07newsfeatureseries battle high by Nina Johnson

BATTLE RISING: Students play team sport; teachers get tech tr...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162567/battle-rising-stu...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Students play team sport; teachers get tech training By Jennah Sontag June 4, 2013 | 9:37 p.m. CDT

Angie Roberds' Team Sports class plays Ultimate Frisbee while construction workers replace a leaking pipe and part of the track Tuesday at Battle High School. The leak was fixed during summer school classes to prepare for incoming students in the fall. ÂŚ Jennah Sontag

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Students played Ultimate Frisbee and teachers participated in technology training Tuesday, the second day of summer classes at Columbia's new Battle High School.

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:23 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students play team sport; teachers get tech tr...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162567/battle-rising-stu...

Donny Silver, a Spanish teacher at Rock Bridge High School, right, and Jayme Pingrey, a librarian, receive training in Mac programs Tuesday at Battle High School. Silver works regularly with Battle High World Language teacher and his department coordinator on iBook development. Apple employee Cindy Everest, a former educator, trained teachers how to incorporate Mac programs into their curriculum. Missourian members can read more about the opening of Battle High School in our special edition. Supervising editor is Brian Kratzer. About Battle Rising Battle High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first senior class wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:23 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students play team sport; teachers get tech tr...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162567/battle-rising-stu...

High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

Battle High teachers and parents pitched in Wednesday to pay the remaining costs for the school's first fan bus. The bus traveled to Hillsboro for the Spartans' girls basketball game against Festus High School. Battle won 54-45.

Related Articles BATTLE RISING: Athletes compete in kick-off track meet at Battle High School BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's first fan bus travels to sectionals BATTLE RISING: Students gather at Battle High School for chess tournament BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:23 AM

BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162629/battle-rising-im...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week By Jennah Sontag, Kelly Coleman June 6, 2013 | 9:05 p.m. CDT

Students convene in the boys' locker room for a practice tornado drill Thursday at Battle High School. It's one of the most interior rooms in the building, and several classes were able to relocate to the locker room during the drill. | Jennah Sontag

1 of 5

3/28/14 9:38 AM

BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162629/battle-rising-im...

Nakyia Johnson, right, and Qua Robinson prepare dishes for cooking Thursday at Battle High School. Students wanting to earn a practical arts and health credit before starting high school enrolled in Becky Baugh's Freshman Academy class, where they will learn to cook as part of the class requirement. | Jennah Sontag

2 of 5

3/28/14 9:38 AM

BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162629/battle-rising-im...

Incoming freshman Qua Robinson removes barcodes from dishes Thursday at Battle High School. | Jennah Sontag

Jacob Biddle, left, and Chris Zachary lead the Battle High football team in a squat drill as coach Steve Spence oversees his team Wednesday. The coaches are currently evaluating the students for positions for the fall season. | Kelly Coleman

3 of 5

3/28/14 9:38 AM

BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162629/battle-rising-im...

Battle High School students are in their first week of classes, with 465 students starting summer school. ¦ JENNAH SONTAG and KELLY A. COLEMAN/Missourian

COLUMBIA — Battle High School students participated in a tornado drill, learned cooking and practiced football this week. Columbia's new high school opened Monday as students began summer classes. About Battle Rising

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

Related Articles BATTLE RISING: Athletes compete in kick-off track meet at Battle High School

4 of 5

3/28/14 9:38 AM

BATTLE RISING: Images from a high school's first week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/162629/battle-rising-im...

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's first fan bus travels to sectionals BATTLE RISING: Students gather at Battle High School for chess tournament BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

5 of 5

3/28/14 9:38 AM

BATTLE RISING: Anthony Fitzgerald waxes floors at Battle H...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163359/battle-rising-ant...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Anthony Fitzgerald waxes floors at Battle High School By Jennah Sontag July 1, 2013 | 7:40 p.m. CDT

Anthony Fitzgerald, custodian, scrubs the cafeteria floor to prepare for the new school year in the fall at Battle High School on Monday. The floors will be waxed every summer before the start of classes. ¦ Jennah Sontag

COLUMBIA — Every year before the start of classes, the floors of the new Battle High School will be waxed. Custodian Anthony Fitzgerald used a machine to scrub the cafeteria floor to prepare for the new school year Monday.

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:41 AM

BATTLE RISING: Anthony Fitzgerald waxes floors at Battle H...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163359/battle-rising-ant...

About Battle Rising

Battle High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first senior class wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:41 AM

BATTLE RISING: Anthony Fitzgerald waxes floors at Battle H...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163359/battle-rising-ant...

couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:41 AM

BATTLE RISING: Lifeguard plans to join Battle High School's...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163545/battle-rising-lif...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Lifeguard plans to join Battle High School's swim team By Jennah Sontag July 8, 2013 | 6:00 p.m. CDT

Autumn Garvey, 15, scans the water at Lake of the Woods Pool on Monday. Garvey will be attending Battle High School as a sophomore in the fall. ¦ Jennah Sontag

COLUMBIA — Autumn Garvey, 15, is a lifeguard at Lake of the Woods pool and will be attending Battle High School as a sophomore in the fall. About Battle Rising

1 of 3

Once at Battle High, she plans to join its swim team. Garvey has swam competitively for five years and joining the team will allow her to continue swimming competitively as well as

3/28/14 9:40 AM

BATTLE RISING: Lifeguard plans to join Battle High School's...

Battle High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first class of seniors wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate until 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163545/battle-rising-lif...

spend time with friends. Garvey looks forward to taking a world cuisine class and science classes at Battle. She aspires to have a job where she can help animals or people.

Related Media

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:40 AM

BATTLE RISING: Lifeguard plans to join Battle High School's...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/163545/battle-rising-lif...

McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:40 AM

BATTLE RISING: Simulators help students learn about caring f...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164149/battle-rising-sim...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Simulators help students learn about caring for infants By Quint Smith July 29, 2013 | 7:31 p.m. CDT

Amanda Klenke prepares RealCare Babies for her child development classes this upcoming school year Monday at Battle High School. The babies are educational tools that will help students learn the difficulties of caring for children by crying at all hours until needs for feeding, burping, rocking and changing diapers are met. ÂŚ Quint Smith

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Amanda Klenke will spend her first year as a full-time teacher in the brand new facilities of Battle High School. She is half of the two-person Family and Consumer Sciences Department and will teach classes in child development, family studies, teen issues and interior design. The department will inhabit facilities that include a sewing lab, day care and science classrooms.

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:47 AM

BATTLE RISING: Simulators help students learn about caring f...

About Battle Rising

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164149/battle-rising-sim...

The department will also have 10 late model RealCare Baby Infant Simulators for students to learn about the responsibilities of child care, Klenke said. The simulators will cry at random intervals requiring students to determine if they need feeding, burping, rocking or changing diapers. The simulator then will record the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level of success for teachers to evaluate later. Klenke said her child development students will get to use the simulators in the classroom while her advanced child development students will be able to take them home for a more realistic experience.

Related Media

Amanda Klenke buckles a RealCare Baby into a car seat before taking it home to test it out Monday at Battle High School. Klenke is entering her first school year as a full-time teacher. She jokes, referring to the school's 10 brand new infant simulators, "I've got 10 kids now, plus plenty of students."

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:47 AM

BATTLE RISING: Simulators help students learn about caring f...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164149/battle-rising-sim...

BATTLE RISING: Athletes compete in kick-off track meet at Battle High School BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's first fan bus travels to sectionals BATTLE RISING: Students gather at Battle High School for chess tournament BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:47 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band attends b...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164279/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band attends band camp By Megan Donohue August 2, 2013 | 8:01 p.m. CDT

Sophomore Michelle Dingledine, 15, left, junior Brianne Blythe, 16, and junior Natalie Martin, 16, practice the Battle High fight song with other members of the marching band at band camp Friday at Battle High School. | Megan Donohue

1 of 4

3/28/14 9:31 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band attends b...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164279/battle-rising-batt...

The Battle High clarinet section's drill books hang off of stands as the members practice the first movement of the marching show Friday at Battle High School. The band members paste their drill sheets into their notebooks and then use them to learn their routines on the field before putting the entire show together. | Megan Donohue

Drum Major Emma Bannister, 16, left, and marching instructor Adam Spirk conduct the Battle High marching band as it runs through the first part of the marching show Friday at Battle High School. The band is currently in the middle of band camp. | Megan Donohue

2 of 4

3/28/14 9:31 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band attends b...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164279/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA — “Take it from set 14,” band director Robert Thanlhuber called to a group of about 30 high school musicians holding a variety of instruments from flutes to trumpets to one base guitar. The band members' ages range between 13 to 17. The band is new but the routines are well established. Music must be learned, polished and memorized. Marching basics have to be taught and each set on the field must be committed to memory before all of the components are combined. About Battle Rising

Battle High School’s first class of seniors won’t graduate until 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

The Battle High School marching band is comprised of students and staff from various junior high and high schools across Columbia, but all of them have now joined to form one unified group to form the Battle High marching band. With one week left in band camp, the marching instructors say they are confident in the band’s ability to pull off the show and fight song together by its first performance.

Related Media

3 of 4

3/28/14 9:31 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band attends b...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164279/battle-rising-batt...

