May 2024

It’s time to cast your ballot for Student Government Executive Board elections!

On May 9, grades 8-12 are welcome to attend the presidential debate. All presidential and vice presidential candidates will present their campaign in a short speech and answer questions. Voting for the new President and Vice President will open from May 13-24.

“Student involvement is the heart and soul of Student Government and we need your vote!” says Reagan Stanek, the Student Government co-vice president. “We highly encourage high school students to drop in and listen to presidential and vice presidential candidate speeches. This is a great start to figure out who you want to vote for. The students elected will represent the student body and we want all of you to be a part of it!”

The winning candidates are the students who will be leading and representing the student body in the 2024-25 school year, and it’s critical to have your voice heard. Voting in the elections is a great opportunity to get involved and get to know the people who may be your Student Government President and Vice President. 

A few of the Student Government candidates are promoting their campaign. 

Emily Pennington, a current junior, is running for the presidential and vice presidential positions. “To me, leadership is helping to amplify the voices of others and making sure that changes are made based on what all students feel would be helpful,” she says. “I want to create new systems to ensure that everyone at ORCA gets a say, and an opinion in our events, programs, and field trip offerings!”

“Since middle school, both ORCA and Student Government have given me the opportunity to represent others and learn to speak for myself,” says Grace Choi, a candidate for Vice President. “As I approach junior year, I hope to give back to the ORCA community through more mental health promotion and volunteering opportunities!"

The inclusion of these quotes does not imply endorsement by The Current. A full list of the candidates will be announced next week during the elections.

After all the candidates’ speeches and a Q&A segment, the voting form will be sent out in the following days. Results will be announced right around Spring Celebration on May 31. 

Calla Mapel, the Student Government advisor, expresses her excitement for the upcoming elections. As she explains, the elected president has a unique opportunity to have an important impact and influence on the school, acting as a guide for the student community. The members of Student Government help facilitate growth through the creation of new events and programs, as well as the way they model leadership and connect with the student body. 

“I can't wait to see what amazing ideas and visions next year's executive board members will come up with,” she says. “I look forward to seeing them work hard to bring their plans to fruition and make our school community stronger.”

For more information regarding the candidates and their campaigns, stay tuned to the Student Government website.

From head-banging rock to country music about trucks… What is ORCA listening to?

Music is a powerful tool to find emotional connection, start conversations, and even help with studying. 

At ORCA, there are plenty of music fans among our staff and student body, presenting a great opportunity to share your favorite music with the school community. 

This month, ORCA students and staff are welcome to submit one song each in this form to be featured in The Current’s 2024 playlist. 

Songs should be school-appropriate both lyrically and thematically, with appropriate album artwork as well. Songs can be either mainstream or obscure just so long they adequately represent your music taste at the current time. When the playlist is released, your name will not be featured alongside the song you suggested. 

Check out this article for last year’s ORCA playlist. 

Let’s finish the 2023-2024 school year with an awesome soundtrack, ORCA!

On April 19, 2024, Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album titled The Tortured Poets Department, otherwise shortened to TTPD. Living up to the name, the album boasts poetic verses and lyrics that are sure to intrigue. 

Cementing herself as one of the best songwriters of the era, Swift brings an even more enhanced version of her current lyricism and composition work to The Tortured Poets Department by taking the art of metaphors in new directions that will keep fans speculating.

Produced by Jack Antonoff, who collaborated with her on poppier songs, and Aaron Dessner, the leading producer in her pandemic albums and another previous album, “Midnights,” the songs vary from light synth to deep drum beats. 

After announcing the album at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Swift introduced Post Malone and Florence & the Machine as feature artists, with Post appearing on “Fortnight,” the lead single of the album, and Florence + the Machine featured on “Florida!!!”

Thematically, the album tackles the feelings of heartbreaks, relationships, and learning how to move on. It also contains a song mentioning her current romance with Kansas City Chiefs Tight End, Travis Kelce. As she mentions in “So High School,” he knows how to ball, and she knows Aristotle. 

Her fan base, known as Swifties, was able to enjoy 16 brand new tracks immediately upon release but were told to wait two hours for an additional surprise from the pop singer. Sure enough, two hours later, she announced The Tortured Poets Department was actually a double album with "The Anthology," adding an additional 15 songs.

With references to previous celebrity feuds, wrecking people’s bikes, and the Salem Witch Trials, she achieves pop greatness yet again in the most diverse way yet. 

Lyrically, she heavily experimented on TTPD, and the creativity shines through on tracks such as “loml,” where she changes the meaning from “love of my life” to “loss of my life,” and “Clara Bow,” where she mentions herself verbatim after a theoretical journalist tells a young girl that she has an edge that Taylor Swift never did.

As seen in previous albums, Swift illustrates stories through her words. Though this album may focus more on her personal life, it has the same story-telling and fantastical aspects as her folk-style albums Folklore and Evermore.

A track like “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” can only be described as a warning to those who care to hurt the singer with words when she claims people should be afraid of little old her. Referencing a year-long hiatus during her reputation era after being on the receiving end of brutal media, she sings, “Is it a wonder I broke? Let’s hear one more joke.” Swift since then has rebounded in popularity and even broke multiple Spotify single-day streaming records, clocking in over 300 million listeners on April 19. 

Swifties are “Down Bad” making The Tortured Poets Department the most streamed album on its release day on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. For Spotify, Taylor Swift also became the most streamed artist in a single day, and “Fortnight,” the lead single off of TTPD, gained the title of the most streamed song ever in a single day.

Though it seems like each album will be the peak of her career, Swift continues to dominate pop music and bring new stylistic choices to the industry, making her one of the most popular artists of all time. Her path has been on an upward trajectory over the past couple of years, and there’s no doubt that she’ll continue to break records and grow her dedicated fanbase for eras to come. 

TTPD may take a while to digest, especially upon first listen, but the more you're able to dive into the album and listen to the brilliant lyricism and work of the producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, the more you see all the intricate details they've added in. The parallels and the image each word illustrates are fantastic and arguably her best work. Though she opted to not be concise with the message, she should be credited for venturing outside the classic album structure and experimenting with the idea of tortured poetry.

With both heartbroken ballads and power anthems alike, The Tortured Poets Department is debatably Swift’s best album and a must-listen for anyone who wishes to enter the world of fantasy, love, and dense lyricism. 

The verdict: 9.5/10

If there are two things we at The Current are passionate about, it’s food and journalism. 

Sometimes, it can be a bit of a challenge to decide where to eat when going out for a bite. To make these choices easier, our newspaper staff have shared our top picks of favorite restaurants across the state. From western BBQ hamburgers to cozy diner pancakes, Oregon is filled with hidden gem restaurants. Here, you can find some great places worth checking out, organized by region. 

Central Oregon Area

Brigham Fish Market 

Located in Cascade Locks, Brigham Fish Market offers freshly caught Columbia River fish in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the mountains. Their menu has some of the finest fish and chips, shrimp platters, and clam chowder in town, seasoned and cooked to perfection. Their po’boy sandwiches, stuffed with coleslaw and your choice of fish or other seafood, are some of their most popular items. 

Chan's Chinese Restaurant

If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant with authentic Chinese cuisine and affordable prices, Chan’s Chinese Restaurant is a place worth visiting. This family-owned Bend restaurant serves flavorful dishes with generous portions. Its open layout and warm, comfortable atmosphere offer an enjoyable dining experience that's perfect for large parties and families.

