Senator Square: Carson High athletes excel across the board

Everyone in Carson City is invited, always invited, to come on out and support the Carson High School athletic teams and programs, especially when so many of these individuals and teams have been so successful. A great many athletic events are happening this week and beyond with regional competitions in soccer and state competitions in tennis and cross country. According to CHS Naval Science instructor Daniel Ingram, “Carson High is consistently competing at stellar levels in so many areas across the board, and all coaches deserve a big thanks for all they do; we know they dedicate their time and effort for the students and not the pay, and they do an awesome job.” Sadly, “with regional and state competitions, the NIAA charges $10 per adult for admission, so school IDs will not be honored; most of the money goes to the cost of putting on these events for the kids,” said CHS athletic director and teacher Blair Roman. So, will it cost a dollar or two, sure, but the money does not end up in someone else’s pocket; it is for the kids. As many already know, the doubles team of Eric Tomita and Bradley Wiggins won the regional championship Nov. 1, never losing a set the whole tournament. The boys’ soccer team earned the No. 2 seed from the Sierra League this season and played Hug in a first round playoff match Nov. 5. A victory put them in the regional semi-finals against Spanish Springs (they lost, 3-0 Thursday). The boys and girls cross country state meet is also Saturday at San Rafael Park in Reno. Zach Sever and Hannah Kaiser both qualified and are ready to compete. The girls flight starts at 11:10 a.m. and the boys flight is at 1:15 p.m. This is a combined meet of all levels in Nevada. It is always fun to get up from the chair, get away from the home and watch a live athletic event, so come on out and participate.

FIRST EVER SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT SERIES

Student musicians, 12 of them, participated in the CHS Orchestra Program in the TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Side-by-Side concert series in which seasoned professional musicians played alongside budding high school string students. CHS was represented by Bita Jazani, Spenser Bray, Shawn McConnell, Cristian Rodriguez Contreras, Alex Sanchez, Diana Quintero and Mira Caraway. Jazani and Bray received special recognition as soloists in the D Minor Double Concerto by J. S. Bach. Other school programs represented were Reed and North Valleys high schools. Musicians performed concerts in Carson City and Gardnerville. The program was directed by Alex Eisenberg, music director of Capriccio Orchestra, a protégé orchestra in the Bay Area. Carson City Schools Orchestra director Brian Fox, PhD, Jeff Lindhorst, Jim Stanley, Susan Cross Stanley, James Rawie and Nancy Rawie collaborated to produce the series.

NANAMI DUNCAN WINS FIRST DEAN’S LIST AWARD

Nanami Duncan, a senior at CHS, has been selected for the First Dean’s List Award for her leadership and dedication to science, engineering and technology and as an outstanding student in the First Tech Challenge. CHS’s Robotic Team competed in the First Tech Challenge and went to the World Championships in Houston during the last spring break.

CHS STAFF STARTS A THROWBACK THURSDAY TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS

During the month of November, now that cancer T-shirt Tuesdays have passed, as staff, let’s wear T-shirts and college sweatshirts of your college, or any college for that matter. We want our students looking ahead and thinking about exploring universities — what better way than starting the conversation or plant a seed. Hope you can all get on board for Throw Back Thursdays in November and sport your favorite college gear. I know we wear college gear during College week (ACT week), too! This is just an added bonus to keep the conversations happening. Have fun.

TEACHERS VERSUS POLICE OFFICERS IN BASKETBALL GAME ALMOST HERE

The fourth annual Teacher Basketball game will be held in the CHS Big Gym Wednesday. According to CHS teacher and leadership adviser Ann Britt, “This year we are going to be doing things a little bit differently, teachers against the local sheriffs’ offices.” Britt also said, “The theme will be Books versus Badges as CHS and Douglas High School teachers team up and take on the Carson City and Douglas Sheriffs’ offices; all proceeds will go toward putting an end to domestic violence.” Call CHS teacher Britt at 775-283-1769 or email her at abritt@carson.k12.nv.us for more information.

25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR COMING SOON

Adult volunteers are still needed for the 25th annual Carson High School Holiday Craft Fair Nov. 22 and 23. According to coordinator Cathy Barbie, “Shifts are two hours each and your assistance could help your son or daughter qualify for a senior scholarship as well as support the school.” Volunteers can contact CHS teacher Wendy Tims at chsgbvolunteer@gmail.com or signup.com/go/nEbSAfN.

On Thursday evening, craft fair volunteers coordinate the marking of the booths for the show’s layout. On Friday, students are needed for unloading crafters from 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturday, students are needed for assisting crafters from 4 to 6 p.m. Students who assist with the loading and unloading of crafters earn stipends at a rate of $5 per hour for their club, sport or group of up to three. Check in at the north foyer outside the Big Gym, and adult volunteers will be there to assist. For shoppers, the doors open at 5 p.m. Nov. 22, and the event goes until 8 p.m. Tickets are $2 for Friday and include re-entry on Saturday as well as a raffle ticket. Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with prices for adults at $1.50 or only $1 with a canned food donation. Children and students K-12 are free.

