Retrospective Design

MURIEL WILLIAMS BATTLE HIGH SCHOOL

7575 E. St. Charles Road Columbia, MO 65202 573-214-3300 www.cpsk12.org/domain/26 1638 students Dr. Kim Presko, Principal Mr. Adam Taylor, Associate Principal

Reagan Laing plays the clarinet during the band field show.

OPENING SEPTEMBER

1

perspec THIS IS OUR

Left to right: Kamiya Logan poses after finishing her dance routine during the fall sports assembly. Jordyn Butler jumps to spike the ball during a volleyball game. Micah Stevens runs in to kick the ball during the kickball fundraising event. Jenna Hughes runs to hit a forehand during a tennis match. Tavian Miller gets set up to catch the ball. Jaheel Thrower gets up off the ground after playing with kids during a basketball camp.

ctive

W

hen you think about the education system carefully, you begin to realize that it is quite interesting.

You work persistently for five months, get to relax for one, come back to finish another five months and recoup for another two before doing it all over again.

While you are in school, your energy is spent studying for tests, exploring extracurricular activities and learning how to balance a job and social life on top of it all.

High school is a time you explore you love, you want to be and you can get there.

what how

who

That’s why the purpose of the yearbook is to not only capture the memories of the school year, but to express who you were as an individual in hopes that you will and be proud of who you were during your years at Battle High School.

look back

more

We are than just students who walk the halls of Battle: We are students with unique We are that are today’s leaders

prospects

perspectives.

and tomorrow’s doctors, lawyers, scholars, teachers and writers.

We are , learning who we are and what we believe.

introspective

retro IN

SPECT WE ARE BATTLE. OPENING

3

survive I will

This year the annual Passport to Success was held on Aug. 28. The event allows families and students to meet with their teachers and learn more about the upcoming school year.

For the first section of the night, families could attend the freshmen 101, sophomore seminar, and college and career planning meetings.

Parents could then attend the elective showcase along with meet-the-teachers in the commons.

The Passport to Success event is a big night for Battle.

Melissa Patterson, counselor, explained the importance of the event. “It allows us to showcase and highlight all of the good things the teachers are doing for students,” Patterson said.

Last year, Battle decided to change the format of the event. In past years, students and parents would ‘walk-through’ their A and B day classes, and teachers would give a little preview to what students would learn.

Patterson ultimately believes

that the new format is more effective. “We decided that would allow parents to meet their teachers in a more formal format,” Patterson said.

Battle plans to keep this format for years to come.

Teacher Samantha Bratcher said, “It was a good way to get important information to the parents quicker and allow parents to visit more important classes of their interest.”

Students also enjoy the event because it allows students to learn more about upcoming opportunities and to think more about the future. Austin Rush, junior, attended the college and career planning meeting and believes it was beneficial for him. “I got to learn more about college prep, how to apply, and how to find scholarships. I also got a chance to introduce my parents to my teachers,” Rush said.

People in attendance got cookies and were also entered into a raffle to win Spirit Store attire.

This year Battle hosted the sixth annual back-toschool event. Last year they introduced a new system for it, also known as Passport for Success. Top to left to right: Austin Rush listens to Jacob Biener during the 11th and 12th grade portion.

William Palmer pitches his speech to a student. Leigh Spence gives a speech to the crowd. Carl Dement speaks to parents about his woodshopping class.

Night FEVER Friday Night Lights kick off every season at the Jamboree. This year, the Jamboree was a preview for what’s to come after hiring new head coach Attiyah Ellison. Left to right: After looking for an open reciever, Khaleel Dampier throws the ball to his teammate.

D’Artanyan Good tackles a Rock Bridge player.

14

SUMMER

Fall is notorious for Friday nights spent at a stadium watching football. The football team last season was coming off a 5-4 season, a fifth straight district championship, and an appearance in the class five state semifinals.

New head coach Attiyah Ellison was hired in the spring after Justin Conyers announced that he took the head coach position in Hallsville.

Ellison was Battle’s defensive line coach for six years, but this is his first head coaching position. “When I first heard that I was going to become the new

head coach, I was excited,” Ellison said. “I knew I had a lot of hard work and right now it’s going good. I’m having fun.”

