Student panel: The spirit of Thanksgiving

Question: Do you think the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well in today’s world?

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do believe the Thanksgiving spirit is alive and well. For me, not only do I experience this with my family and friends but with my community. Glendora is extremely generous to the less fortunate. Not only is this generosity exhibited in the local churches and schools but through the Glendora Police Department and local hospitals and furthermore by the local citizens who keep the warmth of love and community alive.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think that Thanksgiving is still well celebrated. Family members and college students from across the nation still come home for the traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. It is a occasion for gathering and for being thankful for all that we have and I think it is necessary for keeping our nation as well as our families united. People still and always will enjoy this family holiday.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Most people who celebrate Thanksgiving don’t know how it really originated. Most people are under the common misconception that it was when the pilgrims and the Native Americans came together peacefully, gave thanks, and ate a large meal. In reality, Thanksgiving has nothing to do with that. The spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t alive and well in today’s world because the majority of people don’t understand the true history behind it.

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, the spirit of Thanksgiving is still alive because we have things like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and other celebrations. Also, people still get together for Thanksgivng celebrations and to give thanks for what they have. Kids at school have feasts and dress up like Native Americans and pilgrims.

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
What is the meaning of thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, sometimes despite vast distances, to share a meal. This happens all over our nation. So I believe that the spirt and tradition of Thanksgiving is alive and well in our country.

Student panel: Thoughts on the presidential election

Question: What are your thoughts on how the presidential election turned out?

Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week’s question.

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I think that this year’s election was a historic moment on many occasions, the first being that the citizens of this country elected its first African-American president. This shows that America is able to look past the color of someone’s skin and that this is truly the land of opportunity. I personally think that America made the right decision in picking Barack Obama as their new president.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that this is probably one of the most influential and impacting events in history. It is one that will not only affect the United States but the whole world. It proved that anything is possible. I feel grateful to have been alive to see this momentous occasion occur, for it could mean the start of a bigger and brighter future for all.

Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
Wow! The election was pretty exciting. Everybody at school talked about it and I called my Grandma in Mississippi. She was so happy she was crying. Maybe I can be president someday! I’m biracial and my mom’s father was Indonesian! I never thought about it before Nov. 4.

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I am extremely pleased with the results of the presidential election. I agree that change is w<MD>hat we need. And besides change, it was time to put some new policies into Washington, D.C. I think that the election, being over and so historical, will help to reunite a semi-divided nation and strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together so that “Yes We Can” can stay “Yes We Did.”

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
My thoughts on the election is that it is good that so many people voted in this election and some high schools got involved by holding mock elections at their school. I also think the Americans made their choice known by electing President Obama. Hopefully, he will be able to make some of the changes he promised during his campaign.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
I’m very satisfied with how the elections turned out. It’s so surreal to be living through such a historical event. I have full faith in Obama to do what is best for the country. He will be an admirable president.

Tribune student panel

Question: Should California raise its driving age to 17 or 18 per a report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety last month?

Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week’s question.

Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School
No. The way the law is now I won’t be able to take a date to the movies until my third month of college! Kids work and have lives outside of their home and schools. Driving gives you independence and is part of the growing-up process.

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
I do not necessarily think the driving age needs to be raised, but the guidelines need to be stronger: a longer learner’s permit period, more driver’s education classes and the like. Instead of raising the age, I think that the laws should be stricter for the younger drivers and that the parents of the young drivers need to hold their children more accountable.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Experience not maturity makes a safe driver, I say “No.” First-time drivers need experience and time behind the wheel. Currently, parents monitor and spend time practicing and developing driving skills, and minors do have driving restrictions, such as who can be in the car.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
Personally, I disagree with raising the driving age. Students and teens look forward to getting their driver’s license as their 16th birthday approaches. And I believe the safety issue may not change if the age bar is lifted. Even though 17- and 18-year-olds may have a couple more valuable years of life under their belt, judgement and maturity differ with everyone. The common risks of the road will always remain. It’s up to each individual to respect the privilege of having a license.

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
No, I don’t think California should raise the driving age to 17 or 18. I think they should just enforce all the laws that are already in existence. If they raise the driving age, people are going to still be inexperienced when they start driving. The issue of tickets and accidents is not so much about being a teen, but about being an inexperienced driver.

