Every spring you hear about the inevitable “Senior Slide” or “Senioritis”. It is probably true that the seniors at Avalon develop some preliminary symptoms of this illness, maybe an itch or two, random moments of unfocused thinking as the sun gets brighter, but on the whole, they remain immune to this disease that attacks their peers at other schools. The reason? The Senior Project acts as a vaccination against this sickness, with the spring Senior Presentation serving as a great booster shot to get our students through the spring and onto the stage for graduation, demonstrating life skills that will take them far beyond the halls of Avalon. In fact, Avalon can boast of a 100% graduation rate for 3 of it’s 5 graduating classes, with the other two classes reporting rates of 93% and 97%. The requirements for the senior project and presentation definitely prove Avalon graduates are productive, engaged, and passionate about their learning. The senior presentations are always a highlight of the year.
We ask the graduating seniors to prepare a paragraph for the presentation night programs. These paragraphs showcase their enthusiasm about their projects and their work here at Avalon. Here they are, in the order that they are presenting this spring:
Sophia Anastazievsky- A Displaced Generation: The Ukrainian Post-WWII Immigration Experience
I am the descendant of Ukrainian immigrants, and I wanted to learn more about the experience of my family and people like them. Over the course of the past year, I have interviewed several Ukrainians who emigrated after WWII, learning about their lives and the way they identify themselves. Besides giving my own community, it has helped me to look at the broader picture of America as a country of immigrants, all with similarly fascinating stories. Next year I plan to take a year off of school, after which I will attend the University of Chicago.
Seamus Fitzgerald- METAMORPHOSIS: A Lotus Eater’s Quest
I began as a star deep in the gaseous belly of the universe protected by my father Fire and mother Wind.
One day as meteor-rain trickled through the thick skin of space
one drop crept into my home and through my door.
And as I lay ceaselessly dreaming in a vast milky ocean
the one drop crept closer closer and closer
until– it was within a breath’s pace of my volatile heart.
I felt a sharp drowning and fiery pain surround me.
Mud made my vision obscure.
I heard voices I felt hands so many voices and hands,
Women and Men, God and Goddess, Spirit and Seraphim
Resting upon my beating breast–
Cool, blue eyes look out to a strange, new worldtowards an ancient reflection scattered across the walls of time.
Maddie Hite-Smaka- Getting Dramatic
The main goal for my senior year was to cater to a passion of mine. Not only did I want to find that passion and learn about it, but I looked forward to finding the reason that I considered it a “passion”. So I chose theater and writing, two things that I love. I spent from the beginning of Summer 2009 until the middle of December 2009 writing a one-act play, and then took the rest of my year to direct my own show and debut a read-through in front of an audience. I spent my year hearing many different views of theater and discovered my own. Through this experience my writing skills have increased immensely and my appreciation for all art forms has expanded. Next year I will be attending Columbia College Chicago for Fiction Writing and Playwriting. Beyond Columbia, I hope to pursue whatever feels right. I’m not sure what that’s going to be right now, but I know it’s going to be fantastic.
Matt Lesicko- A+ Certification and Spreading Computer Literacy
I have long been interested in computers. They’re fascinating, and so useful, except when they break. I began to grow a fondness for fixing computers, and this fondness grew into a passion, but I was still an amateur at it. I decide that for my senior project I would get better at it, and then I would take the A+ Certification exam to prove that I knew how to fix computers. More than just fixing computers, though, I decided I would do what I could to increase computer literacy among the students at Avalon by teaching a class and leaving behind a manual filled with information about fixing computers so that, even after I leave Avalon, the computers can continue to function.
Thomas Almquist- How to Stay Single: Becoming a Computer Programmer
Ever since I was a little kid I have always had a huge interest in computers and software development, well more honestly, video game development. I would always try to understand the logical steps that the computer would have to take to create such a work of art. Until this year I never had the self-discipline to actually follow through and learn how to program. This was not an easy project, I had to force myself to sit down and power through the initial “Oh god, why am I not even making anything” steps. But now that I have, I feel great. I have essentially finished this project in the sense that I’m finalizing it and all the good stuff. But this project isn’t ever going to really finish; I’m going to keep on gaining new knowledge and experiences throughout the rest of my life.
William Carter Olsen- Norse Mythology
I have been interested in the study of mythology and culture for quite some time. This became especially apparent to me after taking an introductory college level anthropology course through the PSEO program. Because of this interest, I decided I wanted to study Anthropology if I went to college and thought it would be wise to make my senior project related to it. The reason why I chose Norse mythology and culture, specifically, was because it was really the first anthropology that I was interested in.
Paige Tuit- Veterinary Medicine: Saving Animals One Step at a Time
For my project, I have been volunteering at St. Francis Animal Hospital. I learned about what kind of work it takes to become a vet, or even a vet technician. I’ve interviewed a vet, and a vet tech. I got to sit in on surgeries and watch how they’re done. It’s been very exciting and I can’t wait to be the one getting interviewed one day!
