News
Congratulations Class of 2010
by Hannah Barlow, Muzna Bukhari, and Daniella LangstonWe sat down with the Meridian seniors to find out their plans for college and what they will miss about Meridian.
(from left to right)
Josh Crowther
Where: BYU-I
Why: It’s a good school to adjust to outside of Utah. Plus it will prepare me for mission life.
Major: Computer Engineering
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is knowing people, and Coach Watabe and Mrs. Slade, they’ve been my favorite teachers and it’s hard to see friends like that go.
Chase McCloskey
Where: BYU
Why: Everyone in my family has gone there and it’s where I am comfortable.
Major in: Engineering
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is my class and teachers.
Cameron Whitham
Where: University of Utah
Why: They have film and I can move out without being too far from home.
Major: Film
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is my friends.
Wyatt Warner
Where: BYU
Why: It’s close to home, and because they have a formula 1 car among other things.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Something I”ll miss about Meridian is everybody! And how school was informal enough for us to do goofy things.
Boyd Monson
Where: Grinnell
Why: They are small and they have given me money to go.
Major: Math
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is all the people.
Sanha Lee
Where: Doesn’t know
Major: Business or Hotel Management
Something I will miss is the sports: games, practices, and the coaches.
Mitchell Wahl
Where: New Zealand
Why: To relax and live with my grandparents.
Major: Business or Accounting
Senior year was really fun and I am going to miss all the people.
Hyung Bum
Where: I don’t know
Major: I don’t know
What will you miss? I don’t know.
Mitsuo Okuma
Where: SLCC
Why: My parents won’t let me go to U of U and I want to play on their badminton team.
Major: something financial or economics or both.
I had a fun time at Meridian. It was hard to be the president for the International Students. I am going to miss the students and the senior girls at Meridian.
Rachel Allen
Where: BYU
Why: cause I practically live there already.
Major: Animation
Senior year was probably my best year in high school. I am going to miss the teachers and all my friends.
Estee Arts
Where: BYU
Why: It is the most practical place for me, a good school, nearby, and it has what I am interested in.
Major: English or Dietetics
I think that senior year has been very satisfactory and fun. I will miss the people including all my friends and the teachers.
Jenna Higgins
Where: BYU
Why: It’s close to home. I like the campus and the college as a whole.
Major: undecided. Maybe photography.
Senior year was awesome. I had a lot of fun. It was cool being the oldest. I am going to miss the Meridian atmosphere and how it was so small and how we were so close as a whole.
Nicholas Banks
Where: BYU
Why: They are a good school. They are cooperative with my plan to go on a mission and they are close to home.
Major: I’m not 100% sure yet. Probably technology related and I want to get an MBA later.
I will miss my friends, students and the teachers.
Adriana Camacho
Where: Notre Dame
Why: To be able to fence on their team and study.
Major: Political Science
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is the environment and all the people.
Kahee Shin
Where: UVU
Why: It’s close to my house.
Major: Graphic Design
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is lunchtime and the students.
Amelia Child
Where: University of Utah
Why: Red compliments my skin tone.
Major: Nursing
What will you miss? I will miss the leaky ceilings, kindergartner hugs, Mrs. Slade’s vocab lists and skinny Mr. Watabe. Maybe.
Muzna Bukhari
Where: BYU
Why: It’s close to home and my parents want me to go there.
Major: Micro Biology or something to prepare me to take the MCAT.
Something I’ll miss about Meridian is everything. How accepting the people are, my honorary clique, and my 8th grade buddies.
Daniella Langston
Where: UVU
Why: It’s close to home, and it’s a familiar environment.
Major: Exercise Science, I want to be a PT so that’s why I chose this.
What will you miss? The teachers, the relationship we have between the teachers and the students.
Broadway Rocks
by Rachel McCloskeySince their auditions in the first week of April, both Meridian upper school and middle school students have been working hard to prepare for one event: Broadway Rocks. The Broadway Rocks concert is an annual event that happens every spring for Meridian. This year, it was held on the amazing SCERA Theatre stage on Wednesday, May 19th. This was the first year it was a benefit concert where all of the proceeds went directly to the teachers. The show was a hit. Senior Nicholas Banks agreed, “It was hard work to get everything ready in time for the show, but we pulled it off and it was all worth it. It was awesome!” After weeks of long nights spent rehearsing, the cast members pulled out an amazing show with the help of their director, Jeremy Showgren, and his wife the choreographer, Lauren Showgren. “I thought it was a great experience! It was fun working with Jeremy and Lauren and the rest of the cast and I’m planning on doing it next year,” said elated freshman Jenna Crowther.
