Face Mask Remedies

Hey everyone!

Lately, I've been overwhelmed with homework and lots of late nights staying up with not much sleep, which I'm pretty sure we all have been through these situations. They say this can cause breakouts, and I've explored products and natural remedies that can make your face feel fresh and dirt-free from pores. Using a face mask once a week is a good habit to start doing regularly. 

These face masks from Target which range from $2-$5 can last you about a use of three times. I personally enjoyed the deep sea mud mask "replenishing" one the best because it has this refreshing feeling once I wash it off. The peel-off mask is very sticky with a gel-like texture. It dries up once lathered and becomes easy to peel off. A weird feeling at first, but it made my skin feel smooth! 

I recently purchased this product from Urban Outfitters for $10, and can't wait to try it! When I find a product that is reasonably priced with great quality, then I stick to it! 

Also, instead of purchasing products, there are many things in your home that you can use. Mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water will help remove dry skin and exfoliate your face. From my own experience, skin gets dry, especially in the winter season. 

I hope this is helpful! School and homework can take up much of your time, but it's winter break, and taking care of your skin is important. 

Peace,

Karissa 

5 New Year's Resolutions: High School Student Edition

Hello, all! With 2016 coming quickly, it could only mean one thing: New Year's resolutions! Here are a few resolutions for you all as high school students that will help you finish off this first semester and the rest of the school year right.

1. Work towards those A's.
With finals coming up, starting off 2016 with the mindset of passing all your classes is the first step. Everybody is capable of passing all their classes. Seeing those A's on your final report card will not only put a smile on your face, but also your parents' and college admission officers for when you apply.

2. Plan accordingly!
This could be hard, with going to school for 6+ hours, then sports and other extracurriculars, then hours of homework. And don't forget getting a full night's sleep! Making a plan to complete all on your schedule is an essential resolution for a high school student's new year. Building this habit will also pay off in the future!

3. Eat healthy.
This may be odd, but having a great diet will help you feel good, physically and mentally. Trade in those Hot Cheetos and Sprite for some trail mix and lemonade or water. Your brain and body will thank you. 

4. Take up something new.
Join a sport you've never done before. Join a new club that you've been interested in but never took the chance at. You could meet new friends and maybe even find out something about yourself that you never knew! It also looks good on your college and job applications in the future. But also look at #2: remember to plan accordingly when adding something new to your schedule.

5. Stop procrastinating! 
Okay, this is easier said than done. Procrastination has gotten the best of us. How often have you underestimated how much time it will take to get something done? Then, the night before your 10 page essay that you haven't even started on, you realize you don’t have the time to do your best. Usually, this doesn’t turn out so well. Starting and finishing a project early will help you build a habit that will be extremely helpful to you throughout life.

I hope you all take these into consideration. See you all after break, Royals!

Diana

Holiday Cookies

Hey everyone!

I did some baking over winter break and you can't go wrong with cookies! Unfortunately, they didn't turn out Pinterest perfect, but they are delicious. I used cookie mix from Target and followed quick and easy steps, but if you have a Kitchen Aid mixer, then I would definitely recommend making your own cookie mix.

Also, try to use buttercream frosting! Something different than vanilla, and also tasty!

Peace,



Karissa

Holiday Playlist!

Hello, Royals! I hope you all are enjoying this last, blissful week of school before break. As you know, Christmas is right around the corner (10 more days?! so crazy.) and with the holiday season comes amazing holiday music! Here are 10 songs chosen by our very own editors that you can add to your playlist.

"White Christmas" by Michael Buble
As you may or may not know, Michael Buble is the Christmas Music Veteran, with over 5 holiday albums! "White Christmas" is one of the songs on his 2011 album "Christmas".
 
"This Christmas" by Chris Brown
This romantic soulful classic is from the movie with the same name released in 2007. Highly recommend if you like to listen to some old Chris Brown.

"Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber
This amazing single is just one of many incredible tracks from Justin's "Under the Mistletoe" album.

"Mary Did You Know" by Pentatonix
The acapella group's "PTXmas" album includes many Christmas classics, with a few twists, including "Mary Did You Know".

"Baby, Its Cold Outside" by Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton
A little old school, but this song released by two soul singing legends is highly recommended!

"Someday At Christmas" by Stevie Wonder
This must-have by the amazing Stevie Wonder is relaxing and romantic.

"Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" by Dean Martin
Very family friendly and nostalgic!

"Let It Snow" by Aaron Neville
Also a long-time classic, perfect for when snow (hopefully) falls.

"What Christmas Means To Me" by Stevie Wonder
Another Stevie Wonder Christmas hit (why not?) will put you right in the festive Christmas spirit!

"All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey
And the all-time classic by the Mariah Carey herself. This ultimate track is a must-have for your playlist.

I hope you enjoy these songs. If you have any more recommendations, comment them below! Have a wonderful rest of your week and stay safe this holiday season.

Diana

Movies to Watch Before The New Year!

Hey everyone!

Movies are a great way to get out and relax with friends and family. Step aside from all that homework and stress from school. We always need a break and a day to chill!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

This film which releases December 18, 2015 in theaters, will take you back to the galaxy! For you Star Wars fans, it is a must-see. If you love action-packed adventures like myself, then try catching this film. And the epic series says, "Let the force be with you."

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

The film that most of us have been waiting for. Those who have read the novels are dying to see the ending come to screen. Katniss Everdeen is back to bring the final chapter. It is sad that this will be the last film, but we are definitely excited to see it! Don't miss out as! It is out in theaters today. 

Grab some popcorn, and don't forget, turn off or silence your cell-phones; we all need a break from that too.




Peace,

Karissa

Winter Sports!

Hey there, Royals. As you know, winter sports are now up and running. Our very own Royals are doing amazing so far in Girls' and Boys' Basketball, Boys' Swim, Wrestling, and Girls' Gymnastics.
Make sure you go out and support the athletes during their games and meets! If you aren't sure when the game events are, there are many ways to find out. First, just check out the daily bulletin that's sent to all student and staff email every day. You can also check spsl.org, where you can see upcoming events and KM's rankings in individual sports.
Keep up the great work, Royal athletes! And have a wonderful week!

Diana

December 17th from 6-9PM, AN exciting event will be happening at the olympic SCULPTURE park. 
SAM Lights is suitable for all ages, free and open to the public
specifics
-APPRECIATE LIGHTS AND LUMINARIAS LIGHTING THE PARK

 

-PARTICIPATE IN DIY PROJECTS SUCH AS LANTERN MAKING, NECKLACE MAKING, ILLUMINATED SILHOUETTE MAKING AND MANY MORE

-SEATTLE'S POP BANDS WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING SO YOU CAN LISTEN TO MUSIC

AND IF YOU ARE HUNGRY, THERE WILL BE FOOD TRUCKS SO YOU CAN GRAB A BITE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

WE KNOW HOW STRESSFUL SCHOOL CAN BE AT TIMES ESPECIALLY AS WE APPROACH THE END OF THE SEMESTER. SO HERE IS SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING TO DO WITH LOVED ONES. 

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, ROYALS!

All information and images obtained from (http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/lights)

Written by Imane Ayaba

How to Stay Awake during Class!

Hey there, Royals. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and got to spend valuable time with friends and family! As we go back to school for three more weeks until the long-awaited winter break, it can be hard to keep your mind in school. And as the days get shorter and shorter, it might be even harder to stay awake in class! Here are a few helpful tips to keep alert and stay awake during class.

1. Shower in the morning!
This might be strange, but a hot shower in the morning will wake you right up. Plus, your classmates and teachers will thank you.


