SADD Santa 2013

Community photos with Santa sponsored by SADD

Wounds

Wounds

Jared Pace

These wounds seem to linger

While time still presses on

I sit and often wonder

About the days that are so far gone

They say in time it gets easier

I can’t say this is true

Because even after all this time

I still don’t have a clue

I remember all the memories

The times that we both shared

Maybe someday the pain will fade

And I’ll be better prepared

Our friendship was forever

Until death did we part

Although you may be gone for now

You are always in my heart

Homer Senior at National Poultry Competition

Homer Senior at National Poultry Competition

Ali Jenkins

This November, Homer senior Mary Cope traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the 2013 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference. She was a member of the New York team, which competed against twenty-one other state teams, a total of eighty-eight contestants, from both high school and collegiate levels across the country. The various rounds of competition included poultry judging, egg preparation, the avian bowl, and chicken and turkey barbeques.

Mary Cope placed sixth in the nation, individually. She also placed third for the carcass competition and fourth for eggs. The New York team won eighth in the nation. These awards represent Mary’s lifelong devotion to poultry science. She first became involved with poultry when she was seven, and she plans on going to college for poultry science.

Congratulations to Mary on her incredible achievements!

Indoor Track

Indoor Track Team Returns

     Last night the boys’ indoor track and field team ventured out to Onondaga Community College for its first meet of the season. It was a meet that gave everyone their own special outlook on what they needed to work on for the rest of the season. The night was highlighted by an impressive second place finish by the 4 x 200 meter relay team and the fact that the team lost their bus driver. Last night was the first of two relay meets where all events have times combined for a final score. After a great night, many runners earned their varsity letter and even a trip to the sectional championships in the post-season.

Homer’s Joe Settineri running the 1200 meter portion of the DMR.

     The night started with the 55 meter hurdles with Robby Johnson and Paddy Fox officially starting the indoor track season. Johnson finished eighth overall in the hurdles with a 9.71 as his time while Fox exceeded all expectations for his race and finished fifteenth with a time of 10.96 seconds. The pair finished sixth overall out of all hurdlers with a combined time 20.67 seconds. The 55 meter dash was next on the track. Josh Thompson and Nikolai Grihin represented Homer in this event. Thompson finished sixteenth with a time of 7.16 seconds and Grihin finished thirtieth with a time of 7.57 seconds. The two finished twelfth in the meet with a combined time of 14.73 seconds.

     The 4 x 400 meter relay was next. The runners that participated in this event were Ryan Parker, Josh Sands, Lucian St. John, and Tighe Gugerty. The team finished seventeenth overall with a time of 4:26.67. The next event on the track was the Distance Medley Relay. The DMR is composed of a 1200 meter run, a 400 meter sprint, an 800 meter run, and a 1600 meter run. Joe Settineri, Logan Grihin, Tyler Hatfield, and Freideric Handelmann were the runners for each respective part of the event. All four of the relay members put up incredible times for the team to finish in the top ten.

     The 4 x 200 was the highlight of the evening for the boys’ team. Josh Thompson, Nikolai Grihin, Collin Lake, and Nick Yarnell all did a stellar job. The team finished second in the Central New York Indoor Track Association (CNYITA) event with a time of 1:41.73 and earned the team eight points. Each team member also earned a varsity letter for their efforts. The 4 x 800 was next to run. Tighe Gugerty, Michael Morse, Josh Sands, Freideric Handelmann all had a great run and contributed to a solid eighth place finish.

   The Sprint Medley Relay was the final running event of the night with Robby Johnson, Paddy Fox, Lucian St. John, and Tyler Hatfield participating in the event. The SMR is composed of one 400 meter run, two runners competing in a 200 meter run, and an 800 meter run. The SMR team finished eleventh with a time of 4:30.58.