Wild Rose 

Boasting Northern Thai cuisine, Wild Rose is famous for their delicious noodles, soups, and tapas plates that are great for families. In addition to the food, the restaurant is also beautifully decorated, making it a go-to choice when in the Central Oregon area. It has been named Bend’s best Thai restaurant by The Source Weekly as well.

Eastern Oregon Area

The Saddle Restaurant and Lounge 

Breakfast served all day? Absolutely. Fully embracing the cowboy aesthetic, this Pendelton restaurant takes advantage of the local rodeo and matches the theme. Saddles and horseshoe decorations are everywhere, the food has that homemade feel that will surely have you stuffing your face, and you won’t want to leave. 

Linn-Benton County Area

Alley Gyros 

This hole-in-the-wall is truly tucked away, and the building is little more than just a kitchen and a register, but the Mediterranean food here is heavenly. With fresh ingredients, the Greek cuisine is high-quality with affordable prices. The staff provides excellent service and a wonderful dining experience as well. They will answer any questions about the foods they prepare and have diet friendly options. 

Bomb’s Away Cafe

This Corvallis restaurant has plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and has quality food at reasonable prices. Its main specialty is the in-house-made hot sauces, ranging from mild to super spicy. With the top sauce being a level ten on the spice board, it’s certainly earned the name Grim Reaper. Offering plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, this is the place to go if you’re visiting Oregon State University, as it’s right across the street from the college. 

Central Coast Area

Clearwater 

Overlooking the Sea Lion docks in Newport, Clearwater has great views of the bay and scrumptious seafood dishes to go along with it. Although fish and other sea-dwelling creatures are the highlight of the Clearwater menu, they also have exquisite cauliflower tacos. 

Portland Metro Area

Best Baguette

Lighter than your typical cheesesteak and served on French-style baguettes but with a vibrant burst of Vietnamese flavors, the Banh Mi sandwich is the result of Vietnam’s history as a French colony. Proteins range from chicken and pork to sardines and pate, but the defining characteristic is a bright slaw of green onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and pickled vegetables. House mayo ties it all together. At roughly eight bucks apiece, these sandwiches stretch your dollar, and they’re delicious. Best Baguette makes some of the best in town. You can also get American-style sandwiches, breakfast, juices, coffee, and nearly two dozen flavors of bubble tea. 

Cowboy Coffee at the Prairie House Inn 

This cafe is an excellent choice for brunch or breakfast. Known for its high-quality coffee, it also has scrumptious meals and specialties. It’s located inside the inn, but all are welcome to come inside and grab a bite. Cowboy Coffee has a contagious Western energy that will leave everyone hooting and full of yeehaws. There are plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options available as well. 

Ernesto’s 

Modern Italian? Italian small plates? Pizza with honey and thistles on it? Not here. This is a classic red sauce joint serving all your Italian-American favorites. It’s one of the few places that serves good Eggplant Parmesan, and they’ll even put it on a pizza if you ask nicely. Speaking of pizza, their pies are simple and good. So is their sauce. Well, sauces, because they have a bunch. There are also baskets of warm focaccia and tangy salad dressing, and the pasta is on point.

Hot Lips Pizza

Portland’s favorite pizza shop has some of the best big-sliced, handcrafted pizzas in town. Hot Lips has a chain of restaurants around Portland, serving freshly made pies and real fruit sodas. Their selection offers a myriad of meat, pesto, and Italian combos, including vegan and gluten-free options. 

Mad Greek Deli 

Mad Greek Deli is the place to go for traditional Mediterranean food in a casual setting. From gyros, burgers, sandwiches, falafels, and Greek salad, there are many choices of authentic and sumptuous dishes at a reasonable price. They also often run food carts around the area, serving freshly made and easy-to-eat meals that are good on the go. 

Thai Yo Sushi 

Quality sushi at good prices, Thai Yo Sushi is nestled right in the middle of Molalla. With beautiful seating and pleasant staff, the restaurant creates a welcoming environment and fills your stomach. They always have a stocked menu and lots of options, so don’t be afraid to try something different! 

The Dough Zone

This dumpling restaurant is a hot spot for the locals. With several locations around the Portland metro area, The Dough Zone presents expertly crafted dumplings, steaming pork buns, spicy dan dan noodles, and delicious pot stickers. Its menu is filled with a variety of traditional comfort Chinese food, and it’s hard not to want to try everything on the dish list. With reasonable prices and a great selection of beverages, you won’t want to miss out on this popular restaurant. 

The Humble Pig Cafe 

For delicious sandwiches and desserts, The Humble Pig is a great place for a quick bite. Right off Main Street in Molalla, this is a small hole-in-the-wall café with indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxing environment. “Live fast, eat slow” is the motto, and you’ll have a blast picking from their star-titled meals, like the Rocky Balboa cheesesteak or the Uncle Steve Italian. Every dish comes with a pickle, and the staff takes this seriously, presenting only the best of the best. 

Tom’s Pancake House 

For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can’t go wrong by choosing Tom’s Pancake House. This family restaurant has been serving jumbo pancakes (including pumpkin, blueberry, German-styled, and more), omelets, crepes, country-fried steaks, and all your favorite comfort foods since 1966. Their specialty menu items range from the flavorful Monte Cristo sandwich to the freshly cooked enchiladas, all with generous portions. With welcoming staff and a cozy, diner-styled atmosphere, Tom’s Pancake House is the perfect place for a nice family outing. 

Salem-Keizer Area

Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen 

Just off the highway, Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen brings fresh foods and produce to an elevated cuisine. Perfect for a higher-end Sunday comfort meal, they have delicious pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and other favorite dishes served with root vegetables and various gravies. Aside from the food, the atmosphere is gorgeous, with a natural setting surrounding you the moment you enter the restaurant.

Along with the number of restaurants featured above, you can always stay caught up with the food-related fun by checking out our recipe articles and other similar content in The Current’s May issue. Happy eating! 

Prepare for an epic end of the school year because Spring Celebration is coming to Albany on May 31. 

ORCA’s Spring Celebration is an annual school-wide event with games, crafts, and carnival fun. From noon to 3 p.m., all ORCA students will have the opportunity to socialize with their classmates and participate in ORCA-related activities to celebrate the end of another school year. Lawn games, crafting tables, snow cones, and a book fair are all popular parts of the event. 

Students who ordered the 2023-24 yearbook may be able to pick up their purchase at the event if supplies allow and participate in the annual end-of-the-year tradition: yearbook signing. 

ORCA families will also have the chance to give back to the community by donating to a food drive. 

Student Government and the National Honor Society (NHS) have been working hard to help plan this event for the whole school. NHS will host their annual induction ceremony on stage to introduce their new members to the program. Student Government is also announcing and celebrating their new 2024-24 high school Executive Board at the event. 

“Spring Celebration is one of my favorite events to attend!” shares Grace Peterson, the Student Government president. “You get to do a final farewell to the school year and see friends and teachers. It's a great way to celebrate and welcome the start of summer. You get to be outside, and soak up some sun, another added bonus for sure! It's a super fun event, and I can't wait to see everyone there!” 

Be sure to check out the Field Trip Central for more details and fill out the RSVP form if you would like to attend this event. Check out this article to see how last year’s Spring Celebration went.

When you think of the novel Dune, the words that often come to mind are “epic,” “sweeping,” and “magnificent.” To name it a masterclass in the science fiction genre is an understatement of its grand aura and the influence it has had on film and literature since its publication. 

So it is clear that director Denis Villeneuve had lofty aspirations when he approached Frank Herbert’s 1965 book. As a story that long held a reputation of being unfilmable due to the intricacies of its plot and world-building, adapting this over 600-page dense novel is in itself an ambitious goal. 

