Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2010)
Tech Theatre titan trounces Thespian tournament ....... M ark P oppert "I knew from the first moment in class, she was one of the tribe," Jessica Murray, drama teacher said. She was talking about Katherine "KD" Dudley, senior, one of our school's most unknown soldiers. She has worked in the theatre department from her first days as a freshman, and has not stopped since. Like so many before her, theatre is more than just an extracurricular activity, it is her life. She first set foot on a stage to play Plaque, in her third grade production of "Timmy the Tooth." "After that I knew the stage was not for me. Ever since then I have been a tech," Dudley said. When she arrived at WLHS she jumped right in as a stagehand for "On the Verge." Since then she has participated in virtually every show, not even taking a breath in between the strike of one show and the first work parties for the next. Her senior year has surpassed what any had imagined for her, though nobody is honestly surprised. She was production stage manager for two very large shows this year, "The Sound of Music" and "Romeo and Juliet." She faced major challenges with "Sound of Music." "It was a massive show with lots of cues all at once," Jon Ares, technical theatre teacher and Emmy winner, said. Dudley met it head-on in an innovative way. She came up with a system of actions, which made the massive set changes a breeze. Though that was a huge achievement, it is overshadowed by her most recent accomplishment, winning first in the State play writing competition for her play, "The Morning Lands." "It has enormous heart," Murray said. "Morning Lands' is Dudley's heart on her sleeve." Dudley is now directing and lighting her award-winning play for Shorts XI. But just listing what she has done can't begin to capture what Dudley is. The woman behind all her work is something the likes of this world has never even imagined. "She is something completely unique," Murray said, "not for a statement but because she is a pure individual." And that pure individual can hardly be represented in print. "A really unique individual. That's the only way to sum Dudley up," Ashley Welp, junior said. Writing is essential to the life she lives; be it journaling or fiction, she expresses who she is with a pen. Her friends call her "A Dudley" because she can not be classified as a human being. Dudley moves on with the rest of the 2010 graduating class, but where many will be forgotten over the years her - impact will remain. She will be attending Cornish College of the Arts next year for stage management, which she wants to pursue as a career. "She will work the rest of her life in theatre," Murray said—a sentiment shared by anybody who knows her. Dudley's success and failure rides on her shoulders, and if her past is any indication she could become a great name in American Theatre. However, her success for failure will not impact her friends. To them she will always be Dudley, one of the most important people they will ever meet. "I met her in a tech sense, but I know her as a dear friend. I'll miss her when she's gone," Welp said. Photo courtesy of Katherine Dudley Katherine Dudley, senior, and friends Chris Daniels and Josh Valentine, Class of 2009, joke around in the theater during the "Imaginary Invalid." Dudley plans to attend Cornish University to pursue stage management. Advanced Placement test study tips help process go more smoothly M ary W ood Heavy breathing, sweaty palms, shaky hands and butterflies in the stomach. For many, this time of year is characterized by frantic studying and constant study in shorter sessions more regularly a few weeks before the exam," Adam Betzelberger, AP Economics teacher, said. Some teachers also provide time to review before the tests. "If study time is provided technology "Know how to use your calculator," Steve Schramm, AP Statistics teacher, said. Being able to use the calculator is important for math and science exams. The College Board website Photo by Ethan Brent Vanya Kirichenko, Ryan Scott-Deeter, juniors, Kristen Tremaine and Dylan Hinrichs, seniors, study in Adam Betzelberger's AP Economics class. The AP tests are coming up next month, causing some students stress. Many AP teachers suggest spreading out studying, eating healthfully and asking for help on particularly confusing topics in order to be prepared for the tests. anxiety, with students staying up late and waking up early to do their best to improve their fate. What could be so torturous? It's the season of Advanced Placement testing, and it's rapidly approaching. AP testing doesn't have to be so frightening. With the right methods of preparation, the tests can be less threatening. Many of these tips have to do with more efficient studying. "Instead of cramming, in class, use it wisely," Jeff Bilyeu, AP Chemistry teacher, said. Bilyeu recommends using Princeton Review books to study. Other books like this are available from Barron's, Peterson's, Kaplan, Cliffnotes and Sparknotes. They provide tips and summarize information for each test, and some have practice exams to further help students prepare. Another helpful aspect in readying for the AP tests is understanding the has more information about their calculator policy which forbids the use of non graphing scientific calculators, computers and calculators with QWERTY keypads. On the Free Response Questions, more information can make a big difference. "Use context and explain your answers. Show your work — don't be a knucklehead!" Schramm said. Though this advice is particularly helpful for math and science exams, it can be applied to the others as well. The multiple choice portion of each test is scored by a computer, but trained readers grade the free response portions, and more information can help them grade more accurately. For English and some social studies tests, free response answers can be more subjective. The best way to prepare is to practice. The College Board website has test questions from previous years available, and these can be used to prepare so the real thing won't be as daunting. It's also helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle before the test. Making sure to sleep and eat breakfast is highly encouraged. It can be beneficial to take time to breathe, relax your muscles and look over the questions before beginning the test to reduce stress levels. Additionally, it's important to know that teachers can be a great support system during this time. "Ask teachers for help if there is something you are really unsure about," Betzelberger said. AP exams begin May 3 and continue through May 14 with some make-up exams during the week of May 17. Make sure to check the College Board website to be familiar with specific test dates and to find tips for each exam, from AP English to AP Biology.