     Last but not least were the field events. Tim Russel and Luke Sears competed in the shot put with throws of 32’-11” and 31’-01” respectively. In Long Jump, Michael Morse jumped a distance of 14’ 2.25” while his teammate Christian Pittsley did better with a distance of 17’ 11.25”. Christian also broke the sophomore class record with his jump. The pair finished thirteenth with their combined distances. Triple Jump once again became the event everyone waited for to end.  Collin Lake finished with a distance of 35’ 9.25” and Nick Yarnell finished with a distance of 38’ 10.75”. 

King Lear follow-up

Jared Pace

From beginning to end, the production of King Lear was a satisfying experience for those involved in the Shakespearean Society! In the span of over five months, the cast and crew worked diligently to produce a truly tragic show! They undertook one of the most difficult Shakespearean shows, and their hard work paid off in the end.

This was many members’ final performance. Graduating seniors are Hannah Agate, Samantha Anderson, Wyatt Bush, Jacob Elkins, Kaige Gailor, Jordan Green, Erik Gustafson, Lilly Gustafson, Brynn Hyde, Daniel L’Hommedieu, Brian Mitchell, Thomas Natale,  Jared Pace, Lukas Pizzola, Zachary Randall, and Elizabeth Redenback. Though it is sad to see them go this year, we wish them good luck for the future!

Don’t forget to join the Homer Shakespearean Society for its annual pancake breakfast at the Cortland Elks Club. The event will be held from 7-11 a.m. on December 15th. For tickets, call (607) 749-3142. We hope to see you there!

                    

Red Cross Blood Drive TODAY

Red Cross Blood Drive TODAY

Today, November 26th, is Homer High School’s Red Cross blood drive! We need your support! If you are a staff member or a student, sixteen years of age or older, you should consider donating blood today. No appointment? No problem! Walk-ins are welcome!

Where: HS auditorium

When: Tuesday, November 26, 9:00 am through 2:00 pm

How: Stop by the auditorium to check for available times

Why: Your contribution saves lives and earns scholarships for the school!

We appreciate your support!

Cross Country 2013

Cross Country 2013

Kennedy George

           The Cross Country team had its last event on Wednesday, November 20. Their ice cream social took place, where awards were given out and runners were recognized for their hard work this season. The M.V.P. and M.I.P. awards are given out to individuals from each team (boys' and girls'), chosen by their teammates.  Freideric Handelmann was voted M.V.P. for the boys' team and Jade Auchmoody was voted M.V.P. for the girls' team. Tyler Hatfield was chosen as M.I.P for the boys' team and Mckayla Crawford was voted M.I.P for the girls' team. The Coaches' Award is given out to a boy and girl that the coaches feel deserve recognition. This year, the award went to Josh Sands and Kennedy George. Jade Auchmoody was also recognized for being the only individual on the team to qualify for States. Three runners qualified for All League Awards this year: Mckayla Crawford and Jade Auchmoody in the first team and Arielle Moheimani in the second team. Many new runners joined the team this year and it was, overall, a very competitive season. Congratulations to those runners who were recognized!

2013 New York City Trip

2013 New York City Trip

Ali Jenkins

On Friday, a group of art and english students traveled to New York City. They spent the morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they viewed drawings, paintings, sculptures, armour, and more. The group then travelled to the Paley Center for Media, where they learned about the history of Superbowl commercials. Before dinner, the teens were able to see some of the city’s famous sights, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Plaza. Later, they walked to Planet Hollywood for their meal. After leaving the city, the group was given one final glance of the city’s skyline before they returned to Homer.

Thank you to the chaperones, Mr. Andre, Ms. Harris, Mrs. Stokoe, Mr. Spalding, and Mr. Wallace!

