Casino Night: Were you there?

Kennedy George

           Homer High School’s annual Casino Night was a success this year! There was a large turnout and Student Government had many helpers, both students and staff. People played various card games, danced, and ate snacks. At the end of the night, prizes donated to Student Government by various organizations were given out. Many people received prizes, including Jacob Jensen, who won the $50 prize, Emily Groulx, who won the $30 prize, Kelsey Peirson, who won a Frosted T-Shirt, Kristen Fuller, who won a Frosted gift certificate, and Jackson Morse, who won a Regal gift card. Overall, Casino Night was a success for Student Government and a fun night for all who attended!

Track and Field Team Dominates at Cortland

Homer Senior Lara Pluemer making height in High Jump

Robby Johnson

            This last Wednesday the Homer Track and Field team participated in their second dual meet of the season against Cortland and Fowler. The annual meet took place in Cortland for the first time in a few years. The boys’ team came into the meet 1-1 after a loss to Mexico and a win against Fulton. The girls’ team on the other hand came in undefeated with high expectations for the meet.

            The meet started out with the boys’ 4 x 800 event. Homer’s top 4 x 800 team consisted of Jayden Gavidia, Luke Tesoriero, Alex Fisher, and Jeremy Morris as anchor. The team won the race at a time of 9:01.9 with almost a half track lead. The girls’ 4 x 800 team consisted of Erin Leach, McKayla Crawford, and Jade Auchmoody. The girls’ won the event with a time of 11:29.7.

            Next on the track were the boys’ 110m and the girls’ 100m Hurdles. Robby Johnson won the 110 Hurdles event with a season best time of 18.8 seconds. Jekeytha Adkins placed first in the event with a 17.1 seconds. Sabina Clark and Hannah Agate placed second and fifth respectively. Following the hurdles was the 100m dash. Homer had two standout performers in Dylan Shattuck and Emily Harrington. Shattuck claimed fourth and Harrington finished sixth.

            The boys’ 1600 and the girls’ 1500 brought some of Homer’s biggest gains in team scoring. Luke Tesoriero won the 1600 with an impressive 5:00. Freideric Handelmann and Kory Platt finished third and fourth respectively. Jade Auchmoody won the 1500 with a 5:07.9 while McKayla Crawford and Kennedy George finished third and fifth.

            The boys’ 4 x 100m team was up next. Dylan Shattuck, Devon Drake, Jeremy Morris, and Jayden Gavidia made up the team as they went on to win with a time of 46.3 seconds. The girls’ team, which it consisted of Emily Harrington, Hannah McEvoy, Lucy Connery, and Jekeytha Adkins, finished third in their 4x100m. The 400m dash bring some impressive times on the boys’ side and the girls swept the event. Nick Yarnell placed second in the 400m with an impressive time of 53.9 seconds and qualified for sectionals.  John Osterhoudt placed fifth with a time of 57.4 seconds. Erica Stevens and Laura Dart placed first and second in the 400m increasing the girls’ lead over Cortland and Fowler. Erica won with a time of 63.9 seconds, and Laura with a time of 66.8 seconds.

            The 400m hurdles were next as the rain finally started to fall. Robby Johnson pulled off the sweep in the hurdle events with an exciting win and a season best of 70.0 seconds. The girls’ team swept again as Erin Leach and Mary Keefe placed first and second. Erin had a great race with a time of 73.0 seconds.  The 800m run was next, even though the conditions were getting worse. Kory Platt and Luke Tesoriero placed fourth and fifth. Platt edged Tesoriero by a mere eight tenths of a second. Jade Auchmoody won her third running event of the day in the 800m with a time of 2:30.6. Auchmoody won the 1500 and was a member of the 4 x 800m earlier in the meet. Grace Gugerty came in second while Taryn Waligurski finished fourth.

            The boys’ 200m dash was to be the final event of the night before the officials called the meet. Dylan Shattuck placed second with a time of 24.2 seconds, and Jeremy Morris finished right behind him in fifth. The running events weren’t the only events that had big headlines though. Both teams would still hang onto their leads in the field events.

            In the shot put Andrew Schrauben placed fourth with a throw that was almost 33 ft. Dan Schenck also placed sixth in the event. Brynn Hyde placed second in the shot put with a length of 27” 1’. Lydia Brown and Hannah Agate placed third and fourth respectively. Evan Lewis and Andrew Schrauben placed third and fourth in the discus. Lewis had a throw of 81” 6’. Brynn Hyde, Hannah Agate and, Katie Ryan finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the discus.

            Austin Smith won the pole vault with a height of nine feet. Cody Hubert came in at seven feet with a fifth place finish. Jade Auchmoody won her fourth event of the night in the pole vault with a height of eight and a half feet. The Homer boys’ swept the high jump with Austin Smith winning with a height of 5-6 and Jayden Gavidia in a close second. Austin won the high jump and the pole vault in terrible conditions. Emily Harrington won the high jump with a height of 4-10 with Laura Dart and Lara Pluemer right behind her. Jekeytha Adkins placed second the long jump with a length of 14-11 with Meghan Rahner in fifth. Nick Yarnell won the Long Jump with a length of 17-1 with Devon Drake in a close third.

