Senator Square: Student reflects on Carson High School girls golf season

Editor’s Note: Sarah Wiggins is a CHS sophomore, athlete, NHS member, Leadership member, Blue Crew member, and HOSA Future Health Professional member.

The 2019 season for CHS girls golf was a great experience for everyone on the team. This year, the team was comprised of five girls: Karen Beglin, Sophia Taggart, Karrina Ferris, Brooke Gudmundson, myself, and our coaches, Wade Greenlee and Jack Butler.

For everyone, we all had some amazing moments and some not so amazing moments. One of my favorite stories this year is teammate Karen Beglin had her first albatross during one of our daily practices. And for those who do not know, an albatross is when a golfer takes only two strokes on a par five and puts it in the hole; statistically, this is rarer than a hole-in-one on a par three.

On the other hand, one of the worst moments this season was probably me missing state by a few strokes. I was in place to go to state, but a girl from another school beat me by one stroke. Another great moment this season was when we all went to regionals as a team because everyone tried and did their best at our last tournament so that we could make our season last a little longer. For this next year, Karen, Brooke and I plan on continuing to play golf and Karrina and Sophia are going off to university.

However, for next season, we are planning on going to the Carson City middle schools and talking about golf to students in grade eight. Overall, this golf season was the best; even though we had so few players, we all had fun, and I would recommend it to every girl who has an interest in playing and learning to play golf.

MIRACLE MINUTE FOR RILEY
On Oct. 30, a Miracle Minute was offered to the administration, faculty, staff, and students of CHS on behalf of Riley Kidd, a young lady who recently suffered a serious brain injury. Her medical bills are numerous, and everyone at the high school wanted to help. Riley and her family are extremely grateful for all of the love and support during this time of trouble. There is also a Go Fund Me page as well. Like CHS has done so often in the past, everyone saw the need and met the need. Is more money needed to help Riley, of course; however, according to CHS Leadership adviser Ann Britt, “With a combined effort from transportation, students, and staff we raised $1,354.85…I love this school!” For more information about helping Riley and her family, please call CHS directly at 283-1910.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY BLOOD DRIVE
NHS’ first blood drive this year was Oct. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Small Gym at CHS, and the turnout was a huge success. The CHS National Honor Society won the Northern Nevada High School Blood Drive Challenge from United Blood Services, and it is no surprise as to the reason why. When blood is needed, the Carson City community responds in full force. Medical staff were in the CHS Small Gym all day long, and there were plenty of snacks to eat for all who donated blood. Large numbers of donors are always needed. Surprisingly, many student donors, 16 and older, came in to donate; the site was amazing and inspiring for others to see. There will be two more opportunities this year to donate blood. In the meantime, for more information, please call teachers and NHS advisers Monica Chavez, 283-1749, or Jennifer Alexander, 283-1720. According to Alexander, “We had 138 donors with a total of 161 units of blood; it was a very successful event.”

SPEECH AND DEBATE TOURNAMENT YIELDS SEVERAL WINNERS
Carson High Debate competed at the second league tournament at Spanish Springs. The team was in full force with 26 members competing in the two-day event. Competing in their first tournament were duo interpretation partners Abby Cook and Abby Marschner-Schulmacher who took 2nd place in novice with their cutting of Frozen. Mariah Hipp and Jocleyn Estrada claimed 1st place in novice duo with their piece titled Dark Road. In senior duo, Heidi Barney and Madisyn Dunlap placed 4th with The Little Mermaid with teammates Rosalind Macy and Emma Peterson taking 1st with Winter Girls.

Kieran Dazzo took 3rd place in senior dramatic interpretation presenting Redemotion: A Story of Sisterhood. Jessica Knutson took 7th place with a very crowded novice informative speaking field with her speech, “Deep and Dark”, and teammate David Mariscal Gonzalez took 1st place presenting on the development of language. Team captain Mary Milburn placed 3rd in senior information with her presentation on “Media Bias”. Abby Marschner-Schulmacher advanced to elimination rounds in novice Lincoln Douglas debate, taking 3rd place overall. She also placed 4th overall in speaker points with Ryan Soulier placing 9th. In senior Lincoln Douglas, Mary Milburn made herself the competitor to beat, taking 1st place in speaker points, 2nd place overall, going undefeated, and winning every ballot in the entire competition.

