While the mere mention of the stock market gives many adults ulcers, six students from Spanish Fork Junior High have gone into the world of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and have come out winners. Ethan Williams, Luis Acevedo, and Wyatt Evans made up a team that took first in the state Junior High division, out of 210 teams. Bethany Bramall, Lexi Call, and Melanie Vergara were the team that took 5th.
Choir Concert presented by
Spanish Fork Jr. High Men’s Chorus and Women’s Chorus
Conducted by Sharon Hopkins and Assisted by Michelle Jenson
Men’s and Women’s Chorus had been preparing for this night since August and the evening had finally arrived. Now they could share with their family and friends all that they had learned. The first song was all about football. The students had football jerseys on and pomp poms. Mrs. Hopkins wore a blue and orange wig. When the song was over Mrs. Hopkins exclaimed that they were confused; that this wasn’t a football game, but a choir concert. The students took off their jerseys and took their place on the risers: the men with ties on and the women in black skirts. Each choir had a couple upbeat, fun songs and then softer meaningful songs. Women’s chorus surprised the audience by passing out lollipops after singing, complete with choreography, one of their favorite songs “Lollipop.” Men’s chorus impressed us all with their performance of “My Wild Irish Rose” dressed as gentle-hearted pirates. Many students performed solos such as: Chelsea Stamm on violin, Brandon Baum, Thomas Fullmer, and Alyssa Unsworth, and special guest Sarah Inciato on violin. We even had a quick wedding (played by Zack Valenzuela and Meagan Christensen) that ended quickly with “Picking a Bale of Cotton.” Mrs. Hopkins reminded her students that they were each a shooting star and that now was their time to shine in the world. Stars decorated the cafeteria as well as twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling. It was an inspiring musical evening for all! Good Job Women’s Chorus and Men’s Chorus!
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Now showing at the Peteetneet School in Payson is the Nebo School District Art Show. This exhibit runs through February, giving all a chance to check out the entries from students at Spanish Fork Jr. High School. The following students have exhibits in the Art Show, Katelyn Gallacher, Kelsie Christensen, Nathaniel Goodman, Bethany Wride, Malea Uresk, Shawnee Argyle, Bryce Bingham, Kell Jensen, Kayla Krause, Trevor Ricks, Jennifer Clark, and Alexa Baker. Their art teacher, Mr. Millman, is very proud of his students and invites everyone to visit the exhibit.
Last November Will Bass, working on his Eagle Scout Award, and the National Junior Honor Society at Spanish Fork Junior High School began a project to supply emergency kits for each classroom. The kits provide essential needs for students in case of a long term lock-down situation or evacuation.
School winners around the country, including Tanner, will now take a written test to be eligible to compete in the state Geographic Bee on April 9, 2010. State winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Geographic Bee and a chance for a $25,000 scholarship.
Joe Anson was awarded the Crystal Apple Award recently at Spanish Fork Jr. High School. Joe is a talented and dedicated teacher who is very deserving of an honor such as this. Mr. Anson has been teaching for ten years, all of which have been at SFJH. His education began at B.Y.U where he earned a BA in English Teaching. While teaching and raising a family, Joe earned his Masters of Education degree from Utah State University, and has plans to pursue a PhD soon.
Joe’s is currently teaching ninth-grade Honor’s English and seventh-grade English. His past teaching experience includes eighth-grade English, regular ninth-grade English, Creative Writing, Spanish 1, and ESL. Among his many other responsibilities, Joe is currently serving as a teacher consultant on the Central Utah Writing Project.
Congratulations go out to Mr. Anson!
Thirteen 8th grade students recently represented Spanish Fork Jr. High School in the American Mathematics Competition. They were Tyler Averett, Chandler Bennett, Kirtlyn Bohling, Daniel Chowdhry, Meagan Christensen, Westley Cook, Joshua Cowley, Taylor Hansen, Devere Morris, Suzanne Rhodes, Holly Roberts, Rachel Sly, and Natalie Wixom. The national average for the contest was 12.2. Spanish Fork Jr. High’s average was also 12.2.
Spanish Fork Jr. High School teachers are very committed to helping students achieve high levels of learning. Each and every day teachers work with students towards achieving goals that lead to the highest levels of learning possible. But, teachers at the Jr. High have other “hidden” talents, as well. In November students were treated to a talent show assembly where teachers shared a variety of talents with the student body.
Among the performances enjoyed was Vice Principal, David Huff, playing a moving patriotic number with his nose flute and a painting done by Art teacher, David Millman. Guitar solos from Science teacher, Richard Trimble and one from Vice Principal, Mark Bake thrilled the audience. Among the favorite performances were the opening acts of Guitar Hero performed by several teachers, highlighting Science teacher, Shane Waters on the guitar and Math teacher, Cory Morgan, singing. Music teacher, Sharon Hopkins was joined by Trevor Hopkins and Band teacher, Jill Elliot performing, “Don’t Let it go to Your Head.” The three of them had the audience singing and dancing, completely rocking out with them and enjoying the number!
A great time was had by students and the faculty as fun let loose, proving that not only does Spanish Fork Jr. High School have teachers and staff committed to high levels of learning, but they also have a well-rounded faculty full of all types of talent.