“It’s so awesome that Summit won the 5A Oregonian Cup for the 2008-09 school year. We are the first school in Central Oregon and the only public school to take home the silver commemorative trophy,” said Wright.

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) joins forces with The Oregonian and the Dairy Farmers of Oregon annually to recognize one high school from each of the six classifications. The Oregonian Cup began in 1999 as a way to recognize overall excellence in schools.

“The award honors a school’s students, teachers, coaches and the entire school community,” according to Tom Welter of the OSAA, a non-profit organization that coordinates interscholastic sports and activities for Oregon high schools.

At the end of the fall and winter seasons, points are updated and released for each school. Points are totaled at the end of the year. The school earning the highest points in each classification receives a commemorative trophy from The Oregonian, and the state athletic association.

Summit earned 4,939 points last year, 31 points higher than second place finisher Crescent Valley High.

“[Winning the award] speaks highly of the entire community,” said Vice Principal Michael McDonald.

Schools earn points based on their participation and finish in OSAA State Championships.

Summit girls claimed state titles in cross country, golf, and track. The boys  captured tennis and swim team trophies.

Girls volleyball, soccer, basketball, swim and tennis teams contributed to overall scores after reaching state playoff levels. The boys cross country and track teams also added points.

Our band finished second in state contributing to the final score total. Speech and Debate finished eighth.

A sportsmanship component was introduced in the 2001-02 school year. “Schools receive 200 points per season (Fall, Winter, Spring) for having no ejections. One hundred points are subtracted from a school’s total for each varsity ejection or a player or coach,” according to OSAA officials.

The Dairy Farmers of Oregon rank teams academically. The ten teams per sport with the highest grade point averages (GPAs) score points based on rank (AWKWARD).  All other teams earning a 3.0 GPA or higher receive 25 points for their school.

The varsity girls golf team had the highest average GPA of 3.96. Boys cross country, girls cross country, girls soccer, football, girls basketball, boys swimming, girls swimming, wrestling, baseball, softball, boys golf, girls tennis, boys track, girls track, band and choir all placed in the top ten.

“I’m incredibly proud that track added to the overall point total, but its more important that it was the entire schools’ achievement,” said track coach Dave Turnbull.

Although the Oregonian Cup measures only varsity athletes’ GPAs, our teams’ academics achievements are representative of Summit’s overall standards.

“I’d be glad to measure the entire student body, but our clubs and teams do represent the entire school’s academic success,” said Principal Lynn Baker.

“It isn’t just the athletes winning this, but the entire school,” said McDonald.

“Summit has an incredible list of accomplishments for a school only eight years old. We can now legitimately say we are the best 5A high school in Oregon, and the only public school to take home the Oregonian Cup,” said Turnbull.

]]> http://www.shseyeofthestorm.com/featured/storm-wins-top-state-competition/feed/ 0 http://www.shseyeofthestorm.com/news/glow-dance-big-hit-with-students/ http://www.shseyeofthestorm.com/news/glow-dance-big-hit-with-students/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:37:06 +0000 krosch http://www.shseyeofthestorm.com/?p=751 Emily Strome spent more than an hour preparing for the Glow Dance.

She joined members of the girls varsity soccer team  and dressed in red, green, pink, silver and orange duct tape.

“We had a great time getting ready at Kelsey Herrick’s house,” said Strome. “Our neon duct tape was perfect for the Glow Dance theme.”

Despite a 24-17 loss to Silverton, more than 750 students paid $5 to join the party in the commons courtyard.

The administration was caught off guard by the long line of students waiting to enter the dance and understood the frustration of the students who had to wait more than 30 minutes to purchase tickets.

School policy requires the  administration to breathalyze every student.

last year and made more than $3500 for student council.

Holler also added that even though the courtyard was extremely crowded, “it’s better to have kids at school doing something fun than having them out somewhere on a Friday night doing dangerous things.”

“It was the best first dance we’ve ever had,” said DJ Dave Turnbull. “It was not only because all the kids who came, but the sound was better because we spread out the speakers. And if we only charge $5 and can make more than $3700, that just makes it even better.”

Like Emily and the rest of the girls’ soccer team, many students dressed up in bright colors and crazy clothing to celebrate the first dance of the year. “A bunch of people got ready at a house and we spent around an hour getting dressed up and decked out in glowsticks,” said sophomore Holly Strome. “It was definitely better than last year because of all the people who came.” Fellow sophomore Hannah Cook agrees. “It was so much fun getting ready because you can just make your t-shirts and other stuff.”

