FROM PRAGUE TO PORTAGE COUNTY: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CZECH STUDENT
By: Jenna Canale & Leila Evans
Imagine moving to the other side of the country, living with people you never met, and attending a school structured differently than you have experienced. There is a student at Southeast that has done just that: Bara Bestova. All the way from the Czech Republic, Bestova has recently adapted to the American high school experience. As students raised in American education, it’s harder for us to imagine all of the differences between here and other countries – so, we asked Bestova to share her perspective.
The differences in Bestova’s education begin from the time she wakes up. “In Czech, I usually have to wake up at 7:20 for school and here that would usually be the time when school starts,” Bestova explained. Wouldn’t all Southeast students enjoy an extra hour of sleep? Their daily schedule also looks different as every day is block day. Blocks are an hour and a half, and throughout the week they cover 12 subjects. “My personal favorites are psychology, literature seminar, and genetics,” Bestova commented. On top of her assigned work here, she still has to complete work for all of her classes in Czech as her only transferable credits are English and physical education.
Aside from school work and scheduling, Bestova has had no trouble making friends here thanks to her approachable personality and our inviting student body. “I honestly love the SHS community, everybody is just so friendly and welcoming.” Bestova is participating in volleyball currently, which has exposed her to new people as well as American patriotism. “I honestly think that I have heard the American anthem in the past two months more times than I have heard the Czech in my entire life,” she notes, while also remarking on how confidently people talk to others. “It would be very extraordinary if you received a compliment from a stranger.” Among these differences, there is one that has stood out to Bestova. Public transportation is practically nonexistent in Portage county, whereas in Czech, she uses it every day.
This is only a scratch on the surface of Bestova’s journey to America. If you get a chance, stop and chat! There are so many things to learn from her, and she’d be glad to answer any questions. Despite all the challenges, Bestova claims “…this is definitely one of the greatest adventures I have ever done.”
CROSS COUNTRY: MIND OVER MILES
By: Colton Dillon and Cameron Singleton
Cross country is a sport that requires stamina, strength, and determination. It demands a high level of resilience as athletes are expected to power through 3.1 miles of different types of terrain: hills, mud, gravel, and sometimes, an unfortunate runner.
Boys’ Cross Country
The Southeast boys’ cross country team has sped through this season with the largest group that this team has seen in years. Leading the pack is junior Caden Dillon, followed by sophomores Mason Dix, Seth Dillon, and Noah Croston. Rounding out the top seven is junior Micah Craver, freshman Adam Canale and senior Cohen Richardson. The team also includes junior Jakob Schaffner, sophomores Kaiden Richardson, Douglas Brittingham, Eli Evans, Anthony Putnat, and freshman Keldon Bundy.
The boys’ season incorporated success as the team claimed 2nd place at the MVAC tournament where C. Dillon took 8th and earned MVAC 2nd Team and Dix earned honorable mention. C. Dillon has been a force for the team since qualifying for regionals as a freshman, and then qualifying for states as a sophomore. C. Dillon hopes to keep his streak of success and qualify for state this season. “I love the competition and hate to lose so I push myself to beat all the other runners on the course” C. Dillion said. The boys’ team has also found success in making it past Districts to Regionals two years in a row. The team took 8th place on Saturday at GlenOak.
Regionals will take place at Boardman High School on October 31 at 2:20 for the boys team. Come and cheer on our runners as we hope to send some athletes to states.
Girls’ Cross Country
The Southeast girls’ cross country team has shown great improvement throughout the miles, running with heart and determination. The team consists of only four sophomore girls – Andi Coiffi, Savannah King, Jillian Schaffner, and Emma Smith – but they still show out. Schaffner and Coiffi earned second team honors at MVAC and leading the group in stats was Smith. She has shown impressive times throughout the season; at MVAC she finished 11th place, making her the third girl to earn second team. Smith noted “I joined cross country because I wanted to try a new sport” and that her friends, family, and coaches motivate her to keep running. On Saturday, the girls competed at Districts, and finishing as individual qualifiers for Regionals were Smith, Schaffner, and Cioffi.
The girls will compete this Saturday at Boardman running at 1:45. Come support the Lady Pirates as they continue their journey towards an opportunity for States.
