A Party…Pigskin Style – Tips for a Super Bowl Sunday Funday
By Aly Wagonseller
Football! Yeah! If you’re like many Americans obsessed with this bone crunching, sweat spewing game of brawn, you’ve anxiously awaited Super Bowl Sunday for months. Maybe your favorite team has made the cut, or perhaps they’ve vanished from the rankings in a tackling puff of grass stained smoke. Either way, why not plan a pigskin bash your friends will be talking about for many seasons to come?
What’s nice about a Super Bowl party, as opposed to a non-sporting event soirée, is that you’ve got built in entertainment and a theme to hang your helmet on. No need to do much to keep your guests amused; the opposing teams and commercials will do that for you. All you really need are a few creative ideas for decorating the home field, passing out some good eats and making the big event entertaining for football lovers and haters alike.
Stadium Style
Setting the mood for the main event can make even the most lackluster of championship games something to cheer about. Brittney Melnick, founder of local company B With a Twist Catering, has some ideas that encourage everyone to get into the game. “Create two opposing territories in your house by dividing your room into two distinct sides decorated in the colors of each of the two Super Bowl teams,” suggests Melnick. “Encourage guests who don’t have a rooting interest in the game to pick a side and root accordingly,” she adds. Decorating ideas might include balloons, team posters, crepe paper streamers and throw pillows or chair cushions made from color coordinating, inexpensive fabrics.
Brittney also offers some clever ways to make your buffet table the center of attention while keeping things simple yet festive. “Cover your serving table with astro turf and use white satin ribbon at field markers to set the stage for buffet style finger food stations,” she says. “A black-and-white-striped tablecloth is a more subtle way of invoking football. Maybe even wear a referee shirt yourself, complete with whistle!”
Goal Worthy Grub
While you want to have a man-worthy selection of great food for noshing, there’s no need to miss the game while cooking in the kitchen. Brittney recommends getting items ready ahead of time, setting them out and allowing guests to help themselves. “A great way to pull off a menu that allows both you and your guests to enjoy the day is by offering a meatball bar,” she suggests. “Make a variety of flavors that include beef, turkey, even a vegetarian ‘meatball’ with a variety of sauces. Round out the meal with great breads for sandwiching, as well as an array of toppings. Include different cheeses, fresh basil or caramelized onions, or add chutney for a new twist!”
If you’re feeling super spirited, Melnik suggests interjecting some friendly competition into the evening by hosting a chili throw down. “Super Bowl, with its lengthy half time show, is the perfect opportunity to hold a cook-off, and with several people each bringing an entry, it means less cooking for you as the host. At halftime, ask everyone to vote for their favorite chili. At the end, announce the winner and send them home with a prize basket of snacks.”
In between quarters and after the game, make sure there’s a variety of snacks available to keep people from overindulging in the alcohol department. Get creative by shaping dips, cookies and brownies into football related shapes, while having snack mix, popcorn and other easy to eat items spread throughout the room in decorative, team coordinating colored containers. If possible, do as the stadiums do and close down the bar for the fourth quarter, instead offering plenty of water and other hydrating drinks for the road.
A Game of Your Own
Betting on your favorite team always makes things more interesting, and a Super Bowl party just wouldn’t be complete without Super Bowl squares available for purchase. Set the limit for your squares, taking into account the number of people who’ll be betting as well as the booty to be distributed at each juncture of the game. Make things simple by visiting www.docsports.com/current/super-bowl-squares.html for an easy to print grid and instructions on setting up the game if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Brittany suggests taking advantage of the often hilarious commercials played on game day by handing out “rating cards” numbered 1 through 5 to all the guests, then asking them to score each Super Bowl commercial as it airs. Tally up the points so you can announce at the end which commercial is the party favorite.
Finally, add a touch of football mania by offering a face painting station for both adults and kids. Going this extra mile encourages guests to take a stand on which team they’ll root for and also makes for colorful pictures to post on Facebook and Twitter accounts! Websites such as www.snazaroo.us/football.htm offer easy to use stencils that make it easy to paint your game face on.
