February 2010 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 4February 2010 Colony High School Volume 8 Issue 4

The Knightly News

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Students of the Month. . . 5

Student Opinion . . . . . . . 6

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Entertainment. . . . . . . . . 10

What’s Happening? . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Students of the Month. . . 5

Student Opinion . . . . . . . 6

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Entertainment. . . . . . . . . 10

INSIDE

The Student Advisory Board (SAB) recently submitted a proposal to the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District School Board requesting that valley high schools be allowed off campus lunches. In order for the SAB’s resolution to have a possibility of being passed there had to be a criteria for which high school students would be allowed lunch privileges. The requirements would include: parental consent, students must have a GPA of 3.250 or higher, students must have a special ID that they present before exiting campus, students must sign in and out, and only high school juniors and seniors would be allowed this privilege. The SAB also noted other pros for this resolution such as students would become motivated to get better grades, a fl ux of GPA would result in parental re-consent, students would be on their own insurance, and a 3 tardy build up to class after lunch would result in a semester loss of the privilege. Due to the SAB’s resolution, valley high school principals engaged in discussion about the pros and cons. The positive remarks for off campus lunch would be that students would be able to exercise their views in a professional manner, and that fewer lunches would be needed to serve. Some negative aspects were that that administration would not be able to accurately monitor what students were eligible to leave. Colony High School has roughly 1250 enrolled students and although the SAB proposal insists that eligible student be required to present a specifi ed pass it must be taken into consideration that the passes would need to be frequently updated, passes may not be used adequately by the specifi c

student, and furthermore, administration would need to check the hundreds of passes presented everyday. Cyd Duffi n, principal of Colony High School said, “My

n u m b e r o n e conce rn is student s a f e t y . I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s p a r a d e , but it g r e a t l y w o r r i e s me that students w o u l d l e a v e campus, get in a h u r r y , and get into car w r e c k s out there on the s l i ppe ry r o a d s . T h i r t y m i n u t e s is really n o t e n o u g h time to get anywhere and back in time for

class.” The concern of student safety and the lack of facilities was another topic discussed within the principal meeting, it is for schools like Colony that are not surrounded by restaurants and stores for which this con greatly applies. The overall point is that thirty minutes is simply not enough time for students to safely drive anywhere and return back to school on time.

Dining OutBy Casey Branch

In 2009, Colony High math teacher Bob Williams won the title of Alaska Teacher of the Year, and along with it, national fame. Now his celebrity is reaching overseas as well, even as far away as Singapore.

When stepping into his classroom, one can see that Williams is certainly deserving of all the attention. He is a cheerful and talkative i n s t r u c t o r , and visibly ardent about his subject. Sophomore Rachael Huffman, in his Geometry class, says, “You can tell that he loves math, and he wants you to love it, too.”

Back in 2009, Williams was simply the Colony High Teacher of the Year. Then he won the teaching award at the Borough level, and was able to apply for Alaska Teacher of the Year. Winning at such a high level also brought the attention of National Education Association (NEA), and Williams

is now awaiting the fi nal results of the NEA Teaching Excellence Award. He is one of the top fi ve fi nalists,

and in April of this year, he will learn the results at the national conference.

T h e educators of Singapore, an island off Malaysia, have also caught wind of Williams’ brilliance, and now he is set to travel to a Singapore educat ion conference i n September. As to why he has caught the interest of

Singapore educators, Williams says “I think that it was the attention of being the Alaska Teacher of the Year, and the attention of being a fi nalist for the NEA Teaching Excellence Award.” As of yet, it is Williams’ fi rst overseas invitation resulting from his nomination, and there is no telling if more will follow.

While an overseas invite is a once

in a lifetime experience, being the state’s Teacher of the Year in itself has distinct benefi ts. Just by winning the state award, Williams was qualifi ed for the national version of it. All the nominees in the country, including Williams, were granted the privilege of dining with President Obama himself. Candidates also were treated to a unique aeronautical space camp.

