October 2014
Batesville High School
Vol. 8, No. 1
BHS Crowns Gayton Homecoming Queen The Queen and Her Court Reign Last Week at BHS By Mollie Isley Homecoming Week 2014 began with decorated hall and daily Spirit Week topics. “I really enjoyed dressing up each day. Knowing this was my last high school Homecoming made it even more special,” explained senior Hannah Barber. This past Friday’s Homecoming Festivities began with a parade that included about a 25-car procession, which was led by Officer Robbins, the fire department, and the ambulance service. This year’s Grand Marshall was Superintendent Gary Anderson, voted upon by the BHS Beta Club. “I was honored and humbled to be chosen Grand Marshal by a student group and faculty,” stated Grand Marshall and Superintendent Anderson. “Beta Club would like to express their appreciation to all involved, including Scott Wood for providing vehicles,” commented Beta Club President Nicole Ursin. “The parade was my favorite part. I was on the FBLA float. We had a good time,” commented
senior Kiana Swanson. Winners of the parade were Best Theme Beta Club, Most School Spirit MSAC, Most Unique FFA, and Best Overall Football Team. Following the parade, the crowd roared as the royalty were presented. Queen Andrea Gayton and her court were presented. This year’s seniors, cheerleaders, and Prancers all performed new routines created just for this event. Spirit Awards were presented to the football team, teachers, and Emmie Gregory. During the festivities, Principal David Campbell presented plaques to Mr. and Miss Pioneer Sam Scaggs and ChrisTina Okolo. This award is chosen by the high school faculty. A record crowd attended the Homecoming Dance, which was hosted by the BHS Student Council. Homecoming Week was a great success. “Homecoming unites our significant past and the exciting present,” commented high school principal David Campbell.
HOMECOMING QUEEN 2014. Senior Andrea Gayton, voted on by her peers, reigns at Friday’s Pep rally.
BHS HOMECOMING COURT 2014: Pictured left to right - Sophomore Amanda Okolo, Junior Haley Cole, Senior Olivia Looney, Hannah Shell, Andrea Gayton, Julie Rogers, and Abby Edwards, Junior Grasen Ratliff, Sophomore Emily Lynch. October 2014 The Spirit of the Pioneer Page 1
Schools Should Provide a True Education By Erin Miller With shaking hands the students of a Pre-AP 10th grade English class walked into the classroom. Today was the day that the monstrous research paper was due. They had worked weeks on this paper and were proud of their final product. They had been pushed with challenging deadlines and high expectations. Throughout my years of school, I have had teachers that made me want to learn and teachers that made me want to completely quit school. Some just did not care if I understood what they were teaching. Others, like one of the most influential teachers of my life, encouraged me to do my best and to strive to be the best student I could be. Our school systems
today do in some ways fulfill the goals of a true education but in other ways, they do not. So many teachers today do genuinely care about their students; they will put extra time, and effort into a student they know has potential. According to Erin Gruwell in her book Teach With Your Heart, she stated, “Even though I was feeling frustrated from my disastrous first day, I was determined to find a way to reach my students.” Mrs. Gruwell genuinely cared about making a connection with her students. Often times, if a teacher is able to make a connection with their students, they can collaborate and have a great school year. In the poem “My Class-Fifth Grade,” Kathleen
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said, “Teacher sneaks Joe past Principal’s rules.” This teacher cared so much about this student that she put her job at risk. Teaching requires a patient and cordial heart. A teacher who genuinely cares about their students will show it. On the other end of the spectrum,schools do not help their students become career ready. In his article “The Natural Child Project” John Taylor Gatto stated, “I’ve noticed a fascinating phenomenon in my twentyfive years of teaching-that schools and schooling are increasingly irrelevant to the enterprises of the planet.” Most schools in today’s world do not offer classes that are palatable to the working world. Instead of offering classes that will ready a student for their future career, schools stick them into irrelevant classes that
they’ll never use. He also said, “The truth is that schools don’t really reach anything except how to obey orders.” High school students are not taught the proper skills to learn and prosper but are instead taught how to follow the orders issued to them daily. They are told when to use the restroom, when to eat,and even when it is okay for them to think outside of their monotonous life. Imagine a future of nurses that just know the degree at which to administer an injection instead of knowing how to properly treat a patient because all they were taught in high school was geometry or grammar. This is our future. A future full of analytical people that have no tact, that need to be able to think for themselves.
Spirit of the Pioneers
Staff Advisor
Tammy Gillmore
Yearbook with name not engraved
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Reporters
Will Briner Sarah Frisbee Holly Gillmore Molly Isley Chris Kelsey Cheyenne Martin Erin Miller Jackson Schubert Maya White
Yearbook with your name engraved
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October 2014
FBLA Assists Local Organization Members of the Batesville Future Business Leaders of America chapter (FBLA) volunteered at the recent Bark in the Park, which is sponsored annually by the Humane Society of Independence County (HSIC) to raise funds for the shelter. Members greeted people as they arrived and socialized with their pets. FBLA organized and presented the dog contest where dogs were judged on cuteness, trick ability, and many other appealing attributes. In addition, FBLA invited puppies from HSIC to the high school on the Friday before Bark in the Park, and students were able to play with and enjoy lots of puppy kisses from five week old puppies. The visit was considered a
2014-15 Class Officers
12th Grade President: Nicole Ursin Secretary: Madison Lewis
LENDING HELP. Noah Pollett and Joann Le help a participant register her dog for one of the dog contest events.
huge success since everyone had smiles on their faces. Students were also invited to make a small donation to HSIC and over $200 in change was raised. This year was the fifth year FBLA volunteered at Bark in the Park. Future events for FBLA include Christmas Brings Hope food drive and Angel Tree Project.
