Senator Square: Carson High School student photography art exhibition runs through March 25

Thirteen seniors from Carson High School’s Advanced Photography program have a showcase of work available for viewing with Capital City Arts Initiative’s Photo Finished 2021 exhibition through March 25.

Though the building is presently closed to the general public, this by no means prevents the public from going here for an exhibition video of the CHS artists as well as statements they make about what they have accomplished. CHS Seniors include Geovanny Arroyo, Trevor Castillo, Mariah Dunham, Maizie Harris, Riley Kidd, Kedre Luschar, Dominic Martinez, Anthony Meyer, Madalyn Nolan, Justyce Quintana, Madison Rabideau, Josey Steinecke, and Katie Zarate, all students of CHS Photography teacher Kara Ferrin. Ferrin asked students to create a cohesive body of images around a central theme of their choice. In today’s world of Photoshop technology, this work holds its own without exaggeration and manipulation and refers to the basic principles of art, composition, and technique.

Dominic Martinez focused his attention on capturing light in unexpected places, Maizie Harris provides an angular view of Carson City’s long-closed Ormsby House and a strong composition of stormy Lake Tahoe, Madison Rabideau’s roller coaster sunset begs the question, “How did she do this?”, Trevor Castillo’s strong compositions include both nature and urban views, and Mariah Dunham’s photo journal essay of imagined imperfections reveal teenagers’ off-balance from others’ expectations.

Kedre Luschar uses a tight and clear focus on familiar objects making them new again, Geovanny Arroyo’s reveals his fondness for cars in his three images, and Anthony Meyer gives a tranquil perspective via a Hawaiian beach scene. With just the right lighting, Katie Zarate depicts calmness in her lake pier photograph, Josey Steinecke shares a creative architectural portrait of St. Mary’s in the Mountains in Virginia City, Madalyn Nolan selected landscapes as her subject, Riley Kidd’s series includes views of contemporary and historical buildings, and Justyce Quintana contrasted vintage urban images with a contemporary city scene.

This show is another in CCAI’s ongoing series of student exhibitions at the Brick. — Contributed by CCAI Executive Director and artist Sharon Rosse who said “CCAI is delighted to again present work by Ferrin’s accomplished students; their professional level of work presents accomplished and diverse photographic achievements.”

ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION
Recently, the Carson High School AVID students got together and participated in a relay-race activity. The race was designed to promote communication, problem solving, building community, and to simply have fun. More than 40 students participated between the two cohorts and it was the first time freshmen through seniors were able to work together on an activity like this through the AVID program. CHS is in its fourth year of offering AVID to students, and the goal is to prepare students for college through college prep curriculum, fun activities, college visits, and guest speakers. For more information about the AVID program, please email Language Arts Teacher Lynette Gardner at lgardner@carson.k12.nv.us.

TEACHERS TAKE TIME TO TIE-DYE WITH SENATOR PRIDE COMMITTEE
Photography instructor Kara Ferrin invited teachers to the Magically Fun Monday brought to them by the CHS Senator Pride committee. Ferrin said, “We would love for everyone to join us to create your own tie-dyed piece of clothing to wear for Spirit Fridays; we know we all have different styles and comfort zones when it comes to wearing blue on Fridays, so join us March 1, during lunch, to tie-dye your own pieces with "Senator Blue". Throughout this one-of-a-kind school year, Senator Pride has gone out of their way to help teachers connect with one another. Ferrin also said, “We will have a limited number of undyed pieces available, so even if you do not have something to dye, please join us anyway and, if you are new to tie-dye, please do not be scared to try; we are here to help, so I hope to see you all there, and let me know if you have any questions.”

NEVADA READING WEEK KICKS OFF ONLINE AND IN THE CHS LIBRARY
According to CHS Librarian and Media Specialist Ananda Campbell, “We are kicking off Nevada Reading Week with a slideshow found in today's homeroom class or here; see our display for Nevada Reading Week going up in the library windows today as we are tying in the month of March “Habit of Mind: Imagining, Creating, and Innovating” with Nevada Reading Week and “Women's History Month.”

#MotivationMonday features books about taking action, #TuesdayTips feature books with great advice, #WCW/Women Crushing Wednesday features books by and about women crushing it, #Thursdaythoughts features books to make students think, and #TGIF is about bringing on the weekend with a great new read. Learn more about the celebration and observance of the vital role of women in American history and check out #unladylike2020: Elevating the Hidden History of American Women. “Stop by for a new read, or place a book on hold and we will #BookDash it to you” Campbell added.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SERIES TO COVER VAPING TRENDS AND DANGERS
According to CHS Health and Freshman Seminar teacher Erin Been, “I have reached out to community partners in their respective fields to bring to CHS’ students and parents an extended learning opportunity in relation to health curriculum; this will be presented in cooperation with Partnership Carson City.”

This week's ZOOM presentation was taught by Terry Kerns, Office of the Attorney General, March 4 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Kerns presented on the topic of opioid trends and dangers, and next week’s presentation, March 11, will cover vaping. The presenter will be Suzie Rubio, Public Health Program Specialist and Tobacco Prevention with Carson City Health & Human Services. The Zoom code is zoom.us/j/97109995715, and the meeting ID is 971 0999 5715. Please see the following attachment here for complete information:

ACADEMIC LETTERS TO BE AWARDED
Senior Academic letters will be awarded March 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the North Foyer of Carson High School. Though the annual assembly with noted guest speaker will not occur, this is still a time of celebration with a Mini CHS Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Choir playing throughout the night.

