By: Tommy Cole

Local 16 year old Alexandria Maillot, a 2009 graduate of Mark R Isfeld, is on the fast track to becoming the next big thing. Although Maillot was only here for the last semester of her graduating year, she sure made herself quite at home and made a name for herself as one of the school’s most talented musicians. After graduation Maillot was put on a fast track and placed in the top 20 for The Peak Performance Project music competition (which over 400 people from BC applied for), and now has a shot at winning one of three cash prizes ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. Although she has some tough competition we believe she can pull through and take the gold.

Q: How long have you been singing for?
A: I have basically been singing my entire life, but I really got in to it when I was seven.

Q: When you grew up, who were your biggest musical influences? Both personal and famous singers:
A: Well, I started off listening to the Little Mermaid. So, I guess I could say Ariel has had a big influence in starting me off. But when I was around the age of seven I got really in to Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.

Q: If you could do a duet with anyone who would it be with?
A: Hands down Stevie Wonder. And if not him, I’d love to sing with Cyndi Lauper. That girl’s crazy but in a good way.

Q: What instruments can you play?
A: I started off playing the piano at the age of seven, and eventually included guitar, drums, bass, harmonica and violin. Oh, and the ukulele!

Q: Where do your draw your inspiration from to write your music and lyrics?
A: I am inspired by everything; the Earth and its surroundings. A bird chirping away could inspire me to write a song. A garbage truck could. A thunderstorm could. It all depends on what type of mood I am in, and when my creative juices start flowing, I am a force to be reckoned with.

Q: What has the Peak Performance Project been like so far?
A: It has been absolutely amazing. I got to go to the Peak boot camp and learn invaluable information. I was given a $3500 budget to get a jump-start on a few things I am lacking. And, as much as it is a competition, I have made some incredible friends and met some amazing talents. I have learnt so much in the couple of months I have been involved with it, that it honestly feels like a dream.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments so far?
A: I have been pretty fortunate so far. Through my music, I’ve travelled overseas to places like Egypt and Romania, I’ve had the opportunity to meet music icons like Jann Arden and Randy Bachman, I have won numerous competitions and participated in amazing festivals. But, most importantly, I have been able to see the world through multiple perspectives and learn the most important things in life to cherish.

Q: What is your ultimate goal both in life, and your career?
A: To be successful, and ultimately, lead a stress-free, healthy lifestyle. I plan to achieve every goal I have set out for myself. As I achieve my goals throughout my life, more will be added. So, I’m going to always be a busy girl! I will never take anything for granted, and always push through til I am completely content.

Students at one of the learning labs at Bamfield, identifing seaweed.

By Taylor Goodspeed

A month into the school year and some of our students have already had a chance to throw on their expedition gear, get wet, poke at squishy creatures, and get some good education into the mix. From Monday to Wednesday, October 5 to 7, while most students were confined in their classrooms, science teacher Larry Green took his Science 10 Honours class to Bamfield Marine Science Center (BMSC).

“It was lots of fun,” said grade 10 student Alaia Fayad. She also added that the experience was interesting and that she learned about plankton, oceanography and the intertidal zones. Another grade 10 student, Connor Quinn, mentioned that he learned about the names of different phyla.

According to Green, this class represented Isfeld very well. “This was the best group to go to Bamfield yet,” mentioned Green. He also added that students, “were fully engaged right to the end.”

The hands-on learning environment that Bamfield offered was also well received. “Things stay in your mind better,” Fayad admitted. The science centre offered a ‘whale touching tank’ lab, which was described by some as a standout moment of the trip.

There were many things for students to study at Bamfield. Quinn listed tide pools and marine animals among the list of subjects. As this was a two night trip, students slept in dorms at BMSC. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners were well appreciated, with students describing the food as “very good.” Some foods on the menu consisted of chicken, rice, ham and salad.

Overall, the trip was considered by most to be a success as much was learned by students. When asked if he enjoyed his stay at Bamfield, Quinn simply replied “Oh yeah.” The same feeling seemed to be reflected by all students who attended this trip.

'Change The Channel' not to be missed

By Alissa Crane and Megan Giblan

Training wheels were not needed for our school’s newest musical, “Change the Channel”.

It was performed for the first time, full throttle in front of grade sevens from Rob Road, Valley View, Aspen and Puntledge.

Directed by Mr. Brad Smith, Mark Isfeld’s drama teacher, the musical consisted of a son and mother watching television and “changing the channel” to different scenes composed of popular 80’s songs. This was also accompanied by various skits including “Disaster Dates” and “Adam and Eve.”

The opening scene, “Mamma Mia” was a great way to kick it off, with colourful lighting and backdrops and the cast singing their hearts out. After some memorable scenes including more songs such as “Reunited,” and “Ballroom Blitz,” the show went on with fun spirited sketches.