One can only wonder where fate will lead this brilliant instructor to next. After Singapore, surely countries will be clamoring to host him next.

Worldwide WilliamsBy Eva Colberg

Mr. Williams helps student Nick Srebernak with math questions.

Mr. Williams is a world renowned phenonmenon.

However, high schools like Palmer have a combined advisory and lunch for an hour of free campus roaming. Unlike Colony, Palmer has about 800 students and one lunch. Due to Colony’s extra 450 kids there must be 2 lunches for accommodation. It was eight years ago when Colony tried to combine lunch and advisory. The schedule was A lunch, then Advisory, then B lunch. However, what resulted was total chaos, with all 1250 kids taking an extra lunch for an hour and a half break in the middle of the day.

Freshman Kendra McPhail, member of the SAB explained, “There are many high school students that support our resolution, but with the large disapproval from the principals I am not sure what will happen.” While the SAB’s resolution has excellent requirements and intent all aspects must be considered when making the fi nal decision.

The stop sign that stands in front of the school’s main entrance, is designed to stop students from leaving the school during lunch.

3The Knightly News

February 2010

Features

From pink hearts dangling under windows, to romantic kisses beneath shooting stars, February 14th is known for its luxuries and abilities to open anyone’s heart. There are many legends about the start of Valentine’s Day. One legend goes to say that before religion was a main idea, the men would go out to hunt animals. They would return and skin the meat and dry the hides. Then the men would cut the hides up into thin strips, dip them into blood and whip the women around town, in order to be fertile the coming year. To Christianize this holiday, Catholics named it Valentine’s Day.

Catholics believe in many origins of St. Valentine’s Day. One of the many is that during 3rd century Rome, an Emperor named Claudius II put many men at war for many years. During this century there was also a priest named Valentine, he married

Let There Be LoveBy: Ema Reuter

the couples in the area. Claudius soon found that his soldiers were becoming love stricken because of their being at war, thus he decreed that no soldier wed. St. V a l e n t i n e heard of this cruel deed and continued to marry couples in secret. This happened for many days until Claudius heard of Valentines defiance and sentenced him to jail for life. Although Valentine was locked up in a cell, he still wed many couples. He also helped many other

soldiers escape torture and death. The legend goes on to say Valentine fell

in love with the jail guard’s daughter. On the day of his death, February 14th, he wrote a letter signed ‘from your valentine’. Which is one of the many traditions this day and age copies from St. Valentine.

Cupid is also well known tradition for Valentine’s Day. Many believe that

he is symbolical of love and creating

relationships. Part of this belief is true, though some leave out a major part. Colony High School sophomore, Tessa Coffey says “People say hate

is a strong word, but so is love, and they throw that around all the time.” While Cupid did create love with his gold arrow, he could also create hate with his lead. It is believed that when he was younger his mother became jealous of a mortal and sent him out to make her fall in love with a hideous creature. When Cupid tried to shoot her, he pricked himself with his own arrow and fell in deep love with the mortal.

“There are many ways to show love, but it’s mostly a women’s holiday, so emphasis should be on jewelry, chocolate, and roses,” says sophomore Chantele Jones. Because of this day is stereotypically for women, men tend to not expect much, so any form of love would be a guys’ dream come true. Cards also might be a great idea for that special man, since 85% of all Valentines Day cards are bought by women.

Cupid is an example of love on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.

