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CHILLICOTHE HIGH SCHOOL NEWS... See Also Sports News
NHS 2008 Academic Banquet
11 16 07
Education Foundation
Awards & News
Homecoming 2007
10 12 07
 Foundation Grants $5,000
10 08 07
Prom 2007
04 21 07
Great Plains Field Trip
10 30 06
All-State Choir
11 03 06
Grants Awarded 2006 Graduation 2006 Prom 2006 NHS 2006 Mr. CHS 2006
Reptiles in Class Art Masters Barnwarming 2005 CHS Homecoming Choral News
05-06 Marching Band Scientific Success 05 Band Awards 2005 Graduation 05 Prom
Vance Named
Teacher of the Year 2004
History Grant Bob Carter Portrait Senior's Art
Selected by MU
District Band & Vocal Contest 2005
CHS Hires New Principal Sports News CHS Achieves
Gold Star Status
Blue Ribbon Award at CHS Graduation 2004
Security Cameras Band Awards

State Funds

2003 Service Awards CHS Site of Anemometer
L.V. Bows Out Graduation:
Class of 2003
CHS Sign Kyle Marcolla
Wins State
District Employees Retire

Academic Banquets
CHS grad addresses academic letter winners
Published: Friday, November 16, 2007

CAPTION: Many Chillicothe High School students received academic letter awards during the 16th annual CHS Academic Awards Banquet held last (Thursday) night in the CHS commons area. Abby Turner Swisher, a 2000 CHS graduate, served as the guest speaker. C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

The Chillicothe High School commons area was filled with CHS students and parents during the 16th annual CHS Academic Awards banquet. R-2 Superintendent Dale Wallace provided the welcome to those gathered and then introduced the guest speaker, Abbie Turner Swisher. Swisher graduated from CHS in 2000 and enrolled in the University of Missouri-Columbia. She graduated from there in 2004 and entered the MU Fellows program where she earned her master's degree in education in 2005. She is currently teaching fifth grade at James Walker Elementary School in the Blue Springs school district. She is the daughter of Mike and Shelly Turner.

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Foundation Grants Over $5,000 to CHS HEADS UP Program
Published: Monday, October 8, 2007

The Livingston County Community Foundation recently granted $5,484 to the Chillicothe High School HEADS UP (Helping Engage All Dedicated Students Unlock Their Potential) program. The grant application was submitted by Nanette Fisher, an English instructor at CHS. Among the items to be purchased are a laptop computer, a computer project, SMARTboard and digital camera to be used in Fisher's class.

In her application, Fisher noted than only 10 of the 54 rooms used daily at the Chillicothe High School are currently equipped with overhead computer projectors. She added that the computer ratio of 10 to 1 at CHS was compared to 3 to 1 statewide. The CHS technology department is in the process of updating computers in the classrooms this summer but there is more need to enhance technology in the English department, according to Fisher.

The Noble Dean Smith Trust administrated by the Foundation is the source of funds for the grant. The Noble Dean Smith Trust was presented to the Foundation in Sept. 2002 and is donor directed-half to be used for Hedrick Medical Center and half for CHS.

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CHS Prom a night for ‘Defying Gravity'
By LAURA SCHULER/C-T City Editor Monday, April 23, 2007

CAPTION: Juniors Sally Baldwin and Cody Greenlaw were among 50 junior class couples and 95 senior couples who participated in the Grand March Saturday evening at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center as part of the Chillicothe High School prom. The theme was “Defying Gravity,” (based on the Broadway musical, “Wizard,” a prequel to The Wizard of Oz). Each escort received a lollipop after walking on the stage, which was decorated as Emerald City. The escort then presented the lollipop to his date. Also pictured is Samantha Baldwin, Sally's younger sister, who was dressed as a munchkin and was one of two siblings of junior class members who presented lollipops to the couples.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

A yellow brick road, a haunted forest, some munchkins and even an Emerald City set the stage for a magical evening for CHS juniors and seniors and their escorts Saturday evening for the 2007 prom. The theme for the event, “Defying Gravity,” (based on the Broadway musical, “Wizard,” a prequel to The Wizard of Oz) was evident from the GPAC lobby, the arts center's stage, the hallway to the commons area and even the gymnasium.

The lobby of the arts center featured decorations depicting a tornado and Munchkin Land from Wizard of Oz and even sported a few live characters. Specifically, Stan Baldwin was dressed as the scarecrow, Hayes Martens was in costume as the tin man, John Daly was dressed as the lion and Erin Gilliland, 11, was in costume as Dorothy and brought her little dog, Toto. The Grand March, which came complete with valet parking, began at 7 p.m. The event, held on a stage decorated as Emerald City, began with CHS junior Brittanee Jacobs, who read a poem she created and dedicated to the senior class titled, “Never Forget.” Then, a select group of about 10 singers performed, “Defying Gravity,” the theme song from “Wicked.”