11th Grade President: Emily Cambais Vice President: Allie Agee Secretary: Katie Fielder Class Favorites: Chris Robinson and Haley Cole 10th Grade President: Amanda Okolo Vice Pres.: Zach Fredricks Secretary: Abby Antici Class Favorites: Kylan Robinson and Hannah Qualls
Who’s Who
Clubs on the Move
King and Queen Sam Scaggs and Abby Edwards
Cutest Couple
William Briner and Hannah Mishark
Most likely to Be Endorsed by Nike Kenton Crawford and Molly Keiffer
Most likely to Win a Pulitzer Prize FCCLA to Silver Dollar City
FFA to National Convention
Principal’s Perception on Volunteering By David Campbell Volunteering not only helps others, it can be good for your health. Research shows that “volunteer therapy” can improve your mood, strengthen your body, and lessen stress. Volunteering can give you a feeling of control and
emotional well-being. It can also improve your self-image as well as self-focus. But the benefits don’t stop there; you feel good about yourself when you help others.” Volunteering for a cause you love has been proven to lower your blood
October 2014
pressure and promote overall heart health. Better mental functioning has also been linked to serving others and is yet another potential benefit of volunteering. So, the time a club on campus or an organization offers you the chance to volunteer, say, “yes.” You could be helping yourself, as well as others.
Sam Scaggs and Christina Okolo
Most Likely to Have Name in Lights Davis Campbell and Elise Fry
Drama Department presents
POE
November 8--9 Fri/Sat - 7:00 PM Sun. - 2:00 PM
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Citizens Bank Grants Education Funding By Christian Kelsey Ms. Gillmore, Mrs. James, and Mrs. Sturdivant, teachers at Batesville High School, were recently granted funds for an innovative idea from Citizens Bank. In her grant, Mrs. Gillmore requested funds to publish a book on the 130year history of Batesville High. “I am very excited to be a part of this literary creation. Also, listening to my students' responses about becoming a published author has been exciting,” commented Mrs. Gillmore. For her grant, Gillmore received a total amount of $2850. She used $350 to take all her English 12 students on a trip to the Old Independence County Regional Museum. The majority of the funds for
will for the publicaiton of the book, with each person who submits text receiving a free copy of the book. Mrs. James also received a significant amount of money. With her funds of $3800. she used that money to buy three Canon Rebel T3i digital SLR professional cameras and two professional lighting kits. Mrs. James explained, “The students and I wanted to be able to work at a professional level with photography and collaborate with the art department which wants to do the same. The grant gave us the opportunity to receive funds to purchase professional equipment.” The availability of these funds allows dreams to come true.
By Erin Miller So far my senior year has been bittersweet. The first day of school it dawned on me, “Hey, this is my last first day of high school.” I don’t think it’s really going to set in that I’m a senior until I walk across that stage in May. It was a little bit of a tear jerker when we ordered cap and gowns. I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening; the time had come to prepare for graduation. It’s time to start picking out senior pictures and making invitations. It’s even time to start applying for scholarships and colleges.
a t times, I just sit back and think a b o u t everything that is changing in my life. From the outside people probably don’t notice the change, but I definitely do. I see my friends preparing for their future, making plans, and making major life decisions.I, myself, haven’t really made that many changes. I tried to juggle the stress of a job and school but it was more than I could take on. I told myself that I didn’t want to work my senior
A VISIT TO THE MUSEUM. English classes recently visited the Old Regional Independence County Museum to gather research for writing the 130-year history of Batesville High School.
“I am thrilled with the grant. The money received allowed Mrs. James and I to purchase camera equipment that we probably would not have been able to afford any other way,” stated Mrs. Sturdivant. This grant allowed these three teachers to get proper equipment and give
the students here at BHS the proper technology needed to advance in their areas of expertise. The books on the history of BHS will be available for purchase next April. Should the seniors make a profit on these sales, they will purchase a gift for the school.
year away. I need to prepare myself for college and make the best grades I can this year. I have plenty of time for work. It’s our last year to be care-free teenagers. Come next August many of us will be away from our families, our friends, and our comfort zones. We will be leaving behind the halls of Batesville High, advancing into the next phase of our lives. The first day of college will be the first day of the rest of our lives. College is a place for young adults to experiment,to try news things and learn who they are as a person and what they want out of their lives as adults. I’m learning very
fast that I don’t have to grow up just yet. I can still be a kid for just a little while longer. College will be here sooner than I think. I’ve chosen to live up my senior year. I want to make it memorable. I want to look back and be able to tell my kids that my senior year was so much fun! Every time I start to completely hate school, I just remind myself that this is the last year I’ll have to deal with this. I must admit, though, I’m sick with a bad case of “senioritis”. Are you a senior with
Senior Says: Thoughts on Beginning the Last Year
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something to say? Please submit your thoughts for possible publication within this regular column of The Spirit of the Pioneer.
