November 2015

Henri Frederic Amiel, the Swiss philosopher stated, "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."   

At Salem Hills High School we are certainly appreciative of the acts of gratitude that are "shown" to our school, and it is our sincere hope that we reciprocate that gratitude in our actions with this community as well. As we work together to help our students be successful, we hope you understand how thankful we are as an administration, faculty, and staff that we have the support of this school community that we do. Through your interactions with us, we hope our gratitude, for your support, is reflected in our correspondence and relationships with you. You are an awesome school community! Thank you!    

Skyhawk Highlights:

SHHS Sterling Scholar Winners: Congratulations to this year's talented winners of the Sterling Scholar: Bethany Davis (English), Paige Simmons (Math), Maleah Cook (Social Science), Noah Larsen (Science), Alyson Jardine (World Languages), Tyson Jones (Computer Technology), Sierra Draper (Business and Marketing), Kyla Rogers (Skilled and Technical Sciences), Amanda Wilcox (Family and Consumer Sciences), Caleb Sly (Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics), Sarah Deeb (Visual Art), Bryce Marsh (Vocal Performance), Kylee Vest (Instramental Music), and Sarah Tipton (Dance). We are proud that this excellent group of students are representing our school as this year's Sterling Scholars.  

SHHS Skyhawks Debate: Congratulations to the debate team for winning Sweepstakes at the T-Bird Tempest: International Extemporary: Elise Bauer (1st); Impromptu: Alea Simmons (4th), Caleb Sly (5th), and Mason Lindstrom (5th); Congress: Bethany Davis (3rd); Licoln Douglas: Brayden Cook (1st) and Mike Abbott (3rd); Public Forum: Elise Bauer and Brennan Cook (4th); SPAR: Seth Christensen (2nd), Frank Phillipsen (2nd), Sarah Tipton (4th), Caleb Sly (4th), Addison Hicks (5th), and Mason Lindstrom (5th); National Extemporary: Katie Vaughn (4th); Oratory: Sierra Draper (1st) and Jimmy Creighton (5th); Policy: Richard Wagner and Josh Bauer (1st) and Zac Robison and Caleb Sly (2nd); Parliamentary: Brayden Cook and Brennan Cook (1st) and Josh Bauer and Richard Wagner (2nd).

Our debate program also hosted their annual SHHS Smackdown debate tournament last weekend (11/13 and 14). It was the largest tournament yet with 29 schools participating from Park City HS to Grand HS and 856 entries! Our SHHS team took 1st overall with many students contributing to the win: Public Forum: Amy Robinson and Maleah Cook (3rd); Policy: Adam Johnson and Zac Robison (5th) and Josh Bauer  and Frank Phillipsen (6th); Character Spar: Seth Christensen (1st), and Jimmy Creighton (5th); Declamation: Wyatt Shively (1st), Austyn Thomas (3rd), and Brennan Cook (4th); Poetry: Meagan Welton (1st), Bethany Davis (3rd), and Wyatt Shively (5th); Congress: Bethany Davis (3rd) and Ben Brimhall (6th). Congratulations Mr. Welton and the debate team!

SHHS and PTSA Reflections Winners: Congratulations to this year's winners of the annual PTSA Reflections contest: Hannah Wheelwright, Amber Maddock, Brooke Terry, and Linda Taeger each won the Award of Excellence for Literature; Baylee Ewell, Devan Ashcraft, Amber Maddock, and Miranda Tarter each won the Award of Excellence for Photography; and Dana Wilson, Johnathon Tullis, Kate Maddock, and Amber Maddock each won the Award of Excellence for Visual Arts. Addison Albrecht received Honorable Mention for Visual Arts as well. Brooke Terry also received Honorable Mention at the council level. Way to go Reflections winners!    

SHHS Haiku Mania Winners: Mrs. Lesue-Smithey's classes recently contributed to and competed in her annual Haiku Mania writing contest. The theme was "Glimpses of Nature" and winners included Mathew Desantiago (B1, 1st) and Kortney Ross, (B1, 2nd); Beau Thurgood (B2, 1st) and  Heidi Sorensen (B2, 2nd) tied with Selena Marquardson (B2, 2nd); Josh Bauer (B5, 1st) and Morgan Radke (B5, 2nd). Congratulations also go out to Sierra Ivie, Sam Chandia, Mallory Hanks, Kaden Kunz, Gemma Busto, Bryson Swalberg, and Anne Lauritzen.