You don’t have to be the most creative person in the world to host an exciting and successful Super Bowl party. With great ideas from B With a Twist Catering and a little preparation, your Super Bowl Sunday will most definitely be a funday!
Brittney Melnick and B With a Twist Catering specialize in upscale comfort food including unique twists on macaroni & cheese, BBQ meatballs, red wine braised short ribs and mouthwatering homemade desserts. For catering info, call 553-7849 or visit www.bwithatwistcatering.com.
Out N About
Valentine’s Day Adventures
Sure, everybody loves to get candy, flowers and stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day, but sometimes it’s nice to try something a little different. There’s a whole big world out there for you and your significant other to explore with lots of unique things to see and experience together.
Flightlinez Zip Lines
Hook on and take a wild ride with your other half down the Fremont Street Experience or through Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City for spectacular views and an adrenaline rush like no other. Visit www.flightlinez.com for info.
The Museum Scene
From the development of the atomic bomb to the early days of the railroad to the history of the mob and beyond, Las Vegas has a rich heritage to explore and learn about with your loved one. Visit www.lasvegastourism.com for info.
Day Trips
Take the day off to spend with your favorite person and jaunt out to Pahrump for a wine tasting, shop for Valentine’s gifts at the outlet mall at Stateline or discover the beauty of Zion National Park in Utah. Mini-vacations are just a short drive away.
Bird Watching
There are many species of fine feathered friends to be found in the desert. Accompany your amour to The Desert National Wildlife Range at Corn Creek, Red Rock, Lake Mead, Mount Charleston and more. Visit www.birdandhike.com for info.
The Smith Center
Flashy shows on the Strip are nice, but why not treat your love to a more cultured performance with an energetic musical, elegant ballet or a rousing concert by the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Visit www.thesmithcenter.com for a schedule and more info.
Literary Locals
Former New York police officer and local resident Daniel O’Connor had an upbringing filled with challenges. When he was four years old, he lost his mother to cancer. His father succumbed to the disease two years later. O’Connor then went to live with his grandmother, who passed away when he was ten. Despite the tragedy in his life, he persevered and went on to become a highly decorated officer with the Suffolk County Police. He attributes a lot of his success to his love of reading, a passion which led him to another milestone: becoming a published author.
Hoping to inspire younger generations to rise above their difficulties in life, O’Connor has recently published a novel titled Sons of the Pope, co-written with Peter Randazzo. Set in Brooklyn and spanning several generations, the novel weaves a tale of love and hatred, devotion and betrayal, murder and miracles. It’s the kind of epic storytelling on a broad canvas that he’s always loved. With a lot of life experience to draw from, O’Connor’s writing is sure to capture imaginations across the globe. Visit www.primalscreaming.wordpress.com for more information.
Strawberry Margarita
1 oz. strawberry liqueur
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. lime juice
¼ oz. simple syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled, ice-filled glass.
Did You Know?
The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to the Roman Empire in 270 AD. Emperor Claudius II didn’t want men to marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers, but Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret wedding ceremonies.
The Must Do List
Editor’s Picks
February 9
Good vs. Evil: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain & Eric Ripert
Master chefs and media superstars Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations) and Eric Ripert (Top Chef) have delighted television and literary audiences with their larger than life personalities and tales of restaurant life in the big city. Now you can see them up close and personal as the two good friends take the stage at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms for a night of grand storytelling. Like magicians revealing their secrets, both chefs will give candid opinions about the place of food in our personal, community and global lives and offer provocative insights into the world of professional cooking. It’s sure to be a treat for any foodie who yearns to peek behind the culinary curtain. Call 942-7777 or visit www.palms.com for tickets and more information.