The Grand March, which lasted about 45 minutes, commenced with Claire Constant, senior class president and Meghan Perry, junior class president, introducing the 95 senior couples and 50 junior couples. Samantha Baldwin and Rebecca Stull, younger sisters to junior class members, were on the stage as munchkins and presented each couple with a lollipop to go along with the night's theme. Following the Grand March, prom-goers walked down the hallway from the lobby to the commons area - the first part of which was decorated with a yellow brick road and corn stalks along the walls. As the couples traveled farther down the hallway, they entered a haunted forest, before entering the commons area.

Junior Class Preparing for Night of ‘Defying Gravity'
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

CAPTION: Members of the Chillicothe High School junior class executive committee have been busy this week decorating for the 2007 Prom which will be held on Saturday, April 21. The Grand March will begin at 7 p.m. at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. This year's prom theme is “Defying Gravity” and is based on the Broadway musical, “Wizard,” which is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Following the dance Saturday evening, students can attend Project Prom which will be held from midnight to 4 a.m. at Grand River Area Family YMCA.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

Preparations are under way for the 2007 Chillicothe High School Prom and organizers say this year's edition will take on the theme, “Defying Gravity,” based on the Broadway musical, “Wizard,” a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The Grand March will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Grand March comes complete with valet parking for those interested in the service. Assistant High School Principal Tony Perry will coordinate the valet parking service. According to Cindy Baker, junior class sponsor, those attending Grand March are encouraged to park in the north parking lot and and enter through the north doors of the high school.

The “Defying Gravity” theme will be evident upon entering the foyer of the performing arts center which will have decorations depicting the tornado and Munchkin Land from Wizard of Oz. The stage area will be decorated as Emerald City. The junior class executive committee selected this year's prom theme and began decorating for the event Sunday afternoon. “The students have been working hard and we have a long way to go,” Baker said. The dance will be held in the CHS gymnasium following Grand March. The dance will continue until 11 p.m. The commons area will house refreshments and a video presentation for prom-goers.

According to Baker, 175 students have already registered and they have the chance to do so until noon on Friday. The prom festivities do not end with the last dance, however, as the Chillicothe High School's S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) chapter is planning project prom. Project prom will be held from midnight to 4 a.m. at the Grand River Area Family YMCA. The theme for the 2007 Project Prom is “Bright Lights, Big City,” and is open to all juniors and seniors along with their dates. Around 150 students are expected to participate.

Project Prom will be decorated in a “New York Sidewalk” decor, complete with a hot dog stand, hot pretzels and New York style pizza. Students will be treated to refreshments and pop throughout the evening.

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CHS Senior Vocal Student Named to All-State Choir
Friday, November 3, 2006

A Chillicothe High School senior has been selected to the All-State Choir after participating in the Northwest All-District Choir at Platte County High School in Platte City, Mo. Saturday. Matt Oleson, the son of Junior and Patty Oleson, was named to the elite choir, which will perform on Jan. 27, 2007 at Tan-Tar-A at the Lake of the Ozarks.

According to Chillicothe High School vocal director Connie Marten, Oleson is among 16 vocal students in the Northwest district selected to the All-State Choir. Only junior and senior students can qualify for the choir, she explained.

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On October 30, 2006, Mr. Lair took his Great Plains History Class to the National Archives in Kansas City, Missouri, to introduce them to the materials available there. Ms. Kimberlee N. Ried, Archives Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator for the National Archives & Records Administration - Central Plains Region, sent us these photos of our students hard at work!

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Caption: Chillicothe High School students and their parents gathered at the school last (Monday) night during an open house. Those attending were allowed to walk around to view the building, meet the teachers and find out about different clubs and organizations offered for students at CHS.

C-T Photo/Megan Neis

 

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Grants Awarded August, 2006

Community Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Special Education Department at CHS
Thursday, August 10, 2006, C-T Article by Megan Neis

Caption: The Livingston County Community Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the special education department of the Chillicothe High School. The funds will assist with purchasing laptops for special education computer classes. Pictured, from left are Pam Brobst, board member; Don Chapman, board member, Kim Kieffer, special education teacher; Pam Musser, payroll and benefits officer for the R-2 district, Charley Merrill, treasurer; and Jim Johnson, foundation president. C-T Photo/Megan Neis

The Livingston County Community Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $10,000 to the special education department of Chillicothe High School. The grant request was prepared by Kim Kieffer, special education teacher at CHS. The grant will partially fund a project titled “Technology for Special Education.”

Approximately 125 special education students do not have the opportunity to take a computer class but are given projects which require technology. These funds will purchase 15 laptops to enable the school to offer more computer classes for special education students.

The funds for this grant will come from the Noble Dean Smith Trust administered by the Foundation. This trust is donor-directed to be granted half for the Chillicothe High School and half for Hedrick Medical Center.

