VRHS Cafeteria 3-6 p.m.

Last Name A-K & Band, Wed. August 11th

Last Name L-Z, Thur. August 12th

 Activities from 3-5:50 p.m. campus wide

Students will receive class schedules and textbooks. Beginning at 5:50,  students and parents are welcome to walk the campus and locate classes; make schedule change requests; take advantage of pre-sale lunch discount meal prices and purchase school T-shirts and other items.

Optional parent meeting begins at 5:00 in the PAC.

Kami Armstrong singing “The Cure”

Senior Diana Powell has wanted to go to the University of Harvard since she was four, and she dedicated her high school career to achieving that goal. Even though it seemed so far, Powell worked hard to see her dream come to life. She is ranked number two in her class, with a stellar GPA and thus a wonderful transcript. Powell scored a 2200 on her SAT and received scholarships from participation in science fair. Also, Powell is a member of many organizations, namely NHS, Student Council and RADD. With these attributes, she decided to apply to four colleges, three of them from the Ivy League and one from the Public Ivy League.

“I applied to Harvard, Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and UT,” Powell said. “I received acceptance from all of them.”

With these achievements, Powell becomes one of the 2,700 freshmen accepted to Ivy League schools. Powell said there were no set requirements to achieve acceptance at Yale and Harvard, and thus made the event a more surprising one. Also, Harvard and MIT admissions are intensely capricious and their acceptance process can be more rigorous and take longer periods of time.

“Yale was the first I got into and it was a huge surprise,” Powell said “MIT and Harvard were also huge surprises because they’re so ridiculously hard to get into because of their unpredictable admissions.”

How do they determine who becomes an Ivy League student? The answers are infinite. It depends on the admissions committee and the circumstances of the student. It can also be measured in the aspects beyond academics such as volunteer hours and extra-curricular activities. Yet sometimes, students who have the perfect score on the SATs don’t get into these colleges, thus supporting the fickleness of the process.

“Ivy League colleges want a human rather than a machine,” senior Ashley Covington said. “You need to have extra-curricular activities that show your goals, for instance, the math and science classes and participation in science fair helped me a lot. Also, you need to have high SAT scores and a lot of AP classes.”

Harvard can throw out an application of a valedictorian who is a member of NHS, the French club, the Robotics club, Student Council and so on and so forth. It doesn’t matter if he was part of the varsity football team either. If he did not illustrate a common theme, or most Ivy League advisers call it a spike, in his extra-curricular activities, it shows that he does not have the ability to show passion for focus  on one aspect and grow in that area. Being a jack-of-all trades can be a weakness in one’s record, thus the Ivy League wants a student who can separate themselves from others, a spike that would divides them from the other brilliant students of the world.

“Diana’s passion is in physics and research,” Covington said. “She’s focusing a lot on the sciences and participates in clubs that demonstrate her passion.”

Powell is currently in RADD, the French club and NHS. She was also previously in the Diversity club, Robotics club and Science Fair with some activities outside of school. This spike shows her interest in science, thus clearly supporting her dream of becoming an astrophysics researcher. She also wants to take courses in French or political science in college. After those goals, she wants to win the Nobel Prize and then have a family before she turns 35.

“I plan on studying physics or astrophysics and possibly French or Political Science,” Powell said. “I want to go to grad school and do astrophysics research.”

An astrophysicist is an astronomer that deals with the study of celestial bodies and physics of stellar phenomena. There are many centers for astrophysics research, namely the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for astrophysics or the Institute for Astrophysics Research at Boston University.

“Ten to twenty years from now, all I want to see is for her to be doing something that makes her happy,” freshman brother Adam Powell said. “I think she will be very successful though because she has off the chart intelligence, determination, and a somewhat decent way of dealing with anger.”

A successful alumnus-to-be, the first to go to Yale and Harvard, Diana is divided from the rest by her determination to succeed. She has lost many hours of sleep and dealt with the rigor and stress that school gives unconditionally to be at the point where she is standing. Whatever path she may choose, Powell has her family always at her back supporting her at all times.

“I’m going to be listening to all her issues and providing support,” Adam said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen [my parents] happier because of the acceptance, and I know they will support her.”

Toward her legacy of becoming the first alumnus to receive acceptance from Yale and Harvard, Diana remains humble and supportive of her fellow students. As with the recent successes of students such as senior Kenny Marino who received acceptance from MIT and senior Ashley Covington who received acceptance from Brown and Cornell, Diana believes that everyone who tries to do their best can achieve what she has done.