Guys and Dolls Cast List

Guys and Dolls Cast List

Sky Masterson - Zack Sovovool

Sarah Brown - Robin Baumeister

Nathan Detroit - David Perfetti

Miss Adelaide - Rachel McNeil

Nicely-Nicely Johnson - Colton Hulbert

Benny Southstreet - Erik Gustafson

Arvide Abernathy - Peter Hartsock

Rusty Charlie - Drew Gustafson

General Matilda B. Cartwright - Megan Rahner

Harry the Horse - Zach Randall

Mimi - Bailey Kote

Agatha - Eden Dodge

Lt. Brannigan - Evan Ulrich

Angie the Ox - Shannon Spencer

Joey Biltmore - Patrick VanSickle

Big Jule - KJ Ulrich

Show Emcees:

Erik Gustafson

Jordi Green

Hot Box Dancers:

Rachel Crompton

Sarah Denkenberger

Jordi Green

Bailey Kote

Janessa Morelli

Sophie Whittington

Gamblers:

Nate Apker

Mikayla Elkins

David Fuller

Austin VanSickle

Mission Band:

Katie Fuller

Kaige Gailor

Leigha Gailor

Kate Halstead

Jenna McMullin

Christine Rolfe

New National Honor Society Members

New National Honor Society Members

Ali Jenkins

     This Tuesday, Homer National Honor Society welcomed its newest members into the organization. Congratulations to Brandon Austin, Chase Davis, Nick Holcomb, and Brian Mitchell! These students went through a rigorous application process and were selected based on character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Be sure to congratulate these students on their achievement!

National FFA Convention

National FFA Convention

Julia Fouts

From October 20th to November 2nd 2013, FFA members from across the country met together at the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Danielle Angel, Marissa Phelps, Libby Camp, Nichole Ponticello, Tommy Pitman, and McKenzie Brown were the six Homer members who attended. They visited a large dairy farm, an aquarium, the Kentucky Derby museum, a Dierks Bentley concert, a rock and fossil museum, and a zoo in Louisville. While at the convention, members partook in many workshops and met other students interested in agriculture. There was even a talent show in which FFA members could sing or perform for the other teens. Toward the end of the week, members had a Halloween party, and members dressed up and danced. In this event with many cultures, the kids decided to teach each other their methods of dancing.

Homer students had a blast learning about different people and seeing new things at the FFA National Convention!

From left: McKenzie Brown, Libby Camp, Nichole Ponticello, Marissa Phelps, Danielle Angel

Save Lives: Donate Blood!

Save Lives: Donate Blood!

Ali Jenkins

On Tuesday, November 26th, Homer High School will host our Red Cross Blood Drive! If you are sixteen years of age or older, you should consider donating blood. You will need to check your eligibility and have a permission slip signed in order to donate.

Interested students and staff should see Ali Jenkins, Hannah McEvoy, Samantha Anderson, Lucy Connery, Jessica Gosse, or another blood drive coordinator for more information and to sign up for an appointment.

Your support saves lives and helps earn scholarships for the school! 

Florida Adventure

Florida Adventure

Jared Pace

Are you interested in a trip to the tropics? Would you like to explore the Keys and Everglades? If so, then you should consider taking the Florida Everglades and Keys trip! The trip is scheduled from 2/20/14 to 2/24/2014. For the price of $2049, all the expenses of the trip will be covered. If you have any questions, you can email Mr. Graves at jgraves@homercentral.org. To register online, please go to www.grandclassroom.com/trips/2014/homer.

Success at the Fall Ball

Success at the Fall Ball

Kennedy George

         This year’s Annual Fall Costume Ball took place on Friday, October 25th. It was run by the International Club. The dance had great attendance and the judges had a hard time picking the costume winners. Some of the top winners were Brian Mitchell and Sarah Willsey, who went as Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin; Meghan Rahner, who went as a harlequin doll; Bill McLaughlin, who went as a crash test dummy; Peter Hartsock, who went as Gene Simmons; Jack Connery, who went as Dora the Explorer; Emma Gutchess and Alana McCray, who went as lion and lion tamer; Darius Stevens and Brad Sovocol, who went as Spy vs. Spy; Connor M. and Drew B., who went as a ghost and Ghost Buster; and Sam Anderson, who was the top winner  for her creative satyr costume.

