APRIL 2014 ISSUE
Time Sensitive News:
Come one, Come all:
Join us for the STEM Showcase, on May 15th at 6:30PM at Northwest High School, where students and teachers will show off all of their hard work and accomplishments from the 2013-2014 school year.
Join us for the STEM Showcase, on May 15th at 6:30PM at Northwest High School, where students and teachers will show off all of their hard work and accomplishments from the 2013-2014 school year.
STEM Students and Family:
Join us for the STEM Banquet on May 30, 2014 at 7:30PM at Northwest High School for dinner, dessert, a photo booth, and an award ceremony! Contact Casey Helmick at [email protected] for ticket prices or to purchase your tickets. Students’ family members are encouraged to attend.
Join us for the STEM Banquet on May 30, 2014 at 7:30PM at Northwest High School for dinner, dessert, a photo booth, and an award ceremony! Contact Casey Helmick at [email protected] for ticket prices or to purchase your tickets. Students’ family members are encouraged to attend.
Recent Happenings
Northwest TSA at State
Contributed by Corey Mallon, Michael Morgan, and Josh Selman
TSA, otherwise known as Technology Students Association, is an engineering-based competition that allows students to use their knowledge in engineering and construction in order to build trebuchets, rocket cars, rockets, and more. The STEM academy has several students that participate in TSA competitions. A few of these students are Beau Rasberry, Brandon Fryer, Hunter Marks, and Koby Bounheuangvilay. This group of STEM students participated in state competitions, from April 9 to April 12, for their work on their rocket car and their trebuchet.
Hunter Marks was also interviewed at the conclusion of the competition. He was asked what the difference between STEM and TSA is. “The STEM academy teaches you many different skills needed for the field of engineering, while TSA uses the design and construction skills learned in STEM to create objects that require skills in engineering.” Hunter was also asked what he thought of the competition in
Waco. “The trip to Waco for TSA was very fun, because we got to compete against many other students from across the state, while also hanging out with our team.”
When he returned after the state competition Beau Rasberry commented on their competitors by saying, “The competition was very fierce in both events being a state competition, especially compared to the competition before the state level which seems like child’s play now. However, we competed at our best and placed second in
the rocket car competition, breaking a state record in the progress, and fourth in the trebuchet competition. Which are both pretty satisfying victories considering this was the first time we have competed at a state level.”
STEM encourages students to test out their engineering field and TSA is a get outlet for doing so. Congratulations to Koby, Brandon, Hunter, and Beau for their achievements at state, and for this to be the first time any of them competed shows how much students can learn in the academy. STEM is honored to have students that do so well in the academy and on a state level in TSA.
TSA, otherwise known as Technology Students Association, is an engineering-based competition that allows students to use their knowledge in engineering and construction in order to build trebuchets, rocket cars, rockets, and more. The STEM academy has several students that participate in TSA competitions. A few of these students are Beau Rasberry, Brandon Fryer, Hunter Marks, and Koby Bounheuangvilay. This group of STEM students participated in state competitions, from April 9 to April 12, for their work on their rocket car and their trebuchet.
Hunter Marks was also interviewed at the conclusion of the competition. He was asked what the difference between STEM and TSA is. “The STEM academy teaches you many different skills needed for the field of engineering, while TSA uses the design and construction skills learned in STEM to create objects that require skills in engineering.” Hunter was also asked what he thought of the competition in
Waco. “The trip to Waco for TSA was very fun, because we got to compete against many other students from across the state, while also hanging out with our team.”
When he returned after the state competition Beau Rasberry commented on their competitors by saying, “The competition was very fierce in both events being a state competition, especially compared to the competition before the state level which seems like child’s play now. However, we competed at our best and placed second in
the rocket car competition, breaking a state record in the progress, and fourth in the trebuchet competition. Which are both pretty satisfying victories considering this was the first time we have competed at a state level.”
STEM encourages students to test out their engineering field and TSA is a get outlet for doing so. Congratulations to Koby, Brandon, Hunter, and Beau for their achievements at state, and for this to be the first time any of them competed shows how much students can learn in the academy. STEM is honored to have students that do so well in the academy and on a state level in TSA.
The Big Event at Northwest HS
Contributed by Mia Zaro and Richard Warren
The big event is an annual event where students and teachers come together and form groups in order to help the community in a variety of ways. The Big Event occurs on a Saturday morning and lasts most of the day, thus this event is very tiresome and the award of helping the community is the best award. STEM went out as well to give their support in The Big Event, by forming all STEM groups. The reason for interviews between a STEM facilitator and student is to give a STEM perspective on the Big Event.