The Spirit of Youth award is used to recognize teens for their positive effects on the community. The Spirit of Youth group is a media based organization with the goal of broadcasting a positive image of teens throughout Alaska and recognizing them for their d e d i c a t i o n to their communities. This award is divided into eleven c a t e g o r i e s i n c l u d i n g ; business and government, c u l t u r a l pursuits, faith based service, fine arts, lifesaver and prevent ion, overcoming challenges, service to community, service to peers, service to young children, and technology and media. Of these categories, two students or groups are selected as overall winners each year. Since its formation in 1997, Spirit of Youth has recognized hundreds of Alaskan individuals between the ages of 12 and 19. Many of which have been residents of the Mat-Su Valley, including three winners of 2009; Cody Vetter, Brianna Murphy and Lily Coyle, who have each made outstanding achievements for the community. Vetter, a Palmer resident who saw a need for a local skateboard park, formed the Palmer Skateboard Association and with the help of Mayor John Combs gathered $400,000 to cover expenses to build the park. Murphy formed a forum for teens to discuss politics, which she and Coyle have since made a weekly discussion at the Wasilla café and bookstore, Pandemonium at 4 on Tuesdays. Students can be nominated by anyone who notices there efforts by submitting a form on the Spirit of Youth website. At Colony High alone ten students have been nominated for their good deeds. These students

include active Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) members, Kelsey Boss, Lillian Cooks, Kyndra Kastnings, Sarah Stoppa, and Alicia Burke, who within the organization work to promote the dangers of tobacco to the Mat-Su Valley. “I have been in TATU for two

years now, we teach y o u n g e r c h i l d r e n a b o u t tobacco and go to schools and other places in the community,” s a i d sophomore Lillian Cooks. “It feels a w e s o m e to be recognized for what we do.” The youth coordinator was also very

pleased with the teens, “All the youths that were nominated go above and beyond as far as work, they show great initiative and follow through with all their projects,” said Sara Wilber. TATU is only one way students have put forth positive efforts, Olivia Johnson, a Colony freshman, found herself on the nominee list through her work with the Junior ROTC. Johnson was nominated in the service to community category for doing highway clean-ups, raising money for muscular dystrophy, and sending care packages to troops. Four of Johnson’s classmates, the Davenport quadruplets, Max, Nathan, Aili, and Daisey were also selected for dedicating over one thousand hours of service to Shaw Elementary School. “Our mom works there so everyday after school we go and help out for a couple hours, organizing things, delivering messages to teachers, helping the office,” said Aili Davenport said. “It’s really cool to be nominated; I didn’t think we were going to be just for helping out.” However Shaw principal,

Spirit of Youth By: Kayla Anderson

Lily Coyle and fellow Knight Briana Murphy won the Spirit of Youth Award for their work

Positive GuidanceBy: Eva Colberg

School guidance counselors are critical during a student’s high school career. They take care of scheduling and testing, provide emotional counsel and make sure every student is on track for life after high school.

A guidance counselor’s main objective is to help a student graduate and prepare them to continue to do well later on in life, beyond the high school’s doors. Counselors ensure students are meeting credit requirements. Then the most immediate matters for teenagers after high school are going to college and focusing on a vocation. Therefore, counselors also try to accommodate the student’s interests, including courses that can prove useful during job searches. Even the students who do not wish to continue on to college can find help in the counseling office and be directed into programs that will lead them right into professions as soon as they graduate. For those who do wish to pursue further schooling, guidance counselors arrange for colleges to visit the high school and provide numerous brochures from universities, colleges and scholarships in their offices.

The former rule of thumb concerning the appropriate time to start thinking about college was to begin in the junior year of high school. But as competition to be accepted into colleges and jobs increases, the more intelligent choice is to start even earlier. Colony High School sophomore Meagan Vance says, “A good time to start (talking to a counselor about college) would probably be about second semester as a sophomore, so you can start getting a good idea of where you want to go and what colleges expect from you. Right now would actually be a good time to do

that.”Nearly every student will have

to talk to their counselor at some point during their school life, whether to sort out scheduling mishaps or the often daunting prospect of applying for and

deciding on a college. In large schools like Colony High, which currently has a population of roughly 1,250 students, the task of connecting with and guiding so many young adults can be a challenge in itself. To guarantee student success, three counselors are employed, and the student population is split between the Colony High counselors Kristin Langhoff, Becky Krupa and Kim Howell.

