New Opportunity
by Michele Kirk

---

    Drums were heard as the students of RHS entered the auditorium on Wednesday, February 16th to listen to Lynn Anderson’s presentation on Native American heritage and a new tutoring program that may soon be offered at the high school.  Anderson grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana and she belongs to the Jibway tribe. 
    Anderson said that,  “Every Indian nation has a trail of tears.”  She also said that there are nine federally recognized Native American tribes in Oregon today, but there were 83 tribes before 1956.  In june of 1956, according to the federal government, the tribes no longer existed, and they were moved into concentration camps.  The government seized there land and took away their medical, housing, and food.  Each person was supposed to receive $4,000 in return, but most of the money never got to them. 
    Anderson gave this presentation in an attempt to get students interested in learning about Indian culture through the tutoring program that might be offered through the Indian Education funds and the Florence Operation.
    The Indian tutoring program is an opportunity for students that may be interested, Indian Heritage or not.  Those interested may even be able to earn a school elective credit as well as get homework help and learn about a different culture.  Lynn Anderson said, “It is good to expand your mind of different cultures to see your life in a new meaning.”  If offered, this class would begin at the starting of next year and would be funded through a grant.
    With electives at RHS being few and far between, this is an opportunity for students to get a new outlook and learning experience.  As Lynn Anderson said, “You will learn information never found in text books.”  If you would like anymore information on this you can contact the Reedsport High School at 271-2141.

---

by Heather Leach

---

    On the 23rd of February, Reedsport's Choir had their own little concert.  Guest singing group, The Umpqua Singers, lead by director Dr. Jason Heald, came to Reedsport High to not only talk about music and music programs, but to give a little performance which included a half dozen songs.
    The eleven member group performed 3 songs at the end of the choir period after Dr. Jason Heald was done talking.  The first included all members, their second song, "You Can Always Count On Me", singer Amanda Shorey acted as a soloist with only the back-up hums of the other group members.  Their third and final song was the classic, "Hit the Road Jack", with a trio made up of Fletcher Lanning, Stacey Thornberg, and Amanda Shorey.
    The high school had planned on singing for the group but there just wasn't enough time.  Even though RHS didn't get to sing to The Umpqua Singers, senior Davanna Wall said, "I liked the performance, it was great!"
    This group has come to Reedsport for many years.   Dr. Jason Heald, the groups director, said, "It's great to see a growing music program at Reedsport High!"  If you'd like more information on the Umpqua Singers go to www.umpqua.edu.