Skyhawk Happenings and Information:

• Next Week, November 30-December 4, we will be having a Wellness Week here at SHHS; Monday will be a day of service, and service opportunities can be selected from the Service Tree; Tuesday is "Be a Friend" day, and we will have an assembly, "Find Your Kryptonite", to emphasize the importance of being a friend; Wednesday is a "Social Connections" day, and there will be a parent night here at SHHS at 7:00 PM to promote social awareness;   Thursday will be a "Manage Stress" day, and there will be yoga in the commons at lunch; and Friday will be a day to focus on getting healthy amounts of sleep, and students are encouraged to wear school-appropriate pajamas to school as part of this focus. 
• The Counselors will continue to meet with 10th-grade students and their parents through December 11.  This is a great opportunity for 10th graders and their parents to review their plans for graduation and to start to explore options available in getting ready for college and careers.  Students and parents can set up an appointment on the Counseling Office website.  The password is shhs at the following website: http://shhscounseling.weebly.com/
• Our PTSA will be doing a fundraiser at Cafe Zupas in Spanish Fork on December 1. If you eat there between 5:00 and 9:00 PM then our school gets the proceeds of 25% of your order! Come and support this fundraising opportunity for our school!
• The SHHS Dance Company will be presenting their first performance of the year on December 3 and 4 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium. The show is titled "Happiness is...", and the company has been working really hard to prepare for and present this show. The cost is $6 general admission, $4 for students, and $20 for a family pass.  Come and support our awesome dance company!
• On December 5  at 5:30 PM our Concert Choir, Serendipity, and Singers will be performing their "Arise, Shine" show at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. 
• The "Wintertide: A Holiday Musical Celebration" will be on December 16 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium and will feature SHHS Choirs and Orchestras. The cost is $8 for individuals, $5 for students, children, military, and senior citizens, and $30 for a family pass. The price of admission includes a reception to follow the show.
• Concurrent enrollment application and registration deadlines for the spring semester are coming up. January 20 is the application deadline for UVU, and January 22 is the registration deadline for classes. Mrs. Sarah Call has emphasized that if students can get registered before the semester starts, it will make everything easier for everyone involved. For questions regarding the application and registration process, contact Sarah Call at sarah.call [at] nebo.edu; students should apply for concurrent enrollment courses at http://uvu.edu/concurrent.
• Student Spirit Shirts are available in the bookstore. They come in Navy, White, and Columbia. They can be purchased individually for $8 dollars or as a pack of three for $20. Support our school, its teams, programs, clubs, and organizations by wearing your Skyhawk pride with one of these awesome shirts!
• For those who need to serve detention time, detention will be held before school in room C 209 with Mrs. Edmondson, and during lunch, and after school in room C 207 with Mr. Shumway. The cost is $1 before and after school; lunchtime detention has no charge.
• Remember to share all the awesome , inspiring, and heroic things that are going on at SHHS with #shhshero.
• Be sure to like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/salemhills.skyhawks?fref=ts

Next  Week at a Glance: (11/30/15 - 12/5/15)

Monday: Wellness Week: "Day of Service"

                  Football Banquet in the Cafeteria @ 6:00 PM

Tuesday: Wellness Week: "Be a Friend"

                  Wrestling here versus Delta @ 7:00 PM

                  Girls Basketball @ Carbon (Sophomores @ 3:30; JV @ 5:15; Varsity @ 7:00 PM)   

Wednesday: Wellness Week: "Social Connections"

                        Volleyball Banquet in the Cafeteria @ 3:30 PM

Thursday: Wellness Week: "Manage Stress"

                    Dance Company Showcase in the Auditorium (6:00 PM)

                    Footlocker Invitational in California

                    Girls Basketball at the Desert Hills Tournament

 Friday: Wellness Week: "Get Enough Sleep"

               Dance Company Showcase in the Auditorium (6:00 PM)

               Footlocker Invitational in California

               Girls Basketball at the Desert Hills Tournament

               Skyhawk Showdown Wrestling Tournament (3:00 - 10:00 PM)

               Swimming at Canyon View Invitational

Saturday: Footlocker Invitational in California

                  Girls Basketball at the Desert Hills Tournament

                  Skyhawk Showdown Wrestling Tournament (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

                  Swimming at Canyon View Invitational

                  "Arise, Shine" Choir Performance at Assembly Hall, Temple Square (5:30 PM)

“I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that I may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.” -- James A. Garfield

This is such a great quote because as educators we live this every day as we interact with our students! As I have come into contact, from time to time, with former students that I have taught, I am often amazed at what they have gone on to do, to discover what they had, "buttoned up under [their] coat[s]." To be a bit cliché, the "possibilities" are endless for these kids, and it is truly our pleasure to help them recognize and realize their individual "possibilities"; It's why I love being an educator.  