Foundation Awards Grants for Education
Saturday, August 12, 2006, C-T

The Livingston County Community Foundation has awarded a $4,000 grant to help further education technology at Chillicothe High School and a $1,000 grant for equipment to help fund a Chillicothe Middle School program. A grant request, titled, “At Risk - What's their Story,” was written by Anne Jeschke, educational technology specialist for CHS. There are eight at-risk students (four each semester) enrolled in an after-school digital video editing program at the high school. Participants are selected by teacher recommendation and expression of interest and they are mentored by teachers. The students are taught photography and basics of video editing. In turn, the students create a movie and train community patrons in video editing. The students are also allowed to contract jobs on their own to create videos for businesses or individuals.

The total cost of the project is $8,475 and the Livingston County Community Foundation is providing approximately half of the funding. The funds for this grant will come from the Noble Dean Smith Trust administered by the foundation. This trust is donor-directed to be granted half for the Chillicothe High School and half for Hedrick Medical Center.

Nancy Elliott, teacher at Chillicothe Middle School, wrote a grant request to the Community Foundation to assist with the project, “A Good Day's Work.” The grant will help purchase equipment to assist at-risk students in mastering life skills. “Academic needs are only a part of what these students need and are being addressed through other grant funded projects and school curriculum,” said Elliott. “Another major concern is the lack of life skills, lack of adequate nutritional knowledge of food and lack of hygiene skills and clean clothes.” Elliott reported that an important element of the “A Good Day's Work” program will be to find mentors for each involved student. The project will address these needs by teaching students to purchase and prepare nutritious meals and snacks and to care about their appearance through cooperation with the Baptist Clothing Closet. With the project, students will fix their own breakfast each morning and then clean up. They will also have an afternoon snack before they leave school for the day. The students will earn some of the funds for the food by working for an allowance that can be used to purchase food. Students will also prepare menus and shop for the groceries.

The Livingston County Community Foundation is a local group authorized to award grants to any 501c3 (non-profit) organization in the county regardless of the area of interest represented by the group. For example, the foundation has granted funds in the fields of education, community health and wellness, art and humanities, youth, economic development and downtown revitalization. The Livingston County Community Foundation is actively seeking additional funds from individuals as well as encouraging Livingston County residents to include the foundation in their wills and estates or to set up their own trusts to be managed by the foundation board, as in the case of Noble Dean Smith Trust. These funds can be directed to the permanent endowment of the foundation or can be donor directed to any non-profit charity in Livingston County which the donor specifies. Please contact Jim Johnson, president at 707-0803 or Ron Wilder, secretary at 646-0502 for more information on the Foundation for any questions.

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Graduation 2006

Class of 2006 Celebrates Year's End
By CATHERINE STORTZ RIPLEY / C-T News Editor, Monday, May 15


C-T Photo/Catherine Stortz Ripley

Caption: The Chillicothe High School gymnasium was filled to capacity Sunday afternoon as family and friends of the graduating class of 2006 gathered to watch commencement exercises. The ceremony featured the introduction of Andrew Campbell as class valedictorian and Katie Meyers as class salutatorian.

Pomp and circumstance was the focus Sunday afternoon as 176 Chillicothe High School seniors made their way across the stage to accept their high school diplomas. Commencement for the Class of 2006 was in the high school gymnasium, in front of a large crowd of family members and friends. “It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2006 Chillicothe High School commencement,” said CHS Principal Tom Anderson. He added that during their high school careers, the graduating class of 2006 has continued a long tradition at CHS with academic excellence and many other accomplishments.

The graduation ceremony featured the introduction of Andrew Campbell as the valedictorian and Katie Meyers as the salutatorian for the class of 2006.

Rebecca Fender, senior class president, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony and also presented the senior class gift to the school. The class of 2006's gift was large entrance mat measuring 6-feet-by-12-feet with a Hornet on it and designation that it is from the class of 2006. The mat replaces that was given to the school by the class of 1993.

Dale Wallace, R-2 superintendent, presented the class of 2006 and extended congratulations on behalf of the school board, faculty and staff of the district. “Through my own observations, but more importantly through comments from your teachers, coaches, sponsors and administrators, the Class of 2006 is truly an outstanding group of students,” Wallace said. “This class has set a good example for those who follow in both academic achievement, school and community citizenship and extracurricular participation. The leadership they provided and the examples they set were appreciated and will be missed.” Wallace also made note that graduation this year fell on Mother's Day. He asked for all of the mothers and stepmothers of graduates to stand and be recognized.

During Wallace's presentation of the class, five graduates were recognized as Bright Flight scholars. They are Amelia Buckmaster, Andrew Campbell, Trevor Lair, Kaci Suddith and Kelly Tharp. In order to earn a Bright Flight award, students must score at least a 30 on their ACT tests, placing them among the top 3 percent of ACT test-takers nationwide. Wallace also noted that 72 students will attend a four-year college or university, 53 will attend a two-year college, 14 will attend a technical or vocational school, 10 will enter the military and 24 will enter the workforce.

