Leadership Group at SHS invites all Students to Take Part
by Alicia Carter April 4, 2014
Women’s and Men’s Leadership is a Christian based organization here at Starkville High School which allows time for students to be interactive with each other and take part with in-depth discussions.
The program separates first by girls and guys and then by age group with young ladies being in Mrs. Young’s room, formerly known as Ms. Masterson, and young gentlemen in Mr. Fyke’s room.
“The purpose of the program is for students to come and grow with each other and Christ,” Young said.
“We get into our groups and talk about everything. We talk about our problems and give advice to each other to try and build one another up,” Junior Laken Vickers said. “I really like the program because I love talking and learning about God and making friends,” Rebecca Segura said.
“I (Vickers) think the program is important because you get to see that you aren’t alone in your struggles and its encouraging to know that other people have been through what you may be going through, and it’s not the end of the world.”
The groups meet every Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. and are open to all SHS students.
by Alicia Carter April 4, 2014
Women’s and Men’s Leadership is a Christian based organization here at Starkville High School which allows time for students to be interactive with each other and take part with in-depth discussions.
The program separates first by girls and guys and then by age group with young ladies being in Mrs. Young’s room, formerly known as Ms. Masterson, and young gentlemen in Mr. Fyke’s room.
“The purpose of the program is for students to come and grow with each other and Christ,” Young said.
“We get into our groups and talk about everything. We talk about our problems and give advice to each other to try and build one another up,” Junior Laken Vickers said. “I really like the program because I love talking and learning about God and making friends,” Rebecca Segura said.
“I (Vickers) think the program is important because you get to see that you aren’t alone in your struggles and its encouraging to know that other people have been through what you may be going through, and it’s not the end of the world.”
The groups meet every Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. and are open to all SHS students.
Band earns Sweepstakes' Award eighth year in a row
By April Reese, March 26, 2014
Starkville High School’s band blasted the competition away while participating at a competition in Pearl, MS.
Competing in this contest every year, the band accomplished their 8th straight year winning the Sweepstake’s Award. This award is given teams who earn straight ones in every category.
“We get judged on various categories, such as intonation, articulation, and musical expression,” said senior and First Band member, Andrew Rogers.
And with all of the practices that went into the competition, the band achieved their mission.
“We got all superior,” Eli Daily, a member of First Band. “We’ve always done well in past years, and I’m glad that we kept the legacy alive.”
But, first band didn’t enjoy the wonderful results alone.
“We got superior ratings,” Alex-Ward Knight said, a member of the Second Band. “This is the first time in my entire high school career that first and second band have gotten superior ratings.”
Now, the SHS band will prepare for the spring concert on April 29; come out and support the SHS Jackets!
By April Reese, March 26, 2014
Starkville High School’s band blasted the competition away while participating at a competition in Pearl, MS.
Competing in this contest every year, the band accomplished their 8th straight year winning the Sweepstake’s Award. This award is given teams who earn straight ones in every category.
“We get judged on various categories, such as intonation, articulation, and musical expression,” said senior and First Band member, Andrew Rogers.
And with all of the practices that went into the competition, the band achieved their mission.
“We got all superior,” Eli Daily, a member of First Band. “We’ve always done well in past years, and I’m glad that we kept the legacy alive.”
But, first band didn’t enjoy the wonderful results alone.
“We got superior ratings,” Alex-Ward Knight said, a member of the Second Band. “This is the first time in my entire high school career that first and second band have gotten superior ratings.”
Now, the SHS band will prepare for the spring concert on April 29; come out and support the SHS Jackets!
SHS Student Gives back to Community, Soon to Receive Honor for Efforts
By Khris Carr March 25, 2014
Starkville High School Junior, Catherine Buffington will be honored for her volunteer efforts during the 2014 Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award Ceremony next month. Buffington has volunteered over 100 service hours within her community.
“It’s a real honor because I never knew that it would make such an impact and be that important, but now that I have won this award it brings to my attention that what I am doing is really important and being involved should be very necessary to achieve certain goals in our community,” Buffington said.
Buffington is in charge of an organization named UNITY, which is a student led organization designed to bring together high school students from public and private schools in Starkville and Oktibbeha County for community service. Buffington hopes once she graduates, there will be a devoted and passionate person to keep the organization going.
“I definitely want to pass the program on to someone younger and who has the same passion as me, and I definitely would want them to get involved. When you’re involved in the community when you are young, then you’re going to want to be involved when you’re older,” Buffington said.
Being in charge of the organization, Buffington hopes she and her friends can give back to the community including, help raise money for other kids in different countries to help with education.
“We really want to do something internationally and build a school in Honduras or build a classroom, so we are working on raising money and doing fundraisers,” Buffington said.
Buffington hopes what she is doing will inspire teens and help them realize there is more than just themselves. Her inspiration came from her experience at William Winter Summer Youth Institute did.
“I went to the William Winter Summer Youth Institute (SYI), and they inspired me to take something bigger and make a project. I thought that bringing students together all across Starkville would help you get to know each other, but to also serve the community making a positive impact and working together and learning so much more about each other than just seeing each other,” Buffington said.
Buffington hopes this will be a huge success to the community and continue to motivate teens give back.
By Khris Carr March 25, 2014
Starkville High School Junior, Catherine Buffington will be honored for her volunteer efforts during the 2014 Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award Ceremony next month. Buffington has volunteered over 100 service hours within her community.
“It’s a real honor because I never knew that it would make such an impact and be that important, but now that I have won this award it brings to my attention that what I am doing is really important and being involved should be very necessary to achieve certain goals in our community,” Buffington said.
Buffington is in charge of an organization named UNITY, which is a student led organization designed to bring together high school students from public and private schools in Starkville and Oktibbeha County for community service. Buffington hopes once she graduates, there will be a devoted and passionate person to keep the organization going.
“I definitely want to pass the program on to someone younger and who has the same passion as me, and I definitely would want them to get involved. When you’re involved in the community when you are young, then you’re going to want to be involved when you’re older,” Buffington said.
Being in charge of the organization, Buffington hopes she and her friends can give back to the community including, help raise money for other kids in different countries to help with education.
