By Jacey Jira and Jessica Sandahl

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Sandahl

The time has arrived once again for West Central High School students to start fundraising for their chance of a lifetime trip to Washington, DC, in the spring of 2013. Every two years, juniors and seniors from West Central take part in a program called Close Up. Founded in 1971, Close Up is a nonprofit organization that educates and inspires young people to become informed and engaged citizens. “This is an organization set up in Washington, DC, that helps students better understand how our government works. Close Up also allows students to see many of the memorials in Washington in a more educational fashion. Another major role of Close Up is that it introduces students from one part of the country and their views on politics to others and their views,” explains West Central Close Up supervisor Wade Tirrel.

Teenagers and supervisors from all over the country come to Washington, DC, for this special event. “Our students and teachers are a diverse group – coming from every state and territory and several other countries. They hail from a variety of ethnic, cultural, racial and economic backgrounds. This diversity greatly enhances the learning that takes place on our programs,” stated Timothy S. Davis, Close Up President. Many past students that have gone on the trip would agree with Davis. “It is a good learning experience, and I still stay in touch with the people I met there,” West Central graduate Chelsea Sandahl explained.

Students get the chance to participate in discussions, see many important monuments, and meet important officials on their trip. Many students who have gone in the past say some of their highlights include visiting Arlington National Cemetery and watching the Changing of the Guard. Other students enjoyed going to the United States Capitol to meet South Dakota’s political representatives.

Along with the many thrills of traveling come the nerves and emotions. “I am not so sure about flying because I have never flown before. I am also nervous about my roommate because you could get a grumpy one from a different state!” exclaimed junior Krista Edberg, who will be attending the trip in April 2013.

Many fundraisers will be completed in the future for students to raise money for their trip. The students plan on working concessions at athletic events, hosting waffle feeds and car washes, and setting up food stands for Jamboree Days to help reach their financial goals. Things such as a haunted house and STI discount cards have been beneficial so far in helping students to raise their amount. “If students decide to make the commitment to go, they will never look back and regret it; much of what Close Up allows people to do in Washington, DC, can never be duplicated,” Tirrel stated.

By Jacey Jira

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo Courtesy of Jessica Sandahl

Semester tests seem to be the talk of the school as the last few weeks of the quarter roll around. They can either make or break your grade; it all depends on how you prepare for them. There are many things to take into consideration as you get ready to take your exams. One very crucial thing you should do the week of your semester tests is get an ample amount of sleep and eat healthfully. Make sure you drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. It is also important to eat a good breakfast because eating breakfast will get your brain working and give your body energy to keep you focused throughout the day.

Another helpful tip while studying for semester tests is to start looking over your materials early. Going over key points just 20 minutes a day will help you to remember many things that will benefit you in the long run. If you are the type of person who crams everything in the night before, chances are high that everything you’ve shoved into your brain will be gone the next morning.

Being relaxed and focused while you are studying will be beneficial on the day of the test. It has been proven that chewing gum helps you remember things, too. So when you are studying, pop in a piece of gum, but save one for the test day as well. One very crucial tip that many students don’t do is listen. Teachers often try to prepare their students for tests by telling them exactly what will be on it. Teachers usually will tell their students the format and what types of questions will be on the test. Listening to the little things the teacher says may immensely increase the test score.

These tips are just many of the important things to take into consideration while preparing for your semester tests. Stay healthy, get a good amount of sleep, look over your notes a little bit every night, listen to your teachers, and you will do just fine. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a teacher; that’s what they get paid to do. Good luck!

By Alex Qualm

Trojan Tribune Staff

The fourth quarter raps up as the referee blows his whistle. We had just beaten Jackson County 47-7, an upset that no one was expecting. Just like any other home game, everyone leaves and goes on their way and that’s that. What people don’t know is what happens when everyone has gone home, or what happens that next day.

The garbage won’t pick up itself to be sure, but luckily for West Central, a special community member comes in to help. Ron Sechser, a long-time member of the Hartford community, said in an interview with WCNN, “I saw things that had to be done and somebody had to do it.” Fortunately for us, Ron was energetic enough to do it. Those things that Ron was talking about was the garbage he picks up after every home football game. He doesn’t do it for pay or for any reward, but for the love of his community. Ron said he just wanted to do something for the community and give back in some way. He enjoys it, and it’s something he’s able to do.

Ron has been doing this volunteer work for about six to seven years now. He not only picks up trash after football games, though. He also picks up trash or twigs around town. If he sees something lying around, he will go over and pick it up. “Otherwise if they aren’t picked up, they will land in someone’s yard,” Ron stated.

Ron’s high spirits and love for his community should be an example for everyone. Jayde Sechser, his granddaughter, said, “He is always out helping people and taking pride in his community.” To that comment, Ron replied, “If more people take interest in their community, it will be a better and nicer place to live.”

As we wrapped up our chat, Ron said, “I like to be more behind the scenes than to be in the front and get the glory.” This just shows how modest and thoughtful Ron is. So the next time you see Ron Sechser around Hartford or even at the next football game, show your appreciation for his hard work and use his pride for our community as a model. Like Ron said, if we all take interest in our community, and we all help keep it clean, it will be a better and nicer place to live.