Eighty-five students were also recognized for qualifying for A-plus scholarships by having maintained at least a 2.5 GPA, having at least 95 percent attendance in high school and contributing at least 50 hours to volunteer mentoring. Forty-nine percent of the graduates achieved this honor.

Before the presentation of diplomas, Anderson recognized several individuals and businesses for contributions to the commencement ceremony. He also recognized the parents of the graduates and asked them to stand. During the presentation of diplomas by R-2 Board of Education President John Cook, graduates receiving college preparatory certificates and advanced academic studies certificates were recognized.

Two graduates were chosen to serve as speakers during the commencement ceremony. Each member of the class was given the opportunity to try out to be a speaker and Amelia Buckmaster and Madison Marcolla were selected. Buckmaster's speech was titled, “Our Journey is Much Further,” and she said that although Sunday's ceremony was a time to celebrate past achievements, graduation is the start of a new journey. “Fear and anxiety are emotions that I have constantly had to push away these past few weeks as I have come to realize that no matter how far we think we have come, we still have much further to go,” she said. “Now, we have to learn the hard stuff. All of us have grown beyond coloring by numbers or even using the multiplication tables; now, we have to fill out tax forms and figure out a budget.” Buckmaster cited William Shakespeare: All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.” “With this graduation we exit one role to enter another, and the show must go on,” she said. “Once again, we must learn new lines and actions that accompany this part for which we are only half-prepared. I believe, however, that this transition can be made much simpler if we as fledgling actors realize that whatever the nature of our role in life, it is we and we alone who can interpret our character. In other words, a carpenter can appreciate Shakespeare, and a librarian can listen to punk rock if he so chooses. After all, it is this freedom of choice that makes our journey so interesting.” Noting that their journey is much further, Buckmaster said that if she and her classmates plan on living until they are 90, they still have five times as many years to go. “Life is not a journey of distance, although some of us may travel far. It is a journey of wisdom and maturity... We are a long way from sippy cups and naptimes. But, with any amount of luck, and a large dose of patience, all of us will prove to have learned something from these past 18 years and have the endurance to finish this longer part of life's journey.”

Marcolla's speech was titled, “The Places We Will Go.” Her message was based on Dr. Seuss' book, “Oh, the Places You'll Go.” “His childhood story of prediction has a sense of poignancy for us as the penetrating thought of leaving Chillicothe High School marks a milestone in our lives.” “ ‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' draws an incredible parallel to what each graduate will face from this day forward,” she said. “Entering high school four years ago meant a new and older world for each of us. We had finally arrived upon a greater level of independence and high school was sure to be an exciting time with new and old friends, earning our driver's licenses, attending prom and achieving many other unforgettable recollections.” “The newness of high school shaded the reality that the days were numbered before our ties would be forever severed from our youth,” she observed. She also noted that the memories of high school will never be forgotten. “From championship sporting seasons to numerous academic achievements, we have created a wealth of high school remembrances,” she said. “Together, we have suffered through the tragedy of a loss of a friend and have rallied together when a classmate's sibling was ill. Collectively, we have made a lasting impression on the people around us.” Marcolla said that although graduation from high school marks a significant milestone in their lives, the graduates must not rest on past achievements. “Instead, we must create our future by striving for tomorrow's achievements... We must dare to dream of the places we'll go, and we must make those dreams happen through hard work and perseverance.” In closing, Marcolla noted the past, present and future. “At this commencement we mark our great successes, but this is not our defining moment,” she said. “We all have ambitions beyond high school, but today, we can be proud of our youthful successes.”

High School Seniors Receive Formula for Accomplishment
Rev. Saunders provides Baccalaureate message Thursday evening
Friday, May 12, 2006

Caption: Senior members of the CHS Choraliers performed, “The Road Less Traveled,” in front of a large crowd of people Thursday evening at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center during baccalaureate. The event was sponsored by the Chillicothe Ministerial Alliance.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4

Dressed in their red caps and gowns, the graduating class of 2006 filed into the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center last (Thursday) night for Baccalaureate, sponsored by the Chillicothe Ministerial Alliance. The event featured an invocation by Rev. Tim Buerky, Ministerial Alliance president; a trombone solo by senior Austin Jones, a song performed by the senior CHS Choralier members and a scripture reading from Whitney Saunders. Her father, the Rev. Stan Saunders, provided the message for the evening and he praised the graduates for accomplishing the first major goal of their lives - albeit thrust upon them by the state of Missouri and their parents. However, Saunders said, the goals accomplished by the Class of 2006 now rest solely on the graduates themselves.

“The decisions you make today and in the next few months and years will greatly determine the success or failure of your lives,” he said. Saunders told the graduates to disregard those who try to tell them that they have already lived the best years of their lives, and instead proclaimed that those “best days” lie ahead for the graduates. He then quoted Psalm 37:4, which states, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” He followed that with another quote from St. Francis of Assisi, who said, “I want what God wants. Therefore, I am merry.”