Some students like freshman Anna Young simply wore their SuperFan attire to the dance. “My friends and I got ready before the game and just wore our clothes to the dance,” she said. “We did take off some of our crazier pieces though.”

Unfortunately, the only downfall of the evening was that many dance-goers like Hannah were greeted with extremely congested front doors, thanks to the school’s policy of breathalyzing every student to enter. As per usual, three staff members operated the breathalyzers as excited students attempted to get into the central courtyard and show off their brightly colored outfits and glowstick accessories.

However, the late ending of the game meant that even though the dance started at 9:30 many students didn’t enter until around 10:00, which meant some students were not able to go to the dance at all because of a personal curfew.

Vice Principal Michael McDonald admitted that the administration was not fully prepared for the influx of students. “Normally we don’t get slammed like that,” he said, referring to the gradual arrivals of students at most other dances like Homecoming or Winter Formal as opposed to all the students trying to enter at once. “We probably need another breathalyzer, but it was a unique situation.” He then added that he would like to buy another breathalyzer if the school can afford it (they normally cost a few hundred dollars).

With all that said, the Glow Dance was still an enormous success, raising money for student council and providing students with a secure place to spend a Friday night. Holler is optimistic about next year’s dance; according to him, “[the administration] looks at it and says, ‘what can we do better next time?’”

Three administrators conducted the breathylyzer tests as quickly as possible, but the process was slowed because only three  breathylyzers were available for use.

Vice Principal Michael McDonald admitted that the administrators were not fully prepared for the influx of students.

“Normally we don’t get slammed like that,” said McDonald.

Typically during other dances, students arrive in staggered numbers. The problem occurs with dances scheduled after sporting events when large numbers of students enter at the same time.

“We probably need another breathalyzer, but the Glow Dance was a unique situation,“ McDonald said.

He wants to purchase another breathalyzer, but the $250 price tag is more than the school can afford at this time. “We may need to re-examine the idea of after-game dances,” said McDonald.

“I understand why the administrators have to breathalyze each student, but it was a big nuisance to everyone, and took a lot of time that could be spent enjoying the dance.” said freshman Lily Feldman.

“We didn’t expect that much of a line, but we’re glad everyone came and showed their school spirit,” said Activities Director Reno Holler. “It’s better to have kids at school doing something fun than having them out somewhere on a Friday night doing dangerous things.”

“It was the best first dance we’ve ever had,” said DJ Dave Turnbull. “It was not only because of all the kids who came, but the sound was better because we spread out the speakers. And if we only charge five dollars and can make more than $3700, that just makes it even better.”

Student Council profited more than $3700, which will help defray the cost of Homecoming.

The Oregon School Activities Association has long been trying to form an improved classification system for the 2010-2014 school years. Over the past 14 months, Storm coaches have had a grand total of 10 different proposals thrown at them.

Reducing travel across the state was one of the major goals of organizing new leagues.  To satisfy the criteria, the Central Oregon Hybrid League may be created.

Summit would be placed in this new league, a “hybrid,” which includes Bend High and Mountain View, as well as Redmond and Crook County.  Crook County would be moved down to 4A and Redmond would remain 6A.

“The real reason for this is that Salem doesn’t want Redmond in their league,” said athletic director Dan Munson.

To further reduce travel expenses and lost learning time, Hermiston, Pendleton and the Dalles-Wahtonka were moved to a Columbia-Gorge league.

Enrollment numbers for the 2008-2009 school year also played a key role in decided the leagues.

Under such a proposal, the size gap between the smallest school (Crook County at 858) and the largest (1,824 students attend Redmond High) is incredible—a difference of almost 1,000.

Full effects of the reclassification are still unknown.

With only five times in the league, extra non-conference games will have to be added to the season.

“Nobody knows what the playoff scenario will be,” said Munson.

Coach Cameron Reynolds, too, was left puzzled.

“Are they just going to take the top teams?  The top two teams?  There’s a lot of questions about the post season,” he said.

This week, the OSAA’s state championship committee will begin meeting to address the playoff issue.

“There are still a lot of issues to work out before we finish,” said Reynolds.  Still, this proposal is “a step in the right direction” in his eyes.

“I do think that traveling puts an undue pressure on student athletes.  Also, it is very hard on the budget.  So I’m all for restrictions—it seems like it might be good for students.”  said Reynolds.

Students, however, are not so sure.

“I don’t really understand why they’re changing it—I think the way it is now is good, because we’re playing teams that are pretty much the same size schools, pretty much the same level of athletes,” said varsity soccer player Francy Grater.