Skyhawk Highlights:

SHHS Academic All-State Selections:  Congratulations to the following SHHS Academic All-state athletes; we are proud of the way they represent our school academically and athletically: Mason Brent Baxter (Boys Cross Country), Landon Garrett Loss (Boys Cross Country), Samuel Strong Callister (Football), Ryan Clayton Stones (Football), Paige Lynn Simmons (Girls Soccer), Sophia Marie Hartline (Girls Soccer), Adrene Emily Harding (Girls Soccer), Mariah Julie Sainsbury (Girls Soccer), Sophie Lucille Carter (Girls Soccer), Alexi Lauren Olsen (Girls Tennis), and Corie Kristine Bornholdt (Volleyball). This group was honored at the district on November 11 at this month's board meeting.

SHHS Cross Country: Both the boys and girls cross country teams finished, uniquely, 3rd in region and 10th in state. Haley Johnston earned 1st Team All-State honors by finishing 5th at state and 1st in region. The teams competed​ hard and represented the school well. Our girls were just 4 points out of 1st at region, and our boys were 4 points out of 2nd at region. Congratulations to Coach Thompson and the cross country team on another great year! Thank you seniors: Girls: Katie Grass, Kailey Ritchie, and Liza Stephens; Boys: Ashton Gammon, Devin Black, Nathan Chesnut, Nathan DeBrine, Thomas Holmgren, Max Johnson, Landon Loss, Dutch Palfreyman, Frank Phillipsen, Ethan Simmons, Caleb Sly, Wesley Stone, and Chayden Zeeman.

SHHS Skyhawks of the Month: This month our social studies department selected our standout students of the month. This month's Skyhawks of the Month are Parker Gates, nominated by Miss Wright, Ben Preece, nominated by Mr. Morrell, Paige Simmons, nominated by Mr. Griffin, Alaina Black, nominated by Mr. Thompson, Sheppard Sonntag, nominated by Mr. Van Leuven, and Abigail Hawkins, nominated by Mr. Lloyd. Congratulations to these students for being such awesome examples of spirit, heart, honor, and success at SHHS!

SHHS Band: Our band recently placed 4th at the state competition in St. George. Mr. Larsen was proud of the team and the way they performed in the competition. This is the 5th year in a row that they have finished in the top 5. Congratulations to the band and Mr. Larsen for their excellent performance and accomplishment. Thank you seniors: Samantha Anderson, Carson Bowers, Marianne Bushman, Tyler Christensen, Andrew Condie, Kelsey Curtis, Jacob Frazier, Kevin Holdaway, Sam Lofthouse, Brendan McConnell, Gabriel Moreno, Wyatt Mullen, Elizabeth Rash, Erika Swenson, Kylee Vest, and Jacqueline Yates.

SHHS Girls Volleyball: The ladies finished their season with tournament play at the state championships held at UVU last weekend. The ladies took 7th in state and had to play through injury and adversity to claim the spot. Though they would have preferred to finish higher, the team rallied and played with heart after their senior captain, Corie Bornholdt, suffered a knee injury in their game against Timpview. Congratualtions to Coach Treanor, her staff, and our volleyball team on their 2nd place finish in region and their 7th place finish at state!  Thank you seniors: Callie Peterson, Corie Bornholdt, and Sadie Lundquist.  

SHHS Knowledge Bowl: SHHS recently held its eighth annual Knowledge Bowl. This fun activity allows students to show what they know in a competitive way.  There were 32 teams that competed in a single elimination tournament. This year it only took 45 minutes for the 32 team bracket to fill up. Teams of four competed against one another on the school's live stream to determine the ultimate Knowledge Bowl Champions, and this year the winners were Samuel Lofthouse, Alyson Jardine, Caleb Sly, Mike Abbott, and Jenna Rhodes. Congratulations to these knowledgeable virtuosos and a special thanks to Mr. Macdonald for doing such a great job organizing this popular event!

SHHS Boys Football: The football team made it to state and faced Highland HS in the first round of the playoffs. They battled hard, but Highland's depth proved to be a bit too much to overcome. A 3rd place finish in region and a playoff appearance is something this team can be proud of. Congratulations to Coach Higginson, his staff,  and our football team. Thank you seniors: Cooper Smith, Tristan Swenson, Zach Simmons, Keyne Christensen, Tanner Argyle, Sam Callister, Louis Boakye, Kanyon Merrill, Bradin Hanson, Colton Hunsaker, Steele Rapier, Ryan Stones, Jens Higginson, Jarom Johnson, Brigham Hughes, Mitch Stephens, and Davey Crippen.