           The International Club earned several hundred dollars in profit. This money will be used towards the club’s charity project. In the past, this project included donations to The Smile Train and to Heifer International. Some of this money will also be used towards scholarships for future trips. 

The Lone Star

Julia Fouts

Once upon a time there lived a star; and in that star, there was the soul of a girl. This star was bright and small, a young star recently born from the dying girl. The star was shy but careful, watching the other souls that had once touched the girl’s heart. As the star watched, she began to feel lonely. The lonely star with the little girl’s soul needed a companion, a friend. While riding along the galaxy, the star felt trapped and alone in the endless universe. Then, after seeing the deaths of all those the girl once knew, and after watching the earth slowly die, the star realized something amazing. All the other souls that passed had also become stars, locked in the heavens. The star no longer felt lonely, but instead, she gleamed with hope. She shone with indescribable joy as she knew the possibilities of finding an intimate. The star took comfort in knowing the hearts and souls of those the girl once knew were out there somewhere -- looking for her, just as she now looks for them. All she must do now is wish upon a star.

Youth and Government Officers

At last week’s meeting, Youth and Government held its annual officer elections. 

Here is the club’s leadership team for 2013-2014!

President: Ali Jenkins, VP: Aysia Smith, Treasurer: Josh Sands, Secretary: Liam George

Environmental Club Trip

Environmental Club Trip

This weekend, a group of Environmental Club members traveled to Highland Forest. They not only immersed themselves in nature for one night but also bonded as a club.

Yearbook Deadlines

Yearbook Deadlines

This year’s yearbook deadlines are approaching quickly! Senior portraits, baby pictures, and student recognition advertisements are all due on Thursday, October 24, 2013. Bring your pictures to Ms. Reif in room 123 or Ms. Calkins. You may also email pictures to yearbook@homercentral.org.

Don’t forget to order your yearbook now for an early-bird special! If you order before December 1, the price is $48. After that, the price goes up to $56. Order yours today!

Teen Driving Safety Course

Students observe Jerry Morrison from Upstate Medical Hospital as he presented at the Homer Teen Driving Safety course (formerly Alive at 25).  

All students who wish to park on campus are required to participate in the Homer Teen Driving Safety course.  Check out Homer Central's website for future dates and times!

The Lonesome

The Lonesome

Jared Pace

A lonely life, a lonely road

A heavy burden to hold

Some friends came, and some went their way

To go off and join the fray

Many came back, and many were lost

Just how many would it cost?

He sees his friends, his family, and his kin

As they fight a battle that they cannot win

Girls’ Tennis Team at Sectionals

Sarah Willsey

On Saturday, October 5, Homer’s girls' tennis team played against New Hartford at sectionals. Rachel McNeil (first singles), Carly Dove (second singles), Lydia Brown and Maddie Jennings (third doubles), and Hillary Leuty and Victoria Shevchuck (fourth doubles) all won their matches. Congratulations!

Returning victorious, the girls now advance to the second round of sectionals. They play against Cortland on Tuesday, October 8th at 3:30 pm. It's a home game, so come show your support for the girls' tennis team!

FFA's Barnyard Bingo

Julia Fouts

     On Sunday, September 28th, FFA members went to Truxton for the Harvest Festival. They participated in barnyard bingo, and everyone had a blast. Bringing and feeding the calf, named Buford, required work from everyone. After that, it was time to play!  For barnyard bingo, people guessed on which square of the painted bingo board Buford would drop this manure. Participants paid for the square on which they bet he would “do his business.”

     FFA members enjoyed helping out at the festival and raising money. Libby Camp, the secretary of FFA, said, “Barnyard bingo was so much fun. We really appreciated everyone’s support!” FFA will continue to support the community while finding ways to have fun with agriculture!

Meet Kkanche!

