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Words of wisdom from the class of 2010

Amita Gupta — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:49:53 +0000

What should we expect senior year?

Jared Young: First of all, I would like to discount the myth that junior year is harder than senior year.

Patrice Davison: Well, senior sale was a lot of fun, the awful things we made them do…we dressed Ezra up as a maid and made him clean up the SI room…it was really gross.

What were some of your favorite classes?

Leah Edwards: Probably comparative politics with McAndrew—one of the most brilliant teachers UHS has ever had— [it] inspired me to become interested in politics and global issues.

Jared Young: English from junior year because our class with Dr. Glass was so small it was like a family.

Brendan Tobin: I really liked being an SI…one of the most fun things…Dr. Hosmer was my favorite teacher.

What will you miss about UHS?

Derek Graybill: Everything about Robert DiPrima.

Ernesto Barraza: Mr. Brown and Mr. Eichelberger for sure…I’m gonna miss the kids here.

Leah Edwards: I think the culture and the people… [being] surrounded by a lot of intellectuals helps you develop your own intellect and have conversations at a level appealing to you.

Julie Zhang: I’ll miss the people, not the school.

Patrice Davison: I [will] miss my little SI children.

What are you looking forward to in college?

Julie Zhang: Computers that work… [and] super interesting classes like ‘Harry Potter and its Effects on Literature’ or something like that.

James Steinke: I’m looking forward to ‘experimental physics’ as well as reading books like Candide.

Brendan Tobin: I’m really excited to be around adults… [and] to really have control over my education.

What do you hope to accomplish in college?

Derek Graybill: I’m going to start a bridge club at the UofA and hopefully go to the collegiate bridge championships.

Patrice Davison: I’m going to ASU, Barrett…for global studies…I may double major with justice studies.

Ernesto Barraza: I just want to join more clubs…be more active. I’m going to [also] cycle more.

Veteran UHS Spanish teacher retiring

Josh Yoder — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:43:07 +0000

Retiring Spanish teacher Sandra Franco

Sandra Franco has been a Spanish teacher at University High School for 23 years. Next year, however, you won’t see her on campus. When the academic calendar takes its final breath of hot desert air next week, it will mark the end of a career in the UHS community that Franco says has brought her “great satisfaction.” While at our school, Franco has taught various levels of Spanish, including A.P. Spanish Language and A.P. Spanish Literature. The most challenging part of her job, she said, is “making sure that my lesson plans are just right so that classes run smoothly,” something that is “a little tougher with the A.P. classes.”

Señora Franco remembers a rough start to her teaching career. “As I look back and I think about how I first started out with teaching,” she said, “I almost quit. After three years I almost quit teaching.” Perseverance pays off, however. After twenty more years of working in education, she is pleased with the results. “To look back and to feel great satisfaction, knowing that I have been able to present lessons and teach and [that] students have been able to accomplish so much… that has been the satisfaction for me.” For Franco, the rewards of her labor are also evident when she hears of the work her students pursue with their Spanish skills. “Since I’m a Mormon, (I’m LDS), [when] I hear of students going on missions to Spanish-speaking countries… that is the most important part of my teaching.”

Life in the classroom has its ups and downs, its good days and bad days. Franco can recall “lots of times when we all laughed in class, when something funny happened,” but she also remembers one incident, “at least twelve years ago,” with a student. “I was checking during a test…to make sure no one was cheating, and, when I looked at his table…there were two test papers instead of one, and I asked him why there were two papers, and he said that he had just got his friend’s paper and he was writing all the answers on her paper.”

UHS senior Emma Wohl said she appreciates how, in the A.P. language class, “I really got a sense of how I would need to use [Spanish] and in what circumstances I would need to use it in. [The class] made me want to go on with Spanish more than any other class I did.”

Now that she is retiring, Franco plans to spend more time with family, including her mother and her three grandchildren. She also intends to continue with College Board A.P. workshops. As she prepares to leave UHS, we thank her for all her time and effort she has put in to the Spanish program and the school as a whole.

Changes in the air for SAB

Lindsey Bressler — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:45:27 +0000

The Student Activities Board for the 2009-10 school year.