October 2014
Briner Begins a Band to Express
By Christian Kelsey Some people believe music is an escape from the harsh world we live in today and others say music is a way to express themselves by singing. Briner, a senior here at BHS, has started a heavy metal band. “This band has really not kicked off yet, if you know what I mean. I, first, thought of it in May of last school year,” explained Briner. Briner was also in a band before. “Yes, I have been in another band. It was heavy metal, also. It was called Angels of Disguise,” stated Briner. Inspiration comes in many forms. The inspiration for to make a band came right after a failed attempt to become the lead singer of the heavy metal band Playing With Demons. Then Briner decided to make a band of his own. That is when his
first band Angels of Disguise come along. “I have written several songs for our first album entitled “The Silent Ones,” “Burial Grounds, “Pieces,” “Graves,” and “My Vampire Coven,” related Briner. Briner had several roles models that assisted in his making this decision. “One was George ‘Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse. I like how he is very controversial with the lyrics that the band writes. Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom. The fact he can be the lead singer and
the lead guitarist is amazing. Scott Stapp of Creed. His vocals are amazing. Ed Sloan of Crossfade. His ability to make his songs personal are amazing. David Draiman of Disturbed. His vocals are amazing. Dave Williams of Drowning Pool. His love of music was phenomenal,” concluded Briner. Briner has loved music for the most of his life because it has helped him deal with life. Briner is working on more songs for his first album. See Briner for more information if interested in being a part of his group.
Test Exemptions Begin This Semester at BHS
Batesville High School will begin semester test exemptions for any student with an A or B in a Class. Students must have their forms signed and returned by Friday, November 14 for this exemption to take place this fall. Forms are available in the office, from the teachers or on the website at batesvilleschools.org.
Join BHS Reads Student
Book Club November’s Book 1984 December’s Book Wonder
Counselor’s Corner
By Ms. Keller The BHS Counseling office houses two high school counselors, myself and Mrs. Michele Gerhardt. I serve students whose last names begin with A-L, and Mrs. Gerhardt serves students whose last names begin with M-Z. A regular day in the counseling office can range from asking your counselor for help with emergency food and clothing, to asking for help applying to college, as in help with financial aid or general scholarship questions. Each counselor serves around 300 students, so coming in to see your counselor usually involves filling out a counseling request pass, in the event that your request is not an emergency. The counseling office is here to serve students, parents and teachers, so let them know if there is anything they can do to make your high school experience a little smoother. We have several events planned to support the seniors as they make decisions to attend the college of their choosing.
October 2014
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Davis Campbell as Dr. Patrick and Captain in the Oval
By Holly Gillmore Davis Campbell, a senior here at Batesville High School, is going to be in play entitled Poe. He has been in three productions. His first her was ever in was The Wizard of Oz, it was also his favorite one out of the three he has been in so far. He liked that one cause he played a lot of parts ans he got to sing and dance. When he looks into the future, he see sees more theather.“It includes on stage and in movies; both. I like to do theater,” Davis explained. In the drama Poe, he is going to be playing three parts; the Captain in “The Oval Portrait,” “Masque of the Red Dawn,” and Dr. Patrick in “The Tell Tell Heart.” The captain is in the military and takes place in the future. They are going into shelter from the war that is going on. “The Masque of the Red Dawn” is where Davis will be killing everyone. “The Tell Tell Heart” is where Dr. Patrick Fergerson is in an interrogation room asking a killer about a murder. His favorite play is Wicked; his favorite character is Matilda. He likes Wicked because he likes musicals. His favorite movie would have to be The Sound of Music. “I like The Sound Of Music because its a classic, it`s old, and because it’s a musical,” Davis said.
Megan Stark
Students the Play
as a Singer
By Mollie Isley Megan Stark, a BHS senior student is acting in a play, Poe. She has been featured in eight productions before, so this play won’t be her first. Megan’s favorite production she has played a role in is, Stella In The King Of Dreams, her role was a magician. “I really enjoyed that role!” exclaimed Megan. Megan has a huge heart for singing and acting, and she would like to carry that on with her. In the production she is now working on, Poe. She plays four parts, Alone, A singer, Dr. Jill, and Raven 2. “These characters are all different,” she stated. The character Alone, is a monologue. Alone is a lonely and misunderstood character, unlike the singer. “The singer is an old washed up star, that’s not cool anymore,” said Megan. Dr. Jill, is a talk show host, and Raven 2 is the voice of a man, and it tells what he’s thinking.
Claire Thomas:Victoria Lafourcade
By Cheyenne Martin Claire Thomas is a new enthusiastic actress in the play produced by the BHS drama department, The Tales of Poe. She plays three characters, Victoria Lafourcade, a waiter, and a Raven. Thomas was inspired to be a part of the play because of how much fun it looked to her. “The idea of theatre is appealing to me,” Thomas said. She wants to have that feeling of getting lost in a character. “I’m not afraid of talking in front of people,”she stated, though this is Thomas’s first play to be a part of she isn’t afraid and is actually quite excited to be a part of something so amazing and big. She doesn’t plan on acting being a part of her future but for now she is enjoying it. Her favorite play is The Phantom of the Opera because it is such a beautiful production. She loves the love story and the magical music that is sung throughout the story.
Performance Times November 8 -- 2 PM and 7 PM November 9 -- 2 PM
Chase Croslin:P rince Prospero
By Jackson Schubert When it comes to acting, one needs to remember to have their lines in mind, keep in character, and not to break anything. Chase Croslin, a senior, has been acting for only a few plays, slightly sad since he holds a bounty of humor with him. The current play Poe has Chase playing three roles throughout the whole production, Prince Porspero, Thomas Anderson, and Eulalie Lover. Either little has been given about the actors or he forgot to mention them. What was mentioned was Eulalie Lover currently means a lover to a female in the play, one wonders who the lucky girl will be in the play. His love for comedy came from watching the classic The Monty Python and The Holy Grail, first humor movie that he genuinely enjoyed. Robin Williams was also an actor that he looked up to, as did many people before his passing. As for nostalgia, “Another one of his favorite movies was Aladdin,” Croslin explained. This past year he was in the school play The Wind in the Willows, which was an interesting play to watch as well as help make. As for doing plays/movies in the future he said, “That plays are hobbies to me as well as to hang out with friends and have fun.” As stated before, he was inspired by Robin Williams, who has more impact on the majority of his fans than most other actors.