Mike Mackenzie–Cooper was a crowd favourite with his hilarious antics and outfits consisting of burlap sacks and loin cloths; a definite eye pleaser. Other actors such as Melissa L’Heaureux –Hache and Nesta Cooper brought charisma and raw talent to the stage.

Nonsensical humour, choreography mishaps and slow paced scenes were littered about, but aside from that, the musical was a must see!

Students lose themselves in great fiction

By Lacey Beierbach

As a normal Wednesday went on at Mark Isfeld Secondary, 50 students got themselves settled in the library for an enjoyable day of reading.  Bookworms took up all the corners, couches and book isles to take in many hours of their favourite books. Students who wanted to attend the reading event signed up in a first come first serve order.

“This event allows the readers to have their own special event dedicated to their passion; it highlights the importance of reading,” school librarian, Lianne Raymond shared. The day event was a nice time to catch up on some reading, while sharing some snacks with everyone throughout the day. Despite classes being missed throughout the day, the “All You Can Read Buffet” proved to definitely be worth signing up for.

Although a wide range of books were being read, the most popular seemed to be the two series “Twilight” and “Harry Potter.” Some recommended reads from fellow students with similar feel to the “Twilight” books are: “Blue Bloods” by Melissa De La Cruz, “Vampire Kisses” by Ellen Schreiber, and “The Vampire Diaries” by L. J. Smith.

Melanie Levigne, who also attended the reading buffet, recommended the book “Impossible” by Nancy Werlin, for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy book about fairies and mystical creatures. She also added that the event is “Great for anyone who loves to read, and wishes to go on a mini field trip.”

For readers who weren’t able to make the library retreat, students got another chance to get extra reading time in during school hours. All throughout the week, starting on Monday, October 18, students were given an extended TA to read their own novels. Reading Week allowed all students to get a chance to get through some pages in their book, while changing up their daily schedule.

All things considered, this year’s annual “All You Can Read Buffet” was yet another successful event.

Erica Greenup loves the thrill of going fast on her longboard.

By Forrest Picher and Nesta Cooper

They pushed uphill, tucked down and braved their way across vast stretches of straight with only an inescapable white line to keep them on the shoulder of the highway.

Grade 12 Mark R Isfeld student, Erica Greenup, along with 50 other determined individuals, including some as young as 10 participated in the “Push for the cure” recently; a longboarding marathon raising money for breast cancer.  The trek spanned from Hope to Stanley Park, Vancouver, taking roughly three days from October 10-12.

Erica Greenup with some of The Push For The Cure Team

On the first day they made a dent in the total distance, boarding 30 kilometres closer to the finish. On the second day they more than doubled that progress, throwing 70 kilometres of road behind them, and on the third day they kept going strong, pushing hard on to the final stretch of 50 kilometres. 

It was “the biggest workout I have ever done in my life,” said Greenup, “I was very tired, relieved and felt accomplished. It was a life changing event.”

According to Greenup, she didn’t undergo any kind of strict training before the event. “I did what I always do,” she said, “I spend everyday pushing to friends’ houses.”

Greenup discovered her interest in longboarding through skateboarding from the age of 13.  Since then, she has participated in several racing events around BC, including five major competitions last season in Vernon, Pender Harbour, Kimberly, Salt Spring, and Shawnigan Lake.

She managed to earn fourth place at the women’s competition at Danger Bay ’08 in Pender Harbour. Though it was a small area, people from several parts of the world including Australia, Europe and Brazil came to attend, according to Greenup.

In the end, our local hero raised over 200 dollars towards her cause, longboarded over 150 kilometres on the unforgiving mainland roads, and has remained motivated, saying that she will definitely be involved in following years.

The view from here: students Nadia Davare (left) and Keosha Girrard (right) texting at the top of the mountain.

By Nigel Haynes

Beautiful mountain landscapes and wonderful, eye-pleasing vistas; that’s what a group of students encountered in the final week of September as they tackled Mount Albert Edward. Teacher Barry Walker, who organized the trip, says conditions were almost perfect, with clear skies, and gorgeous views.

“I like to give kids the opportunity to get outdoors and experience various activities,” Walker said.

Grade 12 student, Jade Dallamore, decided that she enjoyed her trip in the end, despite showing dislike at first. “It’s so cold at night,” said Dallamore, “Afterwards I realized I had a lot of fun. While I was there, it was iffy.” But the beautiful scenery, people and sense of accomplishment made it all worth it for her afterward, she admitted. “It was really rewarding, just saying you hiked a mountain and actually not stopping, because I wanted to stop like five times, but didn’t,” she said.

The trip followed an old route that Walker has traveled several times in past years. Starting at the Mount Washington Cross Country lodge, they traveled roughly 10 km to the Circlet Lake campsite.

Leaving all of their heavy gear behind, they reached the summit the next day, which was about six km further up. Participants were overjoyed once they reached the top, having climbed nearly 1000 vertical meters, Walker said. They then returned to their camp site and continued home. All in all, the trip took roughly three days.

