Sitka High School Newspaper

Budget Cut as Student Attendance Drops

Ben Pool and Alexis Candelaria

Honor Festival A Blast

                It happens once a year when a group of well over 100 music students get together and make music. That’s right- we’re talking about Southeast Honor Music Festival, a time when the best musicians from all over Southeast convene to play their music for a small community. This year the event was held in Haines, Alaska, the weekend of October 22-24.

                Approximately sixty band and sixty choir members were selected from tapes that were submitted in late September. Once selected, students were then sent the music they would be performing. All music had to be learned before appearing in Haines.

                Once in Haines, the music students spent two days perfecting their music.

                “It was hard practicing for six hours a day, but the director was neato. He taught us some pointless southern phrases like ‘hey y’all, put ‘em up’ and I thought put what up? My horn’s already up,” commented bass-trombone player Kari Perensovich.

                The directors of the honor choir and honor band were brought up to Alaska from award winning bands and choirs throughout the United States. Richard Brasco , from Evans, Georgia, conducted the band while Dr. Patrick Patton of Casper, Wyoming directed the choir.

                After two long days of practice, the Honor Festival participants recited their music for the community of Haines. Approximately 350 people packed into a recital hall to hear the band and choir perform a total of eleven pieces.

                “This year’s Honor Fest’ was fantastic,” said Band Director Brad Howey.
”The best part for me was to watch students work so hard to make good music,” he added.

                “It was an awesome Honor Festival” stated Zac White. “One of the best I’ve ever been to!” an opinion that seems to be shared by all.

                “And we got medals!” chimed Christian Litten.    

                                                By Ben Pool

Pitching Droppers and Making Whopper$

The Senior Project is a requirement here in Sitka  that each senior has to complete and pass.

Senior Projects are “the experience of a life-time,” says Steve Hartrich.

Steve’s project was coaching a minor league baseball team this past summer in Sitka. These players were between the ages of 7-12. He taught inexperienced players proper batting, throwing, and defensive playing techniques.

“It was challenging because these young players had to ditch their old mechanics for new and improved ones which was not an easy task. Especially since the benefits could not be seen immediately, but would help [them] become good baseball players at a later time.” Steve commented.

Some senior projects deal with hobbies and interests while others deal with possible career opportunities. One dealing with the latter is Noah Forbes’ and Micheal Bagley’s project of creating an online business.

Their company’s name, Topquark Enterprises, derives entirely from nothing. It was named that simply because, “it sounds cool,” says Noah. It is a web site design company. The coding they use is html and JavaScript.

The two hope to use this business as a means of funding them throughout college.

They hope to find ways of marketing themselves so that in the future they can get the desired results in any aspect of life.

So far, four to five hours has been put into their project and business. If it is a moneymaker, they won’t stop after the 15-hour requirement.

When Noah was asked how he feels about the Senior Project he responded, “This is something I really enjoy.”

Trapped in Paradise

If you were stuck on a deserted island with any single person, who would that one person be?

·         Maria Prefontaine: Geovanni Ribisie – “He’s a hot actor.”

·         Ms. Riva: Her daughters – “I’d never get bored.”

·         Norman Riley: Roman Judy– “Close Friend.”

·         Luther Strickland: Nola Flores – “Very smart, nice, and a very cooperative woman.”

·         Dan Stockel: Roxanne Korthuis – Go figure.

·         Maria Stilson: Bob Marley – “He can stay stress free. He rocks.”

·         Kim Uddipa: Mitch Mork – “He’s my lover.”

·         Dani Kelly: Brian Mork – “He’s a hunk.”

·         Kate Uddipa: “Oh you Trevor, you make me happy, you make me complete.”

·         Jonas Parker: Mr. Bovee – “He could keep me alive.”

·         Erica Swiatkowski: Brad Pitt –“He’s hot!”

·         Jamie Anderson: Tommy –“He’s hot!”

·         Tristan Holmlund: “A person with a cell phone!”

·         Steve Hartich: Christina Aquillera –“Shes my genie in my bottle.”

·         Mindy Jacoby: Tristan Hanson – “He’s a nice guy… right.”

