There’s been much speculation if Springville High has what it takes to hold state in their hands this year. With the ending of the 2011 season, Springville lost many great swimmers; but, with the beginning of a new season, we also gained several great swimmers.
This year the team consists of new swimmers that have never accomplished this sport at a competitive level and there are also those that have been swimming their whole life. There are those swimmers that make it to a few practices a week and those that are there every day. What several of these new swimmers don’t know is what they are really capable of.
As in past years Springville High has an excellent swim program that, when applied diligently, can make state swimmers of anyone. The success of this upcoming season depends mainly on the dedication that the swimmers are willing to put into it.
“All of the Springville High swimmers are capable of things beyond their comprehension. I want to see every swimmer give it their all this year. No regrets,” said Dustin Brinton, Swim Team Captain.
Twelve Springville High students have been selected as Sterling Scholars for 2011-2012. The students chosen will now go on to the state competition on February 15; the final judging will occur on February 29, 2012. The following are the categories and students have been chosen to compete:
Social Science: Rhetta Shoemaker, daughter of Lorie Reese and Bryan Shoemaker, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Rhetta Shoemaker enjoys how interesting the subjects are in this category, “Especially because they have a direct application to our lives,” said Rhetta. Rhetta plans on attending Brigham Young Univesity, as her entire family has gone there. Her inspiration is her mother and grandmother, she says, “They have gone through difficult times but were able to overcome them with diligence, dedication, and optimism.”
Music: Benjamin Krutsch, son of John and Alison Krutsch, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Benjamin Krutsch enjoys preforming for others, he says, “There is just something about being able to share my talent with others; plus, I have not found a pleasure equal to the one I have felt after a great performance.” For college he plans on attending BYU, he states, “The music school at BYU is one of the finest in the country; plus, I bleed blue.” His inspiration was his great-grandfather, he feels as if he is reviving a long lost family tradition as his great-grandfather was a vocalist before the depression. Benjamin gives this advice to all aspiring musicians: “Make sure that you love your music. If you are happy with your music, it won’t matter what other people think.”
English: Ashley Eaton, daughter of Wendy and Dael Eaton, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Ashley Eaton enjoys being able to express herself, she says, “There’s something satisfying about carefully crafting a passage to creatively articulate my opinions and ideas.” Her college plans include attending BYU, she states, “I like the atmosphere and religious focus on campus and in the classes.” Her inspiration was her dad and her grandma she says, “My dad instilled in me a love for reading and my grandma helped me refine my skills.” Ashley gives this advice to all English majors: “Read. By reading the work of many different authors and literacy masters, you can learn a great deal about style, rhetorical strategies, and the mechanics of writing.”
Business and Marketing: Lesli Mortensen, daughter of Preston and Collette Mortensen, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Lesli Mortensen loves how you can use the knowledge you gain from Business and Marketing in everyday life, she says, “The skills and knowledge you receive from studying business and marketing can be an asset no matter what career you go into.” Her college plans include attending BYU because she enjoys the atmosphere on campus. Her inspiration was Mrs. Shauna Binkerd because she was the teacher who interested her in business and instilled excitement in her about the potential opportunities in business and marketing. Lesli gives this advice to all entrepreneurs: “Use your talent to set you apart; if you’re good with computers, study the importance of technology and social media in business. If you’re social look into public speaking, find your talent and use it to your advantage.”
Art: Katherine Baxter, daughter of Douglas Alan and Sandra Lynn Baxter, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Katherine Baxter enjoys being able to bring her ideas to life. Her college plans include attending BYU; she wants to go somewhere local with a good art program. Katherine gives this advice to all Artists: “Just work, you’ll get better with practice.”
Mathematics: Michael Bartholomew, son of David and Lynette Bartholomew, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Michael Bartholomew enjoys the fact that mathematics can be applied to nearly anything, he says, “To be able to analyze and apply math makes things logical and understandable.” His college plans include attending the University of Utah, he states, “I want to be able to stay in Utah while fulfilling my goal to become an architect.” His inspiration was his sister, he says, “She helps me understand concepts and realize the importance of math in life.” Michael gives this advice to all mathematicians: “Math is challenging even for those who it appears to be easy for. Just stick with it and keep working to understand it, eventually you may find it enjoyable!”
