Today's Holiday Fun!

  Today, Friday, December 14, watch for school and holiday spirit! Thanks to those who are wearing craziest sweaters Ugly Sweater Day! Be sure to join Student Government in the high school gymnasium from 8-11 pm, for the HO HO HO Dance. Admission is five dollars, which pays for entrance and food, and everyone present will receive a free piece of pizza. Join in the holiday fun, this Friday!

Holiday Volleyball Tournament

Chase Davis

The Holiday Volleyball Tournament is in full swing, as semifinals and finals are quickly approaching. The tournament had a good turnout this year, as several teams registered. “Beast from the East” and “Eight Maids a Milkin’” are the two team finalists for this year’s tournament. Their game will be held on Friday, December 14.

For those who do not know much about volleyball, here is what it entails. Only six players can be on the court at a time, and there must be three girls and three guys. The team with the higher seed gets to serve first. The three basic kinds of shots in volleyball are the bump, the set, and the serve. The first hit after the serve must be a bump. After that, players can use almost any hit to get the ball over the net. The goal is to have the volleyball land on the court on the other side of the net. Each game is played to 15 points, and in the tournament, the match goes to the team that wins two out of the three games.

Ian Heath, from the “Arctic Aces,” said, “I thought they did a good job, but they need to play to a higher score during the seeding rounds.” During the tournament, games were played to 15; however, during the seeding rounds, games were only played to 11.

Nick Cinquanti, from the “Silent Knights,” said, “It was a lot of fun!” He also added the quotation, “Oh, in the face,” as a few of the shots resulted in hits to the face.

Overall, the tournament was a huge success. Show your support by watching the championship game on Friday, December 14th. Also, be sure to sign up next year, if you are interested in participating.

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #2

Mary Cope

As we wrap up our final weeks of school before winter break, most of us are finishing our holiday decorating. Many people do not realize that they can make pretty decorations that double as yummy holiday treats for winter critters!

Pine cone bulbs require nothing more than several pine cones, a bit of string or twine, some peanut butter, and bird seed! To make this treat for birds, simply tie the string around a pine cone before applying peanut butter. Next, roll your ornament in some bird seed. Now, you have a wonderful, attractive decoration to hang on any tree, shrub, or bird feeder. This holiday decoration makes your yard look festive and feeds the birds, as well! It will provide them with a protein-rich, healthy snack during the cold days. Once the birds clean the pine cones, you can simply repeat the process. This will attract wonderful songbirds to your backyard all winter long!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

New Knitting Club

Liam George

The new Knitting Club has been created by Mrs. George due to the requests of several of her students. Many teachers have also shown interest in joining this club. The first meeting will be held in Mrs. George’s classroom, Room 118, during ninth period on Wednesday, December 12th. Future meeting dates will be decided at the first gathering. All knitters are encouraged to bring their own needles and yarn.

Portrait Night Fundraiser

Come to Family Portrait Night!

When? December 11th, 6-8pm
Where? Homer High School Auditorium
What is it? Family Portrait Night is sponsored by the Homer Junior Class. Pictures will be taken by Digi-Pro Photography and will be ready at the high school within a week. Families that attend this event will receive discounted portrait packages, and holiday cards will be available, as well. Appointments can be made by calling Digi-Pro Photography at (607) 756 – 8587.
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2014!

La Profesora de Español Nueva

Julia Fouts and Kennedy George

Homer High School has welcomed Mrs. Solan as a new Spanish teacher. Mrs. Solan teaches Spanish II and shares a classroom with the French teacher, Mr. Williams. She also teaches a class in Mr. Podsiedlik’s room. Two Olympian writers had a chance to interview Mrs. Solan.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Liverpool.

Q: How long have you been a Spanish teacher?

A: Three years. Two in Homer; one in Liverpool.

Q: What were your past occupations?

A: Archeologist.

Q: What college did you attend?

A: SUNY Albany and SUNY Oswego.

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A lawyer.

Q: Were you always interested in Spanish?

A: Yes, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it.

Q: Are Spanish and English the only languages you’re fluent in?

A: No, Latin.

Q: Have you ever traveled abroad?

A: Yes! I lived in Germany for one year. I’ve traveled through most of Europe, Benin in Africa, Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Columbia, and Iceland.

Q: Where is one place you want to go?

A: I really want to go to India.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Reading, crocheting, camping, and doing martial arts.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: One dog.

Q: What was one day that changed your life or was significant in your life?

A: The day my daughter was born.

Q: How old is your daughter?

A: She is four, and I have a daughter on the way.

We wish to congratulate Mrs. Solan on the upcoming birth of her daughter and hope she has many successes at Homer.

Have you hugged a friend today?