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Nathan McLean had three cans of Silly String in his pockets and two in his waistband to spray at friends during Live Oak High School graduation ceremonies Thursday night.
McLean was one of 106 seniors in shiny purple caps and gowns preparing to graduate.
He smiled, but said he was sad that his friendships might only survive through e-mails.
“It’s kinda bittersweet,” McLean said. “You’re excited to be graduating, but you’re leaving all these people you’ve spent your life with — some of us since kindergarten.”
Along with the Silly String, which many of the seniors carried, they planned to give school district officials marbles as they shook hands and received their diplomas.
Laura Anderson said she felt honored to be this year’s class valedictorian, but that she hates public speaking.
She shared some favorite high school memories while waiting to walk the stage.
She said she liked going to football games every Friday night and showed her school spirit Thursday by wearing purple eye shadow and gold glitter fingernails.
Anderson said she was ready to go to college and move on.
The salutatorian, Cynthia Martinez, wore four medals, a gold stole and a red and gold rope around her neck. She said her parents were excited and proud of her accomplishments after their fifth year in the United States.
The graduates clapped and cheered in anticipation as they walked two-by-two from the gym doors to the football stadium.
“Don’t be sad that high school is over,” said Jessica Sood, senior class president. “Be happy that it happened and embrace the people who made it worthwhile.”
Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Katy Sweeny at 749-4708 or ksweeny@appealdemocrat.com
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appeal-democrat.com

• For complete analysis of who’s in and out of the 2008 NBA draft, click here.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The first full day of the Orlando pre-draft camp gave us a few surprises in the games and more NBA rumors.
I spent the last 10 hours watching games and talking to NBA scouts and executives. Here is what they’re saying about Wednesday’s performances:
The best matchup of the night pitted UNC’s Ty Lawson versus Tennessee-Martin’s Lester Hudson. Lawson came in with the blue-chip pedigree but with a draft stock that’s taken a beating this year. Hudson came in with a small school background and a checkered past, but he had wowed scouts and executives in the early drills.
Hudson’s stock looked to be on the rise while Lawson’s seemed to be free-falling.
Both players came off the bench at the 10-minute mark and guarded each other. The verdict was an overwhelming knockout for Lawson, who dominated Hudson on both ends of the ball.Lawson’s tenacious defense forced Hudson into five early turnovers and a couple of bad shots. Meanwhile, Lawson kept pushing the ball and making things happen on the offensive end.
Hudson ended the game with four points on 2-for-6 shooting, with five assists and five turnovers.Lawson’s numbers weren’t spectacular — he had 10 points, four assists and shot 4-for-10 from the field — but several GMs walked away impressed with Lawson.
“He came out with great energy and played like he had something to prove,” one GM said. “He kicked Hudson’s [butt]. I think he helped himself.”
Even with Hudson’s poor performance, NBA executives still feel Hudson is going to be in the league. The Spurs met with him earlier in the day and several other teams are scheduled to interview him.
“Up until that first game, he showed great poise, athleticism and the ability to score from wherever,” one GM said. “I really think he has a shot at being a quality NBA player. He reminds me a little of Lindsey Hunter when he came into the league.”

sports.espn.go.com

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"Yesterday during third module lunch on the Ninth Grade Academy hallway a head of an unidentified carcass was recovered," began a letter from Surrattsville High School’s principal, Alice Swift-Howard, to parents last Wednesday.
Two freshmen at the Clinton school said the head appeared to belong to a goat. They said the school’s staff removed the grisly find in a matter of minutes and then called off the class trip to the Kings Dominion theme park.
But school officials said that there was no connection between the two events and that the request for the trip had never been approved.
Swift-Howard told parents that the administrator on duty in the hallway alerted security about the animal carcass.
“At no time was the school population compromised (inside) as the security and administration were diligent and the incident was handled according to policy,” she wrote.
She also said the school had installed additional cameras and assigned faculty members to additional duty posts to help catch any future pranksters and to ensure the safety of students.
“We urge you to reinforce and require that your children adhere to the school rules and encourage them that school pranks of this nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she wrote.
John White, the school system spokesman, at first wondered whether the prank was connected to the school’s mascot, but on learning that Surrattsville’s mascot is the hornet, concluded that "it sounds like a prank that wasn’t very tasteful."

