Month: June 2014

Where in the WORLD?

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Words: Bushra Lohrasbi

Summer is a time for adventure and discovery, and Centennial kids definitely know how to go all out. For some, a cliché vacation to the beach or to a relative’s house is the norm for their summer. But this year, students at Centennial have decided to go outside their comfort zone, and have the best summer yet.

Jinia Sarkar and Allyanna Rice, sophomores at Centennial, are planning on traveling with the “People to People” organization, an ambassador program for educational student travel. Heading to Europe, they couldn’t be more excited. “For the past couple of summers, I usually go to camps. But this year, I get to go out of the country and to new places, “ says Sarkar. Going to such foreign places without parent supervision could be scary for some, but not for Sarkar. “I am most thrilled to stay with an Italian family for two days during my trip.”

Will Jackson, also a tenth grader, is joining the “over-seas” club this summer. “As part of my confirmation, my church is going to Ireland. I am kind of nervous but happy to go over seas for the first time with friends.” Even though the trip is only ten days, this one trip will be the “turning point of the summer.”

Students like Tori Stroud, a junior at Centennial, have been planning this summer’s trip for quite a while. “I am going on a cruise with my girl scout troop to the Caribbean. It’s our end of high school celebration!” After a long year of work, a vacation to such a beautiful place sounds perfect. “I am so ready to have a vacation with my friends!”

On the other hand, there are students like Caitlin Crumley, a sophomore, who have been out of the country several times before.  However, Crumley, is not a stranger to the typical boring summer. “Over most summers, I … hang out with friends and go to camps.” However, Crumley’s family went to Kenya when she was little and in the summer of 2009. Crumley decided to go back to where she feels the happiest! She has wanted to go back since returning from her last trip. “I’m going to Kenya to build houses in poor, rural areas. I am so privileged for the opportunity and to go for my third time.”

For the rest of us, let’s make the most of the freedom. Improvise and enjoy your lack of sleep deprivation.  Can’t go to the pool? Tan in the backyard! Can’t go to Rita’s? Make homemade ice cream with friends! Can’t go to your favorite band’s concert? Blast their music and have a personal concert!

Staying in the same place can be comforting to a lot of people, but the occasional urge for adventure is part of our human nature. Hopefully your summer will be one of the coolest yet and unforgettable!

 

Centennial is Now Home to N.E.S.T.

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Words: Madhu Lal

“Now Everyone Stand Together,” also known as N.E.S.T., is a club with the intention of bringing Centennial students together. N.E.S.T. was created this year with the help of Ms. Holt, the leader of the group.  The club was designed specifically to help end racial ignorance in Centennial. At the moment N.E.S.T. is composed of only Delta Scholars, a club that promotes African American academic excellence.

The primary focus of N.E.S.T. is to stop racial slurs and empower individuals by helping them embrace their nationality. Ms. Holt says, “I’m excited about N.E.S.T. I want everyone to be able to be part of N.E.S.T. in order to strengthen our school pride.” N.E.S.T. has teamed up with the student improvement team’s documentarian group, and they are in the process of creating an informative video. This video will be focusing on racial slurs that the members of the group have personally encountered. The N.E.S.T. video presentation will be shown to all students on Tuesday, June 16th during homeroom.

Next year, the club intends to branch off and invite all minorities and majorities.

N.E.S.T. is hoping to have monthly activities that include team-building games and school wide discussions regarding racism. The members of the club foresee the club becoming a school wide success in erasing racial barriers between students and teaching them to embrace their culture and respect others.

The N.E.S.T. video presentation will be shown to all students on Tuesday, June 16th during homeroom. For more information regarding N.E.S.T. please contact Ms.Holt or visit the Centennial website centennialeagles.org.

 

Save the Date!

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Words: Amanda Ali

As students come back to school in the fall, what better way to celebrate than with a night full of fun?

On Thursday, Sept 4, students and families are invited to go to Back to School Night at Centennial High School, which promotes clubs and helps the Centennial community get in the spirit of coming back to school. Centennial’s clubs will be on display for a Gallery Walk starting at 6 PM.