Category Archives: Michael Pepin

Boys Swimming, Features, Michael Pepin

Senior leaves lasting legacy

Leave a comment

By: Michael Pepin

Senior Oscar Anderson slices through the shining waters of the pool, the sun not even beginning to poke through the early dawn.  So continues yet another practice, one of many that he has attended, and one of his last as a member of the swim team as his senior year draws to a close. This fall semester, he also spent countless hours with the marching band, helping them win a state title.

Anderson’s position on the swim team represents years of hard work.

“I first started swimming seven years ago because I thought it would be something fun to do and I liked to swim,” said Anderson.

On an average day, the alarm clock  4:45 a.m. when he finally pulls himself out of bed in order to meet an early swim practice before school until 7 a.m.  From there, the busy school day takes over until after school where swim practice reigns again back at Highland Hills Middle school.

“I don’t really have time for almost anything because of the swim team.  In the fall, I am barely able to squeeze in Marching Band, but that is it,” said Anderson.

He plans on attending Kenyen university in Ohio after graduating as a member of the class of 2013.

“They have a wonderful academic program and a high rating as a medical school.  I want to be able to keep swimming in college and still become a doctor, so Kenyen is a great school for me,” said Anderson.

In the Marching Band, Oscar plays the baritone saxophone. Many describe him as an eccentric and good natured individual.

“You can’t really describe Oscar with one sentence, it just doesn’t work like that.  He is unique and funny, slightly spontaneous at times.  He is exellent with the baritone sax and as one of the leaders of the saxophone section,” said junior Brad Harbeson.

Even though Anderson has a lot going on, he still makes time for his family.

“Oscar and I are really close brothers, and I kind of look up to him at times, he is like my best friend.  We do a lot of stuff together, like swimming, marching, hanging out with friends, we just do random stuff together all the time since we share the same interests. I am going to miss Oscar very much, even though I am going to get his room, it will still suck for him to go away to college,”  said sophomore Eli Anderson, his brother.

Anderson also acknowledges that his family had a big impact on both his swimming career and his overall character.

“If there was anyone who ever influenced my life, it was my couch and parents.  They really grew on me, the whole swim team.  That’s kind of the reason I am the person I am today,” said Anderson.

Anderson claims that his senior year has been his best season yet, and his coach, Joe Perkins agrees.

“Last season Oscar surpassed my expectations for the season. He has earned a top 8 finish at the state meet last year in the 200 IM and a top 16 finish in the 100 backstroke.I am hoping he will be able to repeat his performances from last season at the high school state swim meet and continue to improve his times,” said Perkins.

With a college already chosen, Anderson can focus on his senior year and finishing his high school swim career.

“Its been a pleasure to watch Oscar grow as a person and a swimmer over the past four years.  It is always a joy for a coach to watch hard work pay off.  I hope he continues to swim in college and have great success at the next level.he has been a great kid to work with over the past 4 years. Like any senior I hope he has a great season, one he can truly enjoy and look back on without any regrets,” said Perkins.

Features, Michael Pepin

Students share Thanksgiving traditions

Leave a comment

By Michael Pepin

Thanksgiving break is right around the corner, and many students are preparing to see their friends and family over the brief vacation.  At this time of year, there are many different traditions that all center around Thanksgiving break and the famous dinner.

“I am really looking forward to thanksgiving break, it’s a chance to get out of school, get a break from everything, and have great food.  The food is the best part,” said senior Eric Ordonez.

Some students spend their break with their family.

“We always go hunting during Thanksgiving break. It’s deer season and I enjoy going hunting with my brother and dad, its always more fun with more people,” said junior Austin Carl.  In fact, he said he has gone hunting with his dad and brother ever since he was first able to hold and shoot a gun, and has not missed one year since.

However,  the famous dinner is the event that many people are looking forward to at this time of year.

“Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition we do, in fact I think almost every family looks forward to the Thanksgiving dinner. We always put really spicy seasoning on our turkey because we’re from New Orleans,” said Ordonez.

Many agree however, that spending that time with your family is the best part of Thanksgiving.

“We always go to my grandparents for thanksgiving dinner, so we can have the whole family at the table when the turkey comes.  I like seeing my grandparents and afterwards we always watch thanksgiving day football together. I watch Christmas vacation during this time of year as well, and have been for a couple years,” said senior Daniel Sheppard, who also admitted that seeing his grandparents is one of the highlights of Thanksgiving, and has been seeing them every thanksgiving without fail.

However students choose to spend their break, Ordonez said it is important to remember what the holiday is all about.

“I think for me Thanksgiving has a much deeper  meaning than the food and the family and the football. It’s a way to remember all the things we have taken for granted, things that many others do not have and might never. A lot of people don’t remember what thanksgiving is really all about when they get all caught up in the traditions.  It’s about being thankful for what you have,” said Ordonez.

 

Michael Pepin, News

PSAT purpose discussed among students, staff

Leave a comment

By Michael Pepin

The PSAT was designed as a preparation for the SAT, explaining its name as “Pre-Standardized-Aptitude-test.”  However is the four hour test really necessary for students? How does the PSAT compare to the SAT itself, and do students who have taken the test consider it to be helpful or a waste of time?

The PSAT is actually a retired SAT that is being reused to help students get a feel for taking the test. “The PSAT is to help students familiarize themselves with the SAT.  Sophomores can use it for career exploration, and juniors can use it not only to prepare for the SAT but also to qualify for National Merit Scholarships,” said counselor Mark Clark.