            The weather held up for more than half the meet until a down pour started. This  left the girls’ 200m dash, both 2 mile events, both 4 x 400 events, and the triple jump all unfinished. The race was called as a result of the rain. In the end both teams swept against their opponents in the meet. However, the team hasn’t been able to get a break with the weather as every meet this season has been either rainy or freezing outside. The boys extended their record to 3-1, which is the first time the boys’ team has had a winning record in two years. The girls’ team continues to be undefeated in Dual Meets.The Homer Track and Field team will be at their next dual meet on Wednesday against JD and ESM at home.

The Final Score:

Boys:
Homer 72- Cortland 42

Homer 65- 52

Girls:

Homer 66- Cortland 39

Homer 88- Fowler 17

Rachel’s Challenge and Columbine Anniversary

Jared Pace

This past Saturday, people around the world paid homage and remembrance to the lives lost at the Columbine High School shooting on April 20th, 1999. The lives that were curtailed on that day will forever loiter in the minds of many people, especially the survivors. This year was the fourteenth anniversary since two Columbine High School students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, shot and killed thirteen people, injuring twenty-seven others. One of the victims, Rachel Joy Scott, created a philosophy that has started a chain reaction since then. Her message has inspired millions of people with simple messages of kindness.

If you would like to become involved with the Challenge, come to a Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club meeting or talk to Mrs. Giordano or a fellow Unity Club member. Both FOR Club and Unity are attempting to initiate a large chain reaction around the entire school district. 

Nexus

Jared Pace

Amidst the tenebrous shade, light hides

Overcome by the darkness that resides

Principles and creeds you must uphold

Before your mind becomes uncontrolled

You have no authority, this you fathom

You’re merely chased by your own phantom

Then you realize; you begin to understand

While your mind is about to disband

Live for those that you adore

Set yourself free forevermore

Procure that which giveth you love and light,

And I shall promise that you will be alright

Cabaret Night

Ali Jenkins

On Saturday, April 20th, the Homer Music Boosters hosted Cabaret Night at the high school. Principal Tom Turk was the master of ceremonies for the event, which featured musical groups of students, from intermediate through high school. Music teachers Mr. Dave DiGennaro, Mrs. Allison Henry, Mrs. Cara McLaughlin, and Mr. Dave Shiffman, as well as several greatly-appreciated private instructors, led these student musicians.

First to perform was the Ruby Rhythms, a high school ladies’ choir. The girls performed several songs with the accompaniment of Mrs. McLaughlin. Alana A performed on her clarinet, and Mrs. Paula Gustafson accompanied her on piano. High school singer Sarah D next performed a vocal solo. Then, the Fluba Duet, composed of Shannon S on flute and Erin S on tuba, played a piece. The Soul Singers performed several lively tunes, directed by Mrs. Henry, and called all past Soul Singers onto the stage for “Singing a Song.” The Licorice Sticks, a clarinet quartet that included Lucia H, Grace S, Nikea U, and Sarah W, performed the theme song for The Pink Panther. Following this performance, Julia G played a tune on the piano. Men in Black, a high school boys’ choir, performed “Kiss the Girl” and “Mr. Bass Man,” while Mrs. McLaughlin directed. Drew G then played a trumpet solo, while Mrs. Paula Gustafson accompanied him on piano. Under the Sun, a rock band that featured David P as lead singer, performed “A-Punk,” by Vampire Weekend and “Vienna,” by Billy Joel. Gideon S next performed a solo, “Grace and Beauty,” on piano. The Blue Notes, a jazz choral group of male and female high school singers, performed several pieces, including “Bring Me Sunshine.” The trombone ensemble, Slide Area, which was composed of Hannah A, Mr. DiGennaro, Nadine D, and Alexis S, played the Super Mario theme song. 
Next, Jasminique and Vincent H, the Who-ligans, played the theme song for Doctor Who on two percussion instruments. The Junior High Jazz Band, directed by Mr. Shiffman, played two pieces and featured a number of soloists. Noah K on tenor saxophone was a soloist in the first song, “Moving Target.” Their performance of The Pink Panther theme song featured Cullen G, on baritone saxophone, and Drew G on trumpet. Next, Hannah and Liam W performed a vocal duet, singing “Yellow,” by Coldplay. Elena G performed a flute solo, accompanied by Mrs. Paula Gustafson. Following her piece, Lucia H performed a vocal solo, “Mozart’s Hallelujah.” Finally, the High School Jazz Band concluded the evening with several pieces. A number of soloists were featured, including Josh A, Gunner B, Brenton N, Nick P, Luke T, Nate U, and Strawberry W. This group brought the evening to a wonderful conclusion with its two pieces. All of the singers and musicians who performed at Cabaret Night showcased the wonderful talent of Homer’s students!