SHHS Make a Wish Week: Each year SHHS tries to help make a member of our community's wish come true; this year we are putting forth our efforts to help Andrea Robinson, a sweet, 13-year-old girl who is battling through the effects of kidney failure. Andrea's wish is to see castles due to her interest in design and architecture, plus she wants to feel like a princess. Our student council has organized efforts to raise money to help this wish of Andrea come true. To help raise money, BYU's Young Ambassadors performed on Saturday, November 7, we had a movie night on November 10, and November 12's annual Manhawk Pageant's proceeds went towards raising money for this cause. On Monday of next week (11/16), proceeds from the evening's Great Skyhawk Gorge will go to the cause as well. We are selling dog tags and T-shirts as well to raise funds for this cause; funds raised beyond what are necessary for Andrea's wish will also go towards families in our community who are in need during this holiday season. Thank you for supporting our community and SHHS in this effort. Your generosity is awesome!

Skyhawk Happenings and Information:

• The Great Skyhawk Gorge will be on Monday, November 16 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Come learn about the cool things going on in the clubs, organizations, programs, and teams at SHHS. The cost is $5 an individual and $20 per immediate family. Each group will have plenty of good treats and food for visitors, and proceeds go towards Make a Wish Week for Andrea Robinson and our community.
• Nebo School District will present a Parent Awareness Night on Monday, November 16 at 6:30 PM at Spanish Fork HS (99 North 300 West, Spanish Fork, UT). Topics of discussion will be substance abuse and mental health services addressing depression, suicide awareness, and suicide prevention.    
• The Counselors will continue to meet with 10th-grade students and their parents through December 11.  This is a great opportunity for 10th graders and their parents to review their plans for graduation and to start to explore options available in getting ready for college and careers.  Students and parents can set up an appointment on the Counseling Office website.  The password is shhs at the following website: http://shhscounseling.weebly.com/
• Utah College Application Week will be next week (November 16 -20). Mrs. Kinikini will be supervising the week's activities, and we are excited about the engaging activities her committee has put together for our students. Our goal and purpose for the week's activities is to help every senior apply to college or a post high school graduate program. The week's activities include a college/career themed door decorating contest to be completed by November 16, College Hoops at lunch on November 17, The judging of doors on November 18, and assisted college application completion in senior English classes on November 19 and 20. Students will need a method of payment for the applications (preferably a credit card); Snow, SUU, Westminster, and Dixie State will have fee waivers for students.
• Student Spirit Shirts are available in the bookstore. They come in Navy, White, and Columbia. They can be purchased individually for $8 dollars or as a pack of three for $20. Support our school, its teams, programs, clubs, and organizations by wearing your Skyhawk pride with one of these awesome shirts!
• For those who need to serve detention time, detention will be held before school in room C 209 with Mrs. Edmondson, and during lunch, and after school in room C 207 with Mr. Shumway. The cost is $1 before and after school; lunchtime detention has no charge.
• Remember to share all the awesome , inspiring, and heroic things that are going on at SHHS with #shhshero.
• Be sure to like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/salemhills.skyhawks?fref=ts

Next  Week at a Glance: (11/16/15 - 11/20/15)

Monday: The Great Skyhawk Gorge in the Main and Auxiliary Gyms (5:00-7:00 PM)

                  Parent Awareness Night @ Spanish Fork HS (6:30 PM)

Tuesday: Cross Country Banquet at 3:00 PM

                  Vocal Arts Sterling Scholar Auditions   

Wednesday: Jazz Band Concert in the Auditorium (7:00 PM)

Thursday:  Josten's Here at Lunch

                    Skyhawk Smackdown Debate Competition (3:00 PM)

Friday: Skyhawk Smackdown Debate Competition (3:00 PM)

             Boys Basketball Blue and White Game (6:00 PM)

             Swimming at Thanksgiving Invitational         

Saturday:  Skyhawk Smackdown Debate Competition (Begins at 7:00 AM)

                   Swimming at Thanksgiving Invitational         

                   Sadie Hawkins Dance (7:00 PM)

SALEM, UT – Salem Hills High School will be honoring a special WWII at their annual Veteran’s Day Assembly, this coming Thursday, Nov. 12th in the SHHS Auditorium at 10:00 am.  Rex K. Thompson has a personal history that will help the students to connect with the heritage and purpose of Veteran’s Day.

