Tests of all sorts, followed by a much-deserved break at CHS

The citizens of Carson City may not hear the jingle, jingle, jingle of Santa's sleigh bells, but the students at Carson High School most certainly do.

In fact, most of them are anxiously awaiting that last school bell on Friday, an indication that the fall semester exams are over.

Each student will be completing the last of 12 - count 'em, 12 - exams on Friday, as each course averages the grades from a written portion and an objective portion.

Hopefully, their hard work and studying will have paid off. The winter break begins when the students are released at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Because no final exams will be given early, students who miss final exams will need to make them up as soon as school reconvenes in January.

Not all students have been worrying exclusively about final exams; some have been preparing for exams of another sort. Members of the Culinary Arts program will be competing in a Pro-Start competition on Tuesday.

The competition is being sponsored by the National Restaurant Association with over 20 teams competing from Washoe, Douglas and Churchill counties, in addition to Carson High School.

The students will have a pre-made menu that they have developed using specific cooking methods, knife cuts and cost guidelines, and they must adhere to nutritional standards.

The teams of four have one hour and two burners to produce an appetizer, main dish and dessert. Winners will go to the state competition in February.

This particular Pro-Start competition is in the area of culinary performance, but food-service management is another area where students can compete.

According to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Web site, the number of jobs in the restaurant and food-service industry is projected to increase by 1.9 million by 2016.

Our students have the opportunity to prepare for these positions through a successful culinary arts and food-service management program.

The volunteer judges of the Pro-Start event include John Hurzel, Clint Jolly, Lacie Dee Spiecher, Shawn Abe, Michelle Cowee, Michele Reid, Karen Chessel, Bonnie Parnell, David Goowin, Mary Pierczynski, Ralph and Linda Marrone, Anna Whitlow and Michelle Palmer. Thank you. judges. for your time and support.

The athletes at Carson High School are also preparing for some rigorous tests.

Tuesday, the basketball teams match up against Reno High School. The boy's junior varsity will begin play at 3:30 p.m. at CHS. The girls and boys varsity teams will follow at 5:15 and 7 p.m. Both freshman teams and the girl's junior varsity team will travel to Reno.

Wednesday, both wrestling teams will travel to North Valleys High School for competition. The varsity grapplers will then head south for the Las Vegas Holiday Classic Friday and Saturday. There will be over 63 teams in the 64-man bracket.

It is one of the largest tournaments around, with teams from many Western states attending, including Alaska.

Last year, the team ended up 13th, and they are hoping for an even better result this year.

While the wrestlers take on Southern Nevada, the boy's basketball team will host its own Capital Classic at Carson High School Thursday through Saturday. Eight teams will be in the tournament, representing Fallon, Fernley and many schools from Washoe County.

Carson High School will be on winter break until Jan. 7. So Happy new year, everyone.

• Rebecca Rodina teaches special education at Carson High and is a member of Senator Pride.