New Digital Media event adds competition
by Taylor Rogers
Every May, students in Digital Media have the opportunity to enter their creations in a national competition with the chance to win software and maybe even scholarships.
Events range from images to interactive media like video games. The top three entries are chosen for each category and Best of Show acts as first place.
According to Digital Media teacher Linda Greenwood, winners don’t have to do well academically to do well in the competition. “All sorts of students can win. I have had people that struggle in school that take best of show and blow people away with some of their creations,” she said. “Most of the time it’s people that are very passionate about what they do, and have realized that they actually have talent in this area that they didn’t know they possessed before.”
Traditional art skills are not necessary to make art on a computer. “With the digital components you don’t necessarily have to possess that skill, it really just comes together for you in the digital world,” Greenwood said.
Greenwood said that it “blows [her] away” when a student excels in an event. “It’s nothing that I did, these kids are amazing. Our school seems to have very highly talented students,” she said. “I just provide an avenue for them to find that talent and express it.”
The past few years the Davis High Digital Media program has brought home the Best of Show in the video category for five years in a row. This year they won Best of Show in Vector Graphics, as well as Stop Motion Animation.
The stop motion animation category was a result of the ideas of senior Zackary Snell. The event, which is now available to compete in around the nation, was added because Snell’s entry last year was “so creative,” according to Greenwood, that the judges devoted an entirely new category to the medium.
“Last year had less of a victorious feeling to it because I didn’t really have much competition,” Snell said. “This year, I actually had a challenge. Just to put it in perspective, I had an ‘evil nemesis’ to duel against this year, versus just defending the city where there’s the occasional crime.”
Quirky scholarship opportunities reach wide ranges of students
by Brady Webb
For many seniors, and even juniors and sophomores at Davis, thinking about college and scholarships can be stressful, and it can be fun, but it can be fun. Many organizations offer bizarre scholarships. Here are the Dart staff’s pics for the Top 5 Weirdest Scholarships that students can get their hands on:
5 – The Short and Tall Scholarship. The Little People of America Organization hands out each year scholarships from $1,000-$2,000 for unusually short people.
4 – The Average Person Scholarship. The satirical website CollegeHumor.com announced in 2011 they would start giving out two $5,000 dollar scholarships for the most average students who entered.
3 – Marble Shooting Scholarship. The National Marble Tournament gives out scholarships to kids between the ages of 7-14 that compete in a national marble tournament. The winners get a $7,500 scholarship to select colleges.
2 – The Peanut Butter Jelly Scholarship. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture gives out a $2,500 scholarship to the person who can make the most delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
1 – The Fire Sprinkler Scholarship. The American Fire Sprinkler Association gives out $20,000 a year to students that write a 5-page essay on the necessity of fire sprinklers and take a grueling 20 question quiz on the subject.
Davis Girls Golf Team Goes to State
by Daphne Kelly
Davis High’s 2013-2014 girls golf team is rounding out the season with a spot at regions, as well as state. Golf is a sport that differentiates from others because of the team and individual scores that attribute to an overall score, which determines whether or not a team wins.
Ashley Hail, sophomore, said, “I love this sport, you can’t go down, you have others to lift you up.” The mental aspect of golf is very important in order to be successful, lady darts have to have confidence in one another, as well as be committed to the game.
DHS’s team has become very close during the season, “I get to meet so many people being on Varsity, I feel like I am really on a team, and we all get along so well,” said Hail.
Ladies practice every day after school, whether it be putting on the drivers range, or putting a full 18 holes. Always working hard to become the best team of players possible. “All of the practice pays off when you’re at an actual tournament with players from all over and you get to showcase your best,” said Hail.
Author Chinualumongu Achebe Dies
by Hailee Smith
Chinualumongu Achebe, author of Things Fall Apart, No Longer At Ease, and volumes of collected poetry, died on March 21, 2013. He was born in Nigeria on November 16, 1930. In his life, he has written poetry, fiction, nonfiction and essays on colonisation and the clash of African traditions and western influences. His contribution to helping African culture becoming widely recognized and respected is unparalleled.
