No bearded ladies or contortionists but one huge night to remember: Merit Academy had their first prom with a vintage circus theme. Even though there was no elephant, it was a great night. It was held at Bridge Academy, a beautifully renovated art studio in Provo. The location, a hall with a vintage feel, adorned with red and gold, freshman Eli Allen as DJ playing the tunes, the night was a mix of dancing, fun, and romance.
Prom royalty was chosen from the court of five boys and five girls as voted on by Merit students. Seniors Madison Reece and Haeleigh Royall, along with juniors Sarah Ascraft, Katelyn Boyer and Anne Marie Gallagher stood with seniors Skyler Harmon, Spencer Munson and Tom Rawle, and juniors Larson Ashcraft and Cory Foster to make up the 2009 Prom Court.
At 10:00, after much anticipation, the king and queen were announced—Spencer Munson and Sarah Ashcraft. “Oh being prom queen was just fantastic and perfect because my date was prom King. It was great dancing the night away with my best friends. It was such a great night,” said Sarah. While Spencer, also delighted in being prom king, said, “Being prom king was just so fun. It just made me feel so loved by all my friends.” Spencer and Sarah danced to “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, a song well known by Merit students!
The dance began at 8:00, but Merit students proved that they prefer to be fashionably late. Juniors Genna Mathes and Katie Boyer were the first two girls to arrive. Rather than being bored, Genna and Katie made the best of it. Katie said, “It was slightly intimidating at first, but then Genna and I heated things up and danced like it was nobody’s business. It was awesome. I am super glad I went.”
Prom was one hard event to plan. Anne- Marie and Sarah worked for months to plan this perfect night. Anne-Marie recapped that experience saying, “Prom was a lot of work and it took the amazing help of our volunteers and student government to make our first prom as great as it was. I felt really accomplished seeing everyone there and having fun.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Summer Events in Utah
Dane Cook--May 21
No Doubt with Paramore--May 23
Taking Back Sunday Concert--May 27
"Singing in the Rain"--May-August
REO Speedwagon and Styx--May 30
"West Side Story"--June 11-13
Viva Salt Lake--June 6
Boys Like Girls--July 7
American Idol Live! Tour--July 14
Incubus--July 16
The Fray with Jack's Mannequin--July 18
Nickelback--August 26
Dave Matthews Band--September 1
No Doubt with Paramore--May 23
Taking Back Sunday Concert--May 27
"Singing in the Rain"--May-August
REO Speedwagon and Styx--May 30
"West Side Story"--June 11-13
Viva Salt Lake--June 6
Boys Like Girls--July 7
American Idol Live! Tour--July 14
Incubus--July 16
The Fray with Jack's Mannequin--July 18
Nickelback--August 26
Dave Matthews Band--September 1
Summer Events at Merit
Bonfire at the Lake--May 23
Movie Nights--TBD
Dive-in (movie and swimming)--TBD
Bowling--June 9
Yard Sale--June 13
Hiking--June 18
Arcade Night--June 23
Driving Range--June 30
Park/Water Activities--July 7
Car Wash--July 3, July 17, July 27
"Singing in the Rain" (starring Mrs. Smith)--TBD
Grand Opening of Merit Academy's new building--TBD
See: www.meritevents.blogspot.com for more detailed information and updates
Email: meritevents@gmail.com to get on a mailing list for reminders and new information
Movie Nights--TBD
Dive-in (movie and swimming)--TBD
Bowling--June 9
Yard Sale--June 13
Hiking--June 18
Arcade Night--June 23
Driving Range--June 30
Park/Water Activities--July 7
Car Wash--July 3, July 17, July 27
"Singing in the Rain" (starring Mrs. Smith)--TBD
Grand Opening of Merit Academy's new building--TBD
See: www.meritevents.blogspot.com for more detailed information and updates
Email: meritevents@gmail.com to get on a mailing list for reminders and new information
Basketball--Jessica Foster and John Southworth
This year, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams proved that even though they were a first year program, that they are a growing force.
