Class+of+2009

**Mark Bogush** **Amy Dando** **Patrick Goodyear** **John Riter** **John Schardt** **Allison Speck** **Kelsey Suloman** **Nate Thompson** **Kelly York** **Anthony Zambrana**
 * -- ** __**GRADUATES OF 2009**__

 The 2008-2009 schoolyear was a very successful start to the gifted program at SHS. I thoroughly enjoyed working at SHS and with many wonderful students! Thank you for the friendly introduction the community and the great schoolyear! I look forward to many more! Some of our highlights from last year are on this page, and on the __**subpages to the left.**__  Students in the Seminar program had the opportunity to participate in two unique field trip opportunities at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. This past fall, six students were able to walk through the “human body exhibit,” a special display of real human bodies, dissected and labeled for viewing; a way normally reserved only for medical professionals.This spring, 18 students visited the Whitaker Center to watch “Surgery Live!” At this event, students witnessed a bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), which was streamed live from Penn State-Hershey Medical Center. Students were able watch, listen to the surgical team, and ask questions of the doctors as the operation was being performed.

One of the most successful and fun programs that was offered to seminar students this year was Junior Achievement’s “Titan Challenge.” In this Junior Achievement simulation, students must make decisions on price, production, marketing, capital investment, and research and development. Students’ decisions ultimately decide the fate of their business. Eight teams of two participated in the eight Titan Challenge sessions. During the odd sessions, students learned the basics of business decisions from retired entrepreneur Mr. Tom Elhajj. For the even sessions, students would then apply their knowledge to the computer simulation program. Our three best SHS-teams competed at Central Penn College against dozens of teams from across Central Pennsylvania. Other programs this year included: field trip planning, blood drive, entrepreneurship challenge, engineering day, mock trial, Guatamala activity, photography progam, and model UN.

 Two of the cornerstones of the Seminar program this year were independent projects and career exploration activities. Many students have taken advantage of these opportunities.In order to complete an independent project, students must meet with the gifted teacher in order to write a “contract.” Within the contract, all parameters, materials, and due dates are established. The contract is then signed by the student, parent, principal, gifted teacher, and any subject-area teachers that may be involved. Eight students have completed independent projects this school year. Projects were wide ranging, a testament to all of the opportunities Susquenita High School has to offer. Projects included: writing a novel, completing a short story, creating an original musical composition, creating a historical documentary, and redesigning the boys locker room.  The largest, and perhaps most beneficial, career exploration program students could participate in was career shadowing. Sixteen students participated in a wide range of shadows this year, including: plastic surgery, veterinary medicine, sports management, journalism, and precision machinery. In order to participate, students must simply express an interest to the gifted teacher.In addition to shadows, all students participated in the career fair held on April 23, 2009. Over 70 people attended the fair, each representing a specific career, college, or business. Students also had the opportunity to view several keynote speakers. This will become a bi-yearly event, and our next fair will be in 2011. And finally, the SHS gifted program made the news several times this year! Please see the links below to read about our wonderful students!

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