washingtonpost.com

Meditation series coming to an end
WILDOMAR —- The Cafh Foundation will present a meditation and dialogue for adults on “Making a Better World: What are My Responsibilities?” on Wednesday.
It’s the final in a series free monthly meditations The Cafh Foundation has offered in conjunction with a class for children ages 5 to 9 called Living from the Heart. Both groups meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 21776 Palomar St.
The Cafh Foundation is working to unfold consciousness in human beings.
Call Patricia Lagler at 678-3557 or visit www.cafh.org.
Chronic pain group meets
TEMECULA —- A Chronic Pain Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Rancho Community Church.
All who live with chronic pain can seek answers and find support from people who are experiencing this illness.
Child care is available. The church is at 31300 Rancho Community Way.Call 303-6789, Ext. 407, or 757-0645.
Shriners Hospital plans screenings
CORONA —- Shriners Hospital for Children, Los Angeles, will hold a free pre-admittance screening clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Vicentia Elementary School in Corona.
Children with orthopedic disabilities, burn scars, missing limbs or spinal cord injuries are eligible for free medical care at Shriners hospitals.
Call (714) 563-9111 or (714) 839-3292.
Center plans health fair
MURRIETA —- A senior health fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Murrieta Gardens.
The free fair will include checks of blood sugar, blood pressure, vision, skin cancer and height and weight.
The event is at 24200 Monroe Ave. Call (951) 600-7676.
Cardio Pilates classes to begin
TEMECULA —- Cardio Pilates classes will begin April 28 at Harveston Community Park. Classes will be held from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through June 4.
The first 15 minutes of class consist of cardio exercise and the last half-hour is Pilates. The six-week class costs $40. Participants must be at least 14 years old.

nctimes.com

By JOE RYAN
STAMFORD — The first thing that strikes you about Allie Oakes is her poise.
The junior co-captain of the Westhill High School boys golf team answers questions with an air of confidence that tells you a long putt in a big tournament is not going to make her weak in the knees.
In fact, it is that type of competition she thrives on as she has achieved two-time, all-state status and shared the girls individual state title last year. Oakes shot an 80 at Blue Fox Run in Avon, tying Newington’s Kirsten Lapointe for 2007 title.
She said the example given set by last year’s captains, Andy Granowitz and Travis Denicola, gave her insight into the kind of leader she wants to be. She wants to help the younger players like the former captains had helped her.
“Last year was a great year and I learned a lot from our captains, Andy and Travis, ” said Oakes. “It’s not only playing golf, but being a good role model for the guys out on the course.”
She still has some aspects of her game she wants to improve, but the Vikings are facing a rebuilding year and she wants to help her team and keep her personal goals in perspective.
Oakes got an early start in her pursuit of the sport that’s been called “a good walk spoiled.”
Her passion for the game started when she was about seven years old. Her father introduced her to the game. It allowed her to share a common activity with him and gave her an outlet away from the team sports she had been playing.
She found the peace of the course alluring and the singular challenge of self-improvement fulfilling. While sometimes kids get frustrated by the nature of the game and it inspired Oakes to work harder.

thestamfordtimes.com

Before she underwent breast augmentation surgery last summer, Melissa Wohl said she felt self-conscious about her body - especially at the beach.
“I wasn’t as developed as some of my friends, who were filling out their bathing suits,” said Wohl, 19, of Wantagh, who now attends Binghamton University. “I guess I felt like I didn’t fit in.”
Wohl is among an increasing number of young women looking to plastic surgery for a boost in confidence as well as cup size.
Last week’s death of Stephanie Kuleba, 18, of South Florida, during breast augmentation surgery has drawn attention to what some describe as a growing trend. Kuleba, whose parents say she sought the surgery to correct an inverted nipple and asymmetrical breasts, died Saturday of what may have been a rare genetic reaction to general anesthesia.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of women 18 and younger who have had breast enlargements has risen nearly 500 percent over the past decade - a sharper climb than the 300 percent increase in breast augmentations among all age groups.
Dr. Stephen Greenberg, a plastic surgeon in Woodbury, estimated he has seen a 20 percent to 30 percent rise in cosmetic procedures among young people. Often, he said, a girl will come in with her parents, who are buying her a breast augmentation as a birthday or high school graduation gift.
“There are girls and women who are devastated by the fact that they don’t have breasts and their friends do,” Greenberg said. “They don’t play gymnastics and they don’t go on dates or they can’t wear certain clothing, and I hear these things every day.”
Greenberg attributed the trend in part to young women who see their parents undergoing cosmetic procedures, or relate closely to the celebrities who have them.

newsday.com

CORAL GABLES, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of Miami has been selected to host the 2009 McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Boys and Girls Games, it was announced today in Milwaukee, site of the 2008 Games. UM was represented by Kirby Hocutt, who will become Athletic Director on June 1.
The Games, scheduled to be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, will be played April 1, 2009, and will be nationally televised on ESPN.
“We are very excited to host the 2009 All American Basketball Games,” said Alex C. Rodriguez, local McDonald’s owner/operator and chairman of the Miami game. “Seeing the up-and-coming basketball stars and all their fans here next year will be very exciting for South Florida.”
Throughout its history, the McDonald’s All American Games’ primary purpose as a fundraiser for RMHC has been fulfilled alongside its ability to showcase the nation’s top high school basketball players. A portion of the proceeds from the 2009 Game will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Since the Game was first played in 1978, more than $5 million has been raised for RMHC and other children’s charities.
“Hosting the Game here in South Florida provides us with an excellent opportunity to not only raise money for our charity, but to increase awareness about all that we do to help local children live happier, healthier and more productive lives,” said Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director of RMHC of South Florida. “All of our programs directly improve the health and well being of children right here in South Florida.”
The 2009 McDonald’s All American Game will be played April 1 at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. The McDonald’s All American Boys Game will be broadcast live on ESPN and the McDonald’s All American Girls Game will be broadcast on ESPNU. Visit www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com and www.mcdonalds.com for more information on the McDonald’s All American Game.

