unable to take his team to the finals while Kobe has, which leads to the answer of Kobe Bryant being the greatest player in the NBA right now. The NBA Championship series is set and under way with the Lakers jumping out to an early two game lead on the Magic after a dominating twenty-five point win in the opening game. Kobe and company will attempt to avenge their loss in the finals last year against the Celtics and bring a NBA title back to Los Angeles. Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic will be shooting for the Magic’s first-ever title of NBA Champions. It should be an exciting series to watch!
XXXV, with Pittsburgh’s Santonio Holmes catching the game-winning touchdown in the final minute to defeat the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. I could have guessed Holmes would have been the one to make the winning play, seeing as how he did absolutely nothing for my fantasy team all season until that point. Figures. Baseball also had its traditional flair for the dramatics in its ’08 postseason. The well-rounded Philadelphia Phillies, with a charisma about them that would certainly make Mike Schmidt proud, defeated the youthful (and I mean, YOUTHFUL) Tampa Bay Rays in five games. Their superb pitching, scary-good hitting, and intelligent fielding made them a lock to win the Commissioner’s Trophy. Their celebration will most certainly be forever defined by massive first baseman Ryan Howard tackling closer Brad Lidge to begin the famous human pile. Then there’s college basketball, which produced a regular season in which seemingly no team wanted to hold the number one ranking (nine different teams held the top ranking in the 18 weeks of voting). The season gave fans a surprising underdog team, Cleveland State, another “midmajor” who could pull off a miracle, defeating then-unbeaten Syracuse by a ¾ court buzzer-beater. The postseason also had its own fireworks, which included a six-(that’s right− six) overtime game in the Big East Tournament between Syracuse and Connecticut, which ended as the secondlongest game in NCAA Division-1A history. The national
champion North Carolina Tar Heels, with the leadership of All-Americans Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansborough, gave the Michigan State Spartans a whoopin’ in the title game, and left no doubt who the best team in the land was. Oh, and there was also hockey and soccer… The NBA has had one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. From the Dwight “Superman” Howard vs. “Krypto-Nate” Robinson dunk competition, to the medley of buzzer-beater finishes in the postseason, David Stern has sure pleased fans of every demographic. The NBA finals are currently being played between the lively Orlando Magic and the veteran Los Angeles Lakers, and if the previous rounds were any indication, this could be the most exciting championship series in the history of the game. Yet for every fan-pleasing action, there is always an equal and opposite boneheaded reaction. Numerous players, again, tested positive for steroids and performanceenhancing drugs. Not just your everyday scrubs either, but rather future Hall-of-Famers, such as Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez. I’m not sure if or when either of these players will get me back as a fan. Seriously, if you’re caught, ’fess up. And on a final note, I don’t know what fact is more disheartening, the fact that Manny used PEDs, or that the drug he tested positive for was a women’s fertility drug… It sure has been an exciting year in the world of sports. The years have seemed to continuously improved, and if that pattern continues, this coming year should be extraordinary.
08-09: Another excellent year in sports 2008-2009 gave sports fanatics worldwide non-stop excitement by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief
Ah, what a year in sports it has been (and by year, I mean Sep. ’08 to June ’09). From one of the most intense Super Bowls in NFL history to a college basketball program once again cementing its legacy as one of the best basketball programs in the history of the sport, this year was full of unforgettable and jaw-dropping moments. We had the Florida Gators losing in shocking fashion to the Ole Miss Rebels by one point, causing one of the few “good guys” of prominent athletics, quarterback Tim Tebow, to give an astonishing post-game speech at the press conference, promising to work harder than any player and any team in the nation (he stayed true to that promise; the Gators won their second national championship in three years when they defeated the potent Oklahoma offense in the title game). The NFL ended its season with one of the most memorable Super Bowl since Super Bowls XXXIV and
Sheldon lax’s into a league championship
SHS boys lacrosse ended a great season going 12-0 in league play by Drew Miner reflections editor
The Sheldon boy’s lacrosse team is performing better now than it ever has. With a record of 14-2, the boy’s lacrosse team came off a thrilling victory against nonleague opponent Century, who, before the game, was tied for tenth place in the state with Sheldon. This win was a hopeful kick-start into the playoffs; however, victory was not meant to be as Sheldon fell to Jesuit in the second round. But in every situation, there is a bright side. Junior Luke Lecavalier responded, “It’s been a good
season; the team was excited and playing very well. Our coaches were fired up, and we were winning games because of it.” Luke himself is a very intense, physical player who embodies the very spirit of the team. This added bounce and swagger was a large contributing factor to the team’s success. Junior Logan Haugen said, “Team chemistry was high this year, and had the potential to boost us into a very successful season, even more so than it already has.” Haugen is one of the league’s strongest defensive poles and looks to be one of the state’s premier players in next year’s season. The league that Sheldon plays lacrosse in is an altered form of both the Midwestern and the Southwest conferences. The league includes: Sheldon, Roseburg, South Eugene, Marist, North Eugene, Churchill, and Thurston. “It’s a solid league; it’s nice for us, especially since we are limited in terms of funding, to be able to play cross town schools, while still being able to see teams from down south,” said junior Tyler Buchanan, the team’s leading scorer. The fact
SHS BOYS TRACK STATE CHAMPIONS! by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief There was a heightened sense of excitement for the Sheldon Track Team at Hayward Field on May 23, 2009, as the SHS boys shocked the state when they took the school’s first ever track and field State Championship. Not only was it a team effort for the team title, but senior sprinter Anthony Yakovich walked away from the meet as quite possibly the fastest man in the state after winning both the 200 and 400 meter finals and claimed his own State Championships in both of those events. Yakovich was the only individual champion for the Irish, but the Sheldon boys had three runner-up finishers
with senior D.J Wright placing second in the 100 meters, Sophomore J.J. Juilfs finished second in the Pole Vault, and junior Tyrell Jagelski also finished second in the 800 meters. Another key part in the Irish’s championship meet was getting a third place finish out of senior Chris Ling in the 110 meter hurdles. The Irish also got a third place finish from their 4x400 team which was anchored by Yakovich. The only disappointment of the meet was when Wright and Jagelski got third and fourth in the long jump as they had the two best jumps in the state prior to the meet. The State Championship for the Irish puts an amazing end to what has been a nearly perfect season for the Sheldon boys track team. Though the Irish will graduate some key seniors, they will look to come back next season and try to repeat as Conference Champions and take their best shot at a back-to-back state championship.