Many students find the test unenjoyable, but necessary. “My opinion is that it is a good thing, because it will prepare us for the real thing even though it’s not very fun,” said junior Alexis Martin.

Though the SAT and PSAT do not differ much, the most significant difference is that the PSAT has no on-demand essay. Instead, they utilize multiple choice questions over sentence structure. “The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay,” said English teacher Wallace Austin.

The PSAT however, has another benefit to the students to help prepare for the important test. “Because of the high stakes for the SAT, students need to prepare and receive experience with standardized test taking. In addition, with the PSAT when you get your results back from the PSAT it shows you your skills and weaknesses so that you can know what to study and be better prepared,” said Austin.  When the results of the PSAT return, you are able to look and see which areas you need improvement in and which areas you are assured of passing.

A lot of the stress that occurs during the test arises not from the questions themselves, but the pressure to do well.  “It adds the experience of taking a standardized test and performing under a time limit.  The PSAT is to practice and prepare for the SAT,” said senior Rick Ellis, who had taken the PSAT last year and went on to take the SAT in the spring.  The strain of taking a long grueling test under a time limit is one of the harder parts of the test, said Ellis.

The differences in setting between the SAT and the PSAT prevent an actual reproduction of the situation.  “It is different with the PSAT because you are already at school and ready, but with the SAT you have to get yourself up and prepare for the test, which takes place inside of an unfamiliar school,” said senior Austin Adams.

The PSAT does not have the essay portion, so I think that it is the only flaw because the essay is a good part of the SAT.  The questions about sentence structure and writing do not compare to writing an actual essay.

While the PSAT’s goal is to prepare students to eventually take the SAT, it is important for everyone. “Why not give yourself options? Colleges require SAT scores, and you should take the PSAT in case you later change your mind and find a college you want and need a high SAT score to get into,” said Austin.

 
Features, Michael Pepin, Online Only

Students use creativity to show school spirit

Leave a comment

By Michael Pepin

The hallways of FC have become a bizarre sight over the week, with students encountering anything from a full body white tiger outfit to a detailed costume of Legolas from Lord of the Rings.  This year’s spirit week has caught the attention and interest of many as the school spirit soars in preparation for the Homecoming.

“Spirit week is a great thing to have to show how much you appreciate your school,” said senior Whitney Batliner.  She said that dressing up is a great way to show school spirit and have fun at the same time.

On Monday, a dazzling array of colors confused many teachers who were not aware that it was Neon day, and on Tuesday many relieved the famous theme of the Madison Football game by wearing the nation’s colors.  For many students, this is their most memorable week of their high school year.

“I love it and wish more kids would participate.  I think it helps make memorable experiences of high school,” said librarian Pamela Poe, in a gold Star Trek outfit.  Wednesday produced the oddest blend of costumes.  The theme was movie character, but throughout the day anyone from Voldemort to Ghost Rider was seen.

“It’s pretty neat seeing all the people and how they dress up and show their school spirit” said junior Austin King.  There was certainly a lot of humor on Thursday when the theme was nerd day, and nearly every girl in sight wore pigtails and a pair of broad lenses glasses.  Some teachers even joined in on this theme, earning a laugh from many students.

“I think the purpose of spirit week is to see how many kids show school spirit and attempt to brighten other peoples days,” said King.  Even for those people who do not feel the thrill of dressing up in a ridiculous outfit for the duration of the school day, can feel the enthusiasm and thrill of seeing people they know, dressing up.

“Dressing up is a great way to show school spirit because it’s something everyone can do and even those people who don’t participate get to see all the cool costumes.   Plus it gets people ready for high school, pepping them up for the rest of the year,” said freshman Brandyn Magers.

Michael Pepin, News

T-shirt campaign escalates school spirit

Leave a comment

By Michael Pepin

The multicolored hoard of FC fans scream out “‘Merica!” as their team scores yet another touchdown against Madison High School.  “Green, gold, and white is the new red, white, and blue.”  The t-shirt was designed by a group of students, a product of the FC business class.

Each week, the students come up with a unique t-shirt design to sell for that Friday’s football game. “My students learn about the market process of designing shirts that people are willing to buy, doing some research into what people are willing to do, and working under a time frame,” said business teacher Chris Street.  Each shirt carries a theme that also serves to stoke the fires of the school spirit and give the students a chance to show their creativity in the real world.

Street and his class come up with the ideas by brainstorming, then collaborating with cheerleaders and the administration. “We talk with the cheerleaders and several ideas are worked out, and then take the one that wins to get it approved by the administration.  We want to be fun, but also respectful,” said Street.

The Providence’s “Four years, four wins” slogan, as well as “‘Merica!” and this Friday’s blackout themed Jeffersonville High School game were all ideas that they created using this process.  Out of all the shirts, the Providence’s theme shirt sold the best. The profits the t-shirts earn help fund the Highlander Outfitters store.

The class has students thinking seriously about life beyond high school. “For my future, I need to learn how the business world works, and I really like Mr. Street,” said senior Sarah Engle.  She said that she also uses the class to stay involved in the school.

This strategy is also helping students who take the class learn more about the business world. “My parents own a business, and one day I’m probably going to take it over, so I wanted to learn the ins and outs of it,” said junior Isaac Nasseem.

Selling t-shirts is not the only lesson the students learn in class, they also learn about real world businesses and how they operate.  The t-shirt campaign is a project by Street as a method of teaching the experience of running a business first-hand.

“You get to learn every aspect of running and maintaining a business. It’s a fun class because it’s hands-on and you learn valuable lessons you can take with you anywhere,” said Street.