Senator Square: CHS family made up of artists and cheerleaders, mountain bikers to band members

Carson High School offers more than an amazing education, it provides students from around the capital city with new opportunities every year to participate in multiple clubs, organizations and events. Let's take a look.

There's art classes taught by teacher and local artist Mike Malley, cheerleading for both girls and boys with coach Sheila Story, to the new CHS mountain bike team with coach, Gary Casselman. How many high schools have an orchestra, wind ensemble and jazz band taught by Bill Zabelsky? There's also a Greater Nevada Credit Union branch on campus.

It would take an incredible amount of time to list the myriad classes offered at CHS and the connection between Carson High School and Western Nevada College. Never before have students been able to potentially graduate from high school with both a diploma and an associate’s degree. It is a great time to be a student at CHS.

Capital City Arts Initiative and Mike Malley
An artist-centered organization committed to the encouragement and support of artists and the arts and culture of Carson City, Nevada and the surrounding region, CCAI announces its exhibition, Silver State Swimmer, with artwork by local artist and CHS art teacher Michael Malley at the city’s Sierra Room located in the Carson City Community Center at 851 east William Street. The free exhibition is available to the public from July 11 - November 10, 2016, weeknights Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., and CCAI will host a reception for the artist on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Questions: call 775-283-7421 or visit arts-initiative.org.

Carson High Mountain Bike Team
On Sunday, August 28, in Tahoe City the Carson Senator Mountain Bike Team competed in the first race in the inaugural season of the newly formed Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling League. Carson's Mallory Otto placed 3rd in the Junior Varsity girls, Taylor Jenkins placed 3rd in the sophomore girls, and Tobin McRae placed 2nd in the sophomore boys. These results, with the rest of the team’s excellent effort, earned CHS third place overall. The team's next race will be the Iron Horse Roundup in Reno at Hidden Valley, Sept. 10.

CHS Cheerleading Camp
The CHS Cheerleaders are hosting an annual Senatorette Camp for girls and boys in grades K-8 on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. This includes a dance and cheer, along with valuable team skills taught during camp. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

All participants will perform for their families at 11:45 a.m. on the day of camp and then again on Sept. 16 at the CHS varsity football game which begins at 7 p.m. at the CHS Football Field. The cost is $30 per cheerleader, and no cost for those with special needs. Also on the same day, Sept. 10, Capital Ford and Ford Motor Company is hosting a Drive 4 UR School Event at the CHS North Parking Lot at 8 a.m. For each person who drives a new Ford, the company will donate $20 for a total of $6,000. Drivers must be a minimum age of 18, and only one driver per household is allowed. The whole experience take less than 20 minutes, and 300 drivers are needed. All proceeds will benefit Carson High Cheer and Safe Grad for the Class of 2017. Questions? Call Sheila Story at 775-283-1675.

Credit Union Education Branch Celebrates CHS
GNCU is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Education Branch located inside CHS during the month of September! All Carson High School students are eligible to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $25 gift cards; plus, all CHS students may also take advantage of a free $10 "Gift of Membership" to open a new account! Contest rules and entry forms are available at the GNCU Education Branch, so stop by any time during the month.

Recycled Art Contest
The 2016 Division of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Program’s Statewide Recycled Art Contest is in its third year. Nevada residents from Kindergarten to adults, to students working on a class project, may participate. First place receives $250, second place $100, third place $50, and $200 goes to winners of the class project. Submissions are due by Oct. 23, and winners, selected by panel, will be announced on or before America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, 2016. Go to NevadaRecycles.nv.gov for entry forms and rules, and attach up to two photos of artwork. For more information, contact northern and southern recycling coordinators Patty Moen at 775-687-9466 or Rachel Lewison at 702-486-2850 x268.

Student of the week
The CHS student of the week is Teri Ann Kness. Teri is in 12th grade and is a very helpful upperclassman. She is always ready and willing to help any teacher on campus with errands and tutoring students, even on her off period. Teri is involved in Link Crew, and acts as a Teacher’s Assistant. She is very busy after school with work, and Teri has a great and busy last year of school left. Teachers and students alike thank Teri Ann Kness for everything she does for CHS!

Senior Spotlight
This week, the senior spotlight is on Jiavanna Wong-Fortunato. Jia consistently pushes herself both in and out of the classroom. She is taking a rigorous course load filled with AP courses as well as courses in pharmacy practice and advanced web design. Jia is a talented athlete and committed member of the CHS community. She is involved with several clubs at the high school and community service organizations throughout Carson City. Additionally, Jia holds an office in Health Occupations Student Association, SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America.

She has competed at the state and national level for all three groups, earning herself and her team several first and second place state titles and sixth place at nationals. Jia is also involved in National Honor Society, the Interact Club, Key Club, and she runs for both CHS cross-country and track.

Outside of her school and club responsibilities, Jia enjoys running as well as spending time doing web design and community service. She has worked with the Salvation Army, Austin’s house, and the Kiwanis club. She plans to attend a prestigious university where she will major in pre-medicine in order to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. CHS congratulates Jiavanna Wong-Fortunato and cannot wait to see what her future holds.

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