March - Cimarron High School

The
Cimarron High School
Bluejay
Cimarron, Kansas 67835
Post
March 2008
Non-profit
Permit #41
Cimarron, KS
67835
Vol. 5, No.6
Gone but never forgotten, Charles Helfrich leaves footprints
By Haley Lloyd
Throughout our lives people come and go. Friends
become enemies, and strangers become family, but there
are also those few who touch our lives simply by the
strength they carry throughout their struggles.
A brave smile hiding the pain gives us hope for today,
life for tomorrow, and dreams for the future.
There’s a saying that only the good die young. Those
few who leave our midst before their time seem to be angels on earth, leaving sorrow in our hearts because of the
emptiness left. Yet we feel determination for our future
because we had the opportunity to witness the valiant
character within their souls.
Charles Helfrich was an angel on earth, and this
courageous young man will forever touch the community
of Cimarron.
Charles Helfrich led a life full of optimism and happiness outside his world of doctors and his battle with
Muscular Dystrophy. Charles’ determination for life
and for success was a beacon of light to many of those
around him.
“I remember his determination,” said math teacher
Maribeth Long. “Even with his disabilities, his determination to get to the next level and to keep going was
unbelievable.”
His admirable qualities shone from the inside out.
Anyone who came across Charles was sure to witness one
of his award-winning smiles.
“No matter how he was feeling,” said Lynne Hewes,
English teacher at CHS, “when someone came up to him,
whether to give him a worksheet or just to talk, there would
always be that awesome smile.”
Often we’d see him swerving in and out of students
in the crowded hallways, his wheelchair decked out in
Kansas State University attire.
Not only did Charles support Kansas State faithfully,
but he also remained loyal to the Cimarron Bluejays.
Whether on an ice-cold Friday night watching the football
games or at a noisy and chaotic gym floor, Charles was
right there amongst the other spectators, supporting the
home team.
Charles enjoyed reading books of adventure, especially sports.
“I remember Charles and I both loved Gary Paulsen
books,” said librarian Shelly Baublits. “We would talk
about those books together.”
Grinning from ear to ear, this young man lived and
lived well. Charles lived each of his days to the fullest,
never taking for granted the time he had left.
Eric Unruh, a former classmate of Charles, understood
the difficulties of his friend’s hardships.
“Amidst his struggle, a light shone through,” said
Unruh. “His life witnessed a glorious redemption. His
weak and dying body enforced no limits over his liberated spirit. Heart and soul knew no physical bounds. No
amount of pain, suffering, or shame could touch such a
powerful soul. Nothing could stop him from living life,
not even a disease.”
Unruh realized the amazing strength of this remarkable individual and learned life lessons from Charles each
and every day.
“Live life to the fullest extent possible,” said Unruh.
“Live life as though everyday is the last. Live life with
heart and soul. Live life.”
Though Charles is gone, the footprints he left on our
hearts will forever remain in our memories. The life he led
HPL: Music department rakes in ratings
By Kaitlin Unruh
On February 22, High Plains League Music was held
at CHS. After a long day of setting up, competing, and
cleaning up, Cimarron students were pleased to find out
their ratings.
The following students received I’s on their vocal
solos: David Fisher, Mini Casas, Sage Slaven, Tyler Royle,
and Kaitlin Unruh. Callie Fisher received a 2+.
The following groups acquired I’s as well: mixed
ensemble, girls’ ensemble, large mixed, and large girls.
The instrumental music department did a good job
as well.
Band altogether got a II. The following solos ob-
tained I’s: Bekah Harmen, Joel Baublits, Taylor Claar,
Spence Byer, and Mikaela Holsten. Also taking solos:
Alicia Owens, Kate Lock, Maria Sauzameda, Chloe Day,
all recieved II’S.
The clarinet ensemble attained a I, and the saxaphone
ensemble rated a II.
“I’m very proud of how our students did,” Lynn Unruh, vocal instructor, said.
Cimarron students did noticeably well, also juggling
their jobs helping with the festival.
“I received many compliment on how helpful, and
well behaved our students were,” said Unruh. “We did
very well. I hope to keep it up and do better next year.”
will stand as a foundation for each of our own lives.
We will always miss Charles, but we are glad for the
moments we shared with him.