2. Eat a nutritious breakfast.
This can be hard, especially when you might not have the time to whip up a delicious meal of bacon and eggs, but even if you grab something small, make sure it is healthy. Also do not eat anything with too much sugar, especially artificial! Sugar will give you a short energy boost followed by a long descent into sleepiness. Try proteins and carbs. Toast with peanut butter, fruit yogurt, or even a small portion of leftovers from the night before like fish are great to keep your energy lasting. My favorite is Greek yogurt with strawberries. It's easy to put together and you can even take it to go. A healthy breakfast will also fill you up until lunch so you aren't starving by 3rd period. You also may want to grab some coffee to get that extra, but studies show that caffeine isn't recommended for young teens and adults. It also will cause you to crash after a few hours. Try tea or hot water before you leave for you school.

3. Chew gum.
Bring a fresh pack of minty gum that will keep your energy up in class. The mint will keep you refreshed and the act of chewing will assure that you keep moving, even if it's only your jaw. Plus, who doesn't love gum?

4. Keep moving!
Shaking your foot or tapping your pencil on a hard surface are small movements that can keep your blood flow running through your body, which can help you stay awake. Interesting tip: tug on your earlobes. It “wakes up” those muscles, returning blood to those areas and reinvigorating your blood circulation.

5. Bring a small snack.
This will be very helpful right before lunch when you get the munchies. A pack of trail mix or apple slices are quick, easy to make snacks that you can eat between classes or in class (only if your teacher allows it). Snacks like Doritos or candy sound great but cause sugar spikes then sugar crashes.

6. Take your vitamins!
Your body will thank you. Vitamin D and C are especially recommended by doctors for high school students. They help your body function the way it's supposed to, particularly if you don't get those vitamins from food. Because of the shorter days that fall and winter bring, we do not get as much Vitamin D as we should be getting, so vitamins help. Vitamin C helps your bones, which us as teens need as our bodies are still developing. But of course, take it at home, as any form of pills (even vitamins) are prohibited at school unless brought into the nurse.

7. Pay attention and participate in class.
This should be a given, but it can help you stay awake. The more engaged you are, the less likely you are to fall asleep. Ask questions, make remarks, ask the teacher to repeat or rephrase. Even if the class is boring, you can still say that you participated and learned something.

8. Drink water!!!
This is something you hear all the time, but it's for a good reason. Carrying a bottle of water (cold is recommended) will help you get your daily dose of water recommended every day. You may get sleepy in class because you are dehydrated. 

I hope a handful of these tips were helpful to you. See you all on Monday!

Diana

The Seattle Art Museum

Hey everyone!

Recently, I went on a trip to the Seattle Art Museum with my fellow classmates in IB Visual Art class. We explored the Impressionist exhibit and it was actually my first time at a art museum. It was a wonderful experience and going through the galleries were intriguing, especially the Intimate Impressionism. This exhibit is open until January 10, so don't miss out if you are interested! Also, teens are free to get in, so take advantage of this new outing even if you have never been to an art museum.

These are few of my favorite paintings.

Also, there is a Teen Night Out tonight, November 20 from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. This #SAMTeenNightOut is inspired by the Impressionist artists who were considered rebels. It is a free event for high school students. You can expect music, DJs, art tours, activities, and art making workshops led my Seattle's hottest contemporary artists. It's Friday, so grab some friends and head to this event!




Peace,

Karissa

The Season for Rain Boots

Hey everyone!

Wind storms have been coming and the rain continues to pour as we walk from classes during passing period. I see some students still wearing socks and sandals getting their feet soaked in the rain, but these girls came prepared for the weather.

Rain boots this season are perfect for...
1. Not getting your socks wet
2. Keeping your feet warm with fuzzy socks
3. Walking in puddles carelessly

Investing in a pair of rain boots is worth it because it does last. I continue to wear mine since freshman year (almost 4 years). We all know Washington loves rain anytime so gear up for the season!