However, in 2021, Villeneuve achieved the seemingly impossible: bringing to life the first part of Dune with artistry and skill. His cinematic feat was a perfect adaptation of the sci-fi epic, doing justice to its intricate world-building and characterization, complemented with cutting-edge visuals and a well-rounded cast.

The director’s ambitious vision, along with a top-tier cast and crew, undoubtedly paved the way for a promising sequel. After three years, the work has grandly paid off in this second installment of the Dune saga. While its predecessor often felt like half of a film, Dune: Part Two takes the story to new heights with significantly higher stakes and an emotional core that adds depth to its nuanced themes. 

Picking up closely where the first film left off, Dune: Part Two expands the futuristic desert setting of Arrakis with captivating detail and world-building. The story builds upon the cultures, prophecies, and conflicts established in Dune: Part One, with more time to explore the political and religious aspects on a deeper level. The character arcs and relationships are further refined and are in the foreground for most of the story, bringing a greater sense of emotional depth that was somewhat missing in the first film. 

Dune: Part Two does a lot more with its all-star cast this time around. Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica and Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atridies are the powerful mother-son duo of the film. Chalamet reprises his role with impressive skill, portraying Paul’s arc from a tentative young man at the beginning of the first film to a cold, fierce leader. 

Zendaya is incredible as always in her role as Chani. With more screen time and development, her character brings heart and humanity that warmly complement Paul’s understated manner. Their characters’ dynamics tie in well with the emotional core of the film.

The rest of the talented cast carry out excellent performances as well, including Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Stellen Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, and Léa Seydoux. Austin Butler’s performance is spine-chilling as the psychotic and menacing Feyd-Rautha. And Javier Bardem’s character shines in the comic relief department, sprinkling in a much-needed light dose of levity in an otherwise bleak and serious film. 

The film also boasts grand visuals, one of its greatest strengths. Depicting the breathtakingly beautiful and dangerous Arrakis, every scene is filled with sweeping shots that never lose their sense of awe, with some shots reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Despite the necessary use of CGI, the imagery maintains a strong sense of realism, incorporating state-of-the-art visuals that still manage to make it look like they were shot on film. Rather than having hard-edge battle shots and perfectly pristine-looking sandworms, everything has a certain layer of softness to it, replicating many of the VFXs from older movies shot on film that still hold up well today.

The battle sequences and choreography are spectacular. Dune: Part Two is packed with suspense and edge-of-the-seat action, coupled with stunning cinematography by Greig Fraser. Each scene is breathtaking in scope, and with Hans Zimmer's pounding score, the film delivers action sequences that are so vivid they practically erupt from the screen.

But even with all its explosive battles and rattling sound effects, one of the best action scenes comes from the climactic finale. The close-up shots are intensified and the music fades away, creating one of the most powerful moments of the entire film. During this fight scene, the lack of background score brings out the intensity of the battle in a way that feels raw and realistic. Hearing the grunts, slashes, and pain of each punch packs a more immersive and visceral experience.

For much of its 166-minute runtime, Dune takes its time to build up the action and tension, bringing its characters and their stories to life gradually. The pacing can be slow at times, but despite its extended runtime, the ending still feels a bit rushed.

Villeneuve packs a long and complex story into a film just under three hours long fairly effectively. However, there are parts where the shortened timeline and the extended time jumps become apparent, resulting in some unresolved elements of the story and the characters. 

However, such flaws may be perceived as intentional creative decisions, as Dune: Part Two only concludes the first book in a six-novel series. There is certainly potential – and talk – about continuing the saga with an adaptation of Dune: Messiah, a story that is in some ways even denser and more intricate. 

In the end, Dune is more than just a simple “chosen one” story. Themes of power, politics, religion, and sacrifice take center stage and are all thoughtfully explored with nuance. The battle for power serves as the backdrop of the film, fueling the conflict brewing throughout the series.

As a sequel, it succeeds in the same ways that The Empire Strikes Back and The Godfather: Part II work for their film franchises: there are higher stakes and a certain darkness that makes the heartfelt moments and tension feel all the more earned. Despite the abruptness of its ending, the story still concludes in a way that is enthralling, dramatic, and emotionally satisfying. 

Dune: Part Two is cinema at its grandest scale, rich in storytelling, world-building, and epic spectacle. Ultimately, it is a movie that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible to fully appreciate the grandeur of it all. 

With its brilliant craft and careful dedication to the source material, Dune will long hold a legacy as one of the greatest science fiction sagas of the generation. 

The verdict: 8.5/10

Heading into the final weeks of the spring season, ORCA Esports teams geared up for their final stretch of games, and the majority were able to qualify for the playoffs, which took place from the start of late April. 

Overwatch 2

During week five, the Stardust Crusaders were able to clinch a playoff spot, defeating the Pieper Warriors 3 games to 1. Going into week six, they were ranked #4 out of 91 teams. The next week, they dropped to 5-2 after losing to #2-ranked TRHS Blue, but quickly regained themselves and finished the regular season 6-2, the #5 ranked team heading into the playoffs. This is the highest an ORCA Esports team has ever been ranked going into the playoff rounds. 

The Sly Kitsunes went on a winning streak in April, beating the DCIS Phoenix YA team 3-1 games in week five, and besting Pathfinder Overwatch Alpha 3-1 games in week six. In week seven, they had a final win, converting their 2-3 record going into April into a 5-3 record and qualifying for the playoffs as the #27 team.

The ORCA Overwatch 2 teams are experiencing remarkable success, with both of them making a playoff appearance and finishing the regular season with a winning record. 

Super Smash Bros.

The Edge Guards, ORCA’s Super Smash Bros team, started their first season and made a splash with three wins at the beginning of the spring season. For their first showing in Super Smash Bros., they’ve done an incredible job despite not making it to the playoffs after a couple of April losses to the Westland Scorpions JV and the ASU Prep Daredevils.

Rocket League

Unknown Skies ended week five with a loss to #1 ranked Jordan HS RL 1, but hopes were high for them to reach the playoffs, being ranked #11 with a 4-2 record. The following week, they moved to 4-3 with a loss to the #2 ranked team, Prosper Unified RL, but they redeemed themselves in week seven, beating their opponents and securing a playoff spot as the #13 seed.

ORCA’s other Rocket League team, the Gas Guzzlers, did not qualify for the playoffs, finishing their season with a 2-6 record.

League of Legends

The Silly Gooses battled against the #1 ranked AttackDamageCarry in week five and then sat at 4-2 for the next week, going into their off week. They finished the season 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs as the #13 team.

The Ugly Ducklings won in the fifth week of regular season games, beating It Was The Lag, but fell to 3-5 by the end of the season, not able to make an appearance in the playoffs. 

Four out of the seven ORCA Esports teams made an appearance in their respective playoffs. Be sure to cheer on your classmates as they take on some of the region’s best esports teams in the next season! 

Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 6 to May 10 and is the perfect time to express gratitude towards teachers and everything they do for students each school year. Here are a few ways to send a special thanks to a teacher doing an excellent job. 

Spout Out forms: Located in the Principal’s Corner, the "Spout Out" form is a good way to share a word of appreciation for a teacher you think is doing especially great work. Taking no more than five minutes to fill out, this survey helps let a teacher know how much you enjoy being in their class and have them be publicly recognized in the monthly staff newsletters. 

Staying engaged in class: This may sound cliché, but attending the live classes that your teachers work so hard on preparing is one of the best ways to show them that you value their time and are paying attention to learn as much as you can. Teachers put a lot of effort into their lessons each week, so take the time to participate in discussions and make the most out of class. 