“It’s nice, but I know that more people from Vista could get in,” Powell said. “You just have to get involved in clubs that interest you. I made sure that I always got my work done. I kept a hardcore planner and to do lists so I can stay on top of everything and most importantly balance social life and school.”

Health insurance will become a requirement. If a person cannot afford insurance, Medicaid may be extended to them, or government subsidies (grants) can be provided. Because of the extension of coverage, 32 million more Americans will be insured, bringing the total coverage up to 94 percent of Americans. Additionally, insurance companies are no longer permitted to deny someone coverage based on their current medical conditions, or drop them based on a new condition. More rebates and coverage for prescription drugs will become available. 

The cost of the enactment of the bill is estimated to total $940 billion. For insurance to be extended to those who can’t afford it, yes, the people that can afford it must pay more taxes. However, these increases will only apply to certain taxes, to people who earn more than $200,000 per year, or couples who earn more than $250,000 per year.  Additionally, people who are not insured and businesses with more than 50 employees, who do not offer insurance to their employees, will be taxed.

Some of the lesser-known aspects of the bill include a 10 percent tax on tanning. The government wants to make a point that tanning with ultraviolet light is harmful. Starting July 1, in an effort to discourage it, when you go tan, instead of paying $10 for 5 minutes, you’ll have to pay a whopping $11.

Restaurant chains will be required to display calorie counts in prominent locations, including menus and drive-thru menus.

Children will be able to remain on their parents’ insurance plan until they are 26-years-old, instead of the current cutoff of 19.

Although doctor’s appointments will cost less, and check-ups and other preventative appointments will not require a co-pay, primary care doctors will be charged a fee for referring patients to a specialist. This means that specialists will receive fewer patients, and therefore, will be paid less.

The job of a primary care doctor is less intense than that of a specialist. Now, primary care doctors will often be paid more than specialists, which could result in less desire for pre-med students to go in to a specialist field.

The increase in coverage will also result in longer waiting times at the doctors’ office. This is upsetting to some, as the economically disadvantaged may receive care sooner than middle and upper-class people.

Some portions of the bill have already gone into effect, while others will not go into effect until 2018. Although there are numerous minor details to it, all in all, the bill essentially makes healthcare a right and not a privilege, which is what all the fuss is about.

NEW CAMPUS HAPPENINGS  

• Attention Seniors – new scholarships are available!  If you participated in programs at Town and Country, the Town and Country Optimist club may have a scholarship for you. If you are attending Texas Tech a new scholarship is available – “Balanced Man Scholarship”, for up to $1,000 dollars.  Come by the Guidance Office and talk with Ms. Buchanan and pick up an application ASAP! 

•  Last Thursday, the Vista Ridge Bands continued their tradition of excellence, with both bands, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, receiving Sweepstakes in both concert and sight-reading at the UIL Contest. Neither of these bands has ever received anything less than Sweepstakes since the opening of the school.   Congratulations to all of the band students, as well as the directors, Mr. Ruschhaupt, Mr. Straight, Mr. Gil, & Mr. Christian, for the successful results from much hard work.

•  Attention choir students: there will be a women’s choir UIL Rehearsal after school today in the choir room from 4-6pm and a Men’s Choir UIL Rehearsal this evening from 6-8pm.  Please plan on attending our final UIL rehearsals!

•  Looking at taking on a leadership role next year?  Both Student Council and RADD are looking for officers for next year.  Please stop by C428 and see Mr. Fox for an application.  Deadline is at the end of the week.

•  Seniors, signup for Project Graduation begin this week.  Members of the Project Grad board will be in the mall area this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the 3 lunch periods to help you sign up for the event.  Our theme this year is “Ranger Beach” and the event will be held at the school on the night of graduation.  Festivities begin at 11PM and end at 5AM.  We  hope to see you all there.

•  CONGRATULATIONS CASEY FOGEL for being recognized at the HOSA STATE CONFERENCE in Houston this past weekend for his AWESOME Chapter Newsletter. Casey earned the privilege to display his Newsletter at the National HOSA Conference in Orlando, Florida this summer. Thanks to ALL in our Chapter who contributed to Casey’s success by submitting articles and photos – Alexis Lynn, Amanda Hollingsworth, Katelin Purl, Delane York, Mindy Tran, Alisha Alvarez, and Zach Shields! Also, Vista Ridge was well-represented by Taylor Columbus in sports medicine, Katelin Purl and Nikki Horgos in Forensic Medicine, Robyn Yates in Epidemiology, and Mindy Tran as our Area One Secretary.

