Category Archives: Trojan Update

Nearing the End of Quarter Three!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

For exciting news this week, it is almost the end of the third quarter of the school year!  This year has been going quickly and with the halfway point of second semester and the start of spring break approaching, it can be very exciting to realize how summer will be here soon.  There are some exciting things coming up to end the quarter as well as things that will be coming up in the fourth quarter to end the semester, so here are some things to look forward to.

For juniors, ACTs are done so no more stress to prepare for tests!  Students should still focus on their studies with finals and tests in school to ensure high grades, but the weeks of Methodize test prep have come to an end and students did great with the ACT.  There were zero complications and Tremper is proud of the Junior class for making it through the ACT.  For those taking the SAT, make sure to study to be prepared and do the best you can and Tremper will be full of support.  Freshman and sophomores will have their PreACT next week, so make sure to keep preparing to do the best you can on the big day to keep practicing for the real test Junior year.  Juniors and seniors enjoy the day off and good luck to freshman and sophomores!

The Blood Drive has also come to an end, meaning one of the biggest events of the year is done to add some relaxation to those in Student Government.  The Blood Drive was a success with collecting six hundred three pints of blood, which is the most collected since COVID and will help save hundreds of lives.  Everyone in Student Government did a great job preparing for the drive, especially Tori Keckler, Arrien Narula, and Gianna Martin who have worked hard to make sure everything was ready for the big day, and with its success, Tremper is very proud of their hard work.  This means the next big events will most likely be working with Senior Convocation and Graduation, so the end of the year is approaching faster than one thinks and it can be an exciting time with celebrating the seniors.

In terms of firsts, the junior’s first prom is also coming up soon!  John Fitzgerald, Ally Shores, and Emily Giese have been working hard to plan this year’s Prom and have come up with the theme Golden Hour, which will be an amazing and beautiful night to remember.  Dress shopping has begun and plans are starting to get made, meaning prom king and queen will start to appear in the mindsets of the Junior class.  Everyone is super excited for this year’s prom to dance the night away and hangout with friends as they celebrate a great school year with hopefully nice spring weather, so a fun and memorable night is excitingly being awaited.

Finally, there are many fun things that are starting with the end of the quarter, including Bleak Expectations, the spring Tremper Theater production.  The show’s rehearsals started last week and it is bound to be a good show with an amazing cast.  The NHS induction will also be coming up soon for new members, so exciting recognition and celebration for Tremper Students will be anticipated, including elections for the new officers for the 2024-2025 school year.  Spring events are also bound to spring up, especially with NHS service hour opportunities.

Therefore, enjoy the spring days as the year begins to come to an end.  Spring break is in less than two weeks so make the most of the last few days of quarter three and enjoy the couple weeks off from school!

Tremper Blood Drive!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

This week on Thursday, March 14th, is Tremper’s Annual Blood Drive.  This day has been anticipated by the hundreds of students in Student Government that have worked hard to set up the big community event, and everyone is excited for the big day!

This year, Tremper has collected almost 600 donors that could be eligible to donate.  Not all of them may be able to donate, but knowing the big number and the possibility of many walk-ins during the day, the number could end up close to that.  Tremper has been known as the biggest student-led blood drive in the nation, so getting a lot of donors is really important to hold the title with another successful drive.  For those in Student Government, there is still time to collect donors for the big day, so make sure to spread the word to friends, family, teachers, etc. to keep collecting donors.

This year we have had many wonderful people at Tremper register to donate, which has been done by students in Student Government collecting student donors during Trojan Times.  Many juniors have been willing to donate, and even a few sophomores as well!  Everyone has worked hard to spread the word across the school, and with many benefits to being involved in the Blood Drive, it will feel captivating to be a part of.  Not only will students receive food and skip class, which may seem like the best benefit to some, knowing that you are able to donate to help hundreds of people get blood that could save thousands of lives in the future is very rewarding.  With the help of Versiti, donating can be a feel-good moment for hundreds of people, and with being able to be a part of the event, the impact created can be a wonderful experience. Continue reading Tremper Blood Drive! →

The ACT is Just Around the Corner!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

Tremper juniors are getting down to the wire as the ACT is coming up next Tuesday on March 12th!  Students have been preparing on Methodize and trying to learn as much as they can to prepare themselves for the ACT, and now that it is almost here, they are anxiously awaiting the long test day.  While they wait for the big day, what are some things that can help prepare last minute?

