Category Archives: Features

Students discuss hopes for prom

By Melanie Parrish

With prom less than a week away, excitement is running high. Plans have been made, dresses bought, and the upperclassmen are ready to go.

“I’m going out to eat with a group of friends at some fancy place and then going to prom, followed by after-prom,” said senior Tiffany Bowen.

Bowen also went to prom last year, and said that it was the best night of her junior year.

“I hope I’ll have more time to eat the finger food at prom. I didn’t realize the unlimited access I had to a chocolate fountain [last year] and have regretted it ever since.”

Junior Morgan Schultz, as a member of the junior executive committee, is more concerned with other students’ experiences.

“I hope we get all the decorating done to look the best so everyone can enjoy prom to the best of their abilities,” she said.

Bowen is especially looking forward to seeing all of her friends in formal attire.

“Seeing people that you see every day in sweatpants at school dressed up like movie stars is always fun. I have a red dress with lots of shiny, sparkly things on it. It’s much heavier than my dress last year and has a slight train.”

Bowen also shared her favorite part of prom last year.

“The dancing was super fun, and so was taking all the pictures before.”

Schultz talked about what she looks forward to with her first year of prom.

“I’m excited for the chance to experience something new. Getting to hang out with your friends for four hours is always good too,” she said.

Bowen is greatly looking forward to her second year of prom this Saturday night.

“I hope that it will be non-stop fun, and that I’ll have to recover for a week from all the dancing.”

Deeper Life project empowers teens

By Rachel Lamb

With only three weeks into a Bible study that could grant teens a free trip to Florida, some are falling behind, while others are keeping up with the fast pace. By now, students should have completed three worksheets with review questions over the daily Bible reading.

Junior Bradley Montgomery has been one the few that has been procrastinating on the project.

“I tend to push it off until the night before the questions are due every week.”

However, most students have been keeping up the quick pace that this study requires. Some started on track and have only been falling behind recently.

“I started out staying with it, but now that I have other things going on, it has been getting harder,” said freshman Lexi Richmer.

She also shared how this is the first time that she has stuck with a Bible study for this long.

Many students beileve that this project gives teens a great opportunity. This not only includes the free trip to Florida, but also growing deeper in faith.

“This opportunity has given me an insight into Bible stories that I have heard since I was young,” said junior Jacob Huntley.

Huntley also shared that knowing he is one-sixth of the way to Florida motivates him to create more opportunities for himself.

Senior Timon Stermer has a different opinion on the opportunities that it offers him.

“Getting the chance to grow my faith through serving my community has to be the best opportunity that it offers.”

Through the many opportunities  that come out of this project, students are seeking goals for the next four months that remain of this Bible study.

“I hope to stick with it afterwards because reading the Bible is majorly helpful in a way to show your faith through yourself when you are a Christian,” said Richmer.

 

Orchestra members prepare for state qualifiers this Saturday

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.”

Top 5 places to visit in Hawaii

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.