A lot of changes are happening at University High School this spring. Two University High teachers have retired: Sra. Franco and Mr. Roberts, and the entire campus was shaken by the news of a possible move to Palo Verde. The Student Activities Board is no exception to this dramatic change. Both teacher sponsors Suellen Roediger, the Club Sponsor, and Sarah Stuart, the Senior Club Sponsor, have chosen not return as sponsors next year. Out of Ms. Roediger’s eight years at UHS, she has spent six of them sponsoring the Student Activities Board. In addition, Ms. Roediger says, “I was in Site Council for one year.” However, Ms. Roediger says, “I didn’t like working on Site Council because I didn’t get to work one on one [with the students].” Ms. Stuart has been working for SAB “for the last three years” as a Senior Sponsor. She praises the students, who are both “well-behaved” and “self-directed”. Ms. Roediger says that the “students are awesome” and “each student group brought something new.”

So why are these two leaving SAB? “I decided I’ve kind of had my run. Three years is a good amount of time to commit to something,” says Ms. Stuart. Ms. Roediger explains that, “Responsibilities are very demanding and are getting more demanding.” These responsibilities come from the growing number of incoming students. As University High’s student body grows, so does the amount of work to grade. This is challenging to both Ms. Stuart and Ms. Roediger. “Most teachers only have 2 preps [classes to prepare for] so it’s been quite a challenge,” admits Ms. Roediger. Currently, Ms. Roediger teaches three different courses: Western Civilization, AP Art History and AP Studio Art. Ms. Stuart teaches Western Civilization, along with Ms. Roediger, and AP United States History with Dr. Hosmer, which are some of the largest classes UHS offers. Put simply, Ms. Stuart would “rather dedicate her time to the classroom.” Both teachers agree that district restrictions and rule changes added the most stress to their experience as SAB sponsors. Ms. Stuart emphasizes the seniors’ situation. “Now more than ever it’s important the [senior] classes have more guidance and money,” she says. “The senior class pays for certain graduation expenses, contribute to honors night and fully funds the proms,” explains Mrs. Stuart. Because University High holds graduation in Centennial Hall, there’s an added expense. Stuart adds that, “With the District cuts the Senior Class may have to share in the future even more of the burden.”

Future SAB President Katie Marascio is hopeful about SAB’s future. However, she says that both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart, “have been doing such a wonderful job,” and admits that, “it’s going to be a challenge to adjust to being President,” as well as adjusting to a new advisor. She says she has learned to “get things done on time” and “listen” from both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart. Despite the changes, Marascio emphasizes that, “it’s going to be by no means less exciting or fun.” When asked what her favorite event was to plan, Marascio looks to the future and says, “I think Prom will be my favorite thing to do.” In addition to being the most fun event to plan, Marascio believes it will also be the most challenging because, “it has that significance, it has that hype. It’s that special something for all the seniors who are leaving.” There is talk about next year’s venue, but that information is top-secret for now. Marascio does not believe there will be a significant difference in leadership from the current President, Aubrie Brewster. She says, “I think Aubrie did a really good job because she was really flexible. There was a good balance between helping teachers and doing community service. I like the amount we’re doing.” Marascio also adds that, “As the years happen [SAB] gets more fun and casual. We’re more of a closer-knit bunch and a family.” Although changes are happening, Marascio says that members may have to “put in a little more” and “pick up the slack,” but “it will be the same level of awesome.” Also if anyone has a younger sibling who’s an incoming freshman, Marascio encourages them to run for an SAB position in BOOST.

Ms. Roediger reveals that Ms. Patrick will take her place as the sponsor. Of Ms. Patrick, Ms. Roediger says, “she’s already gained experience given her time here.” Also, “she’s young and can provide a new insight.” Only time will tell the direction that SAB heads in. However, both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart look back on their time as SAB sponsors fondly. “It’s a lot of fun,” says Ms. Stuart. When asked what her favorite memory of SAB was, Ms. Roediger had a hard time picking just one. “Every year was a good one,” she says. Finally, she decided that her favorite part was, “working with a different elected body of students each year.” “What I love most,” says Ms. Stuart “is when it all comes together. When the Prom is successful or when a fundraiser raises more money than expected. I’ve been to three more Senior Proms than I ever thought I would.”