Looking out among the graduates, Saunders said that he saw a class filled with future business owners and leaders, bankers, school teachers, administrators and coaches, law enforcement officers, doctors and nurses, pastors and missionaries, builders, lawyers and politicians. He then told the crowd that he has known several great leaders who have influenced many people. All of those leaders, he said had at least one common characteristic - passion. Saunders then used a phrase uttered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which states, “If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.” He noted that some close friends of his who are missionaries in Thailand have found that passion, traveling to dangerous places and preaching the gospel all over the world.

Then, he advised the graduates of one more formula they should learn in order to accomplish their goals - one not taught in any math class: Intent, plus mechanism equals results.

Senior Awards Top $250,000
C-T Monday, May 8, 2006

Caption: C-T Photo/Laura Schuler Ten Chillicothe High School seniors received $1,000 Eugene Mansfield Memorial Scholarships during Friday's senior awards assembly and were among many other graduating seniors who received scholarships of $1,000 or more. Recipients are Katie Meyers, Whitney Saunders, Jessica Morgan, Laura Roberts, Kim May, Kaci Suddith, Austin Jones, Dillon Harp, Andrew Campbell and Brooke Gabel.

Seventy seniors from the Chillicothe High School Class of 2006 were awarded scholarships and other financial assistance on Friday during the annual senior awards assembly at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. During the two-hour event, a crowd of students, parents and well-wishers watched as approximately $251,335 in scholarships, grants and special awards were announced. According to Cindy Baker, CHS guidance counselor, this year's award assembly saw about the same amount of scholarships and other financial awards distributed as last year.

The afternoon event opened with the traditional reading of the senior poem by Jessica Morgan and a welcome by high school principal Tom Anderson. The assembly closed with the traditional handing down of the senior hat and garter to incoming seniors and the installation of officers for the class of 2007. In between the opening and closing ceremonies were the announcements of scholarships and special awards. There was $69,700 in local scholarships awarded on Friday. “I'd like to thank our community for being such adamant supporters of our students,” said Baker. “I don't know of any other community that invests so much in their students and I'm not sure that the students or the parents understand that. It is a great compliment to our community.” Baker also applauded the students applying for the scholarships. Approximately 41 percent of the graduating seniors received some type of scholarship. “They did a super job and they need to be complemented for turning in their scholarship forms,” she said. “Every committee had lots of students to choose from.

New scholarships presented this year were the Jimmy Meyers American Legion Baseball Scholarship (given regionally) in the amount of $1,000; the Christopher M. Earley Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000; the Kathy Diane Hapes Memorial Scholarship (consisting of two scholarships in the amount of $500 each); and the Clara D. Milbank Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $100. The Christopher M. Earley Memorial Scholarship, named for Christopher Earley, a 2004 CHS graduate who died in February 2006, was presented by his father Pat, to R.B. Quinn.

Marty Meyers presented the Jimmy Meyers American Legion Baseball Scholarship to his nephew, Cory Hanavan. The scholarship is $1,000. Randy Hapes presented the Kathy Diane Hapes Memorial Scholarships to Jessica Hinnen and Brooke Langwell.

Caption: C-T Photo/Laura Schuler Gabrielle Gates and Bailey Benson were named the recipients of $1,000 scholarships sponsored by the Constitution-Tribune. Gates received the Bill Plummer Scholarship and Benson received the Bob Carter Memorial Scholarship.

Senior Week begins for 2006 CHS graduates
C-T Friday, May 5, 2006

Caption: Members of the Chillicothe High School Class of 2006 gathered this (Friday) morning at the United Methodist Church for the annual Senior Breakfast, hosted by the senior moms. School officials report that just over 170 seniors will receive their diplomas next Sunday, May 14, and several events are planned for the class within the next week.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

Today (Friday) is Senior Day and for the Chillicothe High School graduates who will receive their diplomas next Sunday, May 14, the day marks the beginning of a week filled with special activities for the class. The 2006 Senior Breakfast was held this morning at the United Methodist Church's Christian Life Center. Breakfast was served by the senior mothers and during the event the Class of 2006 watched a senior video presentation. The senior assembly was slated to begin at noon, and during the 2-1/2 hour presentation, many seniors were to be awarded scholarships. The event was scheduled to end with the traditional senior farewell - the reading of a poem, the hat and garter ceremony and the handing down of class offices during the lighting ceremony.

Senior games were scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. today at the Fast Lane Family Entertainment Center. Mary Pat Whiteside, senior class sponsor, reported that 90 students and faculty will be bowling a few games. The senior supper will start at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons area. Senior high and Grand River Technical School faculty members are to be guests of the senior class. Wednesday is the last day of school for the graduating class and a day later, seniors will participate in baccalaureate rehearsal in the performing arts center starting at 12:40 p.m. School officials say that Bailey Studio will take a class picture at 12:45 p.m., prior to rehearsal.

