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2013 TechnoKats |
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NOTE: Featured in the pictures are RJ Martin, Andrew Davis, Peyton Yeung, Dr. Joy Dewing and the entire 2013 TechnoKat Team.
TechnoKats Robotics Team Compete in St. Louis
The FIRST TechnoKats Robotics Team 45 from Kokomo High School competed this past weekend at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Over 2,000 teams participate in FIRST Robotics, with 400 advancing to compete at the World Championship. At the World Championship, they finished with a 3-5 record after eight qualifying rounds. Sophomore electrical student, Mariah Boger said, “Although we didn’t win as many matches as we would have hoped, we still worked together creating a robot, building character and becoming closer as a team. I am so proud of the team this year. We have overcome many challenges and really persevered.”
Team Mentor and KHS Math teacher Ben Diener said, “It has been amazing to see the growth in the students this year. Each time we needed something done a student stepped up and took the challenge. The students embodied the values of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education because they figured out new solutions to problems. After the first regional, the students determined that a redesign was necessary to be competitive and rebuilt sections of the robot before the next competition, which resulted in a 16th seed finish our second competition, the Chesapeake Regional in Baltimore.”
Four local teams compete in FIRST Robotics: Cybertooth at Northwestern High School, Taylor Titans, Western’s Pathertech and The TechnoKats from Kokomo. Each team participated in at least one regional competition. Although each team performed well throughout the competition season, the TechnoKats were the only local team to compete at Championships in St. Louis.
In this year’s game, Ultimate Ascent, teams built robots to shoot Frisbees into goals at three different heights. During the first 15 seconds, the robot performs in “autonomous mode,” meaning it is pre-programmed to shoot, with no human interaction with the robot. For the next two minutes the robot is controlled by two high school students using gaming controllers to drive and operate the robot. A third student “feeds” the robot additional Frisbees through feeder slots in the wall. At the end of the game, teams can earn 10, 20, or 30 additional points by climbing a hollow pyramid made of metal tubing.
More information on FIRST Robotics is available at usfirst.org and at technokats.org. |
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Karisma singing and dancing for State title |
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NOTE: Featured in the two photos accompanying this story are the 14 Karisma seniors, while the action photo shows junior Julian Fort taking the lead, while seniors Telisha Davis, Danny Jackson, Taylor Keller, and Leah Coy provide backup.
For the first time in Kokomo High School history, the Karisma Show Choir has earned the opportunity to perform as a State Finalist in the Mixed Division of the ISSMA State Show Choir Competition.
The Kokomo High School Karisma Singers qualified last Saturday and will travel to North Central High School (1801 E. 86th Street) in Indianapolis this Saturday (March 16th) for the Large School State Show Choir Championships. Karisma performs at 5 p.m. as the Mixed Division competition begins at 4 p.m. The Women’s Division Finals begin at 11 a.m. Admission is $11 per session for students and $13 per session for adults. Full day admission is $18 for students and $20 for adults.
According to Karisma Director Cherresa Lawson, the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) began conducting the State Show Choir Competition in 2005. One of Karisma’s current choreographers is KHS graduate Brent Holland, and Brent said he was a member of the high school show choir in the 80’s. When the KHS show choir began performing as Karisma is pre-Ms. Lawson.
Ms. Lawson and her 14 senior performers agreed on two major issues: “Hard work pays off” and “We are a family”.
“No words can express the feeling of joy that I experienced after officially being notified that Karisma had made the State Show Choir Finals,” Ms. Lawson explained. “This is historic for Kokomo High School. These students have worked so hard this year. I have had some wonderfully talented students in the past, but the senior leadership in this year’s group propelled this ensemble to the next level.”
After noting that this honor earns these students the distinction of being among the most talented performers in Indiana, Ms. Lawson talked family.
“I love these kids … they are my extended family,” Ms. Lawson said. “I must thank my parents for their support, and for allowing me to work with their children.”
During a brief intermission at a 3-hour rehearsal this week, several of the seniors shared some of their thoughts and feelings about being the first show choir to earn ISSMA Show Choir State Finalist honors.