Student panel: Has economy affected your post-high school plans?

Question: “How has the downturn in the U.S. economy affected you or your post-high school plans?”

Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week’s question.

Katie Montemayor 17 Glendora High:
Personally, I have not been affected in a noticeable way by the economy, thank goodness. However, it has affected my post-high school plans because now it is harder to receive funding from banks. I have to look into more scholarships, which are now more competitive and bogged down by applicants, making standing out extremely difficult.

Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School:
The economic downturn hasn’t really affected me, yet. My parents keep talking about cutting back on presents for the holidays, but they say that every year. College may be harder to get into, because people go back to school when economic hard times hit.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School:
The downturn in our economy will have an effect on many people and their post-high school plans. College selection might be different because of the expenses involved. There most likely will be more people applying for scholarships and financial aid, which will make things even more competitive. In addition, high school and college graduates alike are having trouble finding jobs because of the countless layoffs and lack of hiring of struggling businesses.

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School:
Since the economy has had a downturn, my plan for college has changed from going directly to a four-year university to attending a community college and then transferring because community colleges are more affordable and they offer the same quality education.

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School:
With the economy being in an extreme low, students are anything but anxious about leaving high school. Those who already have jobs don’t have as many worries. But of the unfortunate majority who are unemployed, college might have to wait a few years after their graduation. The economy has made it extremely difficult for students to rent a house or car. And college tuition is extremely expensive, which can put a halt to some students’ plans to go straight to a four-year college or university.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School:
Fortunately, my parents have been saving for college my whole life. But is has affected what I do for fun. My friends and I now have to seek for alternatives to what we used to do when everyone was more affluent. Our past times are becoming increasingly less expensive to correspond with the current economy.

Tribune student panel

Question: Do you think it’s important for high school students to be involved in the election process even if they can’t vote yet?

Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week’s question.

Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
I think it’s very important for high school kids to watch the debates, ask questions about the issues and to s<MD>tudy how our elections actually work. Most teenagers just go along with the political leanings of their parents, but we’re at an age when we need to start making our own decisions and those decisions should be based on facts.

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I believe that it is very important for students to participate in the election process even if they can’t vote yet. If schools could hold fake elections, it will give the school and the community a view on what the high school population thinks about the candidates.

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High
I do believe that high school students need to participate in the election process because at some point all high school students will be voters. To get the early experience with the election process will help students to know how to make informed decisions later in their lives.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Yes, I think it is important for students my age to participate in the election process because whoever becomes president will make decisions that affect everybody, including high school students. Also, by the next election most high school students will be eligible to vote, and the new president will most likely run for their second term and the voters will need to make an imformed decision.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I think it is very important for high school students to participate and discuss the presidential election process. Even though we are not exactly voters, we should be exposed to others’ opinions and ideas regarding the issues and debates. Since we are the future, i believe that it is important that we know who the next leader will be and the concerns that our country is dealing with.

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Yes, I think it is important for students my age to participate in the election process because whoever becomes president will make decisions that affect everybody including high school students. Also, by the next election most high school students will be eligable to vote, and the new president will most likely run for their second term and the voters will need to make an imformed decision.

Tribune student panel

This week’s question: How do students your age view the school and public libraries?

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
Public libraries are good for finding books and materials and also for kids to join reading programs. But now high school students usually use computers to do research for projects and homework because computers are faster and easy to use. You can find all the information you need for a report on the Internet without leaving your home.

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
Unfortunately, students think it is unfashionable to be seen at the school and public libraries and take it the libraries for granted. Students prefer the convenience of the Internet, which is available 24/7, especially if they’re involved with sports and club activities.

Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School
I believe that students my age find the school and public libraries useful. It is a quiet and convenient place for a student to go and either do homework or to study. It is also inexpensive and gives students my age a place to gather resourceful books and access to the internet practically free of charge.

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
At this point, students my age see the usefulness of the library but prefer the Internet because it is much easier to get to. Yes, the school libraries are close to school campuses, however, most of the information is available online, which for most students is in their home. So students my age see the library as useful but inconvenient.