“We really want to do something internationally and build a school in Honduras or build a classroom, so we are working on raising money and doing fundraisers,” Buffington said.
Buffington hopes what she is doing will inspire teens and help them realize there is more than just themselves. Her inspiration came from her experience at William Winter Summer Youth Institute did.
“I went to the William Winter Summer Youth Institute (SYI), and they inspired me to take something bigger and make a project. I thought that bringing students together all across Starkville would help you get to know each other, but to also serve the community making a positive impact and working together and learning so much more about each other than just seeing each other,” Buffington said.
Buffington hopes this will be a huge success to the community and continue to motivate teens give back.
Test Scores Disappoint; Students, Teachers, and Admins make changes
By Daniel Ruff March 21, 2014
The state tests at Starkville High School are a common topic of conversation. State tests assess standards for what schools hope to achieve and also reveal which routines and curriculum teachers should or should not continue.
State test scores guide administrators, teachers, and students, and the state tests are constantly changing. The United States History test changed from the past, and the test scored showed it.
Principal Holloway discussed the scores with the Jacket Buzz staff. “Scores have been low, especially in United States History.”
There is always room for improvement. Norma Cole said, “The re-testing will show whether to be optimistic or pessimistic.”
The students at Starkville High School are always encouraged by their teachers and administrators to do better on state tests scores to set a standard for the next time around. The goal, of course, is up; always building on top of former students and learning new ways to implement the new strategies.
By Daniel Ruff March 21, 2014
The state tests at Starkville High School are a common topic of conversation. State tests assess standards for what schools hope to achieve and also reveal which routines and curriculum teachers should or should not continue.
State test scores guide administrators, teachers, and students, and the state tests are constantly changing. The United States History test changed from the past, and the test scored showed it.
Principal Holloway discussed the scores with the Jacket Buzz staff. “Scores have been low, especially in United States History.”
There is always room for improvement. Norma Cole said, “The re-testing will show whether to be optimistic or pessimistic.”
The students at Starkville High School are always encouraged by their teachers and administrators to do better on state tests scores to set a standard for the next time around. The goal, of course, is up; always building on top of former students and learning new ways to implement the new strategies.
New Interim Principal works two positions with ease
By Kristen Lacy March 20, 2014
While being assistant superintendent for the Starkville School District is a commitment in itself, Dr. Holloway has taken on another challenge, being the principal at Starkville High School for the remainder of the school year. This would seem like an overpowering load for one man to take on but Dr. Holloway seems to be handling it with relative ease. Holloway has many years experience as a high school principal, so the transition has not been difficult, just more time consuming.
Holloway goes to his office at 6:30 every morning to attend to his duties as assistant superintendent and read and reply to emails from the state department before coming to school at 7:00. School directors now come to SHS to meet with Halloway so as not to interfere with his duties as a principal.
As far as his expectations for the students here at SHS, Holloway has made it clear that rules will be enforced and students as well as everyone at SHS are expected to put forth their best efforts.
"I am giving 110% and I want everyone to give 110%," Holloway said.
While the atmosphere has definitely changed at SHS, it seems to be quite positive. As our new principal Holloway understands that the students' futures are at stake here and that that is of the upmost importance. Along with new expectations Holloway is also hoping to achieve some goals while principal at SHS. These include increasing the graduation rate to 80%, a goal that he sees as realistic for SHS. Also he would like to include more courses for the students in order to provide more opportunities for success. This would hopefully include an ACT prep course in school as well as expanding AP courses to 9th graders to help with the transition to higher level high school courses.
Holloway would like to create more time for struggling students before state tests to increase those passing rates and get them the help they need. Ultimately his goal is to supply the environment, courses, and teachers necessary for SHS to be successful and prepared for the new principal in the fall of 2014.
"High expectations are paramount for high achievement," Holloway said.
By Kristen Lacy March 20, 2014
While being assistant superintendent for the Starkville School District is a commitment in itself, Dr. Holloway has taken on another challenge, being the principal at Starkville High School for the remainder of the school year. This would seem like an overpowering load for one man to take on but Dr. Holloway seems to be handling it with relative ease. Holloway has many years experience as a high school principal, so the transition has not been difficult, just more time consuming.
Holloway goes to his office at 6:30 every morning to attend to his duties as assistant superintendent and read and reply to emails from the state department before coming to school at 7:00. School directors now come to SHS to meet with Halloway so as not to interfere with his duties as a principal.
As far as his expectations for the students here at SHS, Holloway has made it clear that rules will be enforced and students as well as everyone at SHS are expected to put forth their best efforts.
"I am giving 110% and I want everyone to give 110%," Holloway said.
While the atmosphere has definitely changed at SHS, it seems to be quite positive. As our new principal Holloway understands that the students' futures are at stake here and that that is of the upmost importance. Along with new expectations Holloway is also hoping to achieve some goals while principal at SHS. These include increasing the graduation rate to 80%, a goal that he sees as realistic for SHS. Also he would like to include more courses for the students in order to provide more opportunities for success. This would hopefully include an ACT prep course in school as well as expanding AP courses to 9th graders to help with the transition to higher level high school courses.
Holloway would like to create more time for struggling students before state tests to increase those passing rates and get them the help they need. Ultimately his goal is to supply the environment, courses, and teachers necessary for SHS to be successful and prepared for the new principal in the fall of 2014.
"High expectations are paramount for high achievement," Holloway said.
SHS Students Make Good Showing At Honor Choir Tryouts
By Grace Lindley March 21, 2014
Mississippi Honor Starkville High School choir members joined high school singers all over Mississippi in Tupelo to try out for the. To be selected, students were given three hard pieces to perform in front of three judges. Their scores were then put into a database and 120 students were selected. Out of the 120, twenty-two of these were from Starkville High School.
SHS had the highest percentage of students to be chosen. The honor choir travels to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg April 3-5 to perform their pieces. The first two days are the practice days, and the last day they perform their work.
Meghan Wolf, a junior in the choir, said, “It’s really fun to interact with and meet new people who are in it.”