Have you met Homer’s newest foreign exchange student, Kkanche? One of our writers, Jared Pace, asked her some questions to get to know her. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: Where are you from? Can you speak any other languages?

My name is Kkanche Ratadia. I am from a city called Coimbatore in southern India. I speak four languages fluently: Hindi, Tamil, English and Marwadi! I did learn a little bit of German!

Q: Are there any major differences between India and America?

The American culture is a lot different from the Indian culture. Its a lot more free, but it has its negatives, too. The food is definitely less seasoned and less spicy, but the variety is similar.

Q: How are the schools different?

The schools in India don't give you subject electives. I study twelve subjects from the 6th grade to the 10th grade. We don't go from class to class; the teachers come to our classes. There are fewer students in each grade because not all the kids go to the same school. There are about thirty schools in and around Coimbatore.

Q: Which classes in Homer are your favorites?

I like all the classes here because the way of teaching is really different from the way of teaching in India. The teachers here are as good as they are at home. I have so many favourites that it would be unfair to pick one.

Q: What is your favorite part of America?

The weather, the silence because we are in Homer, the food, the people, the kids.... everything is really nice. I don't think there is anything I dislike about America - except for the weather, which is not bad, but it will take me some time to adapt to it. I have an amazing host family, and they don't let me feel home-sick. I am in the process of making loads of friends.

Q: What do you miss about back home?

I miss the heat, for sure, but its a nice break from the hot, humid climate. I have twin brothers who are in 5th grade, and I kind of miss them!

Q: Do you have any pets?

I don't have any pets, but I would love to have a guinea pig or a hamster.

Q: What do you like to do in  your free time?

I love listening to music. I read books, draw, play the guitar, and practice the piano. I also like writing because that's one way for me to get my thoughts straight. I also think that sometimes things that cannot be expressed verbally gain justice on paper!

Q: Do you have a role model?

I model the good in everyone. I don't have a specific role model.

Q: Is there something you have learned in America that you did not expect?

Nothing is the way you expect it to be. You will always be surprised by the things you expect, too. So I decided to come on this adventure with no expectations in mind so that I wouldn't be disappointed. I’ve learned an amazing amount of things in this one month itself. Imagine what a year will do to my knowledge!

Q: How do you stay in touch with your family back home?

I am lucky to be an exchange student in the 21st century because we have WiFi and the Internet, without which the I wouldn't be able to stay in touch with my family or friends. There is an app called Whatsapp that helps me keep in touch with my loved ones. But it’s mostly an exchange of messages and pictures. I also use Viber to call home probably once or twice in a week. It’s difficult to Skype because of the huge time difference (ten hours). But I do manage it once a week because my parents and brothers miss me a lot, and I miss them!

Q: Have you visited any other countries?

I have a little foreign experience, which kind of prepared me for this trip. I was an exchange student in the 8th grade for 21 days to Germany . I have been to Egypt and Singapore with my family. I have also been to NASA with my school in the 9th grade!

Q: What do you plan to do when you grow up?

I have not yet decided what my path for the future will be, but I will go the way life leads me, and I'm sure I will find out where I belong! That is one of the reasons I am happy to be an exchange student to America, because I don't have to decide what I would like to do further on in life in the 11th grade, which I would have had to do in India.

Q: Why did you decide to become a foreign exchange student?

I love going to new places and meeting new people. I am a crazy photographer. I am really interested in how the world works, which I don't think any kid would understand until they actually see the world. The Rotary Exchange was the perfect thing for me because if I did ever come to the U.S. later on in life, I don't think I would have had a chance to experience all the things I am experiencing now. I would have come with the name tag of a tourist, who had dreams of seeing the Grand Canyon or the Statue of Liberty, not as a student, who could go apple picking or to a game night with her friends. I would come to see and experience things not to learn them. I want to bring some good here and take some back home! The basic motto of the adventure is: 

“EXPERIENCE, EXPRESS, EVOLVE!”