The show featured several hit oldies songs such as Xanadu, I’m Alive, and Don’t Stop Believing as well as several Beatles songs. There were songs from the hit TV show Glee, the Broadway production In The Heights, the hit movie High School Musical, and David Bowie in the song Magic Dance. “I thought it was an amazing experience for everyone, and an extremely amazing experience to be the Bowie. It taught me many things,” replied eighth grader David Hennessey starring in Magic Dance as David Bowie. The show also featured Louder than Words, the traditional song that has appeared in the show year after year. “I think overall it went really well! I thought we had some awesome songs like 96,000 and Xanadu. And Andi’s solo, I Wanna Hold Your Hand. I think that Magic Dance was another really good one. I think it would be nice to perform more than one night.”
The show began with an unforgettable opener starring Meridian teacher Mrs. Slade. She, reluctant at first, agreed to put on a nun costume, get on stage in front of a huge crowd of people and sing. The show was the first time she had ever sung in front of people. She did a brilliant job singing and “rocking” out to The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music. “One of my favorite songs was Mrs. Slade’s opener because it was the best opener of a show I have ever seen,” exclaimed senior Sanha Lee, Broadway Rocks also being his first time ever singing and dancing in front of an audience.
Not only did the audience enjoy the show, but also the performers themselves. “I just loved singing and dancing with all of my great friends. We are already like a big family, at Meridian, but when you are in a smallish cast, performing, it definitely brings you all closer together, and you just love each other so much. I love you guys,” said eighth grader Anna Griffin who performed a trio in the song It Won’t Be Long with three other girls. Senior Estee Arts couldn’t agree more, “It was a blast! I felt like everyone was really committed and that added a lot to the success of the show.”
A big thanks is owed to the SCERA Theatre crew who helped so much with sound and lighting and also to Janette Duckworth for all her hard work. We can’t forget the amazing director and choreographer. Director Jeremy Showgren was delighted, “The cooperation was outstanding it was actually better than any production we have had this year. The show exceeded my expectations. Everybody pulled through for a performance the whole school deserves to be proud of.” Way to go performers!!
See more Broadway Rocks pictures on Meridian’s Facebook page.
Thoughts on the Senior Year
Casey Wahl: I have been told for a long time that the junior year is the most important year in high school. Now the school year is winding down and I am almost a senior. Although the senior year is not as important as the junior year, it is still important. I expect my senior year to be very exciting and stressful, as I will be applying to colleges, participating in school sports, and keeping my grades up while trying not to catch senioritis. It is important not to get senioritis because if I get lazy and out of rhythm from studying then I won’t be ready for a lot of studying in college. I will take after this year’s senior’s examples of preparation and perseverance and have the most exciting year yet.
Rodolfo Amaya: As a senior next year I hope to be an example to the students in the smaller grades. I hope to show them how to treat their teachers in their school and how to make the best out of their education. I also want to show them how to study and develop study habits that will improve their scores in tests, this I think is really important because it has a lot to do in your future life when they will be taking many tests and they will have to do well on these in order to have a shot to get accepted into the college they want. These tips and advices i will offer to those that are interested. For my senior year I also expect to take all the most challenging courses I can find. The more challenging courses I take the better prepared I will be for college. Aside from that I hope to have fun my senior year and have a memorable time that I will remember the rest of my life.
Tim Lei: I expect my senior class all do well next year,don’t get beaten by the seniority. Even though we have less people compare to other classes, but if we all respect from teachers, from other staff, and from other students then we can just be as great as the big class! I expect to have an awesome time next year: lots of senior activities like senior trip, senior pictures, etc, and I am really looking into it since I don’t any classes with my fellow juniors this year. Hope everyone in my class can have a fun summer and come back to Meridian strong ! As a whole, I hope my senior year can be the best of my four years. And the freedoms and opportunities can be a good way for me to start preparing for the upcoming real world.
