Relive the seniors victory over the staff in the annual student-staff game with a slideshow by Josh King.

Every year, Durham high schools nominate three seniors who seem to have great potential to become engineers after college for a $1,000 scholarship from the Durham Engineers Club.  After the applications are admitted, only two of these students are named for the scholarship.
    On Tues., May 12, seniors Sam Koballa and Andrew Jones became the first Riverside students to win the scholarship.
    “Andrew is the type of all-around student who every teacher dreams of having in their classes.  He is flexible, 100 percent engaged, and an all-around balanced student,” Engineering teacher Tim Velegol said.  “Sam works extraordinarily well with others and everyone wants him in his group during class. I am so impressed with how balanced his life is through sports and other extracurricular activities.”  
    Jones and Koballa echoed their teacher's excitement about the scholarship.  
    “It's pretty cool to that we both got it, since no one else from Riverside has won.  I was pretty excited when I got the call saying I had won. It's always nice to see your hard work pay off,” Jones said.  Jones will attend Duke University in the fall.
    Koballa, who is attending N.C. State University in the fall, agrees with Jones.  “I was really happy when I found out.  The money will definitely help for college,” Koballa said.

By Sarah Poole

With graduation just a few weeks away, there are many important dates coming up. All seniors attended a meeting in the auditorium at 10 a.m. on Wed., May 13 where they received important handouts pertaining to graduation and upcoming events.
    Information for the Awards Night program must be turned in to the Student Services Office by Fri., May 15. The last day to order Senior Class t-shirts will also be Fri., May 15. They can be ordered after school from Ms. Trudi Smith in room 233. The cost is $12 for small and medium shirts, and $15 for large, extra large, or sweatshirts.
    On Tues., May 19, seniors have the opportunity to participate in the Leave Your Mark reception. Students planning to attend should bring new or gently used children's books to the Media Center at 7:15 a.m., where donuts will be served.
    The Senior Awards presentation, picture slide show, and dessert reception will take place on Thurs., May 21 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium and front lobby.
    Request forms for handicap seating and/or parking for the graduation ceremony are due to room 233 by Fri., May 22. There is a limited number of spots available, so seniors are encouraged to turn the forms in as soon as possible.
    On Mon., June 8, there will be a mandatory graduation rehearsal in Riverside's auditorium at 1 p.m. Maps to Duke will be distributed, along with parking permits and photos used in the Senior slide show and yearbook. The following day, on Tues., June 9, there will be a second mandatory rehearsal at Cameron Indoor Stadium at 9:15 a.m. Seniors should park in the blue zone and will take the stage at 9:30 a.m.
    The official graduation will take place on Wed., June 10. Seniors participating should arrive  at 11:15 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. Guests are encouraged to allow time to find parking.

The 168-piece collection of student artwork that beautifies the hallways of Riverside began with one giant self-portrait by Katie Thorn, purchased in 1995 for $50.
    “She was going to take the piece home, roll it up, and put it under her bed. It is not really a piece that would fit in your house, so I bought it and framed it,” Art teacher Helen Griffin said. The piece was originally hung in the media center and now resides outside Rm. 100.
    The student art purchase program has been going strong since. “The program is so great because it allows for us to have a permanent exhibit of student artwork, which helps to make the school a more pleasant place to work and study. It is thought provoking and really helps to humanize the environment,” Griffin said.
    However, enhancing the learning environment is not the only purpose of the program. “It also helps to fund the students and offset the astronomical cost of art supplies, most of which they have to pay for by themselves,” Griffin said. “It's really wonderful that the students are willing to sell these pieces. The art is what keeps me here,” Griffin said.