Senior wide receiver and captain Tavian Miller has been with the team for four years.

Miller said, “I feel Ellison has been the best coach I’ve ever had. He's been amazing with being passionate and being involved with every single member of the football team, including the freshmen team.

The passion he has for us is something I haven't seen with this team for the four years I’ve been here so I'm glad the move for him was the best.”

Rewind the back to school playlist

I’m a believer It’s Now or Never Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

I Will Survive

Night Fever What’s For Breakfast

What’s for

Breakfast?

On August 24, the smells of pancakes welcomed visitors. This year, the football team introduced a new fundraiser, also known as the pancake breakfast.

Left to right to bottom: A parent carries his plate. Romani Anderson talks to her volleyball teammates to support for the

football team. Romani Anderson said she attended the event for multiple reasons, “I wanted to show my support for the football team. We are under one name at one school and so I think it’s important to support them.”

Eli Novinger serves a parent sausage.

Pancake Breakfast

$10.00 dollars per person

140

people in attendance

by the numbers

3

pancakes

$1.00 eggs AUGUST

15

Culture Club What is your favorite part of being in Culture Club?

Ciang Dam Don

“My favorite part is getting to different Our countries aren’t always celebrated but this club allows us to celebrate we come from.”

celebrate cultures.

where

What skills has Culture Club taught you?

Ana San Juan Rodriquez

learned

“I more about different cultures like people dress, people eat and how people interact with one another.”

how

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what

“I got to learn more about other countries.”

Ismail Senga

Gay Straight Alliance Carter Montague

“I think GSA is one of the most inclusive and diverse clubs Battle has and I think it breaks down stereotypes.”

What is your favorite part of being in GSA?

Gabriel WatkinsMocumbi

“The club has

influenced

my experience in high school. I think the

Pride Prom

we put on every year is one of the best things CPS has going on because you feel

included.”

What skills has GSA taught you?

Morgan McBee

“It has taught me how to

love and include others, the power of having

discussions and how I can help the topic by letting people ask questions.”

destigmatize

CLUB FOCUS

23

ALL

T H AT

Carrie Johnson is interning at West Middle School. Johnson earned her internship through her Teaching Professions class at the Columbia Area Career Center. Johnson plans on studying education in college and believes she has gained a lot through her internship. “I love what I’m learning through my internship,” Johnson said. “I’m getting hands on experience, and learning different teaching methods.”

Kaitlyn Bailey is getting to experience the real-world journalism industry as she interns at ABC 17 News. Bailey develops experience producing, anchoring, and reporting, and plans to attend the University of Missouri to major in journalism. “It’s a good insight into what life will be like a journalist,” Bailey said. “I get the experience to work hands-on in the journalism industry before I even go to college.”

Gillian Frazier works with sixth grade students at Oakland Middle School. Frazier mentioned that ever since she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her experience in the classroom has made that dream more prevalent.

“I’ve learned that there isn’t one specific way to be a teacher.

There’s no book telling you exactly how to teach. You have to learn through experience to be able to adapt depending on the class to best fit your students’ needs,” Frazier said.

preparation

Surprise Mikonga bows her head in prayer.

Elijah Segovia attended the event with his father Omar Segovia.

Getting into the

swing of things

Lauren Wright is interning at the University of Missouri in the Geology building. Wright said she enjoys her internship for many reasons. “Interning at Mizzou is an innovative and challenging experience,” Wright said. “Being able to follow professionals in the lab, as well as see the work environment is enlightening and helpful in a way no regular classroom can provide me.”

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AUTUMN

Alissa Simmons swings the ball during a tournament.

Carrie Johnson prays during the group circle.

The group alternated prayer leaders.

Mbuke Bunyecha gives a speech during the beginning of the event.

Setting

Left to right: Before the season began, the girls golf team was preparing for their fall season.

This season, the girls golf team was a powerhouse in their division. Callie Brinkman swings the golf club to hit the ball. Ema Higgins and Kayley May talk while traveling to the next tee.