that the boys had a nearly perfect season makes them the best lacrosse team in the history of the program. So it is that impressive scoring, superb team chemistry, and great coaching which combined to make one of Sheldon’s best boys’ lacrosse teams ever. A current rank of ninth in the state, and a league championship under their belt as well as a 14 and 2 record, the boys had a very successful season. The best part about this season is not necessarily the superb effort and victory, but the tremendous amounts of potential in next year’s players. Sheldon boys lacrosse has a bright future indeed.
BACKPAGE
Summer is finally here and all rejoice by Jordan Flowers staff writer
Summer is calling. At Sheldon, the anticipation grows as summer draws near. As students, we are teased by the thought of freedom, and the days seem to slow as all eyes are on the clock. Homework gets a little harder, the days get a little longer, and summer seems a little bit closer everyday. Everyone can feel it, and Eugene seems to be in the summer mood too, because it rains less, the sun shines, and usually it is a beautiful sixty degrees or higher, not too cold, and never too hot. It’s okay to go stir crazy as school and spring draw to a
halt. We are all going crazy in our own ways as the day that we are all released comes closer. “Survive a few more days” is a common thought among students as the year ends. Senior Jodi Andersen puts in her thoughts about the summer “One of the only bad things about summer is not having air-conditioning, because my dad refuses to buy it. But that probably won’t be a problem because I am going to be outside during a lot of the summer, and when it’s hot I usually go swimming or lay outside.” Hanna Powers said, “Summer is great because there isn’t any homework. I won’t be as free for summer because I am babysitting all summer so I have to wake up at 7:30, but that’s still later than having to wake up for school. I am going to tan, swim and enjoy myself as much as I can”
Students aren’t the only ones who enjoy summer. Marques Green from campus supervision said of his plans for summer, “I’m going on vacation to Milwaukee Wisconsin with my family to a cousin’s wedding. I plan to barbeque three times a week and sleep in until nine, at least.” He also adds “I like summer because it is a nonstressful time and people are carefree and easygoing.” Everyone at Sheldon is looking forward to the summer. Summer is freedom, relaxation, and most importantly, the conclusion to a long year of school (for teachers and students, although, the teachers have it worse than the students do sometimes because they have a lot of our work to do.) No matter what you do this summer; have fun, and enjoy every minute of it.
the more tedious jobs in life. A lot of people don’t even stay with the major they choose when entering college. There are times when people change their majors two or three times. Generally, the average person knows what he or she is going to do by the time middle school is over since most middle schools require career related work to be done for some graduation requirement. But for others, this may be a harder task. For some, deciding what they want to do in the future comes naturally; for others it may take a longer time. People may know what they are going to do from a very young age, all the way to a more mature
age, when they finalize their potentials. This decision can form from multiple things such as parents, hobbies, friends, etc. People tend to have interest in what their parents decide to do, and they grow up most if not all of their lives wanting to follow their parent’s steps. Sophomore Kaitlyn Gaughan said, “I’ve wanted to be an Elementary School teacher since I was five, and I haven’t thought of anything else since.” Junior Whitney Morgan said, “I’ve wanted to be a pediatric nurse since I was sixteen,” which shows that it depends on the person to determine how long it takes to choose a career.
Student career choices influenced by factors by Brendon Kieser staff writer
Many people plan on having a set career. This career could possibly be something that the person might think is very important, but to others it may be a trivial job. As people age, they are slowly getting ready for what they plan on devoting the rest of their lives to. Students have to choose a college, figure out how long they need to go to school, and determine a set number of classes they need to take to finally be successful in their potential career. This may be one of
Powderpuff 2009
Michael Chase photo The senior girls battled the junior girls on the gridiron in the annual Powderpuff football game on May 29. The junior girls were victorious by a close score of 8-6.
Summer reading list available at the Sheldon library by Alicia Luck backpage editor
During the school year, books are available in the
Sheldon library. The books that are available vary from bestsellers to educational volumes. Students have obtained great books from there for the last three decades. Now that the library is closing for the summer, the librarian has a
summer reading list which will detail authors, subjects, and titles. Some of the listed books are from the school curriculum and are considered classics in their own unique ways, having to do with social issues and many historical events. These are highly recommended to each student who is looking to enhance his or her educational experience. The library has become, in the past few years, a media center and has helped many students find books using the district’s database. The librarian is a great resource for ideas of what to read this summer. Check out the summer reading list in the library and may your summer be filled with many hours of enjoyable reading.