Science: Casey Ashcraft, daughter of Rick and Christina Ashcraft, has been selected as the scholar in this category. Casey Ashcraft enjoys the anatomy aspect of science most. Her college plans include attending BYU, she states, “I was raised a cougar and will be forever.” Her inspiration was Taylor Sutterfield as he was the sterling scholar last year.
Dance: Mary Wells, daughter of Earle and Debra Wells, was chosen for the dance category. She enjoys dance because of the creative outlet it provides. She feels that through dance she can express herself freely. Her advice to other students in the field is to, “Only dance if you love it.” She plans on attending BYU to earn a dance education major. She has always been interested in dancing. Her mother was a dancer so she put her children in dance at a young age. Her inspirations are her older sisters, who both have majored in dance.
Trade and Technical Education: Timothy Elliot, son of T. Lynn and Andrea Elliot, was chosen for the trade and technological education category. He enjoys it because of the creative aspect. He said, “I really love that you can take something and give it an automated character.” His advice to other students in this field is to, “Do something original. Trailers and fire pits don’t count.” Timothy is not quite sure where he wants to go to college, but wants to go somewhere with a good art program. He plans to get certified in welding so he can have a job to pay for college. Timothy doesn’t know why he was interested in welding, all that he remembers is seeing welding on the class registration and thinking, “That would be fun.”
Foreign Language: Rebekah Brau, daughter of James and Michelle Brau, was chosen for the foreign language category. Her favorite part of knowing other languages is the connection she feels with the world. Rebekah’s advice to other students in this field is, “No matter how hard or frustrating it can seem, keep working towards the goal that you have set for yourself.” She plans on attending BYU. She does not know what she wants to major in as of now. Rebekah says that she has been interested in languages since the 4th grade when she began Spanish immersion. Her inspirations are her little brothers who were adopted from Guatemala and El Salvador when she was nine. They made her realize that there’s more to the world than the bubble she had been living in.
Family & Consumer Sciences: Amanda Groneman, daughter of Jon T. and Bonny Jo, was chosen for the family and consumer sciences category. Amanda’s favorite subject is sewing. She has been sewing for a long time. She says that it is so rewarding when she finishes a sewing project and when she gets that feeling of accomplishment. Her advice to other students in this field is, “Enjoy the classes that you are taking because it is such an opportunity for us to take these FACS classes and relax from our other school work. Also, if you enjoy your class, then continue with it.” Amanda is planning on attending the University of Utah. She does not plan on majoring in family and consumer science, but says it will help her later in life when she has a family of her own. She has always been interested in this field because her mother is a FACS teacher and she started getting her involved when she was very little. Amanda’s inspiration is her mother because she has taught her all that she knows and has taught her to be successful in life. Her mother has always encouraged her to reach her goals.
Speech/Drama: McKenna Thomas, daughter of David and Stephanie Thomas, was chosen for the speech/drama category. Her favorite aspect of speech and drama is the way theater can touch people. She likes when you can make a person feel something--or move them in anyway. McKenna’s advice to other students in this field is to, “Go for it. Don’t think about how dumb people think you look, because in the end, you’re doing it for yourself. Confidence is key.” She has recently applied to BYU Provo because she feels that they honestly have the best programs to continue her education. As of right now she wants to major in this field. She said that she would love to continue performing. She is considering becoming a drama teacher. McKenna has enjoyed performing ever since she was born. She said, “I think there was a spotlight on me. First, it was a love of singing, which leant itself to musical theatre, and nurtured a love of acting in me.” Her inspiration is her friends and family for always encouraging her to develop her talents.
Springville High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) club is heading this year’s Sub for Santa fundraiser. With the help of the PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association), the students have put together three ways that Springville students can give to those who are in need this holiday season.