“When I heard that Charles had passed away, I was
saddened of course, but my first thought was, ‘You can
fly now, Charles,’” Hewes said.
Charles David Helfrich
Class of 2006
W hat’s Inside
Pg . 2 S pring Tra vel
Pg . 3 Honor Band
Pg s. 4 & 5 FFA
Pg . 6 State Wrestling
Pg . 7 Oceans Mo vies
2
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
OPINIONS
Music: the new drug addiction
By Emily Berry
Music: to some people, it’s just noise, a loud disturbance. However, to others, it’s much more than that. It’s a
drug, the antidote to numb the pain and heartache.
Music is always there for us, whether it’s when we
need it, or when we just feel like listening to it.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s rock, heavy metal, punk,
rap, or country. Music comes in all different forms. It’s a
gift sent from God to help us with our sanity.
A lot of people listen to music so much that it’s basically a constant album repeating itself in their heads. That
can either mean that it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
As a good thing, music helps with concentration,
which means that we can get our work done faster. Music
is also good because it relieves stress, and can help relax
your nerves, and everybody loves relaxation.
But it may also be a bad thing if we become so addict-
ed to it that the addiction could turn into
an obsession, which isn’t good because
too much of anything is bad for us.
Think about how many times a day
you either listen to music, have it running
in your head, or catch yourself singing.
If you’re in the car, getting ready
for school, or in vocal class, music is
always there.
It’s funny how it plays an important
role in our lives, or how we listen to it
without even thinking about it, but we all
have to admit that when it comes down to
it, most of us have that addiction.
Hey!
WHAT?!?!
Music. Do
you want
some?
Oh come
on! It’s
good for
you!
thoughts and ideas conveyed are that of The Bluejay Post editorial board. Members of the editorial
board are Kaitlin Unruh, Britnie Jenkins, Haley Lloyd, Shelby Pulkrabek, and Sasha Reed.
Studies show that people get the urge
to go somewhere in warmer climates as a
opposed to colder climates. There’s no
specific reason to why this is. Perhaps it’s
just easier to go some place without having
to worry about getting snowed in.
Spring break comes up and everyone
is excited to get out of school. Hotels
By Cassie McDowell
We always hear people say, “the luck of the Irish” and
“Kiss me, I’m Irish.” But why are Irish people so great? What
makes them so special?
St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland, died on March 17,
461 AD. March 17 is now considered a holiday and called
St. Patrick’s Day.
On St. Patrick’s Day most people celebrate by drinking
green beer and Guinness, wearing green, eating Irish food,
and watching the parades. Every year in Chicago, green dye
is added to the Chicago River in celebration of the holiday.
But St. Patrick is not the only reason Ireland is so famous.
Bram Stoker, an Irish writer, wrote the horror, Dracula. Frank
McCourt, also an Irish writer, wrote Angela’s Ashes.
How lucky are the Irish?
The year 1384 was a horrible year for the Irish. The
bubonic plague spread throughout Ireland, killing 50 million
m u s i
My Anti-Drug
book up, resorts become crammed, spring break getaways
are packed, and cabins by the lake are rented out to many
families.
This spring don’t sit at home, follow that yearning in
your heart and just drive.
Luck of Irish: History of St. Patrick’s Day
But it’s so addicting...like
drugs...
But music isn’t dangerous to your heath.
It’s a better addiction than drugs.
Spring Fever: Let’s go on a road trip
Around spring time everyone gets the urge to run away.
To get away from everything they know and go someplace
new.
No one knows whether it’s the warm air or the spring
showers of sweet-smelling rain that does this, but whatever
brings the feeling, it brings a strong one.
Why is it that every spring everyone just has to go on a
road trip? Christmas break is longer, so why not travel then?
Possibly, because the chill of snow doesn’t have the same
effect as the warmth of the sun.
In March everyone decides to pack up anything they can
get their hands on, call a few friends, cram themselves into a
vehicle, and just drive.
Oh!
So...want
Well...
some?
Editorial Board: Although our editorials are written by individual board members, the
By Sasha Reed
Want some?
‘Sup?
people across Europe.
That wasn’t the only thing that was killing people. Large
portions of the population also died due to starvation.
In September of 1845, Ireland saw what was just the
beginning of a potato famine. Leaves rotted and potatoes
turned black, leaving families with nothing to eat.
