Grades four through seven got a great opportunity to attend space camp this fall.  In addition to learning about constellations and galaxies in some interactive classrooms, the students got to participate in some simulations based on the science fiction world of Star Trek. Teamwork and leadership are huge components of the simulation and the students were able to accomplish their mission successfully by working together and implementing some creative problem solving skills.

French
Superior Ratings
Kellie Crowther, Melanie Watabe, and Jenika Johnson – Interview Level 1
Judy Son – Poem Level 1
Ari Crandall, Emma Lynn, Sariah Warnick, Jackson Gibson – Creative Skit Level 2 – Grand Prix Winner (Best Overall)
Lance Gerday – Poem Level 3 – 2nd place Overall
Allison Warnick – Poem Level 3
Alexandra Gerday – Dramatic Reading Level 4 – 2nd place Overall

Exams
Elizabeth Banks – Vocabulary Level 1 – Grand Prix Winner (Best Overall)
Jenna Crowther – Listening Comprehension Level 1 - Grand Prix Winner (Best Overall)
Rachel Allen – Listening Comprehension Level 4 – 2nd place Overall
Mitchell Wahl – Culture Exam Level 4 – Grand Prix Winner (Best Overall)

German
Superior Ratings
Jaysi Jorgensen – Poem Level 1
Madalyn Covey – Poem Level 1 – Best of Fair
Autumn Wahl – Show and Tell Level 1
Autumn Wahl, Madalyn Covey, Jared Duval, Jaysi Jorgensen, Fiona Hodgson – Skit Level 1 - Best of Fair
Seth Hyatt – Conversation Level 2
David Hennessey – Vocal Performance Level 2 – Best of Fair
Anna Griffin – Poem Level 2
Seth Hyatt, David Hennessey, Michael Duckworth, Caleb Allen, Anna Griffin – Skit Level 2
Irma-Linda Zodda – Poem Level 3
Jordan Allen – Interview Level 3 - Best of Fair
Jordan Allen, James Redd, Elliot Scharffs, Irma-Linda Zodda – Skit Level 3 – Best of Fair

All German students – Choir Performance – Best Overall Performance for their song “Komm gib mir deine Hand” (I wanna hold your hand) by the Beatles

Jordan Allen, Caleb Allen and Kemish Estrada were also honored at the language fair for scoring in the top 90% nationally on the National German Exam. Jordan scored in the top 98% and received a medal for his performance. Their teacher, Frau Jennifer Willoughby, was honored with AATG’s Duden award. It is given to a teacher who consistently has students perform well on the National German Exam.

Congratulations to sophomore Lexi Crandall who competed in the statewide Poetry Out Loud competition on March 11th. Lexi successfully advanced through all three rounds to finish as first runner-up! Lexi performed “Traveling Through the Dark” by William Stafford, “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold, and “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop. She received a plaque and $200 prize for the school.

Click here to read Salt Lake Tribune article

Meridian was the right place for an inquisitive boy like Nicholas. “When we visited the school I was impressed,” Kathleen says.  “We didn’t have to wander far to feel the sense of community. They all greeted us, invited us into their classrooms and answered our questions. The classes were small which meant each student would get individual attention.”

As a proud member of the Class of 2010, Nicholas has spent his entire education at Meridian. “I’ve always told Nicholas that he needed to stay at Meridian through middle school so that he could have a solid foundation of learning and good study habits. The deal was he could choose where he wanted to go to high school. He chose Meridian.”

With graduation approaching, Kathleen reflects on the last 13 years. “Nicholas has made lifelong friends among his fellow students and teachers. These people are an important part of his past, present and to his future, I am sure. Some people might think that private school is for rich kids or geniuses and I feared those same things when we searched for a school for our children. We are not rich and our children are not geniuses. We are just ordinary people who wanted the best possible educational experience for our children.

Two words:  ‘No Regrets!’”

The team, coached by Travis Madsen were undefeated in Region play and entered the tournament as the Region 18 #1 Seed. The Meridian team is anchored by 4 starting seniors (Danielle Langston, Estee Arts, Jenna Higgins, and Rachel Allen) with freshman Jenna Crowther filling the final starting position.

The win was sweet revenge for the Mongooses who lost to the Lady Mustangs in the 1A Preseason Preview on the same court.

During the state tournament game, the Mongoose started with a quick basket to lead 2-0, but then went on a first quarter dry spell to end the first quarter behind 12-4. The second quarter Meridian outscored the Lady Mustangs by one point and went into the locker room at halftime behind by 7 points.

The Meridian team fought their way back into the game and tied the game late in the fourth quarter. Estee Arts scored two consecutive layups with under a minute to go in the game to give the Mongoose a 4 point lead and then the team held on to win the game 41-39.

The Lady Mustangs had a chance to win the game or tie with 1.7 seconds left to play but missed a three pointer at the buzzer.

Estee Arts led all players with 19 points including her two huge baskets in the final minute of play to seal the win.

For the second round, Meridian plays the Duchesne Eagles Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 8:30pm MST.

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Check out the replay of the game…