COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL OCTOBER 25 2017 3C
Exchange student finds her place in Cottage Grove
By Lucas Davey
For The Sentinel
Stella Sobotková had only been staying
in Oregon for four days before she was put
on varsity for Cottage Grove High School’s
cross-country team. Sobotková is a foreign
exchange student from the city of Beroun
in Czech Republic currently attending her
junior year at Cottage Grove High School
through a foreign exchange program until
the end of this school year in June 2018.
The 16-year-old Czech exchange student
has been adjusting to life here adeptly. This
is partly because the weather and landscape
in Oregon is quite similar to that of Czech
Republic, especially with our incoming
winter storm. But not everything is such a
small change from there to here. Aside from
missing her family and friends, of course,
she most feels the absence of being able to
think while walking instead of driving a car
from place-to-place.
Sobotková said she feels very lucky to be
staying with such a compatible host family.
Sobotková is currently living with fellow
high school student Savannah Davis and
her parents where the work schedules and
pescatarian diet are almost identical to that
of her home in Czech Republic.
Ever since she came here, Sobotková
has been regularly attending high school
sporting events trying to support her new
community and soak in the American cul-
ture. She is especially excited to experience
the holidays that are specific to the United
States (or at least the ones they don’t cel-
ebrate back home) like Halloween and
Thanksgiving.
The students at Cottage Grove High
School have seemingly taken quite well to
Sobotková and she has been making new
friends since before school started, thanks
to her participating in cross-country. “If you
are really shy it’s hard for you to be an ex-
change student because you’re afraid to talk
in a different language,” Sobotková said.
“It’s a big deal, you know, because I know
I make mistakes. I know I sometimes say
something that’s like total nonsense… and
if you’re afraid then it’s getting harder and
harder.”
Sobotková has been enjoying the differ-
ences in the schoolwork format at the high
school as well as the extracurricular activi-
ties. In American public schools students are
able to choose which classes they want or
which classes they think will benefit them.
But in Czech Republic each person does not
get to choose their own class schedule, they
are put into the same 12 classes as the rest
of their classmates for the whole year, al-
though they do not attend every class every
day.
Another aspect she feels is more accurate,
and comfortable, when grading a student is
the American grading style of putting more
emphasis on homework and schoolwork
and less emphasis on standardized tests. So-
botková says the prominence of this school-
work/homework grade allows her to focus
more on doing the work well since there
isn’t anyone to stress her out like there is
when she is taking tests in class.
She also acknowledges that life is not
only about school or a degree or university.
It’s about the people we meet, the places we
go, and the beautiful world around us. She
knows that being a foreign exchange stu-
dent will benefit her in more ways than just
academic. “I learn from experiences. I learn
from my mistakes. I learn from others,” So-
botková said. “Traveling is… a way how to
know who you are and who you want to be.
It’s like how to find yourself.” And she will
continue to find herself even after she goes
home this upcoming summer.
A Dia de Muertos tradition
choice.
Sugar skulls are placed on an “ofrenda,” or
“decorated altar,” that features candles, buckets
of flowers, feathers, fruits, and much more. The
name of someone who has passed away and is to
be honored is written across the forehead of the
sugar skull. Adherents of this tradition believe
that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight
on October 31 and the spirits of deceased chil-
dren can reunite and celebrate with their families
for 24 hours. On November 2, adult spirits join
the festivities.
In many indigenous or rural areas, the Day of the
Dead can be quite expensive, with many families
spending several month’s income to honor dead
relatives. After food and gifts are shared, the
celebration is taken to the cemetery, where tombs
are cleaned and loved ones are remembered and
spoken of. Music and games also may ensue.
Halloween costumes may go away right after
October 31, but the celebration of the macabre
and spirits do not get buried so quickly. El Día de
los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is celebrated
in central and southern Mexico during the early
days of November. The day coincides with the
Catholic All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day and
incorporates many different traditions.
One of the more recognizable traditions is the
creation of “calaveritas de azúcar,” or “sugar
skulls.” These are decorative or edible skulls
made from either clay or sugar, which are used
in celebrations. The origin of these molded skulls
can be traced back to the Spanish conquest of
Mexico. Although the dead were already hon-
ored in Mexico, the Spanish brought their own
customs, including molded decorations. Because
sugar was readily accessible in Mexico and quite
affordable, using it to make molds was a natural
The size and colors of sug-
ar skulls vary. Small skulls
represent those who passed at
a young age, while larger ones
are for adults. Sugar skulls are
vibrantly colored to reflect life,
which the Day of the Dead cel-
ebrates. Skulls may have glitter
and be decorated with hats and
bows.
Some sugar skulls are made
entirely of edible ingredients,
and very few are solely used as
decoration rather than some-
thing to eat.
Kennedy gears up for
basketball
By Zach Silva
zsilva@cgsentinel.com
Like everything at Al Kennedy High School, sports are a little bit
different.
This is because at Kennedy, the alternative high school in Cottage
Grove, no sports are directly offered through the school. While
students can, with the permission of the OSAA and the principals
at both Kennedy and Cottage Grove High School, participate
in athletics at CGHS, Al Kennedy, the namesake of the school,
wanted more opportunities for students and has brought basketball
to the school.