One thing juniors can do to prepare is work on Methodize, which has been instructed for a while now.  Keep in mind that Methodize cannot teach any new materials, but it will help get used to the testing structure and process.  The numerous lessons and units all go over a term or type of question to look for on the test, and by practicing while learning the test questions, preparing for the test can be less stressful with learning how the test will be.  Methodize can have timers for working on working fast and efficiently, and if one does not understand something gone over, there are videos and explanations to help with.  For those that have maybe not spent much time on Methodize, it is important to look through the units and see what needs to be worked on in terms of understanding the test.

Another study tactic is to take a practice test.  On Methodize, there are many practice exams to take to prepare for how testing day will be.  There are tests for certain subjects, one for science, math, reading, English, and writing, that can be done to get used to the time limits and practice with the questions.  Also, there is a full length practice test.  Students can practice the ACT by taking a full length timed test with every section in it.  By taking the day to have a mock test day, it is nice to prepare and practice what will be done the day of the test to see how one does in the testing conditions. Continue reading The ACT is Just Around the Corner! →

Excitement for the Music Department!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

The last couple weeks have been an exciting time for Tremper’s music department.  Last weekend was Choral Fest and a couple weeks before that was Band-O-Rama!  It has been very exciting for them with working with their guest conductors and getting to perform at Indian Trail, and with it being a huge event with many schools packed in Indian Trail’s fieldhouse, it is definitely an exciting and busy day with rehearsals, preparations, and the magical night of the concert.  Both events have been super successful with having two amazing nights of music, but there is still one left: Orchestra Fest!

On March 9th, Orchestra Fest will take place at Indian Trail with guest conductor Ms. Michelle Kaebisch.  Ranging from fourth graders to seniors, many amazing orchestra selections will be performed, including a piece combining all students: “Peer Gynt.”  It will be a magical experience with hundreds of students in a fieldhouse playing one piece, and it is always a fun time.  Choral Fest and Band-O-Rama have been very successful so there is high anticipation for how Orchestra Fest will be, which is sure to be amazing as well.

One exciting detail about this year’s Orchestra Fest is that the combined high school orchestra will be playing an arrangement of “Wicked,” celebrating the news of the new Wicked movie coming out November 27th!  The medley included the songs “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “The Wizard and I,” “Dancing Through Life,” “Popular,” and “Defying Gravity.”  It is bound to be a magical performance which will raise excitement for the movie coming out, and with the official trailer being released at the SuperBowl, anticipation for the new movie with Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo is growing bigger the more that is released.  With the orchestra performing this selection, it is bound to be a remarkable night! Continue reading Excitement for the Music Department! →

New Semester, New Excitement!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

This week is a huge week for Tremper students!  It is the start of a new semester with new classes and spirits are high with a new start with new classes.  With schedule changes, it can take getting used to having new classes, but it is important to make the year count so students must continue to keep up with grades and extracurriculars.

For Tremper sports, the school Pep rally will be on Thursday to celebrate a rival game in the Boys Basketball season.  With the start of the new semester, it is definitely an exciting start to the week and can be very encouraging to continue showing Tremper spirit for sports and to have motivation to be the best one can be while supporting the basketball team.  The Tremper Trojanettes Dance Team will be performing at the pep rally, and with the help of Student Government organizing the event, it is sure to be a fun time.  It is always a fun week with a new start and a pep rally to celebrate, so this week is sure to be a good one.

In terms of Tremper’s Student Government and NHS, executives are busy working on key events in the year: the Tremper Blood Drive and the Dodgeball Tournament.  Student Government is working hard with Community Service Exec meeting with Versiti and organizing the plans regarding theme, t-shirts, and Blood Drive Committees to help ensure the responsibilities of getting donors, donations, publicizing, and creating another successful year for one of the biggest school-run blood drives.  In NHS, executives and Dodgeball committees are busy planning the contributions needed to create another successful tournament, having committees meet to plan food donations, publicity, sign-ups, music, team organizing, and more!  With these big events this semester, it is sure to be a busy time but an exciting one with the purpose of the tournament and collaboration with Tremper students.