“Being in the honor choir is an honor. To be chosen means a little more to me because I know what it’s like to try out and not be chosen for things,” Matthew Reynolds, a senior, said.
The Mississippi State Honor Choir SHS members will be holding their Spring Concert on April 25 around 6:30 P.M. at the First Baptist Family Life Center.
By Grace Lindley March 21, 2014
Mississippi Honor Starkville High School choir members joined high school singers all over Mississippi in Tupelo to try out for the. To be selected, students were given three hard pieces to perform in front of three judges. Their scores were then put into a database and 120 students were selected. Out of the 120, twenty-two of these were from Starkville High School.
SHS had the highest percentage of students to be chosen. The honor choir travels to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg April 3-5 to perform their pieces. The first two days are the practice days, and the last day they perform their work.
Meghan Wolf, a junior in the choir, said, “It’s really fun to interact with and meet new people who are in it.”
“Being in the honor choir is an honor. To be chosen means a little more to me because I know what it’s like to try out and not be chosen for things,” Matthew Reynolds, a senior, said.
The Mississippi State Honor Choir SHS members will be holding their Spring Concert on April 25 around 6:30 P.M. at the First Baptist Family Life Center.
Cariño earns first in Poetry Out Loud state competition, looks forward to nationals
By Kelley Mazzola March 7, 2014
Joy Cariño felt only excitement when her name was announced as first place in the Mississippi Poetry Out Loud Competition.
“I didn’t think I’d actually win,” Cariño said. “It was a really awesome experience, and I was really excited to even be there.”
She traveled to Jackson, Miss., in order to compete in this competition after winning first place in the Starkville High School Poetry Out Loud competition. Organized by Robin Dibble, this competition has been a staple of SHS life for six years. In fact, Cariño wasn’t the first SHS student to win the state competition; Akane Little, student from the class of 2013, won first place and rose to the national level.
“I worked really hard to prepare for this competition,” Cariño said. “I FaceTimed with Akane and had a lot of fun talking to her. We [Mrs. Dibble and I] went to a workshop to learn more.”
She and Dibble didn’t go alone to the competition, however. Dibble brought her Advanced Placement Literature class to the competition, including senior Kennedy Harris, who felt ecstatic when Cariño won.
“The best part about it was being able to sit and watch them recite,” Harris said. “There was a lot of tension.”
With all the SHS support in the audience, Cariño felt like she had a great performance, with poems she felt perfectly in tune with. Poetry Out Loud encourages students to choose poems that students have emotional ties to, and Cariño felt like that helped her express her personality.
“I really liked how the poems sounded,” Cariño said. “I searched for my favorite word (universe) [that’s really where I based my recitation style]. You find what fits and what you like and you make it relevant to your personality.”
Harris was proud to see Cariño express herself in that personal way and perform like a champion.
“I felt happiness, and I was so proud of Joy,” Harris said. “I was anxious too, always on the edge of my seat. I knew she deserved it, but it came down to what the judges thought, not what we [the crowd] thought.”
The rest of the trip was fun filled and uplifting, according to Harris.
“It ran together like a continuous joke and big, continuous smiles,” Harris said. “It was a really uplifting experience, with guys having fun.”
With first place comes great responsibility for Cariño. This spring, she will represent the state of Mississippi in the National Poetry Out Loud contest; her trip is all-expense paid, with the possibility of earning cash prizes and scholarships. Cariño has no expectations, but hopes for the best.
“We haven’t figured out all the details yet, but I hope I do well,” Cariño said. “I’m really just trying to make it through the now, because it [the competition] is later and I’m focusing on the now.”
By Kelley Mazzola March 7, 2014
Joy Cariño felt only excitement when her name was announced as first place in the Mississippi Poetry Out Loud Competition.
“I didn’t think I’d actually win,” Cariño said. “It was a really awesome experience, and I was really excited to even be there.”
She traveled to Jackson, Miss., in order to compete in this competition after winning first place in the Starkville High School Poetry Out Loud competition. Organized by Robin Dibble, this competition has been a staple of SHS life for six years. In fact, Cariño wasn’t the first SHS student to win the state competition; Akane Little, student from the class of 2013, won first place and rose to the national level.
“I worked really hard to prepare for this competition,” Cariño said. “I FaceTimed with Akane and had a lot of fun talking to her. We [Mrs. Dibble and I] went to a workshop to learn more.”
She and Dibble didn’t go alone to the competition, however. Dibble brought her Advanced Placement Literature class to the competition, including senior Kennedy Harris, who felt ecstatic when Cariño won.
“The best part about it was being able to sit and watch them recite,” Harris said. “There was a lot of tension.”
With all the SHS support in the audience, Cariño felt like she had a great performance, with poems she felt perfectly in tune with. Poetry Out Loud encourages students to choose poems that students have emotional ties to, and Cariño felt like that helped her express her personality.
“I really liked how the poems sounded,” Cariño said. “I searched for my favorite word (universe) [that’s really where I based my recitation style]. You find what fits and what you like and you make it relevant to your personality.”
Harris was proud to see Cariño express herself in that personal way and perform like a champion.
“I felt happiness, and I was so proud of Joy,” Harris said. “I was anxious too, always on the edge of my seat. I knew she deserved it, but it came down to what the judges thought, not what we [the crowd] thought.”
The rest of the trip was fun filled and uplifting, according to Harris.
“It ran together like a continuous joke and big, continuous smiles,” Harris said. “It was a really uplifting experience, with guys having fun.”
With first place comes great responsibility for Cariño. This spring, she will represent the state of Mississippi in the National Poetry Out Loud contest; her trip is all-expense paid, with the possibility of earning cash prizes and scholarships. Cariño has no expectations, but hopes for the best.
“We haven’t figured out all the details yet, but I hope I do well,” Cariño said. “I’m really just trying to make it through the now, because it [the competition] is later and I’m focusing on the now.”
Choice Bus well received, students learn about choices
By Hemanth Nannapaneni Feb. 26, 2014
Every twenty-six seconds a student drops out of school. Eight out of ten high school dropouts end up in prison. These are the types of things that were told to students during their time on the Choice Bus.
