All posts by jlang@nafcs.k12.in.us

Lexi Burch, News

Senior Mandy Dunlap to be awarded Outstanding NJROTC Cadet

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Senior Mandy Dunlap
Senior Mandy Dunlap

By Lexi Burch

Senior Mandy Dunlap will be awarded Outstanding NJROTC Cadet on May 16 by the Louisville Armed Forces Committee. This award is awarded to those cadets who have exceptional leadership, commitment, and skill.

“I was really surprised, and it means a lot to me to get the Outstanding NJROTC Cadet award,” said Dunlap.

The procedure in order to pick the outstanding cadet analyzed cadets on their skills, mental ability, and leadership.

“To win this award, I was chosen by my instructors to write an essay on leadership qualities,” said Dunlap. “NJROTC has prepared me on how to be a successful leader, to be committed, and how to work together, along with many other skills. The leadership qualities that I have learned and wrote about were leading by the Navy’s core values of courage, honor, and commitment.”

Dunlap plans on using her NJROTC skills by continuing her career in the national defense field. She hopes to enlist in the Navy.

 “After graduation, I am continuing in the field of national defense by serving in the U.S. Navy; I enlisted as an Aircrewman,” said Dunlap. “I believe that as a citizen I should help protect my country, and I chose the Navy because I like the Navy way of life and the opportunity to travel the world.”

Dunlap has been a member of FC’s NJROTC for four years. She said she is glad that her hard work is finally paying off.

“This wraps up my four years in NJROTC,” said Dunlap, “how I have grown as a person, and how I have been blessed for the things I have accomplished.”

A&E, Features

Orchestra members prepare for state qualifiers this Saturday

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By Megan Johnson

Twenty-five years. For some people, it is an amount of time that can fly by. To others, it feels almost as if it is an eternity. However, to the orchestra students, 25 years marks a significant anniversary for the art that they love.

On Saturday, the orchestra will be headed to state qualifiers for the 25th time in a row.  Several of the orchestra members are elated to be a part of  this event , including junior Garrett Metz.

“I’m very excited because my dad was a cello player who was involved in going to state for the first time,” said Metz.

Other members, however, claim to be feeling a sense of nervousness, such as junior Layne Hartman .

“We are competing with seven other schools, but nerves always come with performing,” he said.

However, members like sophomore Shannon O’Brien feel nerves take away from the experience.

“Being nervous doesn’t help anyone; I try and stay calm and encourage others to do the same,” said O’Brien.

Several classical numbers will be played, including “Danzon” by Antonio Marquez, “Pas de Deux” by Tchaikovsky  and the first movement of Dvorak’s 8th symphony.

Hartman shared that orchestra is not all fun and games; it requires a lot of work.

“Being in orchestra requires a time commitment, but it really requires effort. We must play the correct notes together and play them with style. We have to make beautiful music, and that isn’t easy,” he said.

Metz explained that orchestra has not only taught him the art of working together with others, but how to manage his time around his activity. Metz also shared an interesting fact that of which orchestra inspires.

“You use a completely different part of your brain to create music. Plus, you’re not only working by yourself, you’re working with 60 other people,” said Metz.

O’Brien summed up her orchestra experience in one simple sentence.

“It takes patience, persistence and lots of sass.”

Features

Top 5 places to visit in Hawaii

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By Rachel Lamb

Over the course of six days, I visited many  attractions in Hawaii.  This includes islands, restaurants, and National Parks. These are the top 5 that I recommend going to see if you ever find yourslef in the Hawaiian Islands:

1: Haleakala National Park

At 10,023 ft (3,055 m) above sea level, the Haleakala National Park covers the summit area of the larger of the two volcanic mountains on Maui. It takes a total of 2 hours to drive to the top.
At 10,023 ft (3,055 m) above sea level,
 Haleakala National Park covers the summit area of the larger of the two volcanic mountains on Maui. It takes a total of two hours to drive to the top.

2: Mendes Ranch

Horseback riding facility located in Maui. Total ride time is 1.5 hours. Refreshments and 2 stops for pictures are included.
Horseback riding facility located in Maui.
Total ride time is one a half hours. Refreshments and two stops for pictures are included.

3: Kula Restaurant

Located at a 2,300 ft. elevation with live music indoors.

4: Island of Lana’i

Located 18 miles from Lani, this island is the 6th largest of the Hawaiian islands. Only one hotel, Four Seasons, is located on the island.
Located 18 miles from Lani, this island is the
sixth largest of the Hawaiian islands. Only one hotel, Four Seasons, is located on the island.

5: Makawao

Rodeo Town including many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The only market remaining in town is Rodeo General Store.
Rodeo Town including many shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The only market remaining in town is Rodeo General Store.

 

Isaac Mathewson, News

Seniors cope with senioritis

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By Isaac Mathewson

The school year is drawing to a close. As the seniors prepare for the real world, many of them are currently going through a phase known as “senioritis.”

Senioritis is a colloquial term that describes decreased motivation in school work by high school or college seniors as their graduation draws near. It is very common among high school seniors and it is at its peak during the last month of the year.

As he prepares for college, senior Greg Micco gives his views on his senioritis.

“It’s really bad. I just want to graduate and get everything over with already.”

Micco plans on going to Ivy Tech for college, to be a major in mechanical engineering. He has already been accepted and wishes that he can get started now.

“High school is only your introduction to the real world. It isn’t until college that you actually enter it.”

Senioritis can affect people in many different ways. For one, it leads to lack of interest in school work and can cause failing grades. Although it is rare for senioritis to lead to failure to be accepted into college, it can happen.

Graduate Devon Carlisle said that she almost did not get into IUS because of her declining grades during her senior year two years ago.

“I just completely lost interest in everything; I thought that since I was already accepted, I didn’t really need to work hard anymore.”

Senioritis has also led many to consider dropping out. Senior Clay Byrd said that he had considered dropping out to go to a community college that does not require a high school diploma.

“I just don’t see a point on continuing something that will mean little or nothing to me 10 years from now.”

Several teachers have been willing to help people with senioritis in any way they can. Special education counselor Larry Schellenberg and math teacher Angela Klingsmith allow online courses for students who are on the verge of failing or even help them finish classes early.

“I have people with senioritis come up to me all the time expressing their concerns,” said Klingsmith, “I am willing to help in any way I can.”

Both Schellenberg and Klingsmith understand the plight of students with senioritis and know how common it is among teens, especially near the end of the year. They know that these students are not lazy, they are just too willing to leave. They both are available for anyone who is going through senioritis and will do anything to help that person finish high school successfully.