4 of 4

3/28/14 9:31 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year By Quint Smith August 13, 2013 | 6:32 p.m. CDT

Jody Spriggs looks at negatives on the first roll of film to be developed using the school's new equipment Monday at Battle High School. Spriggs will teach photography, AP Studio Art and Art I this year. | Quint Smith

1 of 6

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

Defensive coordinator Cedric Alvis speaks with players before practice Monday at Battle High School. | Quint Smith

2 of 6

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

Kim Presko, principal at Battle High School, helps Sgt. Wyatt Siegrist try on a Spartan costume Monday at Battle High School. Siegrist will don the costume as part of Friday's Call to Battle event. | Quint Smith

Theatrical costume designer Nicole Beasley, left, and theater arts teacher Erin LaFond organize makeup Monday backstage at the theater at Battle High School. The theater department will start the year with costume supplies donated by Hickman and Rock Bridge. | Quint Smith

3 of 6

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

Battle High School Assistant Principal Darlene Grant helps Stephanie Barnett put on a costume Monday at Battle High School. | Quint Smith Battle High School buzzes with activity Monday as the school’s first day of classes approaches. Athletic teams have started tryouts and practices, teachers are preparing their classrooms and materials, and administrators are planning special events. ¦ Quint Smith

COLUMBIA — The halls of Battle High School are buzzing as the school’s first day of classes approaches. Athletic teams have started tryouts and practices, teachers are preparing their classrooms and materials to be used for the first time, and administrators are planning special events. On Friday night, students and their families can go to the Battle Athletic Field for Call to Battle, a kickoff party featuring food and activities. About Battle Rising

4 of 6

The school will host an orientation Monday called Jump Start, and the first day of classes will be the following day.

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

Related Media

5 of 6

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: High school prepares to launch its first year

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164513/battle-rising-hig...

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

6 of 6

3/28/14 9:35 AM

BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164523/battle-rising-co...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state competition By Quint Smith August 14, 2013 | 9:00 a.m. CDT

Coach Corey Cathey demonstrates moves during competition cheerleading practice Tuesday at Battle High School. Cathey is a speech pathologist by trade and is the new high school's spirit squad coordinator. | Quint Smith

1 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164523/battle-rising-co...

Freshman Lauren Wirths, left, and junior Delayne Fudge practice part of a competition routine during cheerleading practice Tuesday at Battle High School. | Quint Smith

2 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164523/battle-rising-co...

Freshman Audrey Reno holds up a teammate during competition cheerleading practice Tuesday at Battle High School. Reno's squad will compete in the state championships Sept. 15 at the Hearnes Center. | Quint Smith

Freshman Hannah Godbey practices a stunt during cheerleading practice Tuesday at Battle High School. The Battle squad won first place in regionals last month, earning it a spot in the state competition Sept. 15. | Quint Smith

3 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164523/battle-rising-co...

Battle High School's competition cheerleading squad practices stunts and routines Tuesday. The Battle squad won first place at regionals last month, earning it a spot in the state competition Sept. 15. It will be at the Hearnes Center. ¦ Quint Smith

COLUMBIA — Coach Corey Cathey demonstrated moves to the competition Battle High School's cheerleading squad Tuesday. Cathey is a speech pathologist and is the new high school's spirit squad coordinator. The squad won first place at regionals last month and will move onto the state competition which will be held Sept. 15 at the Hearnes Center. About Battle Rising

Related Media

4 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Competition cheerleaders work toward state...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164523/battle-rising-co...

5 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle carnival By Heidi Li, Li Lin August 16, 2013 | 11:45 p.m. CDT

Freshman Yashim Smith does back flips during the Call to Battle celebration Friday at Battle High School. Smith will play wide receiver and cornerback for this year's freshman football team. | Quint Smith

1 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

Freshman Elise Hardesty represents the volleyball team in a hot-dog-eating competition during the Call to Battle celebration Friday at Battle High School. Competitors were selected to represent the school's various organizations. | Quint Smith

Battle High School hosts a celebration called Call to Battle on Friday, featuring activities, entertainment, food and performances by some of the school's organizations. | Quint Smith

2 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

Kaia Mawhinney, 5, milks a fake cow during the Call to Battle celebration Friday at Battle High School. The booth was set up by members of FFA to allow attendees to participate in milking competitions. | Quint Smith

3 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

Members of the Battle High School vocal arts department perform the school song during the Call to Battle celebration Friday. The song was written by vocal arts director Jazz Rucker. | Quint Smith

4 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

Allison Tonyan, left, and Maggie Moore take a tethered balloon ride during the Call to Battle celebration Friday at Battle High School. Tonyan came to the festival to support her sister, who plays in the school's marching band. | Quint Smith Friday's Call to Battle celebration at the new Battle High School features activities, entertainment, food and performances by some of the school's organizations. ¦ Quint Smith

COLUMBIA — Stuffing the last bite of hot dog into his mouth with his eyes closed, Dalton Roberts won the eating competition during Friday's Call to Battle family carnival at Muriel Williams Battle High School. Roberts was joined in competition by other members of the Battle football team. Those same student athletes were scheduled to play on Battle's field during their first scrimmage at 7 p.m. Saturday. After all the eating, however, they seemed to be in high spirits.

5 of 7

Call to Battle was the first time the new high school invited students and parents to come out and mingle together. Battle students will start classes Tuesday.

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to

Kim Presko, Battle's principal, wants to make this event an annual tradition. “We want to build a community here," Presko said. "And we 3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

want everybody to feel welcomed ... since one of our core values is engagement.” At the carnival, at least 25 teachers were recruiting new members for clubs. After the orchestra played, the cheer team took the field, sporting new gold and blue uniforms.

Related Media

“Go blue! Go gold! Let’s go Battle!” the girls shouted. As they cheered, they performed stunts, hoisting a teammate into the air as she balanced on one leg. Their cheers and chants of “B-A-T-T-L-E” had spectators stomping their feet and cheering along. “We started our training in May. It’s so good to see everyone today,” said Sydnee Anderson, a cheerleader. Anderson said she looked forward to taking part in her first child development class with her new classmates. In 2011, students were given the chance to develop and vote on Battle's colors and mascot. Jadaunte Sutton voted in middle school. Now a high school junior, he finally gets to wear the blue uniform of the Spartan basketball team. “I like my coach and the way he teaches,” Sutton said. Years later, he said, he will still be proud of being a member of the basketball team. Parents got to see all the school's sports teams as they were led by their coaches around the field. Dancers, volleyball players, softball players, swimmers, golfers, soccer players and many more made their debut. Encouraging applause from the audience flooded the field. Inflatable slides, free-throw shooting games, matches using inflatable sumo wrestling suits and other activities entertained parents and their children, giving them a chance to meet other families.

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his

6 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Revelry reigns at new school's Call to Battle...

eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164598/battle-rising-rev...

Tom Sanders graduated from Hickman High School, but now his daughter Hannah is starting at Battle and is part of the first group of students who will graduate from the school.

Although he's a Kewpie at heart, Sanders was still excited for Battle's opening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got a new school," he said. "A beautiful school." Supervising editor is Shaina Cavazos.

7 of 7

3/28/14 9:36 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for classes at Jump Start Day By Kevin Cook, Kholood Eid, Quint Smith August 19, 2013 | 8:35 p.m. CDT

Principal Kim Presko greets new students as they step off the first bus of the school year at Battle High School on Monday. Jump Start Day was optional for incoming students to better get acquainted with the school. | Kholood Eid

1 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

French teacher Myles Freborg walks past a Spartan statue in the administration office on Monday. | Kevin Cook

Battle High School Principal Kim Presko hands out lunch for students Monday at Battle High School. Faculty members prepared a hot dog lunch for students. | Kevin Cook

2 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

Sophomores Shannon Olson and Jacob Gerhard, both 15, share a moment in the Battle High School cafeteria during lunch. They said they have been dating for about a year. | Kevin Cook

3 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

Battle High School's first trophy sits in the school's case. The Battle varsity cheerleaders received first place at the regional cheerleading competition held at Moberly Area Community College in July. The team will be competing in the Missouri State Cheerleading Championship to be held in September at Hearnes Center. | Kevin Cook

4 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

Lauren Watkins, 14, right, laughs with her friends Maya Mouton, Shelbie Dennis and Bailey Templeton after receiving their class schedules. | Kevin Cook

5 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

From left, sophomores Payton Jobe, Zach Group, and Autumn Garvey cheer for their classmates Monday during the Jump Start Day assembly at Battle High School. Freshman and sophomores were invited to an abbreviated school day before starting the regular schedule tomorrow. | Quint Smith

Students from three physical education classes juggle balloons during a competition at Battle High School. In teams of two, one student cheered on their classmate who tried to keep three balloons in the air for three minutes. | Quint Smith

6 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

Battle High School cheerleaders wait to perform during the first assembly in the gym on Jump Start Day. The new school was named for Muriel Williams Battle, the first black principal of an integrated school, who worked in Columbia for 40 years. | Kholood Eid

7 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

Jenna England, 15, a sophomore at Battle High School, waits after boarding her bus to go home following Jump Start Day on Monday. | Kevin Cook Classes start Tuesday at Battle High School, but students had the chance to get acquainted with the school Monday during Jump Start Day. Principal Kim Presko greeted students as they arrived and helped hand out lunches. ¦ Missourian staff

COLUMBIA — Classes start Tuesday at Battle High School, but students had the chance to get acquainted with the school Monday during Jump Start Day. Principal Kim Presko greeted students as they arrived and helped hand out lunches. About Battle Rising

Students got their class schedules, ate lunch and played games with their gym classes.

8 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

9 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School students prepare for class...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164671/battle-rising-batt...

