Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2007)
307 7 Featured Local Events, Groups and People Davidson ends tenure as Campus Security Monitor a M argaret A dams __________ Staff Reporter Yolette Davidson (aka Yolie Patroli), Campus Security Monitor, will be not be returning to her various responsibilities which includes the safety of staff and students, lost and found, surveillance and parking issues. She does not make the rules, she enforces them. "You've got to hand it to her, the command she has established over the student body in the last eight years is unmatched," Melissa Hollen, junior, said. Davidson came to West Linn eight years ago, and contrary to popular belief, she never volunteered to the job, it has always been paid. With a background in law enforcement and a passion for working with people, the job seemed like a perfect match. It offered flexibility and the perk of being at the same school as all three of her children. She is passionate about her work, and has loved getting to know the students. "Everything she has done in this school has been to benefit the students. She always has their best interest in her heart. If there is any way possible, I hope she is here next year and for many years to come. The school will not be the same without her," Allister Bunch, school resource officer, said. Davidson offered parting words of advice, "Just be yourself. Make good choices. Get to know people. Be kind. And learn; never give up on your education it is the key to a brighter future," she said. "Students here have many opportunities. When I went back to my old school to visit, basically, they had bars against the windows, all the doors were locked, you had to be screened. It was scary. Some schools even have metal detectors," Davidson said. Outside of school, Davidson enjoys various hobbies such as buying and renovating houses and then putting them back on the market. She also enjoys running and was active in track when she was in high school. Her favorite TV show is "Survivor." "I stop everything on Thursday night to watch ’Survivor," Davidson said. The accent? She isn't about to share the origin of her distinctive accent. "I like to keep people guessing. I could say Chinese, who will believe me? I could say I'm from England, who would believe me? (laughs)...That's the mystery about me. I'm a mystery woman," Davidson said. Although at this point, Davidson isn’t positive what she will pursue next year, she is considering training to become a private investigator. She may continue to work within the school district, as she appreciates the flexibility offered. "All the kids here are like my children. I will miss them tremendously. I just wanted to say goodbye and farewell. I think most of all, the students need to hear that from me," Davidson said. Yolette Davidson, Campus Security Monitor, is responsible for the safety of staff and students. After eight years Davidson will not be returning and might train to become a private investigator or may return to work for the school district. Photo by Malia Chong M a n y alternatives to college a w a it high school seniors C hristopher E rbin to.................. Staff Reporter The end of high school marks the beginning of a new stage in life. College is often the next step for seniors graduating each spring. However, for many students who have completed high school, they will be moving onto a different stage of life, one that will not follow the traditional path. A select few will be enrolling in the military. Jason Comfort is one of many who will be serving in the armed forces, as he will be enlisting in the Marines in the next year. "I’m entering the Marines Band, so it’s nice because I can serve my country and continue following my interest for music," Comfort said. Apart from the military, there are other fields being pursued by graduating seniors. For those staying closer to home, some seniors will be working and helping their community in an effort to raise money, so in the future, they will have the option of going back to school. Elyse Lynch, senior, is taking a year off to traveling at least to Alaska to get acquainted with an entirely different part of the United States. Additionally, she hopes to move to a Central or South American country to study and learn about it’s culture. "Traveling and time off from an "academic" environment will give me a chance to breathe something other than homework; an alternative to choking down lesson and regurgitating essays and projects," Lynch said. " College is not out of my future, but it’s been put on the wayside until I feel like I have the attitude to enjoy another academic experience." Savvy Minds Head Start Summer Math Prep Classes Located at the Lewis and Clark College Campus Class Dates (M - F) Aug 6 - 1 7 Algebra 1 Aug 6 - 1 7 Geometry July 23 Aug 3 Algebra 2 Precalculus July 23 Aug 3 Time 10 - Noon 1 - 3 pm 1 - 3 pm 10 - Noon How much easier would math be if you learned the content before starting the year? iuestionsgsavvymmds.com 503 442-8899 www.savvyminds.com A number of students will be attending school outside of the U.S. Among seniors traveling abroad are Ema Ando who is visiting Japan, Keegan Warrington who will be studying overseas at Shenzen University. Samuel Chipperfield, senior, will be attending college abroad at the University of Manchester, England. "I have family there (Manchester) and it is a place I have always enjoyed visiting. I can get my degree in three years as opposed to four, and it is a place I can see myself spending four years of my life at while having a fun time too," Chipperfield said. Although Nicole Aden will be attending college at the University of Anchorage-Alaska on a basketball scholarship and may see playing time in the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference for the Sea wolves, she is hoping to play overseas after college to pursue a career in basketball. "I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I can’t wait to make the most of the experience," Aden said. Work is another alternative for some seniors. Michael Lissman has decided to postpone his college experience, and is continuing his job working for United Parcel Service. "I think it’s better, to go into college knowing what I want to do, rather than going because it’s expected," Lissman said. . share his road to fame ■ "I’m not done yet. I have a H i lot more I want to accomplish, After high school, Jones and I love the opportunities went to the University of Or- com posing offers which I egon for a year, but decided to w ouldnt have if I w erent go to Clackamas Community doing what I’m doing,” Jones College m order to pursue his said. music career. CCC offered Jones visited thehigh school better opportunities for him on May 15 when he was in the to write music and take mu- Portland area to teach a week- sic classes. He then got his long seminar at CCC on the degree in music composition process of composing for film. and theory at Seattle Pacific Ep pelsheim er recogn ized University, and after gradu- Jones through advertisement ation went to Los Angeles for the event and contacted to participate in a program Jones via e-mail asking if he that helped him specialize in could come visit the students. composing. Jones works in Jones was more than happy L.A. and also works at home to come to the first period Advanced Film Studies class in Burbank, Calif. Jones has been composing taught by Eppelsheimer. Jones also had a lot to say for 30 years and has worked in many places with many for today’s musicians. "Lots of people, but feels he still has individuals are doing music, and they want to be successful, more to offer. but so does everyone else. That means that you have to work harder than every- orieelse—you have to work 500%. If you re going to prac- tice [an instrument] once, you need to practice five times, If you’re going to give one performance, you need to give five," Jones said, May 15 was the first time Eppelsheimer and Jones had seen each other since their high school graduation. Ep- pelsheimer hopes to keep in touch, "I felt honored he was able to give students some of his time. I know he's a busy guy, and so I was really glad he made time to come," Ep pelsheimer said. In the future, Jones hopes to "Stay happy, healthy and keep working on music." »