Other students disagree.  “I think it’s a good competition group.  It’s definitely better than the IMC,” said Sam Walker.  “It’s a lot closer.”

Oct. 26 marks the date on which the OSAA executive board will vote on this final proposal.

“The bottom line is, not everybody’s going to be happy,” said Reynolds.  “But at least we’re putting the students first.”

“What class do you have next, Riley?” one of them casually asks.  In response, Harrold gestures to the room immediately to their right and says, “Freshman Academy.”

Harrold is a freshman enrolled in the new freshman-only class, which replaces last year’s computer applications.

Freshman Academy has a syllabus similar to computer applications, but also teaches important skills such as organization, taking notes and public speaking. It helps students prepare for the demands of high school.

The class is worth half a credit, is taken in a rotating block for one semester, and is taught by Kelley Parsons and Jerry Hackenbruck.

Computer applications once was a mandatory class, whereas Freshman Academy is highly recommended, but not required.

Many freshmen, skeptical about the course, wanted the half-credit for a more advanced class and asked for their parents’ permission to opt out of taking it.

The other 80-85 percent of the freshman body are currently taking the “modified and improved version of computer apps,” according to Hackenbruck.

Many students in freshman academy view the class as beneficial to those who are disorganized or struggle with computers.

“It’s a waste of time sometimes because I already know how to do most of what we’re learning,” said Harrold, “but I guess I can see it helping the students who aren’t doing as well in class.”

Not all students think freshman academy is pointless.

Caroline Nyberg had only good things to say about the class.

“I like freshman academy a lot,” Nyberg said. “I think that it’s really going to get us ready for high school.”

When the district announced that the computer applications class was no longer going to be mandatory, Hackenbruck and the other computer applications teacher came together and created Freshman Academy.

“We thought that the class was a necessary and an important part of a freshman’s education.  So when we heard that it was not going to be required for the incoming freshman class, we teamed up and added on to the computer applications class syllabus to create the new freshman academy class,” said Hackenbruck.

In addition to creating the class, they also applied for funding from the school to provide all freshmen with their own homework planner to enforce organization.

“Freshman Academy is an excellent addition to Summit’s curriculum to ensure a higher level of success for its students,” said counselor Debbie McKeown. “It offers important learning techniques, and teaches skills that are helpful for the rest of a school career.”

The weak economy is a huge factor in all of our lives, whether we would like to admit it or not.

For some, it is merely a thought in the back of their heads.  But for many the weakened economy is a harsh reality resulting in serious situations.

When people lose their jobs, they often cannot pay their mortgages and, almost inevitably, their homes are pushed into foreclosure, leaving the families homeless.

According to a survey done in 2008 by the Oregon Department of Education, nearly 624 students in the Central Oregon area were homeless (students living in hotels, shelters, vehicles or outdoors).

This number has increased by almost five percent since 2008.  That makes 709 out of 15,837 students homeless.

Nearly 4.5 percent of the students in the Bend La Pine School District are homeless.  The Oregon Department of Education shows that the Bend La Pine School District has the highest percent of homeless students in the entire central Oregon area.

The economy has turned 180 degrees on families who used to be doing well, in the respect that they could provide for themselves and their children.  Dana Arnston, the Federal Services Director, said in an interview with the Bend Bulletin, “What we’ve seen is families that were making it economically before who now aren’t.”

Arnston says that families who once donated to the Family Access Network, a local non-profit organization, are now depending on the assistance that FAN offers.

Some of FAN’s services include dental work, job opportunities, health care, insurance and clothing.

Many administrators are worried that school will no longer be a priority for homeless students.

Although school is an extremely important part of everyone’s lives, the fear of not knowing where you will spend the night takes precedent to worrying what your test score will be on Monday.

School officials are well aware of this problem and are trying to help out as much as they can with their limited resources.  Free lunches are offered to students, which can help out enormously.

The McKinney-Vento Act, passed in January 2002 under No Child Left Behind, says that all students will have equal rights to a public education. Chrissi Wright, Summit’s FAN representative, said that under the McKinney-Vento Act, students who change districts due to homelessness will be bussed or transported to the school they first attended to establish a stable environment.

When the Summit staff finds out that students are homeless they make sure they help them in the most comfortable as possible.

“Confidentiality is huge,” Wright said about the process.

Before Wright talks to anyone else she works with, she asks the students if she can use their names or if they would like to keep it confidential.