Langhoff says, “It would be nice if we could have smaller amounts of students to work with, but at the same time, different students have different needs.” Each of the Colony High counselors has about 400 students to look over, which limits connecting with every individual to some extent, but as Ms. Langhoff

Becky Krupa, Kim Howell, and Kristin Lang-hoff are the current counselors at Colony HIgh.

Continued on Back see Guidance

Continued on Back see Spirit of Youth

4 ActivitiesThe Knightly News

February 2010

This Saint Patrick’s Day, Colony High School Principal Cyd Duffin will go entirely bald in order to help fund cancer research, but only if students raise $3000 before then.

National Honor Society is organizing the event, and will give the proceeds to the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that contributes more to research of childhood cancer and treatment than any other besides the United States government. The Saint Baldrick’s Foundation began with the simple notion that if a few people shaved their heads as an act of support to children with cancer, their friends and family would donate money to cancer research. The idea came about as the organization’s founders were organizing a Saint Patrick’s Day party, and they decided to merge the two together. After the success of the event, it became a national organization, and today there are affiliated fundraisers all over the United States.

Hair-loss is common in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. The treatment targets the cancer cells, but also often kills other fast-growing cells such as hair cells. Losing hair can often be traumatic, or at least upsetting, especially to children and teenagers who are already struggling to be accepted among their peers. Voluntarily going bald is a brave and unique way to show support to those who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Mrs. Duffin’s hair will be donated to Locks of Love when she

shaves it, so that the hair can be turned into a wig for a child who has lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

Principal Cyd Duffin is especially passionate about the cause, as her children had a close friend with cancer. Hardly one to refuse a chance to contribute to the cause, it was decided that she will shave her head if the entire school manages to raise $3000 before Saint Patrick’s Day. Duffin says, “I am excited that students will be motivated for a good cause,” and adds, “It’s a great way to get kids passionate about it.”

Students can also sign up to shave their heads for the cause, but for those who are not quite willing to take such drastic measures, a donation is perfectly fine. If every student at Colony High contributes just three dollars, the goal of $3000 will be reached and exceeded. Donations can be made to National Honor Society during lunch, and every donor will have a paper shamrock with their name put on a display banner in the library.

Mrs. Plunkett, one of the National Honor Society advisors, hopes that the event will bring awareness as well as donations. She also hopes that the excitement will reach into the community as well.

With the principal involved, and National Honor Society advertising the event throughout the community, Saint Baldrick’s Day will make this Saint Patrick’s Day a holiday to remember. Just a few dollars can help make a change.

Battle in the ValleyBy: Kayla Anderson

Shear MadnessBy: Eva Colberg

On Monday February 1st, three teams from the Colony High School Battle of the books tested their knowledge in a district wide battle. These teams were chosen from the schools numerous book loving groups after the school wide battle on January 13th. Only the top three ranked teams from each school are able to compete at districts. From Colony, teams A.A.C.K., Varsity AP Lit, and Anonymous competed to represent the Knights. “They were a great group of kids, they all worked hard and represented our school well,” said Battle of the Books Advisor Mrs. Haase. At the end of the third round the Varsity AP Lit team had stolen fourth place overall after dealing with many difficult questions they had challenged. A team can challenge a question if it appears that the judge’s correct answer is not the same as the teams, which they believe to be correct. In this case, students are given two minutes to find quotes and page numbers to support their challenge. “Varsity challenged multiple times and as with luck they did not come out ahead but it could have easily gone their way,” explained Mrs. Haase. Team A.A.C.K. also had a top finish coming in sixth place in the Mat-Su District out of nearly twenty Valley teams. “I couldn’t believe how competitive it was;” said Kevin Williams, the ‘K’ leg of A.A.C.K. “I was

happy just to be there.” Although the teams will not be continuing on to the state battle, all the Colony High Battlers should be congratulated for their cooperat ion with changes. “They did g r e a t , ” e x c l a i m e d advisor Mrs. P l u n k e t t . “they were a little disjointed given the changes in l i b r a r i a n s and I am proud of how they pulled it together, very proud. We’ll be back next year!” So as the Colony Battle of the Books teams wrap up the year, thoughts for 2011 competitions are already in mind.

