The social studies department has some news to report. Teacher Will Houk has been teaching a unit about imperialism. After watching the video "Hotel Rwanda," which chronicled the events of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and then teaching his students about the genocide now happening in Sudan, students decided they all wanted to do something to help.
They came up with the idea of conducting a fundraiser to send money to refugees in Sudan. The students decided to put together a fundraiser by getting donations and raffling them off. There will be a raffle here at Carson High School on Wednesday. There will also be a silent auction at Starbucks later in the month.
"It's been inspiring to me to see my students get so involved in this process. On their own time, they have been getting donations, making a video, making posters, and doing their own research on the situation in Darfur," Houk said. "It has been a refreshing experience to work with them on this cause."
If you wish to help the students with their fundraising efforts, please contact Houk at whouk@carson.k12.nv.us.
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CHS students recently competed in the State National History Day competition at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Placing first in the group exhibit category and advances to Nationals at the University of Maryland in June are juniors Tyler Wing and Manuel Ruiz for their exhibit on the atomic bomb.
Placing second in the group exhibit category are juniors Tyson Curran and Mike Atkinson for their exhibit on the Battle of Iwo Jima. Placing second in the individual exhibit category is junior Mandy Norman for her exhibit on the Alcatraz Occupation. Winning the "Best of Show" and $100 were Brian Halverson and James Pelz for their exhibit about Amelia Earhart.
Winning the "Russell Elliott Prize," presented by the Nevada Corral of Westerners International, was junior Mandy Norman for her exhibit on the Alcatraz Occupation. She received $350 for this award and is invited to the annual luncheon of this group.
The "Best New Participant Award" and $100 prize money was given to junior Michael Gonzalez for his exhibit on "Braceros." Way to go CHS historians!
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Patrick Mobley, social studies teacher and speech and debate advisor, will be taking three CHS students to the District Speech and Debate tournament at Bishop Manogue on April 12-14.
Good luck to Ryan Halen, Steven Gall, and Carl Hernandez who all qualified for the district tournament! Winners from the district level advance to nationals in Wichita, Kansas.
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Culinary students recently competed at the state competition in Las Vegas. The Culinary Management Team of Sarah Metcalf, Ashley Cook, Barbara Perkins, Jennifer Diamond and Brittany Shirey took second.
The Culinary Hot Foods Team of Spencer Trapp, Brad Cobler, Kelsey Kepplinger, Melinda Champion and Jennifer DeRosa took fourth. Congrats culinary and their advisor Penny Reynolds for another great year.
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Susan Taylor, head of the Occupational and Fine Arts Department, reports that the annual Arts & Occupation Fair will be held 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday in Senator Square. It will showcase student work.
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Events this week at CHS:
Tuesday: Varsity softball vs. Reed at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: Both varsity softball and baseball square off against Reno High at 10 am.
Spring break begins Friday. School resumes April 16.
• Angela Golik is a teacher at Carson High School and member of Senator Pride.