November is a busy month for CHS debate as they will be competing in league competition at McQueen, the American Legion Speaking contest, and the Poetry Out Loud competition. Carson will then play host to the league in December.

TEACHER JOE THORNBURG DRESSES UP AS FAIRY IN HOSA FUNDRAISER
CHS Language Arts teacher Joe Thornburg was the winner, whether or not he liked this fact, of the HOSA Future Health Professionals fundraiser to support the Carson Tahoe Hospital Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research and awareness. What did Thornburg have to do if he won this competition, he had to wear a pink tutu, fairy wings, and pink bow all day Oct. 31.

How did he win, students contributed their own dollars to see Thornburg, over several other teachers, have to dress up as a bona fide fairy. Did he agree to do this in the first place, maybe. The bigger question, did he enjoy it? Thornburg’s being willing to dress up as a pink fairy did yield a bit of green paper as over $200 was raised by students who then donated a grand total of $350 to cancer research. Thornburg, in pink, so natural for him; he should do it more often.

STUDENT COUNCIL TO HOST SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION DAY
Everyone is invited to spend a couple hours cleaning up the school while the weather still allows. On Nov. 4, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Students, teachers, parents, siblings, etc. will meet in the CHS upstairs cafeteria. Anyone from Carson is welcome to join in on this fun physical event. For more information, please email Ann Britt at abritt@carson.k12.nv.us.

TEACHERS VERSUS POLICE OFFICERS IN BASKETBALL GAME AT CHS
The 4th Annual Teacher Basketball game will be held in the CHS Big Gym Nov. 13. 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 towards putting an end to domestic violence.” Call CHS teacher Ann Britt at 283-1769, or email her at abritt@carson.k12.nv.us for more information.

25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR COMING SOON
This year’s CHS Holiday Craft Fair is Nov. 22 through 23 with 140 booths, Santa, and a raffle. Intend to have a booth at the craft fair? Contact Cathy Barbie at 882-8109, or email her at barbiecathy55@gmail.com for more information.

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 West Musser Street and 256 East 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 may 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; special artist is students with disabilities. All grades welcome. Students may 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 PTA.org/Reflections. Any further questions, please see CHS teacher Wendy Tims in room 233.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Hawley Peterman, nominated by CHS teacher Ty McMillen, is the CHS Student of the Week. According to McMillen, “Hawley was introduced to me by our Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative for the area during CHS’ Freshman Orientation, and since then, she has repeatedly invited her friends to join us for our FCA events.” McMillen also said, “Hawley and her friends have helped with our Bonfire night working at our booth as well as making posters to promote upcoming FCA events, and I have really enjoyed her participation and her encouragement toward her friends.” Congratulations to Hawley Peterman, a young lady who proves why this school continues to be such a great place to come every day.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
This week’s outstanding senior in the spotlight is Barbara Stankute. Barbara is an exceptional student with a 4.8 GPA, who will have successfully completed 10 AP classes and numerous honors classes when she graduates. She is a candidate for the AP Capstone Diploma and will have completed the training necessary to be a Certified Nursing Assistant through WNC.

In addition to exceling academically, Barbara’s cheerful nature and genuine personality are assets that will serve her well in the future. Although Barbara prioritizes her academics, she is also very involved at CHS as well as in the Carson community. She is currently a member of National Honor Society, Blue Crew and HOSA. At the HOSA State Conference, Barbara was honored by receiving the Barbara James Service Award in recognition of over 120 hours of community service.

She is employed at CHS as an academic tutor and puts in eight hours per week assisting struggling students. In addition, Barbara has been a member of the CHS junior varsity volleyball and basketball teams as well as the track and field team. Outside of school, Barbara is currently working as a barista at Dutch Bros. and has been a Candy Striper at Carson Tahoe Hospital for over a year.

Barbara would like to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with further education to become a physician’s assistant. She is applying to several universities including the University of Michigan, Boston University, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Duke University. CHS is very proud of the contributions Barbara has made to the school and community and knows she will be successful. Best of luck, Barbara ~ Contributed by CHS counselor Susan Grunert.

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School in Carson City, Nev.