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

10 of 10

3/28/14 9:37 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on first day of classes By Sky Chadde August 20, 2013 | 11:16 a.m. CDT

Sgt. Wyatt Siegrist, left, and Stephanie Barnette dress as Spartan mascots while students walk into their first day of school Tuesday at Muriel Williams Battle High. "That's the cool thing about it; I will be the first Spartan here. Ever," Siegrist said. Mike Korman, whose sister Dana Harris is the outreach counselor at Battle High School, provided the horses, Rocky and Jazz, from his property. | Kholood Eid

1 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

Battle High School students leave the football stadium after a class photo was taken Tuesday on the first day of classes at the new school. | Kevin Cook

Juniors Malik Townsend and Jaevon McQuitty compare schedules during Rebecca Wilmes' physics class at Battle High School on Tuesday, the first day the school was open for classes. Physics was the first class of the semester for Townsend and McQuitty. | Kholood Eid

2 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

Members of the Battle High School color guard â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from left, freshman Theresa Campbell, 14; sophomore Lauren Wilson, 15; freshman Laura Hickey, 14; freshman Justine Pritt, 14; freshman Lily Nowack, 14; and sophomore Cat Harris, 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; joke during band practice on Tuesday, the first day of classes. "We are freshmen in a brand-new school. It's really cool," Pritt said. | Kevin Cook

3 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

Dressed as a Spartan queen, Stephanie Barnette sits atop Jazz and awaits the arrival of incoming students for their first day at Battle High School on Tuesday. | Kholood Eid

4 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

Battle High School teacher Jill Villasana plays an icebreaker game with her freshman government class Tuesday. | Kevin Cook

Freshman Charles Dey, 14, rests on his desk during his Introduction to Engineering Design class on Tuesday at Battle High School. "I like school, but I'm still getting used to getting up early," Dey said. | Kevin Cook

5 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

Battle High School officially opened its doors on Tuesday. Army Sgt. Wyatt Siegrist, dressed as the Spartan, and Stephanie Barnette, dressed in a white toga with a blue and gold belt of ribbon, greeted students on horses as they stepped out of cars and streamed out of the buses. ¦

COLUMBIA — Morning sun dimly reflected off the golden helmet of a Spartan warrior next to a back entrance at Muriel Williams Battle High School. He shouldered his shield and adjusted his black athletic shoes in the stirrups of his dark brown horse, Rocky. As it was throughout Columbia Public Schools, Tuesday was the first day of fall classes at Battle High. Along with the Spartan — the new school's mascot — administrators and staff waited for the arrival of 28 yellow buses. Army Sgt. Wyatt Siegrist, dressed as the Spartan, and Stephanie Barnette, dressed in a white toga with a blue and gold belt of ribbon, greeted students on horses as they stepped out of their parents' cars and streamed out of the buses. MoreStory

Related Media

Battle High teachers and parents pitched in Wednesday to pay the remaining costs for the school's first fan bus. The bus traveled to Hillsboro for the Spartans' girls basketball

6 of 8

Mike Korman, the owner of the two horses, arrived about 7:15 a.m. to get the horses desensitized to the painted lines. The blue lines of the handicap parking affects them, Korman said, because they're not used to it. He wanted his steeds nice and docile for the students. "Good morning, beautiful people," Andrew McCarthy, an assistant principal dressed in a white seersucker suit with a multicolored bowtie, told the new arrivals. "Y'all got your schedules? Good to go?" A few replied with a slight head nod. A couple shouted "yeah" in unison. One gave McCarthy the thumbs up. If one said no, McCarthy pointed to a side door. Showing some Spartan pride, Shelly Herman, the extracurricular activities secretary who usually has pink nails, had her finger nails and toe nails painted blue — school colors are blue and gold — with a little Spartan decal on one finger. She waved as students passed.

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

game against Festus High School. Battle won 54-45.

7 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: Living mascot greets Battle High students on...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164684/battle-rising-livi...

(Spartan in Battle from Columbia Missourian on Vimeo.) Some looked bright and happy; some looked like they hadn't discovered coffee yet. Others had white ear buds dangling from their ears. "Morning guys, morning ladies," Assistant Superintendent Jolene Yoakum told them. "Welcome to Battle. Hey guys, have a great first day." With the bus engines rumbling and students talking in groups, the noise level built under the Battle High School sign. But it died down as the final few buses made their way down Spartan Drive. At 8:56 a.m., with the horses almost done being on stage and classes about to start, Superintendent Chris Belcher burst through the double doors in a yellow button-down. "I heard rumors about a horse?" Supervising editor is Elizabeth Brixey.

8 of 8

3/28/14 9:17 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team By Megan Donohue August 28, 2013 | 2:33 a.m. CDT

Kadee Dempsey, 15, a member of the Battle High School dance team, the Sparklers, demonstrates an across-the-floor routine for the 10 girls who auditioned for the team Tuesday at the Battle High School Performing Arts Center. | Megan Donohue

1 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

Donna Brooks, 16, left; Breezy Day, 14; Hannah Morse, 16; and Kadee Dempsey, 15, wait for the five new members of the Sparklers dance team to be announced Tuesday at Battle High School. | Megan Donohue

2 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

Qua Robinson, 14, left, and Kyra Moss, 16, hug Tuesday after making the Sparklers dance team at Battle High School. The audition process lasted two days, and the five new team members were fitted for uniforms immediately after tryouts closed. | Megan Donohue

3 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

Sparklers coach Danyale Williams helps new team member Jordan Dorsey, 15, try on a Sparklers uniform immediately after tryouts ended Tuesday at Battle High School. Dorsey is one of five new members of the dance team. | Megan Donohue Girls at Battle High School demonstrate their dancing abilities at tryouts for the Sparklers, the school dance team, on Tuesday at the Battle High School Performing Arts Center. ¦

COLUMBIA — Ten girls auditioned for the Battle High School dance team, the Sparklers, on Tuesday at the Battle High School Performing Arts Center. The audition process lasted two days, and the five new members of the team were immediately fitted for their dance uniform. MoreStory

4 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

5 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: New members join school's dance team

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/164926/battle-rising-n...

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

6 of 6

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in football opener By Wade Livingston September 2, 2013 | 1:00 p.m. CDT

Members of Battle High's football team, including Quenton McHenry, warm up prior to a matchup against Kansas City East on Friday. This was Battle High School's first football game. | Kevin Cook

1 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

Battle High School junior Marcus Tigue sits on the bench after warming up for the game against Kansas City East High School on Friday. | Julia Sumpter

Battle High's Roger White waits in the locker room prior to the game against Kansas City East on Friday. The Battle High Spartans won 56-6. | Kevin Cook

2 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

Members of Battle High's football team wait for the opening kick off Friday against Kansas City East. | Kevin Cook

3 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

Freshman cheerleader Taylor Ambra stands with fellow cheerleaders at the start of Battle High School's first football game on Friday. | Julia Sumpter

Sophomore Kadee Dempsey, captain of the Battle High Sparklers Dance Team, sits with other dance team members as they watch the first Battle High Football game Friday. | Quint Smith

4 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

Kansas City East's Xantheus Pierro, left, attempts to stop Battle High's Jerron Key during the schools' matchup Friday. The Battle High Spartans won 56-6. | Kevin Cook

5 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

Battle High's Jerron Key, center, hugs cheerleader and junior Lauren Hall after Battle's win against Kansas City East on Friday. To the left is Zeontrez Marshall. | Kevin Cook

A decorated car sits outside the football stadium as the half-time show takes place Friday at Battle High School. | Julia Sumpter

6 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

The Battle High School Spartans defeated the Bears of Kansas City's East High School with a score of 56-6. It was the first football game in Battle High's history. ¦ Missourian staff

COLUMBIA — Caleb Wheeler, 16, expected Battle High School to win handily in its home opener against Kansas City East. Wheeler was decked out in a full-body American flag spandex suit that he purchased at Party City specifically for the Spartans' home opener. "It's the first game; I oughta wear it," he said, calling the getup his "adult footie pajamas." About Battle Rising

Related Media

Related Articles BATTLE RISING: Athletes compete

7 of 10

Wheeler might have been the only one wearing a spandex suit, but he wasn't the only one being loud and proud. His friends Garrick Stoker, 16, and Taylor Kirby, 16, sat on either side of him, raising their arms over their heads, wiggling their fingers and starting the chant: "Gooooo, Spartans (arms come down), go! (arms back in the air)." It was so noisy in the student section that it was hard to hear Wheeler say, "I've been yelling most of the game." Indeed he had. By the second half, his voice faded. Stoker, who had been on the field in the first half covering the game for his high school journalism class, was glad to enter the stands and support his team. "It was a little hard not to cheer (in the first half)," he said, explaining that his journalistic ethics did not allow him to "show bias" when he was officially covering the Spartans from the field. "I'm just glad people came out to support us," Kirby said, enthused by the crowd that filled a solid three-fourths of Battle's 4,300-capacity field. The students at Battle have only spent two weeks together and are still forming their school's culture. There were several Hickman and Rock Bridge students in the crowd, 3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

in kick-off track meet at Battle High School BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's first fan bus travels to sectionals BATTLE RISING: Students gather at Battle High School for chess tournament BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

sitting with their friends and former classmates who are now Battle students. Everything is new for Battle students, and there's still a lot they don't know about the school and the football team. Kirby said she and several of her new classmates served on a leadership committee that met before the start of the school year. She explained that the committee's job was to figure out how to bring Battle's student body together. "We focused on unity," Kirby said. "Now that we know the football team is good, that will be a factor (in unifying the student body)." The Spartan fans were certainly unified as they cheered from the "Battlefront," the student section on the 50-yard line, closest to the field. There was a smattering of Rock Bridge and Hickman T-shirts in the crowd, and even in the "Battlefront." Isaac Bennett, a senior at Hickman, sat among the Battle students, talking with friends and watching his brother, Josh, a Spartan football player.

Bennett said it was "kind of weird" watching his brother play. "It's like watching myself play," he said, explaining that his playing days were over. "I wish I was out there. I taught him how to play â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we worked together." Just as Bennett was adjusting to seeing his brother in a new uniform, freshman Kelsey Johnson and sophomore Synya Spain were adjusting to their new school. Both girls came to Battle from Jefferson Junior High School. "I don't know my schedule, and it's been two weeks," Johnson said as she described her adjustment to the new school. "I almost got lost this morning." Spain and Johnson were drowned out as the crowd erupted around them following another Spartan touchdown. "My throat hurts from screaming," Spain said, beaming with pride in her new school.