Mr. Klingseisen, a STEM facilitator, had an incredible time and he would do it again next year, due to the fact that it is very awarding and represents STEM well. He led a group of STEM student to represent STEM amazingly. Mr.Klingseisen's was not the only STEM group; there were other STEM facilitators leading groups of students. From the perspective of the STEM facilitators’, The Big Event was successful.
Additionally, a STEM student was interview to give a perspective in the students’ side of the event. Stating Martin Bowser, a STEM student, “We went out there, represented STEM and got our name across.” He also said that the event was fun and he would do it again, since he has been attending the event from when it was first introduced to him in his freshman year. As one of the many STEM, students that participated in the event did great and represented the STEM academy in a great way. From the perspective of the STEM students’, the event was fun, successful and heartwarming.
Clearly, The Big Event was a success and the STEM academy represented STEM in a great manner. The STEM facilitators and students came together on a Saturday morning to help participate in The Big Event to give STEM’s support on the community, STEM is all out and ringing that bell. Furthermore, from the perspective of the STEM academy on The Big Event, the event was fun and the number of STEM facilitators and students are bound to rise, because that this event is awarding to the heart.
The big event is an annual event where students and teachers come together and form groups in order to help the community in a variety of ways. The Big Event occurs on a Saturday morning and lasts most of the day, thus this event is very tiresome and the award of helping the community is the best award. STEM went out as well to give their support in The Big Event, by forming all STEM groups. The reason for interviews between a STEM facilitator and student is to give a STEM perspective on the Big Event.
Mr. Klingseisen, a STEM facilitator, had an incredible time and he would do it again next year, due to the fact that it is very awarding and represents STEM well. He led a group of STEM student to represent STEM amazingly. Mr.Klingseisen's was not the only STEM group; there were other STEM facilitators leading groups of students. From the perspective of the STEM facilitators’, The Big Event was successful.
Additionally, a STEM student was interview to give a perspective in the students’ side of the event. Stating Martin Bowser, a STEM student, “We went out there, represented STEM and got our name across.” He also said that the event was fun and he would do it again, since he has been attending the event from when it was first introduced to him in his freshman year. As one of the many STEM, students that participated in the event did great and represented the STEM academy in a great way. From the perspective of the STEM students’, the event was fun, successful and heartwarming.
Clearly, The Big Event was a success and the STEM academy represented STEM in a great manner. The STEM facilitators and students came together on a Saturday morning to help participate in The Big Event to give STEM’s support on the community, STEM is all out and ringing that bell. Furthermore, from the perspective of the STEM academy on The Big Event, the event was fun and the number of STEM facilitators and students are bound to rise, because that this event is awarding to the heart.
Projects in STEM
Technology and Innovations
Weird and New Technology
1. EyeSeeCam
Researchers at the University of Munich Hospital have developed the EyeSeeCam, which lets you control head-mounted cameras just by moving your eyes. A doctor could use this device to film an operation for teaching purposes, or video game developers could use it to create an even more realistic first-person shooter or sports game. The EyeSeeCam is currently being sold to the University of Munich Hospital's research partners for 25,000 euros (about $34,000) each. Dr. Erich Schneider, who heads up the EyeSeeCam project, said a smaller version of EyeSeeCam is in the works for other research groups and companies. |
2. Solar Bikini
Imagine having a bikini that will show off the abs you have been working on all winter while soaking up enough solar energy to power your iPod Shuffle. The Solar Bikini uses photovoltaic filmstrips, and a 5-volt regulator manages electrical output. The bikini was created by New York-based multimedia designer and performer Andrew Schneider for the 2006 winter show of the Tisch School's Interactive Telecommunications Program. |
3. Message Me Video
Game ControllerMassage Me is a soft, flexible vest with a video game controller built into the back that translates massage moves into video-game commands. The thing is, you cannot buy Massage Me off the shelves. Instead, Massage Me creators Mika Satomi and Hannah Perner-Wilson would love to see people making their own Massage Me vests at home. So if you are the adventurous type, check out this handy online do-it-yourself guide showing how to make the Massage Me vest, plus a custom cable and plug to connect the vest to the machine. |
4. Grassy Charging
StationThe Grassy Lawn Charging Station uses soft artificial grass to cushion your camera, smartphone, or iPod while they are charging. The cables sit underneath the grass in a hidden compartment, and all you need to do is run your extension cord into the base of the charging station. |
5. Beauty and Geek Jeans
Designed by Erik De Nijs, these pants use wireless USB to connect to your computer. Peripheral devices built into the jeans include a full-size wireless QWERTY keyboard, a wireless mouse that fits into a specially designed back pocket, and built-in speakers at the knee. De Nijs recently founded a product design company called Nieuwe Heren (loosely translated as ‘new gents') with his business partner Tim Smit. Nieuwe Heren is currently looking for a manufacturer to produce the Beauty and the Geek Jeans. |
Creativity and Current Events
Students' Satire:
Why do you do this, America?
