Granger high school
Tri-Color Times An open forum for student opinion and expression
December 2016 LIX-IV
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
Election results impact Lancers in different ways By Flavianna Hawley THE PRESIDENTIAL election was the center of much controversy and divisiveness for several months now, hitting its climatic finale on November 9, when the election results became official and it was announced that Donald Trump would be the next president of the United States. Reactions varied throughout the nation, ranging from elation to despair. Regardless of individual responses, most everyone can agree that the election has brought a wave of uncertainty over many as the country awaits the inauguration of President-elect Trump. Just as mixed emotions have plagued the nation, GHS has had a variety of responses as well. Many students had been talking about the election throughout the year, particularly those in classes
such as U.S. Government 12. Ms. Robinson, gave some insight into the reactions of her students. “I think it was a lot of surprise and a little bit of fear. I think that fear factor is growing as we hear about the transition, because there’s just so much unknown,” she said. Many students have echoed this. “I think the feel of the school is kind of sad and shocked. Some kids are scared, too. I’ve heard a lot of people say they’re scared for their friends, their family,” Dylan Jensen (12) said. While the sense of alarm many people, Granger students included, are feeling may seem overwhelming, Ms. Robinson reminded students that they are not powerless and stressed the importance of taking care of one another. “I feel like we have a re-
ally strong community at Granger and that we need to continue to stand up for what we believe in, but make sure that we do it in an appropriate way so that the message doesn’t get lost,” she said. Other students had different reactions to the election results. “When I first saw that Donald Trump won, I wasn’t bummed out or sad about it because I didn’t think Clinton was any better of a choice. At this point, it was the choice of a lesser evil,” Yelena Dragicevic (10) said. She spoke about giving the President-elect a chance to prove himself and not doubt him before his term begins. “We need to keep an open mind,” she said. “As long as people keep protesting and not entering these next four years with open minds, I feel the divide we’ve seen throughout the coun-
try will continue.” As for whether or not the divisiveness of the election has created a divide in Granger High, many are still unsure. “I think it’s too soon to say whether or not this has divided us,” said Ms. Neibaur. “My hope is because we are so diverse, and because we have friends from all different backgrounds, it will bring us together.” “We talk about being thoughtful, empowered, and connected in our school. But are we? I think it’s time to put those words into action.” Ms. Neibaur said. While uncertainty may be the climate of both the country and the Granger community in the wake of the election results, most can agree that coming together and lifting one another is the most practical way to move forward.
Jelena Dragicevic encourages her peers to keep an open mind about the results of the election.
Granger’s nurse is ready to help Lancers improve their health By Stephanie Perez LANCERS need to take some time to get to know the school nurse. Jaime Ferdinand is located in the counseling office where she makes sure that every student that walks in her door is getting the proper care they need. Ms. Ferdinand graduated from Montana State University almost 39 years ago, with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her nursing experience includes hospital, public health, and school health. She practiced for four years in different states, but the last 12 years she has been working here in the Granite School District. Before living in Utah, Ms. Ferdinand and her family had the opportunity to live in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Ms. Ferdinand is in charge of over 8,000 students all over Granite School District. However, only around 125 students here at Granger have visited her this year. Ms. Ferdinand has been working as a nurse here at Granger for two years now. In fact, there had not been a nurse’s office until she came along. Although many don’t know about Ms. Ferdinand, she is more than willing to help students. “For those students who have trouble seeing in class, I’d be more than glad to do a free eye exam for those who want it,” Ms. Ferdinand said. Many students love Ms. Ferdinand, although she may not know it. “She’s kind and always has a beautiful smile upon her face. It
just amazes me, if only more people knew about her,” Alejandro Zavala (10) said. She makes sure that every student that walks into her office is getting the proper care they need so that when they walk out, they have a huge smile on their face, feeling better than before. Helping out students, teachers, staff, and parents and assisting them in dealing with their health or seeking health is one of Ms. Ferdinand’s favorite tasks. She enjoys knowing that she’s providing the proper care they need on a daily basis. However, sometimes we may feel as if most of our staff doesn’t get appreciated as much as they should. Ms. Ferdinand wakes up every morning to help out hundreds of students, not only here
at Granger but all over Granite School District. “I want Ms. Ferdinand to get more known. Whenever a friend isn’t feeling well, I’ll make sure to recommend Ms. Ferdinand,” Zavala said. She’d like to get the word out and let students know that she’s available to help out anyone who needs health care. Even if she’s in a rush to go to another school, she will take some time to help students before she heads off on her rounds. Outside of school, Ms. Ferdinand loves to be with her family. Going home every day to the people she loves the most makes her happy, and that feeling of love and comfort is what she needs after a long day at work.
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Scholarships
By Ariana Rojas IT CAN be very difficult for students to find out about scholarships or ways to get a scholarship, but one way to make it easier is to get a head start. Freshmen should pay attention to grades and afterschool activities in order to prepare for scholarship application requirements and essays. Planning now creates success later. “I haven’t applied for any scholarships, but I would really want to apply for one. I want to apply for a scholarship as soon as possible. So far in school I been getting good grades like A’s and some B’s. I’m trying really hard to get good grades to get a scholarship for my college. I choose to get good grades to make my parents really happy about me,” Jessica Arellano (9) said. Grades are an important part of scholarship readiness, and as a ninth grader, Arellano is smart to keep her GPA high from the start. A few F’s freshman year can make it hard to qualify for scholarships as a senior. “Scholarships are really hard to find but I’m trying to see what kind of scholarship do I want. My favorite subject in school is biology because I feel like I learn a lot in that class, and it’s super easy. Another scholarship that I’ve been thinking of is a defense lawyer scholarship. School can be hard, but you’ll see that it’s not that difficult if you try,” Arellano said. It is a great idea to find a scholarship early. Getting good grades and doing your work can get you on the scholarship track. Looking up scholarships early is a great idea, so check the career center and talk to the college adviser. That way, after school is finished, there’s a scholarship that can pay for most of college. Try to find a scholarship that can pay for all tuition. “I’d like to get a scholarship so I won’t have to pay for everything for my college. I’m getting good grades to show my parents that I can do it. I would like to apply for a scholarship at a school in Denver. I keep my grades up by writing down my homework assignments and checking them off. I would like to be a children’s doctor. I have been looking for scholarships, but so far none have been interesting to me,” Serena Cano (9) said.
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