8 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

"We're killing it," Johnson said. "It makes me smile because everyone had doubts about Battle." One thing's for sure, though: All the Spartan faithful now know who running back Nash Sutherlin is and the explosiveness he brings to Battle's offense. Sutherlin scored the first touchdown in Battle history, bouncing out to his right and jetting up the near sideline for the lengthy score. He came to Battle from Hickman, where, in his words, he didn't see much playing time. He saw plenty against Kansas City East. Sutherlin's most impressive run actually resulted in the loss of a half-yard. After taking the handoff from the quarterback, Sutherlin didn't see an inside running lane. He veered out to the near sideline only to be corralled by three East defenders. He juked that trio and cut back toward the middle of the field but was met by another host of would-be tacklers. Still on his feet, he tried one more time to cut out to his right, finally being stopped just short of the line of scrimmage. Although he lost the half-yard, he probably ran a total of 15 yards, impressively eluding defenders for several seconds. "I was trying to go for a cut-back lane. I was being impatient," Sutherlin said of his scramble. "When I saw that (the cut-back lane), I was trying to score â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that's all I was thinking about." Although Sutherlin wasn't happy with that run, it certainly reflected his elusiveness and athleticism. Sutherlin said Barry Sanders, the former Detroit Lions rusher, was his role model as a running back. "Even with a terrible line, he could do anything he wanted to," Sutherlin said. "I watch his tape all the time." When the Spartans watch tape from the East game, they won't see any terrible offensive line play. Coach Justin Conyers said the O-line was the game's unsung hero. "To be honest with you, I'm gonna give it to the offensive line," Conyers said, smiling as he talked about his linemen dishing out pancake blocks 12 and 15 yards up the field. "To see those kids have that kind of drive ... they were taking them (East defenders) downfield and putting them on their backs." Conyers described the Spartans as a "family-first" team, and Sutherlin shared his coach's sentiment. "We love each other, and we know how to execute. We play every down for each

9 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan fans cheer in the 'Battlefront' in foot...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165027/battle-rising-spa...

other," Sutherlin said. "I told the guys, it's been very emotional for me all day long ... having tears in my eyes because it's so historical," Conyers said of coaching Battle's historic win. "You know sometimes you lose the moment when you prepare for a game like this and you don't really understand what type of impact that this is having. ... That's what I told them. You guys win tonight and you're gonna be ... the football team that they call back to honor ... for being the first team to ever win at Battle High School," Conyers said. Battle has already achieved a major milestone by getting its first win. While no one knows what the rest of the season will hold for the Spartans, it's a safe bet that Caleb Wheeler and the rest of the fans will continue to fill the "Battlefront." And they'll make the most of their opportunity to craft Battle's identity.

10 of 10

3/28/14 9:34 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan Sparklers name team captain before f...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165141/battle-rising-spa...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Spartan Sparklers name team captain before first performance By Kholood Eid September 3, 2013 | 8:25 a.m. CDT

Spartan Sparklers dance team coach Danyale Williams applies makeup to team captain Kadee Dempsey before the team's first performance at Battle High School's season opener Friday. Dempsey was named captain in the dressing room shortly before the team made its way to the field. ÂŚ Kholood Eid

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Friday marked a few more firsts for Battle High School's inaugural year. Prior to the first regular Spartans football game of the season, the Spartan Sparklers had their first public performance.

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:20 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan Sparklers name team captain before f...

About Battle Rising

Related Media

Battle High teachers and parents pitched in Wednesday to pay the remaining costs for the school's first fan bus. The bus traveled to Hillsboro

2 of 3

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165141/battle-rising-spa...

And the dancers named sophomore Kadee Dempsey as the first ever team captain. "She's kind of already been out there, and it's already been accepted, but I wanted to make it official," said dance team coach Danyale Williams to the locker room of dancers before the game. She then pinned a gold CAPT. to Dempsey's uniform as the circle of girls looked on and applauded. "And you wear this every time you wear your uniform, so that everybody knows who you are and what you represent — which is not just Kadee Dempsey, not just the Spartan Sparklers — everyone standing in this room." The girls, already dressed in their uniforms, arrived early enough to exchange "Secret Sister Gifts" and apply makeup together. And although the dressing room was already occupied with other girls preparing for their own performances, everyone managed to squeeze in long enough to apply the right combination of blue and gold eye shadow and a proper lip color to meet the coach's requirements as Rihanna's "Rock

3/28/14 9:20 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartan Sparklers name team captain before f...

for the Spartans' girls basketball game against Festus High School. Battle won 54-45.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165141/battle-rising-spa...

Star" and other hits played on the stereo until showtime.

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:20 AM

BATTLE RISING: Tree planted at Battle High to honor Chuck ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165227/battle-rising-tree...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Tree planted at Battle High to honor Chuck Everitt By Mackenzie Bruce September 4, 2013 | 10:43 p.m. CDT

Batttle High School football coach Justin Conyers, Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Chuck Everitt and Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel pose in preparation for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday at Battle High School. A tree was planted to honor Everitt's dedication to the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and for attending 4,000 ribbon-cuttings. Everitt has spent more than 40 years volunteering with Columbia Youth Football League, and many of the Battle Spartans participated in the league as children. ÂŚ Mackenzie Bruce

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ribbon-cutting ceremonies symbolize a new chapter for Columbia. On Wednesday, Chuck Everitt witnessed his 4,000th ribbon-cutting as Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. A tree was planted at Battle High School to commemorate Everitt's volunteer work with the

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:22 AM

BATTLE RISING: Tree planted at Battle High to honor Chuck ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165227/battle-rising-tree...

chamber. Battle High School football coach Justin Conyers and Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel joined Battle High School athletes in the celebration. MoreStory

Everitt has also volunteered for more than 40 years with the Columbia Youth Football League. Many of the Battle Spartans at the celebration participated in the league as children.

Related Media

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:22 AM

BATTLE RISING: Tree planted at Battle High to honor Chuck ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165227/battle-rising-tree...

for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:22 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appear...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165163/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appears on HGTV's 'House Hunters' By Katie Bell September 10, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

Danyale Williams looks at her and her husband's engagement photos at their new home in the Columbia area on Monday. Their new house was a compromise for each of their requirements: "he's from Texas, likes the country and wanted privacy and just us. I like to go outside and wave at my neighbors," Danyale Williams said. | Mackenzie Bruce

1 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appear...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165163/battle-rising-batt...

Danyale Williams sits in her new living room Monday before leaving to hear her husband, Lee Williams, speak at Mizzou Arena. "This is probably where I spend the most time in my house. I do not like the kitchen; I had never used a gas stove before," Danyale Williams said. | Mackenzie Bruce Danyale and Lee Williams' Columbia home will be featured on Friday's episode of House Hunters. ¦ Mackenzie Bruce

COLUMBIA — Danyale Taylor and Lee Williams were living in Houston when they met on the sidelines of a game at Prairie View A&M University, a sister school to Texas A&M. Danyale worked there as a dance coordinator and cheerleader chaperone while Lee worked with the athletic teams as a strength coach. When Lee had the chance to move to Columbia to work as a strength training coach for Missouri's football and track teams, Danyale thought it would be fun to see if the popular HGTV show "House Hunters" was interested in their story. She went to the show's website and followed the "House Hunters is Casting" link.

2 of 5

About Battle Rising

The show was interested. At 9 p.m. Friday, Danyale and Lee's house-buying adventure will be featured on a new episode of "House Hunters."

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join

The "House Hunters" adventure has become part of the

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appear...

us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

3 of 5

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165163/battle-rising-batt...

larger story of Danyale's move to Columbia and establishing herself as coach of the Sparklers, the dance team at Battle High School. The couple filmed the episode in November 2012 when they closed on their Columbia-area house. Now married, the Williamses have been asked not to say where they live until after the show airs because episodes hinge the suspense of which house the family will choose. That deliberation scene, by the way, occurs in Quinton's Bar and Deli on South Ninth Street. Before they got engaged, Danyale had no plans to leave her beloved hometown for Columbia. When a "House Hunters" producer asked her over the phone, "So you're going to stay in Texas?" she responded in what she described as an obvious tone: "Well, yeah, he's my boyfriend, you know, so it's his opportunity not mine ... and I wouldn't want him to miss out on it for me." The producer responded by giving them an episode. Reality meets acting By the time the couple started really searching for a house, they were engaged and Danyale was planning to move to Columbia with Lee. The producer was excited to incorporate that into the storyline. Danyale, 39, described the "House Hunters" experience as a mixture of reality and acting. They were told to be descriptive when walking through properties, and sometimes they had to rephrase sentences or do something over. Lee, 39, didn't like that. "He wasn't really into it," Danyale said. "He would say, 'If I do it again, it won't be real. I gave you real already. If I do it again, it'll be acting. Do you want me to act?'" 3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appear...

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165163/battle-rising-batt...

But they persisted through re-shoots because it was a way for them to get acquainted with Columbia. Danyale said that with Lee's schedule, it was difficult for them to work out times to explore and get to know the town.