The Colony Battle of the Books team members, left to right, front to back: Senior Logan Smith, senior Kaityln Miller, sophomore Kevin Williams, sophomore, Alexander Johan-sen, sophomore Josiah Lobato, senior Sarah Reed, junior Caitlyn Templin, sohpomore Alyssa Harrison.

8 SportsThe Knightly News

February 2010

To the Finish

Ravens Soar Through the Season

By: Ema Reuter When combining snow with racing and put it on long poles, one finds themselves looking at the ski team. Every winter Colony High school hosts ski meets and pays for their team to go all over Alaska. “I have so much fun on the trips, because we are all friends, its really nice,” says s o p h o m o r e J o s e p h Hausmann . Almost every w e e k e n d the ski team jumps on a bus and leaves for a meet. On February second, Wasilla will host their annual regions, though the location is yet to be announced, the skiers are all set for the big race. Then on the 25th of February they will be going to state at Birch Hill, to be hosted by Lathrop.

While at state only varsity will race, but both junior varsity and varsity compete at regions. Who will be

racing on junior varsity or varsity will be determined by how the 32 on the team have been racing in the previous events. According to the coach of the ski team, Mrs. Skvorc, Colony has won three times in the late ‘90’s. For the past 10 years that Mrs. Skvorc has been coaching

for Colony, she has realized that “Coaching lets me interact with kids in a different way than in the

classroom. I teach difficult subjects, and so kids don’t always like my class and it can be a struggle. But on the trails, it’s a different environment.” Se also stated that out of her 32 skiers this year, the fallowing are ones that have led the team this season: C a i t l e n S k v o r c , S c h y l e r K n o p p , G u n n e r W i l l i a m s , and Abe Meyerhofer.

Also that a l t h o u g h Brom Broeke

is an exchange student, and has never been on the CHS ski team before, he races very well, and is just as much a part of the team as anyone else. “It’s all significant. From the skier who finally

learns after four years, how to skate ski, to the kid who starts skiing as a senior and makes varsity, to watching siblings from several families go through the program all four years and still ski after high school,” says an enlightened Skvorc. The team takes those who truly do not know how to ski, and teach them thoroughly. When one has been on the team for four years, they have the chance to be in a sort of ‘family’ and to grow true friendships by being a part of the group.

Gunner Williams skate skis his way to the finish, placing 6th at Colony.

Abraham Meyerhofer also skate skis his way uphill to the finish line, unfortunately not placing.

By: Casey Branch

After three months of hard work the Matanuska Susitna High School Varsity girls hockey team, the Ravens, ended their season with a bang. Out of the twenty two games played all season the Ravens won eight, tied two, and lost twelve. During the four years there has been a high school girl’s hockey team, this was the most successful season to date. Like every year the Ravens play the Fairbanks team six times, three in Fairbanks at the beginning of the season, and three in Wasilla at the end. In early November the girls took on the tough Fairbanks team and came out with a win, tie, and a loss. The Ravens then waited all season to get another shot at redemption. February 4th was the first game of the final series between the Ravens and Fairbanks. Feeling strong and confident on home ice the Ravens came out skating hard. They held a 3-0 lead up until the last five minutes of the third period where Fairbanks finally scored. February 5th was senior night, where four of the Ravens were honored as seniors. Senior goaltender Dominique Schuetter held the early lead and once again the girls came out with a

victorious score of 3-2. On February 6th, the Ravens final game of the 2009-10 season the team lost their winning streak. Fairbanks pulled it together and beat the Ravens for a final score of 4-1. “It was disappointing to end this year with a loss but we are getting better every year and this won’t happen next season,” stated sophomore Mikhayla Waugaman. Even though the last game was a loss, the overall performance of the Ravens was very impressive. Not only have four seniors moved on from their high school hockey career, Head Coach Dudley Boehm has also left the team. After a decade of coaching the Houston Hawks Hockey team, and coaching the Ravens since the program began four years ago, Boehm has decided to turn the reigns over to a new coach. “I have played on this team with Coach Boehm all three years I’ve been in high school and I am interested to see how his absence will

affect us next year,” said junior Sarah Belle Srebernak. Every year the Ravens become progressively better, winning more and more games each season. With a team best of eight wins, the Matanuska Susitna High School girls hockey team ended their season proudly.