‘These students can compete with anybody’

Amita Gupta — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:52:32 +0000

“These students can compete with anybody,” said UHS counselor Ms. Cook of this year’s seniors. With admissions growing increasingly competitive — Brown University received over 30, 000 applications for 1485 spots — and scholarships harder to find, our students have done extremely well. Many seniors have received ample financial aid and acceptances into prestigious universities such as “Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, Chicago and NYU,” according to UHS Economics teacher Ms. Gray.

However, this should come as no surprise. Last year’s 181 seniors made up only 5.5% of the 3322 TUSD ’09 seniors. Yet, they accounted for an impressive share of acceptances both in-state and out of state. The Senior Survey — with a participation rate of around 75% — on TUSDStats records such information. Last year, our seniors made up 19.5% of the 843 TUSD students admitted to the University of Arizona, 26.1% of the 241 TUSD students admitted to Arizona State University, and 11.1% of the 327 TUSD students admitted to Northern Arizona University. Notably, this hard-working crew also provided 100% of the 5 TUSD students admitted to the University of Chicago, and large percentages at many other colleges as well.

Just as impressive is the financial aspect of the acceptances. According to Ms. Gray, “typically 80% of our students stay in state.” The incentives are huge. UHS ’09 seniors received nearly 40% of the 18 million dollars of scholarships awarded to TUSD students. This year’s awards should be just as striking: of the 20 Flinn scholarships, four have already been offered to UHS students. This scholarship provides a “total dollar value [exceeding] $54,000- on top of the cash value of tuition provided by universities” and is regarded as the most prestigious in Arizona.

Although we applaud their achievements, we will miss our friends. Some will settle in cities in faraway states, spreading from Providence, Rhode Island to Columbia, Missouri, to Claremont, California. Others will stay in Arizona. Either way, the campus will seem empty without them. Senior Sasi Aradyula comments: “I love the idea of going to a new city and entering a new stage in my life, but this excitement is bittersweet. I will miss the school that has allowed me to reach this point in life, and the great friends I have made over the years!”

More information:

TUSD senior survey: http://tusdstats.tusd.k12.az.us/paweb/aggD/SenSurv/SenSurvFront.aspx

Flinn Scholars:www.flinnscholars.com

Please pause for a moment of science

Amita Gupta — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:12:51 +0000

Who says science is boring? Last Saturday the UHS Science Olympiad teams placed 5^th and 11^th overall in the Arizona Science Olympiad tournament. There, they competed in events ranging from building pendulums (It’s About Time) to engineering bridges (Elevated Bridge) to identifying fossils (Fossils). They received an impressive 17 medals. “It was like Christmas came early,” senior James Steinke said of the ceremony.

UHS’s medal count, up from 13 medals last year can be explained in many ways. Club president Leah Edwards cites “the broad variety of areas” in which medals were won – medals were distributed more evenly among the team members. UHS Biology teacher Dr. Yell notes “great individual performances” in events such as Chemistry Lab and Ecology. Additionally, club sponsor Dr. Tobin credits students that won medals in traditionally less successful events such as Picture This and Write It/Do It.

Such a diverse range of Science Olympiad events is part of its wide appeal—inquisitive students can choose events normally categorized as “study”, “experimenting” or “building.” Pretty self explanatory, some events like Microbiology and Anatomy test knowledge of concepts, some like Experimental Design and Write It/Do It test ability to experiment quickly, and some like WindWatts and Mouse Trap Vehicle test capability to efficiently design devices. Basically, there’s something for everyone!

However, cool events and numerous medals are not the only “elements” of the Science Olympiad experience –for most students the anecdote-filled trip itself is typically the best part. This year was no exception. Students rode carousels in the Metro mall, watched movies late into the night, explored the Glendale Community College campus, and played Capture the Flag with the Catalina Foothills team.

As per usual, the night before the competition was the most memorable. Students studied in their hotel rooms. Some students added last minute touches to their designs. Some students hypothesized their experiments. And as it got really late, some students even watched movies. As Steinke explains his few hours of sleep, “We were watching Python vs. Anaconda and it was way too exciting [to sleep].”

For those feeling like senior Ernesto Barraza who admits “Hearing about Science Olympiad makes me realize what I missed in high school”, don’t fear! Biology teacher Dr. Yell affirms “Science Olympiad next year needs new members” citing the “great roadtrip” involved and his hope for the team to go to Nationals. More information about the individual events can be found on the Science Olympiad website: soinc.org.