SAFE SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS ASKS EVERYONE TO TALK TO TWO
The School Social Workers, working with a group of students to lead six campaigns relating to protective factors against suicide, are asking everyone to Talk to Two. Current times have been difficult for many and, although society is moving towards safe and positive change, many feel more isolated and disconnected than ever. This month, the SSPs and students want to encourage individuals to Talk to Two people: peers, friends, family, colleagues, etc., and ask how they are doing. When concerned for someone, remember it is important to Acknowledge, listen to your friend; do not ignore their concern, Care, let your friend know you care, and Tell, tell a trusted adult you are concerned about your friend (ACT).

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or needs support, please reach out to the following resources: Crisis Support SafeVoice Nevada for all concerned students, parents, and teachers at safevoicenv.org/; Rural Mobile Crisis Response Team for crisis support through video at knowcrisis.com/, or call 702-486-7865; Crisis Support Services of Nevada at 1-800-273-8255, Text CARE to 839863, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to chat; Nevada Crisis Line at 775-784-8090; Crisis Text Line at text HOME to 741741; 911 for life threatening emergencies only. For information about this and other events like it, please contact Alejandra Ayala, MSW, LSW, CHS Social Worker II at aayala-ayala@carson.k12.nv.us, call her at 283-1834, or schedule a Virtual Office appointment here.

YEARBOOK ADDS PAGES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO ADVERTISE
Due to a high level of interest, the CHS Yearbook staff has added pages. Carson City business owners may still purchase an advertisement section in the yearbook, multiple sizes available, to help immortalize the name of their business, the name of a student, and to also support the CHS program. Business owners simply need to go to yearbookforever.com, search for CHS, select shop, and then select a business ad. They may then upload a predesigned ad, or they may design their own ad online.

Why advertise? It really helps support the CHS program, it enables the purchase of new equipment, it is a good business opportunity, and it is a write-off. Moreover, this year is historical, so become a part of history. Ad prices are as follows: 1/8 page is $150; 1/4 page is $200; 1/2 page is $300; full page is $500. Also, parents, students, and others may purchase a section of the yearbook as well and use photos to capture and immortalize an unforgettable memory of time spent in the Carson City School District.

Have a look at the possibilities by going to senatorsnow.org/. For more information about the CHS yearbook, email CHS teacher and yearbook adviser Cynthia Mills at cmills@carson.k12.nv.us.

GREATER NEVADA CREDIT UNION ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
Greater Nevada Credit Union has expanded its annual scholarship program, which began in 2000, to help even more students pursue their undergraduate, technical, or trade school education goals. This year GNCU will award $2,000 scholarships each to 30 qualifying individuals for the 2021-2022 academic year by offering two different categories. Please visit gncu.org for more information and to apply online, or visit a local Branch.

CARSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT HOSTS VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
Has this ever happened before? For the first time ever, CCSD will host a virtual career fair March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. There will be a variety of employers, work force programs, and local colleges participating. Save the date.

ATHLETIC GEAR AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT CARSON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
“Hi everyone, I want you to know the football program has a team store online where you can buy Senator Football swag through the Graphics Factory” said CHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Blair Roman. Attached is the link. “Your support is greatly appreciated” he added. See the website here. For more information, email broman@carson.k12.nv.us.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to CHS Senior, Jose Fausto on being nominated as the CHS Student of the Week. According to his nominating teacher, CHS Athletic Department Chair Blair Roman, “Jose's leadership in my Physical Education class makes it fun for the entire class and for me as the teacher in these challenging times.” Roman then added, “Jose always steps up with a positive attitude, helps and is considerate of others, and helps me as the teacher set up all sports we play and lead the class in a multitude of ways.” Employees within Carson City School District nominate the CHS Student of the Week, and it is often the students’ teachers who do the nominating though anyone in the district may do so by sending an email to pbrady@carson.k12.nv.us. Well done, Jose Fausto, on standing out as a student who inspires others.

SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This week’s Senior in the Spotlight shines on Guadalupe Cortes Solis. Guadalupe is an outstanding CHS citizen, always turning in her best work, researching and taking action on social concerns, and being consistently friendly and supportive. She maintains a 4.2 weighted GPA while taking challenging classes and fulfilling commitments to family, school and community.

Guadalupe is the CHS HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Chapter Secretary and has competed at the State level the past few years as well as this year. She recently qualified for Nationals in a Health Science Testing Event: Cultural Diversities and Disparities in Healthcare. She placed in the top five, but final results are not released until later this Spring.

Additionally, she is a member of the National Honor Society for the third year and particularly enjoys volunteering at blood drives and putting together Thanksgiving baskets for families each year. Guadalupe was accepted to the Community of Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers Exploring Science and Health (CBESS) program at UNR in 2019. Her team, the “Lichen Leaders,” chose to focus their two years doing research on anxiety amongst adolescents, providing training to health care professionals, and designing and implementing a media campaign to bring awareness to this issue and give options for those experiencing it. This amazing student will be attending UNR in the Fall, studying Public Health.

As a first generation Mexican American, Guadalupe will use her bilingualism to help others access medical care. She remembers as a very young child trying to interpret what doctors were saying to her parents and struggling with words and concepts she did not understand. Guadalupe’s dream is to make the world a better, safer place for all with whom she comes in contact. — Contributed by CHS Counselor Dori Draper.

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