Live Oak seniors look forward to spring
Live Oak High School is currently taken over by the winter/spring sports frenzy. Playoffs have begun for both soccer and basketball, with the crucial games coming up this week. Wrestling is dwindling down, with a few players left with the hope of doing well at the section tournament this weekend. Softball, track and field and baseball are the replacements for these winter sports, and some players are very excited to see them come.
Sandra Alcantar, a senior, said, "I am pretty sad that basketball is over, but I cannot wait for softball. It also means that graduation is coming faster and faster."
Others, however, do not have much to look forward to.
When asked how he feels about the upcoming season, art teacher and track and field coach Greg Sanchez commented, "I would be so thrilled if only I had somewhere to put all of my athletes. Unfortunately, our track is currently overtaken by a lake. The construction has eliminated our weight room and discus area."
Along with the physical activities changing around campus, many have been working hard to change the internal aspects as well. The Parent Institute for Quality Education is a program that teaches parents how to close the communication gap between home and school. It informs parents about high school life, including grades, educational goals and scheduling. It has come to Live Oak High School and more than 100 parents have attended each night.
When asked about his feelings on this nine-week program, Principal Mat Gulbrandsen said, "I'm thrilled. This will hopefully benefit students who are not even attending here yet. I know a lot of students who look back on their ninth- and 10th-grade years and regret not taking it more seriously. I'm hoping that through PIQE, this will not be the case."
On the student frontier, seniors are trying to raise as much money as possible for things like senior trip, Grad Night and, of course, college. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at LOHS to support a Safe and Sober Grad Night. Tickets are on sale for $5 each. Any support would be appreciated.
As for the other activities at LOHS, things seem to be at a stand-still. High school is like the weather lately. One day it is sunny and beautiful, and the next it is difficult to see beyond this overcast haze that many are trapped in. It is the perfect time for the sun to start shining and the most difficult time for seniors to stay focused.
Let us all cross our fingers and hope for a beautiful, sun-filled spring — preferably with a fast-forward button.
Melissa Anderson is a senior at Live Oak High School. Her column appears about every sixth week in Education.
