urr engal theb ps’Lewiston High School Lewiston, Idaho Nov. 5, 2013 Vol. 87 No.1.2

lauren reitzsenior editor

Each year, when spring rolled around, juniors began their long journey into the realm of senior projects, accompanied only by their assigned senior mentors. This jour-ney, which became a graduation require-ment during the 2011-2012 school year, proved to be a daunting task for those who struggled in choosing their topics. Some students, however, pondered possible topic ideas since junior high as in the case of se-nior, Alexis Shriver. “My presentation is going to be on the psy-chological effects of cancer within the fami-ly,” Shriver explained. This topic held certain sentimental value to Shriver, whose aunt passed away from cancer when she was in sixth grade. “I always kind of knew it’s what I wanted my senior project to be,” she remembered, “even in junior high.” Senior projects consisted of four basic

components set to be completed through-out the year: the research paper, field expe-rience, portfolio and presentation. Along with field experience, faculty expected stu-dents to spend at least 15 hours of hands-on experience pertaining to their topic. “I donated my hair once, through Locks of Love,” Shriver recalled, “and that’s how I thought I’d get my hours.” Shriver’s original goal stood at 100 people to donate 8 inches of hair through a pro-gram called Beautiful Lengths, sponsored by Pantene; however, her goal changed when reality hit. “It’s kind of crazy how many people value the length of their hair,” Shriver explained the difficulty of trying to rally girls and women throughout the community to do-nate; in order to create one wig, ten pony-tails are required. Despite the struggle to obtain enough donations, quite a few peo-

ple expressed their interest in donating to Shriver. “A lot of my family members and family friends said they’d do it with me,” she said. Shriver also planned to fulfill her hours by joining forces with the LHS crochet club to make hats and prayer shawls for cancer pa-tients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. In choosing her topic, Shriver was careful to find a way to make hers stand out from the rest of the seniors’ cancer-related proj-ects. “That’s why I went with Beautiful Lengths,” she explained, “because it’s not as well-known...and you only have to donate 8 inches [minimum], instead of 10, which is required through Locks of Love.” Shriver’s decision to study the psycholog-ical effects cancer has on patients’ families also stemmed from personal experience. After her aunt’s passing-- a result of lung

cancer that spread throughout her body-- Shriver’s uncle remarried. “That’s why I wanted to study the psycho-logical aspect of [cancer]…,” she elaborat-ed, “just how that affected my family. Some people don’t focus on that, they just focus on the patient.” In order to write a research paper that properly portrays the psychological aspects of cancer, Shriver said she plans to conduct interviews with community members who have experienced life with a cancer patient. “A lot of people have contacted me al-ready,” she said, “and it’s interesting how many people have cancer in their families and want to share their stories with me.” While the topic Shriver chose brings with it a somber air, she remained positive and passionate. “It’s really cool because you can tell your side and then compare stories.”

Students lose hair over senior projects

Foreign exchange students adjust to new surroundings

Q: What is your favorite part about LHS?A:The students and teachers are so kind to me; I really enjoy school!

-Josh Sopon U Amnauy, Thailand

Q:What do you miss the most about home?

A: I don’t miss that much. I am just enjoying being here!

-Solho Lee, Korea

Q: What was the hardest part about coming to America?A: Leaving my family to come to a country where I didn’t know the language and live with people I didn’t know.-Millena Kondo, Brazil

Q: What is your least favorite part?A: My least favorite part is all of the home-work that we get.

-Chanjae Yu, South Korea

Ten foreign exchange students currently attend LHS including, Pedro Fonseca from Brazil, Timo Ivanda from Germany, Millena Kondo from Brazil, Solho Lee from Korea, Josh Sopon U Amnauy from Thailand, Azis Toktobaev from Kyrgyzstan, Donat Unger from Hungary, Martin Vidlicka from Slovakia, Yossathon Worakulchai from Thailand and Chanjae Yu from Korea.