It appears that Ireland isn’t as lucky as everyone makes
it out to be.
In 1641, what was known as the Irish Confederate Wars
began. The nine-year war was between the Irish Catholics, the
Protestants, and the English. The damage was wide-spread
and casualty number high.
Ireland is just like every other country; it has had its
good days and its bad days. So the Irish aren’t as lucky as
everyone says.
Maybe we should be sharing our luck with them.
Good
point...
Get me
some MUSIC!!!
c
Letter
Policy
The Bluejay Post welcomes letters from readers. We do,
however, reserve the right to edit letters for purposes of
clarity and space, and we regret that we cannot publish
The BluejayPost
2007-2008 Staff
Editor: Chelsea Morton
Assistant Editor: Kaitlin Unruh
Sports Editor: Haley Lloyd
H.S. Organizations, Arts, Music Editor: Shelby
Pulkrabek
Photo Editor: Cassie McDowell
Community News Editor: Sasha Reed
Grade School Editor: Emily Berry
Middle School News Editor: Kimberly Williams
Graphic Arts Department: Cassie McDowell,
Kimberly Williams, and Britnie Jenkins
Advisor: Lynne Hewes
Cimarron High School
Cimarron, KS 67835
March 2008
Volume 5, Issue 6
News
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
3
Forensics members qualifiy for state festival
By Cassie McDowell
On January 26 the forensics team competed at Santana, where they placed third as a team.
All of the veterans who attended the meet qualified
for state festival. At state festival students perform once
for a rating of I, II, or III.
Junior Gretchen Bailey placed sixth in prose, and
Senior Cassie McDowell placed fifth, Sophomore Britnie
Jenkins and Senior Laura Johnson placed third in their
duet.
Senior Heather Collins placed fourth in original oration, and Johnson and Junior Kaitlin Unruh placed fifth
in improvised duet acting (IDA), qualifying all of them
for state festival.
At Scott City, McDowell and Unruh placed third in
their duet, qualifying them for state festival.
The team will be attending their next tournaments
on March 1 at Rolla, March 8 at Jetmore, and March 11
at Spearville.
LET GO OF MY HAIR! Novices Sophomore Bianca Garcia and
Freshem Nicole Marshall practice IDA for their next competition.
(McDowell photo)
BUT IT WAS FOR SCIENCE! Veterans Britnie Jenkins and
Kyle Maddox pantomime watching a professional wrestling
match as they practice IDA for an upcoming forensics meet.
(McDowell photo)
Journalism members place at regional KSPA contest
By Kimberly Williams
Members of the journalism class have qualified for
state at the KSPA (Kansas Scholastic Press Association)
contest in Hays on Thursday, February 21.
Sophomore Britnie Jenkins placed 2nd in cutline writing and Hororable Mention (HM) in feature writing.
Sophomore Shelby Pulkrabek took 1st in feature
photography and 2nd in feature writing.
Junior Kaitlin Unruh placed 3rd in both editorial
writing and newspaper sports writing.
Senior Cassie McDowell received HM in news
writing.
Senior Chelsea Morton placed 2nd in editorial cartoon
and 3rd in newspaper design.
Senior Kimberly Williams received HM in adver-
tising.
Senior Haley Lloyd took HM
in headline writing,
Senior Laura Johnson received HM in feature photography
The state contest this year
will be in Lawrence on May 3.
Ready, Set, Write! Junior Kaitlin
Unruh and Senior Chelsea Morton
look at the competition schedule at
regional KSPA Journalism contest.
The Journalism class went to Hays,
February 21, for competition. (Courtesy
photo)
Sixth graders participate in Honor Band at Garden City
Practice makes
perfect! Eight sixth
grade students, Seth
Pachner, Isaac Stanley,
Nick Fransetta, Ericka
Pena, Jackie Byer, Kali
Redburn, and Khannah
Wetmore, participated in
Honor Band at GCCC.
They had a concert after
their day-long rehersal
where they played eight
songs. (Anderson photo)
By Britnie Jenkins
On February 9, eight sixth grade students traveled to
GCCC to participate in sixth grade Honor Band.
“The students who went this year were Jackie Byer,
Nick Fransetta, Seth Pachner, Ericka Pena, Kali Redburn,
Isaac Stanley, Wyatt Smith, and Khannah Wetmore,” said
Jamie Minneman, band teacher.