Wright says that a lot of services are provided from the Assistance League, a national non-profit organization.  The Assistance League provides clothes and school supplies.

Tools for Schools, another non-profit organization, takes anonymous donations from around the community and distributes the donated goods to local students.

Bend’s local news station, KTVZ, had an article on their website that included an interview with a homeless student in Central Oregon.  About her and her family’s situation, she said, “We had to stay in our van, so we are all like trying to find a place in our van at night.”

She went on to say that she received a new backpack and some school supplies from Project Help, a local organization that assists students with school related issues.

The website www.projectconnectco.org is considered a “one-stop-shop” for all the services that are available to central Oregonians in need, according to Julianne Repman, the Communications Director for the Bend-La Pine Schools.  Some of these services include free books through the Deschutes Public Library’s “Book Buggy” and eye exams and glasses through the Lion Vision Van.

Homeless students come in all shapes and sizes–there is no definite way to identify them.

“The face of homelessness doesn’t have a typical look anymore,” Wright said.  “[Many] middle to upper class, privileged kids, are in fact homeless.  It’s covert.”

“Every poor kid thinks they’re the only poor kid,” Wright said.

“I love the four block schedule, and if it changes, I am going to be so mad,” said junior Andy Archer. Kate Vlessis and Connor Johnson, also juniors, think the idea is “ridiculous and an outrage.”

According to Vice Principal Michael McDonald, one reason for wanting a new schedule is that the time between core classes from year to year is too long.  Students can go over 12 months without having an English or math class. This creates a problem, especially for “low-end students,” said Vice Principal Al Hulbert.

For these specific students, not having a core class for an extended amount of time can force them to struggle to keep up.

Another reason behind wanting to find a better schedule is that the master schedule process is not working and is causing an inequitable distribution of students in classes.

Principal Lynn Baker wants to find a schedule that will be easier for students to enroll in the classes they desire. Currently, due to our master schedule, many students have to take an open block because no other classes are available.

“The block schedule is not working well enough, learning wise, to be excellent or world class,” Baker said.

Social studies teacher Patrick Kilty agrees. He thinks that if we were to switch away from the four-block schedule, it would be extremely helpful for students because they would be able to develop year-long relationships with their teachers.

Kilty also believes that if the schedule is changed to a seven block day, if would be beneficial for students because they would not be able to take open blocks. Without the possibility for opens, students would be forced to challenge themselves, at least while they were at school.

The administration is also concerned with the percentage of the day that teachers are teaching. Currently, at any given time 25% of the staff has a prep period. If the number of classes per day were to increase, the percentage of teachers not actually teaching would significantly lessen. Christie McCormick, an English teacher, thinks that the district is afraid that they are wasting their money by not having teachers teach a higher percentage of the day. She, however, believes the ninety minutes of prep time a day is extremely beneficial for her as well as for her students because it gives her time to prepare for each of her classes.

One of the possible ideas for a new schedule is having a seven period day, with all core classes, math, English, etc., all year every day.  On Monday, Thursday, and Friday the students would have blocks one through seven. Tuesday would be blocks one through four, and Wednesday would be blocks five through seven. This possible schedule is causing many students and parents to worry.

Some students and teachers are concerned that with seven classes and shorter class periods, the homework load will increase tremendously. Brittany Kampmann, a junior, is of the same mind frame.  “That sounds terrible, you would get nothing done in class and then get tons of homework. That’s ridiculous. We have jobs now, I have to go to work right after school.” McCormick also worries that the amount of work and the number of classes for each student would be unrealistic and cause too much stress among them.

McCormick has good reason to think this, as she remembers having this schedule before. She said that the seven-block schedule was problematic, and that is why the schedule changed in the first place.  “For me, as a teacher, the class periods would be too short to be able to go in depth. We would have to be skimming over all the information. “

Another problem that students are concerned about is that with shorter classes, they will not be able to get the attention they need from teachers. “We won’t have time to ask questions in class so teachers won’t be able to give us much individual attention,” said junior Ian Eland. Baker’s response to this was that students do not use tutorial currently, so he does not feel that is a real or valid fear.

Many students, parents and teachers would like to be included in the decision making process. They all feel that because they are the ones directly affected by the possible change they should be involved in choosing what should or should not happen.

“Students and parents will be included in the decision making process, regarding the new schedule,” promised Hulbert.

Baker, on the other hand, said they will not consult with parents. According to the latter, the Summit administration wanted to change the schedule three years ago. They had many meeting with parents regarding the decision, and as such Dr. Baker said that they already have all the information they need.