The Homer Music Boosters, the group that sponsored this music-filled event, gave out a raffle prize of two tickets for the Center for the Arts to one lucky winner. The Homer Music Boosters are always looking for new members. The club’s president, Mr. Bob Baumeister, encouraged all interested parents to become involved in the organization. The group works to support the musical arts at Homer, giving back to the richness of the school community.

Thank you to all of the Music Boosters, parents, students, teachers, and performers who made this event possible!

 

 

 

 

Earth Day: May the Forest Be With You!

May the Forest Be With You!

Ali Jenkins

Happy Earth Day 2013! Here are some facts about Earth Day:

• Earth Day began in 1970 as a demonstration, stretching across the country, that protested against the pollution of the environment.
• Earth Day contributed heavily to the environmental movement of the current time period, a movement that has passed legislation such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
• Twenty million Americans took part in the first Earth Day demonstrations; today, over one billion people partake in the annual Earth Day events.
• Today, Earth Day is celebrated as a day to cherish our planet and a day to raise awareness for the preservation of our natural resources.

How can you become involved?

• Plant a tree!
• Participate in the Earth Day 2013 Face of Climate Change project!
• Reduce, recycle, reuse!
• Make an effort to conserve energy, water, and paper!

Learn more about these Earth Day Network (EDN) projects: Green Schools Campaign, Global Day of Conservation, The Canopy Project, Women and the Green Economy (WAGE™) The Road to Rio™, and A Billion Acts of Green®.

Making Bookmarks for "Read to Lead"

Albany

Ali Jenkins

A Homer student, Ali Jenkins, and a Liverpool student, Samantha McCarthy, recently traveled to Albany for a Youth and Government conference. These two girls were selected to attend the YMCA Youth and Government Conference on National Affairs (CONA) as members of the New York delegation. This week-long conference will be held in Blue Ridge Mountain, North Carolina in early July.

In preparation, the twenty New York CONA teen delegates from across the state met in Albany for the weekend. They discussed changes for the upcoming year and plans for CONA. In addition to these sessions, the teens scheduled meetings with their legislators for Monday morning. Jenkins, McCarthy, and Ms. Giordano met with the staff of Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, Assemblyman Finch, and Senator John A. DeFrancisco. They also had the privilege of sitting down with Senator James L. Seward to discuss the Youth and Government program, as well as current topics for the state. The girls then posed for pictures with the Senator in front of the Million Dollar Staircase. Both students greatly valued the opportunity to speak with members of the state legislature about their concerns and interests within the state.

Wildlife Wednesday: The Best for a Nest

Mary Cope

Spring has finally sprung and our springtime friends are back! The birds are establishing their territories and pairing off, getting ready to start their own families. You can see them carrying little twigs or strand of grasses with which to build sturdy little nests.

One thing you can do to help out these birds is to set up a shallow dish with nesting materials in it! Birds like materials that can be shaped and molded to form the inside lining of their nests, which is where the babies live; so make sure it is something soft. In the dish, you can place some bits of yarn and string, but stay away from paper materials. Also, if you have a dog, like a German Shepherd or a Labrador, with a thick, double layered coat, you know that this time of year they start shedding like crazy! Instead of throwing the hair away, put it in the dish! The birds love soft, warm, undercoat to line their nests. If you don’t own a dog, you can take some of the lint out of the lint screen in your dryer; that, too, is soft and provides excellent insulation for the baby birds!

You will notice little birds, such as robins, sparrows, and finches, taking materials once they discover your gifts. It is very likely that, if you find a nest, it will have the nesting materials you set out incorporated into it!

Beautiful Bookmarks

Thank you to everyone who donated books for Youth and Government’s “Read to Lead” service learning project. Before the club members distribute the books to areas that were hit by Hurricane Sandy, they will be making handmade bookmarks for all of the books. Highlighting the importance of reading and education, these bookmarks will personalize the gifts and aim to make reading a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the young children.

Youth and Government would love your help! The group will be making these bookmarks on Thursday, April 18th in Ms. Giordano’s room. Stop by ninth period to add your creativity and support the students! All are welcome!

5th Annual Prom Closet

The Cortland Youth Bureau Youth Center is hosting the 5th Annual Cortland Prom Closet giveaway. This program offers students free gowns, suits, shoes and accessories. Alterations and dry cleaning will also be available for a donation. Interested students may call 753-3021 ext. 26 to setup an appointment. Giveaways will be held Wednesday April 24th from 3-8 at 35 Port Watson Street in Cortland.

Casino Night!

Casino Night is Coming!

What: Casino Night is a formal dance that features dancing, music, games, prizes, and more!

When: April 12th, 8-11 PM

Where: Homer High School Gymnasium

Tickets: $10 in advance, available during lunch periods in the cafeteria / $12 at the door

Pictures: You can pick up picture forms in the main office if you wish to have you pictures taken.

Homer Senior Earns National Recognition!

           Braeden Sharer, a Homer senior, has been recognized by the Scholastics Art and Writing Awards as a national medalist! Braeden earned a regional Gold Key and a national Silver Key for her short story, "A Changing Neighborhood." Congratulations to Braeden for her outstanding achievement!