·         Nola Flores: Steve Hartich – “He’s responsible.”

·         Jason Mooney: Ana Cornocova – “She’s fine.”

·         Damien LaMar: The Predator –“We could rule the world!”

·         Live’ Sio: Carrington – “He has pretty eyes.”

·         Sam Eames: Derek – “He’s a world champ rope skipper.”

·         Randi Hames: Jonas Parker – “Good with the wilderness and outdoors.”

·         Mike Schneeberger: Alexis Will – “We’d have fun.”

·         Erika Parker: Thor Hartwig – “…?”

·         Adam Litten: Erika Kirkland – “From South, so she’s culturally different…and she’s very attractive.”

·         Jeremiah Johnson: Brian Mork – “He’s my role model.”

·         Jeff Loiselle: Jeremy Hanson – “We’d have stuff to do.”

·         Adam Hacket: His dog – “I like that stuff.”

·         Logan Wild: George Bush – “Low taxes?”

·         Chloe Delong: Katherine – “Could be with her for more than a couple of weeks."

·         Steve Jacoby: Erika Kirkland – “She’s new and cute.”

·         Nate Mullins: Randy Hawk – “Because I just love him so much.”

·         Cerissa Swanberg: Tom Cruise – “Cause he’s hot.”

And there you have it.

By: Trevor Chapman

Prejudice Behind the Lines

                Mr. Bradshaw addressed the young men of Sitka High School as a group recently in regard to the reoccurring vandalism in the school bathrooms.  Prejudicial remarks and sexual innuendo were discovered inside the boys bathrooms and the administration has reacted to the situation with a zero tolerance policy. 

He remarked that 99.9% of the teenagers in the school are not involved, but the students responsible are creating a negative image of the student body at Sitka High School.  “Most of the teenagers at the school are respectful and it is the students responsibility to handle the situation,” he added.

                I am ashamed of the “comments about friends written in the bathroom and the negative attention caused by students in the school,” Christian Litten remarked in disgust when asked about the problem of vandalism. 

                A study last year by Alfred University in New York estimated that 79% of National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes had been subjected to hazing during the 1998-1999 school year, with 1 in 5 involved in “unacceptable and potentially illegal” activities, according to U.S. News and World Report September 11, 2000.   

                While slander and obscene comments inside the boys bathrooms could be considered a form of hazing, it is hardly tolerable and completely unacceptable.

“I’ve never understood why people go out of their way to make others feel bad,” remarked Mike Schneberger. 

                Nearly all of the NCAA’s member schools ban hazing, and 42 states have laws against it (U.S. News)  “None of it is acceptable,” says Dick Baddour, Athletic Director at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.  

                High school shouldn’t be an exception from the college level on the field or in the classroom and students that are involved with unauthorized activities should be punished.  

The racial, religious, cultural, and sexual statements in the bathroom are uncalled for and give the student body at Sitka High a juvenile image.  Sexist remarks directed toward the girls in the school and hatred for other cultural backgrounds show complete disrespect toward other students.   

Self respect and respect for others is the principal solution.  Mr. Bradshaw has made it clear that Sitka High School mandates a zero-tolerance policy for prejudice or illegal activity and expulsion could result if the vandalism continues and the student(s) responsible is convicted.  “It is the students responsibility to make a difference,”  he stated. 

                He has recognized the situation as a  “serious situation that costs money to fix; money that could be used in other places and total close to a full teacher’s salary”.

                If the problem persists, surveillance or restriction of bathroom privileges could result according to Mr. Bradshaw.  However, if the students make a difference and the problem is ended, he is willing to give students more freedom and responsibility.

                “Prejudice is caused by ignorance or insecurity,” stated Ronna Corliss, the Student Assistance Counselor.  Mr. Bradshaw has also stated that ignorance is the main cause and we need to be less judgmental as a society.  “Acceptance and parental guidance is important,” he said, but personal opinions and beliefs should not become a competition to determine what is right and wrong.

                The solution to the problem could result from peer influence and quality family time, but it is your responsibility to prevent prejudice and make a difference in the school and community. 

By: Jason Woolford

Qualifying Exam Causes Student Stress

The High School Qualifying Exam is a statewide sophomore level competency test that determines if a student is able to graduate.

