Senator Square: Carson High students shine like the sun

Carson High School students are not only given myriad opportunities in which to participate, they are afforded these privileges by parents, teachers, and local and national non-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to give elementary, middle, and high school students the freedom to shine like the sun.

Students do not simply leave CHS with a diploma, they leave knowing they have a wealth of knowledge and intellectual fortitude to succeed in whatever they decide to do next. One amazing CHS student, Shaylin Segura, stepped up for the challenge.

She took the time to memorize several poems to compete at the local and state level, and the shortest of these poems took at least 4 minutes to fully recite. Segura is walking away with something no one will ever be able to take from her, and that is the satisfaction of being able to hang on to each poem she took the time to memorize. These poems will forever belong to her; no one can take them away. Shaylin Segura carries with her the joy of having the chance to compete, and this is why everyone who knows her will agree that Shaylin shines like the sun.

CHS Poetry Out Loud Winner
After winning the local CHS Poetry Out Loud competition on Jan. 25, Shaylin Segura competed at the state championship in Reno at KNPB on Mar. 19.

Twelve students competed, and Shaylin represented the Carson City School District to compete against students from Lyon County, Douglas County, Washoe County, Clark County, Elko County, and Eureka County, Nevada. Segura, and all other competitors, memorized three poems each. At the local competition, Shaylin’s strongest poem was “Blackberrying” by Sylvia Plath.

She also recited “The Learne’d Astronomer” by Walt Whitman and “A Birthday” by Christina Rossetti. Though she did not win the state competition, Segura loves the fact that she was afforded the opportunity to compete through CHS Speech and Debate teacher Patrick Mobley’s hosting of the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest.

Senior Project Judges Needed
Seniors are finishing their Senior Projects, yet the Senior Project Committee is still in desperate need of community judges for April 18. Judges are needed for the 8 am, 10 am, and noon time slots. If interested in volunteering your much-valued time to evaluate Senior Projects and speeches, please go to carsonhigh.com and click the “2015-2016 Senior Project Volunteer Panels RSVP Form” link, or contact the Senior Project Coordinator at 283-1640.

Father-Daughter Dance
The 2nd Annual Father-Daughter Dance is being held on April 8 from 6-9 pm at CHS. This year’s theme is "Once Upon a Time Enchanted Forest Ball." Any and all ages of father-daughters are welcome to attend. Purchase tickets at the CHS front office from 2-4 pm each day or by mail by sending a check to CHS, c/o Angila Golik, P.O. Box 603, Carson City, NV 89701. Tickets are $30 per father/daughter couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Light desserts and snacks will be served. Funds raised at this event support CHS Culinary, Leadership, FBLA and SkillsUSA.

Speech and Debate
CHS Speech and Debate students Scarlett Baeza, Alessandro Figueroa, Sebastian Rodriguez, and Liliana Villanueva competed in the annual Rotary speaking competition. Scarlett took 1st place overall with Sandro a close 2nd. They will advance to represent Carson in the Area contest April 15.

Western Nevada College Offer

Like working with the hands at building stuff? Like fixing cars? Want to work for a company like Tesla? WNC is offering programs through the Jump Start CTE program in Construction, Automotive Repair, Auto Body, and Automated Industrial Technology to earn 24 college credits. Cost is minimal, and the classes will earn nationally recognized certifications that employers recognize! Questions? Students, go to Room 104 to sign up for success.

Boys State
Hey Junior boys! June 19-25 at UNR is Nevada Boys' State, a week-long camp focusing on leadership and politics. This unforgettable experience can form lifelong friendships and connections, so do not miss this opportunity! Applications, open to all current junior boys, are online at nevadaboysstate.org until March 31. Apply now and represent CHS!

Student of the Week
Student of the week is Meghan Bubb. Meghan strives in her academics and is always helpful and kind in class. She is a bright young lady who takes pride in her academics and cares for others. CHS wants to thank Meghan for her positive influence on the rest of the school and congratulate her on all her hard work! Thanks for helping make CHS the place to be.

Senior Spotlight
The senior spotlight this week is on Emily Chandler. Emily has a GPA of 4.49 and is currently taking AP classes in literature, government and calculus. As a National Honor Society member for three years, Emily has demonstrated leadership skills serving as the NHS secretary as well as an event coordinator, and she has participated in organizing and carrying out several community service projects. She has also been a member of Link Crew and SkillsUSA where she specialized in Web Design. Of particular interest are Emily’s scuba diving skills. She has five different diving certifications including altitude diving and debris removal diving.

As part of her Senior Project, she worked with a team of divers removing debris from Lake Tahoe. After three dives in Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor, the team collectively removed 274 pounds of debris. Emily has been accepted to Texas A&M where she will obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Her focus will be in aquaculture and aquatic sciences. Carson High School is proud of the contribution Emily has made to the school and to the environmental conservation of the Lake Tahoe area. CHS wishes her the best of luck with her goals and eagerly awaits the contributions she will make in the future.

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School.