Adam Bastian- Road to A+ Certification
My addiction to computer technology started when I was very young and was using Apple computers that used 5 ½ inch floppies with only green text on the monitor. I was fascinated by how computers worked and only wanted to learn more. From then on the more I learned the more I enjoyed learning. It’s even still this way for me today. For my project I have been studying specifically for the A+ exams for over 2 years. My project includes studying as well as building a budget computer that will run every essential program at a very reasonable price, plus teaching a few classes on entry level IT computer hardware and software. Next year I will be attending Century Community College for a specialized degree in the IT field. Eventually I want to work as a Systems Administrator for a large business or school because it would be really fun for me and the pay would be pretty nice too.
Jessie Rideaux-Crenshaw- One Mile at a Time: Trail Construction
Having spent much of my life playing soccer, I never had time, or the want to experience anything new. Getting injured two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. It helped me to realize I had many other interests that I had not found yet. It was after my injury that I realized I loved the outdoors and volunteering to make a difference. Through this project I have met amazing, inspiring, funny, and loyal people. I have learned that building a trail is far from easy, and it takes many dedicated people to get it done. This summer I plan on working with the Minnesota Conservation Corps for eight weeks in St. Croix State Park. Then in the fall I will be attending UW-Stevens Point to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. I do not know where I want all of this to take me, but I am sure it will be a fun and amazing ride.
Aryin Wong- World Cuisine in Your Backyard
I have always been in love with the study of different cultures and I have always loved food. This year has allowed me to expand my knowledge of both, while combining the things that I love. Next year I will be attending St. Catherine’s University where I plan on doing study abroad that will allow me to sample the foods that I have been studying this past year! On top of my plan to study abroad I also plan on studying to get a degree in nursing.
Michael Parry- Police Work
I am writing a short story about police work and the difference between real life police work and the stuff you see in movies like Die Hard or Training Day. I have currently received a job at a pub on Lake Street so after I graduate. My plans are to try to get more hours and/or a pay raise so that I can focus on getting better money. Eventually I might look into getting a job in police work or security work but for the time being I’m just glad to have a job.
Peter Berlin- The Isreali/Palenstinian Conflict: A Inquiry in Coexistence
Last spring I took a two-month trip to Israel with the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. AMHSI is a school for Americans with an in-depth focus on Jewish history. After my trip I decided to do more independent research, especially concerning the recent history of Israel and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. My extensive and intensive research has evolved into a senior project about the conflict, from various individual perspectives. I did not apply to any colleges or universities for next year, because I don’t think that it’s the correct life choice for me at this point.
Charlie Garetz- Recording Studio
It has been 18 years. I have been in the business of making music for 15 of those. Now I have taken on the challenge of spending the rest of my life capturing my and others’ musical creations. Recording music and preparing to have my own place to record has been the focus of my past year. Music is my life and this is just a new chapter in a much larger book.
Nick Pavlick- History of the Telescope
For my senior project I researched the history of telescopes and built one to demonstrate my knowledge of them. Next year I plan to go to college for musical instrument repair. This has been an awesome school, and I have no regrets about not going to a “normal” high school. I really want to become an instrument repairer after I graduate, and I think the things I brought to Avalon will help me be successful in whatever instrument repair program will have me.
Alex Celeste- iPhone App Development
For the past few years I’ve gotten into the hobby (if you can call it that) of computer programming, but this year I chose to utilize the senior project as an outlet to extend my knowledge and make a small presence for myself around it. I focused on iPhone software development for my senior project. By now I have many development projects going for both Mac and iPhone and have connected myself with people who’ve been writing code for years. I intend to use the knowledge I’ve gained for the Mac OS platform just as much in the future. I will attend Saint John’s University to work towards a major in Computer Science. In the future, I hope to be a software developer focused on both the Mac and iPhone platforms.
Shane Chanslor- Life in the Military
For my senior project I went to Fort Lenard Wood to interview several soldiers who were going through Boot Camp and a few who were several years into their service to this country. I also did lots of research on the life of a modern day American soldier, whether they be on base or in another country fighting in a war. For my presentation I will be showing 15 minutes of my several interviews from my trip. My future plans are to join the Military in the summer and leave for Basic in late October. Until then, I will continue playing Rugby and enjoying my freedom.
Marty Sullivan- The Art of Graffiti
I have written papers on the history of graffiti, modern graffiti, and famous graffiti artists, I have also created a mural for our school that reads Avalon School, which I have gotten help from a few of my fellow Avalonians. My presentation is on styles of graffiti around the world, from the United States, to Japan. My plan for after high school is to go to Minneapolis Community and Technical College for generals and finding out what I would like to pursue as a career.
Luke Oleen-Junk – A Guide to American Film Noir
Luke is an eighteen-year-old senior at Avalon School, though he does not plan to be either for very long. His senior project is called “A Guide to American Film Noir” and it is exactly that. Yes, he recognizes the irony of all that French right after the word “American”. He is currently movin’ on up.
