Spring - January 2011 – Volume 8
	Fall 2010 Dean's List A total of 273 students have been named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at Catawba College, according to Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr., Provost of the College. 23 of these students are West Scholars! Belmont:  Christina Cherrie Faircloth Burlington:  Grover David Moore China Grove:  Stephanie Michelle Hill Concord: Cameron Michael Beard Cordova: Amanda Faye Terry Dobson: Julie Roseann Gilley East Bend: Elizabeth Grace Davis Faith: Stephanie Riddle Fayetteville: Jacob Robert Regensburger Hamptonville: Amelia Danielle Baity Kannapolis: Lindsay Catherine King King: Tara Caitlin Borre Marshville: Casey Brooke Baucom Midland:  Madison Michele McKinney Mocksville: Sarah Ashley Moore Mount Airy: Mary Margaret McKee Robbins:  Hannah Marie Thomas Salisbury: Cristin Andrea Ritchie Statesville: Bridgett Nicole Henderson Maine: Sarah Yie-Wah Morse, North Berwick New Jersey:  Alexa Rae Baird, Plainfield Ohio: Jana Marie Burkhardt, Willoughby South Carolina:  Anna Claire Toole, Simpsonville Students named to the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 grade point average in 15 or more semester hours. Congratulations to ALL! WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THE NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER? Catawba College Music Department Presented the Twenty-Third Annual Service of Lessons and Carols For the twenty-third consecutive year, the Catawba College Department of Music presented its annual Service of Lessons and Carols. Members of the general public were invited to attend on Thursday, December 2 in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. A Tuesday, November 30 performance was for invited guests of the College. The photos below contain a number of West Scholars participating in the performance. (Amelia Baity, 2^nd from left) (Madison McKinney) (Allison Andrews, foreground) (Jacob Regensburger, far right) Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Photos with Santa and Fun Had by All The Catawba College community celebrated its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Service together on Monday, November 22 in the Cannon Student Center. Santa Claus arrived special delivery on an antique fire truck. Those attending enjoyed hot dogs and chips, hot cider and hot chocolate, roasted peanuts, popcorn, cookies, s'mores, and more. The event featured special musical performers, accordian music, as well as the annual performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Attendees of all ages enjoyed Christmas crafts and pictures with Santa, who had a special gift for children having their photos taken with him. West Scholars played boom-wackers while performing their portion of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (as the 11 Pipers Piping). Students of the Dance Ensemble class had a small collaboration of student choreographed pieces called "Wreckless Abandon". The performances were held on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 2 PM and Monday, November 22, 2010 at 7 PM in the FBC. The performances include student choreographers: Mara Stewart, Kylie Beinke, Chris Herring and Sean Henderson, Carrie Harris, Jaclyn Lawrence and Jodye Carroll, Zack Lunch, Kat Tierney, Amber McCleery, Mary Alice Nichols, Aneesha George, Sarah Morse, Katie Hauser, and Felicia Youngblood. On November 16, 2010, the Shuford School of Performing Arts Catawba College Wind Ensemble performed in concert led by Student Conductors. The conductors included (in performing order): John Lincourt (2012), Felicia Youngblood (2011), Kristopher Watson (2011), Corey Cellurale (2012), Jennifer Drake (2011), Corey Kluttz (2012), Douglas Crawford (2012), Brent Messenger (2012), Melanie Hudson (2012), William Tyler Howe (2011), with Dr. Stephen Etters conducting the finale. Tyler Howe, '07 West Scholar Conducting Music Performance Hour held in November 3:00 PM Friday – November 19, 2010, Omwake-Dearborn Chapel Katie Higgins, soprano Ashton Alexander, trumpet Felicia K. Youngblood, mezzo-soprano Adam Weiner, tenor Aubrey Lynn Barton, soprano II – '09 Scholar Jeffrey Salerno, tenor Cory Kluttz, trumpet Kara Procell, mezzo-soprano Dustin Sullivan, tenor Beth Aldrich, soprano Jesse Siak, tenor Courtney Cowman, soprano Coaching Experience During Fall 2010 at Salisbury High School BLOG by Philip Russ, '07 West Scholar, Lawndale, NC "Play Low, Fill Gaps, Redirect! GUYS, FLY AROUND AND HIT SOMEBODY!" I never thought I would hear those words again, especially after hanging up my pads and helmet as a Catawba Indian football