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Steve Raupp
The
2002-2003 school year was another banner year for Yosemite High School
students and staff. Beginning with a visit by State Superintendent of
Schools, Delaine Eastin in August, and ending with an outstanding graduation
ceremony in June, which honored the class of 2003. The school year was
filled with the outstanding academic and extra-curricular accomplishments
of our students.
During the 2002-2003 school year Yosemite High School's Academic Decathlon
and Mock Trial teams continued their tradition of excellence, bringing
home their 9th And 16th consecutive Madera County championships, with
both teams qualifying for the State championship competitions. Students
excelled on the California High School Exit Exam this year, with over
70% of the class of 2005 passing on their first attempt.
Students in 11th grade English and US History classes participated in
the Greatest Generation project, in which they were involved with interviewing
and videotaping members of the community who shared their experiences
from the depression and World War II.
In March, students organized the school's first ever Renaissance Faire,
in which art, history, English, and music classes integrated instruction
in a thematic approach to learning. This was timed to coincide with Yosemite
High School senior project production of a Midsummer Night's Dream.
Students in senior government classes became involved in service learning
when they raised $500 to buy gifts for battered and abused children at
the Craycroft Youth Center in Fresno. Students also were involved in a
Stock Market project.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had another busy year that included
community service, job shadowing and participating in Women in Business
luncheons.
The YHS Future Farmers of America Chapter was named the FFA Program of
the Year for Eastern Fresno/Madera County for the second year in a row.
Students in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) classes participated
in the Vocational Olympics again this year, testing their skills in welding,
auto, computers and medical skills.
The Fine Arts Department had an extremely busy year including a day-long
Fine Arts Festival that included the various bands, choirs, improvisational
drama performances and an art show. The Badger Art Gallery hosted a variety
of shows during the year including AP/Studio Favorites, Tool Be or Knot
2B, the Mike Davis show and the Badger Air Show.
The Music Department performed at a number of concerts throughout the
year, including events for the fall, winter and spring, a benefit event
for student Sam Rowlett, and a jazz concert.
The YHS Theater Arts program had a busy year with productions including
Born Yesterday, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Crucible.
Students and staff had an opportunity to meet and listen to some well-known
people. In October, Rulon Gardner, the 2000 Olympic Gold Medal winner
in Greco Roman wrestling used the school's facilities for practice and
also visited with the members of the YHS wrestling team.
Then-State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin visited
the school in August at the same time the founder of the EAST program
was visiting the school's lab.
Former California Secre-tary of State Bill Jones spoke to students in
the journalism class, talking about the media and government.
World-recognized criminologist Dr. Eric Hickey addressed the staff, talking
about violence prevention.
Community businesses came to YHS to interview students and accept job
applications during a Job Fair. About 150 students participated, meeting
with representatives of seven area businesses.
Careers in science were presented to students at a Science Career Conference
during which a number of people who work in the science field visited
classes and talked about what their job involves and how a person could
pursue that profession.
Local community awards in excess of $95,000 were given to graduating seniors
by local businesses, organizations and individuals.
Yosemite High School students were actively involved in a variety of community
service projects this year. Students in Interact, Future Business Leaders
of America, Future Farmers of America, Future Homemakers of America, Student
Govern-ment, and a variety of other student groups all participated in
community service projects this year.
Students in the EAST program undertook a major fundraising project as
they became involved with the Make-a-Wish foundation on behalf of Josh
Dunton.
A number of student groups and individuals rallied to support one of Yosemite
High School's own, Sam Rowlett, who was diagnosed with leukemia this past
year. The outpouring from students, staff, and the community was inspiring
and Sam joined his classmates in celebrating his graduation on June 11.
Yosemite High School students and staff participated in the annual Relay
For Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society, helping the local community
raise over $100,000 in an effort to help find a cure for cancer.
In athletics, students brought home six Central Sequoia League championships
and one CIF championship and were CIF Central Section runners-up in three
events. The following sports were champions: Volleyball, CSL champs; Football,
CIF champs; Boys' Cross Country, CSL champs, CIF runner-up; Girls' Cross
Country, CSL champs; Girls' Basketball, CSL champs; Boys' Soccer, CIF
runner-up; Boys' Track, CSL champs, CIF runner-up; and Boys' Baseball,
CSL champs.
YHS is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students. We had
a great year in 2002-03 and we look forward to another outstanding year
in 2003-04.
School
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