When Achebe was young, he was faced with choosing between his native African culture and embracing the impending Christian influence on his land. He converted to Christianity and was still highly involved with his Nigerian heritage. He went to the first University in Nigeria and, in his readings there, became critical of English literature about Africa.
All African literature at that time, Achebe believed, was unfairly written by people with no knowledge of African traditions or the culture. It was out of this belief that his first and most well-known novel, Things Fall Apart, was born. The novel was written as a response to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Achebe was offended by the novel and felt the need to give the world a work of fiction that accurately depicted African culture.
Achebe is considered the founder of African literature and dedicated his life to the development of Africa’s status as a culturally rich country. He is revered for his contribution to the literary world and a world of many cultures by bringing African culture the the forefront of the minds of literary scholars.
He would go on to teach African culture at American Universities, never giving up on his dream that someday the world would see Africa on the same level as the rest of the world. He died in Boston while employed at Brown University at age 82.
Great Gatsby Returns to Screens
by Brian Milligan and Hailee Smith
Music in the movie industry can go a long way. It has been used since the conception of the movie business as a tool to communicate a certain feeling or establish a specific mood. The 2013 remake film adaptation of the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald seems to bring an original twist to the movie/music world.
The Great Gatsby director, Baz Luhrmann, is known for his innovative alteration of stories. The contemporary director also created a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet (also starring Leonardo Dicaprio). In it, he used guns rather than swords but still referred to them as ‘swords’. Luhrmann also directed Moulin Rouge, which has its own eccentric lineup of music scenes. The unique and integrative soundtrack of The Great Gatsby will not come as a surprise to those familiar with Luhrmann’s work.
This film has taken a unique approach to music techniques with a mixture of 1920’s style (the time period in which the story takes place) as well as modern hip-hop. This interchange of musical time periods allows the audience to feel transformed into the 1920’s era while still being able to relate from a personal standpoint with the circumstances and society. The modern music created a feel for the edginess of the times whilst feeling taken back to an idealistic generation. Some of the most well-known musicians featured in this film are Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, Gotye, Fergie, Will.i.am, and Florence + The Machine.
The Great Gatsby, while musically new, was also visually stunning and followed the book in a way that will satisfy Fitzgerald fans and literature lovers. The iconic symbols and images in the novel are represented well in Luhrmann’s adaptation. From the green light on the dock to the clock on the mantel and all the way down to the valley of ashes, Luhrmann embraced Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in the book and projected it in his movie. The glamor of the gilded age depicted in the book is perfectly transferred to the big screen, but the underlying sadness that the age (and novel) evokes is not left out.
Girls 4×800 Team Takes Nationals
by Hailee Smith
Shea Martinez crossed the finish line where the rest of her teammates were waiting for her. As they looked at each other in amazement, the realization hit them that they were national champions. They had just won the 4×800 and become the third fastest high school girls team in the history of the United States and the fastest team to ever run that race from Utah. After months of preparation, they had made it to this two-minute race and given it their all. After this experience, they testify that hard work pays off.
On March seventh, seniors Shea Martinez, Joanna Boyd, Ellie Child and junior Taylor Cox went to New York to compete in the New Balance Nationals in the 800 meter.
“I feel successful. I feel accomplished,” said Boyd. “Obviously, that’s something not many people get to experience.”
The accomplishment by these four girls is one that they will remember throughout thier lives. after years of track and months of training for one specific two-minute race, they go down in history as national champions and All Americans.
“My mom was a runner and she always tells me stories like ‘I was an All American and a national champion,’ but now actually experiencing it, I can tell why she is still so proud of that. because that’s something that we’re going to be able to have forever,” said Cox.
The girls had been looking forward to that race since the beginning of the season when Coach Corbin Talley put it into their minds.
“A year prior to that meet we started thinking that we could maybe get to the nationals and do well and even thought there was a chance of winning,” said Talley.
In that year of training, the four girls were in cross country and made the switch to indoor track almost immediately after that season ended. Only four months prior to that, however, did they start training for that specific race.
