Senator Square: Opportunities abound at Carson High School

Getting involved with the activities at Carson High School, whether directly participating or simply watching, comes down to a decision to act upon the many opportunities available. Look at the exciting events in which students directly participate and businesses and parents indirectly participate and decide to engage.

It is doubtful the talent show winners, and those fortunate enough to have seen them, will soon forget about Mathew Navarro’s amazing ability to beatbox, simulating sounds and rhythms of percussion using his mouth and voice alone, not to mention the beautiful voices of Caitlyn Lee, the Favero sisters, the dance trio of Sophia Cacioppo, Tess Corda, and Abriana Vietti and, last but by no means least, Ikela Lewis with his guitar.

As for other opportunities, and many will connect with this one, students and families now have an online site to help out with one of the most challenging educational subjects of all, mathematics. Opportunities abound at CHS.

2016 Talent Show Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 CHS Talent Show, hosted last week by CHS’ Future Business Leaders of America. Grand Prize - Overall Winner of all Acts: Mathew Navarro – Beatboxing. 1st Place Singing: Caitlyn Lee; 2nd Place Singing: The Favero Sisters. 1st Place Non-Singing Act: Werk (Dance Trio of Sophia Cacioppo, Tess Corda and Abriana Vietti); 2nd Place Non-Singing Act - Ikela Lewis with an original piece on his guitar. Many thanks to the following businesses for donating raffle prizes: Gold Dust West, Eagle Valley Golf, Save Mart, Asian Nails, Health 2 You Massage, Jimmy Johns, Dutch Bros., Brad Bonkowski (Supervisor Ward 2), Western Nevada College Performing Arts, Joyce Nugent (Rodan + Fields Consultant), and Studio E Dance & Aerial Arts. Thanks as well to the following judges who volunteered their time: Will Houk, Erin Bean, Alisha Kaskie, and Samantha Lowe.

Carson City Counts
The website carsoncitycounts.com is now up and running. The site is designed to provide resources for families to help make math fun at home. There are math apps and games to try, activities to do, and online homework help. Also posted are math competitions and math camps for students. Events coming up around Carson City? Advertise them by using the contact option to let everyone know! Happy clicking!

Cyber Security Research Project Awarded
Congratulations to CHS’s Naval Science Instructor, Chief Daniel Ingram, who beat hundreds of other applicants to be a part of UNR’s six-week research project group this summer with ten teachers and several computer security experts from the university as well as government personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and NASA. The research group will focus on finding new solutions in dealing with national security.

UNR announced in Dec. an initiative in the field of cyber security, partnering with middle and high schools across the state to heighten awareness. With a strong background in computer sciences and working extensively in computer security during his time in the Navy, Ingram is a perfect fit. He will share his research with CCSD, CHS, and the NJROTC’s Cyber-Patriot team, a national youth cyber education program.​ Ingram’s credentials include: Education Specialist, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Management Information Systems. CCSD will be well represented. Written by Cadet Ensign Sonnemaker.

Sing Me a Song
Please join Ms. MaryAnne Weaver and her American Sign Language II class cordially inviting students, parents, and anyone interested to a night of music and sign, Feb. 23 6-7:30 pm in the CHS Library. Questions? Call Ms. Weaver at 775-283-1803.

CHS Hosting Bandorama
The Carson High Wind Ensemble and Concert Band are once again hosting the annual Bandorama Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:00 pm in the big gym. All elementary and middle schools in the district are participating! There is no admission...be there or be bored!

Student of the Week
This student of the week is Rosidelia Bautista. Rosi is very organized and is always willing to help others. She contributes a great deal in her classes and is always prepared. Thanks Rosie for making Carson High School a wonderful place to be!

Senior Spotlight
This week’s senior spotlight focuses on Nora Streng. She is a gifted student who excels in every subject. She is in the top three percent of the 2016 graduating class and continuously pushes herself to take honors and AP courses as well as veterinary science, which will earn her several college credits. Nora has been a member of National Honor Society throughout her high school career. She has competed in several levels of National History Day winning first place at the school level.

She prides herself on her hard work in all areas. Involved in agriculture for many years, first as a member of 4-H, now as a member of FFA, Nora has also served as FFA treasurer as well as participating in the FFA national convention; she also helps with several committees for both 4-H and FFA. Nora’s awards include USDA quality swine, fourth place in FFA poultry judging, and being named Grand Champion Master Senior Livestock Showman of Washoe County. Along with being committed to her studies, Nora devotes much of her time to her church and community.

Her love of helping people has led Nora to make and send hats to children with cancer and sew teddy bears for communities overseas who have been stricken by disaster. She enjoys visiting with elderly patients and shopping for people who are too ill to shop for themselves. She works as an organist at her church and has helped to organize blood and clothing drives for the people of Carson City. Congratulations Nora! Carson High School is proud of you and cannot wait to see what your future holds.

— Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.