Higgins, junior, has been playing golf since her freshman year. “I love our team because everyone gets along and has fun together.

It feels more like a family than a team,” Higgins said. Madeleine Vessar focuses on the ball as she prepares to hit the ball.

the par

language

Katelyn Risner leads a prayer with her friends before going to class.

uni ver sal

Since the late 1980’s, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has impacted many lives around the United States. This year, students decided to reintroduce the club.

One of the first events the club hosted was National Student Prayer Day. Students at Battle gathered in front of the flag pole to pray for people in their community. Mbuke Bunyecha, junior, was a student to speak at the event. “I know many people are hurting in our community,” she said. “I know I don’t have control of it, but that we have a God who is in control of all things.”

Bunyecha believes the club doesn’t only have an impact on the students at Battle, but also on those in the community.

“It’s all about building a community of Christians which can help us, and help one another,” Bunyecha said.

SEPTEMBER

31

t i g r i n i t p t i s t r i Ge sp into the

Food end of the rainbow at the

Felicity Story helps pass out food to benefit the campaign of Emma McCormick.

Christina Martinez and Cloey Hernandez serve food to students.

Martinez, homecoming queen, was catering Cheddars.

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AUTUMN

Homecoming week is notorious for doing different things every day of the school week. This year, the homecoming court candidates hosted a food day on Oct. 2 to fundraise for the Rainbow House.

The Rainbow House is an emergency shelter for children who are abused and neglected. The non-profit organization provides support for children through multiple services, including the Advocacy Child Center and Homeless Youth Program. According to their website, the organization has been saving and supporting children for over 30 years.

Audrey Cornell, junior and student council member, explained how the event helps with fundraising. “The food day provides a day where

everybody doesn’t have to eat the cafeteria food, they get a choice and the money they spend will be going to a great cause,” Cornell said.

Food day was one of many ways the candidates could raise money for homecoming. Homecoming candidate Nick Sheaffer said that he sold multiple items. “At food day I sold my chocolate covered pretzels, but outside of that I was selling popcorn. There were multiple types of flavors; however, so I thought that would have persuaded people into buying my product to raise money for the rainbow house,” Sheaffer said.

This year, the homecoming candidates were able to raise a total of $10,000 dollars for the Rainbow House.

n en Kea nd Hayd Stone a ssembly. n e lt o ght: C a ming a Left to ri ng the homeco r routine. Emm uri s he er e ft h a is h n cheer d g fi u s h Brush aige Magee la d Saniya Haye Debora P oods an ick and McCorm game. Kiyah W utine. a e ro finishing ents their danc ch for d s a spee ls her tu e s iv w g o r h s ir de tw ra h k c c a S e ow Madelin uncil. Emily N o c t n e d stu ard. color gu flag for

NO Top to bottom: Princess Boway dances during the homecoming dance.

Emily Nowack, Taryn Criblez, Briahna Black, Kayli Lightner, and Maelyn Andreasen dance in a circle together.

Students of all grades could be found in the commons dancing, singing, making funny faces in the photo booth, and having a good time with friends. Most school activities don’t consist of such enjoyment but this wasn’t an ordinary day at school. It was the night of the homecoming dance.

Student Council introduced the theme, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming”, inspired by the Wizard of Oz, in October.

Student council member Audrey Cornell said this year’s homecoming theme was very successful.

“I think there was a lot we could do with it,” Cornell said.

“Especially with our spirit week being very involved in the theme.”

Cornell also mentioned that there was a lot of behind-thescenes planning to prepare for the event, but that she is overall happy with how the dance went.

“It took us until halftime to set up, but in the end I think the

place like homecoming

extra time spent in hanging the balloons and streamers really paid off because it ended up looking great,” Cornell said. “We had about 800-900 people max so it was pretty big. It seemed like a lot of people had fun. There was a lot of dancing going on and we’re just hoping to make it even better next year.”

Homecoming queen Christina Martinez said that the decorations helped convey the theme. “I feel like the decorations really hit home this year! It was beyond beautiful,” Martinez said.