For students, a new semester means a new start.  With new and old classes, it is important to be responsible and keep up with classwork to have a successful semester.  Focus and understanding are very important, and teachers are always there to help so make sure to reach out when necessary.  School can be hard sometimes, but your teachers, friends, and family are always there for support and motivation to continue having a great and memorable high school experience.  Make sure to continue understanding content and pursue extracurriculars to keep enjoying the year!  For juniors and seniors, it can be stressful with college and ACTs, but keep working hard and reaching out for help and motivation, for this semester is sure to be another great one!  There is always support out there so continue to have confidence to conquer the new semester with high spirits.

Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

It is incredibly important to get involved during your time in high school. From the clubs and organizations available to join to the plethora of elective classes that can help you find out what you’re interested in, getting involved is what can make your high school experience one to remember. One of the best ways to get involved at Tremper is by participating in the Theatre Program. From the acting and drama classes available to take, to the shows that go on every year that you can audition for, the Theatre department is a welcoming and inclusive space where you will surely meet some of your closest friends. Participating in theatre is also a great way to learn many important life skills such as teamwork, leadership skills, and the ability to get a job done efficiently and effectively.

The Tremper Theatre program is an incredibly welcoming place, where you are able to confidently be yourself without judgment. Students from all different cliques and groups participate in theatre, allowing you to meet new people that you might have never known otherwise. I have met some of my best friends through the Theatre Program, and it is one of the only places where I feel comfortable to be my authentic self. Participating in a show together creates a special bond between you and everyone involved in the show. Friendships are formed that stand the test of time and you meet people who will stand by you no matter what. It is that close and genuine friendship that you get by participating in theatre that you cannot find anywhere else.  Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper →

Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

Choir is a greatly fulfilling experience. Being part of a close-knit community where everyone comes together to make music and have fun is incredibly rewarding. The Tremper choir program is a great example of this. Joining choir at Tremper will provide you with an amazing sense of community where you can make lasting friendships and memories while working towards the goal of bettering yourself as a singer.

Choir is a great bonding experience, as you have to rely on and trust the other members of your section in order to succeed and produce great music together. Because of this, I have made great friendships during my time in Tremper Choir, finding people who will stand by me no matter what and value me both as a choir member and as a person. These friendships have been some of the strongest that I have made throughout my time in high school, and I have made lasting memories with these people over my years here. From the Madrigal Singers retreat, to going to see musicals such as Wicked and Come From Away together, the people that I have met through choir are truly some of my best friends. Strong friendships like this are important to have during your time in high school, and being in choir will give you so many great friends who you will likely want to remain in touch with long after you graduate. Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper →

Why Standardized Tests are an Unfair Assessment of Students’ Grades

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

Almost every year of a student’s schooling, a standardized test is given in order to assess the progress that students are making in their education. Whether that be MAPs testing in elementary school, the Forward Exam in middle school, or the ACT and SAT in high school, students have been forced into these tests for years. However, these tests are an inaccurate assessment of a student’s true academic performance in school. They create extra stress that causes students to underperform and put great students who are simply bad test-takers at a disadvantage, creating an unfair assessment of their academic skills.

Every year students are given a different standardized test to worry about. Whether that be the  MAPs or Forward Exams, or the more important ACT and SAT, there is always some kind of standard issue test that creates extra stress for students. Giving these tests creates a tremendous amount of worry for students from age seven to seventeen, as they stress about getting a good grade and showing that they are good students. However, this mindset often causes students to underperform on the test. Although they may be a model student in every day class, a low score on the ACT due to stress can cause colleges to get the wrong idea about students. An A and B student with a fourteen on the ACT may seem less desirable than a student with the same grades and a score of twenty-eight. A low ACT score that is likely due to pent up stress and anxiety should not be so important to a student’s acceptance to college, as it was an unfair assessment of the student’s true academic potential. Continue reading Why Standardized Tests are an Unfair Assessment of Students’ Grades →

Why It’s Important to Get Involved During Your Time in High School

Features, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

High school is an interesting time, and it can be extremely stressful. Between keeping up with school work and trying to maintain a social life, many students find it difficult to have fun and make memories during their high school career. That is why it is incredibly important to find ways to get involved, whether that be in sports, music, theater, or any of the many offerings presented to students. Being a part of these activities gives students the opportunity to create lasting memories and make new friends while simultaneously gaining skills such as teamwork, leadership, and cooperation that can benefit you after high school into the future.