The girls’ team ended their season with a record of five wins and eight losses. Sophomore Obnette Woodward said of being on the team, “It was awesome I loved it. I got in shape. Our coaches weren’t overly strict, so we had a great time and still learned a lot from them.” Kelsey Fletcher, sophomore, added, “It was a fun season because of how the team played well together and got along to help everyone had the fun of going to the tournament.” Despite a rough road as a first year team and a losing record, the girls felt successful as they improved their skills and had a lot of fun playing together.
The boys’ team ended their season with a record of eight wins and ten losses. One of the biggest takeaways for the boys was the feeling that they all grew as a team and as individual players. Carver Davis, sophomore commented on the extensive training they went through saying, “Even though we had to run I’m glad; now I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Thanks to stellar coaches, Chris O’Neil and Rob Durant, the team kept growing in number as more boys wanted on the team throughout the season. Freshman Kyle Dwiggins said of his experience: “The coaches were great! I learned a lot from them.”
Everyone on both teams agreed that they played hard and had a lot of fun doing it.
The girls’ team ended their season with a record of five wins and eight losses. Sophomore Obnette Woodward said of being on the team, “It was awesome I loved it. I got in shape. Our coaches weren’t overly strict, so we had a great time and still learned a lot from them.” Kelsey Fletcher, sophomore, added, “It was a fun season because of how the team played well together and got along to help everyone had the fun of going to the tournament.” Despite a rough road as a first year team and a losing record, the girls felt successful as they improved their skills and had a lot of fun playing together.
The boys’ team ended their season with a record of eight wins and ten losses. One of the biggest takeaways for the boys was the feeling that they all grew as a team and as individual players. Carver Davis, sophomore commented on the extensive training they went through saying, “Even though we had to run I’m glad; now I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Thanks to stellar coaches, Chris O’Neil and Rob Durant, the team kept growing in number as more boys wanted on the team throughout the season. Freshman Kyle Dwiggins said of his experience: “The coaches were great! I learned a lot from them.”
Everyone on both teams agreed that they played hard and had a lot of fun doing it.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Experience in the Portables--Chelsea Allen
While grateful for the use of the portables, Merit Academy students and faculty are ready for their own building. At the beginning of the school year, Merit jumped from place to place while the portables were being arranged. From Hobble Creek, to UVU and to the Marriott, everyone is happy to finally be settled at one location.
Class in the portables is different from public schools, but we make the most of the small rooms. Inside of every room is an array of tables, chairs and a large white board. Jossalyn Jensen, a Junior, said, “It can be a very interesting experience, It's a little harder to have class in portables, but when you go outside to go to your next class, it's nice to get some fresh air instead of being inside all day.”
With many classes that already use all the portables, students have the choice between eating lunch in the portables or risking the weather and eating outside. Teachers will be even more appreciative of the new building that will include a nice, large lunchroom. Mrs. Hunt said, “The portable's carpets are the ultimate lunch menu, they have every nutrient possible on and smashed in them.”
The portables have, however, been used not only for school but for activities afterwards. Every so often, a movie night is held in Ms. Meyerson's and Mrs. Ballard's portable. The ______ dance was held in Mr. Pyeatt's and Mrs. Reber's portable. Merit Academy's fund raiser carnival was also held in several portables. Mr. Emory naturally took advantage of the portables by pulling pranks on just about every teacher at Merit and put broken fire detectors in abnormal places in other portables. Teachers and students searched every inch of the rooms to find the source of the loud beeping noise. All of these activities were very successful and not to mention fun.
With a whole year of school experience in the portables, Merit's students and faculty will look back on those memories and be very grateful for the building. Mr. Brady said, “Portables are like your middle school girlfriends, you never miss them.” But until then, Merit will do it's best to have as much fun as possible in the portables.
Class in the portables is different from public schools, but we make the most of the small rooms. Inside of every room is an array of tables, chairs and a large white board. Jossalyn Jensen, a Junior, said, “It can be a very interesting experience, It's a little harder to have class in portables, but when you go outside to go to your next class, it's nice to get some fresh air instead of being inside all day.”
With many classes that already use all the portables, students have the choice between eating lunch in the portables or risking the weather and eating outside. Teachers will be even more appreciative of the new building that will include a nice, large lunchroom. Mrs. Hunt said, “The portable's carpets are the ultimate lunch menu, they have every nutrient possible on and smashed in them.”
