Senator Square: Honors, artists and sports happen at Carson High School

When Carson City community members think of Carson High School, do positive thoughts of educational wonder, professional career and technical opportunities, and hilarious fun at the myriad events offered by the school come to mind? This should be the norm because one of Carson City’s own, senior Katasha DeGraw, is a National Merit Finalist. This is a young lady potentially destined for greatness as she’s waiting to hear from universities like Princeton, Harvard and Yale. A National Merit Finalist, whether she wins or not, is still considered prestigious, and colleges cover full tuition and living expenses. Additionally, known artists visit Carson High School as guest speakers, and CHS baseball players move on to become major leaguers, not to mention the amazing culinary arts students who win scholarships to institutions like Johnson & Wales. This is happens at CHS every single year, and it must impress and astonish members of the Carson City community. Talk about bragging rights!

NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY

CHS recently started the National Technical Honor Society, and members from various Career and Technical Education Clubs were invited to apply. The NTHS charter at CHS is advised by Ms. Sherri Kelley. Students must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (unweighted) and be enrolled in a career/technical education program or major.

CHS JUNIOR EARNS UNR INTERNSHIP

Junior Rachel Rombardo is starting an internship with Dr. Eric Frost, UNR Chemistry Dept. chair this week. It’s quite an honor a CHS student is involved with research at a Tier 1 university.

ARTIST VISITS CHS

Carson City artist Claudia Knous gave a talk about her eco printing fiber pieces to Mike Malley’s art class on Feb. 9. Knous offers a look at her art in the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room through March 11. Capital City Arts Initiative brings artists twice a year to give talks to Mr. Malley’s students. CHS and CCAI: bringing the professional artist to inspire and teach students. Well done, Mr. Malley.

BASEBALL TRYOUTS

It’s time to “play ball.” Carson will host baseball tryouts on Saturday, Feb. 27 at CHS. Sports packets must first be completed and turned in to the CHS Athletics Department by Feb. 17. Packets can be completed online at www.carsonhigh.com in the “Athletics” tab. Print out the athletic packet and bring it in. Tryout times depend upon weather and field conditions. Questions? Contact Mr. Manoukian in room 210 before school.

CULINARY ARTS

The annual fundraiser dinner and silent auction is March 10 at Silver Oak Golf Course. Enjoy a 4-course meal with paired wines. The cost is $50 per person in advance; no ticket sales at the door. Contact Penny Reynolds at preynolds@carson.k12.nv.us or 283-1771. Please come support these students.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST PREP FOR JUNIORS

Free ACT prep in the library after school began Feb. 2, 2:15-3:55, and this opportunity is still open with busing available. Remember, the ACT test is March 1. Students should visit the library and sign up for online prep, or they can prepare on their own time by signing up on tutors.com. The ACT test is a CHS graduation requirement.

BIG BLUE WELCOME AND CAREER EXPO

The incoming freshman class of 2020 and their parents are invited to Carson High School Feb. 18, 4:30-7 p.m. Information about transitioning to high school will be presented in Senator Square, and at least 24 vendors will be available to talk about potential future careers and offer resources Carson City has for students. The official welcome happens in the gym 6-7 p.m. with school tours and demonstrations by all Career and Technical Classes.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

This week’s student of the week is Leslie Villanueva. Leslie is currently captain of this year’s Pro-start Team and a Pro-Start state champion last year.

She’s a mentor for Culinary 1 students and is always the first to volunteer for community service activities. Thanks for all your hard work, Leslie!

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

This week’s senior spotlight is on Katasha DeGraw. Katasha has a GPA of 4.7 and is continuing her academic pursuits with multiple AP and Honors classes. She’s Carson High School’s only National Merit Finalist this year and is waiting to hear about finalist status. She has been active in the National Honor Society for three years and, in addition to her outstanding academics, Katasha is a talented vocalist and co-president of the Concert and Chamber Choirs at CHS. She’s repeatedly been chosen to participate in the Northern Zone and State Honor Choirs and was recently chosen to travel to Pasadena, Calif., as a participant in the American Choral Directors Association Western Division Honor Choir.

Katasha spends time every week volunteering at Advocates to End Domestic Violence and is active in her church where she leads a group of girls ages 12-18 in religious and social activities. She also works two afternoons a week as a tutor for Carson High School’s after school tutoring program. Katasha is undecided as to what she’s going to pursue in college but is leaning toward a degree in chemistry. She has already been accepted to Utah State and Southern Utah Universities, and the University of Mary in North Dakota. She’s eagerly awaiting admittance decisions from Princeton, Harvard, and Yale Universities. CHS is proud of Katasha, and knows she’s going to be successful with whatever decisions she makes about her future. We will miss her lovely smile, singing voice, and servant’s heart next year!

Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.