player last season. However, this fall I became the new Defensive Line Coach at Salisbury High School. While being part of a coaching staff under Head Coach Joe Pinyan, I can say that I learned many valuable lessons to take with me into my own classroom and athletic team. I've learned that it takes great patience and perseverance when dealing with problems that arise from conflicts that affect not only you, but your athletes. The lesson of patience and perseverance will definitely be beneficial to me in the future. During every practice or game, I put my athletes first and made sure they are always ready for what lies ahead of them. We practiced Monday through Thursday each week to prepare for Friday Night. During our season this year, we encountered bumps along the road that included three early season losses (Carson, West Rowan, Davie County) before entering into the Central Carolina Conference. While in conference, we met several power house football teams such as Central Davidson, Lexington and the #1 undefeated 2A team in the state, Thomasville. However, even with the odds against Salisbury High School, both our Jayvee and Varsity teams went undefeated in conference which gave us complete ownership of the Championship Title. As a first year coach, it was quite special for me to be a part of two conference championships while protecting an undefeated record on both levels. The Salisbury High Hornets were preparing for a run in the NCHSAA 2AA State Playoffs seeded as the #3 team in our selective pod. I felt that with our hard work, game planning, skill, and determination we could take on any opponent in our bracket. Salisbury knocked out North Surry in the first round of playoffs 56-28. Following that win, a game with Forest Hills at home and if we won we would play the winner of the Piedmont/Berry Academy game. I hope you had the opportunity to join us for a game and see those FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS shining in Salisbury. If you'd like to read more about Phil's experience, there were articles in the Salisbury Post and the Shelby Star. Click the links attached: Salisbury Post - Salisbury, NC www.salisburypost.com/Sports/120310-phillip-russ-column.qcd Shelby Star - Shelby, NC www.shelbystar.com/articles/russ-51859-salisbury-excited.html Congratulations to Philip Russ for assisting, as the Salisbury High School Varsity Football team captured The State 2AA Championship title! Two Scholars blog program provided by the Catawba Center for the Environment "Earth: The Sequel -- The Race to Reinvent Energy and Stop Global Warming" - January 20, 2011 BLOG: by Maggie McKee, Mt. Airy, NC – '09 Scholar The presentation and discussion, given by Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn was a conversation about how to reinvent energy and stop global warming. After previously taking Chemistry in the Environment with Dr. Beard, I was aware of the threat of humans on the idea of global warming. We also learned a great deal about all types of energy sources. Having this background, I was able to really understand and find interest in the concepts Krupp and Horn were discussing. I felt that the video at the beginning of the presentation was a very nice way of demonstrating the hope for a growing change towards cleaner air and a greener earth. The speakers offered a few examples of entrepreneurs working towards making a difference in conserving energy and making the world healthier for everyone. Krupp spoke of Jack Newman, who ‘tricked' yeast into developing into a cure for malaria. Bernie Carl's invention of the ice hotel demonstrated geothermal energy and how warm water could be used to provide power. Conrad Burke was able to form a silicon ink that is painted onto solar panels which has resulted in making solar panels 1-2% more efficient. Miriam Horn spoke on the fact that it would cost nearly two trillion dollars to update the electrical system and network. She explained the concept of having cheap energy on a grid to be available across a large spectrum. I felt that this idea was a little difficult to understand. This energy saving grid would communicate with everything and would lower costs for everyone. In return, we would eventually lower the demand for energy by using the grid. I thought it was very interesting when they presented the map of North Carolina and showed the energy saving operations with the title "less carbon, more jobs". It was nice to see that things are being done to offset the threat of nonrenewable energy and global warming with the emission of greenhouse gases all around us. This talk encouraged me to be innovative