Last year, only “one third of the students passed all three tests,” said Mr. Bradshaw and another third failed all three according to Mr. Hughey, counselor.

The test reviews the basic skills of reading, writing, and math but the testing is not limited by time and there are no acceptations for students with learning disabilities.  Students have thirteen opportunities to pass each individual test; six times in school and seven times out of school.

After reviewing the test results and statistics from last year, Mr. Hughey concluded that Sitka High School tested slightly above state average. The administration has “reviewed individual results and schedules for every student and hired tutors in anticipation of increased student involvement”.  Student preparation for the qualifying exam is a major concern.

“The 21^st  Century Grant Provides extra curricular learning activities and funding for extended resources of the school system after school,” he commented.  Rick Peterson is the man behind the “Compass” program.  Compass is the after school program funded by the 21^st Century Grant.

Is the qualifying exam a legitimate and reasonable test?

 Mrs. Hammons stated that “the state should have compared test standards to other states,” and she doesn’t agree with standardized testing.  She has been involved with the testing process and is against a test determining a students comprehension.

“Some kids aren’t going to be able to pass the test so they can’t pass high school,” remarked Kim Uddipa.

Mr. Hughey decided to take a spare exam last year at Pacific High to determine his personal opinion about the test.  “I felt it was a very reasonable test with things that people should be able to do when they get to high school,” he concluded. “The test provides no alternatives or exceptions and is a requirement to graduate.”  He believes that the test is “a way of assuring that a diploma means some level of competence or standard,” but should one test your sophomore year determine if you receive a diploma your senior year? “The test is a bipartisan agreement between the state and legislature,” he remarked. In other words, underclassmen don’t really have a choice.

 If you have any questions or concern, you can contact John Holst or Jody Marcello for testing information and results.

By: Jason Woolford

Sitka Economy Dependent on Local Involvement

By:  Jason Woolford and Eric Kelly

A decrease in available jobs and an increase in the number of people leaving the town have caused a dramatic change in the local economy of Sitka.

Job availability has declined and the average wage for local employment is not considered “enough to support a family,”  stated newly elected mayor Valerie Nelson when asked about the local economy.

The economy of Sitka has varied depending on the change in population and local support from citizens and businesses.  “Because of the low population and small area of Sitka, chain stores and restaurants have hesitated to open a new business locally,” stated John Holst. 

Another area of concern is the Sitka School District.  A number of positions are being withheld next year as a result of lower funding and a decreased local employment rate.  “A 6% employment decrease next year will result in $100,000 saved but the local budget cut has decreased the funding available for local and state education,” said Holst. 

At the Sitka High School forum, assembly candidate Marko Dapcevich mentioned that his daughter decided to live down south with her mother because she didn’t like the school system in Sitka.  However, Doris Bailey, another candidate, said she moved to Sitka for the small town atmosphere and natural beauty.  She has lived locally for most of her lifetime.  (Marko Dapcevich and  Doris Bailey, were both elected as Sitka Assembly members.)

 Students and teachers are leaving the area and there is not enough money to go around.  At the Sitka High School forum Matt Norman said that he has no desire to remain in Sitka after graduation because of limited options and no opportunity.

Families are moving and the economy of Sitka  is  changing.  The military plays an important role in community support and population, but every three years, a family is transferred to another station, according to Coast Guard sources. 

 Money isn’t everything, but it is an important aspect of survival and it is required to support a family. What is the solution for increased local economic development?  

Top Ten Homecoming Themes

Homecoming is a high school tradition that students and alumni can attend. It is usually held during the football season and involves school spirit, or Spirit Week.  Homecoming is scheduled for January 27^th  this year, the middle of the basketball season.  The Homecoming theme should have meaning and represent something memorable to the student body.  This year, the theme is "Under the Stars," but the Pushka staff has gathered other ideas from the student body.