There are a plethora of different clubs and organizations to join at Tremper, and getting involved in any of them will gain you great friends and memories that are likely to last. For example, joining a sport fosters a sense of community and belonging, and makes you part of a team of people who will always have your back. If you get involved in music groups such as the Madrigal Singers or the Golden Strings, you will meet new people with similar interests and create lasting friendships and connections through making music together. Getting involved in theater is also a great way to make some of the strongest connections and friendships, as you learn to trust and rely on others for the show to run smoothly. The people that you meet through these activities could very well become some of your closest friends, and those friendships are likely to last throughout the rest of your time in high school. Continue reading Why It’s Important to Get Involved During Your Time in High School →

Why the Tremper Music Department Deserves More Recognition

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

All throughout my time at Tremper High School, I have been involved in music. I have sung in many different choirs and experienced a lot of what the Tremper Music Program has to offer. However, one thing that I have noticed throughout my time doing music at Tremper is that the Music department does not get a lot of recognition from the school for the amazing things that they have done.

At the Pep Rally on September 30th, each sport that is available at Tremper got a special shout out for all that they have done. From football to girls golf, each sport was recognized and appreciated for what they do. However, the music programs of Tremper were left unnoticed and unappreciated. It was almost as if they didn’t exist at all. So many students work tremendously hard, constantly practicing their instruments and singing until their lungs give out so that a worthwhile performance can be put on during the concerts. However, this tireless effort and dedication is often left unrecognized by the school. When students from Band, Orchestra, and Choir alike put on an amazing performance in concert, or do exceptionally well during Solo and Ensemble competitions, they get no recognition for their achievements over the morning announcements or at pep rallies. These students, who may have no interest in sports but excel in their musical endeavors, are not acknowledged for their incredible performances and achievements in the music department. Meanwhile, every sport offered at Tremper gets a special announcement when games are coming up, or when students place highly in their respective competitions. The students who participate in music deserve to be celebrated in the same manner for working so hard and doing so many extraordinary things. These students, such as myself, work so diligently to provide an amazing performance, and deserve more appreciation for everything they have accomplished. Continue reading Why the Tremper Music Department Deserves More Recognition →

Why Tremper Should Practice ALiCE Procedures During Lunch Periods

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

Tremper has an ALiCE drill once a month. Students have practiced these procedures during many different class periods, including Check and Connect, third period, sixth period, and many other times throughout the day. However, last year, when an ALiCE alert was sent out accidentally and without warning, students were unprepared and unsure of what to do. Why? Because it happened during a lunch period. Students such as myself who were in lunch when the alert went off had no sense of what to do during the situation, as it had never been practiced before. In addition, students who were in classrooms may have had no idea of the escape or barricade plans for their respective classes, as they had never practiced ALiCE procedures in fourth period. All of these factors contribute to why Tremper should conduct at least one ALiCE drill during lunch periods.

When the unforeseen ALiCE alert went off last year, I was in my lunch period. The alert was sounded, and everyone in the lunchroom panicked. We had no frame of reference for what to do if an intruder entered the building during lunch. Many tried to escape the building, going out the front doors to get out of the situation. However, students were quickly ushered into the auditorium, a procedure that we did not know existed as we had never practiced this before. This created chaos, as an unorganized crowd was ushered slowly into the auditorium for safety. Had this been a real situation, the students’ lack of practice in lunchtime ALiCE procedures would end up being a huge danger to the students, as they would have no idea what to do or where to go. Continue reading Why Tremper Should Practice ALiCE Procedures During Lunch Periods →

Why the Ratio of Summative to Formative Assignments in the Gradebook is Flawed

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

In the gradebook currently, summative assessments makeup 90% of a student’s grade, while formative assignments are only worth 10% of the grade. This is a flawed system for multiple reasons: with formative assessments having such a small impact on a student’s overall grade, students are able to skip doing the practice assignments while still passing the class with above average marks. Also, making tests and quizzes such a large portion of the grade puts students who have a hard time taking tests at a disadvantage, meaning that even if they are a good student and do well on the practice, their below average performance on the test due to stress and pressure will pull their grade down and inaccurately represent their understanding of the material.

As of the writing of this article, formative assignments are only worth 10% of a student’s overall grade. This means that the practices and worksheets that students are assigned will hardly make any impact on the letter grade of a student. This encourages slacking off on formative assignments, as it is easy for a student to skip all of the practice worksheets and still maintain a B average. This ruins the work ethic of students, as it gives no incentive to complete the work. The students will get by just fine with zeroes on every formative, while completing the summative assessments and maintaining a good grade. Continue reading Why the Ratio of Summative to Formative Assignments in the Gradebook is Flawed →