Carson High School students to stage silent protest against bullying

Sixteen students from Ms. Fagundes’ honors world history and global issues classes competed in the state competition for National History Day on March 30. All students represented Carson High School with hard work and honor, and eight students placed. Four students received first-place designation and are moving on to the National History Day competition in Baltimore in June.

The winning entries were:

• Third place website by Jessica Basa and Sarah Christl: “Buddha — One Man’s Influence on India”

• Third place documentary by Bailey Griffin and Samantha Lowe: “China’s One-Child Policy”

• First place documentary by Jesica Cacho, Erica Gallegos and Jake Jones: “Sputnik — Dawn of a New Era”

• First place individual exhibit by Kayla Kennison: “Japan’s Decision to Attack the U.S.”

DAY OF SILENCE

CHS students will stand up to bullying and harassment Friday by participating in the National Day of Silence. The Gay-Straight Alliance club of CHS is sponsoring the event.

Students will wear white as a sign of peace and will be silent before class, between classes and after classes to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.

All students are welcome to participate in the silence, but they must still participate in their classes. The day will end with a “Break the Silence” rally after school on the front lawn, where students will gather for support and celebration.

For more information, send an email to agolik@carson.k12.nv.us.

BAND, CHOIR COMPETE

(The following paragraph is from band director Jared Sorum.)

Four of our premier music groups from CHS went to the Bay Area this year to compete at a Heritage Festival. We left early Friday morning and got there in time to perform that day. There were well over 30 ensembles representing 15 schools.

Each group prepared about 20 minutes of advanced literature for performance and competition. We spent Saturday watching other groups from competing schools and exploring downtown, followed by awards and dinner/dancing reception.

Following are the results of this festival.

• Gold award, IIIA concert wind group — Carson High Wind Ensemble

• Gold award, IIIA jazz ensemble — Carson Jazz Band

• Silver award, IIIA concert choir — Carson Concert Choir

• Silver award, IIIA chamber choir — Carson Chamber Singers

• Adjudicators’ choice, outstanding concert band — Carson Wind Ensemble

• Adjudicators’ choice, outstanding jazz band — Carson Jazz Band

• Outstanding band program, Carson High School

• Sweepstakes award, most outstanding instrumental program — Carson High School

• Grand sweepstakes award, most outstanding music program (combined instrumental and vocal) — Carson High School

• Outstanding male vocal soloist — Henry Wilson, tenor (Carson High)

• Outstanding wind soloist — Jessica Dodge, soprano saxophone (Carson High)

• Outstanding rhythm soloist — Brandon Dodge, drum set (Carson High)

SENIOR PROJECT DATES OF IMPORTANCE

The following are senior project dates to remember for the seniors. To get 100 percent on the senior project portfolio, all papers, signatures and project evidence must be in the portfolio and turned in to the senior English teacher by 2 p.m. Friday. For a 75 percent, students must have it turned in by 8 a.m. April 22. For a 60 percent, 8 a.m. April 24. For a 50 percent, projects must be in by 8 a.m. April 26.

April 29 at 8 a.m. is the absolute last day any student can turn in a portfolio for any credit to graduate with the class of 2013.

For residents and staffers, senior project presentations are set for May 22.

SAFE GRAD FUNDRAISER

Greater Nevada Credit Union, which has an educational branch inside Carson High School, is running a fundraiser for Carson High’s 2013 Safe Grad in April.

The community is welcome to stop by any Greater Nevada branch in Carson City to purchase “Support Safe Grad” cards for a $1 donation each. You do not need to be a credit union member to donate, and Greater Nevada will match all funds raised up to $500. This fundraiser is in collaboration with Carson High’s PTSA Safe Grad Committee to provide a safe, fun and sober celebration for graduating seniors.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

This week’s senior spotlight is on Courtney Aragon. Courtney has a grade-point average of 4.23 and is enrolled in advanced-placement and honors classes.

Courtney is one of our most determined students and does everything with a smile.

She has been active with the Carson Performing Arts group for many years and has had roles in shows including “The Whiz,” “Back to the 80s,” “The Longview” and “Wednesday Night Live.”

In addition, she works more than 25 hours a week at our local In-N-Out and has spent many volunteer hours working with Homeless Connect.

Courtney loves music and has composed a piano piece for her senior project.

In June, Courtney will move to Benecia, Calif., where she will attend a fast-track summer program to become a certified nursing assistant.

In the fall, she will begin a pre-nursing program at Diablo Valley College.

Courtney will be successful in whatever she sets out to accomplish, and Carson High School wishes her the best of luck.

• Angila Golik is a government and sociology teacher at Carson High School and a member of Senator Pride.