Danyale was eager to find work of her own. She found the job coaching the Sparklers as well as Stephens College's dance team. After the two got married in May, Danyale focused on preparing the Sparklers for their first year. BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

"I had a meeting with the girls and the parents, laid out my expectations and had a master class so I could see them move, and I saw what I needed to do," she said. Establishing trust Before Danyale became their coach, the Sparklers had a training camp planned for Aug. 5-6. Danyale decided to do a two-week pre-camp because only three out of the 11 initial members of the team had any dance experience. The girls continued to practice every day after camp until the first day of school. The girls practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. "I'm not always nice in practice, and I stress to them that I will never lie to them," Danyale said. "If something looks great, you will know it looks great. But if it doesn't, you will know as well. But once I tell you it doesn't look great, I'm going to tell you how to fix it." To further shore up her relationship with the girls, Danyale said she became "an open book" for them. "I allowed them to ask me anything they wanted to know about me. A couple were a little shy, but some were very bold. They wanted to know, 'What does your husband look like?' Y'all gonna have some kids?'" she said laughing and affecting a Southern drawl, which she doesn't have. "They know when I say something to them it's coming from a good place, an honest place," she said. Hopes reach beyond dance Danyale's long-term goal is to create a dance curriculum in Columbia Public Schools "... so kids

4 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's dance instructor appear...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165163/battle-rising-batt...

who aren't able to do it outside of school have an opportunity, because dance is expensive." She was surprised there aren't dance classes in the schools or many dance teams. "When I talk to the girls here, there's so much interest in dance ... they either don't have resources or it's just not in the schools," she said. Her hopes for the Sparklers extend beyond the realm of dance. "I'm not just here to teach them how to dance, I'm here to groom them into young ladies that we can all be proud of to go out into society and be productive," she said. "It's not just about one, two, three, kick!" The age is pivotal, she said. "I would really like to make sure my girls and any other girls I come into contact with stay focused ... and always carry themselves and have self respect and self esteem." Columbia is home now Even though Danyale misses Houston and plans to have a Texas-themed Christmas tree, complete with Texas flags and cowhides, she thinks she and Lee will plant their roots here. "We both decided when we bought the house no matter what happens at the university, that this would be a place where we would want to settle and raise a family," she said. The Williams have enjoyed Columbia so far. Danyale claims to have met only nice people, and she appreciates the enthusiasm the town has for MU. "All of these wonderful things have happened to me all at the same time," Danyale said. "New town, new husband, new jobs, new dancers, new friends, new family. I can't even pinpoint one thing or another because life is just so good right now. We're Houstonians, and now we're Columbians." Supervising editor is Elizabeth Brixey.

5 of 5

3/28/14 9:39 AM

BATTLE RISING: Softball team holds car wash to raise money

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165878/battle-rising-soft...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Softball team holds car wash to raise money By T.J. Thomson September 22, 2013 | 6:24 p.m. CDT

Becca Johnston, 15, center, and Avery Hackett, 15, talk with a man at a traffic stop Sunday at the intersection Forum and Stadium boulevards while promoting the Battle High School softball team's fundraiser. The girls held a car wash for donations in the Dairy Queen parking lot. | T.J. Thomson

1 of 4

3/28/14 9:30 AM

BATTLE RISING: Softball team holds car wash to raise money

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165878/battle-rising-soft...

Avery Hackett, 15, cleans a car during the Battle High School softball team's car wash fundraiser Sunday at the intersection of Forum and Stadium boulevards. | T.J. Thomson

2 of 4

3/28/14 9:30 AM

BATTLE RISING: Softball team holds car wash to raise money

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165878/battle-rising-soft...

Paxton Jobe, 16, rinses off a car during the Battle High School softball team's car wash fundraiser Sunday at the intersection of Forum and Stadium boulevards. | T.J. Thomson Members of the Battle High School softball team gathered at the Dairy Queen at Forum and Stadium boulevards on Sunday to host a car wash fundraiser for the program. ¦ T.J. Thomson

COLUMBIA — About half a dozen high school girls stood screaming and waving signs Sunday at the intersection of Stadium and Forum boulevards. The girls dedicated their enthusiasm to making some money for their softball team at Battle High School. About Battle Rising

3 of 4

While half of the girls waved bright neon signs at the intersection that read “Honk 4 Support” and “Battle car wash,” the other half worked in the parking lot of Dairy Queen — soaping, scrubbing and spraying cars. The team washed 18 to 20 cars, Paxton Jobe, 16, said. "We’ve been here all day," Evelyn Waite, 15, said. The Battle softball team's season runs from August to October. 3/28/14 9:30 AM

BATTLE RISING: Softball team holds car wash to raise money

High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/165878/battle-rising-soft...

Supervising editor is Brian Kratzer.

Related Media

4 of 4

3/28/14 9:30 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins se...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166541/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins season on a high note By Megan Donohue October 8, 2013 | 6:35 p.m. CDT

The trombone section of Battle High School's marching band practices visuals being added to the field show during the marching band's morning practice Tuesday. | Megan Donohue

1 of 5

3/28/14 9:21 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins se...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166541/battle-rising-batt...

Battle High School marching band wind members warm up on their instruments during practice before school Tuesday. The band has placed second at both of its competitions so far. Director Robert Thalhuber said he thinks this is an accomplishment, considering the band's size and newness. | Megan Donohue

Battle High School band director Robert Thalhuber reprimands members of the marching band after a bad set during Tuesday morning's practice. Thalhuber watches the band practice every weekday morning from the press box above the field and corrects them via his microphone. | Megan Donohue

2 of 5

3/28/14 9:21 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins se...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166541/battle-rising-batt...

Emily Michaelree, Dane Steinhauer and Jordan Baggs warm up for marching band practice Tuesday morning at Battle High School. | Megan Donohue Battle High School's marching band has placed second at both of its competitions so far, which director Robert Thalhuber said he thinks is an accomplishment considering the band's size and newness. ÂŚ Megan Donohue

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dew clings to the football field turf as Battle High School marching band students lay their instruments on the track to form a stretching circle. Members of the pit ensemble wheel various vibraphones, marimbas and other mallet instruments to the center of the field. Even though Battle starts later than typical high schools, with its first period beginning at 9 a.m., band practice still begins early in the morning. The marching band, consisting of wind instrument players and pit, drumline and color guard members, practices every weekday from 7 to 8:30 a.m. About Battle Rising

3 of 5

They also attend Friday night football games and all-day Saturday marching band competitions.

3/28/14 9:21 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins se...

Related Media

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166541/battle-rising-batt...

This week, they are using their practice time to clean the rough areas of their show, called "Village of Sparta," based on comments received from judges at their first two performances. Their third show will take place Saturday at MU’s Memorial Stadium. The band placed second in its division at its first two shows, which was an accomplishment, band director Robert Thalhuber said. Many of the students had never attended a competitive marching band competition before, and only three of the students had been taught by Thalhuber before the band was formed this summer.

4 of 5

3/28/14 9:21 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School marching band begins se...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166541/battle-rising-batt...

succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

5 of 5

3/28/14 9:21 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superhero costumes By Megan Donohue October 14, 2013 | 6:01 p.m. CDT

Junior Ben Brooks, 16, made a Robin costume for the first dress up day of Battle's homecoming spirit week Monday. The first day's theme was super heroes, and there will be a different theme for each day through Friday, including decades and twin day. | Whitney Hayward

1 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Sophomore Adam Tornay, 15, stole a Batman mask from a friend to go with his hat Monday for the first day of Battle's homecoming spirit week. | Whitney Hayward

2 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Sophomore Shannon Olson, 15, costumed herself as the grim reaper's daughter for the first day of Battle's homecoming spirit week Monday. | Whitney Hayward

3 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Battle sophomore Adele Dorman, 15, dressed in full Spiderman costume for the first day of Battle High School's homecoming spirit week Monday. Dorman plays saxophone in the marching band and is on the softball team. | Whitney Hayward

4 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Battle sophomore Josh Matthews, 15, dressed up as Superman for the first day of Battle High School's homecoming spirit week Monday. | Whitney Hayward

5 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Freshman Cindy Robb, 14, wore a silver and pink Superman cape for the first dress up day of Battle High's homecoming spirit week Monday. | Whitney Hayward

Assistant Principal Jacob Sirna wore a Batman mask for the first day of Battle's homecoming spirit week Monday. | Whitney Hayward

6 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

Junior Mariah Brisco, 16, wore a gold Superman cape for the first day of Battle High School's homecoming spirit week Monday. | Megan Donohue Battle High's Homecoming started with students and teachers wearing superhero costumes on Monday. ¦ Megan Donohue, Whitney Hayward

COLUMBIA — What does Homecoming look like for a school that doesn’t have any alumni to welcome home? For Battle High School, its first homecoming week looks just like any other traditional high school so far with one slight twist — the students are largely involved in deciding what the traditions will be for future generations of Battle Spartans.

7 of 9

About Battle Rising

So far:

Battle High School’s first senior class

Rather than being elected, homecoming queens had to apply and campaign during a two-round elimination process. The homecoming dance will be held in the cafeteria area

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

rather than the school gym. There is a different dress up day every day this week leading up to the homecoming game on Friday. The Missourian will be taking portraits of the Spartans in their spirit wear throughout this week and will run a few photos throughout the week leading up to a multimedia piece that will feature the portraits. Supervising Editor is Brian Kratzer.

8 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle rings in first homecoming with superh...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166789/battle-rising-batt...

acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

9 of 9

3/28/14 9:32 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb By Megan Donohue October 16, 2013 | 9:27 p.m. CDT

Sophomore Neil Sanders dressed as Michael Jackson. Battle High School students emulated their favorite celebrities on Wednesday for Homecoming Spirit Week. | Fareeha Amir

1 of 6

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

Freshman Samantha Edwards dressed as Miley Cyrus for Battle High School's first Homecoming Spirit Week. | Julia Sumpter

2 of 6

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

Sophomore Adele Dorman dressed as Frida Kahlo on Wednesday to celebrate Battle High School's Homecoming Spirit Week. | Julia Sumpter

3 of 6

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

Sophomore Darnell Fuller dressed as the "Nutty Professor" for Battle High School's first Homecoming Spirit Week. | Fareeha Amir

4 of 6

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

Junior Raven Meyers dressed as Lady Gaga for Homecoming Spirit Week at Battle High School. | Julia Sumpter Battle High School students dressed up as their favorite celebrities Wednesday for Homecoming Spirit Week. ¦ Fareeha Amir, Julia Sumpter

COLUMBIA — The Battle High School Spartans are dressing up to fit different themes each day of their first Homecoming Spirit Week. On Wednesday, students and faculty members dressed to impersonate their favorite celebrities. Superheroes patrolled the halls on Monday. Tuesday saw decades come back, ranging from 450 A.D. to this year. About Battle Rising Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle

5 of 6

Thursday we will feature a gallery of portraits from twin day, and Friday we will feature portraits of the Spartans in their spartan-wear. Supervising Editor is Brian Kratzer.

