Senator Square: Carson High music auditions, plus NJROTC cadets hold virtual unit inspection

Dan Meyer, Senior Naval Science Instructor of the NJROTC at Carson High School, submitted the following:
All Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp programs are required to be inspected by the Area Manager, who is the liaison between the units and the US Navy, at least once every other academic school year to determine whether or not requirements and standards for retention of units in the program are being met.

Units not in an evaluation or probation status must complete an “Off-Site Evaluation” during those academic years in which the Area Manager is not performing a Unit Inspection. Off-Site inspection Officers are typically from the local area, and this year, Captain Bob Kerman was invited to perform the inspection for Carson High School.

Captain Kerman is the Senior Naval Science Instructor for Churchill County High School’s NJROTC program. Because of limitations due to COVID-19, 22 Naval Science IV cadets, who consist only of seniors, took part in the inspection. This year’s inspection was extremely different as students had to perform “live” using ZOOM.

The first phase of the inspection was a personnel uniform inspection. Each cadet, one-by-one, stood in front of the camera as Captain Kerman inspected the cadets’ uniform as well as quizzed them on uniform program requirements. He also asked the cadets to share their future plans after high school.

When asked how cadets felt in conducting the personnel inspection, cadet Fancher noted, “In some ways it was not as stressful because not having the inspector looking directly in front of you or measuring different articles on your uniform was less stressful; however, you could tell he was looking at every detail on our uniforms.” Upon completion of the personnel inspection, cadets then conducted a slide presentation, highlighting several facets of the program.

Cadet Cash Farnworth, the Battalion Commanding Officer, began the presentation by introducing the cadet staff members. Cadet Farnworth, along with Cadet Trinity Harvey, Cadet Ryan Cooley, Cadet Ibis Hood, and Cadet Amber Murray each spoke about some of the program interest items to include the COVID-19 environment and the effects it has on the unit, unit goals, enrollment status, community service, cadet recognition programs, and program competition teams.

The presentation concluded with cadets speaking about their future plans after graduation from Carson High. At the conclusion of the inspection, Captain Kerman spoke to the cadets with sharing his impression of the inspection. He noted the presentation was done well, cadets looked outstanding, and he was thoroughly impressed with the entire inspection. Cadet Farnworth and Cadet Trinity Harvey, the Battalion Executive Officer, both agreed the inspection went extremely well and congratulated the cadets with a “Well Done.”

The following CHS Cadet Seniors served various roles throughout the inspection process: Marcos Avina Vazquez, Mira Caraway, Illyahna Cartright, Ryan Cooley, Brianna Duckworth, Graeme Eckery, Chloe Empeno, Bryar Fancher, Cash Farnworth, Logan Grime, Alejandra Gurrola, Trinity Harvey, Ibis Hood, Nevan Mcilwee, Anthony Meyer, Andrew Morris, Kilynne Munoz, Amber Murray, Christian Ramirez, and Anika Soulier.

SUCCESSFUL NMUA ALL-STATE BAND, CHOIR, AND ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
The CHS Fine Arts Department would like to announce Carson High School students who successfully auditioned for the 2021 Nevada Music Educators Association High School All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra: Hayden Breiter, 11, Tenor I, Choir; Mira Caraway, 12, Upright Bass, Band; Mikha Espiritu, 11, Alto II, Choir; Kyra Fields, 11, Clarinet, Band; Xander Holcomb, 11, Bass II, Choir; Rebecca Hughey, 10, Alto I, Choir; Bita Jazani, 12, Violin II, Orchestra; Jordan Mack, 11, Soprano II, Choir; Ethne Myler, 11, Soprano II, Choir; Erich Parker, 9, Tenor II, Choir; Nathan Parsons, 9, Trumpet, Band; Anna Roylance, 9, Alto II, Choir
Parker Schmid, 9, Tenor II, Choir; Emma Thomsen, 11, Upright Bass, Band; Emma Tuttle, 12, Soprano I, Choir; Christina Van Geel, 11, Soprano II, Choir; Chloe Vasquez, 12, Clarinet, Band; Jake Xie, 10, Lead Alto Sax, Jazz Band. Fine Arts Department Chair, Choral Music Educator, J. Andrew Sonnemaker may be reached by emailing asonnemaker@carson.k12.nv.us.

GREATER NEVADA CREDIT UNION GENERAL PUBLIC BITE OF REALITY
Know a teen who could use a lesson on how much “Adulting” really costs? No? Money does not grow on trees or spontaneously appear in Mom and Dads’ wallets. Have them celebrate Financial Capability Month in April by attending the GNCU virtual budgeting simulation.

This allows many teens to take a Bite of Reality. The General Public Virtual Bite of Reality takes place April 7 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Event registration is open to the general public, and a GNCU membership is not required. Bite of Reality is a hands-on app based simulation that appeals to teens while giving them a taste of real-world financial realities. Teens are given a fictional occupation, salary, credit score, spouse and a child, student loan debt, credit card debt, and medical insurance payments.