Baccalaureate will begin at 7 p.m. at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. The event, sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance will include a message by the Rev. Stan Saunders of Cornerstone Church, and opening and closing remarks by Rev. Tim Buerky, Ministerial Alliance president. Then, on Friday, seniors will attend commencement rehearsal at 9 a.m. at the Chillicothe High School gymnasium. Seniors are asked to park at the performing arts center parking lot and after rehearsal, seniors are responsible for painting their parking block white.

Bailey Studio will be taking pictures of individual Chillicothe High School graduates in a cap and gown at their studio from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and seniors will receive a free 5 by 7-inch photo. Commencement exercises will begin at 3 p.m. in the CHS gymnasium. Seniors are asked to be in the band room at the high school by 2:30 p.m. Madison Marcolla, and Amelia Buckmaster will be providing the keynote addresses during commencement, Whiteside reported.

Editor's Note: Copies of the senior class video which was shown at the breakfast today (Friday) and produced by F.R. Bailey, are available for purchase.

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Evening of Elegance Marks Prom 2006
CHS Grand March features 160 couples
Monday, May 1, 2006

“You forgot the first rule of mass media, Elliot: give the people what they want.” - James Bond in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” If it was an elegant evening spiced with action in demand, it was delivered to 2800 Hornet Drive Saturday night as Chillicothe High School hosted Prom 2006. This year's event, organized by the class of 2007 (or 007), took on a James Bond flare with its theme of, “Tomorrow Never Dies.”

The auditorium of Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center was packed for the traditional grand march at which time the juniors and seniors along with their escorts are introduced. The event began with a presentation of James Bond movie clips put together by junior Austin Baker. Pam Constant, who co-sponsors the junior class with Cindy Baker, then welcomed the guests. Poems were read by juniors David McKahan and Kristen Jeschke. The prom ensemble, a group of female student vocalists, then sang the theme song from “Tomorrow Never Dies.”

Constant then introduced Senior Class Sponsor Mary Pat Whiteside, who, in turn, introduced Senior Class President Becca Fender, escorted by Brandon Merrill; and Junior Class President Claire Constant, escorted by Cole Minnis. The class presidents then took turns introducing the students and their escorts. In all, there were about 160 couples introduced. Upon their introductions, each young man was given a rose by sophomore Sally Baldwin or freshman Montana Vinson and then presented the rose to his date.

Many of those attending prom took advantage of the valet parking service coordinated by Assistant High School Principal Tony Perry, Grand River Technical School teachers and adult volunteers. The James Bond theme was evident upon entering the building, with a giant cellophane waterfall, a jet ski, and more. “The prom committees were awesome,” said co-sponsor Baker. “We got a lot of things accomplished in an amazing amount of time.”

She said that the committees completed their work by 10:30 Friday night and didn't have to return on Saturday, a practice that occurs nearly every year. Baker said that she and her co-sponsor appreciated all of the adult support as well, led by Carol Sloan and Carla Morgan. After the grand march, students exited the auditorium and wandered through a hallway decorated like the street of a town that led to the commons area where the dance was held.

Once in the commons area, Bailey Studio took individual and group pictures. A video production by Austin Baker and Josh Morgan was shown highlighting seniors and various activities held throughout the year. Decorations there enhanced the nightclub atmosphere the junior class had worked to create. The reception included punch served in martini glasses, soft drinks, hors devours and a chocolate fountain.

CAPTION: Submitted Photo Prom festivities continued into the early morning hours with Project Prom hosted at the YMCA. Many prizes were awarded during the event, including three iPods.

 

 

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Show and Tell: Reptile Adds New Dimension to Learning
C-T 04 06 06 by Laura Schuler, City Editor

CAPTION: This spectacled caiman resides in Greg Thurmon's science classroom at Chillicothe High School. The animal is an endangered species and the students help take care of it, along with the many other creatures living in the classroom.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

If you thought Chillicothe High School was only the home of the Hornets, think again. It is also the home of a spectacled caiman which resides in a 4x8-foot glass cage in Greg Thurmon's science room. According to Thurmon, the spectacled caiman is 11 years old, is about 4 feet long. The science instructor who has long been a collector of exotic animals, bought the reptile from a pet store in Kansas City when the animal was just a baby. “He's (the caimen is) fairly docile,” Thurmon said. The caimen has a federal identification tag because he's a captivity-bred endangered species, usually found only in Central and South America. Thurmon explains that the animal is the most advanced of all modern reptiles, and dates back to the dinosaur era, specifically, the Triassic and Jurassic period. “The species used to be giant-sized. Now they're not that big,” Thurmon said.

The caimen's typical day usually involves sunning under a heating lamp and jumping into a small pool for a quick swim. He lives in the cage with two turtles: a red-eared slider turtle and another common snapping turtle. Thurmon said that the animals live well together, despite the caimen's 30 ferocious-looking teeth. “They get along really well, and the turtles are really well-shelled,” the science teacher explained. The caimen isn't hard to take care of, Thurmon said. He noted that the animal enjoys a controlled diet of two or three fish fillets twice a week and added that if the animal was fed daily, it would outgrow the cage he lives in a very short time period. When the caimen is full-grown (about 5 to 7 feet long) Thurmon said he will take it to Panama City, where it will live out his retirement years in a crocadillia exhibit. The science teacher estimated that will happen in just a couple years.