in saving energy. I can unplug appliances when not in use and turn off lights when I leave a room. Also, washer and dryer settings can be adjusted to be more efficient. With all the technology we have access to in the 21^st century, we should be able to come together as humans and find efficient ways in making our earth a better and cleaner place. AUTHORS: Miriam Horn and Fred Krupp BLOG: by Savannah Goodnight, China Grove, NC – '10 Scholar Fred Krupp and Miriam Horne On Thursday, January 20^th, Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn, co-authors of the book "Earth: The Sequel," spoke about the vast opportunities and new technologies for renewable energy sources. The presentation began with a short video clip, which explained a few of these new technologies in action. Krupp expanded on these new technologies. One scientist has discovered a way to use yeast to convert sugar into a type of fuel. This fuel is very similar to diesel fuel, except it burns much cleaner. Another new technology that is becoming increasingly popular is liquid silicon. Liquefied silicon can be spread on any surface and it has the ability to magnify solar energy by about two percent. Horne shared her thoughts on a new way to save energy. She suggested a network of all electric utilities in the home working and communicating together in order to save energy, this network is called "smart grid." In this system, all home appliances will communicate with the power grid in order to lower energy use when the energy is low or not needed. She also spoke of an experimental community in Austin, Texas that is trying this method, and is planning to lower energy use by 60 to 65 percent. Krupp expressed that the only way this energy revolution will work, is if we can persuade the government to put a cap on carbon emissions. This will force companies to search for cleaner energy sources. I believe this revolution is crucial. The American lifestyle will be altered, and we will have to make some sacrifices, but it is our responsibility to take care of the Earth. To read more about this presentation, click the link: www.centerfortheenvironment.org/news-reader/items/horn-alternative-energy-sources-can- www.catawba.edu/academyforteaching (704) 637-4499
JANUARY 11 Closed for Snow! JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 18 '09 West Scholar Excursion to Atlanta, Georgia JANUARY 20 West Scholar All Cohort Meeting
Philip Russ, '07 West Scholar Lawndale, North Carolina Catawba Senior PE, Teacher Education Major
Philip Russ spent the fall semester as an assistant football coach at Salisbury High School and will be completing his student teaching during Spring 2011 semester.
Please enjoy Phil's blog about the experience and lessons learned! -------------------------------------------- '07 West Scholar selected for the Teach for America 2011 Corp! Alexa Baird will begin in August in Eastern North Carolina. From Alexa to Dr. O: "Thank you so much for your help and support. I am very excited!!!!! Who would have thought that 4 years ago I was determined to go home to NJ and now you are all stuck with me down here!" Congratulations to Alexa Baird, Plainfield, NJ -------------------------------------------- Spring semester means graduation is only a few months away for our '07 West Scholars Take a quick look at our Senior class.  They are the first Cohort of West Scholars.  Here they are as freshman.  The photos are from first week of class. Four years ago! Elizabeth Sloop Hannah Thomas Alexa Baird Kelli Ferguson Tyler Howe Stephanie Hill Philip Russ Blair Saunders Zach Poole Laura Ritchie In future Newsletters we will explore the four years of the first West Scholars at Catawba, and give each senior an opportunity to tell you what the experience has meant to them, both personally and from a future teacher's perspective.  Several of them have already completed student teaching during the fall semester and others are involved in student teaching Spring semester. Graduation is only five months away. What does the future hold? We will not be forgetting our other three Cohorts at all.  Our readers will continue to see their involvement both on and off campus as leaders and volunteers, athletes, performers and as West Scholars.  Stay Tuned! Know a high school student with an interest in the environment? The Center for the Environment at Catawba College and Rocky Mountain Institute will team up in July, 2011 to create a summer program for high school students to learn how to apply environmental leadership to their areas of interest. Contact the Catawba College Center for the Environment! (704) 637-4727