General Booster Meeting
For Sept 09
See you Monday, September 14,
JHS Library, 7 pm

Announcing New Wrestling Coaches

Juanita High School is proud to announce the hiring of Jerad Jennings as our Head Wrestling Coach for 2009-10.. Jerad, who is an ’02 graduate of Juanita High School, has had vast experience in the community coaching wrestling with the Greater Gold organization for several years as well as the Head Wrestling coach at Kamiakin Junior High School. We are all very exciting about Jerad’s ability to lead the wrestling program in a positive direction for many years to come.

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Grant Thompson as our Assistant Wrestling coach. Grant comes to us after a two year coaching experience at his former high school in Crane, Oregon. Prior to that, he had a stellar wrestling career at Southern Oregon University where he was a three time national qualifier ranked as high as 4th nationally. We are very excited and lucky to have a coach of Grant’s experience, skill and expertise join the wrestling coaching staff here at Juanita High School. – Tim Crowder, Athletic Director, Juanita High School, tcrowder@lwsd.org, 425.823.7606

Contratulations! to our 2009 scholarship receiptiants.
Athlete:
Male – Trey Knapp
Female – Malia Jurick
General –
—Jake Ichikawa
—Jake Brown
—Candace Baharen Haghighi
—Natalie Dean
—Makenna Hamre

Performing Arts:
Male – Lars Myren
Female – Megan Hauk
General – Chris Taylor

SEND A MESSAGE:

Okay friends, it's time to let the Lake Washington School District and the School Board know that we think the proposed $275 fee to play sports at high school (and $105 at junior high) is way too much. The LWSD stated that all high schools would be affected equally but we know that is not true - the Juanita HS feeder area will face the biggest loss of participants because
we have the smallest high school population
we rely heavily on multi-sport athletes to field teams
we have the biggest population of low income families
The high school athletic directors were not given any warning that this huge increase (over 300%) would be proposed and they were not happy. As a group, they met with Dr. Kimball with a proposal to keep the fees more reasonable but making cuts in other areas (fewer coach stipends, etc.) but they have not heard back from the district.

Tim Crowder, Juanita AD, said that parents could help by letting the district know that they were not happy about the fee increase. There is the feeling that the LWSD proposed this high fee as a test and if no one raised a fuss they would go ahead with the increase.

Please take the time to send an email to both LWSD administration and the school board. Below the names, I have included a copy of the letter I sent if you need some information or ideas. Also, please share this information with parents you know at other LW schools.

LWSD Administration
Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent – ckimball@lwsd.org
Janene Fogard, Deputy Superintendent - jfogard@lwsd.org
Dr. Cindy Lundvall, Student Services – clundvall@lwsd.org

School Board
Jackie Pendergrass, President, District One – jpendergrass@lwsd.org
Ravi Shahani, Vice President, District Five – rshahani@lwsd.org
Nancy Bernard, Director, District Three – nbernard@lwsd.org
Doug Eglington, Director, District Four – eglington45@msn.com
Christopher Carlson, Director, District Two – ccarlson@lwsd.org

SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear School Board members,

I am very concerned about the increase in sports fees being proposed by the Lake Washington School District in the upcoming budget. The school district said their budget surveys supported increased fees but I don't think those who supported this idea, myself included, ever dreamed that the district would consider raising the fees by 300% in junior high (from $35 to $105) and 366% in high school (from $75 to $275).

By increasing fees to this degree, high school sports will be out of reach for too many kids in our district. School district administration stated that this proposed increase will affect all school in the district equally. I strongly disagree. Juanita High School will take a huge hit in this area. Not only is Juanita the smallest of the four main high schools, we also have the greatest number of free and reduced lunch students in our population. In today's economy, free and reduced lunch numbers no longer represent the bar of who can and can't afford to pay. Many families who do not qualify for free and reduced lunches will not be able to afford this increase. Many of our Kamiakin and Finn Hill junior high students cannot even afford the current $35 fee and need waivers. This doesn't change when they move up to Juanita HS. For many of our students, competing in sports, not academics, is their passion and the only thing keeping them motivated in school. Price sports out of reach and we risk losing these kids.