The portables have, however, been used not only for school but for activities afterwards. Every so often, a movie night is held in Ms. Meyerson's and Mrs. Ballard's portable. The ______ dance was held in Mr. Pyeatt's and Mrs. Reber's portable. Merit Academy's fund raiser carnival was also held in several portables. Mr. Emory naturally took advantage of the portables by pulling pranks on just about every teacher at Merit and put broken fire detectors in abnormal places in other portables. Teachers and students searched every inch of the rooms to find the source of the loud beeping noise. All of these activities were very successful and not to mention fun.
With a whole year of school experience in the portables, Merit's students and faculty will look back on those memories and be very grateful for the building. Mr. Brady said, “Portables are like your middle school girlfriends, you never miss them.” But until then, Merit will do it's best to have as much fun as possible in the portables.
Movie Review--Chelsea Allen
From the director that brought us 28 Days Later and Memento, Danny Boyle gives us a new thrilling and exciting adventure. Slumdog Millionaire surely deserves it's Academy award for best picture. Because of its different and new camera work, superb acting, awesome soundtrack and moving story, this really is the must see movie of the year.
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik an 18 year old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, India, who is about to win 20 million rupees on India's versian of "Who Wants To be A Millionaire." But when the show ends for the night, he is arrested on suspicion of cheating and to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the police his life story. Each chapter in his story reveals how he learned the answers to the questions. So why is this young man, who has no apparent desire for riches, on the game show? When the show returns the next day and Jamal is asked the final question, the police and sixty million viewers are about to find out.
A congratulations must be said for the actors of the film, who were believable and never broke character. Even a few of them, young Salim (Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail) and young Latika (Rubina Ali), really live in the slums of India. Dev Patel who plays Jamal, Freida Pinto who plays Latika, Madhur Mittal who plays Salim and Anil Kapoor who plays Prem Kumar the host of India's “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” were very true to their character and made the movie even more enjoyable.
Adding together the acting, music you get the wonderful story of Slumdog Millionaire. This is one movie that would be a great addition to a collection of classics, one movie that is a must see and a must have. It is rated R for violence, disturbing images and language. But do not let that turn you away, order it from CleanFlix if you have to. You don't have to be a genius to see that this is a great movie.
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik an 18 year old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, India, who is about to win 20 million rupees on India's versian of "Who Wants To be A Millionaire." But when the show ends for the night, he is arrested on suspicion of cheating and to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the police his life story. Each chapter in his story reveals how he learned the answers to the questions. So why is this young man, who has no apparent desire for riches, on the game show? When the show returns the next day and Jamal is asked the final question, the police and sixty million viewers are about to find out.
A congratulations must be said for the actors of the film, who were believable and never broke character. Even a few of them, young Salim (Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail) and young Latika (Rubina Ali), really live in the slums of India. Dev Patel who plays Jamal, Freida Pinto who plays Latika, Madhur Mittal who plays Salim and Anil Kapoor who plays Prem Kumar the host of India's “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” were very true to their character and made the movie even more enjoyable.
Adding together the acting, music you get the wonderful story of Slumdog Millionaire. This is one movie that would be a great addition to a collection of classics, one movie that is a must see and a must have. It is rated R for violence, disturbing images and language. But do not let that turn you away, order it from CleanFlix if you have to. You don't have to be a genius to see that this is a great movie.
Hallways--Jossalyn Jensen
The “hallways” of Merit College Preparatory Academy are extremely unique and have hosted a number of activities during Merit’s first year.
For starters, the “hallways” are outdoor because our classrooms are portable due to the fact that our school was still being built while we studied and learned (or at least attended school) on site. Sometimes you had to be careful when walking to your next class because of a football that might happen to fly your way from the hands of our many sports lovers who enjoyed practicing their skills during school hours. Or the object to dodge might be a snowball when Utah winter weather was predictable or Utah spring weather was predictably unpredictable. Sometimes lacrosse was played during lunch by our lacrosse fans. Rugby balls were also common due to the large number of rugby players from the local team that attend our school.