“The goal is to see what happens,” said the 76-year old Kennedy.
Now retired for nearly 20 years, Kennedy, who taught for 45 years
and coached basketball for 51 years, is looking to have a recre-
ational team at the high school.
“This is our second workout and we got two kids. Maybe we get
three, four, five maybe get a little game going here once a week
and find some tournaments to play in and some camps to go to,”
said Kennedy. “But we’re not looking to be a part of an [OSAA]
league of any kind because we don’t fit any leagues. But we might
play Kidsports in the spring. YMCA in the fall. Stuff like that.”
On Wednesdays after school, Kennedy goes to the gym, rolls out
the balls and is ready to help students in any way that he can.
Whether teaching proper shooting technique or instructing drills,
he is there not only for the love of the game but because he be-
lieves in the importance of athletics.
“Oh my goodness, it’s more important than academics. Because
kids learn to pursue a quest first in athletics and then it can trans-
fer to other things. But I can sell them on a quest here in the gym
and I can transfer it to academics,” said Kennedy. “The second
reason is these kids when they step across the line they risk failure
in public. All leaders have to have the courage to risk failure in
public.”
While there are only two students participating so far, with more
mentioning that they are interested, the ones who are there are
excited for whatever this team can become.
“I just love basketball. Ever since I first even recognized the sport
I immediately fell in love with it,” said Andrew Kofoid, a student
at Kennedy who came out to the open gym. “I was so happy just
having Al to come.”
Kennedy sits in a chair and watches Kofoid shoot free throws and
instructs him to make six before he misses four. He misses his
target and begins running sprints in the half of the gym that is not
being used for office space.
“He punishes himself,” notes Kennedy. “I don’t make him do
that.”
Kofoid starts shooting again and the cycle continues.
Working on layups down low is Ron Colbert, who decided to play
after Kofoid suggested it. Never having played basketball on a
formal team, Colbert is excited and nervous about the possibilities
of being on a team.
“I’m kind of wanting us to be a team and I can be a bench warmer
for the team because I’m not good and would only bring the team
down,” said Colbert.
CGSENTINEL.COM
Students of the Month
DORENA
ELEMENTARY
LONDON
SCHOOL
ELIJAH SMITH
541-345- 7570
London School would like
to nominate Elijah Smith
for the October Student
of Th e Month. Elijah is a
4th grader in Mr. Alkire’s
4th/5th Grade Class.
He
is a student who is always
on task, very respectful,
and is a courteous class
member. I also appreciate
his willingness to try new
things. Elijah is a good friend
to everyone in our class.
He uses his time wisely and
has excellent stamina when
it comes to completing his
classwork. Way to go Elijah!
Elsa is a leader in the
preschool classroom. She
shows up to school every
day with a positive attitude,
ready to learn. She is
friendly and kind to all, and
eager to learn as much as
she can at school!
CASEDEE TOUGH
ELSA CAMERON
Casedee Tough is one
awesome student! She comes
to school everyday with a
positive attitude and is ready
to learn. She leads by example.
Her teachers can always
count on her to be safe,
respectful, and responsible.
Casedee demonstrates her
committed to learning by
actively listening, embracing
challenges, putting forth
her
best
eff ort,
and
critically thinking about
content. Casedee exhibits
grit and perseverance in
many
situations,
making
her one tough cookie.
STARFIRE
JACK SPRATS
2795 MOSBY CREEK RD, COTTAGE GROVE
510 E MAIN ST, COTTAGE GROVE
4237 W. 5th Ave • Eugene
(541) 942-0168
(541) 942-8408
TRUCK & EQUIPMENT REPAIR
WWW.STARFIRELUMBER.COM
WWW.JACKSPRATSBRATS.COM
LINCOLN MIDDLE
SCHOOL
TRISTAN
BENTLEY
HARRISON
ELEMENTARY
Tristan Bentley is Lincoln
Middle School’s October
Student of the Month.
Tristan earns excellent
grades due to his hard
work and diligence. Tristan
is also a kind and helpful
young man who is always
willing to help others with
their work. In addition,
Tristan is well rounded and
enjoys many things outside
school including athletics.
He is such a great role
model to other students!
2775 Row River Rd • 541-942-4415
bradschevy.com
ELKTON
HIGH SCHOOL
JAYCE
CLEVENGER
Jayce is a freshmen at
Elkton High School. He
is a very good student
that works hard and
is responsible for his
commitments. He is a
leader in his class and
also on the football
team. He is extremely
kind, courteous and
respectful
to
staff
and students.
He is
cheerful,
optimistic
and a great student!
KENNEDY ALT.
HIGH SCHOOL
Kalie is committed to
getting her GED. She
advocates for herself
and is a positive
leader
in
class.
KALIE HEISER-
BOOTH
Cottage Grove Sentinel
SHERRY DUREST-HIGGINS
116 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3325
www.cgsentinel.com
(541) 942-0151
78314 OR-99, COTTAGE GROVE
WWW.DUERST-HIGGINS.COM
