A Royal's Drama Production: Cinderella!

Cinderella!

Hey Royals!

As you may have already noticed, Kent-Meridian just had a Drama production on May 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14. The featured play was none other than Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella!

The production was a great success, with so much effort, patience, and dedication going into this worthy piece of amazing art. Well, of course, with excellent actors.

The Director was none other than our very own Mr. Jay Thornton, with his skills and dedication, the play was a huge accomplishment. Also helping in this play was Vocal Director: Mr. Heath Thompson, and Instrumental Director: Mr. Adam Rupert.

Cast List:

Cinderella                Ciana Luna                      Joy                                    Wiley Bowen

Christopher              Kekoa Primacio               Queen Constantina           Amanda Schmitt

Fairy Godmother     Shalondra Powell             King Maximillian             Aaron Hernandez

Stepmother              Jana Padrini                      Lionel                               KyeAnne Wilde

Grace                       Hana Lively

Villagers/Merchants/Ballroom Guests: Nasrudin Abdi, Crystal Blanchette, Kerriana Bedell, Destiny Cannady, Joelle Egbert, BayLee Farr, Emma Kiehn, Blaze Long, Ayisha Muldrow, O'Syrus Slater, Cyan Smith, and Alaina Young

Also, a huge shout out to the Orchestra team, for their contribution of such quality music.

Cinderella opens with two very different people searching for their 'love.' They come from very different backgrounds and are in very different situations, but low and behold, destiny said they were to be together!

I hope everyone was able to see this great performance by our peers. Here are some highlights.

Ciana Luna as Cinderella

The Ballroom Dance

Joy and Grace

Grace and Joy

Christopher (Kekoa)

The shoe! The shoe! Who's is it?

The prince is coming! Hurry! Put on some decent clothes...

Disappointed Joy

Grace forcibly trying on the glass shoe.

The prince, Christopher, and Cinderella, Ciana, finally together! At last.

In Mr. Jay Thornton's words, "Cinderella has such a strong message of not giving up hope, despite the difficulties we encounter in life."

All pictures are credited to Scott Davidson

Until next time,

Nacho

Kent-Meridian Boys Soccer Season

Kent-Meridian Boys Soccer Season

This year, I had the opportunity to play for Kent-Meridian’s boys’ soccer varsity team. The Royals did not have the best of seasons, finishing with 3 wins, 7 losses, and 2 ties. However, like all of the other Kent-Meridian Royals sports programs the boys’ soccer team showed incredible heart throughout the season.

One example was on the night of March 22, 2016, The Kent-Meridian Royals faced off, at home, against the Kentwood Conquerors, who at the time were 2^nd place in the division. That night went horribly for the Royals as they lost 7-0. I asked Mark Otton, player for the Royals, how he felt after that game: “It was the worst feeling ever, every time the ball went into our back of the net, it hurt even more and more”. The next Friday was going to be an even greater challenge for the Royals as they played against the 1^st place, Tahoma Bears.

The following day after the game against Kentwood, we, Royals, had to mentally prepare ourselves and understand the problem. I asked Mark how he thought we would perform againstTahoma: “We’ll beat them. I know we have the heart and skill to do it. Just watch”. Like Mark, the other players had that same passion going into the game against Tahoma. That Friday, Kent-Meridian Royals came into the game expecting to be on the defensive side for most of the game. That was a smart idea, and the correct thing to do, as the Royals were able to hold the Bears scoreless the entire game. As for the Royals, a last minute free-kick goal by senior player, Joseph, was enough for the Royals to beat the first place team, Tahoma.

That was just one example of the incredible fight Kent-Meridian put up during the season. Overall, it was an amazing experience to play with such an amazing family.

-Nathan Whited

Congratulations to KM Wrestling!

Hello, Royals!

As you may know, winter sports just wrapped up for the season. Our very own KM boys' and girls' wrestling went to a state competition on February 20th.

Jaleen Roberts and Xochithl Suarez, a wrestler we just recently featured on our blog! [take a look] competed in girls' wrestling. Xochithl took 3^rd place!
The boys finished in 12^th place overall and placed three wrestlers: Gerardo Suarez took 5^th place, Marquise Card-Diallo took 4^th place, and Emmanuel Daigbe is now a two-time State Champion after winning.

The wrestlers did amazing and had a great finish to their season. Great job, Royals!

Diana

Featured Athlete: Xochithl Suarez

What is it like being a wrestler? What do you have to do to be the best athlete? (routines, practice, etc.)

                Being a wrestler is having to commit lots of hours and effort into practices, running and competing. It also means you have to sacrifice things such as favorite foods and drinks since we have to make weight about 2 times a week. Being a wrestler is being able to find the right balance as you need to make time for homework, practice, extra workouts, and resting.

                To be the best athlete you have to have the right mindset, motivation, and will to push yourself to your limit. Having the right mindset is important because it influences everything you do, so if you are in a negative mindset it will reflect in your workout and whatever you do. Practices can help but ultimately you have to do other workouts outside of just your regular practice. You also must watch what you eat because eating is not an activity, it is your fuel to get you through workouts.

When did you start doing the sport, and why do you continue to do it now?

                I started this sport when I was in 8^th grade. I started wrestling because my brother and I made a pact that if both of us did wrestling we would finish the season together. I continue to do it now not because of the pact, but because I love wrestling. It is an enjoyable sport that teaches me about wrestling but about life. I have made many memories, and it has been a big part of my high school journey.

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

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 

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

Last night, JV Girls Soccer won their game against Mount Rainier 2-1. It's been about ten years since the team has won a game. Congratulations for changing that!

Sam Berrios scored the first goal followed by Mary Ahmed with a penalty shot. 

Written by Imane Ayaba

For the first time in a very very long time, KM girls soccer C-Team won their game 2-0 against Spanaway Lake High School. Congratulations girls! 1 goal was by Gladys Alphosine Malela and the other was by Melanie Martinez. What makes a team a great team is not necessarily how many wins they bring home, but the dedication, love and effort each and every player puts into that team. I applaud you all for not giving up, for encouraging each other and for continually having hope.
Once again, good job girls!

Written by Imane Ayaba

Seahawks take it 28-0!

As the Hawks make it 1-3, and take home a blow out victory over the Chicago Bears on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, let's take a look at just a few Seahawks fans I found at KM this past Blue Friday!

Joe reppin' the 12

Foltz welcoming students into his 4th period class 

Antonio in Mr. Andersen's class rocking the
Marshawn Lynch jersey

 Sophie Leer after helping a friend ask someone
Homecoming!

Video Production club knows how to support
the Seahawks!

Skagen being Skagen

As Russell Wilson says it, "Go Hawks!"

-Dylan Wagner