First, the students decorated a Christmas tree for the school’s entrance and put ornaments on it that have the ages and gifts for kids in need. This angel tree has been a huge success this year. Next, the students decorated and distributed boxes so that the students could put gently used or new toys in the boxes as well. After the toy drive, the students went shopping at Walmart to buy the clothes needed for the children they are helping this year.
With three great ways to help out, SHS spent about $50 on each child and they helped out eight families with a total of thirty one children in all. This is a great way to spread love and cheer this holiday season. Thank you Springville High FFA.
On Thursday, December 15, the Springville High school orchestra performed their annual Christmas concert. This year was the first year they incorporated a reading of “A Christmas Carol,” read by Dallin Droubay, with music in the background. The reading along with the music really made you feel like it was Christmas.
A select few students in a group called “Sam’s Club” performed blue grass music. They performed three songs. These songs told a story along with the music.
The orchestra gave a wonderful performance. The students put in countless hours of practice to get ready for the concert. Attendees were able to hear the dedication that these students have.
Coach Nancy Warner from Springville High School won the NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports) Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year 2010-2011 for the state of Utah. When asked how she felt about receiving this award, she said, “I’m very humbled by it knowing that there are so many better and greater coaches out there that deserve it just as much. I also attribute this to the teams and players I’ve had who have worked so hard to accomplish the things that they have.”
Coach Warner loves basketball, but enjoys other sports as well. She also likes wakeboarding, shopping, eating, traveling and hanging out with friends and family. She loves her players and is inspired by how hard they work and all they’ve accomplished.
“I’ve been so blessed to have the kind of athletes that I hope my daughters can grow up to be like,” says Coach Warner about her players.
Springville High School girls basketball team played an exciting game at home against Bountiful last Friday, December 9, which ended in a Bountiful victory 62-44. Although it’s heartbreaking to lose at home, the Lady Red Devils played hard and with great intensity. Malia Nawahine had an amazing game with 26 points and 2 three point shots. She was assisted by Savannah Park with 7 points and Ashli Averett with 5 points and 1 three point shot.
(photos by Mark Spencer)
“Act, don’t react,” was one of the many inspirational quotes given to the student body on November 28 by motivational speaker Brad Wilcox. Wilcox came with words of wisdom and enough jokes to have the student audience entertained and inspired.
Student body officers welcomed to the stage the Red Devils of the term: Grant Evans, Carli Sorenson, Emma Graves, Jordan Staheli, Madison Monson, and Morgan Sutterfield. These students have chosen to go above and beyond the average student in receiving exceptional grades and near perfect attendance.
To close the assembly “The Little Drummer Boys” performed a musical piece they entered into a competition to win a reward for best performance and most creative music. Unfortunately, they didn’t win; but, they had the crowd roaring and hearts pumping as they incorporated random objects into loud upbeat instruments; it was quite the performance.
On Thursday, December 1, Springville High’s wrestling team traveled to Provo for a dual meet. Unfortunately, the Red Devil’s Varsity team lost to the Bulldogs 47-32. Although they are upset about the loss, Coach Spencer was happy they fought hard and tried new moves.
SHS Choir performed their Christmas concert on Thursday, December 8.
Springville High’s Lady Red Devils are starting the season strong, winning their game 52-38 against Herriman on Friday, December 2. Savannah Park lead the team scoring 16 points, along with Malia Nawahine who kept it hot, scoring 14 points.
The Lady Red Devils Basketball team includes: Junior Brooke Caswell (forward), Junior Mindy Stapel (guard/forward), Junior Hannah Packard (guard), Sophomore Kate Hullinger (guard), Junior Malia Nawahine (guard/forward), Junior Ashli Averett (guard), Senior Kinsley Foster (guard), Junior Amby Austin (forward), Senior Meghan Paynter (center), Sophomore Savannah Park (guard), Senior Aliza Allred (forward/center), Senior Jasmine Hansen (guard) and Sophomore Brooke Wheeler (center). Springville’s Varsity Head Coach is Nancy Warner with Assistant Coaches Chris Warner, Mindy Bonham, Jill Thackeray, Holli Averett and Mandi Park.
Photos by Hyrum Atkinson, SHS Staff Photographer