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
I can’t speak for all students, but I believe that most students
regard the Public Library as a last resort. Students think of the
library as a last resort because they have other resources such as the
internet which provides them with most, if not all the information they
need.

Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
Most students my age only use the school and public libraries for school-related activities. The new books that students read in their free time are not in stock in the library. The school and local libraries should have newer books in order to attract the younger students.


Tribune student panel

This week’s question:”Do you think the high-school exit exam, which is a 10th-grade level  test, should be more difficult given that it’s a graduation requirement?”

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
“I really do agree. Having taken the exit exam, I felt like it covered material that was below what the requirements are. I also think that because it is given in 10th-grade it is not an accurate portrayal of what was learned later in high school, specifically junior year, which to most colleges is the most important.”

Derek Klena, 16, South Hills High School
“I feel that the high-school exit exam does not need to be harder. Even though the majority of students pass the test the first time, there are still students who struggle. I think the true indicator of whether a student is ready to graduate or not should not depend solely on a test, but rather their achievement in the classroom with passing grades.”

Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
“The high school exit exam is perfect at a 10th-grade level. It is easy enough to ensure that people who have worked hard throughout high school will graduate. It is also easy enough for most struggling students to graduate as well.”

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
“No, I do not think the high-school exit exam should be more difficult. Students take different courses in the 11th and 12th grade year than they do 9th and 10th. For example, many students do not even take a math course senior year because it is not a graduation requirement. The exit exam should only
be as difficult as the courses required to graduate. If the exit exam is altered to become difficult, the graduation requirements and courses needed should taught at the difficult level as well in preparation of the exit exam.”

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
“I think that the California High School Exit Exam should be harder and taken at the 12th-grade level. This test that California schools use to
judge a student’s ability in math and English should be taken at a 12th-grade level so that it will provide an accurate view of what the
students have learned and accomplished during their time in high
school. Being a harder test will better prepare students for the
challenges ahead in college.”

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
“I think the exit exam should not be harder because high school students
already have enough tests. Also, if the test is more difficult, more
students will fail it the first time and they will have to spend more
time studying for  the exit exam. As a result, they will take time away
from other academic subjects. I think students should be judged for
their overall academic achievements.”

Tribune student panel

This week's question: "Do you agree with the new state mandate requiring all eighth-graders to take Algebra?"

These are the answers of the members of the Tribune student panel. If you're a student, tell us what you think. Post your answer in the comments field.

Derek Klena, 16, South Hills High School
"I do agree with this new mandate. I feel that all high school math classes require algebraic skills and that getting a head start on algebra while still in middle school would be beneficial to all students and their performance in further math courses and the California High School Exit Exam. Even if the student's previous performance level is below the grade standards, I believe all students should at least get the chance to better themselves and prepare for the future by getting a head start on algebra."

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
"I agree that eighth-graders should have to take algebra. Math, especially algebra and calculus, are not among the favorite classes, but this is because they are extremely difficult for most people. If given more time to learn the fundamentals or given the same basics sooner with more practice, the courses will seem less challenging. This will result in higher test scores over all because there will be a better foundation to build upon, making the concepts easier to comprehend and retain."

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
"I do not agree that all eighth-graders should have to take algebra. I do not agree because some people work slower than others. I think that eighth-graders should take whatever math class fits their skill, whether that be pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, etc. They should not be forced to go a certain math class because some kids might be held back in math and others will be forced to algebra and not understand it."

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
"I agree with the new state mandate requiring all eighth-graders to take algebra because taking algebra is required to exit high school. Taking it in middle school will help the students get the knowledge before they enter high school so they can move ahead easier and more efficiently than someone who did not take algebra in middle school. Knowing algebra will also help the students in passing the California High School Exit Exam, which will lead to improved state test scores."

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
"I don't agree with that. It shouldn't be expected for all eighth-graders to be at the algebra level. If they are forced to take that class without being ready for it, they will not be able to comprehend it. It would be very discouraging."

Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School

"I have a hard time when anyone 'mandates' that all of any group must do something. Not all kids will benefit from taking Algebra. I think students and schools should establish programs that are good for each individual kid by emphasizing their strengths and interests while filling in areas that are life skills."