10.                 Candy Land

9.                    Beach Bash

8.                    Mission Impossible

7.                    Under the Sea

6.                    Spring Break

5.                    Lost In Space

4.                    Nudist Colony

3.               Fun in the Sun

2.                    Enchanted Forest

1.          The Love Boat

             By:  Jason Woolford and Trevor Chapman

DDF Scores Again

Once again the Sitka Drama/Debate Team has proven how spectacular it is bringing home 13 awards: 3 firsts, 8 seconds, and 2 thirds from the Juneau meet on October 27^th and 28^th.   They managed to pull off high scores even with less than half the team, due to lack of travel funds. "I felt as a team we did pretty well, with our whole team we would dominate Southeast," believes Chelsea Hicks, senior.

In the debate department there were two events added for this first meet to give beginners a chance to compete without starting against the experienced debaters. In the first of these, Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate, Ryan Robidou (10) took 2^nd followed by Woody Litman (10) in 3^rd. Woody was impressed with his performance, "It was pretty cool... ten times better than 3D pinball."

The other, Novice Policy Debate, Sitka had two teams tie for 2^nd place. They were Guy Simmons (10) and Lucas Stokes (10), and Jodie Totten (10) and Megan Coffland  (10). Jodie said, "It was very educational. Next time I'll be nicer to my opponents." Megan also managed a first for her Expos speech.

For the more experienced debaters Brian Mork (12) took 2^nd in LD Debate, "I could have put more time into preparation. Next time there will be more competition, but I'll be more prepared, so I expect to win." Chelsea Hicks and Mathew Norman (12) took 1^st in Policy Debate and hopefully will continue to crush them in the future.

 Mathew Norman also did very well with his Oration and in the Extemporaneous Speaking category, taking 2^nd in both.

Moving towards the Drama events, Kaili Jackson received a third place for her Dramatic Interpretation. Sam Cavenaugh (9) got a first place for his Humorous Interpretation. "I was very excited to find out. It was unexpected because it's not everyday a frosh gets first. It felt good," said Sam. Christian Litten (10) followed Sam with second place in HI.

Lupe Melba Torres-Cater (12) and Christian Litten received second for their Dou Interpretation and a command performance. Lupe tells us, "I didn't expect to place, especially since the judges in Juneau are biased. The entire team did really well, I was proud of them all, especially Sam. He's a stud!!!"

Pledge of Allegiance

"I pledge allegiance to the flag..." Most students have the pledge of allegiance memorized, and a good thing too because Sitka High has begun saying it prior to every school day. Last year the state of Alaska passed a law saying that every school in the state will say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.

"I think they feel we are losing respect for our country. As kids we did it everyday. It's a pride thing, to promote citizenship and pride," says Mr. Bradshaw.

Student Council will lead the pledge over the intercom. They didn't start for a month or so because many classroom flags were lost during the remodel and more had to be ordered.

Derek Hirai (12) believes, "It's like brushing your teeth, you don't really think about it."  Jonas Parker (12) says, "I'm 100% for it. Even if you don't think about it, like Derek said, it shows spirit for your country."

Mrs. Hammons agrees the idea is a good one. "I think it's great! I hope it promotes patriotism."

Scholarship Options

Hey! Hey you! Yeah you, who are thinking about college and doesn't have a clue how to get there. There are tons of ways to get help paying for college, but you have to work for it. Nancy Anthony, the counseling secretary, says, "Start early, because even as a freshman there are options."

Every week in the SHS counseling office there is a list of available scholarships printed and sitting there for anybody to take, with a large variety of options. For instance, last week had options for Coast Guard kids, engineers, freshman through seniors, academic achievement and so on...

See yourself on that list? If not there are lists of websites on the Internet with scholarship information that the counseling office would be happy to print.

Mike Shneeberger (12) says, "I haven't gotten around to it {applying for scholarships} but I'm going to in like five minutes. I'm going to go for the athletic scholarships because I feel I have a better chance for those than the academic ones."

"Apply for a good variety, don't just apply for one or two and hope you'll get them. You have to keep looking. It takes time and is worth the time that it takes." - Nancy Anthony.