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Spartans exude spirit with Homecoming garb

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166889/battle-rising-spa...

High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

6 of 6

3/28/14 9:18 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing as twins By Jacob Hamilton October 17, 2013 | 10:12 p.m. CDT

Battle High School junior football players Samuel Thurman, left, and Tyler Vincent dress up as their coach, Justin Conyers, for "twins" day during Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

1 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School freshman Stephanie Salas, left, and Ciarah Brandy dress up as twins for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

2 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School freshman Justine Pritt, left, and Jose Nichols dress up as twins for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

3 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School freshman Lauren Watkins, left, and Elaine Miller dress up as twins for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

4 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School freshmen Sheccid Nu単ez Flores, from left, Collette Pippin and Maddison White dress to match for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

5 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School freshman Hayden Ronland, left, and Hannah Pearl dress up as twins for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton

6 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

Battle High School sophomore Zach Mayfield, left, and freshman Yoshim Smith, dress up as twins for Spirit Week at Battle High School on Thursday. | Jacob Hamilton On Thursday, as part of Spirit Week, Battle High School students paired up and dressed as "twins." The Missourian photo staff has a photo booth in the school's common area to make portraits during different dress-up days. A slideshow featuring the best portraits will be on our website Sunday. ¦ Jacob Hamilton

COLUMBIA — The Battle High School Spartans are dressing up to fit different themes each day of their first Homecoming Spirit Week. On Thursday, they paired up and dressed as twins. Superheroes patrolled the halls on Monday. Tuesday saw decades come back, ranging from 450 A.D. to this year. And on Wednesday, students and faculty members dressed to impersonate their favorite celebrities. About Battle Rising

Supervising editor is Brian Kratzer.

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in

7 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

8 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: Sprit Week continues with students dressing ...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166938/battle-rising-spr...

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

9 of 9

3/28/14 9:29 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High's first Homecoming By Samantha Hubbard October 19, 2013 | 11:28 p.m. CDT

Battle juniors Julian Montano, left, and Tyra Brisco, 16, kiss Saturday at Battle High School's Homecoming dance. | Jacob Hamilton

1 of 7

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

Sophomore Josh Matthews, 15, dances at Battle High School's Homecoming dance Sunday at Battle High School. Students danced to the tune of the "Electric Slide," Adele's "Skyfall" and Ylvis' "The Fox," among other songs. | Jacob Hamilton

2 of 7

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

Juniors Blake Rosson, 17, left, and Drue Horton, 17, dance at Battle High School's Homecoming dance. Horton was Battle's homecoming queen for the junior class. | Jacob Hamilton

Battle High School Homecoming court candidates are presented to the fans during the football game on Saturday. | Julia Sumpter

3 of 7

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

Battle High School Principal Kim Presko holds the Homecoming queens' crown before the winners are announced Saturday. | Julia Sumpter

4 of 7

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

Freshman Homecoming Queen Lexie Horton, 14, applies mascara next to her sister, Junior Homecoming Queen Drue Horton. The sisters, along with a sophomore winner, were the first ever Battle High School Homecoming Queens. | Julia Sumpter Battle High School had its inaugural Homecoming dance Saturday night. ¦

COLUMBIA — "Spartans — What is your profession?" Battle High School cheered at its first Homecoming celebration with a new chant at the football game Saturday. Students of Battle High School created new homecoming traditions this weekend, including a Homecoming court, a new chant and the school's first dance theme, "007 — Spartans... Battle Spartans." MoreStory

5 of 7

The new chant debuted at the Saturday afternoon football game against the Normal Community West Wildcats. It came from a line by Gerard Butler's character in "300." The chant emulated a scene from the movie when the Spartan army chanted in unison to show that they would fight as one. "Ahoo, Ahoo, Ahoo," the fans responded together. New Homecoming traditions like these have been surfacing

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

6 of 7

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

throughout the week, and students have been at the forefront of creating them. Ari Sanchez, a junior who participated on the Homecoming court committee, said switching to Battle High school gave him "more opportunities to be in student leadership." Since this is the first year of the school, students in the Homecoming court committee had to create a system for electing the Homecoming kings and queens for the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. There is no senior class at Battle High School, so next year the Homecoming king and queen will be picked from the first senior class, Sanchez said. Students applied to be Homecoming royalty, and those selected were voted on by the student body during lunch and Spartan Time. Thursday students voted only on the royalty in their selective grades, Sanchez said. Friday they voted for royalty in every grade. Sanchez also said there were about 30 people in multiple committees involved in creating the school's first Homecoming from start to finish. "We had to go to meetings in the morning, and I am not a morning person," said Sanchez. "It took us a week to decide how we would choose our candidates." New traditions also included an assembly on Friday, where students battled other students and teacher in games and obstacles. "We had to run down the court with a basketball, spin our heads around a bat 15 times, and then go down and do a lay-up," sophomore Omar Hayes said. The student body also prepared for the first ever Homecoming dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday .

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: New traditions at the forefront of Battle High...

eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167008/battle-rising-new...

Kara Miller, a Battle High School sophomore, wished the event would start at 7 p.m. so that students could have more time to dance.

Miller, along with a group of other students, planned to get ready after the football game. Some had dates, but many chose to go with a group of their friends. Students from other schools are allowed to attend as long as a student from Battle High School filled out the form and turned it in to the assistant principle's office. David Seifert, a sophomore at Rock Bridge High School, attended the Battle football game and planned to attend the Homecoming dance. He was asked to attend by a Battle student, and that student also plans to attend Rock Bridge's Homecoming dance with him as well. Many students at Battle transferred from schools in the surrounding area. Tonight, the high schools will blend in a memorable first dance. Sophomore Camille Branham said twerking would be the hot dance move of the night. Surrounding friends agreed, along with mentioning "the wop" and grinding. Branham also stated the necessity of having good music for the dance to be successful. "It's really awkward dancing in front of your teachers," Branham said. It was also all laughs when it came to attire. "I thought you were serious when you sent me that text," Seifert said to a fellow student on his decision to wear a bowtie to the dance tonight. But Sanchez agrees with Seifert's decision. "After they said '007' I immediately thought of bow ties. I love wearing bow ties. It's a classic look, more formal," Sanchez said. Supervising editor is Zachary Matson.

7 of 7

3/28/14 9:27 AM

BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167011/battle-rising-sch...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week By Missourian staff October 20, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CDT COLUMBIA — Battle High School celebrated its first Homecoming Spirit Week with the pomp and flair high school homecomings are known for, despite the lack of alumni to welcome home. Because this was the school's inaugural homecoming, it was the responsibility of the current students to develop the traditions that will be passed to future generations. Each day of Spirit Week had a different theme, for which the students and faculty dressed up, including superheroes, decades, celebrities and twins. The week culminated in a day featuring Spartan attire.

About Battle Rising

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to

1 of 3

3/28/14 9:45 AM

BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167011/battle-rising-sch...

graduation, and so many stories in between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

2 of 3

3/28/14 9:45 AM

BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167011/battle-rising-sch...

eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

3 of 3

3/28/14 9:45 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-themed outfits By Megan Donohue October 15, 2013 | 7:18 p.m. CDT

Sophomore Kara Miller dressed in '80s attire for the second day of homecoming week at Battle High School. | Whitney Hayward

1 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

Freshman Moriah Zielinski dressed up in 1950s-style clothes for homecoming week at Battle High School. | Megan Donohue

Freshman Forest Miller came to school dressed for the future: the 2020s. | Whitney Hayward

2 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

Freshman Jacob Marshall stepped back in time for Battle's Making History Day with this 1450sthemed costume. | Megan Donohue

3 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

Freshman Kailee Foster dressed up in a 1980s outfit. | Megan Donohue

4 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

Mariah Brisco and Skyler Carter, both juniors at Battle High School, dressed up in 1970s-style outfits for homecoming week. | Megan Donohue

5 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

Junior Karissa Brickey took things back a few hundred years with her 1600s costume. | Whitney Hayward On Tuesday, as part of Spirit Week, Battle High School students dressed in attire from different decades. The Missourian photo staff has a photo booth in the school's common area to make portraits during different dress-up days. A slideshow featuring the best portraits will be on our website Sunday. ¦ Megan Donohue, Whitney Hayward

COLUMBIA — What does homecoming look like for a school with no alumni to welcome home? For Battle High School, it looks like superheroes, different decades, twins and Spartans. Battle High School is celebrating homecoming with Spirit Week. Each day this week, students are dressing to a different theme. Tuesday's theme was "Making History." Students dressed in attire from their favorite decades. About Battle Rising

Battle High School’s first senior class won’t graduate until spring 2015. Join us as the Missourian covers the entire school, from grand opening to graduation, and so many stories in

6 of 8

The Missourian photo staff has a photo booth in the school's common area to make portraits all week, culminating in a slideshow on the Missourian's website Sunday featuring the best photos. Supervising editor is Brian Kratzer.

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

between, as the next two years unfold. If you have a story idea about a student or professional at Battle High, email us at photoed@missouri.edu.

Related Media

7 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Students show school spirit in decades-them...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/166829/battle-rising-stu...

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

8 of 8

3/28/14 9:24 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167997/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day By Fareeha Amir November 13, 2013 | 6:13 p.m. CST

Students of Larry Henneke's agriculture class play tug of war with students from the welding class on Wednesday. Henneke is the agriculture teacher at Battle High School and oversaw the Agriculture Science Day held at the school. | Fareeha Amir

1 of 5

3/28/14 9:28 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167997/battle-rising-batt...

Battle High School sophomore Catherine Harris pets one of the mules at the agriculture day. The school had pigs, chickens, sheep, mules, donkeys, cows and a horse. | Fareeha Amir

A cow looks out of its pen in the agriculture department Wednesday at Battle High School during the Agriculture Science Day event. | Fareeha Amir

2 of 5

3/28/14 9:28 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167997/battle-rising-batt...