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October 2014
Macy Davis Takes on Four Rolls
in the Fall Drama Production
By Maya White Macy Davis, a veteran to drama, has taken on another year of running lines and racing to rehearsals as she gets ready for the BHS fall production, The Tales of Poe. “I enjoy being in plays, that’s what inspired me to be in Poe this year. It’s a big part of my life” Davis stated. Macy had been in two other BHS productions, The Wind in the Willows and Jekyll and Hyde. Macy played large roles in the last two productions, and feels it has prepared her for the four roles she has taken on for this production. “I want to do something with the arts once I’m older, I really enjoy it, and I think I’m pretty good,” said Davis. She likes being center stage, but she also enjoys helping backstage too. Working with the costumes and make-up allows her to get closer to her cast mates,” you become like a family, working together,” she said. Macy’s favorite play is Wicked, which is not surprising once you’ve learned that she looks up to Idina Menzel as a role model. “Idina has been in a lot of plays; she was Elfaba in Wicked, and she has an amazing singing voice,” admitted Davis. “I love watching the characters interact with each other, seeing them grow throughout practice is amazing,” Davis remembered from her work in the last two BHS productions.
Perform of Poe
Virginia Mohlke: Anna Williams:
Secretary
By William Briner Anna Williams, a tenth grader here at BHS, can be an actor in disguise. This remarkably, talented young girl stars in this fall’s school play. It involves works by Edgar Allan Poe. Williams plays as two different characters. One character she plays as is a mistress, who just lost her husbandso she thinks. She has to act as a crier. The other character she plays as is a secretary. She has to act all stuck up. “She (Chloe Grace Moretz) plays good, hard roles. Moretz can play strong, weak, and scary characters. To me, that’s tough as a young actress, but Moretz delivers that in every movie she’s been in,” said Williams. Her heroine actress has been in movies like Let Me In, Carrie (the remake), Hugo, Dark Shadows, and If I Stay. The reason why Williams likes Chloe Grace Moretz is that Moretz is a remarkable young actor like her. Anna’s favorite movie acts as a classic to all ages, The Phantom of the Opera. “It’s a really good movie. It has a bunch of hills and valleys like a good classic movie should have,” explained Williams. The Phantom of the Opera can be an eye opener to many people, especially, to a bunch of teenagers. October 2014
Raven
By Sarah Frisbee Anyone that has the talent, the passion for acting has a spectacular gift. To transform into a character out of a story and project it onto a stage takes a lot of effort. Virginia Mohlke, a talented 11th grade student at Batesville High School, is one of the people in the Drama class. This year, the play will be based on the writings of Edgar Allen Poe entitled The Tales of Poe. Virginia was inspired by the idea of the play based on many reasons. The one reason that came to her mind first was Ms. Pickett, the drama teacher. “ Ms. Pickett was so enthusiastic and passionate about drama and acting,” Mohlke recalled. This inspired her by seeing how much fun she had doing it. She has been in two plays, including this one, in her lifetime. This one, however, has to be her favorite by far. Being a Edgar Allen Poe fan, this play’s content is very interesting to her. “I’ve always loved the work of Edgar Allen Poe, so I thought this play would be very exciting,” stated Mohlke. Being in a play seems like hard work, and for Virginia, this is quadrupled. She has four different roles to play in this masterpiece. From being a spirit raised from the dead to reciting the raven poem, she will be apart of the stage in some way.
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Batesville Student Violinist Shares Her Story By Sarah Frisbee Kirsten Rouse is a Junior at the Batesville High School. She has been very musically inclined ever since the second grade when the violin caught her attention. It was something that interested her, so she pursued achieving it in every way. She’s always wanted to be apart of the process of creating music in anyway she could. She is in the biggest orchestra in the state ranking at first violinist, the highest place you can below the concert master. This is a big accomplishment considering she is only 16 years old. She has also been in many talent shows exposing her fascinating talent. The violin takes a lot of dedication and hard work
to be exceptionally great at playing it. “It takes a lot of work to reach any goal, but if you have a passion for something, it’s worth the effort,” Rouse explained. On top of her musical accomplishments, Kirsten is also a very intellectual person. She has made all A’s her entire life. This is very necessary considering she is competing to be first in the class. Becoming part of an orchestra is very rare. Being in a school where there are no programs what so ever concerning the violin has been a very hard obstacle for Kirsten to overcome. She has had to keep track of all the events in the orchestra and practice roughly one or two hours a day outside of the school environment.
By Maya White Ryan Jamieson, one of the BHS band section leaders, started band when she was in sixth grade. " I remember going to the band room at the high school and trying every instrument to see which one I was good at. Finally Mr. Matthews said I was really good at the clarinet, so that what I picked," explained Jamieson. She has stuck with it and plans on joining the band at the college she is going to attend. "I was interested in band because my sister was in it, it looked cool, and she always had a lot of fun with
it, so I thought I would too," she said. Jamieson's favorite memories with the band have been made during marching season; however she enjoys concert band more. "I have more solos during concert band and I feel like I get to express myself more, the all region music is my favorite," she stated. Jamieson enjoys marching band because that is when she gets the chance to spend more time with her band mates, where they get the chance to help each other learn and practice. "My favorite part of being a section leader is being able to mold the minds
KIRSTIN ROUSE playing the violin at the Independance County Fair.
