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a [green] student newspaper
theTalisman
Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401
{ vol. 45 Issue 6
April 15, 2010 }
Earth Day is recognized all over the world How will you choose to celebrate? Tiwanna Hamilton staff writer Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, and takes place every year on April 22 (this year will be the 40th anniversary of Earth Day). It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970; until that time, protecting the planet’s natural resources was not part of the national political agenda. Gaylord Nelson died on July 3, 2005, but April 22 has remained a time to celebrate restoration and stand up for the planet. Now, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide, focusing on environmental issues affecting our survival and that of the planet. Physical Education instructor Nanci McChesney-Henry said, “I think Earth Day is awesome! It is important to create awareness of the peril our planet Earth is in, [in] regards to climate change, pollution, and the staggering amount of waste. We need to come together for the sustainable green economy.” In 1990, the first official International Earth Day was celebrated. According to EDN (Earth Day
Network), more than one billion people, in 190 countries worldwide, are involved in Earth Day activities. In many countries, the global event reminded presidents and other national leaders how important protecting Earth is to people. Some say it should be celebrated for more than just one day. Sheldon librarian Patricia Kessinger said, “I don’t think one day is enough; it should be Earth Century!” Earth Day is celebrated in a variety of ways by schools, communities, parks and nature centers, organizations, companies, businesses, municipalities, families, volunteers, and youth groups. On many school calendars it is the third most activity-inspiring holiday, after Christmas
and Halloween. Special Education teacher Joe Mancuso said, “Earth Day is a great representation of how important it is to treat the Earth with respect.” Many cities even extend the observance of Earth Day events to an entire week, usually starting on April 16 and ending on Earth Day. These events are designed to encourage environmentally-aware behaviors, such as recycling, using energy efficiently, and reducing or reusing disposable items. Earth Day helps celebrate Earth’s unique place in the universe. It is the only planet in our solar system abundantly filled with biodiversity. Earth Day often coincides with Arbor Day, which first took place on April 10, 1872. Julius Sterling Morton, a Nebraskan journalist and politician, began the tradition. He proposed that a special day be dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. Because of Earth and Arbor Day, many people consider April to be “Earth Month” and celebrate with a variety of environmental activities all month long. Today, versions of Arbor Day are celebrated in many different countries around the world, such as Australia, Japan, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Israel, Korea, India, Iceland, and Yugoslavia. In the United States, National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday (April 30) in the month of April.
Beltline to be Papé Beltway?
A memorial for Erin McLyman A former Sheldon student is killed while serving in Iraq
Controversy surrounds plan Shaynah Vandegriffe staff writer
In honor of Randy Papé, Beltline High Way will be renamed “Randy Papé Beltway,” with a sign at each end of the highway in Eugene and Springfield. These two signs will cost a total of $1,500 from highway funds. Remaining signs will be replaced over time. This renaming plan sparked protests from local residents, who said that the spending was wasteful, considering the current state of the economy. On Facebook.com, there is a group against the renaming of Beltline. There are nearly 7,000, and growing, members of the group. “I don’t get hot under the collar very often, but I have to say, that one got me really going,” said protester Janice Matthews. “I still get adrenaline out here just thinking about it.” Papé, a prominent Eugene businessman, died at his home on November 6, 2009, at the age of 58 after suffering a heart attack. He had been battling cancer for the past 11 years. Papé served as president and CEO of The Papé Group Inc. since 1983. The Papé Group Inc. owns and operates heavy equipment dealerships, and a large amount of other operations in seven Western states, including Oregon. Papé was a huge supporter of his school. He served as a trustee for the University Foundation, and chairman of the University’s “Campaign Oregon.” In 2007, the University named him an Emeritus Trustee. “The University is a better place because of Randy’s involvement,” said former UO president, David Frohnmayer. Although the community can recognize the work done by Papé, the expense of the project lessens support for it.
Lauren Davies staff writer
Michael Chase photos
There is a myriad of tree specimens at Alton Baker Park (pictured above and below). Located in Eugene’s largest developed park is the Hays Tree Garden, which showcases a wide variety of trees that grow in the southern Willamette Valley. Trees blossom in the spring and canopy the trails in the summer and fall.
Many parents never like to hear that their child wants to join the Army. The thought of their child going to another country, not knowing many people, and putting their life on the line for their country is frightening. Erin McLyman, a graduate of Sheldon High School, was brave and driven enough to enlist. But, on March 13 it was a tragic day for the McLyman family. Their worst fear had come face to face with them. Their daughter, Erin, was killed by a mortar fire in Balad, Iraq. McLyman was assigned to the 269 Brigade Support Battalion 3 Stryker Brigade Combat team. Her body arrived March 15 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Her identification was released by the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center at Dover. She recently lived in Federal Way, Washington, and graduated from Sheldon in 2001. In June 2001, McLyman was highlighted in a Register Guard article for teenagers who turned their lives around in order to graduate from high school. McLyman stated how she struggled with a drug habit starting at age 12, was expelled from Sheldon her freshman year, moved to California to live with her aunt, then returned to Eugene and completed a drug rehab program. She enrolled for summer classes at Lane Community College, swayed a counselor at Sheldon to re-enroll her, and signed up for day and night classes to meet graduation requirements. She also joined the school’s dance team. McLyman, along with 27 other students, was honored with Turnaround...(Continued on page 5)