Competition, cooperation at the heart of CHS

Competition is in the heart of most people, and the students, faculty, and staff at CHS is no exception to that rule. Students and teachers aren’t going to miss out on the myriad of individual and cooperative competitive opportunities that present themselves at the high school level in everything from the CHS NJROTC Orienteering Team winning first place in the varsity competition, mountain bike rider Tobin McRae finishing first for the junior varsity boys, or Carson High’s own teachers going ‘tiger hunting’ in a basketball game against teachers of Douglas High School. Competition motivates and educates, as long as it is tempered by honor, kindness, and pleasure in one’s ability to compete. FDR, the 32nd President of the United States, from 1933 until his death in 1945, said it best: “Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.” Whether it’s sports or politics, adults and youth participating in a competition must glory in the idea they have done their best in defeat or victory.

CHS SENIOR ELLEN CHERPESKI MODERATES DEBATE

The upcoming elections are high up on the list of every conversation across America, and of age voters aren’t the only ones talking about their views. CHS senior Ellen Cherpeski moderated a first ever Mayoral Town Hall Debate Oct. 26 in the CHS library with incumbent Bob Crowell and opposing candidate Chris Carver hosted by the CHS Social Studies Department. Just in case Senator Square readers missed the Nevada Appeal article, they may read it or view the 56 minute video at www.nevadaappeal.com/news/mayor-candidates-debate-at-carson-high/#.

CHS NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORP

The CHS NJROTC Orienteering Team won big at the NJROTC Area 13 Southern Qualifier Meet Oct. 23 at Granite Bay Folsom Recreation Area in Folsom, Calif. Orienteering is a land navigation competition where competitors use only a map and compass to find their way (no electronic devices allowed). Although there are many different forms of orienteering, the basic premise is for competitors to make their way from point to point, in the correct order, and in the shortest amount of time. Orienteering takes cross-country running off the trails and places it, literally, into the woods. The team performed at an exemplary level, with first place in the varsity competition, second place in the junior varsity competition, and second place in the freshmen competition. Individually, the team won seven awards: four first place, two second place, and one third place. The CHS team’s performance set the stage for moving onto National Competition to be held Feb. 17-20 at Redtop Mountain in Cartersville, Ga. “By land or sea let thy compass guide thee” is the CHS NJROTC Orienteering Team’s motto.

CHS FFA GOES TO INDIANAPOLIS

Five students from the CHS Capitol FFA chapter attended the National Future Farmers of America Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this past week. Students participated in leadership workshops, talked to colleges from all over the U.S., and connected with representatives from 51 other states and territories. More than 65,000 students from the continental United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands attended, and Nevada had 25 students at the convention. Upon returning, CHS students shared the information they received during the workshops in order to better their chapter, school, and community.

FACULTY BASKETBALL GAME

It’s time for the CHS Annual Faculty Basketball Game against Douglas High School Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the CHS big gym. The theme for the game is “Camo-Out” because CHS teachers are going Tiger hunting. Camouflage bucket hats and “Here Kitty Kitty” shirts will be sold in the student store. Come support teachers and staff members at CHS. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association, because even rivals have heart.

CHS’ NEW SOCIAL CLUB

On Nov. 2, a new school club will host its first “Social Club” meeting in order to discuss the group’s organization. All students are welcome to join this club designed to help students with socialization skills, make new friends, and have fun. Mrs. Hellwinkel (“Mrs. H”), the club’s advisor, quoted George Bernard Shaw for the purpose of this club: “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Homemade snacks will be provided and eventually some special lunches like pizza or sub sandwiches will be served.

CAREER EXPLORATIONS

Nov. 2-3, freshmen students will visit Career and Technical Education classrooms (Health Science and Vet Science) and explore career opportunities.

SEL FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NIGHT AT CHS

CHS hosted SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Family Engagement Night Oct. 21. Parents who attended joined teachers, Safe School Professionals, and CHS School Psychologist Jen Mitterer in a generously-donated dinner from Olive Garden. After dinner, parents mingled and learned about their students’ SEL curriculum and CHS services available to help students pass courses and graduate on time. Mitterer provided education about the brain and how she incorporates ways for students to strengthen their emotions’ regulation skills through Mind Up exercises. Special Education-endorsed and SEL-trained teachers Megan Schuler and Rochelle Kennedy discussed Boys Town, an approach to behavior management and social skills development in the classroom. Safe School Professional Kelly K. Edmundson discussed the SEL services provided on campus and connected parents to resources for additional support. CHS thanks Olive Garden in Carson City for its generous donation.

CHS MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM

The CHS team competed in the Sierra Nevada MTB Championships in Truckee, Calif., Oct. 23. The Senators finished their first season in third place and had several Senator Cyclists reach podium spots at this event. Tobin McRae finished first place for the JV high school boys; Taylor Jenkins finished third place for the sophomore girls team; Isaac Harrison finished fifth place for advanced middle school boys; and Conner McRae finished fourth place for varsity boys. CHS is pleased with its mountain bike riders in their awesome inaugural season.

COLLEGE CONNECTIONS

Representatives from William Jessup University, Portland State University, and Willamette University will be at CHS Nov. 3. Interested students should pick up a pass in the Guidance Office. Graduation is just around the corner, so don’t be left wondering what to do next.

SENIOR SHIRTS

Senior shirts are now on sale. Pick up an order form the student store. Shirts are $22 and sweatshirts $30. All order forms are due to the student store by Nov. 19.

Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.