Silver and Black Debate Tournament!

Kaylen Thomas
Seasons Editor
krazee_kay@hotmail.com

    Three days of non-stop arguing over political issues reminds me of Thanksgiving weekend at my Grandma’s house. The arguing that takes place at Alta annually during the first weekend of                         December, however, is much more enjoyable. Alta’s debate team hosts the nationally recognized tournament, Silver and Black (named after the school’s colors) every year.
    This year, 58 schools are attending coming from 12 different states including schools from Illinois, Florida, and Texas.
 Getting ready for a debate tournament this large takes a lot of planning. Some of the things that have to be planned are finding enough students to provide room security for multiple classrooms at Alta, planning meals for the many judges that will be in debate rounds hours at a time, and a lot of prepping and researching for those students from Alta who are helping out the team by competing.
    This year is Mr. Ellis’s first year helping out with the tournament and he is so dedicated to it being a success that he is going to be helping out with Silver and black all day on his birthday (December 3rd).
    Debate President, Christy Miller’s biggest hope for the tournament this year is, “that the tournament will run on time.” I think with as much dedication that the debate team has, it will definitely run smoothly this year.

Posted 12/2/11

Brian Tonkin
Teacher Features/ Baseball
briantonkin55@msn.com

    Of the many clubs available to join at Alta, it’s hard not to find at least one that peaks your interest. From helping the Earth to discussing proper Pokèmon strategy, the clubs at Alta cover almost any topic. However, Alta’s deep thinkers, ponderers, and aspiring psychologists would find themselves most at home in the Philosophy/ Psych Club. Each Wednesday the club meets to discuss/ debate deep philosophical questions or occasionally to talk about interesting psychological cases/ disorders.
     Topics can range from the meaning/ value of life to the validity of paranormal experiences. However, the group tends to trail of into conversation about Vampires, Skyrim, Harry Potter, etc…The club meets each Wednesday in Mr. Rozanas’ class (Room 1212). There is no fee to join the club and anyone interested is encouraged to attend a session. There’s no correlation between discussions so it won’t matter if you join in halfway through the year.

Ari Anderson
Clubs Editor
arianderson18@gmail.com

   This week is very busy for the many clubs of Alta. All DECA members, sign ups are due in Deb Bates room. The region competition will be in March. 
     FLBA members: permission slips are due this Friday in Mrs. Batey in room 2121. The region competition will be January 27th at the UVU campus. So if you wish to go, get that permission slip in as soon as you can!
     HOSA is preparing for their state competition which will be March 15-16 at the Davis Conference Center. Check with Ms. Andrus or Ms. Starley for more information. 
    This Thursday and Friday in the commons by the counselors office the PTSA Student Club Drive Safe Campaign will be going on from 11:00 am-1:00pm. Key Club has a meeting on Thursday where they will be planning their reading to kids field trip and also a book drive. Head over to Ms. Beard's room, 1209 to get a travel disclosure.

Ari Anderson
Clubs Editor
arianderson18@gmail.com

    FBLA and the PTSA officers are combining to spread the word on texting and driving. The clubs recently kicked off their "Don't Drive Stupid" campaign, which will continue throughout the year. 
    Most of you got a small brown paper bag with a great message on the front of it at school Friday. You also probably saw the flash mob during lunchtime to the song “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammar, who performed at Alta very recently. The campaign is working with Zero Fatalities, and many of you have seen their posters around the school, trying to raise awareness. A display showing how many teens who have died in Utah the previous year was shown. 
    Outside of Alta, thirty-five tombstones of those who died, were set outside of school so they could be remembered in the minds of those who came and went throughout the day.
    During lunch, students were encouraged to sign a banner pledging that they would pay attention while driving, and stay smart. They also had the chance to enter drawings for fun prizes, provided by Chick-Fil-A and Zero Fatalities.
    So as you are on the snowy, dangerous roads this winter, remember to keep your head up for not only your safety, but also those around you.