Arnold Stone: “This group is extremely special. This year, the energy level moved to a new place, and I believe that’s why we are making school history. I’ve been in Karisma all 4 years, and I’ve learned so many things about myself through show choir. I’ve met some amazing people and they have changed my life. Ms. Lawson is an amazing director who teaches more than music on a daily basis. Being in show choir grows self-confidence.”
Leah Coy: “That was the greatest feeling in the world when we learned we were the first to qualify for State. We have worked so hard. I remember our freshman year when we didn’t win anything … even though I still had a great time. The seniors are my family. We all have stories … each of us was broken in some way along the way but we kept mending each other. This year, we came together. I am not sure what I will do without Karisma next year.”
Telisha Davis: “Karisma is family … we are not just a group who meets for 50 minutes on the weekdays for class. On competition Saturdays, we are together from 3 or 4 in the morning until who knows when … especially if we are doing well. These seniors are like my brothers and sisters. I trust them with my life. Ms. Lawson is a great teacher and Rachel Bates has been a great mentor. I feel so blessed to be part of this group. This shows that hard work really can pay off … we earned this, and now we want to place at State.”
Peair Richardson: “To be the first to qualify for State is very humbling. I know some of the talented people who performed with Karisma before us that didn’t qualify. That makes this a special honor … especially for the 14 seniors. This proves that anything is possible if you stick with it and work hard. Qualifying for State was no accident … many long hours were involved. Spending so many hours together has created a special bond that I believe will last forever.”
Mallory Thomas: “I am so proud of each and every member of the group because we worked so hard. We are a big family. Karisma is more than singing to us. This is our passion and during the season, Karisma becomes our lifestyle. Karisma is our love.”
Other Karisma seniors include: Kierston Brisker, Danny Jackson, Drake Johnson, Taylor Keller, Emily McDaniel, Brycen Morgan, Taylor Reynolds, Angela Walker, and Jessica Zook.
Leah Coy noted that she is excited to watch the younger singers in the group carry on the tradition because they are so talented.
Junior Taleah Thurman explained that the seniors’ passion inspired the younger performers.
“I know the seniors are like a big family, and I know how hard they have worked for this honor,” Taleah said. “That made it more special for me, too. We hoped and prayed … but we worked hard, too.”
Freshman Calista D’Agostino added that this show choir season has been the best time of her young life.
“Recently, Karisma has been my life … It will be so hard to see the seniors leave since we are so close,” Calista said. “This is a big happy family. I love Karisma.”
Other members of the Karisma family include: juniors Anne Balsbaugh, Julian Fort, Sydney Glassburn, Courtney Hileman, Lateshya Jackson, and Kyla Kirby; sophomores Marita Barber, Kaleb Brown, Neona Burton, Sunnih Flores, Jaez-Shadey Jones, Rachel McDaniel, Imani Morgan, Ky-Rael Snow, and Sierra Yard; freshmen Jacob Farkas, Cristiana Tate-Price, and Austin Young.
During the season, Ms. Lawson noted that Karisma won a nice trophy for being named Grand Champion at the 2013 Lawrence Central Classic Show Choir Invitational Competition.
Ms. Lawson also wished to thank Karisma’s assistant choreographer Joe Sato and the Musicians, including: Billy Cox, drums; Fred McClung, synthesizer; Robby Hampton, sax; Ed Zlaty, trumpet; Suze Reynolds, bass synthesizer; and Cherresa Lawson, piano.
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Costa Rica Exchange for KHS 9th graders |
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Kokomo-Center officials confirmed Monday, March 4th that a partnership with the University of Costa Rica has been formed that will allow Kokomo High School 9th graders to earn Spanish credit during a study-abroad program in Costa Rica. This agreement is part of the corporation’s goal of creating international partnerships with students and communities around the world.
The International School at Kokomo High School will begin a formal partnership with the University of Costa Rica beginning in June 2013. This exchange continues efforts to meet corporation goals of developing international mindedness and global awareness within Kokomo-Center’s International School program.
Superintendent Jeff Hauswald explained that students learn a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures when provided with the opportunity to experience and celebrate these differences in person.