The Choice Bus is part of the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation and their goal to reduce the drop-out rate of high school students. Half school bus and half prison cell, the bus is part of the demonstration to show students the consequences of dropping out of school and bad choices in life.
Students are shown a five minute video that includes appearances from several prison inmates explaining how they regret dropping out.
"The video is very influential. It made me not want to go to jail. I'm definitely not dropping out," freshman Rylan Moore said.
After students view the video, a curtain is pulled back to show a full scale prison cell that students are invited to enter and look around. As students leave the bus they are given a pledge card and are asked to sign a poster to commit to making good decisions and staying in school. The prison cell replica is supposed to demonstrate what could happen to people who make bad decisions. Lynn Smelley, the project manager, said, "This program was founded in 2007. We wanted young people to understand the importance of staying in school and getting an education."
The foundation also offers a Learn2Earn curriculum to teach students financial literacy.
The bus has traveled to twenty four different states and over a million students have participated in the program.
The choice bus and this program proves to be influential to students, as Craig Ruff said, "It inspired me to make better choices and make sure to get an education."
By Hemanth Nannapaneni Feb. 26, 2014
Every twenty-six seconds a student drops out of school. Eight out of ten high school dropouts end up in prison. These are the types of things that were told to students during their time on the Choice Bus.
The Choice Bus is part of the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation and their goal to reduce the drop-out rate of high school students. Half school bus and half prison cell, the bus is part of the demonstration to show students the consequences of dropping out of school and bad choices in life.
Students are shown a five minute video that includes appearances from several prison inmates explaining how they regret dropping out.
"The video is very influential. It made me not want to go to jail. I'm definitely not dropping out," freshman Rylan Moore said.
After students view the video, a curtain is pulled back to show a full scale prison cell that students are invited to enter and look around. As students leave the bus they are given a pledge card and are asked to sign a poster to commit to making good decisions and staying in school. The prison cell replica is supposed to demonstrate what could happen to people who make bad decisions. Lynn Smelley, the project manager, said, "This program was founded in 2007. We wanted young people to understand the importance of staying in school and getting an education."
The foundation also offers a Learn2Earn curriculum to teach students financial literacy.
The bus has traveled to twenty four different states and over a million students have participated in the program.
The choice bus and this program proves to be influential to students, as Craig Ruff said, "It inspired me to make better choices and make sure to get an education."
Farewell to Fennell: Journalism, SHS say their good byes, wish the five year principal well
By Kristen Lacy Feb. 25, 2014
With spring in the air, departure from Starkville High School is approaching for many. For Principal Keith Fennell it’s coming sooner than for others. After five years at SHS, Fennell will have his final day this upcoming Friday, February 28, 2014. He will be moving on to Jackson State University as the coordinator for academic services in the athletic department in a change he described as, “going to college.” While the new job is a great opportunity for Fennell and will give him the ability to get his doctorate, overall it will be bittersweet.
Over the years Fennell has enjoyed being part of the homecomings and proms at SHS, continually striving to make each one a better experience for the students and maintaining school while having fun. Fennell said, “I will always be rooting for the Yellow Jackets,” no matter where his job leads him.
Toward the end of his career here at SHS, Fennell has received support and encouragement from the community and students, wishing him only the best in the future. Although Fennell will not be able to hand the graduation class of 2015 their diplomas, he will be attending graduation and prom and continue to root them on even after he is no longer the principal here at SHS.
Fennell expects the students to continue earning their diplomas and furthering their education after his departure. “The successes over the past five years were a huge collaborative effort, no one person is responsible for that,” Fennell said. The dedication of the students, staff, and community has created these successes and Fennell is certain that his departure will not break that. Although Fennell’s last day will be a sad one in the Jacket Nation, he plans on continuing as if it were any other day that he has spent here at SHS with the exception of combining school with fun, being that Academic All-Stars happens to be scheduled that morning.
Although it seems as if a more exciting farewell would be expected, it is only fitting that Fennell would continue properly maintaining SHS until his last second as principal. While being excited about his new opportunity at Jackson State University Fennell said, “There was not a minute in the past 5 years that I have regretted.”
The Journalism Staff of Starkville High School would like to formally state our appreciation for Principal Keith Fennell and his continued support of our journalism endeavors as well as the institution of the broadcast journalism program. We will forever be thankful and wish him only the best in the future.
By Kristen Lacy Feb. 25, 2014
With spring in the air, departure from Starkville High School is approaching for many. For Principal Keith Fennell it’s coming sooner than for others. After five years at SHS, Fennell will have his final day this upcoming Friday, February 28, 2014. He will be moving on to Jackson State University as the coordinator for academic services in the athletic department in a change he described as, “going to college.” While the new job is a great opportunity for Fennell and will give him the ability to get his doctorate, overall it will be bittersweet.
Over the years Fennell has enjoyed being part of the homecomings and proms at SHS, continually striving to make each one a better experience for the students and maintaining school while having fun. Fennell said, “I will always be rooting for the Yellow Jackets,” no matter where his job leads him.
Toward the end of his career here at SHS, Fennell has received support and encouragement from the community and students, wishing him only the best in the future. Although Fennell will not be able to hand the graduation class of 2015 their diplomas, he will be attending graduation and prom and continue to root them on even after he is no longer the principal here at SHS.
Fennell expects the students to continue earning their diplomas and furthering their education after his departure. “The successes over the past five years were a huge collaborative effort, no one person is responsible for that,” Fennell said. The dedication of the students, staff, and community has created these successes and Fennell is certain that his departure will not break that. Although Fennell’s last day will be a sad one in the Jacket Nation, he plans on continuing as if it were any other day that he has spent here at SHS with the exception of combining school with fun, being that Academic All-Stars happens to be scheduled that morning.
Although it seems as if a more exciting farewell would be expected, it is only fitting that Fennell would continue properly maintaining SHS until his last second as principal. While being excited about his new opportunity at Jackson State University Fennell said, “There was not a minute in the past 5 years that I have regretted.”
The Journalism Staff of Starkville High School would like to formally state our appreciation for Principal Keith Fennell and his continued support of our journalism endeavors as well as the institution of the broadcast journalism program. We will forever be thankful and wish him only the best in the future.