Reaching out for support: Your teachers are here to help. If you find yourself struggling in class, the best thing you can do is reach out to your teacher. By scheduling an appointment (and showing up on time) when you need help, you show them that you value their efforts and respect the time they spend helping you. Teachers always appreciate it when you put in the effort to do the best you can. And you can give them one of the greatest gifts a teacher can receive: a teachable moment. 

Sending a Whale Mail: This tried and true method of communication is sometimes one of the best ways to thank a teacher. By taking the time to write out an email and tell them you think they are doing a great job, you are demonstrating your appreciation for everything they do, and you will go to great lengths to make them feel appreciated.

By taking these simple but effective tips into action, you can come into Teacher Appreciation Week ready to express gratitude towards your teachers and the special place they hold at our school.

Community and collaboration are taking center stage in this upcoming Presidential Workshop on May 22. 

From 2-3 p.m., Student Government President Grace Peterson will present her third virtual workshop, this time centered around building community and fostering a positive environment. With a Taylor Swift theme, the event will feature interactive activities for students to ask questions and gain hands-on learning. 

“Community is a very broad term that's always thrown around, especially in a school setting,” Peterson explains. “My workshop breaks down what the textbook definition is and what a personal definition can look like, and from there, you can find the best way to build one.” 

This workshop covers different ways to be a leader for your own community and inspire positive change. As Peterson explains, “A sustainable, positive community is a good one, but it's very unlikely you're just going to stumble into one by accident. It's like a garden, you have to put in a lot of effort before getting tomatoes.”

These workshops aim to promote student engagement and encourage connections within the school community. Students can also find resources after the event with additional information and support. 

Peterson has previously hosted two ORCA workshops, “Better Than Revenge” and “Speak Now,” which have helped students develop public speaking skills and communication. After the success of those events, she is excited to return with her newest workshop to support the ORCA community. 

“I'm really grateful for all the folks who have shown up to my previous two workshops,” she says. “Their energy and faith really impacts me and I can't thank them enough. ‘You're Not On Your Own, Kid’ will be the last workshop I present for ORCA, and I'm really glad of the community we've built with these.”

The virtual event is open to grades 6-12, and the Zoom link can be found on Field Trip Central. For any questions on the event, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Government or President Grace Peterson. 

Do you know how to walk on your hands? Are you a professional pianist? Can you make Minute Rice in 58 seconds?

If you can do any of those things or something else weird, wacky, or unbelievable that you want your classmates to see, look no further. ORCA’s very own National Honor Society has announced its second annual talent show, where students of all ages can showcase and even flaunt their unique talents for the whole school to see.

The NHS Talent Show is not just about entertainment; it's a celebration of our school's diverse and vibrant community. This event provides a platform where students can express themselves, share their passions, and inspire one another, a testament to the creativity, dedication, and hard work of ORCA students.

“The Talent Show is an amazing opportunity to show your talents, no matter [how] big or small,” says NHS President Kenna S. 

The Talent Show will take place virtually on May 24 from 12 - 1 p.m. Entries will be accepted through video recordings. Make sure to have adult supervision during the filming. All submissions must be under three minutes.

For more information regarding the NHS/NJHS Talent Show, please check out this flyer and RSVP at Field Trip Central to attend. Here is the link to the terms and conditions, and for any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the NHS contact form. 

The annual Oregon HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) took place from April 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Portland. Oregon Charter Academy’s HOSA is just one chapter of an international organization with over 4,500 branches, and it is a student-led association of future health professionals. 

With seven competitors participating in ten rigorous competitions, the chapter showcased exemplary dedication and talent. The conference was filled with exciting activities, networking, and keynote speakers. Students attended workshop sessions on aerospace medicine, healthcare in America, and medical training programs. There were also exhibitors from the Oregon Air National Guard, American Red Cross, National Psoriasis Foundation, and other organizations. Overall, SLC offered a multitude of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the world of healthcare.

Out of the seven participants, five students remarkably qualified for the International Leadership Conference (ILC) that will be held in Houston, Texas from June 26-29. What's even more commendable is that these five students clinched top positions in the competitions they participated in against hundreds of other students across the state. 

Among the standout performers were Cara S. and Grace C., who secured third and first place, respectively, in Human Growth & Development. Gracey P. showcased her expertise by placing first in Dental Science and fourth in Dental Terminology. Genevieve B.M. impressively earned second place in Dental Terminology, and Alexis R. excelled in Personal Care, with first place in the competition.

In addition to their outstanding achievements, Grace C. will be honored at the ILC for her contribution of over 50 hours of volunteer work for the American Red Cross this year. Both Grace and Cara’s stellar grades also earned them spots on the prestigious National Health Science Honor Roll.

ORCA HOSA’s President Cara S. applauded the HOSA members, adding that they represented ORCA very well while “making a big name for ourselves in an overwhelmingly successful competition.” 

The achievements of these students are a testament to their dedication and hard work as they gear up to compete in the International Leadership Conference. ORCA's HOSA chapter continues to foster the next generation of healthcare professionals with numerous opportunities for real-world experiences and leadership activities. 

HOSA advisors Amy Lee and Elizabeth Washak are proud of the hard work and commitment each of these students demonstrated to obtain these recognitions. 

“I cannot express how proud I am of each individual student that participated and/or competed this year,” Ms. Lee shared. “Their hard work and dedication truly paid off. I hope they pause to soak up this huge accomplishment and give themself a well-deserved pat on the back.”

To learn more about HOSA and the opportunities available to ORCA students, join ORCA’s HOSA Hype on May 21 at 2 p.m. 

ORCA fifth graders got their hands dirty Friday morning. On April 26, close to fifty students convened in Oregon City for the annual Outdoor School, ready to immerse themselves in the majesty of nature, and the looming rain was kind enough to stay mostly at bay. 

“We are fortunate to have a fantastic venue with Hopkins Demonstration Forest allowing us to host on their site,” said Todd Shaffer, ORCA’s Elementary School Principal. “The location and event truly allow our students to experience the ‘Oregon Outdoors’ as well as come together as a fifth-grade class.”

As Mr. Shaffer explained, this year, the event incorporated teachers from all levels and had student volunteers assist for the first time. Middle school and high school students were encouraged to sign up to be mentors and guides as well, growing the role of community in this event. 

“Watching our older students guide our younger students was so much fun and truly speaks to the community feel we want here at ORCA,” he added. 

Ahnalya De Leeuw was a high school senior who helped serve as a guide. “I loved seeing the fifth graders get excited about guessing and sketching the animals and moving across the forest and through activities,” she said. 

After separating into groups, students joined different stations, including first aid, animals, survival, nature art, plants, and preservation. 

Students were able to practice CPR with a mannequin at the First Aid station. They also learned about the many uses of a bandana, including ways to use it as a bandage if you sustain injuries. 

The survival station taught necessary outdoor safety skills. It covered the basics of being in the woods and what to do in an emergency, focusing on nature treatment, and even included a guide to using compasses. Students learned essential skills for real-life situations, like what to do when lost.

The animal station was another popular area where students learned about animal classification and identified different animal tracks. This station taught the fifth graders about this region's interconnected ecosystems. 

“It was really great to get to see my friends and the animal identification was really fun!” said Norah R., an attending student. 

Similar to the animal station, the plant station taught all about plant identification and their importance in the ecosystem. 