“We did lots of workouts and training, and some girls were hurt along the way so they had to go to some physical therapy,” said Child.
The training was a struggle and every girl went through individual trials as they worked toward their common goal.
“We helped each other out,” said Shea. “It’s hard to stay focused at the end of the season.”
Boyd went through her own unique struggle at this time. “I was the slower out of the four,” she said. “So I knew my workouts had to be top level. My mindset was focused on getting faster.”
Through the struggles they all experienced, the girls grew stronger as a team. they encouraged each other to get better instead of competing against each other.
“As we’ve worked together, we’ve become way close,” said Cox. “We’ve all become good friends on the team and off the team as well.”
After these hardships and extensive training and workouts, they made it to New York to race.
“It was crazy. we were the underdogs going in so we weren’t supposed to win. but we kind of knew we were going to because of the times we had individually done,” said Shea. Pulling through and winning the race was a major accomplishment for them, especially being the underdogs going in. “It’s a big deal because the best of the best were at that meet so it was an honor being there and winning was really cool.”
The hard work they put in paid off as they gathered around the finish line and watched Shea run through, claiming their place in history as national champions.
“It helped me know that I can put my mind to something and accomplish it,” said Boyd.
Paramore Album Gets Positive Feedback
by Chase Webb
Paramore has released another album this spring, adding another awesome accomplishment to their repertoire.
As music slowly transitions to a mainly pop dominated industry, Paramore has found their niche. A slightly relaxing tone can be found mixed in the notes of their music without losing their edge, making them sound like no other band. In this album it seems the band has taken a different approach, an almost soothing rock vibe.
The band’s introductory song they released before the album, Now, reminds fans of what they are capable of and is filled with a power-pact chorus that gets the body moving. It’s reminiscent of past albums and fulfills any expectation given to them. Patrick Bowman, a writer for idolator.com, said “Nothing else on the album quite reaches the quivering bombast of Now.”
A vocally phenomenal song, in my opinion, is Last Hope, which is a ballad of sorts that shows off Hayley Williams’ range and sweet undertone. The lyrics are relatable and inspiring with phrases like “It’s not that I don’t feel the pain it’s just I’m not afraid of hurting anymore” and “Enough to keep me going.”
There are three interlude songs that completely change the tone of the album, that bring soft ukulele instrumentals and soothing vocals to the album, toning down the rock edge just enough to still fit in.
As if Paramore hadn’t proved themselves enough, they provide a song like Ain’t It Fun to completely blow any speculation out of the water. The chorus is almost reminiscent of an 80s like beat, and has lyrics that are easily followed. It shows Williams’ vocal ease and skill, proving that she’ll be around for years to come.
The Voice Review
by Emily Richardson
The road to becoming famous is a long, intense path, particularly in striving to become a musical artist. There are several television shows currently on-air that attempt to help singers make their way in the musical industry, like American Idol. One show that has stood out to me in particular is The Voice.
The Voice, which is currently in its fourth season, is a reality television singing competition. Contestants audition by giving a performance in which the judges cannot see them, only hear their voice. I think this show is very unique and a great change in this business.
Society places an astronomical amount of pressure on appearances, and The Voice cuts that out of the equation with their “blind auditions.” I love this because the judges are forced to pick and choose artists based on their voice alone, which is the way it should be.
One prospect that I think The Voice has over its rival television show American Idol is the contestants allowed on the show to audition. To intrigue their audience, American Idol purposely bring on contestants who think they are good but are truly horrible at singing, just to try and get a humorous reaction from their viewers. I find this to be ridiculous and unnecessarily humiliating. The Voice does it the right way by only allowing artists to audition if they have real talent.
While this show has the right idea of how vocalists should audition, it becomes a typical singing competition after the battle rounds, where contestants progress based strictly on America’s votes. The show tries to avoid artists making it in the music industry based on their looks, but they fail to do so when the power is put in America’s hands.
The music industry has been deteriorating as of late in my opinion. I love The Voice because I feel it is a step towards trying to recover it. It is focusing on the right things, giving people the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, but only if they have what it takes.