Contributed by Julio Santos
As we all know, Russia and the Ukraine have been getting their undergarments in a bunch over the previously unnoticed, unimportant, useless, Crimean Peninsula. Indecently, the place is some sort of, major strategical whatever for the Russian Military and Russia really does not want to let go of Ukraine's land! I understand it's pretty and what not but what's Ukraine's has gotta be Ukraine's right?! That is of course if the people there WANT to be Ukraine's. However, the people there want to be a part of Russia.
It turns out, 60% (or something like that) of the population there is Russian speaking or of Russian descent, *insert random news headline to prove my point here*: "Breaking news, Ukraine IS Russia". But in all reality, if Russia wants Crimea and Crimea wants Russia, let it be. I know Obama frowns upon Russia's "occupation" of the heavenly peninsula but is it really occupation if Crimea invites it? Or better yet, after the vote to annex Crimea went down with an approval vote of over 90%, why can't America just accept it. Sometimes, I feel as though America really just wants the final (and often times hypocritical) say on things that should be of no concern to us.
Wasn't our illegal invasion of Panama during the Daddy Bush administration similar? Actually it was a tad bit worse due to the fact that we took down the leader we put into power as well replace their government with one of our choosing. Yet, that was for America! And America knows best for all!
Alas, I myself have come up with the most diplomatic solution. One that could possibly even lead to world peace! Maybe. Voila, we make a giant fence that splits the world in half! Now before you start criticizing me for my innovative idea, let me make a stand to defend my position. The Chinese did it thousands of years ago! Grant it, it didn't work, but now it could! Obviously this wall would be way bigger, and almost impossible. However, if done properly, splitting the world in half would in turn create two worlds! One for the east and another for America. If that doesn't sound peaceful I don't know what does.
Contributed by Julio Santos
As we all know, Russia and the Ukraine have been getting their undergarments in a bunch over the previously unnoticed, unimportant, useless, Crimean Peninsula. Indecently, the place is some sort of, major strategical whatever for the Russian Military and Russia really does not want to let go of Ukraine's land! I understand it's pretty and what not but what's Ukraine's has gotta be Ukraine's right?! That is of course if the people there WANT to be Ukraine's. However, the people there want to be a part of Russia.
It turns out, 60% (or something like that) of the population there is Russian speaking or of Russian descent, *insert random news headline to prove my point here*: "Breaking news, Ukraine IS Russia". But in all reality, if Russia wants Crimea and Crimea wants Russia, let it be. I know Obama frowns upon Russia's "occupation" of the heavenly peninsula but is it really occupation if Crimea invites it? Or better yet, after the vote to annex Crimea went down with an approval vote of over 90%, why can't America just accept it. Sometimes, I feel as though America really just wants the final (and often times hypocritical) say on things that should be of no concern to us.
Wasn't our illegal invasion of Panama during the Daddy Bush administration similar? Actually it was a tad bit worse due to the fact that we took down the leader we put into power as well replace their government with one of our choosing. Yet, that was for America! And America knows best for all!
Alas, I myself have come up with the most diplomatic solution. One that could possibly even lead to world peace! Maybe. Voila, we make a giant fence that splits the world in half! Now before you start criticizing me for my innovative idea, let me make a stand to defend my position. The Chinese did it thousands of years ago! Grant it, it didn't work, but now it could! Obviously this wall would be way bigger, and almost impossible. However, if done properly, splitting the world in half would in turn create two worlds! One for the east and another for America. If that doesn't sound peaceful I don't know what does.
Heartbleed Virus
Contributed by Michael Hammel
What if you lost all of your personal information and passwords were taken, and given to a third party for their own personal use? Well as it turns out, it happened. Starting out in the early 90’s, a hacker encrypted a code into Google called the “Heartbleed Virus”. This compromises internet security all over the world all because Google could not find the privacy compromising-virus.