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Art Masters Class
C-T Caption Wednesday, April 5, 2006 by Laura Schuler

Seniors Katie Meyers and Alyse Vandervort work on their cellophane sculpture during their Art Masters Class at Chillicothe High School. The students were preparing their creation for the upcoming All District Art Show which will be held at Chillicothe High School in the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center this Sunday, from 2 until 5 p.m.; Monday from 2:30 until 8 p.m.; and Tuesday from 2:30 until 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to view the artwork prepared by R-2 students.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

 

 

C-T Caption April 11, 2006 by Catherine Stortz Ripley

Mark and Sonya Rosenbach spent some time Monday evening looking at thousands of pieces of artwork displayed in the lobby of Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center as part of the Chillicothe R-2 Schools District Art Show. Students in grades 1 through 12, including the Rosenbach's children Emily, 11, and Dalton, 7, had artwork displayed. The show, which is open to the public, continues through April 11 from 2:30 until 8 p.m.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

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National Honor Society Induction
C-T Caption 03 28 06 by Laura Schuler

Several Chillicothe High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society Monday night, March 27, in the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center during a ceremony marked by comments from former CHS counselor Don Jackson. Seventeen juniors and four seniors were inducted into the society; and following the ceremony, the students and their families were invited to a reception held in the commons area at the high school.

C-T Photos / Laura Schuler


Click this photo to see a closer view.

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Mr. CHS
C-T Caption 03 22 06 by Laura Schuler

Dressed in "Blues Brothers" attire, Trevor Lair and Ryan Wallace performed "Soul Man" before a large crowd at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center Tuesday evening. Lair, a senior, was one of 11 contestants in the Mr. CHS contest and earned first runner-up honors, finishing behind classmate Tyler Way. Earning second runner-up honors overall was Brandon Merrill, Mr. Junior Class, who finished ahead of Mr. Senior Class Jimmy Griesbach, third runner-up. The fourth runner up was Ben Nibarger, Mr. Academic Team. Around $1,700 was raised through ticket sales, donations from sponsors, and entry fees from the contestants. All funds go toward the CHS Choraliers which sponsors the contest annually. Lair entered the contest as Mr. Student Council and earned first place in the formal wear competition. Way, Mr. Senior Executive Committee, won first place in the talent competition. Merrill earned first place in the swim wear competition.

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Serving Breakfast

Beginning March 1, 2006, the High School serves breakfast from 7:30 til 7:50 a.m. Students must use ID/Lunch card for breakfast and lunch. No cash including Ala Carte. Cost: Regular $.85 and Reduced $.30. If you have questions, contact the High School kitchen at 646-0700.

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Barnwarming 2005
Photo by GRTS / See more on our FFA pages!

  • Freshman - Jaimie Baker & Justin Followwill
  • Sophomore - Morgan Quinn & Zac Ireland
  • Juniors - Katie Daugherty & Jacob Vadnais
  • Seniors - Becky Summers & Cody Dysart

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CHS Band, Flag Corps Prepare for Another Season
C-T August 10, 2005 by Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor

PHOTO CAPTION: The CHS Marching Hornets Band Camp started on Monday and will continue through Friday at the high school. Officials say there will likely be around 85 band members this fall and the band's first performance will be at the school's open house on August 29. Members of the flag corps started their practice on Tuesday and, until Friday, will be learning and practicing new routines.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

If you know that the words "right flank" means to turn right and "ten-hut" means to come to attention, chances are that you've attended a band camp at one time or another.

The 2005 Marching Hornets Camp and Flag Corps Camp started this week and will continue through Friday at the high school. Both camps last for a few hours each day and during that time, band members and flag corps members practice, practice, practice. For band members, that means marching in the parking lot of the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center and rehearsing several numbers including the school fight song, the national anthem and the band fight song. For flag corps members that means learning and rehearsing new routines.

For Dave Goodwin, band director, the upcoming school year marks his 23rd at Chillicothe High School and 26th year of teaching band. He said today (Wednesday) that he expects around 85 band students (including a dozen seniors) to enroll this fall in a class that has stayed relatively consistent in numbers over the years.

While noting that he doesn't exactly know why the numbers in his class stays so constant, he said he hoped that the students enjoyed the varied activities that band offers including marching band, the Chilli-Peppers pep band, the concert band and the jazz band. Goodwin also said that the class also allows the students to interact with each other.

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CHS Seniors Create Artificial Swimming Leg
C-T May 4, 2005 and follow up by Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor

PHOTO CAPTION: The three Chillicothe High School seniors who designed and built a prosthetic swimming leg for Grant Williams are Rhett Rumery, Lucas Cavin and John Thurmon.