February 13
Harlem Globetrotters
Nobody puts on a dazzling show quite like the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. The talented exhibition basketball team brings their impressive athletic skills and humorous antics back to Las Vegas for a show stopping performance at the Thomas & Mack Center. For more than 85 years, the Globetrotters have played over 20,000 games in 120 countries, delighting fans of all ages with a spirit of unbridled fun that can inspire laughter and enjoyment in just about anybody. You don’t have to be a die hard sports fan to have a great time at a Globetrotters event. Bring the whole family and spend some time courtside with one of the most unforgettable shows you’re ever likely to see. Call 284-7777 or visit www.orelansarena.com for tickets and information.
January 22-23
The Joffrey Ballet
Long considered one of the world’s premier ballet companies, The Joffrey Ballet has been entertaining audiences for decades, from the heart of Russia to the halls of the White House. The company continues its tradition of excellence by showcasing their singular talents at this live performance at The Smith Center, with unique pieces ranging from a rare classic to a modern masterpiece, and even a Jane Austen-inspired ballet. Music comes to life on stage with a dose of world class talent that should not be missed. Call 982-7805 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and more information.
February 9
24th Annual “Splendor in the Glass” Wine & Beer Tasting
Wet your whistle with some tasty libations as more than sixty wineries and breweries will offer their wares at this tasting event held at the Las Vegas Hotel, along with a live wine auction, silent auction and the musical sounds of the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Band. Chef Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys and Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay will also be making a guest appearance. And you can enjoy yourself knowing that you’ll be helping a good cause as the event helps benefit programming and community outreach initiatives for Vegas PBS. Call 799-1010 or visit www.vegaspbs.org for more information.
February 16
Black History Month Festival
Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a rich cultural history as the Springs Preserve hosts this festival commemorating the contributions of African-Americans to Southern Nevada’s legacy and traditions. The family-friendly event includes live music and dance, a children’s film festival, a historic African-American photography exhibit and much more. Vendors will be on hand throughout the day, offering food and drink, art, clothing and much more, all reflecting the cultural spirit of the festival. Take in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings as you help celebrate an important part of Nevada’s diverse heritage. For more information, call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org.
Making a Difference – Black Rock Solar
Since 1990, The Shade Tree has been providing shelter and assistance to homeless and abused women, children and their pets. Local nonprofit Black Rock Solar is helping them continue their mission of protecting those in need by building a new solar array for the shelter, dedicated this past November. The array is designed to help offset The Shade Tree’s utility bill, lowering overhead and freeing up funds for essential community services.
Black Rock Solar conducted multiple rounds of fundraising for the renewable energy project and helped The Shade Tree secure a rebate from NV Energy’s RenewableGenerations program. The nonprofit built a new carport and installed solar panels on two separate buildings for the thirty-four kilowatt array, all at no cost to the shelter. Groupon Grassroots featured the project as one of its Earth Day fundraising campaigns, bringing in $2,500 to help complete the endeavor, while other individual donors contributed funds for paint and asphalt work. The Shade Tree has not been the only recipient of Black Rock’s generosity, either. The bighearted group has also built fifty photovoltaic arrays at low or no cost for schools, other nonprofits, Native American tribes and community groups throughout the state.
“Organizations like The Shade Tree add extraordinary value to their communities,” said Patrick McCully, Executive Director of Black Rock Solar. “We are honored to be able to help them continue their mission, and grateful to all those who contributed to making this project a reality.”
For more information on The Shade Tree, visit www.theshadetree.org.
Making a Difference – Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP)
Goodwill of Southern Nevada is just one of many organizations that provide services to the community in need, but like many similar groups, they often depend on outside donations for help. Thanks to a generous gift from Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP), our local Goodwill chapter has been able to initiate a program that will help veterans and their spouses find jobs.
Nevada Women’s Philanthropy elected to award its $350,000 2012 grant to Goodwill of Southern Nevada, which used the funds to launch its Veteran Integration Program. The grant helped pay for the program’s start up costs, which included hiring three full time career specialists with military backgrounds who understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and their spouses when entering the work force. Approximately 400 veterans will be served through the program’s initial launch. A $30,000 NWP Founders Gift was also awarded to the year’s runner-up, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley and James Seastrand Helping Hands of North Las Vegas. In the past, NWP has awarded grants to Salvation Army of Southern Nevada, the Rape Crisis Center, Roundy Elementary School, the Public Education Foundation and others.