Casey Comstock, one of the teachers at the event, laughed about a fond memory. “During the plant identification station, one of the 5th graders found a slug on her plant sample. I picked it up, tossed it into the bushes, and then pretended to lick my hand. The 5th graders were thoroughly grossed out.” Ms. Comstock also coordinated the crew of older students who showed up to volunteer. 

With a tight connection to elementary science, the preservation station also tied in well with Earth Day, which was recently on April 22. Teacher Kris Brown led a discussion about the value of preserving natural land, with a focus on wildlife refuges and conservation. 

The nature art station was a quiet, relaxed area where students were able to draw or write about the natural world. They were able to take a pause and rest, all while enjoying the nature all around them. 

“We heard big calls during our art and writing activity and avoided most of the rain while still hearing it sweep across the park,” De Leeuw said. 

Every moment of the event was packed full of fun activities, important lessons, and fond memories for everyone included. 

“It may have been rainy, but we hardly noticed because we were having so much fun!” said Elizabeth Malain, another teacher attending the event. “Watching my students meet in person and become such good friends throughout the day was a highlight for me.” 

“Outdoor School was so fun,” Executive Director Alison Galvin added. “I just love it.” 

Mr. Shaffer concludes, “It is our sincere hope that we can continue to receive support from teachers across the board at ORCA as well as involve our student volunteers as they, along with our fifth-grade team and location, made for a special day and special event that was enjoyed by many.”

After arriving at ORCA’s Wilsonville office, the message “follow the flowers” hung overhead as students entered the Swing into Spring Social that took place on April 26.  The middle school Swing into Spring Social had been carefully put together by the K-8 Student Government. Activities included a photo booth, a vivacious playlist, and an intense game of table tennis, all while being fun and accessible to many middle school students. 

The gathering began to gear up as the partygoers started to mingle. Teachers and students alike shared jokes and conversations, and the hangout went full blast when a group of people found their way to the dance floor and flaunted their moves. In the other room, several heavily competitive ping-pong matches had commenced, causing peers to stop and stare as the athletes’ priority of just having fun quickly melted into win-or-face-humiliation.

Still, others found a unique way to party, with several large groups sitting around tables, laser-focused on the tabletop board games laid out in front of them. Student Government members ran from room to room, encouraging others to join the dance party, where, of course, the classic tradition of the YMCA conga line was being practiced.

In the corner of the dance room, as students rested from dancing, the snack table was subjected to many raids. Unfortunately, the fruit snack packages were impossible to open, so many students resorted to using the pen that this reporter from The Current had brought to break open the stubborn bags. 

"It was truly heartening to see our regular hangout attendees and some new faces in crowd," shared Tianna Sigloh, the MS Student Government advisor. "Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated student government members, the event was a resounding success. This inaugural social was a fantastic experience for everyone involved, I hope that this is the first of many." 

After surveying those attending the event, Student Government scored an average of two for the social, one being the best and 10 being the worst. Full of fun, dancing, and an unexpected rickroll, the Swing into Swing MS Social was definitely one of the highlights of the ORCA school year.

Candidates, are you ready?

On April 15, Student Government opened their applications for the upcoming 2024-25 Executive Board. An open Student Government meeting was held on April 18 for students to bring their questions about the elections.

As students trickled into the Zoom room, Grace Peterson, the Student Government’s President, kicked off the meeting with a few Would You Rather questions to rev up participation before starting the presentation. Once it commenced, Peterson walked through the main points, including the Executive Board positions, the upcoming elections, and Student Government’s Instagram and website, which was then followed by a Q&A session at the end. 

As the Executive Board introduced each position, many participants asked questions about what duties were involved. 

One attendee asked, “What roles do you feel have a larger workload, and which roles have a smaller workload?” 

Student Government officials briefly described what a typical week in their role looks like, highlighting the importance of all these positions working together to operate Student Government effectively. Other commonly asked questions included how long candidate speeches had to be and the requirements for leadership experience in Student Government. 

Afterward, Peterson spotlighted the Student Government Instagram (@orcastudentgov) and website. With visual highlights of their latest posts, attendees got a glimpse of their marketing process and how they use it to connect with the school community. 

“Hearing each of my [Student Government] friends recap our projects and roles was an empowering reflection on how far we've come and all the opportunities available to those running [in the] election this year,” said Ahnayla De Leeuw, Student Government’s co-Vice-President.

Before the presentation ended, students got a behind-the-scenes look at how a typical Student Government meeting is run and learned about the process of planning school-wide events and activities. 

“Student Government has truly allowed me to make the most of my education,” De Leeuw shared. “And while I'm heartbroken to leave my wonderful team at graduation, I'm ecstatic to welcome a new generation of leadership! I am certain next year's board will provide a space for even more accessible events and creative marketing to encourage the student body to get involved.” 

For more information regarding the upcoming elections, please visit Student Government’s website. 

Of all the people we have in our lives, mothers hold a special place in our hearts. They are our best supporters, homework helpers, and drivers to many of our school events. So what better way to say "I love you, mom" (or "Mom, I need help with my math homework again") than with a delicious homemade Mother's Day dinner?

Whether you love a good, creamy alfredo or a fresh guacamole spread, consider cooking up these three delicious meals from some of mom’s special family-favorite recipes.

Mom’s Homemade Guacamole 

A delicious appetizer for any meal, this guacamole recipe combines hearty avocados with the perfect amount of heat, spice, and herbs. 

Ingredients

• Avocados: 3 ripe avocados (preferably medium-sized Haas avocados) 

• Onions: ½ small sweet onion or red onion 

• Tomatoes: preferably Roma tomatoes 

• Cilantro: ¼ cup cilantro leaves

• Jalapeño: 1 medium de-seeded and minced serrano pepper for a little extra heat (optional; adjust as desired)

• Garlic: Mash one small garlic clove (optional) 

• Freshly squeezed lime

• Ground white pepper

• Salt

• Oregano

First, prepare your ingredients. Chop 1⁄2 sweet or red onion and ¼ cup of cilantro leaves. Adding garlic is optional but gives it an extra added flavor. A pinch of oregano and flaky salt brings it all together.

With a mortar and pestle, mash the ingredients together until it forms a paste. 

Next, dice and de-seed three ripened avocados and some tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are the best kind for this recipe, as they are less juicy. Add your diced avocados and tomatoes to the mixture, as well as ½ tsp of freshly squeezed lime juice and hot peppers as desired. Sprinkle a bit of ground white pepper and extra salt (if needed) to taste. 

And voilà, you have a freshly made guacamole spread perfect for a light and healthy snack. 

Mom’s Homemade Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

This rich and creamy alfredo pasta has that restaurant-quality taste you’re craving, but better. Quick and easy to make, this fettuccine recipe is best for special family dinners. 

Ingredients (for 6 servings)

• 1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta

• 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1 cup chopped clam

• ½ cup diced scallop 

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 garlic clove

• ⅓ cup dry white wine (chardonnay; water or seafood stock also works)

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Sprinkle of paprika

• Parsley or basil for garnish if desired

Cook 1 lb of fettuccine or penne noodles in boiling water – add a pinch of salt for a little extra flavor to the noodles – then drain. Don't rinse or add olive oil into cooked pasta – this helps the sauce stick to the noodles better. 

Lightly season the shrimp, clamps, and scallops separately in a different bowl with added salt, pepper, and paprika. 

Preheat a large skillet to medium or high and add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is heated, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until it is fully cooked and no longer translucent. They should be golden/pink on the outside and opaque white on the inside. Don't overdo it, or they will be rubbery. Remove shrimp and set aside. 

Then, lightly sauté the clam and scallop for 30 seconds on medium heat. Set aside with the cooked shrimp.