The band however, is able to practice during a school period along with outside practice. This is challenging to go from school to practicing, then studying for the next school day. But, she figures out a way to balance school and the presence of the violin. Even though she
may not see playing the violin as a future career, she still wants it to be a part of her life. “I could not see myself not playing the violin. Its become a big part of my life,” She said. Kirsten has a remarkable talent that is shown every time she plays
One of the BHS Section Leaders Shares Her Story
RYAN JAMIESON AND DEVANIE GARNER clarinets during a rehersal for a concert.
of the kids I help during band practices. My least favorite is the fact that they don't always listen,"Jamieson explained. Band has been an exciting part of Jamieson's
Page 8 The Spirit of the Pioneer
playing their
high school career. She hopes that it remains that way throughout collage and the rest of her life. Although she moved to another school last year, her favorite will always be at Batesville.
October 2014
The Science Club Returns to Batesville High
By Maya White Although the Science Club isn’t completely new to BHS, it has taken off this year more than Mr. Russell and Mr. Williams could have hoped. “Last year, there were so many other activities going on that the Science club was an afterthought,” explained Mr. Russell. This year Mr. Williams and Mr. Russell are teaming up to get the Science club out there for every student at BHS to know about. “I hope Science Club will spark an interest in science and students will graduate, become science majors in college, and pursue career in a sciencerelated field. I hope to expose club members to these opportunities,” said
Mr. Russell. The Science Club has a lot in store this year. They will be having guest speakers from the community coming to talk to the club about science. They are also planing a community service project. And the most popular event the Science Club has planned is its Physics Day trip to Six Flags. The Science Club’s goal is to allow students here at Batesville High School to explore different fields of science that they might like to pursue as a career. It is not necessary to be looking into a STEM field to join the Science Club. “For those of you interested in joining: we are welcoming to those of any gender, nationality, or prior club affiliation,” said Kate Sanders the Vice Chancellor
JUSTIN DUTRISAC and KATE SANDERS discuss upcoming events the Science club has planned.
of the Science Club. The dead line to join the Science club has been postponed to October 27, so everyone interested can get the $10 required to join turned in to Mr. Russell. “This organization not only provides a place for like-minded individuals to
join together in the fellowship of science the third Monday (of) every month, but it is the embodiment of a way of life the world needs to embrace... I would say that science club is ready for the world. That is why I joined science club,” Richard Ward explained
SADD Shares Happy News with BHS Students By Maya White SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, has already been hard at work this year. With weekly meetings every Monday everyone in the club is able to keep up with it’s busy schedule. On September 10, SADD members wore yellow and wrote ‘Love’ on their wrist for suicide awareness and prevention. SADD also received door hangers from Habitat for Humanity that they will be hanging up soon. SADD sold things at the coffee shop in the morning, along with the FCCLA, to raise money for
the Out of the Darkness walk Kara presented her first platform on abusive relationships and resources to help those who are in them. “Several students I taught had been effected by suicide and bullying, so in a few conversations I had with some of them, we decided to start a SADD chapter, which is an international organization that helps educated students about suicide, bullying, and lots of other destructive activities teens may be faced with,” said Mrs. Sarah Pickett, SADD sponsor. To become a member of SADD a student
October 2014
SAM COLLINS worked with Habbitate for Humanity collecting door hangers that SADD will be distributing later this year.
must first be present for five consecutive meeting, to prove to the other members that they are committed to the to club and are willing to spend their time and energy on SADD business.
The members of SADD and their parents are expected to sign a contract stating they will communicate with one another about decisions and support one another.
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New Spanish Teacher Enjoys Korean Experience By Chris Kelsey You can say we respect our elders, but Korea has a different view on respect. Ms. French, a high school teacher at BHS, was able to experiance this first hand. She had many interesting facts and stories about her time in Korea. Many of their citizens will allow their elders to go in front of them in line no matter what the circumstances are. Ms French had the chance to experience this first hand at a bank. “As I waited in the bank, older people would just walk in front of me and
it would take hours for me to get up to finally reach the front,” Ms.French said. Ms. French taught English to Korean students and adults for five years in Korea. While there, she learned many new things about the way they live, the food they eat, and their culture. Ms. French explored many new places and found comfort in the friends she met along the way, building friendships that still remain today. She has many wonderful memories of her friends and all the times
By Sarah Frisbee Quiz Bowl is an academic club that competes in intellectual knowledge and skills. They expand and build off their current knowledge base to succeed the highest competitive skills possible. Fifteen students currently participating in this club. Mr. Sparks, the sponsor, makes a point to help the members achieve academically, as well as competitively. "Quiz Bowl is a great way for people to better themselves in competing and working together as a group," said Mr. Sparks. Currently, they are preparing for their competition coming up in the spring. For now, they are practicing their skills of competition in groups as well as individually. They are usually split up in teams
during practice and are quizzed on their knowledge base by Mr. Sparks. Each team has a buzzer and whoever can answer the question first wins. This helps them prepare for when the competitions start up and they are really competing to win against different schools. This club could benefit someone achieving greatly in college because Quiz Bowl helps them learn to work together in groups and know answers quickly in a fast paced situation. Quiz Bowl is a great way for someone to gain competitive skills and learn more knowledge along the way. It is also a fantastic way for someone to get to know knew people from the club as well as from different schools in competitions. Being in Quiz Bowl would be benificial in many ways.
ENJOYING THE SCENERY. Ms.French exploring a beautiful rock cave in Korea.
they spent together. Their kindness was extrodinary in every way. So much so that when she had nowhere to go for the holidays, they would invite her to spend it with them.