The teens will then have the chance to “purchase” housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other needs. Students will get to interact with Greater Nevada staff and ask questions throughout the activity. This interactive activity will teach teens how to make financial decisions and give them a better understanding of the challenges of living on a budget. Teens may have to deal with a pushy “car salesperson,” a commission-based “realtor,” and weigh their wants versus their needs.

There’s even a “Fickle Finger of Fate” to give the students unexpected “expenses” or “windfalls”— just like in real life. Materials needed and registration for the event are found here. Smart Phone/Smart Device to download the free Bite of Reality 2 application from the app store. PC/laptop/tablet to log into Microsoft Teams, where the virtual simulation will be held.

FRESHMAN SEMINAR AND HEALTH TEACHER REACHES OUT
According to CHS Health and Freshman Seminar teacher Erin Been, “I have reached out to community partners in their perspective 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.” ZOOM presentations began Feb. 11 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and will continue every Thur. The Zoom code, the same code every week, is zoom.us/j/97109995715, and the meeting ID is 971 0999 5715. Please see the following attachment here for complete information.

ASVAB TESTING IS HERE
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam is here again, so whether or not students are interested in joining a branch of the military, the exam should be taken in order to see the opportunities available in serving the country. The exam takes place March 2 and 3 in the CHS Library after school for all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. For more information, please call the CHS Career Center at 283-1797.

ATHLETIC GEAR AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT CARSON HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
“Hi everyone, I want you to know that 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. Go here for more information, or email broman@carson.k12.nv.us.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Environmental Club is back in the business of cleaning up around the CHS campus. They began Feb. 25 with students meeting in room 163 at 2:15 and collecting recycling, on a rotation, after school during Solutions. According to CHS 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coordinator Hannah Etchison, “We will be collecting downstairs recycling, and teachers may leave their recyclables outside of their classrooms.” Recyclable materials include cardboard, paper, aluminum and glass.

Etchison said, “We cannot recycle plastic bags, number 6 polystyrene, or Styrofoam.” A late bus and snacks are provided to students who participate. Further information about this program may be found by emailing hetchison@carson.k12.nv.us. Senior portrait makeups are March 1 from Noon to 2:05 p.m. in room 118. Email asmith@carson.k12.nv.us for more information. Go here see the calendar of all upcoming CHS events.

ATHLETE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The CHS Athlete in the Spotlight is Ariel Vega-Alvarez, a senior. Regarding Ariel’s athletic inspiration, he said it was “Having to push myself to be the best version of myself; it shows a great deal of self-discipline.” As to the sports in which Ariel participates, he said, “I have competed on the CHS Wrestling and Soccer Teams.” During high school, Ariel has maintained a 3.2 GPA while participating in sports; however, and with disappointment, he said, “My goal was to become a State champion in wrestling; unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, but I will reach my goal of graduating with a higher than 3.0 GPA.”

Ariel’s motivational quote comes from a meme he read. To clarify, a meme is an element of a culture or system of behavior passed from one individual to another by non-genetic means, especially imitation, and may be a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is then copied, often with slight variations, and spread rapidly by internet users. The meme reads, “No losses, only lessons.” In speaking with younger athletes, Ariel said, “Four years passes by fast; give it all you have got while having fun, and the memories will last a lifetime.” Congratulations to Ariel Vega-Alvarez on being nominated CHS Athlete in the Spotlight.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to CHS Student of the Week Sherlyn Vasquez, a sophomore. Her Language Arts Honors English II teacher Rebecca Rodina said, “She has overcome all kinds of obstacles this year above and beyond the normal COVID 19 obstacles most of us have faced, yet she has never given up, and she has worked so hard to keep her grades up.” 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.

Rodina also said, “She loves school and loves learning, and she values the opportunities this country and this community have given her to make her future great; Sherlyn is a wonderful young lady who really stands out.”

SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This week’s Senior in the Spotlight shines on Paulina Gonzalez. Paulina is one of the many outstanding seniors at Carson High. She is plaining to attend Western Nevada College next year to start her post-secondary education. After her two years at WNC, she plans to transfer to University of Nevada, Reno or University of Nevada, Las Vegas in order to study Business and Finance.

Her aspirations are to own her own construction company or to become a contractor. She loves the thought of being able to build other people’s dreams. Even through the pandemic and this unusual school year, Paulina has maintained a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.2, and a weighted GPA of 3.6. Along with taking senior courses of Honors Government and Economics, Honors Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus, Senior English and Web Design Development III, which keeps her on track for the College and Career Ready Diploma, she enjoys the times she is able to spend with her little brother. Congratulations to Paulina Gonzalez. — Contributed by CHS Counselor Monica Weaver.

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