Rex K. Thompson came from pioneer stock who left England and Scotland and settled in Clarkston, in Northern Utah. He was born on December 30, 1919, the first child of Kenneth G. and Peru Jardine Thompson. He attended Cache County Schools and Utah State University before leaving on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Rex served his mission in the Northwestern States. While in the mission field, Pearl Harbor was bombed and the war began. The US government allowed missionaries already serving to finish their missions, with the understanding they would report for military service once they returned home. Rex returned in September of 1943. He married his lifetime sweetheart Edna Griffin in October of that year, and reported for his induction physical at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City in January 1944.

In February he left his home with other recruits for the Navy enlistment office. While waiting in a big room, a Marine Sergeant entered and called for Rex, his cousin Edwin and a young early high school graduate to follow him. The Sergeant informed them because of their excellent physical condition they would have the great opportunity to join the Marine Corps. The next day the papers were signed, and the next day after that they were on a train to San Diego for basic training.

Surviving basic training and a mad dog drill instructor was a relief. After completing basic, Rex learned he had been assigned to military communications. He was transferred to Camp Pendleton near Oceanside CA for schooling in communications. After passing the communication testing, Rex was assigned to the 5th JASCO (Joint Assault Signal Company). Their duty was to be liaisons between landing troops and ships at sea. Beach landings and practice invasions were simulated. Hauling gear out of the Higgins boats and setting up working message centers on land was their goal.

In late July they boarded ships and left San Diego for Hilo Hawaii, and eventually Camp Tarawa near Kamuela on the huge Parker Ranch on the big island of Hawaii. This became their second home. More training, and a baseball game occurred while the Marines waited for combat. Rex became the camp barber. His team officer asked the group if anyone had ever cut hair before. No one had. Had anyone ever sheared sheep--still no one. Rex said he had roached horses, so he was given the barber kit and started cutting hair. By then he had a baby daughter at home, and his buddies insisted that guys had better tip Rex for their haircuts so a college fund could be set up for baby sis, who they called "Snooks." One friend actually said if any "cheep low-down bastard" didn't donate he would get his ear cut the next time instead of his hair.

On January 4, 1945 the Marines boarded troop ship APA 96 Cecil, and spent the next few weeks sailing between islands. They were in and out of Honolulu, sailed around Diamond Head and practiced landings on Maui. They left the home islands on January 27th heading for Siapan and then Iwo Jima. The landing on Iwo Jima began at 3:30 a.m. on February 19, 1945. What was supposed to be a battle of a few days duration became a six week ordeal. The Japanese were dug in; many, many Marines were in a terrible struggle digging them out. Hand to hand combat was common. On February 23, 1945 Rex was processing a message when he heard shouting and cheering. His friend Vard Hadley informed him that the flag had just gone up on Mt. Suribachi. The battle went on for weeks more, but Iwo was finally secured and the JASCO team was evacuated off Iwo on March 21, 1945. Back to Hawaii, and then to Japan as part of the occupying forces. Rex landed at the famous Sasebo Harbor in September of 1945. Not a soul was in sight. All the people had evacuated to the hills fearing the invading troops. Eventually the local people emerged and began trading with the Marines. The kids learned to play baseball. The war was over. Rex returned home in March of 1946. His points for being married and having a child sent him home ahead of his band of brothers. Through the years he maintained contact with his Marine Corps friends. Many are now gone, but those feelings of friendship never die.

Rex became a barber after the war. His Marine Corps experiences, cutting the hair of his buddies, helped him choose this career. Later he worked as a Letter Carrier for the US Post Office. He and Edna raised five children in Logan, Utah about 20 miles from their hometown of Clarkston. They have been involved throughout their lives severing in the community (delivering Meals on Wheels into their 90's) and serving in their church. They still live in Logan, and are loved and celebrated by their five children, 25 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren.

Salem Hills is honored to host Rex as a guest speaker.

Yesterday, two of our awesome faculty memebers were given awards at the faculty meeting held after school.

A faculty member in the Special Ed Department, Joe Hernandez, won a Crystal Apple Award. During his acceptance speech he recognized other team memebers of the Special Ed department, whithout whom no one would be able to do their jobs.

Doug Welton, who teaches Debate and Japanese, was awarded a BIG CHECK from Nebo Education Foundation for a grant he wrote for a new laptop computer to assist his students.  He had a "three-way" grant with matching funds coming from several sources.  

Congratulations again to these #shhsheros!