Due to its size, Juanita depends on multi-sport athletes to field teams. This proposal has already caused kids to talk about which sport they will have to drop because they can't afford the cost of two sports. Currently, there is an major inequity in team size between the larger and smaller high schools. Often, Eastlake teams are double the size of Juanita teams. This is also the case between Finn Hill and Inglewood junior high where Inglewood has had teams three times larger than Finn Hill. This proposed cost increase is likely to inflate this difference even more and Kamiakin, Finn Hill and Juanita HS might have to drop some sports entirely.

Over the last few years, it seems that Juanita High School keeps getting the short end of the stick from the District. A few years ago, our terrific principal, Jane Todd, was asked to transfer to Redmond High School and her presence is still greatly missed. This year, the district has said it will close our pool if outside management cannot be found and has now proposed a major fee increase that will negatively impact our school more than any other. School District administration thinks there is a step-child perception in the Juanita community but I think we can now agree that it is becoming a reality.

Please do not approve these inflated sports fees in the upcoming budget. Double the fees if it is necessary, but don't make high school sports something only wealthy families can afford. Keep sports affordable for all our students.

Regards,

Other News
JHS Track to be Replaced
JHS will be having a new track installed this summer. Beginning June 22, 2009, the entire stadium area-football field and track will be closed for a renovation project that involves the resurfacing of the track. There will be NO ACCESS to the area until the project is complete (approximately August 14th).

JHS Pool Update
The Kirkland Reporter has an article in the June 2nd edition reporting that two groups submitted proposals. WAVE confirmed they were one of the groups. The LWSD says they should have a decision in two weeks. – Laurie Clausen http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir/news/46766727.html

Good Neighbors, Great Fundraising Opportunity

On May 9, Ford of Kirkland offered a great fund raising opportunity to students, staff, parents, friends and neighbors of Juanita High School. JRBC Community Relations Chair Bob Guild reports that there were a total of 37 oil changes, each adding $20.00 to the designated team/activity. At the May JRBC General meeting, Bob expressed his appreciation to TonI and Kevin Paddock and Tom Olson at Ford of Kirkland. Ford is willing to continue this event as a fundraiser in the future. Test driving cars as a fundraiser will be revisited.

SAVE the JHS Pool-WEBSITE INFO

Rebels Sports Wrap-Up

SOFTBALL
The Lady Rebels softball team:
· 2009 Kingco 3A League Champions,
· 2009 Sea-King District 3A Champions,
· #1 in 3A State ranking, overall record 23-3.

CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH KRISTIAN DAHL: SEATTLE TIMES ALL - AREA COACH. In his fourth season, Dahl coached Juanita to an undefeated 12-0 record in Kingco 2A/3A and Juanita's first league title since 1993. He led the Rebels to their first state tournament in four years. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our girls.

Thank you to the Seattle Times for the cute picture and great article about Brooke Rychard and Kellie Shinstrom that appeared in the May 29th edition http://seattletimes.nwsourcecom/html/highschoolsports/2009274654_ringer29.html

CONGRATULATIONS TO Seattle Times Star of the Week: Kylie Sparks. Sparks, a junior pitcher, allowed just one run in 22 innings as the Rebels won the Sea-King 3A District tournament with victories over West Seattle (7-0), Bainbridge (2-1), and Bishop Blanchet (7-0). She struck out 25 and walked just four. WAY TO GO, Kylie!

Recap of 2009 State Championships at SERA fields, Tacoma:

The Lady Rebels lost their last game of the season (the 3rd game of the day, vs. Union HS) – an ending to what was truly one of the most memorable seasons to date. They earned two new Banners for the Field House wall – KingCo Champs and District Champs!!! Congratulations to Coach Kristian Dahl, and his assistants Tim Crowder and KC Crowder!

What a great season – the team went down to defeat in our first game of the championships against Mount Rainier 6 – 0; highlights - Kylie Sparks, 9 K. We won game two against N. Central 8 – 5; highlights - Kylie Sparks, 2-4, 2 2B; Gina Swan, 2-4, 2B. 2 RBI; Brooke Rychard, 2-3, 2B; Jessica Leach, 2 RBI. We lost the third game against Union 10 -0, highlights - Brooke Rychard, 2B. The team went home not accomplishing what they had come for but they can hold their heads high for what they did accomplish this season.