College Night
by Muzna BukhariMeridian School has recently provided a new opportunity for students to prepare for college. Known, appropriately, as College Night, this is an evening when students and their parents come to learn about the college application process and college preparedness. The program was started by our College Advisor Mrs. Nadia Smith. She got the idea from other college prep schools and just speaking with her husband, our Head of School Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith said, “We started this to help parents and students understand the process of preparing for a good college experience and most importantly, making the application process less of a mystery.”
This was an opportunity for high school students, but going to a college prep school, it’s hard to pass up such an opportunity like this so this time we had a younger group. Eighth graders David Hennessey, Christian Minton, and Michael Duckworth came to learn what they need to do next year. Christian Minton commented, “I learned a lot. I learned how to plan each year and what colleges are really looking for.” David added, “I learned that you need to work hard in order to achieve what you want.” After coming in and listening Michael said, “I was told to try different things, try new sports, new classes, and just see what I really enjoy doing.” High school student Jenna Crowther added, “ I learned how to apply for college and choose a college that’s good for my needs. I am glad that we are stressing the importance of college now, I think it’s great.”
Students Serve at Food and Care Coalition
by Tim Lei
” Feeding the homeless! ” was announced by senior Boyd Monson during the assembly every Monday. Boyd has been volunteering at the Food & Care Coalition throughout his high school years, and decided to take the responsibility of being in charge of this community service for Meridian in his senior year.
The Food & Care Coalition is a place to alleviate hunger and diminish the plights of poverty for Utah County’s homeless, mentally ill and learning disabled, fixed income families, and families affected by tragedy that enter theirs doors. In 2008, community members paved the way for the program to serve 101,281 meals to fellow community members. This remarkable accomplishment would not be possible unless it had vested community interest. Area businesses, church groups, civic groups, scouts, individuals and families donate nearly 15,000 volunteer hours each year, which includes Meridian School.
Boyd is sincere about why he got involved with the Food & Care Coalition. “I feel like I’m really doing something for society, and it helps me to be helpful.” He added, ” My favorite part is the people we served. It’s inspiring to see what they have gone through, how nice they are, how thankful they are. To the students that helped out this year, I just wanna say thank you. For the people that didn’t help out, I just wanna say you guys missed this. ”
Mrs. Crowther commented, “It is great Boyd did this. I think it is really admirable for him taking all this responsibility.” Junior Rodolfo Amaya,who volunteered in doing this community work a couple times, said, “It is a good opportunity to do something different and help other people. I haven’t done community service for a long time. It also looks good on your college applications. It is a great idea to go there if you have some free time.”
For the students who didn’t have time to participate this year, no need to be sad. Boyd Monson is going to help this service opportunity continue; he will pass his position out in senior roast.
Meridian “Appreciates” Teachers
by Rodolfo AmayaAs the end of the year approaches, students once again show their appreciation for teachers in teachers appreciation week. Unlike most celebrations that happen in one fell swoop, teachers appreciation week is long and really exciting because a number of different things happen. Teachers receive all sorts of gifts and food from their fellow students all throughout the week. There is plenty of food and headmaster Smith said smiling “I think of gained some pounds.” The apples with the yummy dips and snacks are not the only thing the teachers enjoy. Students sign letters for the teachers, letters in which they show their appreciation for their teachers and make them feel good. Evidently teacher appreciation week is “awsome” as described by 2/3rds of the teachers. It is also a sentimental time for teachers who won’t be here next year and they will miss the meridian community because as Mrs. Willoughby stated “it makes you feel part of a family, and it makes me sad i’m leaving.” This unique and fun week has been a great time for both teachers and students because of the love and apprectation the students have for their teachers.
5K Fun Run Raises Funds and Is Fun
by Hannah Barlow
The Meridian community has enjoyed the 5 k Fun Run since 2004. The 3.1 miles run was held on Tuesday, April 27 as a student fundraiser for the Meridian teachers.
Every student that had raised ten dollars or more got to have a wow day on the day after the run. Mr. Tasi Young took on organizing the fundraiser and the race itself. 
“We raised $5,422,” Tasi reported. “This year was my first year organizing the Fun Run, I would like to do it again next year. It was really fun,” he added. The fundraiser was a success, but was the run itself as successful? Yes, many students said that the Fun Run was well, fun. Eighth grader Ari Crandall shared with enthusiasm, “I want to do a 5k for P.E.! I had a blast!” Freshman Fernando Amaya simply added, “It was awesome!”