STAR Student Emily Turner names STAR Teacher Andrew Lark Jr.
By Khris Carr Feb. 25, 2014
Senior Emily Turner and Visual Arts Teacher, Mr. Andrew Lark represented Starkville High School by being recognized as the STAR Student and Teacher Thursday February 19, 2014. This reward emphasized scholastic excellence and encourages greater scholastic effort among Mississippi students. And it also recognized the teacher and his/her teaching profession.
Turner received this reward by having at ACT score of a least 25 and an overall average of 93 or above in the selected subjects in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and first semester of her twelfth grade. The top 20 STAR students will be called ALL- STAR Scholastics, and each will receive a Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. STAR scholarship. To the state’s top ALL- STAR, will receive a $24,000 Kelly Gene, Sr. STAR scholarship, first runner receiving $20,000, second runner receiving $16,000 and to the one-time scholarship awards of $500 are provided to the remaining 17 ALL STARS.
“I’m very honored to be representing Starkville High, and I was excited to receive this reward because I knew I was able to name a STAR Teacher and was very excited I could select Mr. Lark”, Tuner said.
Lark attended Mississippi Valley State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Art. He then spend 20 years teaching, and of those 20 years, have been rewarded as 2003 MS Teacher of the Year, Starkville School District Teacher of the Year 2001/2002, Third Congressional Teacher of the Year 2003 and more. He is now being recognized as a STAR Teacher, chosen by Emily Turner.
The STAR Teacher should be one of his/her elementary or secondary classroom teachers (Active, former, retired). The teacher selected, is in the student’s opinion a person who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Lark will be honored at the Mississippi Economic Council’s Education Celebration in the spring.
“Ever since I have been in his class he has been a very influential person, basically my whole life. He is very passionate with everything he does. Because of that he has taught me to achieve my goal in going to Architect School.” Turner said.
Teachers of the Top three ALL STAR scholars will receive a $500 reward and the remaining 17 ALL- STAR Teachers will receive a $250 award.
By Khris Carr Feb. 25, 2014
Senior Emily Turner and Visual Arts Teacher, Mr. Andrew Lark represented Starkville High School by being recognized as the STAR Student and Teacher Thursday February 19, 2014. This reward emphasized scholastic excellence and encourages greater scholastic effort among Mississippi students. And it also recognized the teacher and his/her teaching profession.
Turner received this reward by having at ACT score of a least 25 and an overall average of 93 or above in the selected subjects in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and first semester of her twelfth grade. The top 20 STAR students will be called ALL- STAR Scholastics, and each will receive a Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. STAR scholarship. To the state’s top ALL- STAR, will receive a $24,000 Kelly Gene, Sr. STAR scholarship, first runner receiving $20,000, second runner receiving $16,000 and to the one-time scholarship awards of $500 are provided to the remaining 17 ALL STARS.
“I’m very honored to be representing Starkville High, and I was excited to receive this reward because I knew I was able to name a STAR Teacher and was very excited I could select Mr. Lark”, Tuner said.
Lark attended Mississippi Valley State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Art. He then spend 20 years teaching, and of those 20 years, have been rewarded as 2003 MS Teacher of the Year, Starkville School District Teacher of the Year 2001/2002, Third Congressional Teacher of the Year 2003 and more. He is now being recognized as a STAR Teacher, chosen by Emily Turner.
The STAR Teacher should be one of his/her elementary or secondary classroom teachers (Active, former, retired). The teacher selected, is in the student’s opinion a person who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Lark will be honored at the Mississippi Economic Council’s Education Celebration in the spring.
“Ever since I have been in his class he has been a very influential person, basically my whole life. He is very passionate with everything he does. Because of that he has taught me to achieve my goal in going to Architect School.” Turner said.
Teachers of the Top three ALL STAR scholars will receive a $500 reward and the remaining 17 ALL- STAR Teachers will receive a $250 award.
Leo Club rises to challenge, earns community service
By April Reese Feb. 25, 2014
“Man will rise to greatness, if greatness is expected of him.” This is the motto for Starkville High School’s Leo Club. The Leo Club at SHS works alongside the Starkville Lions Club. Their main goal is to serve others.
Members of the club are awarded the chance to serve their community and become a leader. The club has worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, Carrington Nursing Home, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Last November, several members volunteered and worked with members of the community to build a deserving family a home. During December 2013, a canned food drive was held by St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Leo Club made a large contribution to the food pantry.
For the past few months, members have been working on five wall hanging units for residents living at Carrington Nursing Home. These units contain multiple items that reflect the residents’ careers and their lives’ work. The Leo Club continues to strive for greatness while serving the Starkville community.
By April Reese Feb. 25, 2014
“Man will rise to greatness, if greatness is expected of him.” This is the motto for Starkville High School’s Leo Club. The Leo Club at SHS works alongside the Starkville Lions Club. Their main goal is to serve others.
Members of the club are awarded the chance to serve their community and become a leader. The club has worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, Carrington Nursing Home, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Last November, several members volunteered and worked with members of the community to build a deserving family a home. During December 2013, a canned food drive was held by St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Leo Club made a large contribution to the food pantry.
For the past few months, members have been working on five wall hanging units for residents living at Carrington Nursing Home. These units contain multiple items that reflect the residents’ careers and their lives’ work. The Leo Club continues to strive for greatness while serving the Starkville community.
JROTC Rifle, Drill teams win trophies, Cadets proud of Accomplishments
By Alexyia Turner Feb. 25, 2014
This past weekend, the JROTC Rifle and Drill Teams competed in two different events. The Rifling Team competed in three back-to-back competitions, one in February, one in March and one in April. They competed in Vicksburg, Miss., and were led by Col. Charlese Webb. The team included the Cadets Connor Bohna, Austin Braswell, Jessika Depena, Antavius Hinton, Ian Hurley, and Robert Roberson who won first Place in the competition. Freshman Cadet Antavius Hinton said, “(The Rifle Team) did pretty well for our first competition…We competed well as a team.” Since this was the February competition, their next competition will be on March 29 in Vicksburg, Miss., again. Junior Cadet Austin Braswell and Cadet Antavius Hinton both received a first Place award, Braswell for Best Shooter and Hinton for Best Newcomer Shooter.