Junior Gary Dietzel, 17, throws a tire as part of a competition for the FFA club held for students. Dietzel is part of the club and plans to pursue welding in the future. | Fareeha Amir Battle High School's FFA club hosted its first Agriculture Science Day on Wednesday. The event included a petting zoo, farm Olympic games, a hay ride and an ultrasound of sheep. ¦

COLUMBIA — For the Battle High School FFA club's first Agriculture Science Day, the agriculture department resembled a county fair petting zoo. Cows lowed in pens, chickens pecked at the dirt and baby goats rested in students' arms as different classes entered. The event included a petting zoo, farm Olympic games, a hay ride and an ultrasound of sheep. About Battle Rising

Larry Henneke, the agriculture teacher at Battle, was in charge of putting the event together. He emphasized the importance of young people understanding where the food they eat comes from.

Battle High School’s first senior class

3 of 5

3/28/14 9:28 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

Related Media

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167997/battle-rising-batt...

"A lot of the (agriculture) kids here don't come from a farm background," Henneke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids are so far removed from all this." For many of the students, the highlight was interacting with the animals at the petting zoo as they learned about the food production and agricultural processes. Henneke said students need a basic understanding of agriculture production because some of them will go into a related field. He said he felt the event was successful because of all the smiling students he saw participating in the different activities.

4 of 5

3/28/14 9:28 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167997/battle-rising-batt...

acting BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

5 of 5

3/28/14 9:28 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety By Claire Cole November 15, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CST

From left, freshmen Michelle Collins, Adrianna Gruer and Karlye Jeffries talk to John Warner, Battle High's school resource officer, during lunch. | Fareeha Amir

1 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

John Warner is Battle High School's resource officer. He patrols the halls during lunch and free periods to be sure the students are being safe. | Fareeha Amir

John Warner, Battle High School's resource officer, monitors the surveillance cameras in his office during class periods. Warner works at the school Monday through Friday to ensure kids are behaving properly and learning in a safe environment. | Fareeha Amir

2 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

John Warner, Battle High's school resource officer, works at the school to ensure students are in a safe environment. ¦ Fareeha Amir

COLUMBIA — It can happen anywhere. The lunchroom. A hallway. The gymnasium. A classroom. The parking lot. About Battle Rising

It can be anything. A fight. A drug bust. An intruder. On Sept. 10, just after 10:30 a.m., it happens. Columbia

Related Media

Related Articles BATTLE RISING: Athletes compete in kick-off track meet at Battle High School

3 of 7

Police Officer John Warner, the school resource officer at Battle High School, gets a call over the radio attached to his belt. He is needed immediately. That call sets everything in motion. He straightens his 6-foot-4 frame and immediately begins walking. He picks up his pace but still exudes calm and cool. He weaves through students, hurries down the staircase and makes a calculated set of turns that puts him right outside a classroom in the G hallway on the main floor. A dozen or so curious students part like the Red Sea to let Warner see what is going on: a fight between two students. Amid the confusion, Warner quickly secures one by the upper forearm and directs that student toward an administrator. The other one, the instigator, is pulled into the classroom for a private conversation with Warner and one of the assistant principals. Minutes later, all three emerge, and the student is escorted to the office to provide information for the incident report and figure out a course of action. All the while, Warner is not fazed, not frazzled, not ferocious. He’s simply present. He steps in when he is

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School's first fan bus travels to sectionals BATTLE RISING: Students gather at Battle High School for chess tournament BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

needed but also knows when to back away. Battle's first SRO After working in Columbia Public Schools for more than 20 years, Warner is accustomed to situations like this one. He has worked at numerous schools throughout district, providing protection and education to administrators, teachers and students. Now, as the school resource officer or SRO assigned to Battle High, he is using his years of experience to handle the challenges of a new building with a new student body. The number of disciplinary incidents that Warner handles should be going down, though. The number of incidents taking place in the district has shown a marked decrease over the past four years, according to data from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Nonetheless, the job requires plenty of vigilance and keen observation as Warner gets his bearings at Battle. It shouldn’t take long, seeing as his job is centered around basic surveillance and patrolling. In his refined, discrete manner, he scans the surrounding area. His brown eyes, normally friendly and warm, can turn quickly into focused cameras, recording and processing everything they see. Always watching Over the noon hour one day in September, Warner watches the routine activities of any high school lunchroom: chatting students, laughter between two friends sharing a joke, general munching and crunching of cafeteria food. His head moves slowly and smoothly as his gaze sweeps across the room, back and forth, back and forth. All of a sudden, the scanning stops. His eyes lock in on something that just doesn’t seem right, doesn’t seem normal. It's something he needs to assess. Right now, it’s a group of students that seems a little too large and tightly packed together, as if hiding something. Warner stares for a moment, deciding whether the group merits his 4 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

attention. He doesn’t want to come on too strong, but he doesn’t want to overlook anything, either. "It doesn’t take long for little things to turn into big things," he says. Today, it’s the former. The group disperses after Warner calmly, but firmly, asks them to. He resumes his post at the entrance to the lunchroom. Throughout the 30-minute lunch period, students approach Warner and the teachers stationed nearby asking to leave. Some want to go to their lockers; others say they need to speak with a teacher. But every student is subjected to a flurry of questions, mostly from the teachers. "Where are you going?" "Do you have a pass?" "Are you cleared?" This happens with every student, no matter how innocent or sincere he or she seems. It’s a wariness that Warner believes will subside with time. "As the staff gets to know the students, it will ease up," he says. That’s the main challenge Warner sees being the SRO at a new high school. He, as well as the administrators and teachers, has never worked with this batch of students. "We all know some of the kids," he says. "Now, we’re all just trying to learn all of them." From his interactions, however, it appears that Warner knows more than just some of them. He can tell you their names, where they usually sit in the lunchroom and their usual behavior patterns. One afternoon, after the final lunch period of the day, Officer Warner is wandering the hallways as the students hurry to class. The main hallway eventually clears, with the exception of a few stragglers. He notices two in particular who are already late for class take a right turn off the main hallway. He makes his prediction: If he waits for a little while in the hallway, at least one, if not both, will come back the down the hall, obviously having tried to put off going to class. He waits patiently against the wall, his eyes trained on the hallway down which the students

5 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

disappeared. Sure enough, one comes meandering back just minutes later. "Hey, I called that, didn’t I?" he says, a playful twinkle in his eye and a knowing smile on his face as he watches the students walk into their respective classrooms. Connecting with students Joking aside, it’s this extreme attention to detail that sets Warner apart in his job, according Columbia Police Department Lieutenant Krista Shouse-Jones, the supervisor of all the SROs in the district. "He does a good job of keeping in touch with the kids in his school," Shouse-Jones says. Others have noticed this as well. Teachers and administrators who have worked with Warner in the past appreciate the presence he brought into the schools. Helen Porter, the principal at Oakland Middle School, has known Warner for a decade. She worked with him when he was the one SRO assigned to six middle and junior high schools within the district. "He was a positive influence in the hallways and was always around when we needed him," Porter says. Marcus McGuinn, now a ninth-grade government teacher at Hickman High School, also worked with Warner during that time at West Junior High School. After Warner was assigned to more schools besides West, the staff had a hard time adjusting to sharing him. "We missed having him in the building, mainly because he was fun to have around. He was such an integral part of our little community that we had," McGuinn says. A natural in the classroom At West, which is now a middle school, Warner also assisted in classrooms such as McGuinn’s, to teach students about government and their constitutional rights. It was a natural transition for him because he taught the Drug Abuse Resistance Education or DARE program to fifthgraders for 20 years before becoming an SRO in 2002. "He’d be in a classroom in a heartbeat," McGuinn says.

6 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps h...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/167973/battle-rising-batt...

Both were opportunities that Warner enjoyed because he felt he could proactively help students. "I liked teaching DARE because you could get to the kid before he or she gets into trouble," Warner explains. Even though Warner likes to call himself a cynic, he shows a fair amount of optimism and belief in the kids’ ability to change. "We don’t want to tie a tail to them," he says. "We don’t want them to make a mistake that decides the rest of their lives." With his love of working with students and the passion he has for being a police officer, Warner says it will be difficult for him to eventually leave his position. At age 56, he’s been eligible to retire for several years now. "The problem with getting the job you’ve always wanted to do is what to do next," he says. But for now, Warner will continue to patrol the halls with his warm smile, happy to help anyone who needs him. Supervising editor is Elizabeth Brixey.