Come and get your love

Celia Ampel — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:18:53 +0000

To those who see beauty in the world- I commend you.

Clare Demer- you have the voice of an angel, and it lifts me to heaven.

Nar,

Will you be nick’s valentine?

<3 Vigg

To: Susan Keyl

Can I help you with that tire? Best of luck this week.

1) dear you.

do you know me?

I think you do

2) We walk often in my dreams

treading soft over clouds and

quick through sand

3) sometimes we

even hold

hands

4) Our words fall like rain

some we can catch and

others flow by

5) Stars sing us secrets

their quiet voices

deafen all doubts

6) colors bleed through the years

leaving me

with only a faded memory

Ms. Balzer:

You will eventually forget me but I will never forget what happened in your class.

To: Liana Yee,

El trueno con su chispa,

Viajando bajo la oscuridad, corriendo,

Bajo las lagrimas y gritas, bailando,

La luz dando linda vista,

Brillando lo que se oculta,

Un rio surgiendo por la montaña,

Liso como la seda callendo de tu cabeza,

Las nubes finas besando la montaña,

El sol subiendo con los labios,

El toce fino de cada madrugada,

Cada flor mirando todos nuestros sueños,

El viento fiesco rosando,

Por la piel en mi cuello y cara,

El trueno con su chispa bailando.

To the first person for whom I fell “head over heels”:

You don’t even know. Your lessons are now a part of who I am. There are some birthday cards that one keeps for a lifetime, to take out and look at when one is 90. Nothing but good memories.

Due to my mother having been seriously ill & hospitalized, this has been the most difficult month of my life. However, after having missed three weeks of work, I was welcomed back to UHS with such compassion and understanding that something good has come of the bad. I would like to thank everyone at UHS for making what could have been a stressful return to school into a happy homecoming.

-Ms. Glass

Aida- you could cheer anyone up. Thanks for being a ray of sunshine.

Katherine R.

You might be the only one at UHS that knows a dance called the Blackbird. That’s pretty cool.

To Carolina Baker, my favorite Republican/ wannabe Celtic woman ever. I hope you have a great day!

Love, Allyson

To: Tania

)) RAWR! LOL

-Alvin

Dear Tomas Montez,

Muwah!

Love,

Laura Marie Van Slyke,

It is a supreme disappointment that I have only just started to get to know you. Apparently we are secretly the same person, or maybe we knew each other in a previous life. Hooray for New Year’s resolutions, as I believe that is where it all started. May the following weeks be filled with antique stores, secret gardens, plenty of good music, and revelations in the sky. I think I will always put lemon on my avocadoes now.

To: Allyson Yoder

You’re my favorite sister of all, and I’m really going to miss you next year! I’m sorry you’ll have to visit me in Indiana, and not North Carolina.

Yazeed Loonat,

Little mouth, GO!

DR HOSMER IS MINE!

Anonymous

Dr. Coffey,

Thanks for encouraging us to take time for what really matters. I promise I’ll return your books before I leave UHS.

To Dominic Badalamenti

I love you so much,

I’ll wait for as long

As it takes.

Love,

Kayla West

Dear Jared:

Thanks for showing an interest in my… interests

<3 P

Oh Josh,

What makes you so wonderful? The rest of us are struck dumb at your magnificence.

Dear Celia A.,

You are my favorite. Do I have to use words? A rainbow, a thunderstorm, or the view from a mountaintop would do a much better job at explaining how much you mean to me.

Eight hours will not break us apart next year. <3 <3 <3

Laura Van Slyke,

Without you, I’d be in a ditch on the side of the road! Or “on the other side of the door”… Sans toi, les émotions d’aujourd’hui ne serait rien que la peau morte d’hier. I love you I love you I love you.

<3 Celia

Roses are red, & sometimes they’re thorny…

When I see you, I get…

Corny.

I know what you were thinking.

Zack Kennedy-

You’re my WD for life!

Love

Katie

Emma W. (Woodhouse?)

Your wit never ceases to dazzle me. It is an immense priveledge to share in the company of your eminence. Let’s go contra dancing.

Claire,

You give me the will to live, you are the reason I get up in the morning. Be mine, forever, my heart is yours.

Love,

Nic

Vanessa Martinez

I will be yours forever and ever. My life would definitely suck without you!