Walker seemed surprised and a little disappointed at the lack of student interest this year. Last year 17 students were part of the hike, as compared to a paltry seven this year, he reported. A number of students also backed out at the last moment, citing extracurricular conflicts as their reason.

Essential gear for the trip included a tent, sleeping bag, food and cooking supplies, as well as a small portable stove. Warm clothing was a must. “Kids don’t really appreciate what I mean when I say zero degrees,” Walker said. When spoken to, several students said they felt like they were going to freeze when they were up on the mountain.

Walker is organizing the Cape Scott trip for some time in May, and encourages students to come out and explore.

Jenna Brown (left) and Charlotte Smith (right) write in Zocalo

By Albert Lu

Thursday, October 1, 2009; that’s the day cafés in downtown Courtenay suddenly got a load of new customers, when Jodie Zuccato liberated all 27 of her Writing 12 students from the confinements of institution for a gratifying sip of inspiration.

“As a writer, I find it hard to work in environments that aren’t exciting,” explains Zuccato when asked about her trip idea. She continues to express how students see the same things over and over in a classroom setting. Knowing this, her hope for the trip was to inspire and stimulate her students by taking them to a relaxing, everyday environment.

Things started out with the students dispersing themselves into the five to six available cafés, all of which Zuccato would come to in order to supervise and buy them some treats. From there, they began their assignment, which was to observe and write about the people in and entering their café. Coupled with their imaginations, students managed to write creative stories and profiles on everyday citizens.

Students write at Mudsharks

“I was really pleased with my class,” Zuccato said enthusiastically. Though she had to leave her students unsupervised while she went to each café, she trusted them, and in the end, believes that they were all engaged, and took the assignment seriously.

Writing 12 students Devan Humphrey and Emily Taylor both agree that the trip was a great success. Humphrey feels that the new environment really did help him and the other students write; according to him, the relaxing atmosphere was “conducive to inspired writing.” He continues saying: “It was a worthwhile, successful endeavor, and I think it should be repeated.”

Taylor also believes that the trip was a fantastic idea; it was something she had never done before. “Two hours is enough time to get comfortable, write and observe people,” she judged. She also felt that the setting along with her cup of London fog helped create a good atmosphere. In regards to the assignment, she encourages people to watch others more closely in the future. “You never think how interesting people are until you look more closely,” she said.

Zuccato too, believes the trip was a great victory over writer’s block. “They seemed to really like it,” she said. She also points out that the trip is a good, fun opportunity for the teacher as well, in order to get to know students better and to just get out of the class once in awhile. Some teachers even asked to come on the next excursion.

Due to its success and popularity, Zuccato hopes to do another trip sometime in December.

By Forest Picher

I was reading through the news online as I often do when I have nothing “better” to do, when I stumbled on a story that grabbed my attention. With clenched fists I read that it seems the Americans have been discretely hinting and even asking bluntly for more Canadian troops in Afghanistan, despite our statements of pulling out in 2011.

I personally see this as a total déjà-vu of when the conflict originally began in the Middle East. The United States, with the war on their hands, decided that a coalition effort was needed and began the bullying of other countries to get more and more implicated in the war. Canada, being just one of the 42 countries involved, enters as a sheer result of our “brotherly bond” with the Americans, but this time our bond has gotten us in too deep. The United States is no longer that role model of a brother that it used to be; it has now become the problem-causing, out-of-control teenager who insists on involving everyone else in their struggle… misery LOVES company.

So when the time comes to withdraw and the Americans try to bully us back into the conflict, where will we be? I think rather than sitting in the fetal position in the corner of the room sobbing dramatically into our arms screaming “YES, WE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU”… we should be taking a stand for what we know is right, moral and best fitting for the Canadian population to whom the government is responsible and not the Americans who seem to control it.

 By Roosevelt Guns

The problem with chairs these days is they are designed for things far beyond the purpose of sitting. The chairs of today have hidden agendas, schemes, and functions that surpass the traditional intention of a resting place for your rear end.

Chairs of politicians are luxurious and obscenely comfortable, with throne-like arm rests and cushions fluffed to perfection. This is for optimum dozing conditions, intended to lull even the most alert of stuffed-up old men into a slumber that prohibits any real attention being paid during meetings and delegations, therefore letting the government get away with nearly anything.

The most obvious example is that of the Chair of Education, the very chairs that house our bottoms for six hours a day, five days a week. These chairs are not made to help stimulate your brain and cushion your delicate developing bodies. They are made to cramp you and stuff you into the most uncomfortable, disfiguring positions possible without killing you – eliminating any chance of allowing creative juices to get flowing. Any likelihood, any remote probability of something radical and paradigm-shifting emerging from your blooming minds is nipped in the bud with giant hedge cutters disguised as petroleum and metal chairs.

Me being the activist I am, I intend to do absolutely nothing about our current chair situation at our school and in the world, and sit (ha-ha!) around until someone does. My bottom is getting awfully sore from sitting in the seat of oppression.