The virus was there for over 10 years, and yet Google did not find it until it had infected over 70% of the internet as a whole. The best part about this is that they cannot even trace where it came from, so they cannot charge the person responsible. The Heartbleed virus allows hackers to leverage a flaw in the OpenSSL encryption software used by most sites. This allows the hacker access to passwords, credit card numbers and other important personal information. The best part about all of this is that the user cannot really do anything to protect data against this bug. Websites say that their solution for the virus is to change all the passwords for everything that you have ever had on the internet, which we all know, is next to impossible. I say that, as a whole, the internet should just be deleted-- problem solved.
Contributed by Michael Hammel
What if you lost all of your personal information and passwords were taken, and given to a third party for their own personal use? Well as it turns out, it happened. Starting out in the early 90’s, a hacker encrypted a code into Google called the “Heartbleed Virus”. This compromises internet security all over the world all because Google could not find the privacy compromising-virus.
The virus was there for over 10 years, and yet Google did not find it until it had infected over 70% of the internet as a whole. The best part about this is that they cannot even trace where it came from, so they cannot charge the person responsible. The Heartbleed virus allows hackers to leverage a flaw in the OpenSSL encryption software used by most sites. This allows the hacker access to passwords, credit card numbers and other important personal information. The best part about all of this is that the user cannot really do anything to protect data against this bug. Websites say that their solution for the virus is to change all the passwords for everything that you have ever had on the internet, which we all know, is next to impossible. I say that, as a whole, the internet should just be deleted-- problem solved.
Oscar Pistorious
Contributed by Tucker Chaka
Oscar Pistorious, the double amputee known as the “Blade Runner”, has been accused of the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. According to Oscar, he thought Reeva was in bed with him when he heard a sound coming from the bathroom. Somehow, the thought did not cross his mind to check if Reeva was actually in the bed before firing four bullets into the bathroom door. Ironically, Oscar checked his bed for Reeva “after” he had fired his gun.
Once he discovered that Reeva was not in bed, he tried to open the bathroom door, hoping that it was not her. When he found that the bathroom door was locked, he did what anybody would do in that situation. He beat the door down with a cricket bat. In court, Oscar could not look at the prosecutor, Gerrie Nel. It seemed that was intimidated by Gerrie; and he should be. Gerrie Nel, the “Pitbull”, has been tearing Oscar’s defense to shreds.
Contributed by Tucker Chaka
Oscar Pistorious, the double amputee known as the “Blade Runner”, has been accused of the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. According to Oscar, he thought Reeva was in bed with him when he heard a sound coming from the bathroom. Somehow, the thought did not cross his mind to check if Reeva was actually in the bed before firing four bullets into the bathroom door. Ironically, Oscar checked his bed for Reeva “after” he had fired his gun.
Once he discovered that Reeva was not in bed, he tried to open the bathroom door, hoping that it was not her. When he found that the bathroom door was locked, he did what anybody would do in that situation. He beat the door down with a cricket bat. In court, Oscar could not look at the prosecutor, Gerrie Nel. It seemed that was intimidated by Gerrie; and he should be. Gerrie Nel, the “Pitbull”, has been tearing Oscar’s defense to shreds.
Short Stories: The Adventures of Serenity Terra Emily Mathewson
Contributed by Briana Maskell
My name is Serenity Terra Emily Mathewson— a mouthful I know, just call me Seren. It’s a new year, a new place, and a whole lot of dread, but then maybe not. There is the panic of being alone, and then there is the work load with project-based education. I whisper, “Sink or swim” to myself as I walk through the clear, glass doors of the NISD STEM Academy.
When walking into my first class, my imagination is running wild thinking my teacher is probably going to be a drag or cruel, but I was way off. Despicable Me Minion posters cover the walls, and the Avengers and Big Bang theory posters covered the rest. My teacher’s name is Mrs. Garrett and she is admirable.
While in class we talked about the procedures that would be accepted throughout the year, and also talked about the work load. Then in what seemed like a random idea she placed us into groups of three to build a tower of paper.
“So how do we do that with this construction paper,” whispered Annabelle as we watched students race to finish there towers as soon as possible.
“How about boxes,” said Sarah, the other misfit in our group of three
As we started to build our tower from the boxes I learned a couple of things about Annabelle and Sarah and the things they like to do. Sarah played violin and was into doctor who just like me, while Annabelle was into hard rock music and all the things I was into. Finally, finishing our tower Mrs. Garrett told us the story behind the towers.
“Each tower was just away to learn about the people in your groups and to possibly make friends with each and every one of them,” stated Mrs. Garrett as the shrill rings of the bell echo through the hallways. Walking to my next class I spotted Sarah and Annabelle walking the same way to Mrs. Mercer’s class.