Homecoming king Nicholas Sheaffer said he had a magical night. “School dances have never really been for me, but I did enjoy this year’s dance. It’s always a good time and a good opportunity to get away from academics and focus more on a social aspect,” Sheaffer said.

In the end, the Homecoming Committee was able to raise $10,000 for Rainbow House.

OCTOBER

35

Youth Kindness Ambassadors “We get to spread a lot of kindness when people can be very negative.”

What is your favorite part of being in YKA?

Nadia Lake

“As someone taking on a

leadership

role, I love getting to see students

volunteer in

the community and to see all of my events happen. I’m also really proud

of the wall murals we created.”

What skills has YKA taught you?

Mackenzie Harrington

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“I’ve learned how to for myself and get in the

advocate involved community.”

John Toalson

Battle Literature and Art Review Magazine “As the editor, I love getting to see people bond over art and it brings people together in a different way.”

Addison Gish

What is your favorite part of being in BLARM?

Kathryn Hosey

“I love getting all of to the work our students because I didn’t realize the level we of have at Battle.”

read

create

talent

What skills has BLARM taught you?

Lauren Wright

“I get to

practice my English skills while also reading and picking pieces that

have good meaning and grammar.”

CLUB FOCUS

47

ga gaming

in

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AUTUMN

Top to bottom: Jaden Gallup communicates with his fellow teammates during a competition. Preston Pellant looks at his computer screen.

Thaddius Branton looks over to his teammate to communicate with them.

In the 21st century, it seems that almost anything is possible.

But did you think that you could receive a scholarship for playing video games?

Scholarships have been around for as long as we know it, but are typically geared towards merit, athletics or based on need. Today, this isn’t the case. There is now a new subcategory for scholarships: esports. While most universities don’t have a eSports team or offer scholarships for eSports students, they’re rising in popularity, especially in high schools.

Two local schools, Columbia College and Stephens College offer eSports scholarships, with some larger schools, including Kent State University in Ohio and University of California Irvine offering scholarships to eSports players. According to their website, Columbia College was one of the first schools in the nation to host and recruit members for an eSports team, offering a total of up to 250 thousand dollars in scholarships offered to players.

Anousa El-Walid, President of the eSports team, has received scholarship offers from several schools in eSports, including Central Methodist University, Missouri Baptist University and

Park University.

“I got into eSports my sophomore year, when Ukatsu, a local eSports league, started hosting exhibition matches at high schools. I joined mostly out of curiosity, and eventually I started to step up,” El-Walid said.

El-Walid’s main goal of the eSports team was to grow the team, which she feels is successful. The Battle High School eSports team has several members playing for them this year.

“I’ve done much to build up our community so that we can have a strong program,” El-Walid said.

She feels that it’s important that eSports scholarships are offered.

“A schools eSports scholarship opportunities should be in line with the goals of the program,” El-Walid said.

She adds that it can be beneficial to the industry.

“More successful programs also recruit for eSports production, which leads to many career paths in the 138 billion dollar industry,” El-Walid said.

Playing for fun is the most important thing for members of the esports team, as that is the main goal. But, there’s always that option of getting money for playing video games competitively.

the teambehin thedteam

On Oct. 26, the boys basketball team hosted their annual kids camp.

Austin Rush, player, said hosting the camp was very rewarding. “A lot of people know the basketball team by our status on the court, but this shows our team stands for something deeper,” Rush said. “I think it shows what our team is all about.” There were 120 kids who attended the camp. The camp was split into two camps based on age, and received a t-shirt for attending.

Brian Meny says he plans to

continue the tradition. “It teaches our boys more than just basketball,” Meny said. “If you don’t have athletes that are leaders, you won’t be successful on the court.”

Top: Isaiah Johnson high fives a kid while practicing passes. Left to right: Jaheel Thrower tries to keep the ball away from kids as they chase him. Connor Parrish and Ethan Wiley high five kids after they won their competition. Austin Rush hands the ball to a kid while practicing layups.

today’s students tomorrow’s nurses

Lights flashing. Stretchers. Emergency kits. These are the things most people think about when they think of the emergency medical field. However, students in science club get to learn more about the behind the scenes of the medical field.

