SAT or ACT?

February 26, 2013

As spring rolls around, juniors start to think about college and with that, they start asking themselves questions about standardized tests, specifically the SAT and ACT. Almost every college accepts scores from either test, so the choice really comes down to personal preference. How do you decide?

Jacob Brunette Issaquah High School

Jacob Brunette
Issaquah High School

At first glance, it seems that the SAT would be the easier test to take, at least for those students who have difficulty with math and science; unlike the ACT, the SAT has no science section, and the math section does not cover trigonometry. However, the SAT has a reputation for having less straightforward questions than the ACT, so the lack of trigonometry does not mean the math section is necessarily easier.

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How to study for your standardized test

February 26, 2013

If you are a junior or senior, three little letters hold the power to reduce you to a little bundle of anxiety and cold-blooded fear. Those letters, for many, are SAT or ACT. But have no fear! With these tips, you will be well on your way to rocking that test with as little stress involved as possible.

Madeline Wells Issaquah High School

Madeline Wells
Issaquah High School

1) Know the test. Study the format of the test so you are familiar with it and don’t have to waste precious time reading the instructions at the beginning of each section when you actually take it. This will also make it more comfortable for you if you know how it is structured.

2) Set a goal. If you are working toward a particular score, then you can plan your studying around that goal.

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Engagements: Hammond, Donwen

February 19, 2013

Sarah Hammond and Nathan Donwen, both of Issaquah, recently announced their engagement to be married in June 2016 in Seattle.

Hammond, Donwen

Hammond, Donwen

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Martin and Jane Hammond, of Issaquah. Sarah is a 2012 graduate of Skyline High School. In 2016, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in hospitality business management from Washington State University.

The future groom’s parents are Carrie and Trent Thompson, of Issaquah, and Jeff Donwen, of Minnesota. Nathan is a 2011 graduate of Issaquah High School. He currently works for the United States Army military police.

Final Statement

February 19, 2013

All area high school swimmers win team, individual state titles

By Greg Farrar Raymond Ha, Liberty High School senior, steps up out of the pool after repeating as 3A state champion in the 100-yard butterfly Feb. 16 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

By Greg Farrar
Raymond Ha, Liberty High School senior, steps up out of the pool after repeating as 3A state champion in the 100-yard butterfly Feb. 16 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

At the 2013 4A Boys State Swim and Dive Championships, Issaquah High School coach Laura Halter wore a T-shirt with an illustration of purple-and-gold eagle wings on the back. Each feather included the name of one of her swimmers.

It proved to be an appropriate symbol, as it took each swimmer working together to help the Eagles take flight toward a fourth-place finish at state.

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Wrestlers end strong at state

February 19, 2013

The local 4A wrestling programs were well-represented at the 25th annual Mat Classic Feb. 15-16 where 14 area wrestlers battled the state’s top athletes for a chance to medal in high school’s biggest tournament.

After taking second at the Region 3 Tournament the weekend before, Skyline High School wrestlers filled eight of the 14 weight classes at the state championship. By the time the two-day tournament was about over, the excitement of having eight wrestlers make it to the final 16 had taken its toll on Gus Kiss’ vocal cords. By 2 p.m. Saturday, the Skyline coach’s voice was all but gone.

“We’re really proud of the fact that we brought eight kids and one alternate,” he said in an almost whisper. “It’s a culmination of hard work and dedication, and it’s nice to see the end result.”

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Would you like some cereal with that sugar?

February 12, 2013

Walking down the aisles of your neighborhood grocery store, one might notice all of the colorful, child-friendly boxes of cereal that advertise free toys or fun puzzles to solve. Next to them, one may find less exciting boxes that are labeled with “whole grains” or “a great source of fiber” — but those are boring, right?

Compared to the always appealing Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Cocoa Puffs and many more, most people — children and teenagers especially — do not take the time to think of the consequences that may follow their sugar rush.

Breakfast is meant to be a nutritious meal to start one’s day off on the right foot. But what use is it when the cereal that you eat is literally just a spoon full of sugar? Sure, these sugary cereals may look more appetizing, but studies have shown that eating a bowl of commercial cereal is the equivalent of eating candy for breakfast. That cannot be healthy.

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Local athletes sign with colleges

February 12, 2013

Two Issaquah and four Liberty high school seniors will officially take their athletic talents to the collegiate level, signing letters of intent to play for universities across the country.

Liberty soccer players Nicolle Marlow, Kailiana Johnson, Katie Noonan and Kiana Hafferty made their college commitments official in a special signing day ceremony at the school Feb. 6. The Patriots soccer team placed fourth in state this year.

Both Marlow and Johnson will play for Washington State University, while Noonan will play for Southeastern Louisiana University and Hafferty will suit up for Seattle Pacific University.

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Issaquah grad signs with Seattle Reign FC

February 12, 2013

Former Issaquah High School and University of Washington soccer standout Kate Deines will once again get the opportunity to play in front of the hometown crowd after it was announced that she has signed with Seattle Reign FC.

The club is a part of the new eight-team National Women’s Soccer League set to begin play in spring 2013. The team will play its home matches at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila.

“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to play professionally in Seattle, before my family and friends,” Deines said in a statement posted on the team’s Facebook page. “The support in this city is awesome, and now to have a professional team in Seattle, I can’t even imagine the atmosphere for our home matches.”

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College athletes get preseason recognition

February 12, 2013

Two collegiate athletes with local roots received preseason honors ahead of their spring sports seasons.

Former Liberty High School star Chandler Tracy, a Saint Martin’s University catcher, was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s preseason first team all-west region. Tracy was the only sophomore named to the first team.

Last year, Tracy led the Saints with a .329 batting average, 53 hits and 40 runs scored, earning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s Freshman of the Year Award.

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Special Olympics tourney is set for Feb. 10

February 5, 2013

The Issaquah Community Center will host the 2013 Special Olympics King County Regional basketball tournament beginning with opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. Feb. 10.

Games tip off at 8:30 a.m., with matches taking place at the Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah High School, Issaquah Middle School and Clark Elementary School.

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