The girls line up for the National Anthem when in Fairbanks earlier this year for their opening three game series.

Senior goaltender Dominique Shuetter is prepared for the ac-tion coming her way on senior night where the Ravens beat Fairbanks 3-2.

9

Knights with the Hardest ShotBy: Casey Branch

Putting up a fight at regions Colony Knights Hockey 2009-10 hockey season has now come to an end with an overall 2 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie. Last Thursday, February 4th, the Knights faced off against SOHI for the opening game of the North Star Conference tournament. Colony held their own fairly well, except for taking penalties where the consequences ended disastrously. SOHI came out with a 3-0 win over Colony where all three goals were scored on power plays. Sophomore F o r r e s t S a v e l made an outstanding 29 saves out of the 32 shots. “We had more than enough skill, we just lacked the teamwork necessary to win,” explained senior Lance Nezaticky. In the end penalties and the inability to work together was what killed the Knights against SOHI.

After their loss on Thursday night the Knights were out of the North Star Conference tournament. However, Friday was a skills competition and Colony stayed one more day to prove their talent. All of the high school hockey players battled out skills such as speed, hardest shot, accuracy, breakaways, and gauntlet. Colony

redeemed themselves when two of their players took both first and second place for the category of hardest shot in the region. Freshman Trey Garrod received first place with an outstanding shot of 88 mph. Senior Braden Carter nabbed second place with an initial shot of 87 mph, but when he had to go into a tie breaker for second place he improved to 88 mph. After the skills competition Colony

began their trip back home on Saturday morning.

While the knights made their way back to the valley the Wasilla Warriors went on to win the c o n f e r e n c e title of regional c h a m p i o n s . This weekend

the state tournament will take place locally at the Wasilla Sports Complex.

Colony ended their 2009-10 season with good effort and attitude. “We went down there to do what the game is about, and that is to have fun,” said junior Daryl Belanger. The Knights have improved tremendously and will continue doing so. This year individual titles were accomplished, next year it will be a team title.

The Colony Knights Varsity Hockey team’s 2009-10 season record was 2 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie.

10 EntertainmentThe Knightly News

February 2010

By Elena Gorovaya

Aries (March 20th – April 19th): This year destiny can suggest many options of further developments for Aries. But success and failure will depend on effort and will to reach goals. Career growth will visit those Aries who are capable of not only organizing but predicting and seeing forward. You’ll make your status higher and will reach the top of your profession, including in politics. Aries who act as “dark horses” are luckier. Stay confident and your reformatory plans are going to come true. Also this year is a really important for romantic plans. You should think twice before making big decisions. Take things seriously about your family. Most likely you will have a “test” in your relationship. For February Aries should remember – this is your lucky month to create, to rest your soul and for private life. The key for good relationships is your serious attitude toward it. Taurus (April 20th – May 20th): Taurus – this is your lucky time! It is right to call you a favourite of fortune! Many happy events and things are going to happen to you. This year will bring many changes in your life. But be careful - you might miss some good proposals and opportunities. This year Taurus will feel nostalgic: some old events from your life will happen again and people who you knew long time ago will be back to influence your life now. Still, you’ll be willing to change something in your daily life: get a new image, travel or enter some new class. Go ahead and do it! Also Taurus might have big changes like getting a new job or moving. Don’t be afraid to ask for your friends’ support – they will help. On top of all of that you may expect many surprises, unpredictable things to happen and new people to meet during 2010 year! February is time for Taurus to get new ideas and make new plans, meet new people, who might be from other cities or places. Doing some remodeling would be a nice thing in February.Gemini (May 21st – June 20th): Hard work this year will help you to achieve your goals. Good quality of your work and patience – that’s what you need. Don’t plot against others and be aware of the crafty designs of your enemies. Luck is on your side this year. Your relationship with family should be more established and peaceful. For February Gemini should remember – if you don’t like something you should and can change it. And of course keep in mind that your hard work is the way to your success. On top of that you should expect February to be a romantic month. Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd): Cancer – this is time for harvesting your plans because they will finally come true! This is the year for your dreams and wishes to realize! You will also get answers for your important questions that might be something logical and daily or something philosophical about your life. You also have a good luck for career growth and trips. Specking Cancer’s private life then you might think “it might’ve being better”. But if you look closer – it’s just you idealizing. Let your partner be the way he/she is. Your problem is psychological which means