Yajaira Mendoza and Aimee Ingabire

Diana Wairimu 

Kamila Duell

Blandy Sieh

Peace,

Karissa

Firelight: Mateo Messina's 18th Benefit Concert

Hey everyone!

Last weekend, I volunteered to a benefit concert symphony at the Benaroya Hall. Being centered in downtown Seattle, it's always nice to drive in the city. I haven't been there since my 5th grade field trip, but I've always remembered that the atmosphere is lovely and grand.

The symphony, choirs, dancing, and illusions were amazing! "Firelight" is the theme of the show, and wildly imaginative illusions were created through technology and contemporary dancing. Also, guest singers Sweet Water and Shawn Smith sang beautifully. This is not your typical symphony with only instrumentals, and a perfect time to take a nap. This concert specifically benefited the Seattle Children's Hospital with cancer research. LED candles were given to everyone in the audience, and those who have had cancer or known a friend, or family member, were to raise their light in support for the continued research for the cure of cancer that can be achieved someday. It was even more touching when a patient at Seattle Children's sang a song, "Family Means Everything." For the under class-men, this is a great event to attend and even volunteer. You can check it out next year and so forth as it is held annually.

I also got to see the Video Production crew who has been helping film the event!

Peace,

Karissa

Veterans' Day is this Wednesday. It is a day to honor and remember the people still living or deceased that served in our military. As most of you know, we have many veterans at our very own school! Today, we got a chance to sit down with our very own Mrs. Kim McClung to talk about her experiences of serving in the military. 

·         What war did you serve in and for how many years?

I served in the Cold War. I was in active duty for 3 years and national guard for 2 years.

·         How did you get into military service? Were you drafted or did you enlist?

I enlisted.

·         How old were you when you joined?

22 years old.

·         Was this something you knew you always wanted to do or was it something you had to think about for a while?

This was my way of paying for law school. 

·         What was your job/assignment?

I was a Russian Voice Intercept Operator. I listened to Russian radio communications.

·         How would you describe the day in the life of a soldier?

Going to work, staying in uniform, rotating shifts.

·         Being a woman, how would you describe your experience? Would you consider it the same as any of the men you served with or was it very different?

Women could not go into combat during that time. There were different standards for women. For example, men had to do Different standards for women e.g. men had to do 40 push ups and women only had to do 11. Men had to run the mile in 8 min and women had to do it in 15. I hated the standards for women so I always tried to meet the men standards and I succeeded. 

·         Do you have any interesting stories?

None that I can share. If I did, I would probably have to shoot you. 

·         What weapons did you learn how to use?

M-16 Machine gun and grenades

·         What did you do after your service? Career-wise, going to back to school?

I was a stay-at-home mom.

·         Did you make any close friends that you kept in touch with?

I actually recently got in touch with a couple people. 

·         What would you tell a young person who would be interested in joining the military service, particularly a woman?

During your time in the military, there will be a lot of things that will drive you crazy, but when you look back on it, you will see that it was good growth experience.

Thank you very much for sitting down with us, Mrs. McClung. 

Royals, remember that Veterans day is not just some day off. So please take some time this Veterans day to thank the veterans in your life and around you. Stay safe and goodnight.

By Diana Wairimu & Imane Ayaba 

Winter Sports!

Hello, Royals. Do you want to stay fit this winter? Are you interested in joining a winter sport at KM? Well, they're right around the corner. Girls' Gymnastics, Boys' Swim, Wrestling, Girls' and Boys' Basketball are all winter sports anyone can join. Girls' Gymnastics begins Monday, November 9th and all the rest begin Monday, November 16th. But don't wait, registration is from November 2nd to the 6th. In order to register, all winter athletes need:

• Filled out a green registration packet (athletes that did a fall sport do not need to fill out a new one)
• ASB paid (the cost is $30)
• Current and updated physical
• Grade check dated after November 1st
• New emergency card

Go to the Athletic office in room 103 to get paperwork or questions answered. Go out and do something new or play a sport you played last year! That's all for now, Royals.