The Drill Team, led by Cadet Major Teanna Jefferson Battalion S-3 Training, competed in their final Drill meet of the year this past weekend. The Color Guard Team, led by Command Sergeant Major Sydney Robinson, included Teanna Jefferson, Treanna Jefferson, and Alexis Pastor as well. The Color Guard Team placed second in their competition. The Armed Squad, led by Commander Morgan Gray, placed third in their competition. The Armed Squad consisted of the following Cadets: Montavious Brooks, Jamie Coleman, Teanna Jefferson, Treanna Jefferson, Alexis Pastor, Yasenia Pinkney, Sydney Robinson, and Mitchell Young. Senior Cadet Major Teanna Jefferson stated that in order to improve “we need more practice and also need to learn how to work as a team.”
“(The new Cadets) worked great, for being new, but they still have much to learn,” Jefferson said.
According to Jefferson, prior to competition, the JROTC Team states “Every day is a great day to be a Yellow Jacket” and they stand tall with yellow jacket pride. SHS JROTC Cadets are evidence that through hard work and faith, they will succeed
By Alexyia Turner Feb. 25, 2014
This past weekend, the JROTC Rifle and Drill Teams competed in two different events. The Rifling Team competed in three back-to-back competitions, one in February, one in March and one in April. They competed in Vicksburg, Miss., and were led by Col. Charlese Webb. The team included the Cadets Connor Bohna, Austin Braswell, Jessika Depena, Antavius Hinton, Ian Hurley, and Robert Roberson who won first Place in the competition. Freshman Cadet Antavius Hinton said, “(The Rifle Team) did pretty well for our first competition…We competed well as a team.” Since this was the February competition, their next competition will be on March 29 in Vicksburg, Miss., again. Junior Cadet Austin Braswell and Cadet Antavius Hinton both received a first Place award, Braswell for Best Shooter and Hinton for Best Newcomer Shooter.
The Drill Team, led by Cadet Major Teanna Jefferson Battalion S-3 Training, competed in their final Drill meet of the year this past weekend. The Color Guard Team, led by Command Sergeant Major Sydney Robinson, included Teanna Jefferson, Treanna Jefferson, and Alexis Pastor as well. The Color Guard Team placed second in their competition. The Armed Squad, led by Commander Morgan Gray, placed third in their competition. The Armed Squad consisted of the following Cadets: Montavious Brooks, Jamie Coleman, Teanna Jefferson, Treanna Jefferson, Alexis Pastor, Yasenia Pinkney, Sydney Robinson, and Mitchell Young. Senior Cadet Major Teanna Jefferson stated that in order to improve “we need more practice and also need to learn how to work as a team.”
“(The new Cadets) worked great, for being new, but they still have much to learn,” Jefferson said.
According to Jefferson, prior to competition, the JROTC Team states “Every day is a great day to be a Yellow Jacket” and they stand tall with yellow jacket pride. SHS JROTC Cadets are evidence that through hard work and faith, they will succeed
Operation Smile raises money for less fortunate, saves lives and smiles
By Michelle Li Feb. 27, 2014
The Starkville High School Operation Smile club is part of an international children’s medical charity. It raises money for medical professionals to perform safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip.
Most of these children are from third world countries that either don’t have the medical resources needed or don’t have the money. Children born with cleft lip are unable to eat, speak, or smile properly. They are often even shunned and rejected in society.
Every child deserves a bright future and that’s where the Starkville High School Operation Smile club comes in. Members of the Operation Smile club make crafts such as colorful magnets, creative picture frames, cloth head bands, and other cute accessories to sell at the Cotton District Arts Festival every year to raise money to send to the international charity.
Amanda Wilson, supervisor of the club at Starkville High School said, “Our biggest fundraiser is at Cotton District. We usually set up a stand and sell the crafts that the kids made throughout the year. Last year we did really well so I’m hoping we do well again this year.”
By Michelle Li Feb. 27, 2014
The Starkville High School Operation Smile club is part of an international children’s medical charity. It raises money for medical professionals to perform safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip.
Most of these children are from third world countries that either don’t have the medical resources needed or don’t have the money. Children born with cleft lip are unable to eat, speak, or smile properly. They are often even shunned and rejected in society.
Every child deserves a bright future and that’s where the Starkville High School Operation Smile club comes in. Members of the Operation Smile club make crafts such as colorful magnets, creative picture frames, cloth head bands, and other cute accessories to sell at the Cotton District Arts Festival every year to raise money to send to the international charity.
Amanda Wilson, supervisor of the club at Starkville High School said, “Our biggest fundraiser is at Cotton District. We usually set up a stand and sell the crafts that the kids made throughout the year. Last year we did really well so I’m hoping we do well again this year.”
Ty Adair earns spot on Starkville Education Hall of Fame, celebrated
By Hemanth Nannapaneni Feb. 21, 2014
Ty Adair is a very distinguished teacher at Starkville High School. He has enjoyed teaching at SHS for eighteen years and has taught many different subjects like World History, Mississippi Studies, Advanced Placement (AP) Government, AP European History and United States History.
Adair’s favorite thing about SHS is the fact it offers a safe environment and “something for everyone.”
Coach Adair, as commonly called by his students, said, “Teaching is very rewarding. I try my best to get students to think critically and not just blindly accept what people tell them.”
Adair recently won the Bettersworth Award, which is the award for the best history teacher of the year in Mississippi. He was also inducted into the Starkville Education Hall of Fame.
Adair currently teaches World History and AP European history. A very unique aspect of his class is the catapult competition. This competition first began about twelve to thirteen years ago when early European history was being covered in class and a student asked if they could build a catapult.
Numerous SHS students have fond memories of this educational activity and the experience it afforded them.
“The whole thing was a great experience. It allowed us to see how difficult making one of those is and showed us what kind of technology was used in the medieval days. It was a lot of fun also,” Junior, Connor Dunne said.
