Senator Square: Competition and cooperation at the heart of Carson High School
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 are not 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 winning1st place in the varsity
competition, mountain bike rider Tobin McRae finishing 1st place 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 is 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 are not 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-candidatesdebate-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, California.
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 1st place in the varsity
competition, 2nd place in the junior varsity competition, and 2nd place in the freshmen
competition. Individually, the team won seven awards: four 1st place, two 2nd place, and one 3rd
place. The CHS team’s performance set the stage for moving on to National Competition to be
held Feb. 17-20 at Redtop Mountain in Cartersville, Georgia. “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, Indiana 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. Over 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 is time for the CHS Annual Faculty Basketball Game against Douglas High School Nov. 9 at
6:00 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 very 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 a purpose to 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 their generous donation.
CHS MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM
The CHS team competed in the Sierra Nevada
MTB Championships in Truckee, California Oct. 23.
The Senators finished their first season in 3rd place and
had several Senator Cyclists reach podium spots at this event.
Tobin McRae finished 1st place for the JV high school boys;
Taylor Jenkins finished 3rd place for the sophomore girls team;
Isaac Harrison finished 5th place for advanced middle school
boys; and Conner McRae finished 4th 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 do not 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.