“Studying abroad allows students an opportunity to become immersed in another culture; thus learning core educational concepts that are an integral part of that school’s goals and mission,” Superintendent Hauswald added.
A team of Kokomo-Center educational leaders recently visited with Costa Rican educational leaders and met with school leaders at the University of Costa Rica and high schools in San Jose as part of the authorization process to form this partnership. Kokomo-Center personnel met with students, teachers, and school leaders while visiting classrooms and community attractions where the partnership is being established.
Board of School Trustees member Cristi Brewer-Allen, who was a member of the Kokomo-Center contingent, noted that the purpose for the visit to Costa Rica was to ensure that the university and the high schools met the standards for a partnership, while confirming that Kokomo-Center students would be safe while attending the partner schools in South America.
Mrs. Brewer-Allen reported to her fellow board members that the Costa Rica visit reinforced her belief in the educational value of these study-abroad programs.
“The deep cultural immersion experience that this student exchange with Costa Rica offers our students is priceless,” Mrs. Brewer-Allen stated. “The connections our international students continue to make with students around the world have the potential for partnerships as they become adults. Spending time in another country such as Costa Rica enhances the lessons our students have learned while promoting further language learning at home.”
Director of Evaluation and Central Middle School Principal Mike Sargent, who oversees the Kokomo-Center exchange programs, is excited about the opportunity for the high school students.
“Through this experience, our 9th-grade international students will participate in a Spanish immersion class at the University of Costa Rica, attend classes at local high schools, and stay in a Spanish-speaking home,” Mr. Sargent noted. “Students also will learn about the Costa Rican culture and gain a deeper understanding of the Costa Rican people. This opportunity was developed to enhance our students conversational Spanish, while they engage in a Latin American cultural experience.”
Superintendent Hauswald believes this is a wonderful opportunity for students.
“I know our staff has been working diligently to meet the growing demands and interests of our students and parents,” Mr. Hauswald explained. “This unique opportunity strengthens our international education programs at Kokomo-Center Schools. Our students also will learn about the culture and history of Costa Rica through weekend excursions in San Jose and to the Pacific Coast and Arenal.”
Current 9th-graders at the International School at Kokomo High School will have the opportunity to apply for this exchange, which will take place in June 2013. San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica with a population of 288,054, which comprises a third of the country’s population.
Superintendent Hauswald noted that school leaders are continuing ongoing dialogue to finalize details for this partnership. Dr. Hauswald added that students from Costa Rica would attend classes at Kokomo schools for 2 to 3 weeks each year as part of the exchange.
Middle Years Program International Schools Coordinator Lori Magnuson appreciates the fact that Kokomo-Center students will be able to enhance relationships already established.
“Our international students at Central Middle School and Kokomo High School enjoyed meeting the students from Costa Rica during their recent two-week visit to our community and schools,” Mrs. Magnuson said. “During that visit our students had the opportunity to speak Spanish with native speakers while learning about the Latin American culture first-hand. Students learn from students, and that experience allowed our students to use their Spanish in real-life situations.”
Information on the University of Costa Rica study abroad opportunity will be made available to Kokomo High School 9th-grade international students and their parents at a meeting Thursday, March 7th at 5 p.m. in the faculty dining room at the high school. Additional meetings will be conducted to discuss this study abroad opportunity and details of the exchange, according to KHS Assistant Principal Sean Swan, who coordinates the International program at the high school.
“The opportunity for our high school students to not only travel abroad, but also to earn college and high school credit is amazing,” Mr. Swan said. “Being exposed to a different culture allows our students to authentically experience another culture in a way that most young people never dream about doing. This exchange will impact these students for the rest of their lives, and our students will bring so much back to their classrooms to share with their peers.”
Additional information on Kokomo-Center’s exchange program with the University of Costa Rica, and an interest application to study abroad this summer can be found at www.kokomoschools.com. Although limited spaces remain, all parents interested in applying for the International School at Kokomo High School, and those wanting more details on the study abroad program may contact Mr. Swan, International School Administrator at KHS at (765) 455-8040 or at
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or Mrs. Magnuson, International School Coordinator, at (765) 454-7000 or at
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Why not KHS?! |
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Welcome