“I believe that they didn’t like seeing me alone for the holidays, so they would invite me to their homes so I wouldn’t be alone in a strange place,” said Ms. French.
By Sarah Frisbee Chess Club is a thought provoking and intellectual club that requires a lot of critical thinking and abilities. 20 dedicated and patient people take on this club this year. Over the years, the number of members have increased. Mrs. Baker, an English teacher at Batesville High School, is the sponsor of this outstanding club. “There was a great need for chess club. I would see kids who would bring their own boards to practice with during their free time so I felt like their talent shouldn’t go to waste,” Mrs. Baker stated. Currently, they are preparing for their tournaments on Fridays, but in the very near future on October 26th, they will be competing in a tournament at UACCB.
The Chess Club members are really excited about this year’s club and the achievements they hope to accomplish along the way both as a group and individually. This year, more students have joined this club than ever before. “As the Vicepresident, I’m very excited about the upcoming tournament,” Dillon Bishop stated,”because more people are participating in it this year which means the growth and expansion of our club.” Jon Ward said that “Chess Club is the place where great minds come together and ‘hash it out’ preparing themselves for the business world.” Chess Club has exciting events coming up and time to practice at being the best of the best at their mind consuming game.
Quiz Bowl Prepares for Spring Chess Club competes for Tournaments
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October 2014
French Teaches Abroad Five Years, Enjoyable Korea’s Shelter
By Holly Gilmore Ms. French teaches Spanish 1 at Batesville High School. She lived in Busan, South Korea for five years. Through her journey she has learned a lot of things about Korea, her likes and dislikes. There are many differences from South Korea and the United States. Busan is a good part of Korea, but there are also some bad places in Korea. She never went to the bad, unpleasant places, she always stayed in the good part. Would you eat dog soup? People in Korea do! “I don’t like the dog soup. People there would treat the dogs in a violent way when killing them., Ms. French
said. She didn't like that when she heard the news. French worked at a dog shelter called The Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary. She has a heart for dogs and fell in love with one of the dogs at the shelter, named Simon. Simon was blind, and had dark fur. She took him home and took care of him for a while until he was adopted. P i p p a Louise, French`s cat; couldn't fly on the plane with her, she had to fly underneath the plane. The reasoning for that, is because it takes 11.6 lbs for pets to fly with their owner, counting the pet’s weight and their carrier. But Ms. French`s cat weighed 5 kilograms.
French on Teaching English in Korea By Molly Isley
Ms. French traveled to Busan Korea where she taught English to Koreans. Ms. French lived in Busan for five years and taught at two places: KSA (Korea Science Academy) and Pagoda Academy. She had taught tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students at KSA, unlike Pagoda Academy where she taught adults. “It was important to me knowing that I was making a difference in teaching. Teaching in Korea was very hard and frustrating but also very useful", said French. Ms. French faced language challenges herself. “English was harder and more challenging to
teach to Koreans rather than Spanish to my students at BHS, because I don’t remember learning English myself,” commented French. To Ms. French, the kids in Korea were very smart, for the kids knew many things she didn’t know about the world, yet they didn’t know about the obvious, everyday things; like the days of the week. While teaching in Korea, French learned many new things, such as their traditions, and met new faces and traveled some while there. “All the little things from Korea set up as a whole. The differences are very small but they all add up to something big,” French stated.
October 2014
OBSERVING THE NORMS. French at a baseball game where they wear bags as a tradition
“Pippa Louise didn`t care for flying under the plane, she slept the whole flight,” stated French. Pippa Louise lived with her while she was in Korea. French stated, “Pippa Louise was a home cat, she
didn’t like to be removed from her home.” French really enjoyed her stay at Korea and the animals she took care of. Simon was happily adopted by a loving family.
Customs of Korea
By Cheyanne Martin Ms. French a current BHS teacher, lived in Korea for five years teaching English. America and Korea have many different customs, most of Korea’s are mainly about respect. She said the biggest lesson she learned was “Don’t make up your mind about someone until you know who they are,” she said. “I was surprised by how kind everyone was,"she stated. Her students would stand up and bow as soon as she entered the room as a sign of respect. In Korea it is a sign of disrespect to your ancestors to wear shoes indoors. Many schools will not even allow shoes to be worn. “In lines the people
French with mom at a temple decorated for Luna New Year
look at who looks the oldest and they are the ones who get to go first, not the people who got there first, which means lines could be brutal,” explained French. Most of their customs focus on respecting your elders and one another, including giving up a luxury to someone who they feel is more deserving, welcoming people with open eyes and arms, and valuing kindness and respect.
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Prancers Attend Two Camps to Prepare for 14-15 By Holly Gillmore Seniors Shelby Strain and Ashlein Childress, are captains of the BHS Prancers, with Tori Davis, serving as co-captain this year. One interesting fact about Strain and Childress is that both of their mothers were on the Prancer team. Strain has only been on the team for three years. “I love just about everything about Prancers! I love my team, entertaining the crowd at football and basketball games, and all the events we get invited to do, like Pioneer breakfast, the parades, and visiting elementary schools for lunch. I don’t dislike anything about being a Prancer,” commented Strain. Strain said, “I would like to dance in college but she doesn’t want to juggle dance and school work,” Strain said. “My favorite place to dance is on the Football Field.” One of the positives to come out of being a Prancer includes learning respect. “Prancers has made a difference in my life because it has taught me to respect things a little more and to look at things from the other perspective,”
she said. “My favorite part about Prancers is that I can entertain people and make life long friends!” Ashlein Childress, has been on the Prancer team since her 10th grade year. Before that, she was on the Stepper team at the junior high her 8th and 9th grade years, and she was on the dance team for grades 2-6 West Magnet. “I love performing for people,” explained Chidlress. “I dislike some drama.” Childress plans on dancing in college at Lyon College. “My heroes are my parents because they are the strongest people I know,” stated Childress. The dance teacher at West Ms. Danielle worked with Childress when she was in elementary. “Ms. Danielle introduced me to dance in the second grade,” said Childress. Childress is also on the tennis team at Batesville. “I love tennis cause it is always and a challenge, and I always have fun while doing it,” explained Childress. Dancing occurs at other places.