The University of Mississippi started a trebuchet competition eight years ago and Adair’s SHS students have won at least one first place spot every year.
Former students only have good things to say about Adair and his teaching style.
“Coach Adair is one of the most rigorous and passionate teachers I’ve had at SHS,” Avery Cohen said. Junior, Ben Mackin, spoke of Adair’s very distinctive teaching style. “He’s a great teacher who will push a student to reach his/her full potential.”
By Hemanth Nannapaneni Feb. 21, 2014
Ty Adair is a very distinguished teacher at Starkville High School. He has enjoyed teaching at SHS for eighteen years and has taught many different subjects like World History, Mississippi Studies, Advanced Placement (AP) Government, AP European History and United States History.
Adair’s favorite thing about SHS is the fact it offers a safe environment and “something for everyone.”
Coach Adair, as commonly called by his students, said, “Teaching is very rewarding. I try my best to get students to think critically and not just blindly accept what people tell them.”
Adair recently won the Bettersworth Award, which is the award for the best history teacher of the year in Mississippi. He was also inducted into the Starkville Education Hall of Fame.
Adair currently teaches World History and AP European history. A very unique aspect of his class is the catapult competition. This competition first began about twelve to thirteen years ago when early European history was being covered in class and a student asked if they could build a catapult.
Numerous SHS students have fond memories of this educational activity and the experience it afforded them.
“The whole thing was a great experience. It allowed us to see how difficult making one of those is and showed us what kind of technology was used in the medieval days. It was a lot of fun also,” Junior, Connor Dunne said.
The University of Mississippi started a trebuchet competition eight years ago and Adair’s SHS students have won at least one first place spot every year.
Former students only have good things to say about Adair and his teaching style.
“Coach Adair is one of the most rigorous and passionate teachers I’ve had at SHS,” Avery Cohen said. Junior, Ben Mackin, spoke of Adair’s very distinctive teaching style. “He’s a great teacher who will push a student to reach his/her full potential.”
Drama opens the Curtain, hits the stage
By Mary Grace Lindley Feb. 21, 2014
The Drama/Thespian club has been working hard on their spring musical Spam A Lot: Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. The musical is about Monty Python and King Arthur, and is a comedy about Broadway musicals bursting into song whenever.
According to Brannon Godwin, club president, “The musical is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. It is coming along really great. Ms. Taylor has put a lot of time into it and it is set up to be a great success.”
At first, the musical was scheduled to debut on April 26. However, that is the date of the school prom, so the club pushed back the date. This gives the club extra time to rehearse and get the final touches made.
The first performance of the musical will be on May 1, and the club will continue until May 4 to have additional performances. Show times include 7:30 P.M. on May 1 thru May 3 and 2:30 P.M. on May 4.
In the past years, the Drama Club has put on plays such as Anything Goes, Footloose, and Music Man.
By Mary Grace Lindley Feb. 21, 2014
The Drama/Thespian club has been working hard on their spring musical Spam A Lot: Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. The musical is about Monty Python and King Arthur, and is a comedy about Broadway musicals bursting into song whenever.
According to Brannon Godwin, club president, “The musical is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. It is coming along really great. Ms. Taylor has put a lot of time into it and it is set up to be a great success.”
At first, the musical was scheduled to debut on April 26. However, that is the date of the school prom, so the club pushed back the date. This gives the club extra time to rehearse and get the final touches made.
The first performance of the musical will be on May 1, and the club will continue until May 4 to have additional performances. Show times include 7:30 P.M. on May 1 thru May 3 and 2:30 P.M. on May 4.
In the past years, the Drama Club has put on plays such as Anything Goes, Footloose, and Music Man.
FFA enters in competition, earns laurels on State competition
By Alexyia Turner Feb. 21, 2014
The Starkville High School organization of The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is shaping the future in an incredible way. They are working on manifesting our future as well as preparing themselves for successful careers.
Mr. Rusty Coats and Mrs. Linda Jack have two different FFA Teams that they are entering into the competitions.
This past Friday, February 14, 2014, Coats’s Public Speaking FFA team competed in the Federation Contest in West Point, Miss. Junior, Sarah Byrd competed in Prepared Public Speaking and spoke about the history of John Deere tractors.
Will Irvin competed in extemporaneous speaking and spoke about Producing Crops Forty Years from Now. Hunter Reed and Tyler Capps competed in Tractor Driving and had to analyze the dysfunctional parts of a tractor’s operations.
The speakers of the opening and closing ceremonies competition were Sarah Byrd, Logan Bordelon, Daniel Luck, Myron Barnes, A.J. Smith, Jace Hobart, and Sanci Borganelli.
All of the teams won first place in their divisions.
Their next level of competition is on Friday, March 7, 2014, in Oxford, Miss. After this competition, they will compete at Mississippi State University on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
Mrs. Jack’s FFA Team has not yet competed. They will compete on Friday, April 4. Their Veterinary Science team, which meets on Wednesday mornings, will be competing.
She is also hoping to have a team competing in the Envirothon, which has a multitude of levels. If her team in Envirothon is to succeed, they will move up a level in their next competition.
This year, they are working to do well in the categories of Vet Science, Horse Judging, Food Science, and Agriculture Issues.
“The FFA Contests are empowering students in leadership skills and teamwork,” Jack said.
These students are, as the Mississippi FFA Motto says, Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.
By Alexyia Turner Feb. 21, 2014
The Starkville High School organization of The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is shaping the future in an incredible way. They are working on manifesting our future as well as preparing themselves for successful careers.
Mr. Rusty Coats and Mrs. Linda Jack have two different FFA Teams that they are entering into the competitions.
This past Friday, February 14, 2014, Coats’s Public Speaking FFA team competed in the Federation Contest in West Point, Miss. Junior, Sarah Byrd competed in Prepared Public Speaking and spoke about the history of John Deere tractors.
Will Irvin competed in extemporaneous speaking and spoke about Producing Crops Forty Years from Now. Hunter Reed and Tyler Capps competed in Tractor Driving and had to analyze the dysfunctional parts of a tractor’s operations.