Minneman nominates students to go, and then the
directors at GCCC choose the students based on instruments.
“They get a folder with ten songs in it,” said
Minneman. “When they arrive, they have rehearsal at 9:00
a.m. and then have a concert at 3:00 p.m.”
Even though the students have to learn ten songs, they
don’t play all of them for their concert.
“This year they only played eight of the ten songs,”
Minneman said.
4
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
FEATURES
CHS chap ter o f Fu ture Farmers
Animal science class tours
Cargill Meat Solutions
By Shelby Pulkrabek
“Since ‘Agri-terroism’ has become such an issue due
to 9/11, it is almost impossible to get students under the age
of 18 into any industrial facility,” said Miller, “especially
a food manufacturing facility.”
With some special connections from inside the facility, Miller was able to make the trip a reality.
“I personally know the plant manager, Dan Schnitker,” said Miller. “I worked with him and Ken Konkel
both when I was teaching at Dodge City. Cargill played
a major roll in the Agriculture Department.”
The students got to see some pretty gory things on
the trip.
“My favorite part was watching them cut the heads
off,” said Junior Jarred Nichols. “That was pretty
wicked.”
There were several departments of the packing house
that the students visited.
“My favorite part was the room with the gut tables,”
said Junior Preston Frakes.
They saw every part of
the packing process, from
watching the cattle bleed
out after being slaughtered
to seeing the meat wrapped
in plastic wrap and its way
into boxes.
“My favorite part was
the de-hiding,” said Junior
Lizzy Lackey.
The de-hiding wasn’t
what students expected.
“They make it look so
easy,” said Junior Alonso
Beltran. “I would have never thought it was so simple
to take the hides off cattle.”
Some students got a
kick out of some less gory
parts of the tour.
“I liked how we got to
go through every step of
the packing process,” said
Watch your step: Students walk through the rows of cooling beef during their tour. Junior Britnee Flowers.
Cargill processes 6,000 head of cattle daily. “No one ‘lost their breakfast’ while touring
Some students were just
the plant,” said Miller. “That was a big concern for me too.” (Courtesy photo)
overall amused by the trip.
“I liked everything,”
O
n Tuesday, February 12, Ag. teacher Ryan
Miller’s second-hour animal science class toured
Cargill Meat Solutions in Dodge City.
“In order for students to completely realize the impact
of the cattle industry in Southwest Kansas, they need to
witness first-hand the techniques and process of cattle
slaughtering,” said Miller. “It is the largest employer in our
area. All of us pretty much know what happens to cattle
from birth to slaughter weight, but how many of us truly
understand what goes on during the slaughter process?”
Miller hoped the trip would reinforce previous lessons in his class.
“I showed my students a video of a slaughter pant
earlier this year,” said Miller. “I felt this would make a
bigger impact. I was right.”
It was no walk in the park making arrangements for
this trip.
said Senior Cole Nash.
Miller himself was impressed by the trip.
“It just amazes me the efficiency of that place,” said
Miller. “One person can’t do their job unless the person
before them didn’t do theirs.”
There were some things that the students disliked
about the trip though.
“I didn’t like the smell,” said Flowers.
The trip proved to be educational for the students,
however.
“I learned it takes a lot of time for the beef to make
it to our tables,” said Lackey.
No part of the cow was wasted in the packing process.
“I learned that they use the entire cow for something,”
said Frakes.
It’s a high-dollar operation running a packing
house.
“I learned how expensive it was to run a packing
house,” said Flowers. “I also learned that when something
breaks, the downtime is incredibly expensive. It’s also a
dangerous job.”
The trip hit close to home for Beltran.
“I learned how much hard work my parents do,” said
Beltran.
The trip put some students off ever wanting to work
in a packing house.
“I couldn’t deal with the smell,” said Lackey.
If the smell wouldn’t get to them, the repetition
would.
“I couldn’t work in a packing house because all the
work is repetition,” said Nichols, “and I couldn’t deal with
doing the same thing over and over.”
For the right paycheck, some would still do it.
“I would work there if I had the inspector’s job, which
pays really well,” said Beltran.
Some would still consider doing the dirty work.
“I might consider working at a packing house,” said
Flowers, “but it wouldn’t be my first choice of job.”