In the same pan, over medium or high heat, add 2 tbsp of butter and onion, then sauté until the onion turns golden. Stir in garlic and sauté another minute. Stir in ⅓ cup of white wine or water, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan, and reduce to a quarter of the volume.

Stir in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Next, sprinkle the top with ⅓ cup parmesan (or to desired taste) and stir until the consistency is creamy and smooth, then remove from heat. Make sure to not boil the sauce, or the cheese will separate from the cream. Add about ¼ tsp of paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the cooked shrimp, clamps, scallops, and pasta to the pot. Garnish with parsley, basil, extra parmesan, or freshly cracked pepper if desired.

Mom’s Homemade Zuppa Toscana

There’s nothing better than a bowl of warm soup on a cold day. Mom’s homemade zuppa toscana, an authentic Italian soup with kale, potatoes, and sausage, will satisfy all your rainy-day cravings with a healthy meal. 

Ingredients 

• 1 lb spicy Italian ground sausage

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 sweet or yellow onion, finely diced 

• 8-10 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 cups chicken broth/stock

• 3 cups water

• 5 golden/yellow potatoes

• 1 green kale bundle, washed

• 1 cup whipping cream, warmed

• 1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon

• Salt and black pepper

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Red pepper flake (optional)

In a large pot, sauté 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes until browned, then set them aside. In the same pot, add butter and sauté onion over medium heat until it turns translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. 

Pour 6 cups of chicken broth and water into the pot. Add 1 fresh green bundle of kale, with the leaves stripped and chopped. You can save the kale stems, chop them finely, and cook them in the broth later, though this is optional. Once you add the kale stems, bring the broth to a boil and simmer on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. 

Now it’s time to prepare the potatoes: grab out 5 golden or yellow potatoes and peel off the skin. Cut them into ½ inch slices, with a 1 ½ inch length. 

Add potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring it to a boil. When the potatoes are nearly done (tender but not mushy), add the chopped kale and cooked sausage. 

Stir in heavy cream while the broth is boiling, turning down the heat slightly. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan or red pepper flake if desired. 

This May 12, spend some quality time with your family and give your mom the best gift you can give her: love and homemade dinner. 

Buffets have won the hearts and stomachs of many with their maximum food options at minimum costs. 

While similar to restaurants, buffets offer a wide variety of food at a set price in a serve-yourself process. But with so many choices and various prices, it can take planning and preparation to get the best bang for your buck. 

With these ten all-you-can-eat tips, you can make the most of your buffet adventure.

1) Find the right buffet: If you live in a more populous area, you'll probably find several decent buffets to choose from, which could vary in food, price, and value.

Decide a place that best suits your taste and budget. No one wants to walk home from a restaurant only to find the same meal for half the price – we’re here to save money on food. 

Also, don't be swayed by the enticing food-to-price ratio if you're not too keen on the cuisine – otherwise, you'll just be signing up to eat a whole load of food you don't like. That Mexican place down the road might have an amazing price for its high-quality food, but it's not such a good deal if you're not actually a fan of tacos. 

Consider restaurants with varied cuisines to give yourself more to choose from and try new foods. Having more options will help you power through the tough times when you're struggling to face another morsel. Some fusion restaurants may offer different takes on a particular cuisine, while an "around the world" buffet should have a little bit of everything.

2) Prioritize your meal: Now that you’ve found your target buffet, it’s time to strategize. 

Maximizing your eating is a game of strategy, seeking the best way to make the most out of the price. Make a beeline to the most expensive options first – such as seafood, sushi, or steak, depending on the choices available. Carbs such as bread, pasta, and rice are delicious options, but these cheap fillers will only make you feel full faster. If you do plan to add carbs to your plate, consider saving that until after your main course. The same goes for soups and salads. 

3) Strategize your portions: Instead of going all-in on one dish that looks particularly scrumptious, it's better to fill your plate with a little bit of everything. Variety helps to break up the monotony of tastes and allows you to eat more. Going for small portions of everything gives you the chance to find out what tastes best, then go back for seconds – and thirds, and fourths...

However, be careful not to overfill your plate and risk getting more food than you can actually eat. That will just lead to you feeling uncomfortable and the leftover food going to waste.

To optimize your meal curation, think strategically and use multiple big plates. Unless you prefer mixing curry with your coleslaw, try splitting your meal into separate courses.

4) Don’t be too hungry: The adage of not going to the grocery store on an empty stomach also holds true for buffets. While you want an appetite to fuel your feast, you also don’t want to come in too hungry, as your stomach would shrink, and overeating or eating too fast could result in a stomachache. 

5) Steady your pace: While your goal may be to maximize your eating, it’s also important to enjoy your meal. 

Having such large amounts of food can encourage you to eat as much you can as quickly as possible. Being laser-focused on your eating can speed up your food intake – fast eating results in more eating, as there is often a lag before your brain processes that you’re full.

However, for optimum buffet enjoyment, this isn’t always the best approach. Overeating can result in stomach pain and overall discomfort, which can ruin your buffet experience. Instead, take your time to enjoy all the flavors before going back for more. 

6) Plan your eating time: Part of maximizing your buffet meals is finding the right time to go. Most places might have different prices for lunch and dinner. 

Going at the end of lunch hour – typically late afternoon – gives you lunch prices as well as dinner foods if you stay long enough. If you decide to buffet for dinner instead, opt for a light breakfast beforehand, but skip lunch if possible. By then, you’ll likely be hungry enough to get your money’s worth, but not too starving. 

7) Stay hydrated: Your body needs to be well-hydrated to help you process your meal, so make sure you sip water throughout the day as you prepare for the hunger games. But remember, don’t get too full on water before the main course arrives.

Fizzy drinks must be avoided at all costs. It’s tempting to pair a fizzling soft drink with your meal but is detrimental to maximizing your eating. These drinks easily fill you up and make you feel like you’re about to pop. Not ideal for a big feast. 

8) Clothes matter: As Joey Tribanni from Friends says, wear your “Thanksgiving pants.” Loose, comfortable clothing gives you room to eat as much as you can with comfort. Avoid tight jeans, bodysuits, or other clothing that can restrict your eating. Instead, grab your stretchy sweatpants and prepare to fill them.

9) Turn exercise into extra fries: If you plan on indulging in all the tasty offerings of an all-you-can-eat buffet, it's a good idea to burn some calories beforehand so that you can eat them back without feeling full too quickly. Keep yourself active by hitting the gym or taking a walk before your big meal. Not only is this good for your health, but it will also boost your metabolism, making you more prepared to chow down. 

10) Post-buffet damage control: After you’ve finished the big game, you’re probably left feeling like you’re about to explode. Don’t sweat, there are simple ways to aid your fullness. 

Having a glass of lemon water will help you recover post-game, as the magical yellow fruit aids digestion and reduces bloating. Some teas are also great for soothing your stomach. 

Keep active throughout the day to burn off the excess calories. Enjoy a steady walk, take in the fresh air, and maybe do a gentle exercise to boost your metabolism and keep you from feeling sluggish the rest of the day.

Now, you can sit back, relax, and reflect on your accomplished work. Expert buffet-eating takes great skill, but what matters most is enjoying the food and experience.

Did you hear about the guy who is afraid of hurdles? He got over it.

Last month ORCA students and staff submitted their cheesiest dad jokes to The Current’s Dad Joke Contest. Below are some of the top responses from last months contest: 

Faith Y.: “If you cut down a tree, and the tree doesn't know why you cut it down... Is it stumped?”