“A lot of times people have thoughts on what the medical field looks like based off of television shows, but that’s not realistic,” Dan Ebner, emergency medical services responder at the University Hospital said. “I think by educating young students about the reality of the medical field, they are more likely to understand whether this is the right field for them.” Riley Hartwick, student, said the science club meeting helped her get an insight into what a job day might actually look like. “They have long hours, difficult situations, and must be able to act fast,” Harwick said. The science club covers topics ranging from chemistry to emergency systems. Out of all of our units, the emergency unit is one of the most popular, according to Marsha Tyson. “We have a lot of programs to help students get experience early. I think this is benefical to students,” Tyson said.

Above: Dan Ebner shows the emergency kit while inside the University Hospital’s ambulance. Faith Hambach, Asher Ferguson, and Pria Roberson listen to Ebner while in the ambulance. Alexis Voigt looks into the ambulance and listens as Ebner gives a run down of the inside of the ambulance.

Shawn Sanders listens to a presentation about healthcare.

NOVEMBER

49

SH OP

till you drop

Black Friday is a day to do your holiday shopping at significantly lower prices, but this wasn’t always the case.

Ever since the stock market crashed in 1869, Black Friday has always had a negative connotation. Two Wall-Street financiers named Jay Gould and Jim Fisk worked together to buy as much of the nations gold as possible hoping to resell them. The purchases led to bankruptcy.

In 1939 during the Great Depression, Thanksgiving repeatedly fell on the fifth week of November. Retailers were certain that they would go bankrupt because the holiday shopping season was too short. Citizens of America petitioned Franklin D. Roosevelt to move Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November to extend the holiday shopping season.

In 1941, Congress finalized that law, which makes Thanksgiving fall on the fourth Thursday of November.

Even though 1869 was the start of Black Friday’s negative connotation, Black Friday didn’t get its name until 1966 when the name first appeared in print. Journalists used the term “Black Friday” to describe how crowded the stores in downtown Philadelphia were the day

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AUTUMN

after Thanksgiving.

In 2019, Black Friday shopping is now a tradition amongst most families. Jamie Thompson, FACS teacher, said, “My husband really likes it so Black Friday shopping is an opportunity for us to bond.”

During Black Friday, shoppers spend hours standing in lines. That gives shoppers a lot of time to talk, bond, and spend time with each other.

Many citizens across the nation take advantage of the deals. Alicia Weber, freshman, mentioned that she enjoys all of the Black Friday deals.

“I enjoy the deals because you can get more for less,” Alicia said.

Even though a lot has changed since the early 1900’s, there are still some similarities.

Citizens across the nation are still taking advantage of the holiday shopping season extension.

D’Antrae Crews, junior, said, “My first time going, my mom and aunt made me pick out presents for others and myself.” Crews said.

According to the National Retail Federation, 190 million consumers hit the stores on Black Friday.

That is a 14% increase compared to last year.

Most purchased on Black Friday

Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon’s Echo Dot is a service that uses the “cloud,” allowing Alexa to learn and cater to individual families depending on their needs. The Echo Dot allows users to ask questions, listen to music, and more.

$49.99 Black Friday Price: $24.99 Retail Price:

travel

ing turkey s

Globetrotters

Left to Right: A a a sign in Love ron Melville a s Park, Polace Illinois. nd Ian Melvil k le Braydo break. pick out their n Boye pose in front Au Ch o r and J Thansk drey Cornell ristmas tree ourney f du giv a a ride a ing Day. Lau nd her dog p ring Thanksg os iv tD re her unc isneyland in n Bailey and e together on ing le and Californ Collin grandp R Louis. ia il . e R y ache smil ao Su football mmer Evans n a ferris whe l Alvarez po e on ses wit el a stadium po h with he ses in front o t Union Stati on r family f the Atl . anta Fa in St. lcons

were on a break

With the holidays in full swing, people traveled all over the country to visit family and friends. Since Columbia has a large population of people from out of state and outside of the country, it’s possible that you know somebody who went out of town for the holidays.