However, dodging balls is not the only activity that happens in Merit’s “hallways.” The “hallways” have also been the site of school fundraisers, parties, dances, random tackles between our energetic male freshman, hanging out with friends, waiting for parents to pick up, and the show of affection by certain students that happen to be in relationships. Some students even brought bikes or scooters.
A more common mode of transportation however was longboards and skateboards. Overall students really enjoyed the atmosphere of our “hallways” and the “chill” way in which we can all interact without having to feel cramped and claustrophobic. Sometimes our “hallways” were empty during lunch because of a foot of frozen H2O that was never scraped off after weeks of the snow that never stopped falling or maybe a spring day that started off beautiful and sunny then turned bone chillingly windy or sometimes even snowy. This caused sophomore John Southworth to complain about the day that “there was a blizzard and [he] had to get lunch in the storm.” Junior Aubrey Royall also complained about some of her experiences saying, “It was freezing and we had to walk to class. It sucked.”
Despite the complaints, overall everyone enjoyed our hallways even if it’s just because you can get a breath of fresh air before going to your next class. Our outdoor hallways also served as our gym, hosting PE activities. Some activities that students like sophomore John Southworth liked to do in Merit’s “hallways” were “talking to friends and eating lunch when the weather is good.” Junior Chelsea Allen added, “When you go into the hallways and you see everyone around, it makes the atmosphere feel more like a school.” Freshman Asher Chapman contributed that his favorite part of the atmosphere is that “everybody is nice.” The most common descriptions of Merit hallways are: Big, busy, hot and cold, muddy, large, natural, outdoorsy, and chill. In response to a question asking what he enjoyed about our hallways, sophomore Carver Davis said, “I like it. It’s open and I can go out and get fresh air.”
Most students really liked our school, its atmosphere, and our “hallways” and many are planning to attend next year even though our hallways will be real.
For starters, the “hallways” are outdoor because our classrooms are portable due to the fact that our school was still being built while we studied and learned (or at least attended school) on site. Sometimes you had to be careful when walking to your next class because of a football that might happen to fly your way from the hands of our many sports lovers who enjoyed practicing their skills during school hours. Or the object to dodge might be a snowball when Utah winter weather was predictable or Utah spring weather was predictably unpredictable. Sometimes lacrosse was played during lunch by our lacrosse fans. Rugby balls were also common due to the large number of rugby players from the local team that attend our school.
However, dodging balls is not the only activity that happens in Merit’s “hallways.” The “hallways” have also been the site of school fundraisers, parties, dances, random tackles between our energetic male freshman, hanging out with friends, waiting for parents to pick up, and the show of affection by certain students that happen to be in relationships. Some students even brought bikes or scooters.
A more common mode of transportation however was longboards and skateboards. Overall students really enjoyed the atmosphere of our “hallways” and the “chill” way in which we can all interact without having to feel cramped and claustrophobic. Sometimes our “hallways” were empty during lunch because of a foot of frozen H2O that was never scraped off after weeks of the snow that never stopped falling or maybe a spring day that started off beautiful and sunny then turned bone chillingly windy or sometimes even snowy. This caused sophomore John Southworth to complain about the day that “there was a blizzard and [he] had to get lunch in the storm.” Junior Aubrey Royall also complained about some of her experiences saying, “It was freezing and we had to walk to class. It sucked.”
Despite the complaints, overall everyone enjoyed our hallways even if it’s just because you can get a breath of fresh air before going to your next class. Our outdoor hallways also served as our gym, hosting PE activities. Some activities that students like sophomore John Southworth liked to do in Merit’s “hallways” were “talking to friends and eating lunch when the weather is good.” Junior Chelsea Allen added, “When you go into the hallways and you see everyone around, it makes the atmosphere feel more like a school.” Freshman Asher Chapman contributed that his favorite part of the atmosphere is that “everybody is nice.” The most common descriptions of Merit hallways are: Big, busy, hot and cold, muddy, large, natural, outdoorsy, and chill. In response to a question asking what he enjoyed about our hallways, sophomore Carver Davis said, “I like it. It’s open and I can go out and get fresh air.”
Most students really liked our school, its atmosphere, and our “hallways” and many are planning to attend next year even though our hallways will be real.
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