“We can’t think of a better way to honor those who served our country than to help them find work,” said Steve Chartrand, president & CEO of Goodwill of Southern Nevada. “Helping someone find a job is truly life changing, and we are grateful to Nevada Women’s Philanthropy for providing seed funding to develop this much needed program.”
For more information on NWP, visit www.nevadawomensphilantropy.org.
In the Know
Lynn’s World of Home Consignment
Looking for a unique gift or something nice for your home? Whether it’s as big as a sofa or as small as a diamond ring, Lynn’s World is the place to shop. With a new location now open on the west side to complement their established site in Henderson, the selection is bigger than ever. Lynn’s World offers a wide range of furniture, accessories, electronics, home décor and jewelry that have all been previously enjoyed but are still in superb condition. If you’re more interested in selling, they’ll strive to make sure you get the best value for your belongings while saving you the hassle of yard sales and finicky online buyers. Whatever you’re looking to buy or sell, Lynn’s World of Home Consignment can help you uncover the most bang for your buck.
269-5966 / 7155 S. Rainbow Blvd., #120 / www.lynnsworldlv.com
Ten Tigers Martial Arts
Tucked away inside the Mission Paseo Shopping Center on Sahara and Rainbow is one of the area’s most fun martial arts dojos. Ten Tigers offers a unique mix of karate, kung-fu and both jiu-jitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with instructors that include fourth degree black belt Michael Hamm and Pan American Gold Medalist Lalo Salazar. Men, women and children of all ages and abilities can enjoy age appropriate group classes and private lessons while learning how to both avoid conflict and defend themselves. Programs run by the month, with no enrollment fees or contracts, and new students can even enjoy a free week of lessons to try things out. Learn a new sense of discipline and have a blast while you’re doing it at Ten Tigers Martial Arts.
207-6390 / 6985 W. Sahara Ave., #101 / www.tentigersmartialarts.com
My Healthy Meal
Experience the wonders of delectable yet healthy eating for people on the go with My Healthy Meal, now open in Summerlin. This new eatery offers local residents a health conscious menu complete with pre-portioned meal options that can be easily customized to fit individual dietary goals. Available options range from raw foods to low carb to high protein to low calorie to everything in between. It’s the perfect set of building blocks to get you off and running with better eating habits in the new year. Don’t have time to cook at home? Rest easy, because you’ve got a new way to eat healthy that’s not just some hip fad. This is all about food that’s both good and good for you thanks to the nutrition connoisseurs at My Healthy Meal.
310-3737 / 10220 W. Charleston Blvd., #2 / www.myhealthymeal.com
Hair Em Salon
From contemporary to classic designs, Hair Em Salon will help your hair match and complement your daily lifestyle while providing the best in customer comfort. Each client that walks through the door receives a hot towel and scalp massage while relaxing at their unique shampoo station, along with a free cup of coffee if you’d like one. With services that include everything from classic cuts for men and women to specialty offerings such as hair extensions and facial waxing, you’ll have a chic new look to celebrate. And they’ll do their best to help you keep it that way with a full line of premium hair care products, including a wide selection from L’Oreal. Express yourself with a bold new look today courtesy of the style professionals at Hair Em Salon.
432-4320 / 3545 S. Fort Apache Rd., #120 / www.hairem-salon.com
Cantina Laredo
Patrons seeking quality Mexican fare will find a wide variety of options at Cantina Laredo, including vegetarian and gluten free offerings. Under the direction of Executive Chef Damon Workman, Cantina Laredo uses the best possible ingredients and prepares everything fresh in the kitchen. Sample a Camaron Poblano Asada with juicy carne asada steak wrapped around a grilled poblano pepper stuffed with shrimp, mushrooms and jack cheese. Enjoy a tasty enchilada with avocado and artichoke or savor some juicy pork carnitas in a chipotle wine sauce. The Top Shelf Guacamole is perfect for sharing with fresh ingredients and Haas avocados, prepared table side. Make sure you don’t leave without trying a decadent Mexican Brownie or Mango Tres Leches for dessert. Discover the great tastes of modern Mexican cuisine today at Cantina Laredo.