I <3 you!

Laura- I haven’t known how to tell you, but I’m in love with you. I figured this was the right way.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mia

Mia, Baby grrrrl, you are just so fine. I can’t help but love you. Let’s go celebrate our love! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Laura

Layla,

You are alright I guess. Happy Valentine’s Day, sort of. We kind of like your bangs too.

Mia & Laura

Holly,

I’ve seen you sitting in the Icecats stadium. I think you’re mad cute. Let’s hang out after a game or something.

Waxenberg

Dylan,

Your ginger complexion drives us crazy! URAQT.

Mia and Laura

Daniel,

We are secretly in love with you.

2 anonymous people

Communists are red;

You casualties are blue.

Freshly baked baguettes are hot and so are you!

KEEZ KEEZ

<3 France

JOSH,

Not even the entire state of Illinois could keep us apart next year.

Stay beautiful!

Love,

Celia

Mallory Hiedeman,

It makes me secretly happy when people mistake us as sisters because I do believe we were separated at birth. I love you so much it’s ridiculous. As is the back of yo head. Gum would be perfection. You are perfection. Thanks for being a fantastic best friend. Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Ura

“All you need is love.”

Celia-

You know I need you like a heart beat!

Dear Sophia,

Your smile, or the hope, the thought of it,

Makes in my mind such pause and abrupt ease

As when the highway bridge gates fall.

This is a message to anyone who has ever resented Valentine’s day.

I am one of you. Every year when this day comes around, I see the clouds of red and pink as icons of commercial satisfaction. This year, I want it to be different.

I may not have a “significant other,” but what would that change? This Sunday, I want to see the Love all around me, because only my cynicism can make it disappear. I will spend Valentine’s day amongst green, yellow, blue, and purple. I think Hearts can be found in millions of places beyond cards and balloons.

You are loved.

Dear Beatrice,

You are so beautiful & Mrs. Balzer-ish. I love our long talks about life & boys. You’re amazing.

<3 L

To: Tonatiuh Pilli From: Anonymous

Roses are red, violets are blue, this is so cliché…unlike you.

Could there be an “us?” People say we’d be fine. So let’s find out. Let’s go somewhere sometime. Who am I, you ask? Your friend knows the clue. And I know that I would just like to keep you. So go on, ask him- you know you want to. Take hold of the mystery, Tonatiuh.

Lizzie Ruiz

You make me happy when skies are gray!

I LOVE YOU!

~
Darling Christina Hyde,

You are the best. I don’t know how I would have survived middle school slash life in general without you by my side to three-way-bomb a certain someone or spend the super bowl with. Every moment I spend with you is a new adventure. I love you and that’s a fact.

Are you ready for my Basilisk to enter your Chamber of Secrets?

<3 France

Besties,

I heart you!

Thanks for the memories.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Lissette Ruiz

I Love You CF!

Dear Forrest from Hellogoodbye,

Marry me?

Evan Keyes

You are so cute!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Allegra Amend is the guacamole to my tortilla chips.

Love, Allyson

Rachey Poo,

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Sugar is sweet

We’re seniors foo!

I <3 U

-Lissette Ruiz

To Nic Varela—

I love you Nicholas!

You’re my brotha from anotha motha J

Love

Katie H

Sarah Barah,

You are the strongest person I know and I love you so much. You keep me sane from the crazy UHS atmosphere.

<3 Leanne

Mia K. Spiri

Dear Mia,

You are the Lindsay Bluth Fünke to my Tobias Fünke. I would join the Blue Man Group for your love. Hopefully someday we’ll be like Lucille and George Bluth. Or Lucille and Buster Bluth.

Love,

Ryan

To: Victor

From: Victor

Hi, this is Emeric

-Love Reed

<3-Carolina

Dearest Katie,

My love burns for you with a fiery passion equal to a thousand suns. I can’t wait for our trip to Arkansas. Be mine forever, president of the Pretty Committee!

Love,

Nic

I wanna be your 1^st derivative…

So I can be tangent to your curves.

<3 France

Emma Wohl,

You are the reason for the teardrops on my guitar. But for the record, if you are ever stranded with a flat tire again, I’ll come get you. I’ll be the Kellie Pickler to your T. Swift!