What they mean by this is that ultimately the decision rests at the district level. However, McDonald says that he would appreciate input from parents. The best way to share your opinion is to call McDonald, Baker or Hulbert

As of right now the administration wants to make sure that everyone understands that nothing has been decided and that they are still pondering ideas. They ask that people remain patient and do not become panicked or angry. By January or February Baker said they will know whether or not the schedule will change and how.

Kilty also believes that if the schedule is changed to a seven block day, if would be beneficial for students because they would not be able to take open blocks.

Without the possibility for opens, students would be pushed to challenge themselves, at least while they were at school.

The administration is also concerned with the percentage of the day that teachers are teaching.

Currently, at any given time 25 percent of the staff has a prep period. If the number of classes per day were to increase, the percentage of teachers not actually teaching would significantly lessen. Teachers would be providing actual instruction for longer periods of time each day.

AP Language teacher Christie McCormick thinks the district is afraid that they are wasting their money by not having teachers teach a higher percentage of the day. She, however, believes the 90 minutes of prep time a day is extremely beneficial for her, as well as for her students, because it gives her time to prepare for each of her classes more thoroughly.

One of the possible ideas for a new schedule involves creating a seven period day, with all core classes, math, English, etc., running all year every day.

On Monday, Thursday and Friday the students would have blocks one through seven. Tuesday would be blocks one through four, and Wednesday would be blocks five through seven.

This possible schedule is causing some students and parents to worry. Some students and teachers are concerned that with seven classes and shorter class periods, the homework load will increase tremendously.

“That sounds terrible, you would get nothing done in class and then get tons of homework. That’s ridiculous. We have jobs now, and I have to go to work right after school,” said junior Brittany Kampmann.

McCormick also worries that the amount of work and the number of classes for each student would be unrealistic and cause too much stress for everyone. She has good reason to think this, as she remembers having this schedule before. She said that the seven-block schedule was problematic, and that is why the schedule changed in the first place.

“For me, as a teacher, the class periods would be too short to be able to go in depth. We would have to be skimming over all the information. “

Another problem that students are concerned about is that with shorter classes, they will not be able to get the attention they need from teachers.

“We won’t have time to ask questions in class so teachers won’t be able to give us much individual attention,” said junior Ian Eland.

Baker feels that students do not use tutorial currently and suggests perhaps that this is not a real or valid fear. Baker suggests that because teachers will be meeting with students on a daily basis, there will always be adequate time for individual attention for the students who take responsibility to seek help.

Many students, parents and teachers would like to be included in the decision making process. They all feel that because they are the ones directly affected by the possible change they should be involved in choosing what should or should not happen.

“Students and parents will be included in the decision making process, regarding the new schedule,” said Hulbert.

The Summit administration has considered changing the schedule in the past. Traditionally, meetings with parents and Site Council members are conducted to discuss any scheduling changes.

“We do have all the information we need to make the right choice to benefit students,” said Baker.

Ultimately the decision rests at the district level. McDonald says that he would appreciate input from parents.

The appropriate way to share opinions is to call McDonald, Baker or Hulbert personally.

As of now, the administration wants to make sure that everyone understands that nothing has been decided and that they are still considering several ideas. They ask that people remain patient and open to new ideas.

Baker says they will know whether or not the schedule will change and how it will change prior to scheduling and forecasting for the 2010/2011 school year.

Link Crew leaders Kendall Jarvis, Katherine Fernandez, Savanna Jones, Chris Coatu, Mel Hopkins and Kenzie Bodnar prepare ice cream cones for the freshman class. Staff photo

A few years ago, seven staff members were helping to organize and run Link Crew, an organization formed to help freshmen students throughout their first year.

Now, due to budget cuts, Jamie Brock and Reno Holler are the only adults helping with Link Crew.

“Summit can no longer afford to pay multiple teachers to help. There is simply no Link money, so the school has chosen to incorporate it into Student Council,” says Holler. “Link will be almost entirely run by students.”

A new position in Student Council is the Link Commissioner, filled by Kenzie Bodnar.

“I really enjoy my position, but because of the lack of adults, it’s a big responsibility to help organize everything. With the help of the Link Crew members, though, I think that all of the events planned will run smoothly throughout the year,” says Bodnar, on her position as Link Commissioner.

Link Crew is also becoming more involved in freshman lives. Freshmen and Link Crew leaders have already participated in Freshmen Day and I.C.E., the ice cream social.

Other Link Crew events planned include a movie night, an ice skating night, and a bowling night.