“Hey can I walk with y’all,” I ask Sarah and Annabelle
“Sure,” they say in-sync.
I guess, I won’t be alone and maybe this year won’t be bad; the work load isn’t bad and there are some friendly teachers and student in S.T.E.M.
My name is Serenity Terra Emily Mathewson— a mouthful I know, just call me Seren. It’s a new year, a new place, and a whole lot of dread, but then maybe not. There is the panic of being alone, and then there is the work load with project-based education. I whisper, “Sink or swim” to myself as I walk through the clear, glass doors of the NISD STEM Academy.
When walking into my first class, my imagination is running wild thinking my teacher is probably going to be a drag or cruel, but I was way off. Despicable Me Minion posters cover the walls, and the Avengers and Big Bang theory posters covered the rest. My teacher’s name is Mrs. Garrett and she is admirable.
While in class we talked about the procedures that would be accepted throughout the year, and also talked about the work load. Then in what seemed like a random idea she placed us into groups of three to build a tower of paper.
“So how do we do that with this construction paper,” whispered Annabelle as we watched students race to finish there towers as soon as possible.
“How about boxes,” said Sarah, the other misfit in our group of three
As we started to build our tower from the boxes I learned a couple of things about Annabelle and Sarah and the things they like to do. Sarah played violin and was into doctor who just like me, while Annabelle was into hard rock music and all the things I was into. Finally, finishing our tower Mrs. Garrett told us the story behind the towers.
“Each tower was just away to learn about the people in your groups and to possibly make friends with each and every one of them,” stated Mrs. Garrett as the shrill rings of the bell echo through the hallways. Walking to my next class I spotted Sarah and Annabelle walking the same way to Mrs. Mercer’s class.
“Hey can I walk with y’all,” I ask Sarah and Annabelle
“Sure,” they say in-sync.
I guess, I won’t be alone and maybe this year won’t be bad; the work load isn’t bad and there are some friendly teachers and student in S.T.E.M.
STEM Student Spotlights
STEM in Athletics: Ridge Hanson and Jacob Suchors
Contributed By: Sebastian Reyes and Austin Cratty
Ridge Hanson (seen below) has grown accustom to balancing his STEM work load and athletics. He commented on the topic saying, “Balancing stem and athletics really isn't that hard. Since a majority of it is group work, and there are quite a few athletes, it makes things easier. We also plan. ...There are a lot of late nights doing homework, but that is how it would be anywhere else." As an athlete who is currently a Wide Receiver and Cornerback for the variety football team, as well as a varsity 110 and 300 hurdler for Northwest High School, Ridge feels that individuals "definitely [need] to have good character to be accountable on the field and in the classroom." Ridge feels that in order to keep good grades, he needs to stay organized and up to date in all of his classwork. "My freshman and sophomore year I learned that I could not keep up with everything by memory. I have to write it down somewhere. Writing everything down keeps me on schedule and ahead of the game." After high school, Ridge doesn't know exactly what he wants to do, but he does know he wants to attend college for four or more years. He commented, saying "Right now, I'm really interested in an aerospace/aeronautics major. Running track in college would be amazing, because I love racing and the competitive atmosphere.” |
Jacob
Suchors (second from the left in the picture below) runs track, participating mainly in the 800m, 1600m
and 4x400m relay. This season he will attend the area track meet for the 800m, and is determined to go beyond the area track meet. Jacob commented on Northwest track, saying, "Our relay team also received second in
the prestigious Texas Relays, as well as acquired the district title this year
in track."