By Kaili Jackson

Upcoming Events

The following are the upcoming events in the month of November for the Sitka High Wolves…

11-9:                Volleyball in Anchorage

11-10:                Swimming in Anchorage

Wrestling in Petersburg

11-16: Music at in Anchorage for State

11-17: Wrestling in Ketchikan

Wrestling JV in Hoonah

11-24: Wrestling in Juneau

Now that Swim/Dive has come to an end, Crystal  Hadley, Junior, says, "It was a long and interesting season. I'm glad it's over, until next year."

Lexi Fish, sophomore volleyball player, believes, "going on trips was the funnest part of the season because you could play in other towns and hang out with the team."

Budget Woes

By Joe Jurczak and Elijah Wamack

'Draconian' budget cuts, upwards of about $250,000, are the results of the net loss of about 130 students (8 percent) in the Sitka School District.  Chief among these cuts is $90,000 cut from all school supplies, a hiring freeze, along with the elimination of funding for staff and board member travel, according to Superintendent John Holst.

Mr. Holst went to say that the Sitka School District is trying to make up for $350,000 loss of funding due to the lowered enrollment.

The District is now running out of surplus paper left over from last year, explaining all the funny looking handouts students have been getting teachers this year.  Supply purchases are already frozen, meaning what the District has is what the District gets, said Holst.

Holst continued with stating that there won't be any more staff members joining us this year, fewer next year if the enrollment trend continues.  This action is supposed to yield $100,000 from the budget.

Board and staff members wanting to travel, even on school business, will do so out of their own pockets, relieving another $50,000 from the budget, according to Holst.

Although it is true that the Sitka School District has enough financial reserves to stabilize the situation, these reserves would only last one year, commented Holst.

Holst concluded with saying that school sports will not be affected, their funding coming solely from team fundraisers.

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Does Sitka Measure Up?

How does the Sitka School District's budget stack up against the rest of Alaskan schools?  According to Superintendent John Holst, "Everybody's hurting right now."  Sitka School District is simply not alone in this battle.

                Alaskan education as a whole appears to be in financial trouble.  Reports are coming in from all over our state suggesting that Sitka is, in fact, doing better than many.

                However Sitka is definitely not in a positive financial position right now either.  Resulting from a depleted money status in Sitka School District, there is not enough funding to replace 5 school district positions for this school year.  In our own high school, our share of Sitka School Districts supplies budget of approximately $90,000 has been cut completely.  Other Sitka schools such as Baranof and Verstovia are experiencing a supply cut of similar proportions.  Cutting supplies equates to a detriment of necessities such as paper, trashcans, and pencil sharpeners.  As far as a big picture goes, Sitka is only receiving about $4,178 per student. 

The variation in funding is tremendous according to the schools themselves; one of Delta's schools is receiving only $3,812.43 per student while Dellingham City School District is receiving approximately $11,669.37 per student, yet they're both suffering from major cutbacks.

A major problem in all the schools was the considerable increase in the price of fuel.  This simply wasn't considered in their state funding for the school year.  Schools rely on fuel for everything from heating to travel.  The new higher costs have had a significant impact on Alaskan school's welfare.

The first target in most cutbacks has been extra-curricular activities. Almost all Alaska schools have had to do everything from increase activity fees to dropping some activities completely.

Another hard-hit area has been staffing...or lack thereof. Delta has been perhaps the hardest hit with staff cutbacks including: one principle, 10 teachers, one secretary, 3 custodians, 2 teacher aides, and 2 food-service workers. These cutbacks and more have forced them to close two of their schools.

As far as supplies go, many districts have found themselves scrambling to make due with what little they have and hoping for some kind of miracle.

Perhaps that is the best metaphor for Alaskan schools today: waiting for a miracle.

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Under the Microscope

This column is a new feature of the Pushka, focusing on interviews with students, teachers and staff of Sitka High School.

You’ve seen him around.  You’ve heard his facetious comments, and even witnessed his quirky antics.  Yes, that’s right, we’re talking about the one, the only, ever the jokester, Nate Mullins (insert crowd applause here).

We here at the Pushka recently had a chance to sit down and conduct an interview with the prankster himself.

Good afternoon, Nate.

“Howdy, Benster.”

Hey… we would like to ask you just a few questions, if that’s possible

“Sure, go ahead, make my day.”

All right!  What is your full name?

“Nathan Isaac Mullins.”