that you can solve it. Also Cancer might change their life priorities because of people, trips or even books. Your authority in family grows and eventually you’ll become adviser for everybody and about stability. February is a good month for you to travel. A little trip might help you to solve some problems. Also it’s a good time for your financial establishing. Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd): This year requires Leo to be active, which is a positive coincidence. This year you have a lot of energy and opportunities to be a leader. It will take a lot of effort and hard work for you to achieve things you want, but the result may be really impressive. Also, you will need knowledge to go forward in your career. If you’re still single, then it’s going to be a good year for your romantic adventures – just look around carefully and don’t miss a chance! By the way, Leo should track sun and moon eclipses, because these are not good days for trips, making decisions or beginning important projects. Leos should expect changes at their job/school, and more trips. Also you should improve your connections and start to do some sports. Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd): This year is for progress in your career. Virgo should learn how to socialize and work with people. The higher you go, the more opportunities you have. This year Virgo should be careful and responsible about finances. Trips this year will be connected to your job. You may get classes for improving your skills. Virgo should expect success with scientific projects or any others that relate to work with information. If you’re planning to change your job/school, ask your relatives for help. Also you have a chance to better your romantic relationships and your position and importance in society will become greater. Virgo should be aware of sun and moon eclipses. February is time for your romantic adventures and improvements in your relationships. Also you might meet new people but eventually you’ll find or decide that person who you want to be with. Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd): In 2010 Libra will go up to a new level. You should rethink all your life experiences, improve your values, and decide priorities. Libra should develop their responsibility, system and strength. Your best advisers in this kind of situation are people around you. Libras may expect growth in their authority and prestige. If you’re planning reforms or just something new – these will help. But if something isn’t going the way you want it to, remember – there are slight premises to change your place of work. Your friends will help you in that case. Work on your family relations, learn your history and develop more respect towards parents. Love will be good for Libras this year. There is a chance of an ideal love story or harmonic marriage. You will impress people with your artistic achievements and imagination. Great inspiration and communication awaits you! February is time for hard work which will eventually pay back, some remodeling in your house and