Kendra L.: “Which rock group has four guys that don't sing? Mount Rushmore.”

Elly Esquivel: “Do you know what it's called when a spider crawls up your nose while you're sleeping? Arachnosephobia.”

Hannah Smith: “I was going to tell a joke about sodium, but Na.”

Keagan Stewart: “How do lawyers say goodbye? We'll be suing ya!”

Julia S.: “Yes, I will keep telling dad jokes. That's just how eye-roll!”

Thank you to everyone who submitted a dad joke! Congratulations to all the winners.  Please stay tuned for future contests! 

Cabbage. A vegetable everyone knows of, but no one really knows. 

Unless you’re an Avatar: The Last Airbender fan, there’s a good chance you don’t think about cabbage on a day-to-day basis. Few people know the power that these little rolls of green truly hold. 

Cabbage is often compared to lettuce due to its similar appearance. But there are actually a lot of differences between them, including taste, texture, and nutritional value. 

Low in calories, cabbage is chock full of necessary vitamins and nutrients, including fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, protein, potassium, and much more. Just a little bit of cabbage can help supplement you for an entire day. It’s heart-healthy as well – cabbage can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. 

It’s also festive! Cabbage is more than just green; it can be white, red, or even purple. Shake up your meals with different combinations of these fun colors. 

Cabbage is delicious raw but can be even better cooked. There’s a wide variety of cabbage recipes one can find online, from soups to casseroles and kimchi. Cabbage can have a unique taste, and finding your favorite recipe can really be the healthy punch needed. 

This vegetable can also be easily stored. Whole or sliced, if properly refrigerated, cabbages can be preserved for a long time. Unlike many other vegetables, you don’t have to stress to try and eat it immediately. You can save it and keep it for a while. No stress, no panic – that’s the motto of cabbages. 

With spring rolling through, many people may consider starting up gardens. Oregon is perfect for growing cabbages, with a cool, dependable climate – so if you’re looking at gardening, consider growing cabbages. As we move towards spring and begin to plan gardens, don’t hesitate to plant these vegetables. 

If you’re looking for something fun, fabulous, and fresh to add to your diet, don’t overlook cabbages.

And... action! 

The Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC) hosted their annual Spring Conference in Seaside. From April 28-29, the Hollywood-themed event saw middle and high school students from across the state engaged and advancing their leadership skills.

Hillsboro High School provided the decorations for the event, with cardboard boxes and balloons designed to look like popcorn buckets and tons of hand-drawn movie posters everywhere. 

“I love making the props,” said a Hillsboro sophomore. “It’s a really fun team-building activity for my school.”

ORCA sent one student to the event, who enjoyed the rounds of Zumba and food offered on day one. 

When students first arrived at the Convention Center, they were greeted with catered food, karaoke, Zumba, and a merch table. Zumba is an essential part of OASC culture, and this year was no different, with multiple brand-new dances that had students on their feet and laughing. Exhibits were also available to view, with tables from Make A Wish, Moov, Work2BWell, Our Future, and more. Students were encouraged to connect and network with the organizations. 

After a while, the general session began, with OASC President B Genduso giving the opening speech and gaveling in. The Student Executive Council (SEC) hosted a fun skit to kick off the event, and the Adult Board began conversations about Summer Camp. Summer Camp returns this July, with dates open for both middle and high school levels. Summer Camp is another great way to get involved with OASC and is perfect for any leader, whether they’re involved in student council, sports, clubs, or the community. 

After the initial general session, Heather Schultz was the first keynote speaker at the event. With her strong Southern accent and a can-do attitude, Schultz spoke about hard work and overcoming obstacles. 

“Handle the tough stuff better,” she said in her speech. 

Schultz is no stranger to hard work. A long-time nurse, she was front line during the pandemic and went through a lot of loss. That loss inspired her to reach out and ask for help, which was an essential part of her keynote. 

“Ask for help; you need to ask for help.” She said, urging students to protect their mental health. “How can you help others if you’re struggling?” 

After her keynote, the Spring Conference went for a dinner break before convening again to host the Idea Parade. Different schools across the regions sent representatives on stage to talk about the unique programs and initiatives their councils are doing. There were many diverse ideas, ranging from fundraising to sponsorship, events, and organization. Speakers shared contact information so others could reach out and try something similar in their own schools. 

The first two rounds of workshops were presented next. Workshops were forty-five minutes long and presented by student leaders, the SEC/Adult Board, the keynote speaker, and other organizations. 

As the day began to wind down, OASC also brought in Council Awards. Councils were awarded bronze, silver, and gold levels for both middle and high school, highlighting main member schools and rewarding hard-working, community-driven councils.

After a long day of education and learning, it was time to party. OASC hosted the annual Spring Conference dance. With an obstacle course, karaoke, photo booths, a DJ, and snacks, students stayed at the Convention center until 11 p.m., dancing the night away. 

The final round of workshops started early on Monday. ORCA’s Grace Peterson led her workshop, “The Lucky One,” and presented it to a packed crowd. She talked about the misconceptions of luck in leadership and how it’s really hard work and faith. 

“You have to make your own luck,” Peterson said. “You have to find opportunities to succeed in, and if you can’t find any, create one!” 

After the workshops commenced, students danced to a few Zumba songs before the morning general session began, opening with door prizes, social media awards, and more Summer Camp hype. 

Ryan Stream was the last keynote speaker, bringing a high level of energy. He opened with a rap song, then played the piano backward and blindfolded. His exciting delivery and loud voice kept students engaged and present. After overcoming a traumatic and tumultuous past, he grew to become a successful soldier, proud husband and father, business owner, and motivational speaker. 

“A few bad chapters doesn’t mean your story is over,” Stream said.

The April HS Hangout was a blast, as usual. Students from across the state joined together at the Wilsonville office on April 26 and immediately dove into games. Despite the HS Hangouts changing its time from afternoon to morning that month, there was a decent turnout. 

“Hangouts is nothing but fun and chaos,” ORCA junior Danny Pilkington said. He and many other students were playing ping-pong with high energy and enthusiasm. The ping-pong table was certainly popular, with most attendees having a mixed bag of skill sets that made it entertaining to watch. 

“This is why ORCA has esports, and not in-person ones,” one participant said. “Go sports!” 

Ping-pong balls were flying all over the place, but that didn’t stop some high-stakes games of UNO or Apples To Apples from starting. 

Avery Khoury, a student who attends as many Hangouts as possible, encourages all students to go if they can. “Hangouts are always so fun to go and hang out with classmates – you can annoy teachers, chat with friends, and keep ongoing rivalries with other students in UNO! HS Hangouts are always a blast!” 

Many students also spent the time discussing prom and organizing dates or hangouts for the event. 

The next Elementary, Middle, and High School Hangouts are on May 17, and you can RSVP via Field Trip Central. It will also be the final Hangouts of the 2023-24 school year. 

ORCA has many in-person and virtual field trips for students in all grade levels to choose from. They give students the ability to socialize with peers, make new friends, and meet teachers in a fun environment. 

Let’s take a look at some of the field trips ORCA is offering for the month of May.

Meet Oregon Author and Screenwriter Peter Vanderwall (5/3)

This virtual event will allow students to learn about the process of writing and the challenges that come with it. Open to grades 6-12, this field trip will be held in a Zoom meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Oregon Author Visit: Peter Vanderwall Read-Aloud - "Mac's Big Wish" (5/3)

Meet author Peter Vanderwall and listen to him read aloud his new book Mac’s Big Wish. This virtual event is open to students in grades K-5 and runs from 10 to 10:45 a.m. 