202-4511 / 430 S. Rampart Blvd., #110 / www.cantinalaredo.com
Griffin Learning Center
For Nevada students looking to achieve academic success and enhance their collegiate choices, Griffin Learning Center is here to help. This Las Vegas based tutorial school is proud to offer help studying for SATs, Nevada State Proficiency Exams or just extra individual attention with school work. There are no costly admission or assessment tests or any registration fees. You pay only for the classroom instruction and all course work is provided as part of the tuition from as low as $25 per hour. Give them a call or stop by for a visit for a free interview and assessment and help secure the knowledge you need to make the most of a career marked with distinction. New opportunities and a bright academic future await you today at Griffin Learning Center.
982-1366 / 4520 S. Hualapai Way / www.griffinlearning.com
Down to Earth – Honey Salt
By Aly Wagonseller
Farm to Fork. It’s as trendy as reality TV, and in a place with soil as barren as it comes, it’s likely to be just as counterfeit in terms of authenticity. How can a true Farm to Fork experience reside in a place where nary a cow moos or few quality ingredients grow? And while I realize that passionate people such as Kerry Clasby, the woman responsible for gathering produce and the like for the Downtown & 3rd Market, have experienced a fair amount of success in bringing the movement to Vegas, this isn’t Santa Barbara County. So after hearing all the buzz about Honey Salt, the newest addition to the Summerlin restaurant scene, I braced myself for what I thought would be a disingenuous themed restaurant developed by two intelligent and seasoned corporate restaurateurs more experienced at sniffing out a marketable opportunity than creating a real deal home for an impeccable meal. I was wrong… so very wrong.
Worth the drive on the 215, Honey Salt is a neighborhood spot that feels big city, yet it somehow remains soulful and unpretentious. Profoundly more polished than most locally owned eateries, it fits into the new generation of restaurant trends based in New York and Los Angeles that exhibit strategically loud acoustics and lighting that’s just a bit too dark, so dark that the waiters pack flashlights to help patrons read the menu. That being said, the décor is exceptional and the service exemplary, with an open view kitchen that clearly runs like a well oiled machine. None of this is surprising considering the husband and wife proprietor duo of Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla. For the past decade, Blau has been responsible for bringing many a celebrity chef and their restaurant concepts to our city, most notably with the Wynn properties and via her and her husband’s consulting firm, Blau & Associates. Chef Kim has travelled the world, feeding a passion for the craft of cooking, and even won alongside Kerry Simons on Iron Chef America. The pair has already opened their own successful gig on the Strip, the Society Café at the Encore resort, with Honey Salt fulfilling their desire to entertain local folks with the kind of food they serve in their own home.
Blau and Canteenwalla care passionately about the quality of their food, offering simple dishes that transcend basic ingredients into something tasty and enormously satisfying. The Burrata, Rosso Bruno and Teardrop Tomato Salad ($15) exemplifies this philosophy to perfection. The buttery creaminess of the cheese lends substance yet doesn’t feel overly heavy when paired with the bright, acidic flavors of the Rosso Bruno and teardrop tomatoes. Fresh figs and a balsamic reduction add sweet elements, with fresh basil leaves and crunchy black peppercorns providing an aromatic finish. Clean, simple, amazing. Taking our server’s advice to eat anything raw, we opted for the Steak Tartare ($14), a refreshing combo of righteously chopped beef combined with pungent capers and sweet, crispy bites of pickled papaya. Charred pita bread toast points added an amazing smokiness and a backyard, home-style sensibility to the dish. Another winner!