Dear Rachel,

You are a lovely lovely friend! I am so glad we met each other freshman year and that my first impression didn’t stick with you forever. You make my life brighter.

Love, Katie

If love were cow blood,

I’d be a slaughterhouse,

Likewise…

If love were goat blood,

I’d be chupacabra.

<3 France

Love I Vigg You!

Dear Liz,

It has been a long time since we first started being best friends. I knew from the moment I saw your beautiful fiery hair that we were destined to be. You always except my strange thoughts and behavior, and I will always love you!

Love, Katie

Joshua A. Yoder,

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

No, there’s too many.

Dear Primavera Class,

I love you guys so much! Thank you for being my family away from home. Happy Valentine’s day

Love, Carolina

Dear Lauran,

Soul mates since BOOST. The Format. Moon tans. That is all I need to say.

Love, Katie

Dear Jacob,

I miss you, and love you. Have a great Valentines Day and eat a huge slice of ghetto cake

=) Love your Freshman,

Gabby

Dear Mr. Herring

We are certified as Red Cross babysitters, CPR professionals, and first aid administrators. We have babysat children from the ages of 5 months to 7 years between us and have a total, combined of 3 years lifeguarding experience. We have a profound love of children and a total of one younger sibling between us. We do not hit children and enjoy Wii games and swinging on swing sets. We also are capable of cooking a wide range of healthy, kid-friendly meals, including, but not limited to reduced fat gingerbread dinosaurs, pizza, and macaroni.

In summary, please consider us on your next night out on the town as the best babysitters at your disposal.

Love,

Your Secret Admirers

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Dearest Beatrice,

You will never know how much I appriciate and admire you. It’s been you and me baby since freshman year when we would spend hours giggling in math center and drooling over SAT (and every other boy we could possibly think up code names for). You are a fantastic person and the only one I will ever trust with my hair before formals. Stay beautiful, stay classy, and always know that you are better than your average PLS (I would know!!). Love you forever.

- the other lord of the Lauratrice

Dear Eldon,

No matter what happens I will always care about you, you’ll always have a special place in my heart. But of course, it doesn’t need to be Valentine’s day for me to tell you that. Thank you for being there. I miss you.

Love always,

Well, you know who.

Stevie Musser,

I do miss you. We don’t hang out enough but I still love you!

Dear Josh,

Do you remember the book ‘Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Honey is Sweet and Your Feet Really Stink’? I want you to know that I do not feel this way about you.

Love, Allyson

Yo dogs, I love you guys. Just everyone. A few names would be: Morgan, Andrew, Victor, Colin, Alyx, Felipe, Blaine, KT, Brendan, Joss, Josh, Matt, Tynan, Maryam, Helen, Emeric, Nicole, Andrea, Kaylee, Ryan, Marcus, Shawn, Alex, Thomas, Will, Jessica, Mackenzie, Chris, Gabe, Brooke, Jesse. Heart you guys.

Zz Mae,

I don’t even know if you’ll read this, but I want you to know I love you with all my heart!

Dear Katie,

You are so fabulous. Everyone loves you and I’m lucky to know exactly why. Thanks for being such a great friend.

<3 Leanne

Dear Mrs. Mcdonald, you’re super cute!

From a student.

Tidra, how are the twins?

Dear Nina Foushee,

You are the most caring, dedicated, interesting, brilliant, beautiful, strange and hilarious person I know. Seriously, without you my life would be but an avocado that lacks the lemon juice and salt it so obviously needs to be interesting. I love you. Let’s have a fantastic breakfast together Tuesday and a fantastic junior year.

Inaugural dazzles, but donations disappoint

Amita Gupta — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:33:54 +0000

Members of the Red Cross Club at the Inaugural Ball on Saturday

Four hundred forty-two people attended Inaugural Ball. But Red Cross Club received less than thirty dollars in donations.

According to teacher Suellen Roediger, the disappointing sales at Inaugural Ball were due to a lack of understanding and not a lack of interest. “Kids are givers,” she said. Many students agree with her that there wasn’t enough “advertisement and promotion” of this new club’s impressive efforts.

Founded by passionate junior Saradevi Thanikachalam, this club coordinates volunteer efforts with the American Red Cross chapter of Southern Arizona. Most recently, members have been collecting donations for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti and have raised a “little over one hundred dollars” as estimated by junior Gaby Lacy. Their success can be attributed to their innovative selling strategies—students who donate a dollar or more receive a hand-made ribbon as thanks. Those interested in helping, or joining the UHS Red Cross Club, which meets Mondays after school T-11, should contact Saradevi Thanikachalam.