Oh, that’s a nice name.

“Actually my name is Ivan—don’t I look like an Ivan?”

No, you look like a Nate.  Where were you born?

“Up north…”

What city were you born in, “up north?”

“Cordova… can I pinch your cheeks?  How about I just pinch your cheeks, you’d like that, I know it.”

*pinch*

No I would not enjoy it now get… your hands… off me.  There, that’s better.  Now, have you lived anywhere else besides Cordova?

“I think I probably lived in Anchorage, in an apartment.”

Are you sure it wasn’t a box?

“It might have been a box, I just remember hating the walls.”

The walls?

“Yeah, you know, those fake wood walls with lines going down at different intervals.  Every time I see walls like that I evacuate all my fluids.”

Um.  That’s not a pretty image, Nate.

“We actually lived in a hippie commune.  There were about ten houses and a couple of trailers and a bus.  I liked the bus; it smelled nice, like incense.  Hippies like their incense.  I like hippies.”

*slap*

Hey, what was that for?

“That was for making the fish-man face.”

What?  …Never mind.

“You know, Ben, I really didn’t get fat until I moved to Sitka.”

Is that so.

“Yeah, I used to be ripped.  Well, I was nine, but a ripped nine-year-old.”

That’s fascinating.  Tell me more.

“Well, we really didn’t have electricity when we lived in Anchorage.  Those hippies don’t like their electricity.  I like hippies.”

Yes, you told us that.

“Yes…  So I contribute my weight gain to a sudden exposure to electricity.”

Wow.   So I take it you moved to Sitka when you were nine?

“Yeah, at first we lived on the SJ [Sheldon Jackson] campus.  We got to eat for free.  It was fun because I used to make teepees out of twigs.  I tried to put umbrellas on the tops of the teepees but they always fell over—I never really learned my lesson because I did this over and over again and each time the teepee would collapse.”

That’s sad, Nate, I’m sorry for your loss.

“Yeah, well, what can you do?”

Unfortunately, nothing.

“…I once broke open a glow stick in my bed and ran around screaming because I thought I was going to turn into a Ninja Turtle.”

That has nothing to do with anything, Nate.  You didn’t let me ask my next question.

“Well then, what do you want to know, Ben… Benster… Bentastic… Ben-yo… Benalicious.  Benemus?”

Wait… “Ben-yo?”

“Yeah, I think it’s like a half-toilet or something.  Spanish.”

Interesting.  …So when did you first get into acting?

“Well, I used to be in those SJ plays.  I was in two or three of them.  Maybe just two… maybe three… but definitely two or three.”

Did you enjoy them?

“No, I always got crummy parts.  And my mom made me do it.  It wasn’t fun at all because, well, my mom made me do it, and she didn’t know what was best for me because, well, she is my mom.”

So have you done anything since those plays?

“Well yes, last year I joined the drama team and I love it.”

That’s really neat, Nate, you have a touching, yet compelling story.

“Thanks, Ben-san.”

Sure.  So… what do you see yourself doing in ten years?

“Well, in ten years I see myself being on Saturday Night Live, or at least trying to get on Saturday Night Live.  Or waiting outside the studio of Saturday Night Live like a stalker.  If I got on Saturday Night Live I could die a happy man.  Of course, not saying I want to die, but…”

We get the picture.  So in conclusion, do you have any words of wisdom for us?

“ ‘In conclusion?’  You promised to get me out of all period!”

Sorry Nate, no can do.

“Fine, fine, I have a favorite saying.  You want to hear it?”

Sure, why not?

“I don’t know why not, so here goes: ‘If you can’t beat them, arrange for them to be beaten.’”

That’s nice!  I’m impressed.

“Why, it’s George Carlin.”

Oh.  I thought you were smart.

“Common misconception.”

All right, thanks for allowing us to interview you.

“We’re done?”

Yes, Nate.

“But…”

No, Nate.

“But, hold on, wait up…”

Nope.  Bye, Nate.  We wish you the best of luck with the acting career.

--By Ben Pool and Alexis Candelaria

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Compass Charts a Course

Sitka High has a new after-school program this year, thanks to the 21^st Century Community Learning Center.  Since the beginning of the year, this newly renamed program has made activities that range from tutoring to fine arts classes to community service projects available for students.