businesswire.com

INDIANAPOLIS — The Green Bay Packers aren't the only ones waiting to see whether Brett Favre comes back for an 18th NFL season.
There are 31 other teams — the 15 other NFC teams in particular, including the Packers' three North division rivals — wondering what the veteran quarterback will do, too.
And more than a few of them have been happy to express their stance on Favre's annual retire-or-return conundrum.
"Players and coaches (say), 'Tell that old guy to retire,' " Packers coach Mike McCarthy said during a break in this week's NFL scouting combine. "I hear that all the time."
Including at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome the past few days.
While Favre is home in Mississippi considering for the sixth straight offseason whether he wants to give it another go, at least a few of the Packers' rivals and conference opponents are hoping he opts to walk away.
"I doubt that's going to happen (just) from watching Brett play," said Minnesota coach Brad Childress, whose Vikings were 0-2 against the Packers in 2007, as Favre completed 65 of 91 passes for 695 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions (111.7 rating) in the two games. "Am I holding out any hopes that he quits? I probably (have more) hope that he falls off his lawnmower."
"Going to play forever"
Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli also were resigned Saturday to dealing with Favre's fate, whatever it is.
"You know, we're concerned about the Bears. That occupies all of our time," said Smith, who is 6-2 against the Packers and Favre after the Bears went 4-20 against Favre the previous 12 years. "Brett Favre is a heck of a football player. Would it help us for him to be somewhere else? Sure. But I just assume he's going to play forever."
Marinelli, whose Lions lost both their games to the Packers in 2007 — including a 37-26 Thanksgiving Day loss in which Favre was 31-for-41 for 381 yards, three TDs and no INTs (128.2 rating) — acknowledged that his team would be better off if Favre retired but said worrying about it "doesn't do any good. If it did some good, I'd pay (more) attention."
Added Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, Favre's quarterbacks coach from 2003 through '05 in Green Bay: "I love the guy — he's a terrific competitor, a great player, so you root for people like that — but obviously being on the other side, if they lose a player of his caliber, it's good for us."
That was the prevailing sentiment among the coaches interviewed at the combine over the previous three days, largely because Favre had such success against their teams.
"For sure, I want him to retire," said St. Louis coach Scott Linehan, whose Rams handled Favre (19-for-30, 225 yards, two TDs and two INTs) but still lost 33-14 on Dec. 16. "But I would be really surprised (if he does). You can just see, he's been reborn. He just defies everything. He just gets better with age.
"As long as you can protect him, and they were able to get that running game going, (so) he didn't have to chuck it every time. He's unbelievable."
Decision affects team
Linehan was among the coaches surprised and impressed by how well Favre played while turning 38 during the season.
Favre finished the regular season having completed a career-best 66.5 percent of his regular-season passes for 4,155 yards, 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for a 95.7 passer rating, his best since 1995.
"He was making good decisions, he was taking care of the ball for the most part, and that's always been his deal," Bevell said. "As long as he takes care of the ball, he can play at a high level."
And when he doesn't, the Packers are in trouble.
Despite his astonishing renaissance, for some, his season will be defined by the final pass he threw: An interception to Corey Webster in overtime of the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20 at Lambeau Field, setting up the field goal that sent the New York Giants to Super Bowl XLII.
The Giants are facing a similar situation with veteran defensive end Michael Strahan, who missed all of training camp last year while contemplating retirement, only to decide to return for a 15th season less than a week before the regular season began.
Strahan again is pondering his options after the Giants won the NFL title.
"It's different, because he has that ring now. (But) if he wants to come back, we want him back," said Giants general manager Jerry Reese, adding he hopes Favre comes back next season. "I just think there's got to be respect on both sides.
"You respect guys like Brett Favre and Michael Strahan. Those guys have really learned the right to take some time and make a decision. But we (also) want them to respect us enough to give us a decision so we can move forward in what we need to do to try and build our team to try to get ready to go."
Holmgren wants one more
For his part, McCarthy said the only way Favre's indecision affects the Packers is if he doesn't decide by the start of free agency at 11 p.m. next Thursday. In that case, the Packers wouldn't know if they needed to sign a veteran backup for Aaron Rodgers if Favre did quit, or if his $12 million base salary for 2008 will be on the books.
"I wouldn't play any differently with Brett or without Brett. Conceptually, we'll still attack it the same way," McCarthy said. "It doesn't change anything from a scheme (or) preparation standpoint."
Still, despite some coaches' hopes, not all of Favre's would-be opponents would like to see him hang 'em up.
Former Packers and current Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, whose team was knocked out of the playoffs for the second time in five years in an NFC divisional playoff game Jan. 12, will coach his final season with the Seahawks in 2008, and he hopes Favre is back for one more year, too.
"You know what? I love seeing him. He plays great against me, and that's a tough thing, but I want him to play as long as he wants to play," said Holmgren, Favre's coach from 1992 through '98. "But I really have nothing to do with that. If he's there, I'll do what I always do — give him a hug, and (tell him) it's good to see him. If he's not there, then we play (against) whoever's playing."

madison.com