Thank you to our many fans that were in Tacoma to support us. Rebel pride was everywhere. Thank you to our parents, grandparents and friends that have supported us this season. Finally, a BIG thank you to our Lady Rebs and Coaches for a FANTASTIC SEASON! – Jan Shinstrom

TRACK AND FIELD

Please congratulate the following athletes for their great performances at the State Track and Field meet at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma:

· Rachel Richardson placed 11th in the Triple Jump. At Districts Rachel was 2nd in the Triple Jump
· Gabe Green placed 11th in the 300 meter hurdles. At Districts Gabe was 2nd in the 300 meter intermediate hurdles and All KingCo Team!
· Tansey Lystad placed 12th in the 3200 and, in the 1600 she placed 8th earning a spot on the awards stand! At Districts Tansey was 4th in the 1600 and 3rd in the 3200

GOLF

Please congratulate Rebekah Chaney for her great job at the Kingco 3A Medalist Tournament. Playing better than over half the golfers there, she earned a spot in the District Tourney. Kasey Berger deserves kudos as the first alternate for the Tourney as well!

The Girls' Golf Team capped off their most successful season in recent memory by beating Bothell 266-284 at Lake Wayne to finish 5-3. We even had a cheering student gallery! The medalist was sophomore Jessica Latousek with a 47, followed by Amira Khablein with a 54. Bekah Chaney, Caitlin Terashima, and MaryKate Schurman all shot 55.

This marks the end of a memorable regular season filled with great shots, lots of laughs, and a team that pulled for each and every member. We sent six players up to Snohomish for Districts.

BASEBALL

Rebel Baseball wrapped up the 2009 season 5-13 in conference standings, 7-16 overall.
Friday, May 7: 3-0 win over Sammamish. Zac Brandon was the winning pitcher. Nick Olearain received the save. Steve Kirbach went 3-3 with a homerun.
Tuesday, May 12, Baseball playoffs: Juanita 8-7 victory over Mt Si. Robby Ryan was the winning pitcher. Kris Otterholt hit a grand slam!! Nick Olearain gets the save!! Way to go Rebels!
The season was filled with ups and downs, but our boys stayed focused, positive, and determined.
Thank you to all the fans and families that have positively supported our program this year. We hope to see you all next season! – Coach Kevin Agnew

CHEER

Malia Jurick traveled to Fayetteville, North Carolina, as a finalist for the National Cheerleader of the Year! The competition included performing and interviews. Malia did a great job, and was the only representative from, not only Washington state, but the West Coast! There were 16 finalists and Malia took 7th place! Nice job, Malia! – Andrea Snyder

TENNIS

Boys Tennis

James Russell Gets 5th at State, Capping Off Phenomenal High School Career
At the 3A State tennis tournament, James Russell came into the tournament after taking first place in the KingCo league tournament, and second place at the SeaKing District Tournament. On day one at State, he cruised through his first match, and then ousted Luke Thompson of Hanford, WA, in three sets, to meet up with David Schuster of North Thurston. Their match was extremely close, with the momentum switching many times throughout the match. Schuster finally won in a second set tiebreak. Two hours later, Russell’s match for third and fifth was no easier. He played a tough competitor, Alex Wallace, a freshman from Union, but with a very high national ranking for his age. Russell won the first set, but Wallace stayed tough and won the second and third sets.

Looking back over Russell’s high school tennis career, he broke countless records for the Rebels, and his presence has made an immeasurably positive impact to the program. He has two second place district finishes, and two KingCo titles. He placed second at 4A State last year, then fifth at State this year. Last year, he helped the Juanita Boys Team capture sixth place in the State in 4A tennis, and this year, eighth place. His overall three-year singles record, counting regular season and post season, was 44-9. But, most importantly, at the State tournament this year, there were 15 team members supporting Russell, and getting more excited about tennis. They left asking the question, how can we get back here next year? The Rebels have earned the reputation of always having the most support, the most fired up fans, and overall the best spirit. The end of Russell’s career ushers in a new era for Rebel tennis. The team will have to use depth, hard work, and a lot of extra practice hours to develop the skills needed to compete in league, and hopefully make it back to state.