For those unfamiliar, Inaugural Ball was held this year on Saturday, February 6 at Savoy Opera House. This UHS tradition, meant to celebrate the end of the senior Mock Elections, serves as a place for all UHS kids to lose their TI-83’s, don glitzy garb and get down.

Freshman Jamie Vail explains “It was my first high school dance and I got to dress up. It was really fun.” Senior Julie Zhang, member of Student Activities Board (SAB) which organized the dance agreed. “A lot of people showed up. Music was great and there was a lively atmosphere.” Ms. Roediger attributes the tremendous attendance of this year’s dance to the fact that Inaugural was not held the Saturday after the Mock Elections– when seniors may still be exhausted. Indeed the night was a success in many ways.

Party Justice vanquishes competition

Celia Ampel — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:50:23 +0000

Final vote tally for the 2010 Mock Election:

Party Justice – 73

Partysaurus Rex – 45

Block Party – 26

Avant Guard – 6

UHS students respond to Haiti earthquake

Josh Yoder — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:32:05 +0000

In the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, international efforts have focused on rescuing trapped Haitians, providing medical aid, drinking water and food, and other much-needed help. Organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the International Medical Corps, and Doctors Without Borders have all taken up an active presence in the country. According to the organization’s website, Doctors Without Borders, “provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need.” Within the last two weeks, their work in Haiti has included treating a wide variety of injuries, performing critical operations, and constantly dealing with the plethora of basic needs of quake victims and survivors.

University High juniors Nina Foushee and Laura Van Slyke have planned a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders’ efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Originally planned for January 23, the event has been moved to the 30th due to the rain that Tucson and much of southern Arizona experienced in the last week. The goal of the “Haiti Relief Bonfire Pasta Dinner,” is to “raise funds for Doctors without Borders, but also to educate people about what is occurring in Haiti while building a kind of community around a cause,” said Nina Foushee. “I want us all as American students to keep Haiti and the plight of underdeveloped nations in our minds,” she said. The plans for the fundraiser include a fire outdoors, plates of noodles, and a prize for the highest donation collected and brought in. According to Ms. Foushee, although this one action is a “tiny drop in a bucket… the important part is to keep trying.”

It is hoped that this event will not just raise money, but will make people think a little harder about what it means to continue awareness of the plight of others after the initial aftershock of a tragic event. “When a tragedy happens (whether personal or large-scale) people pay tons of attention to the victims of it initially and then quickly just forget about it,” said Ms. Foushee.

This Saturday night, around a campfire, UHS students will not just be roasting marshmallows. They will be pitching in and joining the global response to an act of nature that has had drastic effects.

For more information:

Contact Nina Foushee or Laura Van Slyke or visit http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

Issues Important to YOU!

Amita Gupta — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:51:36 +0000

Check out where the parties in the 2010 Election project stand on the issues.

Issue
Important to YOU

Party
Justice

“equality”

Partysaurus Rex

“pragmatic and innovative”

Block
Party

“progressive traditionalist”

Avant Guard

“efficiency”

Alcohol/Drugs

- Legalize Marijuana

For those over 18 and taxed at 75% per gram

States decide drinking age between 16 and 21

For those over 18 Tax marijuana

Alcohol legal for those over 21

For those over 19

Alcohol legal for those over 19, “Designated Safety” to prevent
drunk-driving among college communities

For those over 18

30% tax

Alcohol legal for those over 18

Prison Reform

Remove the private sector of prisons

Increase prisoner rehabilitation funds

Eliminate death penalty

Close Guantanamo Bay

Privatize prisons gradually

Eliminate death penalty

$50 billion to focus on rehabilitation

“Rehab, renew, restart” steps involve admission screening, core skills
program, treatment and “half-way” and “aftercare” programs

Environment

Institute cap and trade program

Invest in innovative programs, such as power grids and Power Islands

Reinstate Cash For Clunkers

Give tax credits to businesses and citizens using renewable energy
sources

Sign Kyoto Protocol

Implement Pickens Plan

Will build, construct, and maintain large wind farms, cutting carbon
emissions in half