Post High School Plans
by Emily Richardson
Graduation brings on countless opportunities and new experiences like going on a mission or off to college. From a big picture standpoint, high school is a minor three years of life and the years after graduation can determine who you are going to be. Davis’s graduating class of 2013 has experienced a greater change in new opportunities than previous graduating classes with the announcement of the LDS church’s mission age change from 19 to 18 for boys, and 21 to 19 for girls. Now students find themselves splitting off in different directions, from a mission for the LDS church to college or work.
Mission:
The mission age change for the LDS church hit this year’s graduating class harder than anyone. In a dominantly LDS community, Davis has not only over 120 senior boys with mission calls, but also a couple senior girls.
“For the next year and a half I am going to put my religion ahead of schooling,” said senior Kayli Edgington, who will be departing for the England Leeds mission. “I will be prepared to go to college after my mission because I will have already been away from my family for so long.”
Going on a mission right after graduation can be helpful for college in several ways. “It helps you study and learn how to learn,” said senior Tanner Garrett, who will be leaving for the Canada Montreal mission on June 12. “[Going on a mission] can be a deficit to my knowledge with school, but with everything there’s good and bad, and I want to share my testimony.”
Along with schooling, a mission can also help decide plans beyond two years. Senior Chase Cragun, who will be going to the Dominican Republic mission said that, “[missionaries] come back and they know what they want to do. I think a mission will help me figure out what I want to do when I’m older.”
School:
A common thing for high school seniors has always been to go off to college-with Utah State, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University, and Brigham Young University all being ranked among the best colleges in the Western U.S. Although college is not as popular of a choice this year with the mission age change, it still seems to be in the majority.
“You get the experience to move out and be independent [with college],” said senior Rebecca McKinnon, who will be attending BYU this summer. “Education is important, especially with the economy. You have to get an education and better job to be able to sustain yourself.”
College also allows quicker access to employment. “By going to school, you can earn money sooner and not be a burden on other people. You can provide for your family and not rely on others as much,” said senior Michelle Meyers, who will attend LDS Business College in the fall.
Work:
One not as common, but still great option is to work and earn money after high school. Whether it’s to earn money for schooling or a mission later on, or to dive into a new job, students also find this to be an alternative.
Senior Jaden Foust said that he is “taking an extra couple months to work and save up money. It is no better or worse than going on a mission [or college].” Working right out of high school can give you skills that you may not get anywhere else.
“You get good work ethics and learn to be a hard worker, with a good resume,” said senior Sydney Barker, who will be going this fall to China to teach English. “I chose to do something adventurous and fun. I have been going to school for about 12 years and I want to do something I love to do and will benefit me in my future career.”
Annual Moonlight Serenade Has 1500 Performers
by Chase Webb
The Moonlight Serenade has been around for over two decades, but only since Steven Hendricks, Band Director, has it been such a prominent event at the school, rather than a small scale band event.
Each spring the commons area is laced with decorative foliage and banners, advertising the Moonlight Serenade for the students of Davis High. Moonlight spans three nights and supplies dinner, dancing, and singing. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication by students, who are expected to learn seventy songs, but only play about forty of them during the actual performances.
A ton of preparation is put into Moonlight with ticket sales set up, and a five course meal, both being planned a month in advance. An estimated 1500 people were performed for this year including the Senior Gala on Wednesday.
Hendricks tells students that “they will have a fantastic time if they love swing era music and like to dance.” A fad of throwbacks has hit Davis High, and it’s no wonder why the event is so popular. There is something fun and exciting to students about living in the past, and it shows in the excitement of Moonlight. As for the adults and seniors that attend it’s an ode to their past, an opportunity to relive their memories.
Hendricks takes pride in delivering the Moonlight Serenade to the area. “For me it is a gift to the community and a way to keep this amazing music alive.” As the school year ends and with yet another Serenade under his belt, Hendricks will continue its legacy. “Moonlight Serenade will exist as long as I am at Davis, and I hope for years afterward.”