New to Summit is the interaction between Link leaders and freshmen during the last ten minutes of D Block on Thursdays and Fridays.

During this time, the upperclassmen converse with the younger students under the supervision of Freshmen Academy teacher Kelly Parsons.

“The D Block socializing is extremely valuable. It is a great opportunity for freshmen to get to know new people, connect with upperclassmen, and see familiar faces in the halls. It would be wonderful if it was longer than ten minutes,” said Parsons.

“It’s cool getting to meet people I normally would not have met,” said freshman Malia Powers.

“It is very important for the freshmen to be involved in school activities, and it is also very important for them to have upperclassmen socializing with them. Ninety percent of kids who are successful their freshmen year are successful throughout their entire high school career. The key is to connect with the freshmen. It really means a lot to them,” said Holler, about the D Block socializing.

Council members will transform the gym into a spooky haunted house, sure to scare all who attend.

“Gym Jam had more people than usual, the first assembly went smoothly, school spirit is great, and we have more students doing sports than ever before,” said Activities Director Reno Holler. “There is a great feel to this year, and homecoming is the next big event, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

To the disappointment of many students, there will be no carnival ride.

“We couldn’t afford to pay for a ride this year. It typically runs around $5,000 to rent a carnival ride,” said sophomore representative Sarah Edwards. “We just didn’t have the money in our budget.”

“Homecoming and the rides there are always fun, so I was upset when I heard we weren’t going to get one this year,” said a disappointed sophomore, Tatum Randall.

“It’s a little disappointing, but I understand why we can’t have a ride, because of the expense. Plus, for me anyways, homecoming is more about spending time with friends,” said sophomore Sybil Henry.

“When I called the company, they said that by that time of year, they are usually not renting out rides anymore. To have rides, we need to have good weather, and by that time of year, it is usually fairly cold,” said Holler in explanation for the lack of a ride.

Friday’s homecoming game will be against Hermiston. Saturday’s dance will run from 8:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. and will cost $20 ($25 without an ASB card) at the door.

“We help plan for the year after high school, what we call the 13th year,” said Child. This entails researching schools students may want to apply to, preparing for various tests, providing information on scholarships, joining the military and studying abroad, and learning how to get into athletics in college.

This is the first year of the program for Summit. Bend High is in its fifth year, and Mountain View is in its third.

To help pick out a school, there are several processes to go through. For instance, there are personality tests to see what fields one could do well in and schools that offer programs that benefit such a route.

“Juniors should start narrowing it down what they’re interested in, and for seniors, it’s crunch time,” said Child.

When looking at schools, likes and dislikes are a major factor. You must like, if not love, what college you choose. This includes the campus, dorms, teachers and the overall feel of the school.

“When visiting a school, there is the ‘ah’ and the ‘ick’ factor,” says Child. “If you get the ‘ick’ feeling, then you know that school is not for you, but when you feel that sense of home then you should definitely pursue that school.”

The Future Center also has catalogs and brochures from in state, out-of-state and private schools that show what is offered.

Child is not the only one who helps students.

“We have volunteers come in and help,” said Child. Most of the volunteers are parents of current students, like Maureen Vega.

“Typically I’m here for a couple hours, and try to help as many students as I can,” said Vega, “it is a great program for students that want to be prepared.”

     O Mo Mo!, a clothing store aimed at teens and thrifty shoppers, opened November 1 in the Old Mill District. Located in the space that formerly housed Aerosoles, O Mo Mo! features a rainbow of fun, feminine clothes and accessories.

     Named after a Korean expression meaning “wow”, the store offers youthful, edgy clothing with a focus on dresses and bright colors. The cozy space, decorated in hot pink and orange, is packed with an eclectic mixture of clothing, from scarves and camisoles to party dresses.

     This is owner Monica Brown’s first retail business. She opened O Mo Mo! in response to what she calls a “dearth of shopping” in Bend.

     “I couldn’t find young, fresh styles at an affordable price,” said Brown.  “It seemed like all the clothes in Bend were expensive and not stylish. Everything I buy for (O Mo Mo!) I would wear myself.”

     The prices at O Mo Mo! are appropriate for a teen budget. Dresses range from $19 to $40. The sweaters cost about $35, while T-shirts go for $15 and tank tops for $9.

     Her store is comparable to Forever 21, a national chain of clothing stores that features edgy clothing at a low cost. However, most of the clothing at O Mo Mo! is made in the United States, while Forever 21 sells clothing made in China.

     O Mo Mo! is currently open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.