Even after learning the gory details of how that
cheeseburger made it to your table, it didn’t change the
students’ views on eating meat.
“My view on eating meat didn’t change just because
I saw how it was processed,” said Flowers.
Some students would recommend the trip to others.
“It was a very good experience,” said Nichols. “If
FEATURES
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
5
o f Ameri ca busy all year round
Ag. Department has no intentions of slowing down
By Shelby Pulkrabek
Spring is a very busy time for the FFA and the Ag.
Department.
On March 7 the FFA will be traveling to Satanta for
the Soutwest District Farm Management contest.
“We have ‘Day on the Farm’ in May, WaterFest in
April, state CDE’s, FFA Banquet, District Banquet, and
State FFA Convention to go yet,” said Ryan Miller, head
of the Ag. Department.
The welding shop is also very busy this time of
year.
“There have been a multitude of projects that have
already been completed in the welding shop and construction science class,” said Miller. “We finished a large shed
that sets out back and we are currently working on our
first customer ordered building. The freshman Ag Class
is getting things ready in the greenhouse for the Plant sale
this spring.”
A lot is happening on the south end of the building
Future Farmers of
America auctioned off
for fundraiser
By Shelby Pulkrabek
In the Uniform: FFA member Tyrel Moffitt wears
his club jacket. The week of February 17-23 was FFA
week. (Courtesy photo)
FFA members keep
By Shelby Pulkrabek
As we enter the second semester of the school year,
FFA members get increasingly more active with competition and in the community.
On February 5 the Ag-Sales placed fifth at district
competition. The team consisted of Senior Steven
Kremeier, Junior Britnee Flowers, Sophomore MacKenzie Batman, and Freshmen Tyrel Moffitt and Payton
Dewey.
“They had to take a test, sell a product to a local
business, deal with an angry customer, and take a phone
order for a feed company,” said Ryan Miller, head of the
CHS Ag. Department.
Senior Heather Collins placed at the district speech
contest with a speech entitled “Ethanol.”
The FFA officer team recently participated in the
Gray County Farm Bureau’s Food check-off on February 6.
“They helped the Farm Bureau serve over 150 community members at White’s Foodliner,” Miller said.
The officer team also represented CHS February
16 at the Gray County Conservation District’s Annual
One activity that has recently taken place in the CHS Ag. Department
is the Future Farmers of America [FFA] labor auction.
The labor auction is a long-standing tradition that has gone on for
a long time.
“It’s supposed to be a FFA week activity, which is February 18-23,”
said Ryan Miller, head of the CHS Ag. Department, “but due to our
basketball schedule we couldn’t have it then.”
The students are “sold” to the highest bidder for eight hours of
work.
“The student can work it all in one day,” said Miller, “or spread it
out over a few weekends or after school. It doesn’t matter as long as
the work is completed by August 1. If it’s not done by then, the member
should reimburse the buyer for his/her purchase price.”
The auction was profitable for the FFA.
“We made very close to $2,300,” said Miller. “It was a great turnout
with excellent participation by the FFA members, and of course it would
not be possible without the support of the Cimarron Community.”
MANY AND VARIED CLUB ACTIVITIES:
Top: Senior Heather Collins helps with a Farm
Bureau lunch at White’s Grocery.
Bottom Left: Steven Kremeier cooks for
Farm Bureau breakfast.
Bottom Right: Junior Britnee Flowers
thinks about her answers as she takes an
Ag. Business test at at GCCC.
6
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
SPORTS
Three wrestlers qualify for state competion
State Wrestling Qualifiers: Senior Kyle Anderson, Junior Ross Addison, and Senior Bobby Litton
qualified for the state wrestling tournament, which was held in Hays February 22 and 23. Addison placed fourth,
Anderson placed eighth, and Litton placed tenth. (Courtesy photo)
CHS holds high hopes for qualification to state basketball
By Haley Lloyd
During the first full week in the beginnings of March,
both men’s and women’s basketball teams hold high hopes
for attending the 2008 State Basketball Tournament in
Hutchinson.
Throughout the end of February and into the first
weekend in March the Bluejays will compete for the SubState title on their home floor.
Striving for perfection in practice and in the actual
REBOUND! Junior Eric Flores, grabs an offensive board
against his opponents, while senior Adam Hilker blocks
out an opposing athlete. (Courtesty photo)
playing scene, the expectations for a great and successful
season are only to begin with these next two weeks of
playing time.