Meet the Tribune student panel*

We have picked the members of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune’s Student Panel and we have a very diverse group. The first panel will appear in the Student Life page on Monday, Sept. 29, and the answers will be posted here on this blog, too. We welcome other students’ input so feel free to add your comments each week.

Here is your panel:

Nicholas Kuche (Covina High School)
Hi, my name is Nicholas Kuche. I’m
a junior at Covina High School. I am
heavily involved in our school’s drama program and for the past two
years I have participated in two murder mysteries and one spotlight
performance. My interests include drama/acting, magic tricks, and just
hanging out with my friends. One of my short-term goals is to graduate
from high school and move to Cal State Fullerton, where I hope to earn
a degree in journalism/communication. After that I hope to someday
become
a TV journalist. Another one of my goals is to be in my school’s
production performance where we will be performing in front of a paying
audience. I also am one of our school’s mascots that perform at every
football game. GO CARDINAL & WHITE.

Katie Montemayor (Glendora High School)
My name is Katie
Montemayor. I am 17 years old and a senior at Glendora High School
[Class of 2009!]. I was born in Illinois, moved to California when I
was 3 and a half, and have lived in Glendora ever since. I am the
youngest of five children. I live with my parents, my father is an
accountant for an aerospace company and my mother, whom I look up to,
is a registered nurse and works for the Glendora Unified School
District. Personally, I enjoy
reading, writing, running, photography, spending time with friends
and family, teaching Sunday school and tutoring. On the other hand my
passions are music and volunteer work. I play the cello, piano, sing
and hope to learn guitar. At the moment my favorite artists are Jon
Foreman and Chris Botti. I am also a Glendora Police Explorer
Sergeant; I have been an Explorer for almost four years and love every
minute of it.
My goal is to be a Glendora police officer with a double major in
forensic science as well as become a member of the FSET, or regional
SWAT, team. My personal goals include traveling to Europe and South
America, to start a music program for those who do not have access to
musical education in addition to raising awareness of domestic
violence and the help for those who are victims.

Kasey Haas (Glendora High School)
My
name is Kasey Haas. I am 16 years old. I am currently a junior at
Glendora High School. I love playing tennis. I am a singles player on
my school’s tennis team. I also play at the Claremont club. I also am
on my school’s swim team. I love art. It’s one of my passions. I am in
the advanced placement art course. I am the most skilled at sketching
but I love all forms of art. Some of my favorite artists are Picasso,
Dali and a more contemporary one, Banksy. After high school I want to
enroll in an art school in Southern California. I also really enjoy
English because of the reading and writing. I mostly read new fiction
books or anything that’s recommended to me. I’m looking forward to my
junior year.

Derek Klena (South Hills High School)
I’m Derek Klena and I am a senior at South Hills High School. I am currently the senior class president and have been a member of ASB for
three years. I am a four-year letterman in baseball and also president of
the Baseball Club.I am looking forward to another great season in the
spring. I have been involved in musical theatre ventures within my school
and beyond, and can also be seen singing the National Anthem at school rallies
and events throughout the community. I am a member of the National Honors
Society and have high hopes of attending UCLA or another UC school in
the fall of 2009. I am proud to be representing South Hills
Huskies and honored to be apart of this panel of students.

Amanda McCraven (La Verne Lutheran High)
Hi. My name’s Amanda McCraven. I go to La Verne Lutheran High School and I am in the ninth grade. I am on the varsity cheer squad. I want to go to Azusa Pacific University (APU) and become a psychologist or a teacher. I love listening to music and hanging out with my friends. My all time favorite band is the Jonas Brothers.

Taylor Moncrief (Diamond Bar High School)
* My name is Taylor D. Moncrief. I was born in the city of La Habra and moved to Diamond Bar in 1996. I’m part Dutch, Indonesian and African American. I’ve traveled to Holland several times and I love heading to Mississippi for my Grandma’s cooking. I’m a junior attending Diamond Bar High. I play both football (linebacker) and baseball (outfielder). I just bought my first car (with my own money I’ve saved since I was seven), now I guess I should get my permit. I love music and I’ve become a text-aholic. My dream is to attend Cal State Fullerton on a baseball scholarship. My more realistic goal would be major in the culinary arts (I love to cook!). After college I would like to eventually settle down start a family and open my own restaurant.