By Marne Cook

Islands’ Weekly Intern

For her senior project, Marina Steinbrueck has sat weaving strands of hair in and out for over fifty hours.

And the fruit of her labors has yielded a wig to show the laborious task of such an undertaking, which is one side of cancer care.

Steinbrueck isn’t the only one who has put great effort and time into a senior project. Each senior chose a topic that was close to their heart and presented the projects on March 29 at Lopez Island School.

Tak Parelta’s project focused`on the U.S. Navy Seals, McLeod Paton presented the effects of Facebook on teens and Brooke Schober created a kindergarten through 12th grade buddy system.

“I chose this project so that the younger kids could have the chance to spend some time with the ‘big kids’ and the older kids could have the chance to get to know the younger kids,” Schober said. “It has been really fun and it is something that will continue next year, so that will be cool for everyone.”

These unique projects have also become not only an educational experience for each senior, but also a real-world lesson and in some cases a chance to make a buck or two.

Arlen Coiley’s senior project looked at starting, growing and sustaining a small business called Pasta Vera.

“I’ve spent this year learning about how to open and operate a business,” Coiley said. “I’ve combined it with my knowledge of pasta making to create my own fresh pasta manufacturing/selling business. I’m opening at the farmers’ market and will also be doing order and delivery.”

Vilina Sanburn-Bill presented on adolescent depression. Hannah Hobi – Washington State laws and the effect on teens. Tommy Kramer – household fires safety. Keldon Jardine – suicide. Angelo Yellow-Cly – water origins. Nathanael Drahn – therapy through music. Bobbi Tangen – effects of losing a significant other or parent. Jamie Cummins – stress: what it is, the effects, and how to manage it. Robbie Christie – maintaining fuel economy by maintaining your vehicle. Sarah Stanley – physical and psychological effects of bullying behavior. Alexa Ogden – the effect on children with parents going through a divorce. Matthew Haber – steps towards sustainability.

“So far the process has been just dandy, all the people of the community I’ve been talking to have been very helpful and insightful,” said Dana Cram, who worked on art on the psyche and how it affects the community. “It was exciting to enlighten everyone else about it, because it’s kind of really awesome.”