PRANCERS 2014-2015. As a sign up unity, they Prancers join in a group prayer for each game before entering the game to cheer on the Pioneers.
“My favorite place that I have danced at was at The Russell Athletic Bowl in Flordia,” commented Childress. “My other favorite place to dance is on the sidelines.” Dancing has made a difference in Childress`s life because it has taught her responsibility and it allows her to do something she loves all the time. Tori Davis has been dancing since she was two years old, and dancing in high school seemed like a good way to continue dancing. Davis has been on the team for three years now. “I have always enjoyed dancing on the sidelines with teammates,” commented Davis. “It was
always my dream to dance in college but not anymore. Next year, I will attend ASU.” Davis`s hero is her former dance teacher Dorthy Soto. Davis said, “She is my hero because she was once a professional dancer. She is over 75 now and is still dancing. She always encouraged me to dance and taught me so much.” Jamie Hanson introduced Davis to Prancers. Davis said, “She heard I was moving to Batesville. Her niece was on Prancers and I was her daughter’s dance teacher.” Davis is also involved in golf just because it is fun.
Congratulations to the High School Faculty!
Red Ribbon Week Volleyball Team Winners!
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October 2014
Cheerleaders Prepare for a Year of Stunts
Cheer has definitely made an impact on Shell`s life. It has taught her that it is important to represent her school, teachers, classmates, and the town, as well. It has taught her that working together with a team is the way to success and that just being encouraging to someone can make a huge impact on their life, as well as your own. 2014-2015 CHEER TEAM. The cheer team spent many hours “My favorite part of practicing and attending two camps this past summer. cheer is doing stunts. I have always been a base, and I cheerleading I just decided spend the past three years really enjoy it! It`s very fun one year that I wanted to cheering on an amazing to try new things and be able give it a try.” Chunn said. football team, and it will be to bond with my flyer and Chunn`s favorite sad to see that end.” building group,” concluded sport to cheer at is Pioneer Chunn`s favorite Shell. Stadium because of the fans part about cheerleading is Alyssa Chunn also and the atmosphere on game just being able to participate. serves as a co-captain this days. “I love going to year for the Prancers. Chunn said, football breakfasts, cheering “I was inspired to “Cheerleading has made in pep rallies and at games, try out for the cheer leading somewhat of a difference to traveling to other towns to team because I wanted to me in my life because I have see our team win, and just try something new, and learned to become part of being able to be a part of it cheerleading wasn’t really a team and have gotten to all,” stated Chunn. something that I had ever done before,” explained Chunn. This is Chunn`s fourth time to be on the Trust and Batesville Cheerleading unselfishness are two very team. important qualities that Chunn said, “I like every team should work to participating in football encompass. Building trust games and cheering on includes working together, the team every Friday. sharing information that I don’t think any one informs every one of their person introduced me to of every team is to build rights and responsibilities. Trust allows each a feeling of oneness, of individual on the team to dependence on one another become stronger because he because the question is November 26-28 or she is part of a cohesive usually not how well each group. When teammates person performs, but how trust one another the team well they work together.” — can achieve outstanding Vince Lombardi from Kim Robinson goals. Cheerleading and Spirit of the Pioneers Staff. “The challenge Prancer Coach
Seniors Hannah Shell and Alyssa Chunn are co-captains for the 20142015 Cheer Team. Shell has always thought cheerleading looked fun every since she was a little girl. “I have been on the cheer team since junior high when I moved to Batesville in the ninth grade,” explained Shell. “I love being able to be very close to my team and always be there for each other. It`s also fun to be able to be on the sidelines, cheering on the Pioneers every Friday night.” Shell is planning on attending U of A next year where does not plan to pursue cheering as an extracurricular activity. Shell is also involved in cross country, track, and soccer. “My favorite place to cheer at is either at the Pioneer football stadium because it`s so cool to see the huge crowd of people who all have a passion for Pioneer football,” commented Shell. “Another one of my favorite places to cheer is during the high school pep rallies in the gym! We get to cheer and dance along with the band, and everyone is getting pumped up for the game that night.”
Coach`s Corner
Building Trust and Unselfishness
Thanksgiving Break
Happy Holidays
The
October 2014
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Tennis Advanced to State This Year This year’s tennis team advanced to the State hosted in Hot Springs. All team members qualified for state. Winning the first round in girls’ doubles against Beebe, Haley Cole and Kearston Douglas lost the second round to Lakeside. “I enjoyed playing tennis this year,” commented junior Haley Cole. “It was so much fun.” During the state tournament, Luke Davis and Zach Langston lost doubles during the first round against Lakeside #1. Kalum Douglas and Grady Majors lost in boys’ doubles to Lakeside #2.. This year’s team included Luke Davis, Zach Langston, Grady Majors, Kalum Douglas, Haley Cole, and Kearsten Douglas. This group of athletes was coached by Greg Armstrong. “I have a very good group of players that worked hard. Fun to be around. They all pretty much balanced a second activity at the same time,” commented Coach Armstrong.