Enact “green taxes”

Pollution prevention/

assurance bonds

Immigration

Extend temporary work visa from 1-3 years to 2-5 years and issued from
66,000 to 90,000

Keep current immigration caps

Streamline 3 year guest worker program

Illegal immigrants legalized if pay a $500 fine and clear background
check

Guest Worker Program allows for gradual access into country and
eventual citizenship

Amnesty granted to all illegal immigrants

Immigrants can become legal residents by working in US for 5 years

Health Care

-expanding
healthcare options across state borders

Institute regulatory agency (CAPE)

Reduce Medicare eligibility age to 60

Force companies to provide $70/month “minimum” package to any citizen

Medicaid extended to 18.7 million more citizens

Mandate minimum high-deductible plans

Exclusion illegal

Medicare expanded to provide all US citizens with free health care

Taxes

Institute tax “curve” rather than bracket for those earning over $17,1551

Institute value added tax

Eliminate double taxation and special exemptions for the rich

Revive the estate tax (inheritance tax)

Flat tax of 17% for every dollar earned over $13200 (single person)
and $26400 (married couple filing jointly)

$5500 deductible per dependent and for primary mortgages

Increase capital gains tax from 15 to 20%

Flat tax of 20% for every dollar earned over $20,000 (single person)
or $40,00 (married couple filing jointly)

$5,0000 deductible per dependent

23% fair tax on all consumer goods, 4% land value tax

Prebate given to low-income families

Afghanistan

Support 30000 extra troops, to be withdrawn by June 2011

Weaken terrorist- supported opium trade

Submit 25000 extra troops by July 2010

Begin withdrawing January 2012 and end by 2013

Gradually pull troops out over two year period

Leave 30,000 troops on border to help protect citizens

Purchase opium from Afghanistan

Remove troops by 2014 and replace them with Peace Makers

Humanitarian Aid

Contribute to Haitian development

Increase funding by $20 billion in foreign aid

Support HIV education, microloan programs, and sustainable farming industries

Contribute $ 1 billion to Haiti infrastructure

Increase funding for HIV prevention within Africa

Contribute $ 1 billion to build Pakistani infrastructure

Implement ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2007, chooses 106 countries to
focus efforts towards

Support Democracy Caucus, promoting democracy without forcing it on
any country

Provide aid to assist Haiti

Give $200 US loans to farmers in Africa

Continue with PEPFAR (providing $15 billion over 5 year period)
focusing on safe sex

Iran

Encourage acceptance of Nuclear Fuel Bank

Pursue targeted economic sanctions if acceptance does not ensue

Hopes to lift economic sanctions

Encourages Iran to pursue nuclear energy through UN Nuclear Fuel Bank

Will not interfere militarily

Use rhetoric and global stage to support overturning of current regime

N/A

Iraq

Withdraw soldiers by September 2011

Remove all combat troops by July 2010

Withdraw by 2012

Ensure free elections

Withdraw majority troops by December 2011

Give $12 billion in loans and $5.6 billion in grants to support
reconstruction

Withdraw troops by 2012

Israel/Palestine

Advocate 2 state solutions, and provide humanitarian aid to citizens
in Gaza strip

Cut back on Israeli military aid if they hinder negotiations

Involve Arab League in peace process

Advocate 2 state solution

Donate $5 billion in aid

Advocate 2 state solution

Cut back on financial aid and through diplomacy work towards resolution

Advocate 2 state solution

Terrorism

Install full body scanners at airports

Increase aid to countries combating Al Qaeda influence

Divert $16 billion to Pakistan and the Middle East for infrastructure
projects

Eliminate parts of PATRIOT act that infringe upon civil liberties

Install full body scanners at airports

Encourage DAT (Defense Against Terrorism) takes a defensive stance
with priority on saving lives

Will not seek military action unless terrorists are posing a direct
threat

Expand US intelligence department

Work with Department of Homeland Security

Nuclear Proliferation

Supports UN Nuclear Fuel Bank

Plans to reduce US nuclear warhead stockpiles by 50% over the next ten
years

Supports UN Nuclear Fuel Bank

Use $845 million to support research and development on nuclear energy

Supports UN nuclear fuel bank

Condemn nuclear weapons

Lead in nuclear disarmament