7 of 7

3/28/14 9:26 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting By Julia Sumpter November 25, 2013 | 7:05 p.m. CST

Tyler McCutchen sings "Mushnik and Son" during a sound check before the opening night of Battle High School's performance of "Little Shop of Horrors" on Thursday. | Julia Sumpter

1 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

Battle High School freshhman Cole Flottman, left, as Seymour Krelborn, freshman Kate Kaufman, center, as Audrey and Tyler McCutchen as Mushnik perform together in the first act of "Little Shop of Horrors" during a dress rehearsal on Wednesday. | Julia Sumpter

Battle High School junior Taylor Kirby, 16, rests an elbow on 16-year old junior Tyler McCutchen during intermission of the Saturday performance of "Little Shop of Horrors." Kirby and McCutchen are best friends. "She is the best thing in my life," McCutchen said. | Julia Sumpter

2 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

The cast of Battle High School's production of "Little Shop of Horrors" does vocal warm-ups led by director Jazz Rucker on Friday. | Julia Sumpter

3 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

Tyler McCutchen studies in his room for his Advanced Placement U.S. History exam that is scheduled to be taken the day after the show closes. Being a part of a musical is highly demanding, especially the week of the performances, which is called "tech week." "Tech week is awful. We have rehearsal from 6 to 10 p.m. No homework and no sleeping. I've yawned so many times these past two days," McCutchen said. | Julia Sumpter

4 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

Playbills from all of 16-year-old Tyler McCutchen's former shows sit on his bedroom in his family's Columbia home. McCutchen began acting in seventh grade and has since been in 13 performances. McCutchen says his goal is to be in 20 before he graduates from high school next year. | Julia Sumpter Tyler McCutchen, 16, has performed in 13 shows since he was in seventh grade. McCutchen says he hopes to perform in 20 before he graduates. "I just love the stage," McCutchen said. "I love the lights and seeing people in the audience and being up there in front of everyone just makes me feel … . It’s not even adrenaline because I don’t feel that. I just feel like it’s where I want to be because it makes me the happiest.” ¦ Julia Sumpter

COLUMBIA — Before seventh grade, 16-year-old Tyler McCutchen was shy. But as he stands on the stage as Mushnik, one of the lead roles in Battle High School’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors," it's hard to tell. “At first, I was one of those really timid kids who never came out of his shell,” McCutchen said. “I was really quiet and stuff.” MoreStory Related Media

McCutchen’s mother, who participated in theater productions at Hickman High School, suggested that he try theater as a way to broaden his high school experience. “They thought at first that I was going to be one of those smart kids, one of those nerdy kids who just did schoolwork and nothing more,” McCutchen said about his parents.

5 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168432/battle-rising-juni...

“Then I got into theater and they saw how talented and confident I could be, and they thought that was great. They’ve come to every show I’ve done.”

Now 16, with 13 theatrical shows under his belt and aiming to complete 20 by the time he graduates from high school, McCutchen isn’t shy anymore — not even a little. Even without a microphone he can be heard in the back of the performing arts center, bellowing lines at his fellow actors. He exudes confidence in all three pillars of theater: acting, singing and dancing. “I don’t have a shell anymore,” he said. “I’m an open person with everybody. Getting up in front of all of those people might feel a little nerve-wracking at first, but … it’s where I want to be. "I just love the stage. I love the lights and seeing people in the audience and being up there in front of everyone just makes me feel … It’s not even adrenaline because I don’t feel that. I just feel like it’s where I want to be because it makes me the happiest.”

BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

6 of 6

3/28/14 9:16 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to succeed By Carlin Wagner December 30, 2013 | 6:00 a.m. CST

Romello Nicholas listens as other students in the AVID class say what they like about the program Nov. 1 at Battle High School. | Mackenzie Bruce

1 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

Freshman Lexie Horton shares with her family goals she set for herself on Nov. 1 at Battle High School. One of Horton's goals is to go to college in California. "High School has been much harder than junior high. If you mess up one little thing, you can mess up completely," she said. "I love AVID because it helps me take the right steps to get to college." | Mackenzie Bruce

(From left) Sophomore Miranda Bradshaw looks over Tatiana Winters's geometry honors problem on the white board. Meanwhile Tyreke Miller gestures towards his Spanish I homework on the other side of the board as tutor and MU junior Sheree Johnson studies the phrase during the AVID class at Battle High School on Nov. 21. | Kholood Eid

2 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

Twana Johnson, left, O-Von-Jai Johnson, 1, and Freeman Hickman sit as a family while discussing their goals on Nov. 1 at Battle High School. "I like that AVID is not only based on academics but family stuff, too," Hickman said. | Mackenzie Bruce

3 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

Sophomore Tatiana Winters copies homework from geometry honors that she needs help with in the AVID at Battle High School on Nov. 21. Each group consists of other sophomores and one tutorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; either an adult or college studentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to collaborate on assisting one another out with work from other classes. | Kholood Eid

4 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

Sophomore DeShawn Graves goes over work in the AVID at Battle High School on Nov. 21, 2013. "These are kids with great desire to succeed and go to college but they need more support," said AVID teacher Rachel Bennett. The class, which consists of 21 sophomores chosen from more than 80 applicants, is graded and credited just like any other course. According to Bennett, they teach academic strategies but also focus on providing social and emotional help for the students enrolled. | Kholood Eid

Karlye Jeffries gets emotional while talking about what AVID means to her in front of the group of students and parents Nov. 1 at Battle High School. Jeffries said she couldn't be where she is now without her friends and her teacher. | Mackenzie Bruce

5 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

Students participate in AVID, which is a national college readiness system that targets students in the academic middle who show a strong desire to attend college and are determined to work hard. The class, which consists of 21 sophomores chosen from more than 80 applicants, is graded and credited just like any other course. It teaches academic strategies but also focuses on providing social and emotional help for the students enrolled. ÂŚ Kholood Eid, Mackenzie Bruce

COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Miguel Montes, a sophomore at Battle High School, will be the first in his family to graduate high school and the first to attend college. Montes, 16, is the only one in his family who speaks English well enough to communicate with others, so he often serves as the translator for his Spanish-speaking family. He also is responsible for making sure his little brother gets his schoolwork done and the household bills get paid. MoreStory Related Media

6 of 9

Montes has been a smart student and wants to go to college to become a surgeon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for now, at least. He's pretty sure that no matter what he does, it will be in the medical field. Montes is one of many students who are determined to work hard but could benefit from a support system to push them to challenge themselves. Along with 20 other sophomores and 23 freshman at Battle, he was selected for a new Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, system at Battle. The program strives to close the academic achievement gap among students by providing them with the resources and support to not only be prepared for college, but to succeed in it. AVID is a national college readiness system that targets students in the academic middle who show a strong desire to attend college and are determined to work hard. Often, these students are the first in their family to go to college, and many are from low-income or minority families, according the national AVID website.

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

BATTLE RISING: Students audition for school's first talent show BATTLE RISING: Students engage in February events BATTLE RISING: Battle High School couple find love BATTLE RISING: Junior Tyler McCutchen loses 'shell' through acting

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

AVID also is at Rock Bridge and Hickman high schools. To be admitted, students have to complete an application and oral and written interviews. Then the AVID Site Teams at each school select the best qualified students for their building. A push toward potential

BATTLE RISING: Battle High's student resource officer keeps his eye on school safety

Many in the Battle class said they applied because they needed someone to push them to reach their full potential.

BATTLE RISING: Battle hosts Agriculture Science Day

Freshman Stephanie Salas said her mother and the rest of her family are cleaners, and they expected her to be the same. Salas is determined to do something different.

BATTLE RISING: School spirit evident during Homecoming week

That personal determination is important, AVID instructor Rachel Bennett said. "We know we have really intelligent students," Bennett said. "But if they don't want to succeed more than we want to see them succeed, it ends up being really hard." According to National Student Clearinghouse data, 96 percent of students in the Columbia district aspire to attend a two- or four-year college; however, 47 percent of them go on to graduate from college. Abdul Nour, a 14-year-old freshman in the AVID class, wants to receive all As and Bs this semester. He said he won't be satisfied with his grades until they are all 100 percent. "Whenever I want to give up, I just look at this," Nour said, glancing at a yellow "AVID Scholar" bracelet on his right wrist. "It gives me motivation to keep going." AVID is a regular credited elective class that students attend two or three times a week. They will remain in the program until they graduate. A lot is expected of these students, Bennett said. They are required to be enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement or honors course. The challenging curriculum empowers students with the critical thinking and necessary skills they need to be prepared for college, Bennett said. It also helps them recognize their ability to do well in school and boosts their self-esteem. "Being in AVID has opened my eyes to my future," sophomore Tatiana Winters, 15, said. "I've

7 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

learned I can do so much more." One of those achievements is taking an Advanced Placement course. Winters wants to go to college to become a biochemical engineer. All students are given an AVID binder that contains all the materials for their courses. The classroom gives them a structured place for them to stay organized, Bennett said. Students are focused on learning how to efficiently and effectively take notes, as well as reading to learn. They also participate in Socratic seminars and other learning activities to help improve their academic skills. Each week, students have the opportunity to receive help from their peers, as well as a paid tutor, on something they are struggling to understand in one of their classes. It forces them to ask high-level critical thinking questions and use each other to find a solution rather than give up. Paige Robb, a freshman AVID student, said the tutorials are a strategy she will continue through college. It is a strategy that helps not only the person asking the question, but also challenges the entire class. Instead of telling them the answer, you ask questions to help them reach a solution, Robb, 15, said. Classmates offer support system The classroom offers much more than lessons to improve students' academic skills. Many of the students in the program face challenges in their personal lives that often interfere with their academic success. The relationships built among students is a huge aspect of AVID. Montes said his family wants him to advance and has given him nothing but support and love. However, when he is struggling with homework, the level of work is often beyond their reach to help, he said. Montes has a lot of responsibilities at home, and AVID has helped him learn how to manage his time better. He said his classmates always remind him of projects, homework and lend their notes if he needs them. "AVID is a family," Bennett said. "It's a safe place where they can talk about their personal and academic lives without fear that it will leave the classroom. They all support one another." The support system goes beyond the classroom. This year, sophomore Samantha Moss, 15, and

8 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM

BATTLE RISING: AVID gives students support, resources to s...

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/168239/battle-rising-avi...

freshman Lexie Horton, 14, were in the running for Battle's ninth and 10th-grade homecoming queens. Both students won with the help and support from their AVID family. As a new school, Battle elected a student from the ninth, 10th and 11th grades for homecoming court this year. "I couldn't have won without the votes and support from my AVID family," Moss said. Since AVID started at the beginning of the year, Bennett said attendance rates have increased and discipline and tardies have decreased. She has also seen a rise in students' confidence and self-esteem. Romello Nichols, a freshman in AVID, was a quiet student before he started the class. He said he has become more confident and learned to speak up both when he is confused and when he knows a concept well enough to teach others. "I feel very proud of myself," Nichols, 14, said. "I've stepped out of my comfort zone and have helped others. That's something I would've never done before." Supervising editor is Elizabeth Brixey.

9 of 9

3/28/14 9:15 AM