Scallops and filet were suggested as fan favorites, but as we wanted to see what magic they could do with pizza and simple chicken breast, we chose the Free Ranch Brick Oven Chicken ($22) and Charcuterie Pizza ($15). The chicken was presented airline style, with perfectly crisp skin that preserved every last drop of juice in this typically dry offering. An incredible sauce that was thicker than au jus yet thinner than gravy added savory depth of flavor, especially as it saturated the rustic mac and cheese dotted with kale that accompanied the dish. Pizza was also well executed. Aggressively peppered, paper thin cured meats were rendered so crispy that they melted in your mouth. When paired with creamy mounds of fresh ricotta cheese, a subtle tomato sauce, crunchy fennel salad and a perfectly charred crust, it’s just one more example of how the best ingredients can transform the mundane into something truly special.
Farm to Fork in the literal “pick a bunch of radishes down the road” sense is certainly not feasible in our geographic locale. Still, the down to earth flavors that Honey Salt puts on a plate are much more than a fleeting trend. It’s what food ought to be and then some. For reservations (you’ll probably need them), call 445-6100 or book online at www.honeysalt.com.
A Step Above – Wesley Mann
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013
Actions may speak louder than words, but Palo Verde High School senior Wesley Mann has a talent for turning words into action. As a proud member of speech and debate, Wesley has numerous awards to his credit and has competed all over the country. Outspoken, eloquent and well rounded, Wesley also shows an equal knack for athleticism on the tennis court and a passion for politics that keeps him involved and engaged in always expanding his horizons. He’s not just a spectator in life but a full-on participant, and that helps place Wesley Mann – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.8
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Varsity Tennis, 2008-12; Captain, 2012
- Forensics: Speech and Debate, 2009-12; Captain, 2011-12
- National Honor Society, 2011-12; Secretary, 2012
- Interact Club, 2010-12; Secretary, 2011-12
- Sun Youth Forum Room Representative, 2011-12
- Helping Hands 2010-12; Co-Founder, 2010; Co-President, 2012
- Gan Alonim Volunteer Day Camp Counselor, 2011
- National Honor Society Tutor, 2011-12
- Rotary SantaClothes, 2011
Awards
- National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2012
- AP Scholar with Distinction, 2012
- Harvard Book Award, 2011
- Athletic Scholar, 2009-12
- Varsity Tennis Nevada State Champions – Team, 2009-10; Finalists, 2012
- Varsity Tennis Nevada State Quarterfinalist – Individual, 2012
- Varsity Tennis Sunset Regional Finalists – Team, 2011; Individual, 2012
- Varsity Tennis Sunset Regional Champions – Team, 2009-10, 2012
- Superior Distinction, National Forensic League, 2012
- District Finalist, Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, 2011
- National Qualifier, Varsity Public Forum Debate, 2011
- National Top 120, Varsity Public Forum Debate, 2011
- Nevada State Forensic Champions, 2009
Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to graduate as a valedictorian and attend college majoring in environmental engineering. I see myself in a position where I can improve the environment through projects as well as spreading awareness about many issues facing our world.”
Wesley is Successful Because: “I attribute my success to a great family structure. My family is always there to support me in all my endeavors, whether it is a success or failure. My brother has always been a friend I could rely on as well as a person who is always willing to have intellectual conversations with me or to just play around with.”
Part of the Solution: “Many young adults feel a lack of political efficacy and thus fail to vote. This problem is a self fulfilling prophecy, however, for as long as the youth do not vote, they will not have a voice in government. Informing as many youth as possible to vote, not only in the presidential elections but also in midterm and local elections, is the best way to solve this.”
