Learning from a master; Former Chief UN Photographer picture of generous spirit

Thanksgiving is a time that causes people to think about why they are thankful. However, there are a select few who wake up every day thinking how lucky they are to have what they have, even when it is not much.

During my recent trip to San Antonio for the Texas Association of Journalism Educators State Convention, I met Mr. John Isaac. He was born in Madras, India and came to America in 1968, arriving with 75 cents in his pocket. After moving up through a series of jobs, Isaac started working as a photographer for the United Nations. During his career he became the Chief of the Photography Unit for the U.N. This profession gave him the opportunity to travel to more than 100 countries and capture some of history’s remarkable moments.

Isaac has taken not only magnificent pictures throughout various countries, but he has also published books, including his recent one titled “The Vale of Kashmir.”

Throughout his career, Isaac has befriended many different types of people, ranging from those he photographed during the Ethiopian famine and the genocide in Rwanda to actress Audrey Hepburn and Michael Jackson.

Generally when you read about famous people, or people who have become important in the world, you might think they are arrogant or that they wouldn’t waste their time talking to someone who they might see as beneath them.

This was not the case with Isaac. Spending time with him in a photography class on the streets of San Antonio and hearing him speak about the people he has known showed me that he accepted everyone.

He took the time to hear a homeless man’s story and share it with the students at TAJE, when most people would have shied away from a man on the streets. When he spoke of his work, he told us that he always talked with the people in his pictures before he took the photograph. He said he did not want to photograph a stranger.

I learned from Isaac, not only tips on photography, but that I should be accepting of everyone, regardless of how “different” they might seem. His photographs from around the world remind me that I should be thankful for what I have, because others are not as fortunate as we are in America.

Internationally known Deaf artist to perform Sept. 18

Deaf artist Peter Cook will perform in the school auditorium Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m. The event will be hosted by the ASL Honor Society. ASL students from Caprock, Amarillo College and WTAMU will attend as well as students from Canyon. ASL Honor Society has also invited many members of the deaf community to come to the performance.

Peter Cook is an internationally reputed Deaf performing artist whose works incorporate American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting and movement. His performance will be comedy based with storytelling and other acts. The $5 admission fee at the door covers the show and the reception following.

Runners advance to regionals

The Lady Eagle Track team won their District 3-4A this past weekend in Pampa.  Eleven of these girls will move on to compete in San Angelo in the regional meet on May 3-4. Competitors advancing include Olivia Martinez in the 800 m, Caitlin Gilmore in the 4×2, 400, and 4×4, Kateland Maddox in the 4×4 and 4×2, Tori Sills in the 4×2, CJ Frizzell in pole vault, 4×1, 4×2, and 4×4, Abby Behrens in the 100H and 300H, Haley Matlack in the 100H and 300H, Kyndal Davis in the 100m, 4×2, and 4×4, Arin Rice in the 800m and 4×4,  Maya Jones in the 4×1, and Kelsie Blanks in the 4×1. 

The JV girls team placed second overall for their best finish in a district meet.

The boys track team finished 2nd overall with several athletes qualifying for the regional meet.  Those boys include Will Welling in the 3200, Keevyn Anderson in the 1600, Jared Beatty and Jason Ray in the 800m, Micheal Stigler in the 300 and 110 Hurdles, Blake Boyer in pole vaulting and Ryan Baca in the 100m.

Prom Closet open for business

Tucked away in an obscure bookroom at the end of the 1100 hallway is the newest fashion boutique in town.

The American Sign Language Honor Society is hosting the Prom Dress Closet which allows girls who don’t want to spend much on a prom dress rent one for only $20.  Teachers, current students, and even former students are donating dresses of all colors and sizes. 

“It gives girls more options,” ASL teacher Traci Prather said.

Upon donating, a picture will be taken of the front and the back of the dress, which will be cleaned before it’s returned to the owner.  The person renting the dress will have to sign a contract stating that the dress will be returned in the same condition it was when rented.

Tuxes will also be available to rent for $25 under the same conditions as the dresses.

ASL teacher Chelsea Phemister brought the idea over from Caprock.

“When I worked at Caprock HS they had one, and tons of my students would rent instead of buy,” Phemister said.  “I thought ‘why not bring it over here?’”

In most circumstances girls spend over a hundred dollars on a beautiful dress that they will only wear one time, making renting a dress a better deal. 

The Prom Dress Closet provides more opportunities for girls and guys to get formal dresses at a low cost.  On average prom dresses cost anywhere $200-$400 and tuxes range from $100-$200.  Girls and boys will have the same diversity to choose from but for a lower cost.

The closet will open Monday, April 5 and end Friday May 14.  It will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until 4:30 pm.

‘Until the Whole World Hears’

Introducing songs from their new album “Until the Whole World Hears,” released today, and performing songs from previous albums, Casting Crowns took center stage after special guest Matt Redman at the Amarillo Civic Center Oct. 3. 

Casting Crowns began as a student worship band in 1999.  The band said they never believed God would have led them to a recording contract and the ability to minister people all over the world. The band recorded two independent albums mainly distributed in the Atlanta area.  Mark Miller, lead singer of Sawyer Brown, heard one of the albums.

“I could tell by Mark’s writing that he wasn’t doing anything other than speaking from his heart exactly what he was seeing what was around him,” Miller said. 

Miller also said it didn’t surprise him when he found out Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, was a youth minister and that his songs were messages to his students.

Mark Hall (lead vocals), Chris Huffman (bass), Melodee Devevo (violin, vocals), Juan Devevo (guitar, vocals), Andy Williams (drums), Megan Garrett (keys, vocals), Hector Cervantes (guitar, vocals) reached out the many  hearts at the concert with songs that spoke directly to them. 

At the concert, Hall shared his knowledge and experience with many fans.  Hall says he preaches to everyday teenagers with problems like every other person and in order to help them, they need to know everyone struggles and it isn’t just them. 

The band will be traveling with Matt Redman until Dec. 31 on their “Until the Whole World Hears” tour.  The tour will end in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Students honor fallen graduate on Veteran’s Day

Students honored the memory of 2006 graduate Darren E. Tate, who lost his life in service to our country on July 8, 2009. 

The parents of Tate were on campus to remember their fallen son with students and faculty members.   Tate is remembered at CHS as a young man with an awesome smile and a heart for helping others.

According to information provided by the history department, Tate was a Naval Aviation Ordnance man, serving aboard the USS Iwo Jima.  In May 2008, he volunteered for a tour of duty in Afghanistan.  In Kabul, he worked as a mentor for the Afghan Army training soldiers at the National Ammunition Depot.  His performance of duty in combat zone resulted in 100 percent mission completion rate for the ammunition depot he managed.

Due to exceptional meritorious service to the United States, Tate was awarded the Bronze star Medal.  He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO medal, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.