COMPASS (Community Organizations Making Possibilities Abound for Sitka Students) is coordinated by Rick Peterson.  Several people organized the original funding, writing a $384,000 dollar per year grand to the Community Learning Center.  The goal of this program is to give Sitka youth a healthy place to go after school.  The grant includes provisions for funds to the existing Sitka Teen Center.

“It’s great to work with such a supportive student body,” Mr. Peterson commented.  “Many students have approached me with new ideas.”

COMPASS plans to use its money for many things: recreation and technology clubs; possibly kayaking and outdoor activities; music and drama classes; SHS’ fledgling environmental club; hiring guidance counselors at all three high schools; peer mentoring funds; on-the-job vocational training for pay; Native cultural programs; preparation classes for the HSGQE; and a Small Engine Shop class with Mr. Pike.  A $10,000 scholarship will be made available to students who want to take classes at the University of Alaska Southeast.

“We have a wonderful program,” said Rick Peterson.  “Kids were complaining about not having anything to do in Sitka, when we live in such an awesome playground.”

Another of COMPASS’ goals is to improve relations and ties between the three high schools.  Rick Peterson hopes to make Mr. Edgecumbe High School and Pacific High students feel more welcome to participate in SHS after-school activities.

COMPASS has already implemented one club that will “make a difference.”  The Environmental Club aims to improve the environment around Sitka.  They have done a beach cleanup, and had an on-line chat forum with the Alaska Commissioner fo the Department of Environmental Conservation.

“The club is going great,” stated President Jonas Parker.  “Within a week [of starting it] we already have over a dozen members that show up repeatedly.”

By Alexis Candelaria and Ben Pool

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Exchange Students Unhappy?

Do foreign exchange students feel welcome and accepted here at Sitka High?  A rumor exists that several exchange students left Sitka High for Pacific High for exactly this reason.

“It’s mostly my fault for not introducing them [the exchange students] to the student body,” Mr. Bradshaw said.  “I think we have a very accepting group of students here.”

One student did leave SHS for Pacific High, but the Pushka has been unable to obtain information about the cause of her transfer.  The office cannot give out this student’s name because of protective school policy.

“We can’t tell you that,” Mrs. Vanhorn apologized.  “It’s school policy, to protect the students.”

However, there are still five foreign exchange students attending Sitka High.  Carmen VonMickwitz, Talitha Cardoso, Maria Laspina, Olga Muzhilova and Ayano Sawada are still attending classes here.

When questioned on her feelingsas an exchange student here at Sitka High, Talitha Cardoso of Brazil had this to say:

“I feel good here.  I like this school.  Here I want to do many things, and I can make friends.”  She said.  “Even though it’s very hard to talk and understand the teachers.”

The Pushka staff will continue to investigate this story and report on the other exchange students during future articles.

By Alexis Candelaria and Ben Pool  

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Tax Cap, Outlook Not Good At SHS

                Proposition Four has come under fire in the past couple weeks at Sitka High, for its proposed cuts in educational funding.

                The brains behind Proposition Four, the property tax cap, had better brainstorm better ways to promote their proposal to the people of Sitka, based on the results of interviews done at SHS. Students and teachers alike are concerned that if it does pass would divert needed educational funding, as well as public services such as road and ambulance services.

                According to Senior Jonas Parker, "For the better good of our community which includes education and housing, Proposition Four should be destroyed."

                With the loss of 64 students in the student body among the halls of SHS, a decrease in educational funding from the state is something we do not need, seeing we are paid on a per pupil basis. "It will hurt our school's funding a great deal if it passes." According to Erica Parker, a sophomore at Sitka High.

                Some people think that if their property taxes are lowered than that is good, but some students, like Senior Jeremiah Craig, do not like the idea of the state messing with property taxes. Freshman Ashley Norman quoted if the proposition passes would "take away from my education and future." Peggy Wilson, who is currently running for State House, stated she "Doesn't like the idea of the state mandating anything," and is against the tax cap.

  By Thor Hartwig &Brian Mork

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