Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Kristen Whitmore, 17, shows off Onya, a 7-month-old llama, as part of her presentation at Carson High School on Wednesday morning. Seniors are required to complete a project in order to pass English and graduate.
In order to graduate from Carson High School, John Stewart first had to complete his own school of rock.
"I've loved music pretty much my whole life," he explained. "This gave me the chance to learn how they actually do it."
Stewart learned to play the bass guitar, then performed an original song Wednesday morning as part of his senior project, a requirement to pass senior English at the high school.
Seniors spent months completing their projects, which include a research paper and a portfolio. The projects ended with a final presentation given to a panel of community members Tuesday and Wednesday.
Jennifer Russell, a 1986 graduate of Carson High School, served as a panel member for the first time this year.
Although, she said, she is glad it wasn't a requirement when she was in school, she was impressed with what she saw.
"I thought they were excellent," she said. "It was obvious that each of the students had a great passion for each of their topics."
Some students chose to research possible careers, such as Tiffany Hudder, who worked with Fremont Elementary School students.
Others explored personal interests. Kristen Whitmore, 17, volunteered at Rancho Dolly Llama in Gardnerville to learn more about the beasts.
"I saw one a long time ago and I just fell in love with them," she said. "They have really unique features."
She brought in 7-month-old, Onya, as part of her demonstration.
The project requires hard work and dedication from the students and also from those who are chosen as mentors.
Megan Hummel called on a former colleague of her mother's, Joseph Lo Cascio, a retired professor of Humanities and Greek studies at the University of Chicago.
Hummel spent 33 hours writing a 55-page screen play, modernizing Greek mythology.
"Instead of 12 gods on Mount Olympus, there were 12 CEOs in an American corporation," she explained.
Stewart called on a former coach, Kent Steele, to help him learn the guitar. Although Stewart plans to attend Weber State University on a football scholarship, he said his new-found talent will remain relevant.
"I will thank my mentor for the rest of my life for what he has given me," he said. "I loved my senior project."
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.
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