friendships!Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st): Scorpio, in 2010 your connections will become more important and useful for you. But you should learn to take more responsibility and make quick decision. Also, Scorpio should concentrate on the real world and achieve more practical goals. Be ready to take part, in your relatives and neighbors businesses. Scorpios should deepen their relationship with family and learn more about its history. Your godparents will play an important role in your life this year. 2010 brings a great chance to succeed in your artistic projects and be recognized by society. Scorpio February is a good month for participating in artistic or intellectual competitions. Also it’s good time to test your relationship with your partner. Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 20th): This year will bring changes for Sagittarius, most of them are good. You should listen and rely to your self first. Nobody will be able to help you if you won’t do anything. But your friends will always be there to support and help you. The best thing to heal your wounds is love. You should be open-patient to everybody, because your destined one waits for you. On top of that your hard work at school will pay off, but never forget your family – they will always support and help you. February will be a lucky month for Sagittarius to sell or buy property. Friendships become more serious and the topic for conversations is life, philosophy and opinion. It is also a good time to learn and take new classes.Capricorn (December 21st – January 19th): Prepare yourself because 2010 is full of challenges for you. It is time for big changes and important decisions. Sometimes Capricorn might think that everybody is against them, but in reality, “everybody” waits for you to take on obligations. You should be ready to solve not only your own but the problems of others, too, but it will pay you back in future. The whole idea of this year for Capricorn is to be at the right place and at the right time. In February you will have the image of a respectful and trustful person. Your charisma will attract people to you. You may have enough of courage to go for a risk this month, and think twice before making the leap.Aquarius (January 20th – February 17th): 2010 is the year for Aquarius to do things and turn their plans into reality! Your attitude naturally will be positive, which will inspire not only you but people around you too.

Most likely you’ll discover something that has been a secret for a long time, get an answer for your question, or open a new talent for yourself. Your relationship with relatives and friends will be stable. They will understand you better, or at least won’t interrupt your plans and creative ideas. It is good time for remodeling. The result will be unusual, as are most things that relating to you. Talking about careers, Aquarius should rely on their old connections. It is quite possible that an idea or project long forgotten appears to be beneficial right now. You may find out something unpleasant about somebody from your surrounding. Aquarius should be careful about their finances. February is the time to solve your financial and material problems. It is a good month to pay more attention to your private life and deepen your relationship with your partner. But always ask your beloved for hints, or else you might do something wrong. Pisces (February 18th – March 19th): You are the ruler of your life and this year you’re the one to decide what to do. 2010 is the time for big projects and great plans to come true. Also this year will be memorable for mysterious coincidences and prophetic dreams. Pisces, these romantic relationships will be wonderful, and for some of you it will be the beginning of something serious. Your artistic skills, projects and dreams will come true in 2010 if you work hard enough. Take care of health because there is a chance of overworking yourself. In February your optimistic attitude and friends will help you to realize plans and ideas. It is also a good time to take care of your health and get special treatment.

Horoscope 2010 - What’s Up in the Year of White Tiger?

11

Chatting Corner

Colony’s Daily Happenings

The Ugly Truth of the Beautiful Day

Alaska’s Fore-cast - We Know and We Dare

12The Knightly News

December 2009

News

says, not all students have a need to meet with their counselor every day, which allows the students that do need counseling more time. Counseling is available at any time during the school day, and a student can put in a request to meet with the counselor and normally be granted a meeting within 24 hours.

When it comes to colleges, Langhoff says, “It certainly doesn’t hurt to already be thinking about college as a freshman, but by junior year the student should be seriously looking into where they want to go.” She also adds that by senior year, students should be decided about their college.

Scholarships are also best taken care of as soon as possible, due to varying deadlines.

Counselors can provide advice, consultation, and steer students in the right direction to graduate and have a successful life. They help students with their emotional, academic and future lives. As a school resource, high school guidance counselors can prove an invaluable yet easily accessible adviser for students throughout high school.

couple hours, organizing things, delivering messages to teachers, helping the office,” said Aili Davenport said. “It’s really cool to be nominated; I didn’t think we were going to be just for helping out.” However Shaw principal, Karl Schleich thought differently of

their work and believed they should be awarded. Other valley resident nominees include Jessica Merrill, a TATU member, Zoë Fuller who co-founded the Mat-Su Valley chapter for the Alaska Youth for Environmental

Action, and the local Torch Club who worked with the Tobacco Prevention and Control and built a greenhouse from recycled water bottles. Spirit of Youth is a great award for teens that are dedicated to helping the community, to be recognized.

To nominate a teen or for more information go to the Spirit of Youth website at www.spiritofyouth.org. Information about TATU can be found at www.akafs.org/tpcp.htm.

Spirit of Youth Continued.

Guidance Continued.