The Bluejay men traveled to Larned to take on the
Indian men for first-round Sub-State.
As we went to press, the Lady Jays hosted the Ellinwood Eagles on their home court for the girl’s first round.
Results will be posted in next month’s issue.
FOCUS! Senior Brooke Fairbank watches the ball soar
through the air on a free throw. Fairbank takes the first
quick step to block out her opponent. (Mikaela Holsten
photo)
CHS prepares
for golf season
By Emily Berry
As spring is just around the corner, CHS golf will start
practicing and preparing for the upcoming tournaments.
“Practices will begin a couple of days before spring
break,” said Lance Walker, Coach. “They will range from
around one and a half hours to three hours, depending
upon the day.”
The first meet will consist of Varsity competing
on April 4 at Lakin, and JV competing on April 3 at
Meade.
“The meets usually last about five to six hours, playing 18 holes,” said Walker. “When competing, our number
one player competes with the other schools number one
player, then the number two players compete with the other
schools number two players, and so forth.”
The team consists of six players on Varsity, and six
players on JV. Last year was very successful. We had
Steven Austin as our number one player. Cory also placed
in the top ten at regional. His score made a big factor in
our team making it to state.
“I feel like last year was very successful,” said
Walker.
This year regionals will take place on May 12, and
state will be on May 19.
“I really have high hopes for this years team,” said
Walker.
Junior high 2008 wrestling season begins with
high hopes
for boys
By Haley Lloyd
After watching high school wrestling throughout the
fall seasons, the junior high wrestlers will finally get to
show their talent on the mat.
Head coach of high school men’s wrestling, Lance
Walker, will also be the head coach of these junior high
men. Joining him on the staff will be Jim Meis, new to
the CHS sports system.
Having only twelve boys to make up the squad,
Walker anticipates some difficulties.
“Practice is sometimes difficult,” Walker said, “especially with low numbers such as these.”
With just a short season, the boys will travel to two
tough tournaments throughout their weeks.
“Both tournaments at Ulysses and Hugoton have
proven to be very tough,” Walker said.
Each of these boys’ talents is still hidden and the
coaches remain optimistic.
“As for talent on the team, only time can tell,” Walker
said.
NNEWS
eweCol-
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
Completely stressed out
By Chelsea Renea Morton
Stress is a constant in life. Every person needs
positive stress, eustress, to keep themselves motivated
and productive.
However, life can feel likes it’s crashing down on you
from every angle. This negative form of stress is called
distress. Unbeknownst to many people, there are ways
to cope with these compounding pressures.
= Tense all the muscles in the body, hold for five
counts, then release. It works best if you tense your body
in sections, beginning with your head and shoulders down
to your legs and feet. It takes less than five minutes.
= As you breathe think, “In, out, in, out, in, out…”
in the regular breathing pattern. After a few minutes reverse the pattern, “out, in, out, in, out, in…” Keep doing
it until you feel the muscles relax. This also works for
easing headaches.
= Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and
hold it there. This presses a pressure point on the roof of
your mouth that realigns the halves of your brain, which
allows the overwhelmed feeling to decrease.
= Let your arms hang loosely by your side, open
your palms, and turn your thumbs away from your body.
This position prevents you from tensing your shoulders,
which also forces you to relax your back.
= Find a pressure point in your face or arm, lightly
tap that area while repeating the word describing the emotion or action you want to quit. For example, tap the pressure point in your wrist while repeating in your mind the
word “cry” or “tears” and the feeling will dissipate. Only
tap for fifteen seconds.
It is not necessary to use all these exercises, and each
will have its own effect on the user. Other ways to relieve
stress may simply be finding an activity to put your whole
self into, such as a sport or playing an instrument.
Learning to cope with distress is an essential part to
mental and physical survival. Whichever tool works, keep
it up and keep it consistent.
7
February
Students of the Month
“Bernadina Hernandez
has a smile that says,
‘I’m here to learn.’ She
values her education and
always does her best.”
--Mrs. Wehkamp
“Nick Simmons did
a lot of work helping
with League Music.
He does a lot, but
never says a word.”
--Mrs. Minnemum
It’s not just the Irish...