• It’s not too late to apply to be in Ready, Set, Teach next year!! If you’re interested in becoming a teacher or coach and would like the opportunity to intern at an elementary school next year for 12 weeks, then please come see Mrs. Eberwine in room C421 THIS WEEK to get an application.

• Hey Rangers–Did you know that using 1 rechargeable battery can save up to 1000 single-use alkaline batteries??  Earth Day is in 3 days!  Use this time to think about what you can do to make a difference to our world.  Everyone wear green on Thursday to help remind us all to think about how we use our resources.  Also look for other activities on Thursday sponsored by the Environment Club.  Environment Club members–remember that we have an extra meeting scheduled today after school to work on Earth Day festivities. 

 Attention Prom Committee!

We have a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Doubletree Hotel.  Please meet there at 4:15pm!  Check the planning link for more details please.

 Attention Juniors and Seniors!

Don’t forget to grab a guest form if you are bringing a non-VRHS student to prom as it has to be approved by the AP office.  Forms are available outside room 2616.

REPEATS

• Seniors: ACC advisors will be in Mrs. Spexarth’s office (room 1603) from noon until 3:30 PM on Tuesday, April 20. If you have not completed this step in the ACC process, please make plans to attend. You need to complete this step even if you have taken ACC classes in the past and even if you have no immediate plans to attend ACC.

•  Students can pick up an Early Release Permission Application for 2010/2011 in the Guidance Office along with a courtesy copy of their unofficial transcript.  See Ms. Tippie or Ms. Mettala.  Thank you.

•  The Star Steppers are proud to present their Spring Show “Blank Canvas”.   The Show is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – April 22^nd, 23rd, and 24^th at 7pm with a 1pm matinee on Saturday the 24^th in the auditorium.  Tickets are on sale now for 10 dollars!  Get yours from any Star Stepper, in the dance office, or online at vrstarsteppers.com.  Be sure to purchase your ticket early, with limited seating this event is sure to sell out.

• Sign up during lunches for the Latin Club Dodgeball Tournament, benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank.  The tournament will be held Monday, April 26 from 4-6 pm in the gym.  To enter or to watch, bring 2 canned food goods to room 2619 before or after school or to the lunch registrations on the stage. 

•  Attention all Seniors!  Please report all scholarships offered to you to Mrs. Buchanan in the Guidance Office ASAP.  Bring your letter or notification in so that these can be tallied for a grand total and announced at the Senior Awards.

•  Are you in need of community service or school hours?  If you would like to earn hours volunteer for the Cedar Park Kids Triathlon happening on Sunday, April 25th at Elizabeth Milburn Park.  Please come by room 1709 to sign up or to get more information.   

•  Beginning next week, the Latin club will be holding sign-ups for the dodgeball tournament which will take place on April 26th after school in the gym.  To enter the tournament or even if you just want to watch, you’ll need to donate 2 canned goods which will go toward restocking the Capital Area Food Bank.  Sign-ups will be held during all lunches or you can stop by room 2619 before or after school starting next Tuesday. 

• ATTENTION ALL NHS members: If you are interested in being an officer for the 2010-2011 school year elections are at our next member meeting on April 21 and 22nd. If you are interested in becoming an officer for the National Honor Society, Please sign up in Mrs. Bolin’s room to participate. It is a great opportunity, so don’t forget to sign up!!!

•  The SAT Fee Waivers for the May and June tests are here.  Stop by the counseling office as soon as possible to get yours.   These are for juniors only.  Remember this means you can take the SAT free!!

 The stadium will be completed this summer before the season begins.

 “It’s going to be a sunken type of field such as Georgetown’s,” head coach Rodney Vincent said.

This type of field has no track so that the stands are close to the field and the players.

“This will provide more spirit and encouragement for the players due to them knowing that their fans are right there being loud and cheering them on,” senior David Pulver said.

 The seating for the stadium is estimated to be 7,000 to 10,000 seats.

“With this stadium being so close to the school I really think that we will have a larger crowd and a larger amount of the student body participating in our games simply due to the fact that in the past you had to travel across town to Leander and play in a stadium that is backed up to Leander high school, but now our stadium is right here at our front door,” Vincent said. “I think we will have a lot more students and fans involved this coming year.”

 The stadium is one of two stadiums being built within the next few years and is part of a $32 million project to build the new stadium along with the reconstruction of Bible.

 The stadium is going to have synthetic grass turf, and it is undecided whether to have a simple scoreboard or a jumbotron like Round Rock stadium “The Palace.”

“This stadium will be the pride and joy of our school for years to come and will be something that I will enjoy not only as a student but as I grow older, it will be a monument for me to remember my high school career,” junior Will Enis said.