Some of the most common places to travel to states that surround Missouri. Illinois, Kansas and Iowa are some of the most visited by people from Missouri, whether it be someone who is originally from one of these states or has family there.

Some people travel even further for the holidays. Liam Barry, senior, who is originally from New York, has gone back to his home state several times

since moving, especially around the holidays.

“We would take trains to New York and travel through the countryside.

Looking at the beautiful scenery was nice,” Barry said.

During this season, the weather can also be an issue while travelling.

Barry experienced this himself. “We would catch the midnight train in Cincinnati to New York City, and once ran into a blizzard. We were stuck on the bridge into Ohio for hours,” Barry said.

With that, traffic can get intense during these times.

Sophia Jones smiles at the camera while attending the lights at the Candy Cane Crib.

OCTOBER

57

Science Club “I see myself going into the science field so seeing all of the potential options is really awesome.”

What is your favorite part of being in Science Club?

Isaiah Dollinger

“Getting to take on a

leadership role has been a really fun experience and something I

haven’t done much of.”

What skills has Science Club taught you?

Sally Chen

learned

“I’ve a lot more about science and

different ways science can be used in

the world.”

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AUTUMN

Mya White

Health Occupations Students of America “I love getting to host the blood drive and see other students contribute.”

Briahna Black

What is your favorite part of being in HOSA?

Lauren Bailey

learn

“I get to more about the science field and also get to in events like the

participate blood drive

which is super fun.”

What skills has HOSA taught you?

Sumaya Nour

“I get to learn more about the I see myself in the future and get

career studyng

hands-on

experience.”

CLUB FOCUS

59

WINTER wonderland “My favorite part about break is getting to spend time with my family, relax with my friends, and getting to forget about school for two weeks to be in the moment with everyone.“ -Mia Contreras

53

degrees was the setting average temperature Record Christmas Eve Longest day length days off temperature from school 09:26 70 WINTER

10

69

Above: Mia Contreras and her mom pose in front of a Christmas tree at church.

OH,

the places you’ll go

Journey Polacek and her friend pose in front of the Candy Cane Crib in Columbia, Missouri.

Winter break is notorious for relaxation, travel and spending time with family.

Some students from Battle travel crosscountry for vacations while some stay closer to home.

Spencer Buckler, senior, traveled to Arkansas with his friends.

“My friends and I wanted to do something for our last year together and so we decided to go to Arkansas,” Buckler said. “While we were there we explored the outdoors, mainly doing hiking. We also camped which was a major part of our trip.”

For some people the destination was overseas. Erin Wiedmier, junior, traveled to Costa Maya, Mexico with her family.

“We mainly went to the beach and relaxed for the most part,” Wiedmier said.

“It was a good change compared to being at school and being stressed.”

However, others just decided to stay home for the break.

This year in Columbia, the city experienced record breaking temperatures. Temperatures were

averaging 53 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. This meant that students who stayed at home could enjoy the outdoors too.

“Although everyone loves snow around that time of year, because we all want a white Christmas, it was really nice getting to sit outside on Christmas for dinner.

My family and I just got to relax in the sun while also enjoying all the other festivities of Christmas,” Sydney Jones, senior, said.

Other students who remained home also enjoyed the warmer weather.

“I got to play outdoors with my family, playing football and basketball,” Dawson Meierotto, senior, said. “It was a change of pace for sure, especially when the week before it was snowing and finals had to be pushed back.”

Columbia also has some festive landmarks during the holidays such as the Candy Cane Crib, the Magic Tree and more. Haily Cook took advantage of this option.

“It’s a tradition in my family so we always go there,” Cook said.

Clockwise from below: Brady Buchner, Spencer Buckler, Benjamin Newton and D’Artanyan Good pose at the top of Mount Neebo in Russellville, Arkansas. Jamie McGuire and her brother smile before dinner in Cancun, Mexico. Erin Wiedmier and Landon Mahoney pose in front of the Costa Maya sign on their vacation.

WINTER BREAK

71

National Honors Society

What is your favorite part of being in NHS?

Charlton Miller

“I enjoy getting to take on a position and getting to students find a place they can volunteer at.”

leadership

help

specific

What skills has NHS taught you?

