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Show C8 Castle Valley Review, April 2009 The DINO PAGE Meagan Roach ‘Determined to Stay Positive’ Rebecca Goodrich Dino of the Month Each month the Castle Valley Review will highlight a different Carbon High student in the newspaper. The student selected will not necessarily be chosen based on their grade point average or involvement in athletics, but on their interest, hobbies and accomplishments, both academically and in their personal life. Meagan Roach, daughter of Teri Hansen and Stephen Roach and senior at Carbon High School, is an avid artist and a busy but caring friend. Meagan is a member of National Honor Society, PEAK, and Technology Student Association. Her favorite extracurricular activity, however, is debate. Through the encouragement of a friend, Meagan joined Carbon’s debate team. Besides learning the rules and procedures specific to debate, Meagan has learned more than she ever imagined. One part of debate that she especially enjoys is how it helps her apply the knowledge and experience she gains to her own life. James Thompson, Meagan’s AP Literature and Composition teacher, states that Meagan is “a student worthy of praise by the harshest of critics.” She has an enormous “determination to stay positive and focused” despite any obstacles she may encounter. He also describes her as being proficient “in not only her area of expertise, but in others such as English.” Indeed, Meagan loves to write stories and play around with words. One of her favorite parts of high school is the lectures from Mr. Thompson’s class; she even identifies him as one of her heroes. While he tells of history and language, Meagan explains, he also “opens your eyes” and teaches life lessons. But according to Meagan, his exemplary character extends beyond the classroom; “whenever I [win] an award or something, he [is] always there to congratulate me.” Rachel Hall, a close friend, reveals that Meagan also embodies this characteristic. “She tries really hard to be there for me even though she’s really busy,” comments Rachel, adding a list of activities her friend keeps involved in. Despite the busy life she leads, Rachel explains that Meagan is “hardworking” and “tries to do a good job with everything she does.” She also calls Meagan “eccentric” because she has a few quirks; Meagan is a coffee addict (she would like to own a coffee shop one day) and loves to play around with words. Meagan’s “area of Rachel Hall, Damian Miller, Meagan Roach, Sam Madrid expertise” is art. Speaking of this passion, she said, “Art is so much a part of me that I don’t know who I would be without it.” A major goal in her life is to start an art gallery for youth so other aspiring young artists can have opportunities to show their work. She recently competed in the Sterling Scholar competition in the visual arts category, representing her school admirably. As was obviously the case with her judges, anyone who sees Meagan’s work is impressed with it. She thought she “blew the interview” and was consequently surprised when she was announced as the winner; her first reaction was “wow!” With the scholarship she won from the experience, Meagan plans to attend the College of Eastern Utah this fall. Not surprisingly, she wants to major in graphic arts, with a minor in English. But Meagan is not waiting for college to get involved with the things she loves. Demonstrated by her hardworking attitude and compassion for others, Meagan is clearly ready for whatever life throws at her. (Rebecca Goodrich is a senior at Carbon High School.) Now that’s what you call ‘Besties’ Val Moncada and Jaycee Martinez “We’ve been best friends for about seven years,” Cindy Shannon and Traci Fry agree excitedly. Cindy and Traci spend almost every waking second together. They trust each other with their secrets and even their lives. That’s what some would call “besties.” Cindy’s favorite thing about Traci is her feel-free attitude and how responsible she is. “She’s like my second mom,” explains Cindy. “Cindy’s really silly but understanding, and she’s always there for me Jones Authorized Dealer We never stop working for you. even if she doesn’t want to be,” states Traci. They’ve never really fought, but both of them agree that their worst disagreement was over something really stupid. A few years ago, at International Days, a boy started “drama,” but they soon worked it all out and have continued to be best friends since then. They each have their own favorite memories with each other. Cindy’s favorite was the time they were in Traci’s room with Sarah, Chad, and Christian. Traci’s mom came in the room half asleep yelling at them for “having boys locked in Traci’s •Home & Office Supplies •Portable Music •Computer Accessories •Power •Batteries & Much More 185 E Main Castle Dale, UT 381-2421 room.” The girls didn’t want the boys to leave though, so Sarah secretly hid Christian’s shoe under the bed. Traci’s mom looked everywhere for it, even looking under the bed. With the shoe sitting right in front of her face, she’s continued to yell, “I can’t find it!” They ended up finding it, the boys left, and Sarah admitted to hiding it. “The time we went camping in Moab!” Traci said while both of them are laughing, “I gave Antonio like three sugar pills and he already had really bad ADHD so he’s up on this rock swinging his arm up in the air, and swinging his hips, singing ‘one potato, two potato, three potato, four!’” Traci and Cindy have a great relationship with many laughter-filled memories. (Val Moncada and Jaycee Martinez are students at Carbon High and write for the school newspaper.) Best friends Cindy Shannon and Traci Fry. |