Girls Tennis:

Hana Nelson and Ashley Manzoni take 5th at the KingCo Tennis Tournament
Hana Nelson and Ashley Manzoni represented the Rebels as singles players in the KingCo league tennis tournament. They fought hard, won many matches, and ended up tying for fifth in the tournament. Representing the Rebels for doubles were two teams: Claire Anderson and Courtney Barnett, and Renee Allison and Molly Ichikawa. Both teams had very hard battles, as many great players in the district chose to compete in doubles this year. This tournament capped off a really fun and exciting season for the girls’ team. The JV team ended up with a record of 10-2! The varsity team had many extremely close matches, coming from behind to win many of those matches. The spirit and positive attitude of the Rebels were led by many seniors. Those seniors leaving the Rebels are Claire Anderson, Courtney Barnett, Hana Nelson, Renee Allison, Lucille Jan, Andrea Friedrich, Tara Bandel, Lisa Kennedy, and Natasha Mahtani. Many other coaches have expressed a sincere admiration for the amount of fans, and energy, that comes with this Rebel team. Even though the team is losing a great number of awesome seniors, next year looks to be very exciting as younger Rebels step up into leadership roles.

BOYS SOCCER
Varsity
Kingco League:
· 1st team: Mason Bochner
· 2nd team: Garrett Lee
· Honorable mention: Tanner Klein & Ryan Morrisey
Juanita High School Boys Varsity Soccer team's introduction to the 3A district play had mixed results, with many very close games throughout the season. Our wins this season were against Interlake, Bellevue, Mount Si and Sammamish and a tie with Liberty. This season's POGs (players of the game) include Austin Tran, Mason Bochner, Kenedy Sousa, David Perez, Tanner Klein, JJ Wakefield, Nickolas Coker and Jack Bayley. In a close match in their final game of the 2009 season against Mt. Si, the Rebels lost 2-1. The goal was scored by Garrett Lee and assisted by Mason Bochner. Final Standings: 4-7-1 conference, 4-10-1 overall.

JV
This year’s JV soccer season came to a close on a positive note with a 2-1 win over Mt. Si... sweet revenge after the previous 1-0 loss. Thanks to a lack of organization among many of schools in our league, it is still unclear whether we finished first or second. However, with an overall record of 7-5-4 and a league record of 7-3-2, the season proved to be quite successful.

Thanks to the solid defensive efforts Joe Rockstar, Chris Rambo, Jake the Snake Sodeman, and Jeongy Huh, the duties of both dominant central defenders, Drew Hoffman and Gabby Arias we're significantly lightened. The occasional spark of Hark Sran provided another barrier for opponents, anchored by the heroic antics and sporatic brilliance of goalkeeper Taysan Williams, and back-up goalkeeper Sam Schwabacher, who I heard more of during the season than anyone else. The stellar performance of each individual provided the team with 5 shutouts in 16 games...30%, a feat most all pro-teams dream to achieve.

The midfield, lead by captains, Jonathan Armour and Ryan Elvidge, proved to be one of the most dominant in the league. Armour’s attacking prowess led him to his six or seven goals for the season – the most by any soccer player at Juanita HS this year. Elvidge’s brave heart led him into numerous tackles. Creativity was provided by the slick skills of midfielders Dylan Marshall, Nick Venarucci and Alexis Bravo. The award for most players dribbled by goes to Venarucci for his constant slicing and dicing of opponent defenders down that left side. With Bravo’s and Marshall’s low center of gravity, it was near impossible for defenders to keep up with their quick cuts and fluid touches. With the skillful unsung hero Danny Zens stepping on the pitch to provide yet another threat, the midfield saw constant quality being rotated through. The addition of newcomers Chandler Clement, Percy Brown and Alec Moravec provided midfield depth for the Rebels. With Clement’s speed and sharpness, Brown’s ball trickery and Moravec’s determination, these three are sure to be future key players for the Juanita Rebels. Last, but not least, for midfielders... Alex Linett. This kid’s various skills got into the opponents’ heads and was a vital threat... causing opponents to create chaos amongst themselves.

Lastly, the strike force of the Rebels included the contributions of Colby Morris, John Elvidge, Travis Cruse and Alexis Bravo. With Morris’ ability to protect the ball, Cruse's skill of striking the ball harder and more accurately than any player in the league (guaranteed), Bravo's brilliance, Elvidge’s speed, tackling prowess, scoring ability, and heart that matches his brother’s, the Rebels should have scored twice as many goals as other teams. If only Morris would have brought out his secret weapon, the rainbow... our opponents in the league would have really been in trouble.

It was a successful season, albeit underachieved in my eyes. With this much talent, these boys should be toying with teams. It’s only the start however. Next year they will be stronger, smarter, and most of all, more experienced. – Ali Seyedali