Sarah Fox

“I’ve learned that you can find you want to at and stick to that.

There are also lots of places to volunteer in .” the

one place

volunteer

community

80

WINTER

“I get to meet peers who are devoted to giving back to the community like I am.”

Amaya Daniels

Battle Corps Sydney Livingston

“My favorite part was sharing my passion for service and giving students an outlet to do something positive for their school and community.”

What is your favorite part of being in Battle Corps?

Jaylie “Getting to Echternach go on a field

trip at the end of the year once we complete all of our hours.”

What skills has Battle Corps taught you?

Lexi Sutton

“I’ve learned how to get

involved in the community and how to advocate

for myself.”

CLUB FOCUS

81

Back to the

future

Members of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended districts at Moberly Area Community College (MACC) in Moberly, Missouri.

During the day, students attended an opening and closing cermony, along with competitions in a specific category.

Aaron Melville has participated in FBLA since his junior year and placed at districts this year. Melville decided to join FBLA because he plans to study accounting at Northern Illinois University.

“FBLA helps me to further my skills on professionalism and learn how to be a better leader in my future career,” Melville said.

Right: La’Trell Dollinger, Kaitlyn Bailey, Aaron Melville, and Savannah Bridgeford pose with their metals at the end of the competition. All four students placed in the top five and Bridgeford recieved a spot to attend state in March.

Testing the

Waters Left to right: Lauren Bailey swims the Butterfly section of her race. Brooke Powers jumps off the starting block to begin her race.

FIRED GET

Paige Magee

“I always took a practice lap around the pool to warm up.”

Maria Ramirez

“I always took a practice lap and I also always ate something and hung out with all the Battle girls. “

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WINTER

U P

While many people are sound asleep at the crack of dawn, ten Battle High School swimmers were in the pool practicing for their next meet.

This year’s swim team is the largest girls team in Battle’s history, and while none of the members swam outside of their high school swim season, many of them have had a close bond for several years now.

“Most of us were on the volleyball team together,” Brooke Powers, senior, said. “We decided to try out swim because it kept us in shape and because we really enjoy being around each other.”

While they didn’t make state, they say the tight-knit group was what made it all worth it.

Above: Audrey Good looks at her music and plays the bass clarinet. Left to right: Isabelle Summers plays her flute during class. Madeline Herin plays the clarinet while looking at her music. Kaylee Faddis practices her flute.

Get Musical

While the marching band is notorious for waking up before there is light and spending 15 hours working on their performance, what many don’t know is that marching band is a year round class. This means after their marching band season, students are back to work, getting better for the next year’s season.

Marc Lewis, one of the marching band instructors, has been working with the marching band for five years.

“I haven’t seen a program that requires this much focus,” Lewis said.

The marching band performs at games, competitions, fifth grade extravaganzas and Mizzou’s homecoming parade.

“During the band season we are mainly working on our show but once the season is over and we get time to work in depth in the classroom, we are working on technique, rhythm and more. It’s more of the technical things,” Lewis said.

Rhondell Tipton has been in band since his sixth grade year. He says that he believes his experience in the band has been a positive one.

“Marching band is a great experience and I love it,” Tipton said. “It’s not easy and I have to challenge myself a lot, but it’s really cool when you start to see everything fall into place,” Tipton said.

Beyond just that, Tipton also explained that the marching band environment is one of a kind.

“It’s fun and easy going, everyone has such a fun time and they also focus when they need to be focused,” Tipton said. “I think it’s one of the best things happening at Battle because of our teamwork and how close we are.”

Another band member, Madison Freeman, believes the experience has been worth it. She has participated in band since her sixth grade year and finished her last season this year.

“The many hours of practice are definitely worth it because our performances are 10 minutes long and so we have to memorize the music if we want to reach our end goal,” Freeman said. “As far as the classroom goes, it’s just to improve that more, whether or not we are in season.”

FEBRUARY

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girls IN POLITICS

Women’s History Month is an annually declared month that highlights the contributions of women.