Diana

Meet Matilde! KM's Norwegian Exchange Student

Meet Matilde

 

          This week I got to sit down and interview Kent-Meridian's  very own exchange student from Norway, Matilde Gjesdal! We got to talk about her experience as an exchange student and what it's like going to an American high school like KMHS. 

When I asked Matilde what she liked about America, here is what she had to say:

"I love America! I love how different you can be and people will accept you no matter what because of the big diversity."

What do you miss about Norway?

"Of course there are many things that I miss about Norway. I crave the good food, my friends, and most of all my family. But I would not change a thing about my experience here. I love getting out of my comfort zone and doing new things."

What is different about American high schools compared to Norwegian high schools?

"American high schools are very different. First of all, the system is really different so in the beginning things were confusing. Luckily for me, I had good friends that helped me get going. The second biggest different is the size of the school. Where I come from in Norway, everyone knows each other because of how small the town is so we all go to school together. Here, I see new faces every day because there is so many students. Also, my high school does not have security guards or fights which shows how different Norway is."

What do you still want to do during your stay here?

"Everything! Even though I have been doing a lot of activities since I got here, there is still so much more that I want to do before I go back. I have not been to the Space Needle yet and really want to go. I also want to explore Seattle more, including the nature like beaches and Mount Rainier."

What is your favorite thing to do here?

"My favorite thing to do is hanging out with all my new friends and going to Seattle!"

What is something that you will always remember from your experience as an American high school student?

"I will always remember how well everyone accepted me and how welcome I felt from the minute I came here. I will forever remember my host family who does everything they can to make me happy and have an enjoyable experience. They are a second family to me that I will always love. I will also remember being part of the soccer team and all the friends that I made."

Be sure to say hi to Matilde if you see her in the hallways of our school and make her feel as welcome as possible! 

SPIRIT WEEK AT KENT-MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Here are some cool pictures from spirit week!

Royal Spirit Day

 Twinning Day

Color Day!!!

Homecoming Proposals!

Today is the big day: HOMECOMING! With a few hours left to go, we wanted to featured a few homecoming proposals we caught. :)

 Binyam Ayele asked Cece with a Disney-themed proposal! How sweet!

 Dylan Wagner asked soccer player, Amelia Drake, during one of her games and dressed up as a referee. Super creative, Dylan!

Sean Chounlamany asked Shanaya Baladad, with a volleyball-themed poster!

 Eric Engman asked Caylin with the creative pun "don't let me go SOLO to HOCO" with some candy and Starbucks!

Brodie Wilson asked his girlfriend, Sabrina Haag, on Splash Mountain at DisneyLand! How cute & original!

I hope everybody will have the best time at homecoming with their dates and friends! Stay safe, Royals!

- Diana

Homecoming Game

Congrats to the Royals for taking home the victory against Mount Rainier! For those of you who didn't go to game for some absurd reason, the final score was 40-21. Also, happy senior night to both the football players and cheerleaders. You guys rock and this last season has been a ride.

During half time, the Senior Prince Dylan Lam, and Princess Allyson Cruz was crowned! They both looked great! 

Peace,

Karissa 

TOP SAT STUDY BOOKS AND SITES

It's never too early to start studying for the SAT's. If you're a senior taking the SAT soon, then it might be a little too late, but Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen, this is for you.
You have a higher chance of getting into your top choice college if you do well on the SAT. So start studying.
In addition to the tips we have shared for the test day, here are some helpful study materials;
1. The first list is of books that have been reviewed and used by many students
2. The second list is of sites that you can use to study more if you're an over achiever :)

Sites:
https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-questions
1. Try out the practice questions on here
2. Do the daily questions everyday to master SAT level 1 questions

http://www.majortests.com/sat/

https://www.4tests.com/sat

http://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_practice_tests.cfm

Wish you all the very best of luck!
-Imane Ayaba