A Step Above – Taylor Calmelat
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013
She’s played a princess, an orphan and a noble matriarch, but just about any role suits Palo Verde High School senior Taylor Calmelat. Her myriad talents range from singing to comedy to directing with a love of all things theatrical. Spirited, engaging and full of winning charm, Taylor puts a lot of heart into the characters she plays but also shows a lot of character in setting clear goals for herself. Whether it’s through the worlds she helps create on stage or the life she leads every day, she’s an inspiration. For all that and more, Taylor Calmelat stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.0
Activities/Community Service
- Concert Choir, 2011-12
- Annie in PVHS Theatre’s Annie, 2011
- Cinderella in PVHS Theatre’s Cinderella, 2012
- Lady Montague in PVHS Theatre’s Romeo & Juliet, 2012
- PVHS Theatre’s Student Directed One Acts (Director), 2012
- International Thespian Society (President), 2012
- Comedy Team Pun Intended, 2010-12
- Pep Club, 2012
- Lupus Walk, 2011
- Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, 2012
- Creative Minds, 2012
- Tunes for Tots, 2012
Awards
- Shining Star Award, 2011-12
- Varsity Letter (Drama), 2012
- Hispanic Recognition Scholar, 2012
- 2nd Place, Pun Intended, Shakespeare Festival, 2012
- 1st Place Gold, Anaheim Heritage Festival Concert Choir, 2012
- Superior Rating, One Act Thespian State Conference, 2012
- Excellent Rating, Thespian State Conference Monologues, 2010
- Excellent Rating, Thespian State Conference Solo Musical, 2012
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I’m most proud of being elected the Thespian President because it gives me the chance to change the way my community views the theatre, to encourage other students to participate, and to educate others on what being a thespian really means.”
Overcoming Peer Pressure: “Sometimes I get invited to parties that have illegal substances. I decline these invitations even though most of my friends will be there. I’m not going to put my future in jeopardy just to have a drink or two. I’m usually home with my mom memorizing scripts or doing homework so that I actually have somewhere to go after high school other than a party.”
Cause for Concern: “I would become president of an organization that I am actually already a part of called Tunes for Tots! It is a worldwide organization that gathers a group of young performers around the community and holds free concerts to raise money for children’s charities. It not only brings culture and music to the community, it also is for a great cause.”
A Step Above – Brianna Becker
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2013
A winning golf game isn’t about sinking a hole in one every time. It’s about discipline, consistency and follow through, all qualities that are exemplified by Faith Lutheran High School senior and championship golfer Brianna Becker. With unbridled optimism, intensive practice and the most serious focus, she’s turned a passion for the game into a scholarship to the University of Hawaii, but her dreams don’t stop there. Brianna isn’t setting any limits, because she knows any achievement she can imagine is possible when she’s got faith, family and the will to succeed on her side. That kind of boundless ambition helps elevate Brianna Becker to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.9
Sports/Awards/Community Service
- Faith Lutheran Golf Team, 2009-Present
- University of Hawaii Golf Scholarship, 2013
- First Tee Most Improved, 2009
- First Tee Judgment Award, 2010
- Vee Massi Award, 2010
- Regional Individual Champion, 2009 & 2011-12
- Regional Team Champions, 2009-12
- NIAA State Team Champions (Division 1-A), 2012
- NIAA Individual State Champion (Division 1-A), 2012
- Sunset Player of the Year, 2010 & 2012
- Las Vegas City Junior Champion, 2007 & 2010-11
- Tournament of Champions Winner, 2012
- Volunteer with First Tee of Southern Nevada, 2008-Present
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of signing my national letter of intent to the University of Hawaii and winning the individual state championship. I have worked so hard for these past nine years to get a golf scholarship for college. After signing to go to Hawaii, it showed that all my hard work paid off! Winning the state championship was also a huge goal of mine. Since it was my senior year, my goal was to actually win a state tournament. I worked so hard for this state tournament and it was such a great feeling to actually win it!”
Brianna Looks Up To: “I look up to my mom and dad. They have always worked hard to give my sister and I the best things in life and they do so much for us. They always help me with golf, whether it’s taking me to lessons or driving me to tournaments. They have sent me to good schools and they have helped me a lot in life. I am very thankful for both of them.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is they don’t get involved in something productive like sports, theater, or other extracurricular activities. People who are involved in extracurricular activities usually do better in school and are less likely to get in trouble. I would encourage all students to get involved in something after school.”