Liz Haley- First Grade Teaching
Liz has always had a passion for teaching. Ever since she can remember she has been trying teach kids. When she was little she really enjoyed watching the younger kids learn and develop. Even after dramatic changes in her life she remained dedicated to spreading knowledge to children. After a lot of thought Liz realized it would make a lot sense to make her senior project be about teaching. That she did. All year long Liz has been taking visits to first grade classrooms to better her understanding of how children learn. With that, she was able to design her own way of teaching kids. Liz even got to make her own classroom! She had a lot of fun with her Senior Project and is very satisfied with the final product. Liz will continue to pursue her love for teaching after high school. She is planning on going to college to become an elementary teacher, perhaps on the East Coast. Her ultimate life long dream is to create her own elementary school.
Justin Monahan- Mixed Martial Arts
I have been a student at Avalon for two and a half years. My project is on professional mixed martial arts. The way I came to wanting to do this as a project is that I have always loved the sport of fighting and wanted to explore what it would take to be a professional fighter. Mixed martial arts includes boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jutsu, wrestling, judo, karate, and kickboxing.
Tobias Ochtrup-Polnau – Film Making
Art has always been a major part of my life and has been a healthy outlet in these confusing years. I have always been making artwork, exploring such mediums as drawing, inking, painting, performing, and music production.
I came to Avalon school last year. I had not had the most positive experience at my prior school and was looking for a change. It felt good to walk into a school where I didn’t have to think twice about what I looked like or who I was.
Theo Moulton- MMPI and Psychology
My senior project is on psychology and the comprehensive personality inventory known as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). I have spent this past year buried under research books, psychology journal articles, psychology text books and more trying to find out as much as I could about this test as well as figuring out the how to get into psychology as a career. I will be attending Century College this coming fall as an “Undeclared Major” to obtain my generals and get my GPA up so I can then go to a more focused college for either psychology or music production, which is another one of my interests.
Tailor Mitchell- What Makes a Good Photo?
I chose to complete my senior project on photography, one of my lifelong passions. The guiding question for my project was what makes a good photo. I learned so much by doing this project, and I developed my own definition of a good photo. I plan on attending the University of Minnesota next year, working toward a degree in computer programming or engineering.
Nora Knutson- Food Consciousness: The importance of getting to know your food and the impact of your comsumer choices
I explored the complexities and paradoxical qualities of the unsustainable food system in the United States in an attempt to build strong arguments for wide scale changes in the ways we Americans think about, buy and eat food. I used various art forms, including printmaking and stained glass, as my primary deliverable because I wanted to portray what I learned in an interesting and eye-catching way and challenge myself to use creative and innovative ways to express my ideas.
In addition, I wrote a short essay accompanying each piece in order to articulate the ideas and issues behind them. With the use of both creative visuals and persuasive essays I hope to inspire people to think seriously about where their food came from, how it was produced, and how their choices impact their own health, other people, and the environment.
Nantianna Grice- Cooking
In this project I would like to create a cookbook, in which the recipes will reflect my life. Some of the recipes have been in my family for years, others will feature bits and pieces of cooking from different cultures I enjoy the most. The book will also have pictures and tips on what you can add or take out to make it in your own way. I will analyze original recipes, in order to develop and alter recipes into my own. I also plan to further my education by going to a culinary arts school and when I’m done with that I want to own a restaurant.
Sam Morgan- Vegetable Oil as Fuel
My project was a hands-on study of the prospects of using vegetable oil as a substitute for petroleum based fuel. I converted my 1980 Mercedes Benz Turbo diesel sedan to run on straight vegetable oil that has already been used for cooking. I’ve always been a mechanically minded and environmentally conscious person. Next year I will be looking into careers in alternative energy.
Rachel Thompson- From Psychology to Occupational Therapy
Since sixth grade I have wanted to go into counseling psychology. I decided to learn a little bit more about the career and the schooling that was required to become a psychologist. Sometime during my research I discovered Occupational Therapy. I became fascinated with the career and began researching it and straying a bit from psychology. I ended up writing my research paper on Sensory Processing Disorder and Occupational Therapy and have made the decision to go into Occupational Therapy instead of psychology. I plan to attend MCTC for a year or two to finish up my generals and raise my GPA and then transfer to the U of M to get my undergrad in psychology with a few extra classes of prerequisites to qualify for the master’s program in Occupational Therapy.
Donald Gardner- The Mind of a Poet
I used a combination of observation, creativity and the aspirations of my mind to create a perfect poem piece. My next step is to turn 100 poems into a book with the fine-tuned skills I have developed in my senior project. By 2011, I plan to have two books published and attend St. Paul College to get a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant). Most of all, I plan to be a great writer with no end to my imagination, for you have not heard the last of me.
Lee Purvey- Citizen, Man, Writer
This project is an exploration of the craft of writing. I have written everything from a sonnet to a short story to an ode to the Costco Wholesale Corporation. Next year I plan to attend Grinnell College and pursue a degree in something that won’t ever get me a job.