The speakers of the opening and closing ceremonies competition were Sarah Byrd, Logan Bordelon, Daniel Luck, Myron Barnes, A.J. Smith, Jace Hobart, and Sanci Borganelli.
All of the teams won first place in their divisions.
Their next level of competition is on Friday, March 7, 2014, in Oxford, Miss. After this competition, they will compete at Mississippi State University on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
Mrs. Jack’s FFA Team has not yet competed. They will compete on Friday, April 4. Their Veterinary Science team, which meets on Wednesday mornings, will be competing.
She is also hoping to have a team competing in the Envirothon, which has a multitude of levels. If her team in Envirothon is to succeed, they will move up a level in their next competition.
This year, they are working to do well in the categories of Vet Science, Horse Judging, Food Science, and Agriculture Issues.
“The FFA Contests are empowering students in leadership skills and teamwork,” Jack said.
These students are, as the Mississippi FFA Motto says, Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.
JROTC Cadet Ball comes, cadets enjoy fellowship
By Kelley Mazzola, Feb. 17, 2014
With the swish of chiffon and click of high heels, the 2014 Starkville High School Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Core’s Cadet Ball ushered in a night of fun for SHS JROTC cadets and guests.
This year’s theme, “One Fiery Night,” was formulated by the Cadet staff due to the intense symbolism used by the program, according to S3 cadet Teanna Jefferson.
“We always use the red rose every year,” Teanna said. “[Treanna Jefferson and I] love red roses, so we thought ‘One Fiery’ could incorporate more of that.”
Teanna went on to ensure the program went flawlessly, aided by Connor Bohna and Erica Riddick. Bohna served as the director of the event, coordinating the catering company, Robin’s Catering, and arranging the guest speaker. Riddick, on the other hand, acted as narrator of the event, choreographing the toasts to the United States military, to President Barrack Obama, and to the ladies of the event.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Major Larry Daniels felt at home in the ceremonies, even though this was his first SHS JROTC Cadet Ball to attend.
“[The Cadet Ball] isn’t unlike the military balls for the US military,” Daniels said. “Certain traditions may not be present, but still it’s pretty close.”
The guest speaker, Reverend Eddie Scales of Starkville, Miss., had a great deal to say about the cadet’s commitment to life and dedication to the Starkville Yellow Jacket Battalion.
“Life will throw things at you,” Scales said. “You’ve got to be prepared to deal with those things and learn to adapt.”
He also went on to describe what he believes to be key issues facing the youth of today, relating how he had such talks with his own daughter. He also related about the emotional ties he has with his 22 years in the United States Military and how his son is continuing that tradition of service.
“Talking about my own experiences in the military chokes me up,” Scales said. “I pray everyday for my son’s safety in Afghanistan.”
Furthermore, members of the Yellow Jacket Battalion found themselves further moved by the annual senior slideshow. In this slideshow, each senior of the battalion is featured with their accomplishments in both the battalion and in other activities, in addition to their future plans for college and/or military service.
It was during this time that Teanna and Lt. Colonel Charlese Webb revealed their great secret. It was not a secret that Treanna Jefferson, the Battalion Commander and twin sister of Teanna, was not in attendance of the Military Ball due to the fact she was attending the Future Physicians Medical Conference in Washington D.C. What was not commonly known was that Teanna and Treanna planned on using Skype to allow Treanna to announce the close of the Cadet Ball, as every Battalion commander did before her.
“She wants to be with the battalion, but there’s a reason there’s a staff,” Webb said. “There’ll be lots of pictures for her and we Skyped her in, so she was there in spirit.”
By Kelley Mazzola, Feb. 17, 2014
With the swish of chiffon and click of high heels, the 2014 Starkville High School Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Core’s Cadet Ball ushered in a night of fun for SHS JROTC cadets and guests.
This year’s theme, “One Fiery Night,” was formulated by the Cadet staff due to the intense symbolism used by the program, according to S3 cadet Teanna Jefferson.
“We always use the red rose every year,” Teanna said. “[Treanna Jefferson and I] love red roses, so we thought ‘One Fiery’ could incorporate more of that.”
Teanna went on to ensure the program went flawlessly, aided by Connor Bohna and Erica Riddick. Bohna served as the director of the event, coordinating the catering company, Robin’s Catering, and arranging the guest speaker. Riddick, on the other hand, acted as narrator of the event, choreographing the toasts to the United States military, to President Barrack Obama, and to the ladies of the event.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Major Larry Daniels felt at home in the ceremonies, even though this was his first SHS JROTC Cadet Ball to attend.
“[The Cadet Ball] isn’t unlike the military balls for the US military,” Daniels said. “Certain traditions may not be present, but still it’s pretty close.”
The guest speaker, Reverend Eddie Scales of Starkville, Miss., had a great deal to say about the cadet’s commitment to life and dedication to the Starkville Yellow Jacket Battalion.
“Life will throw things at you,” Scales said. “You’ve got to be prepared to deal with those things and learn to adapt.”
He also went on to describe what he believes to be key issues facing the youth of today, relating how he had such talks with his own daughter. He also related about the emotional ties he has with his 22 years in the United States Military and how his son is continuing that tradition of service.
“Talking about my own experiences in the military chokes me up,” Scales said. “I pray everyday for my son’s safety in Afghanistan.”
Furthermore, members of the Yellow Jacket Battalion found themselves further moved by the annual senior slideshow. In this slideshow, each senior of the battalion is featured with their accomplishments in both the battalion and in other activities, in addition to their future plans for college and/or military service.
It was during this time that Teanna and Lt. Colonel Charlese Webb revealed their great secret. It was not a secret that Treanna Jefferson, the Battalion Commander and twin sister of Teanna, was not in attendance of the Military Ball due to the fact she was attending the Future Physicians Medical Conference in Washington D.C. What was not commonly known was that Teanna and Treanna planned on using Skype to allow Treanna to announce the close of the Cadet Ball, as every Battalion commander did before her.
“She wants to be with the battalion, but there’s a reason there’s a staff,” Webb said. “There’ll be lots of pictures for her and we Skyped her in, so she was there in spirit.”