It is celebrated during March in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, and corresponds with International Women’s Day on March 8. For the past three years Advanced Placement (AP) United States History and English teachers Anne Borgmeyer and Susie Adams have organized the Women’s History Month celebration at Battle. Borgmeyer organizes a t-shirt design, which fundraises for the True North of Columbia, a shelter for women and victims of domestic violence, while Adams organizes weekly afterschool women-centric movies. This year’s films were Knock Down the House, Iron Jawed Angels and Hidden Figures; however, the last movie was canceled due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Gillian Frazier and Jaylie Echternach, members of the Girls Strong club, were the student leaders for the celebration.

They decided to design shirts inspired by Audrey Cornell’s Boone County Election sticker design because this year marked the hundredth year women could vote.

Through t-shirt sales alone, the group raised over $450 to donate to the True North of Columbia.

Left: Susie Adams, Jaylie Echternach, Gillian Frazier and Anne Borgmeyer pose with their shirts.

“I felt like my voice could actually be heard.”

-Emma McCormick

Above: Emma McCormick poses with her sticker and mom after voting.

Kaitlyn Bailey points to her sticker after voting.

The Missouri Primaries were held on March 10, 2020 and many seniors took to the polls. Here are the Boone County election results:

114,246

27,591 Democratic ballots SPRING

VOTED

registered Aya Bellaoui voters 35,069 “Getting to wear the sticker, especially as a woman, made ballots me feel very proud that we have the ability to vote.”

Kaitlyn Bailey Republican ballots cast was something I was always looking forward to since percent voter “Voting I explored politics during my freshman year and so it felt turnout awesome walking into the polls.”

7,323

96

SHE

30.70

Simulating the GREAT DEPRESSION

Above: Jackson Huskey and Cade Lampkin group up as partners during the activity. Right to left: John Toalson gets food as part of the simulation. Susie Adams reads aloud the simulation to the class. Lauren Wright listens to Adams as they go through the simulation.

One core topic in the Advanced Placement (AP) United States History class is the Great Depression. Each year, Susie Adams, teacher, does a simulation with the group to help students get a feel for what it was like to live during that time. Students who participate in the simulation group into families.

According to Adams, the activity is to show the struggles and challenges of living during the Great Depression.

Students get a feel for what the money, housing and food situation was like during the time period. The goal of the simulation is to try to come out of it with the most money.

The simulation starts in 1929. Sudents

group into familes and each seat partner is a married couple. They have a set amount of money for paying bills, but can use other money for fun activities such as going to the theater or going to the bank to deposit money. Some partners may get pregnant and have to put aside money for that child or other unexpected finances.

Soon after, the fictional stock market crashes and things, such as paying the bills, become much harder for all of the families. This is worstened when the banks close. As the rounds continue, the financial situation gets worse, making it even harder for the students to survive and reproduce.

Finally in the last round, as the students are in the worst state they can be in, the game ends with the attack on Pearl Harbor.

One student said it helped put the Great Depression in perspective for him.

“I learned a lot about what families had to do to survive. We had to not only pay certain bills and sell stuff just to make it to the next year, but everyone was losing their job and the banks closed, so many people lost a lot of money because of those things,” Kenneth Miller, junior, said.

“To think that happened to people in real life is crazy and it helped me understand what that situation was actually like.”

MARCH

97

Future Business Leaders of America “My favorite part is going to competitions and getting to volunteer at the Vendor Fair.”

What is your favorite part of being in FBLA?

La’Trell Dollinger

“My favorite part of being in FBLA is getting to my knowledge about design and getting to and my work out there for .”

expand

put myself

critique What skills has FBLA taught you?

Mina Chen

learned practice “I’ve how to

hard for something I want and to Quizlet a lot.”

study

100

SPRING

Savannah Bridgeford

Distributive Education Clubs of America

Spencer Baer

“I like that I can use the skills I’ve learned in DECA to help me get into college.”

What is your favorite part of being in DECA?

D’Artanyan Good

“My favorite part was going on and getting to more about

field trips learn marketing.”

What skills has DECA taught you?

Ema Higgins

learned marketing “I’ve more about

and how to make a which was one of my favorite parts.”

jingle,

CLUB FOCUS

101