In addition to competing in track, Jacob is a Junior student of the STEM academy at Northwest High School.When asked how he balances it all, he said, "I have to get my work done and balance practice at the same time so if that means I have to stay up late, or get my work done at lunch, that’s what I have to do." In the future, Jacob would like to major in engineering and/or business, and plans to run track in college. He is considering West Texas A&M, Stephen F. Austin University, or a few other Texas colleges. Jacob is an ambitious individual who "would like to own a company, possibly in landscaping or construction” in his future. |
Senior Spotlight: Mathew Walling
Contributed by Hunter Marks and Damon Lanum
With the school year coming to an end, and the pressure of college just a few months away, the seniors of the STEM academy have a huge choice to make. Whether the seniors will pursue a higher education in an engineering field, and utilize the many skills STEM has given them, or will they choose another career path? The goal of the STEM academy is to prepare any student for the world to come. One STEM senior, Mathew Walling, has chosen to apply his abilities the academy has given him to continue his passion for engineering. When Mathew was asked what skills STEM has taught him, he responded with; “I learned Presentation and Communication skills, how to work to meet deadlines, how to work in teams and I have also learned how to take constructive criticism and turn it into a way to improve myself.” Mathew was also asked why he pursued a career in engineering. He had this to say; “I wanted to continue to work in teams, and also I like to build models. I really enjoy computers and how things fit into the real world, and being able to design them would be a dream come true.” Mathew has been accepted to the computer-engineering program at the University of North Texas and hopes to continue utilizing his skills to create a phenomenal future for himself. On the other hand, some STEM seniors have chosen another career path outside of engineering, but that does not mean their academy experience was a waste. Many of the different fundamental skills learned from STEM are implemented all throughout the workforce. These skills include working well in teams, confidence in public speaking, and general problem solving |
Graduate Spotlight: Danielle Cassidy
Contributed by Koby Bounheuangvilay and Beau Rasberrry
Danielle Cassidy, Northwest High School graduate and former president of the STEM Academy, is a freshman at Texas A&M University and is currently working towards her degree in civil engineering. Even as a High School graduate, Danielle says that the skills taken from the STEM Academy are helpful. “STEM has definitely prepared me for college” she says, “The fact that I’m going to have projects and due dates on the same day along with tests has really helped my time management”. Danielle also says that the Academy’s innovative approach to learning is still around after graduating from STEM, “we do a lot of group work so we can bounce ideas off of people and if you can’t figure it out yourself you have someone in your group to teach you”. Then, when confronted with the question “do you regret attending the STEM academy?” Danielle replied “No, I’m very proud of STEM. I still wear my STEM Polo to class every once in a while, it’s definitely defined me and pushed me in the right direction. So, I love STEM.” Danielle told us that she chose to become a Civil Engineering major because of the STEM Academy, “it kinda started with STEM honestly, Mr. McKenna came to our middle school and showed us the AutoCAD program and I fell in love with it.” Danielle says that for now, her bachelor’s degree is enough. “I don’t want to over-educate myself, I want to be able to do what I want to do, and if I get my masters I’ll be stuck doing research, and I don’t want to do research.” Danielle Cassidy is a great student and the STEM academy wishes her the best of luck on all of her future endeavors. |
Real World Success: Student Business and Jobs
Contributed by Dakota Kernodle
In the STEM academy, there is a young woman, Anna Dunckleman, who spends her summer free time unlike the average teenage girl. Anna actually spends her time working during the summer, at Hawaiian Falls. Anna is very excited about the job and cannot wait for the summer. So far, she has only been to lifeguard training, which helps prepare her in case of a life-threatening situation. Anna was asked why she wanted to work at Hawaiian falls, and she responded with “I wanted to work there because some of my friends were working there too and it seems like a good teenage job.” So far, Anna likes her job and the people she is going to be working with. Anna says that her primary reason for working during the summer is for a little extra cash. “I plan on saving up my money to use for my senior year for whatever I need it for.” Anna is a very smart and responsible young woman that has her priorities in line, and a summer job helps her better expand that aspect of her personality. |
Contributed by Casey Martin
Dakota Kernodle is one of the many students in STEM who is working a full time job this summer. He is 17 and plans to work a lot this summer. Dakota is working with D&A Landscaping and Lawn Care, a company he started with his friend Aaron. The two of them plan to be working all summer doing lawn work, including mowing, trimming, and other various yard jobs. Dakota says he works during the summer because “It keeps me active and healthy, because yard work comes with a lot of physical activity. It also pays pretty well, depending on the size of the yard and how long it takes to do the actual work.” When asked what he plans to do with the money he is making, he responded with “I am saving up for a new truck. It may take a while, but in the end it will be worth it because it is always rewarding to buy something with your own money and your own time.” As it is plain to see, there are many young, responsible students in STEM that plan to work over the summer, ranging from yard work to cooking in the back at fast food restaurants. |
STEM Advice Column"I want to go to banquet but my friends don't. What should I do?" Dear Student,
It is perfectly alright to want to do something that your friends don't. You are entitled to your own opinions and you can still attend the banquet if you so choose to. No one can or should sway your decision unless you let them. Regardless if your friends are at the banquet or not, you will still enjoy yourself and this new experience, after all this is the first STEM banquet ever held in Northwest High School. Hope this helps, @AdviceSTEM |
Photo Gallery of Recent Events
...