CAMPUS NEWS 6

Extracurriculars at CHS Clubs, sports, and more

Reilly Johnson, Staff Writer

On campus there are many extracurriculars and clubs you can join. Everyone knows about Key Club and the National Honor Society, but did you know that Cullman offers language clubs and more? A few of the clubs offered are: Spanish club, HOSA, FFA, and the Art Honor Society. Along with these, you can tryout for any number of the sports teams that the school presents. There is everything from football to tennis. There is also a dance team and a cheerleading team. If you are looking for something involved with the school, but are not interested in sports, there is The Hilight newspaper staff, The Southerner yearbook staff, Bearcat News Nation, and theatre. Recently a chess club has been added to the list as well.

Joining a club can really help your socialization. You can also make new friends and meet new people. They can also help grow your resume. Before deciding you don’t want to get involved in school activities, think about the many positives and the opportunities you could be presented solely based on your affiliations.

A N i g h t t o R e m e m b e r

A 2023 prom picture recap

I Believe That You Have Won!

The 2023 Miss Southerner and Fair Queen pageant recap

Mimi

Lunsford, Staff Writer

Our three junior fair queen contestants held themselves with poise and beauty. Lexie Anderson performed an amazing dance and tumbling routine to “PYT” by Michael Jackson. Siddalee Drake stunned the crowd with a gorgeous dress and dazzling smile, and Adrianne Lynn won the talent sash with a wonderful rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know.” All the contestants did an incredible job. and Congratulations to Miss Drake our 2023 Cullman High School Fair Queen Representative!

CHS Outdoors

Fair Queen Winner: Siddalee Drake Fair Queen Miss Congeniality: Siddalee Drake

Fair Queen Talent Winner: Adrianne Lynn

Southerner Winner: Ivaleigh Peppers

1st Alternate: Caroline Tomlin

2nd Alternate: Emree Dean

3rd Alternate: Avery Orr

Congeniality: Maddie Files

Photogenic: Madison Barnett

Top Ten: Ivaleigh Peppers, Caroline Tomlin, Emree Dean, Avery Orr, Maddie Files, Maddie Witcher, Ashton Henderson, Madison Barnett, Jessie Godbee, Lexie McCormick.

This year twenty-six wonderful ladies represented Cullman High School in the 2023 Miss Southerner Pageant. From the ages of 14-18, these girls competed for the title by scores composed of interviews, walks, gowns, and overall academics. Preston Gray and former Fair Queen Representative Kathryn Dueland did an excellent job hosting the pageant and helping these ladies throughout the night. Ten lovely ladies were chosen as the top ten contestants: Ivaleigh Peppers, Caroline Tomlin, Emree Dean, Avery Orr, Maddie Files, Maddie Witcher, Ashton Henderson, Madison Barnett, Jessie Godbee, Lexie McCormick. Overall, all of the contestants represented our school admirably and provided a superb night of entertainment for the whole community. Freshman Ivaleigh Peppers won the crown at the end of the night after a wonderful walk, incredible interview, and astonishing academics. Congratulations Miss Peppers, the alternates, Miss Congeniality, Top Ten, and all of the other contestants.

How students are getting envolved with agriculture around campus

Olivia Britton, Staff Writer

Cullman High School excels in many categories, but one that tends to be overshadowed is our agricultural success. Mr. Benefield is the Future Farmers of America (FFA) sponsor and teaches the agriculture classes at CHS. When asked, he said he “always had a passion for agriculture. Pretty much anything that includes the outdoors (dirt, water, woods, wildlife, trees, crops/gardens, plants, animals/ livestock) has been a part of my life from an early age.” Mr. Benefield teaches the courses Agriculture I-IV, Fish & Wildlife Management, Intro to Animal & Dairy Science, Horticulture/Landscape, and Welding. Nature is a beautiful thing, and something that we as humans are made to interact with. Benefield shared the following statement: “I truly believe that God has placed a certain few with the task and desire to be involved in agriculture. I pray that when I get to heaven that God will allow me to help tend his garden and care for his animals.”

Agriculture is the largest industry in the world. It employs more than one billion people and generates over $1.3 trillion dollars worth of food every year. On top of that, pasture and cropland occupy around 50 percent of the Earth’s habitable land. This land provides both habitat and food for a multitude of species. Considering that agriculture is responsible for everything from harvesting crops to raising livestock, the agriculture industry meets the daily food needs of vegetarians and carnivores. At CHS, students have opportunities to learn more about this valuable industry in Mr. Benefield’s classes and FFA. In his classes he values hands-on learning, challenging ones-self, exposure to new thoughts and ideas associated with agriculture, understanding the importance of working hard and being productive, being able to get along with others, being responsible and respectful --- all while engaging in meaningful tasks that actually helps one grow and develop. Mr. Benefield is passionate about not only agriculture, but educating students about agriculture as well. “My goal as an Ag teacher has always been to teach in a way that makes my students aware of the importance of agriculture and how it has impacted and continues to impact our lives each and every day.”

Last year, at a forestry judging competition, the Cullman High FFA team won first place. Team members were as follows: Evan Dockery, Roman Shields, Landon Franks, Brooks Clark, Forrest Calvert and Carson Starnes. Forrest Calvert also one the high point scorer at the event. According to the Cullman Times, the purpose of the event is to stimulate student interest in forestry, promote forestry instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and recognize students who learn and demonstrate competence in forestry. As part of the competition, team members demonstrate knowledge of timber cruising/ volume estimating, timber stand improvement, tree identification, and compass orientation.

If you are interested in Agriculture or FFA, go see Mr. Benefield in the Ag building, or email him at dbenefield@cullmancats.net.

Mr. Benefield shared with me some of his favorite Agriculture quotes which are listed below.