March 2011

Todd Griffiths of Spanish Fork High School’s debate team qualified for state debate in the Individual Event Oratory. Receiving excellent scores on all his ballots as he progressed through the rounds, he made it to the finals. The best of the best in each school gave their speech in the final oratory session, Todd being among these students. His speech was on being an American; those who’ve heard it are moved by the impact it has on one’s patriotism.

On Tuesday the 15th of March, the Spanish Fork Orchestra performed an open concert at the high school performing for the public. The concert started with Spanish Fork’s phenomenal Chamber Orchestra coming on stage and performing three pieces which they had been working with great conviction on across the year. After their outstanding performance, Spanish Fork’s Chamber orchestra came on stage and performed. Playing some outstanding, difficult and extremely high orchestra compositions; including Adagio for String by Samuel Barber and a selection of Edward Elgar’s compositions.

Sophomore week happened recently at Spanish Fork High School. The Sophomore Council planned some very fun and exciting events for our school! From lunch activities like nachos, rock paper scissors competitions, and a giant poster for them to sign, the students were deeply involved in the activities. Other events included a movie night where the students gathered to watch Megamind, and a Quidditch Tournament! Friday night brought the amazing sophomore week to a close with a “Good vs. Evil” themed, black-light dance!

Four girls and one boy from Spanish Fork High School qualified for State Choir as soloists. The girls are Bonnie Miller, Randi Miller, Jessica Christly, and Morgan Hansen. Jacob Warner was the only boy to qualify for the state competition. When asked what it takes to get to the state competition, these students said, “A LOT of practice. Hours upon hours of practicing.” The hardest part for them was probably learning and singing in a foreign language. They had to learn songs in French, Italian, and German.

SFHS lady golfers spring season has begun; their first tournament of the season was Monday, March 21st at their home course, Spanish Oaks. The six varsity players were Britni Munter, with 35 points, Kelli Christensen with 25, Mckenzie Beckstrom with 12, Sabrina Naulu with 22, Whitney Hansen with 23, and Camrie Weight with 19 points. Coach Jordan Rogers was proud of the girls for playing their best and representing good teamwork. They are currently in second place, with Uintah being first at 147 points and SF being at 105.

During Thursday and Friday of this past week, the Spanish Fork High School DECA Team had the opportunity to compete at a state level with business students from schools all across Utah. At this state event the team of Kathne Madsen and Austin Vincent received medals as state finalists and while competing in the individual events, and Tanner Holt placed first place in Sport Marketing.

On Friday, March 4th and Tuesday March 8th, Spanish Fork High School's cheer squad and drill team performed routines at Spanish Fork Junior High and Diamond Fork Junior high. The cheer squad performed a routine with tumbling, stunting, and dancing. The cheer squad's songleaders also performed with their competition routine that they have placed first at both of their competitions. The drill team performed their competition routines also.

Spanish Fork High School’s very own Gentry Wilson is one of the very few people who is qualified for the state orchestra competition. We had a little question and answer session with Gentry to find out exactly what it takes to make it to the state finals. Gentry has been playing the cello since sixth grade. She practices almost every day for at least an hour a day. On weekends, she practices for two and a half hours. A few weekends ago, she went to Snow College and tried out for a music scholarship there.

Recently, fantasy author Berin Stephens visited Spanish Fork High School’s Book Club. Stephens was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but he grew up in Chugiak. He graduated from BYU, and currently lives in Orem, Utah. Stephens gave the students tips and instruction on how to become a competitive writer. “It’s not finding a publisher that is hard, but finding someone you can trust to read your work.” He also told the students how to become creative discovery writers.