Golf Coach Joins BHS Athletic Staff
By Jackson Schubert Batesville High welcomes Coach LaRose, who works with both the golf team and the boys’ basketball team. “This year was my first year to coach golf,” explained LaRose. LaRose enjoys his career, both coaching and teaching his players. “I learned a lot during the season that I hope can help us next year,” said Coach LaRose. “I enjoy getting to know each player and trying to develop friendship that last longer than the season or even their high school careers.” Coach LaRose’s role model has always been his father. “He had a special way of handling every kind of situation good or bad,” commented Coach LaRose. For helping with situations, he tries to use his father as an example daily as a coach and a person to look up to. They played at District Tournaments recently and performed well during their rounds.
TEAM ADVANCES TO STATE. Shown left to right: Zach Langston, Luke Davis, Haley Cole, Kearsten Douglas, Kalum Douglas, Grady Majors, Coach Greg Armstong.
AND THE BALL RETURNS. Junior Haley Cole, shown left, and Trent Swaim prepare to hit the ball.
Batesville High School
Archery Team 2014-2015
Ashley Canad Brianna Moss Colton Taylor Elizabeth Harris Hayden Mace Jacob Warner Josh Naprstek Kolin Rose Leigha Adkins Shawn Patterson Tera Stevenson Zach Waugh
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Baylee Branigan Brock Sturdivant Devanie Garner Hannah Mishark Jacob Clark Jordan Nash Katie Allen Lane Lively Nikolas Gibson Reagan Sweet Virginia Mohlke
October 2014
Lady Pioneer Volleyball Goes to State
By Jackson Schubert Volleyball made it all the way to the semifinals of the 5A State playoffs. They lost to Valley View 3 games to 2 on Thursday evening. On Wednesday, from Valley View the Pioneer Volleyball Team battled the mighty Valley View Blazers to a deadlock, winning and advancing. On Tuesday, October 27, BHS Lady Pioneers beat Beebe, #1 seed, in the State Playoffs at Valley View High School in Jonesboro Pioneers swept three straight games. Coached by Tanya Haigwood, the team had a very successful season. “I’m so proud of my team and how far we have come. This year we have played very well as a team and have
ALL THE WAY. The Lady Volleyball Pioneers play in the play-offs at Valley View, advancing through several rounds.
accomplished so much. I hope that next year the girls will continue to grow and improve together,” stated senior Jessica Shell. Upon concluding the season, Olivia Looney commented, “It has been such a fun experience
Congratulations! Oz Espericueta Johnny Waldrip Award for a
being a senior on the volleyball team this year. We have a great group of girls who fight hard for every point. The enthusiasm has been very rewarding. Olivia Looney “This is a season I will never forget. So
thankful and proud of my amazing teammates for all their hard work and support. Y’all are the best,” said senior Molly Kiefer. Congratulations to the Lady Pioneers on an outstanding year and season.
5A East Cross Country Conference CHAMPIONS Tristen Driver First Place
Jake Ward Runner-Up
Play in the Homecoming Game
October 2014
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BHS Pioneer Football Team take the Field By Mollie Isley 48-0. 34-28. 26-6. 21-14. 34-3. All wins for the BHS Football Team. On Friday, October 24, the Pioneers kept the ball moving, never letting Blytheville score a point. “Friday night’s win against Wynne was awesome. It was the first team we shut out,” commented Oz Espericueta. Some credit to winning the game might be given to the power of the simile, an exercise students in English 2B took on and will continue to create for each game for the remainder of the
season. This past week’s simile was “Beating like some Spartans’ hearts and their ward rums, the Pioneers will beat Blytheville. “That simile we created in English was just too powerful,” stated Justin Gallant. Because of the runaway score, many of the team players spent HEAD ON COLLISION. Dalton Taylor blocking a Searcy opponent. time on the turf. “It was finals,” stated Espericueta. “We are working Homecoming, and “We keep getting a lot harder than any team we everyone got to play,” better.” face,” explained senior explained Kenton “Yes, we do,” John Howard. The Pioneer have Crawford. “Getting to sit added Crawford. “We are through second half was starting to play to our full two more scheduled potential.” games before Play-offs enjoyable.” “I feel like we are Credit is given, begin, with the first two going to make it to the also to teamwork. games being play at BHS.
By Erin Miller
there is nothing we can’t do,” stated Robinson. This year our Batesville Pioneers have new teammates on their roster. “Conference wise, Wynne was expected to be a fight, but we won,” commented Robinson. When asked which opponent he was most excited about competing against, he replied, “Forrest City because my cousin is on that team, and we have a true rivalry. I am proud to say that we beat them.” From the gruesome August practices to the Pioneer Football team breakfast on Friday
Senior Faces Last Year of Pioneer Football After four years of football, one might think that football would be one’s passion. For senior football player, Michael Robinson, while he has enjoyed this experience, this is not the case. “This is the end for me. I joined because of my friends not for me personally, but over time I have learned to enjoy the sport,” said Robinson. A tailback on this year’s Batesville Pioneer football team, he expects nothing but the best from his fellow teammates. “This team is truly a well of potential and once this well has been tapped into,
WINNING AGAINST WYNNE. Michael Robinson braces for a tackle from a Wynne Yellowjacket.
mornings, Robinson considers his last year as a Pioneer Football player to be bittersweet. “It’s mixed emotions really. I’m glad I don’t have to go through
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our dreaded August practices, but then again, I will miss the time with the guys and coaches.” Robinson plans to attend Arkansas State University next year.
October 2014