Since it was a race there had to be a winner. Around twenty minutes into the race the first, second, and third place winners run past the finish line. Junior Casey Wahl won first place, while senior Chase McCloskey came in close behind, and eighth grader Hootie Hennessey took third place. When the runners got back to the school they took pleasure in having delicious popsicles and water.
The 5k Fun Run seemed to be a big hit all around. It is a treasured tradition and students look forward to it every year. Students are willing to participate in the run in rain or shine.
Click here to see more Fun Run photos on Facebook
BYU Language Fair
by Casey Wahl
On April 15, Meridian students met at BYU to participate in the annual BYU Language Fair. Students in middle and upper school were able to practice their German, French, and Chinese language skills while competing with other schools. Meridian has a history of winning many awards at the fair.
The German fair was at the Joseph Smith Building. Outside there was a “Kleindeutschland.” There each school had a booth with activities for the students who would get stamps in their “passport.” Students who completed their passport would have their name put into a raffle. Raffle winners would get German candy.
Students competed in many language skills including conversation, interviews, poetry, skits, choir, show and tell, video, and giving speeches. Meridian won the choir competition for the third year in a row! Many students won “best of fair.” Gut Gemacht!
For a list, click here.
The French fair took place in the basement of the Joseph Fielding Smith Building. Schools were in charge of booths, creating a “petite France.” Here students would get stamps on their passports by using various French skills. Speaking French was required. Anyone caught speaking English was taken to “jail” by spies that roamed the halls. Students competed in events similar to those in the German Fair along with dramatic reading, spelling bee, and exams testing vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, grammar, and culture.
Meridian students won in many events. Très bien!
For a list click here
Meridian students also attended the Chinese fair at the Tanner Building. Because it is Meridian’s first year with a Chinese program, the students did not compete at the fair, but still participated in various activities including tai chi, paper folding, Chinese chess, ping pong, dragon dance, calligraphy, and eating good Chinese food! Mituso Okuma said, “I had freetime in the Chinese Language Fair. So I went to a lot of language fair and I ate Chinese food. I liked Chinese food.” Chinese teacher Kim Smith added that next year he “would like to see students participate in conversation, poetry, and skits, in 1st and 2nd year levels.” He expects “that Meridian students will do as well in the Chinese fair as in the German and French fairs.”
Meridian will compete in the Chinese fair next year and will hopefully win a lot of prizes! 很好!
Senior trip
by Sanha Lee
16 graduating seniors with Mrs. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. McCloskey for the chaperones, and Rachel McCloskey went on a senior trip for a Spring Break. They stopped at Las Vegas for a night and went to California for the rest of the week.
On the first day, they went to Las Vegas and watched a show named “Cirque du soleil, Mystere.’” It was just fabulous. Chase McCloskey commented about this phenomenal show, ” I thought it was awesome. There was so much raw talent in there. It’s amazing that they’ve been doing that twice a day for who knows how long.” Estee Arts added, ” It was incredible! They showed that the human body is capable of so many amazing and surprising things. I really enjoyed it.” They stayed the night on the Trump Tower which was a really fancy, grand, and awesome hotel. It is one of the big hotels in Las Vegas, and it looks pretty particular because of its gold-painted outer part with a big sign says “Trump.”
Second, third, and fifth days, the group went to Disneyland and California Adventure. Even though it was weekdays, there were tons of people there for whole three days. The rides in Disneyland were not only rides for fun and thrilling but they put lots of fun stuff inside so that the people can enjoy the rides more. Most of the rides had Disney themes on like ‘Indiana Jones,’ ‘Pirates of Carribean,’ ‘Buzz Lightyear,’ and so on. The California Adventure had some of those Disney-themed rides too, but they had more fun rides than Disneyland. Muzna Bukhari said, ” It was the best part of the whole trip! I got to be with my friends and it is the happiest place on earth! “ Estee Arts also liked it and said, ” It was really fun, but tiring. I liked fast passes though because waiting in line was sometimes boring and they had good corn dogs.”
They went to the beach on the fourth day. It was more like a relaxing day for seniors. They played around the beach and had a small dinner with hotdogs and smores. They left California and started to head to Utah in morning after they went to LA to see the Hollywood sign and went shopping at the Farmer’s Market the day before. Josh Crowther talked about this awesome senior trip. As a whole it was awesome. It was great to take a trip with everyone and was lots of fun. It was definitely worth it.”