Yaquina Head Tide Pool Field Trip (5/3)

Families will meet before the event and walk to the tide pools as a group. Previously, there was the ability to see sea creatures, including baby sea lions. This field trip is open to students in grades K-5 and will run from 12 to 2 p.m.

SAT Prep Workshop for Math (5/3 and 5/17)

This online workshop is available to juniors and seniors looking to prepare for the SAT. There will be a Khan Academy course available for preparation. Meetings are held every two weeks on Fridays at 2 p.m.

ORCA Hangouts (5/17)

This event allows students to socialize with their peers in a fun environment. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for elementary and middle school students and will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. for high school students. 

Vinyl Sticker Making and Maker Space Tour (5/24)

The event will include a guided tour of the maker space with vinyl sticker making afterward. The attendee limit is eight students and eight adults. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at a branch of the Multnomah County Library and will be open to students in grades 6-8. 

Explore the Oregon Historical Society (5/24)

This field trip will allow students to visit the “Experience Oregon” exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society. This field trip will be open to all high school students and their siblings. However, it is more geared toward students in United States History. There is a 25-student limit. 

FFA Chapter Meeting (5/24)

This event is a great opportunity for FFA chapter members to connect their learning about leadership and agriculture with an entertaining interactive experience. This event will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

These are some of the latest field trips happening in May. To find more event details and RSVP, be sure to check out Field Trip Central.

Now is a great time to explore new careers and opportunities outside of school. The Portland Workforce Alliance, a non-profit organization partnered with Oregon Charter Academy, offers a wide array of programs for students to explore fast-growing careers in various industries. These in-person opportunities are available to all high school students and take place in the Portland metro area. 

Electrical/Business Career Day

Explore the various careers in construction and architecture at the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network. On May 3, from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can engage in activities simulating work in the field and learn about apprenticeship, college, and work opportunities to get started. During the event, students will benefit from hands-on learning, coaching from field professionals, and one of the most important parts of the day: lunch. 

Interested in attending? Don’t forget to fill out the student and parent/guardian form through the PWA website. 

Andersen Construction Career Day

If you dream of a career in the construction industry, check out this interactive career day at Andersen Construction on May 7. From construction management to exploring specific trades, students can learn all about the region’s top firm, getting an inside scoop into one of the nation's largest school construction projects: the rebuild of the historic Benson Polytechnic High School.

This event runs from 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will include lunch. 

If you’re looking to attend, make sure to complete both the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. 

Microchip Career Day

Have you ever wanted to learn about the cutting-edge technology that powers the devices we use every day? Microchip Technology invites you into the heart of technological innovation. 

On May 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, students will explore the lab, hear from professionals about what it’s like to work in the industry, and engage in hands-on activities with Microchip employees.

As always, please apply to attend this event by filling out the necessary forms on the PWA website. 

Nike Academy Career Day

Business students and entrepreneurs – this Career Day is for you! 

Visit the Nike World Headquarters on May 10 to explore the world of business management and what it’s like to start your own company. From 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., students can tour the campus, discover the companies that work with Nike, and participate in a fun workshop on starting a business. 

Students can also meet entrepreneurs who are in the Nike Academy program that supports and connects startup businesses. Learn all about marketing, branding, video production, and other real-world skills in business management. Lunch will be provided as well.

Register through the PWA website by filling out the Nike Interest and parent/guardian form as soon as possible, as available spots are limited. 

Portland Fire & Rescue Career Day

Join an action-packed career day at Portland Fire & Rescue to learn about what it takes to work at Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. Get a chance to suit up and try out physical agility tests and learn about public safety services, including emergency medical training.

This event runs from 8:45 a.m. to noon on May 24. 

Sign up by completing the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. Be sure to register as soon as possible since there are limited spots available.

These career programs offered through the Portland Workforce Alliance are a great way to explore new fields and learn how to get started in the industry. Be sure to register through the PWA website and Field Trip Central accordingly for these events. Keep an eye out for more PWA career programs in the future. 

The printable version of The Current’s May crossword can be found HERE. All clues are listed below.

ACROSS

1.  The movie adaption of the beloved video game featuring a plumber and his brother. (3 words) 

3. The masterfully crafted sequel to a movie adaption of a book by Frank Herbert. 

4. Based on the beloved TV series, this animated film features a girl and a boy who use special stones to transform themselves into superheroes inspired by a spotted red bug and a black feline.

7. Movie inspired by a scary ride at Disneyland. (2 words)

9. The last name of the engineer who designed the first nuclear bomb.

11. The first name of the protagonist of a TV series adapted from the books by Rick Riordan.

13. Nominated for The Orcas, this movie’s protagonist is a 74-year-old lizard who is trying to escape his home.

DOWN

1. This arachnid-inspired superhero stars in the movie that won the 2024 Orcas. 

2. While expected to be silly and have no substance, this record-breaking film tackles feminism and the patriarchy, being the highest-grossing movie to ever be produced by a woman.

5. The first word of the movie adaptation of the spinoff prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy.

6. Last name of a character who's portrayed by Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp, and Timothee Chalamet.

8.  The first name of the famous pop star who stars in the movie following her groundbreaking tour across the world.

10. The famous line 'On Wednesdays, we wear pink' is referenced in this 2024 musical. (2 words)

12. Directed by Wes Anderson, this movie follows a grief-stricken father as he follows his genius son to a small, rural town, where they discover romance, sorrow, and an alien. (2 words)

Below are the answers to last month’s Prom crossword:

ACROSS

1. Photo booth = A place with a backdrop and fun props (2 words)

5. DJ = Person in charge of the music

7. Head in the clouds = ORCA’s 2023 prom theme (4 words)

9. Disco ball = A spherical decoration that lights up the room (2 words)

10. Limo = A fancy car you can rent for special occasions

11. May = The month that ORCA’s prom takes place in

DOWN

2. Bow tie = Both a type of pasta and an accessory that goes with a tuxedo (2 words)

3. Bouquet = A bundle of flowers

4. Ed Sheeran = A popular singer known for his slow dance song “Thinking Out Loud” (2 words)

5. Dress = Common formal attire at a prom

6. Macaron = A French decadent that was on the dessert table at the most recent prom

8. Leesy = First name of the Student Government Activities Director who is in charge of planning prom

Do you have a school-related question or need some academic advice? ORCA’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society are here to help with an advice column intended to provide answers to all of your educational inquiries. 

How can you deal with stress? 

-  War. Reid

Thank you for the question! Stress is completely normal and happens to everyone. Although it is crucial to find your own best method of stress relief, here are some ideas:

• Take social media breaks and put your phone away if you have one. Decreasing screen time can help you be more “in the moment” and improve your mental health.

• Go outside. Small, active breaks, even a ten-minute walk, can be extremely beneficial. Especially on days packed with live classes and school work, getting fresh air can help clear your mind and can help you go back to work feeling refreshed. 

• Getting good sleep is a very crucial part of reducing stress. When you can turn off your brain and take some time to clear your mind, you will always start to feel better. 

• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water does wonders for your health, boosting energy and preventing headaches from stress. 

• Don’t skip meals, and try to find a healthy balance in what you eat. Try to eat a mix of whole grains, legumes like beans, lean proteins, and produce in all the main colors. Try not to lean too much on any one food. 

• Consider talking with your family about stress. Sometimes it’s best to have someone you trust give you advice, provide some support, or just listen. 

• Do something you love!

There are many valuable resources on stress as well as ways to approach it in a healthy manner. For more tips on how to manage school stress, check out this article.

Good luck,

ORCA’s NHS & NJHS