Barbie said, “This year we have 150 booths with over 125 vendors; Santa will be there, of course, along with great food from CHS Culinary Arts, gift wrapping from Band Boosters, WebDesign graphic gifts, AAUW pecans, and SafeGrad sticker sales.”

Several clubs have reserved booth spaces in the past to sell items. Contact Barbie for approval and placement if intending to have a booth. For students who help the crafters load and unload, there is free scholarship money available. The more years an individual works, the more he earns senior year. Student and club booths keep their entire amount collected with no fee charged to have a booth for any student groups, and another $50 is donated for his efforts.

Advisors’ assistance is appreciated as well. For example, the wrestling coach and the wrestlers helped for several years at the end of the show, cleaning, clearing and folding up floor mats in the gym. Their hours also count toward a stipend, and the students would be more likely to be there. Parent and guardians who volunteer have their hours credited to their child’s club at the same rate of $5 per hour. The Carson High Holiday Craft Fair has raised between $10,000 and $18,000 every year for 25 years, and all profits go directly to student groups.

“You can all be very proud that it is considered one of the best places to go to have fun, be entertained and shop; I always hear praise from the crafters about how incredible our students are and how much they appreciate their efforts,” said Barbie.

Contact Barbie at 775-882-8109 or e-mail her at barbiecathy55@gmail.com for more information.

CARSON CITY COMMUNITY ALWAYS STEPS UP TO SUPPORT SAFE GRAD

Throughout November and December, supporters of Safe Grad will be generously donating portions of their sales to the class of 2020’s end-of-year celebratory event. For starters, on Friday, both Dutch Bros. locations donated $1 to Safe Grad for every cup sold. Next, there is the Firehouse Benefit Night Dec. 16. All day long, dine in or drive thru, Firehouse will donate and part of the proceeds to Safe Grad. Finally, Safe Grad itself, set for June 8 and 9, is really in need of volunteers. Without the wonderful and needed support of parents and community volunteers, this event would not be possible. This year’s volunteer signup program is found by going to signup.com/go/acPsyOg, the leading online sign up and reminder tool. It is easy too. Click the link, review the options listed, choose the spot(s) preferred and sign up. Registering an account, or keeping a password, is not necessary, and SignUp.com does not share personal information with anyone. Contact the Safe Grad volunteer coordinator at 775-741-3918 or go to emailchsgbvolunteer@gmail.com. There are so many times and options available. Interested in working directly with Safe Grad? The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the ReMax office on Carson Street. It is never too early or late to join.

COAT DRIVE FOR STUDENTS IN TRANSITION

It is getting cold outside, and new coats and hoodies are needed to support the McKinney-Vento Students in Transition Program. Those wanting to help may deliver coats to 618 W. Musser St. and 256 E. Winnie Lane in Carson City. For more information about the coat and hoodie drive, please call 283-1526 or 283-1537.

ANNUAL PTA REFLECTIONS CONTEST BEGINS NOW

Students who enjoy dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts and even the special arts for students with disabilities are being asked to participate in unleashing their inner artist with this year’s PTA Reflections contest and $5,000 available in prize money. This year’s theme, “Look Within,” calls for unique artistic interpretations. Students can enter in the appropriate division for their grade. Primary is preschool through grade 2; intermediate is grades 3-5; middle school is grades 6-8; high school is grades 9-12; and special artist is students with disabilities. All grades are welcome. Students can pick up submission guidelines and an entry form from the CHS library. All submissions must be entered at the CHS library by Dec. 4. For inspiration, visit the Reflections virtual art gallery to learn more about prizes and scholarships at www.pta.org/reflections. For more questions, see CHS teacher Wendy Tims in room 233.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to Jordan Mack, CHS student of the week. According to CHS Fine Arts Department chair and Choral Music Educator J. Andrew Sonnemaker, Jordan “Jay” Mack, a CHS sophomore, is an awesome and talented member of Concert Choir and Musical Theater, and we gave her a #WeAreSenators sticker because she volunteered to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States, at the varsity soccer game Oct. 2, and blew it out of the water. “She is a conscientious, kind and responsible human being in general and a lovely role model for students,” added Sonnemaker. Congratulations to Jordan for her volunteerism, her conscientiousness and her selflessness.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

The Senior in the Spotlight this week is Camryn Quilling. Camryn has a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a weighted GPA of 4.3. Camryn has excelled in her classes, which have earned her an academic letter for the third year in a row. Her extracurricular activities include three sports throughout her high school career, playing at the varsity level on the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. Camryn also volunteers through her church, spends personal time helping the elderly and contributes to the needs of others by participating in their events and fundraisers. She also helps out with the daycare services. After graduation, Camryn plans on attending college to study nursing; ultimately, she aspires to become a labor and delivery nurse. Congratulations to Camryn Quilling! Everyone at CHS knows, loves and will miss her gentle and kind disposition. Her future is bright, and she will be missed greatly.

Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.