Senator Square: Carson High counselors say now is the time to prepare for college

Though there are still six months of school remaining, Carson High School’s counselors say that now is the time for seniors to kick it into gear to go to college. Applications for college are due now and in the next few weeks, and scholarship opportunities begin flooding in during January.

Where there is a will there definitely is a way, and who does not want free money along with some help from qualified professionals to apply for that money.

CHS is hosting a FAFSA workshop Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. for parents and students to receive help filling out their “Free Application for Federal Student Aid,” which is the required form that determines students' eligibility for college financial aid. Representatives from Western Nevada College in Carson City and University of Nevada, Reno's Financial Aid offices will help parents and students complete a FAFSA for the 2017-2018 school year.

Students and parents are invited even if the student plans to attend a college other than WNC or UNR. What is needed at the workshop to fill out the FAFSA for both student and parents: Social Security Number, Driver’s License Number, Alien Registration Number, if not a U.S. citizen, most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned (federal tax return information data may be transferred into a FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool), bank statements and records of investments, records of untaxed income if applicable, and an FSA ID to sign electronically. This list is also found at fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm.

There will be Spanish speakers at the event for help with translation. FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Also on Nov. 29, a representative from UNR will be at CHS during AB55 in the Tech Center Conference room. Stop by the Guidance Office for a pass.

NHS And Mark Twain Elementary event a big Success
On Nov. 22, after school, National Honor Society members delivered Thanksgiving baskets and gift cards to 25 families of students at Mark Twain Elementary School, the school adopted by NHS for their Thanksgiving Dinner Food Drive. The photo is of Angel, a third grade student opening his NHS food basket and holding his gift card. The 25 gift cards were given in order to buy turkeys, and NHS members brought in the other dinner items like vegetables, fruits, gravy, stuffing, rice, potatoes, bread and even pies.

CHS Speech and Debate Tournament
Carson High Speech and Debate competed at Wooster High last weekend. Twenty-five students participated in this season’s third league tournament picking up 40 top three ballots at the two-day event. Rebecca Trejo placed 10th in novice dramatic interpretation with her performance of The Little Prisoner, and Sophie Peterson placed 8th in novice domestic interpretation speaking on the U.S. election and foreign policy.

Carson’s Duo interpretations were very successful as first year competitors Emerald Theriault and Katherine Vallejos took 4th place with their cutting of Shrek. Adam Lackey and Jocelyn Manzano Curiel took 3rd performing The Twelve Worst Breakups Ever while team captain Sawyer Barnett and speech captain Shane Morton took 1st place in senior duo for the second time with The Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon. Jessica Preston placed 3rd in novice congressional debate, and she tied for 1st place in speaker points in addition to earning a top judge pick.

She now advances to senior level debate. Congress captain Sadie Share claimed 2nd place in senior congressional debate and also acted as the presiding officer of the second session, running the chamber. In debate events, Alek Henricksin placed 5th in speaking points, Sawyer Barnett took 3rd, and debate captain Shaylin Segura placed 1st. Sawyer and Shaylin also advanced into out rounds of Lincoln Douglas Debate on the topic of limiting qualified immunity for police officers. Sawyer placed 3rd, and Shaylin finished the tournament in 2nd. With a short turnaround of three weeks, the next tournament happens at McQueen High School.

Studio Monet Senior Pictures

Seniors, Studio Monet will be at CHS Dec. 1 in the mezzanine taking senior photos. There is a $30 sitting fee for these shoots, though this is waived when necessary. In the past, the publications budget and Studio Monet have absorbed sitting fees, and adults on campus, fortunately, have helped through personal donations. Call, email, or visit Mrs. Quinn-Davis in Room 136 for an appointment from 10 a.m. until after school or for financial help: 775-283-1782 or pquinn-davis@carson.k12.nv.us.

Fleet Reserve Association Contest
FRA is sponsoring an essay contest, open to grades 7-12, with the topic: "What Memorial Day Means to Me." The Grand Prize is a $5,000 scholarship and $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Information is in the CHS Guidance Office. Entries must be received by Dec. 1.

Dodgeball Tourney

The CHS Dodgeball Tournament, Dec. 6-16, is almost here. Signups are from Nov. 21 through Dec. 2 at the student store. Six people, two of them girls, are needed for a team, and the cost is $3 per team player.

Student of the Week
Mikaela Asby is the type of student here at CHS with very high standards. She has an undeniably positive disposition and is an exemplary student in all she does around the school and for other students. She demonstrates many unique and uncommon leadership qualities and is a wonderful student here at CHS.

Senior Spotlight
Darby Griffin is the senior in the spotlight. Darby has a 4.48 GPA and is taking four AP classes added to the long list of AP and honors courses she has completed since freshman year. Darby is a member of National Honor Society since freshman year, earning academic letters all four years. She played softball freshman and sophomore year and has been involved in band throughout high school. In Wind Ensemble the last two years, Darby also participates in Marching Band since sophomore year. She plays trumpet and mellophone and has performed in the Nevada Day Parade with CHS Marching Band where she currently acts as section leader.

Darby became interested in wildlife and the environment when, on a trip to San Diego, she swam with dolphins and beluga whales. She is now working on a scuba diving certification as part of her Senior Project. Outside of school, Darby teaches Sunday school classes at her church and enjoys art, painting, and visiting with friends.

Darby has applied to numerous schools, but she would love to attend California State University at Monterey Bay in order to pursue her dream of becoming a Marine Biologist. Based on her past successes and hard work, there is no doubt she will be successful. Please join CHS in congratulating Darby Griffin on a job well done. CHS wishes her the best of luck in her future.

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