All people like to party during holidays
By Kaitlin Unruh
Celebrating personal holidays is important, but why
do we all celebrate holidays we have no association with?
March 17, for example. Originally it was a Catholic Holy
day. After St. Patrick’s death on March 17, it became
more of a secular holiday. Why?
St. Patrick was the Bishop of Ireland. So why isn’t
March 17 just a Catholic holiday?
It seems that the Irish people loved St. Patrick greatly.
When he died, sticking to custom, they sat and partied,
telling stories about him and remembering all the great
things he did.
Partying is a talent of the Irish people, and it must
have looked like fun.
Nowadays people celebrate St. Paddy’s memory
by wearing green and
spending time with
friends and family.
Who wouldn’t want
to do that?
Oceans Trilogy
By Shelby Pulkrabek
During the cold winter months I have had
more time than usual to sit around watching
movies. A series that I have been drawn to is
the Ocean’s movies.
The first movie is Oceans Eleven, which
is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film and was
released in 2001. In this film thief Danny Ocean
(George Clooney) rounds up ten associates to
rob $160 million from three major Vegas casinos
during a New Year’s Eve boxing event.
The second movie is Ocean’s Twelve, which
“Abby Thompson comes to class
prepared and with a
smile on her face. She
always helps others
and is involved in
many activities.”
--Mr. Hornung
Cowgirl Cor-
was released in 2004. In this film Danny and his associates (Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and others) have to pay back
the money that they stole in the first film with interest. In
order to do this they head for Europe to get loot in Rome,
Paris, and Amsterdam, including Rembrandt’s “De Nachtwacht” painting.
The final movie in the trilogy is Oceans Thirteen,
which was released in 2007. In this movie Danny and his
gang seek revenge on Casino owner Willy Bank for double
crossing Danny’s friend and mentor Reuben Tishkoff, put-
ting Reuben in the hospital. The Oceans gang seeks
to tarnish Bank’s personal pride and reputation on
the grand opening of his new casino and motel, The
Bank.
These movies are filled with cunning plans and
quick-witted humor.
I enjoy watching them and would highly recommend them to you.
8
The Bluejay Post
March 2008
ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Feature Photos
Counselor’s Corner
My children informed me that there are twelve weeks of
school left! I find it hard to believe that this year is going that fast.
I counted for myself and they are correct. There is so much to
get done with only twelve weeks left. Along with all the spring
activiites and planning for next year, the state assessments have
begun and will continue until the first part of May.
State Assessments
Below is a list of the assessments and what grades will be
taking it:
Upper left: Laura Johnson
Upper right: Shelby
Pulkrabeck
Lower left: Cassie McDowell
Math:
7th, 8th, 10th and selected 11th graders
Reading: 7th, 8th, 11th graders
Science:
7th and 11th graders
Social Studies: 8th and 11th graders
I know that you have heard it before, but please take
each assessment seriously. They are important to our school
district.
Enrollment for Next Year
Soon I will be coming into your classrooms for preenrollment. Please be thinking about what classes you want or
need to take. If you have any questions before I come in, stop
by and see me.
Bullying
At the beginning of the year, I stated that the state board of
education now requires that each district have a bullying policy
in place and actively tries to educate students regarding the
issue. This month, I would like to talk about the importance of
reporting. Remember that reporting is different then telling on
someone. Reporting is when your intent is to help someone or
to prevent further instances. Telling on someone is when your
intent is to get someone into trouble. There are several people
that you can report to; your parents, teachers, principal, counselor
or coaches. The important thing is that you report it as soon as
it happens.
As always, my door is open. Good luck with the remaining
twelve weeks of school.
--Mrs. Millershaski, CHS Counselor
2 Joshua DiPippo
8 Nicholas Simmons
8 Kelsey Stucky
8 Cody Wendel
12 Stewart Fairbank
12 Claudia Marmolejo
14 Robert Hoskinson
14 Eduardo Ramirez
14 Sasha Reed
14 Lyndi Stokes
16 Whitney Barton
16 Garrison LeRock
17 Jessica Bosley
18 Jaden Woofter
19 Sarah Newberry
21 Shayna Woods
23 Loyde Heady
28 Tiana Schneider
28 Blake VanBuskirk
29 Juan Mariscal D.
29 Robert Sloan
30 Samantha Goodwin
30 Eric Rodriguez