By Phil Brady
When Carson City community members think of Carson High School, do positive thoughts of educational wonder, professional career and technical opportunities, and hilarious fun at the myriad events offered by the school come to mind?
This should be the norm because one of Carson City’s own, senior Katasha DeGraw, is a National Merit Finalist. This is a young lady potentially destined for greatness as she is waiting to hear from universities like Princeton, Harvard, and Yale.
A National Merit Finalist, whether she wins or not, is still considered prestigious, and colleges cover full tuition and living expenses. Additionally, known artists visit Carson High School as guest speakers, and CHS baseball players move on to become major leaguers, not to mention the amazing culinary arts students who win scholarships to institutions like Johnson and Wales. This happens at CHS every single year, and it must impress and astonish members of the Carson City community. Talk about bragging rights!
National Technical Honor Society
CHS recently started the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), and members from various Career and Technical Education Clubs were invited to apply. The NTHS charter at CHS is advised by Ms. Sherri Kelley. Students must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (unweighted) and be enrolled in a career/technical education program or major. Pictured are the new members of the CHS NTHS.
CHS Junior earns UNR internship
Junior Rachel Rombardo is starting an internship with Dr. Eric Frost, UNR Chemistry Dept. Chair this week. It is quite an honor that a CHS student will be involved with research at a Tier 1 university.
Artist Visits CHS
Carson City artist Claudia Knous gave a talk about her eco printing fiber pieces to Mike Malley’s art class on February 9. Knous offers a look at her art in the Community Center’s Sierra Room through March 11. Capital City Arts Initiative bring artists twice a year to give talks to Mr. Malley’s students. CHS and CCAI: bringing the professional artist to inspire and teach students. Well done, Mr. Malley.
Baseball Tryouts
It is time to “play ball,” Sat., Feb. 27th at CHS. Sports packets must first be completed and turned in to the CHS Athletics Department by Feb. 17. Packets can be completed online at www.carsonhigh.com in the “Athletics” tab. Print out the athletic packet and bring it in. Tryout times depend upon weather and field conditions. Questions? Contact Mr. Manoukian in room 210 before school.
Culinary Arts
The annual fundraiser dinner and silent auction is March 10 at Silver Oaks Golf Course. Enjoy a 4 course meal with paired wines. The cost is $50 per person in advance; no ticket sales at the door. Contact Penny Reynolds at preynolds@carson.k12.nv.us or 283-1771. Please come support these students as they prepare for state and national competitions.
American College Test Prep for Juniors
Free ACT prep in the library after school began Feb. 2, 2:15-3:55, and this opportunity is still open with busing available. Remember, the ACT test is March 1. Students should visit the library and sign up for online prep, or they can prepare on their own time by signing up on tutors.com. The ACT test is a CHS graduation requirement.
Big Blue Welcome and Career Expo
The incoming freshman class of 2020 and their parents are invited to Carson High School Feb. 18, 4:30-7:00. Information about transitioning to high school will be presented in Senator Square, and at least 24 vendors will be available to talk about potential future careers and offer resources Carson City has for students. The official welcome happens in the gym 6:00-7:00 with school tours and demonstrations by all Career and Technical Classes.
Student of the Week
This week’s student of the week is Leslie Villanueva. Leslie is currently captain of this year’s Pro-start Team and a Pro-Start state champion last year. She is a mentor for Culinary 1 students and is always the first to volunteer for community service activities. Thanks for all your hard work, Leslie!
Senior Spotlight
This week’s senior spotlight is on Katasha DeGraw. Katasha has a GPA of 4.7 and is continuing her academic pursuits with multiple AP and Honors classes. She is Carson High School’s only National Merit Finalist this year and is waiting to hear about finalist status.
She has been active in the National Honor Society for three years and, in addition to her outstanding academics, Katasha is a talented vocalist and co-president of the Concert and Chamber Choirs at CHS. She is repeatedly chosen to participate in the Northern Zone and State Honor Choirs and was recently chosen to travel to Pasadena, Calif., as a participant in the American Choral Directors Association Western Division Honor Choir. Katasha spends time every week volunteering at Advocates to End Domestic Violence and is very active in her church where she leads a group of girls age 12 – 18 in religious and social activities.
She also works two afternoons a week as a tutor for Carson High School’s after school tutoring program. Katasha is undecided as to what she will pursue in college but is leaning toward a degree in chemistry.
She has already been accepted to Utah State and Southern Utah Universities, and the University of Mary in North Dakota. She is eagerly awaiting admittance decisions from Princeton, Harvard, and Yale Universities. CHS is proud of Katasha, and knows she will be successful with whatever decisions she makes about her future. We will miss her lovely smile, singing voice, and servant’s heart next year!
— Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.