C-T Photo by Laura Schuler

All eyes were on one swimmer in the Grand River Area Family YMCA pool. As an underwater video camera rolled, 10 people studied the man's movements around the pool. Was he kicking too fast? Does his leg need to come up quicker for better propulsion? Did more modifications need to be made? Those were the questions they asked each other, but by the end of the swim some 30 minutes later, they had the answers they needed and the man wearily climbed out of the pool. No, this wasn't a race, and it wasn't an intense coaching session. It was a science experiment - and a very successful one.

Grant Williams, of Chillicothe, was swimming with an artificial leg designed and built by three Chillicothe High School seniors, Lucas Cavin, Rhett Rumery and John Thurmon as their science project. Their project so impressed the judges at the Three Rivers Regional Science Fair, that they received first place in the teams division. They also had the highest scoring project there and their success in mid-March qualified them to advance to the Intel-sponsored International Science and Engineering Fair which will be held Phoenix, Az., next week (May 8 to 14). At the six-day event, the students will be among 1,600 to 1,700 others from 32 nations vying for millions of dollars in scholarship money. "They're hoping for a patent, too," their science teacher, Greg Thurmon said.

Their project is also one of four in the nation that has attracted the attention of producers for the Discovery Channel. In fact, Greg Thurmon said a camera crew will be arriving in town tomorrow (Thursday) to film the trio working on their project before leaving for Phoenix. The boys will also be filmed at the fair and the footage will be used to make a one-hour documentary which will air sometime this fall.

So why is the boys' science project attracting so much attention? Greg Thurmon said that the artificial leg is based on the concept of opposite-engineering. "It's truly ingenious," he said Tuesday. The leg has both a knee joint and an ankle joint. However, instead of bending in at a 90-degree angle, the artificial swimming leg bends out at the knee which gives the swimmer the ability to cut through the water. The ankle joint also flexes to allow for a fluid motion, the boys explained.

Cavin, Rumery and Thurmon used a variety of materials to make the limb including spear gun tubing on the ankle and leg. "That makes (the leg) durable underwater," John Thurmon explained. Rumery added that from below the knee to the ankle, the leg is made up of welded aluminum. It also has a fiberglass shell and a rubber socket, where the leg fits into the prosthetic. A plastic scuba fin, designed by an Italian engineer, makes up the foot portion of the leg and a series of rubber bands and springs at the joints have been installed.

And while most of the material has been donated, the cost of a hydraulic prosthetic leg isn't cheap. Williams, who donated one specifically for the project said that the artificial leg used for the project cost over $14,000. The cost is worth it for Williams, who says he's always had a love of the water, but is a beginner scuba-diver. In fact, he said he made his first scuba-diving trip last year. "I had a blast but it (scuba diving) wore me out," he explained. The reason why Williams "wore out" is because with only one leg, he had to work incredibly hard to swim straight and slow. "He corkscrewed a lot," Cavin explained. The seniors watched a video of Williams trying to scuba dive early this fall and since all three had an interest in scuba-diving, the idea to create a prosthetic limb for the local man was born.

The boys said that they made at least five different prototypes before coming up with the final model. Over the past several months the team said they struggled with finding the right strength for joint elasticity and they had to adjust the flexion of the ankle and knee several times. "The kids learned a lot through trial and error," Greg Thurmon said. He added that the project helped the students improve their problem-solving skills.

Team Earns Major Awards in Worldwide Competition
C-T May 17, 2005 by Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor

PHOTO CAPTION: John Thurmon, Rhett Rumery, and Lucas Cavin competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair last week (May 8 to 14). The 2005 Chillicothe High School graduates entered an artificial swimming leg they designed and built and earned top honors. Their project is also one of four in the nation that has attracted the attention of the Discovery Channel and a camera crew filmed the boys at the fair. The footage will be used to make a one-hour documentary which will air sometime this fall. - Submitted Photos

The three 2005 Chillicothe High School graduates who competed in the Intel-sponsored International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix, Az. last week (May 8 to 14) have brought back impressive honors and a patent for their artificial swimming leg may soon be in the works. Lucas Cavin, Rhett Rumery and John Thurmon received second place in the international team division, earning the team $4,500. According to CHS science instructor Greg Thurmon, the three graduates were one of about 100 teams competing in the engineering division.

The trio was also awarded the Intellectual Properties and Patent Lawyers Association Award - one of only two such awards distributed at the competition. According to Greg Thurmon, the award ensures that a lawyer's association will work pro bono to help the young men get a patent for the artificial swimming leg - something that the teens were hoping for before they left for Phoenix. The award, according to Greg Thurmon, is worth between $10,000 and $20,000 and comes with $250 cash. And, as if that weren't enough success, the team also received the MIT Award, which means that an asteroid will be named after each of the students.

Cavin, Rumery and Thurmon designed and built an artificial swimming leg for a local water enthusiast, Grant Williams. The Chillicothe man lost his right leg above the knee in the early 1980s and recently developed a love for scuba diving, but had trouble swimming with only one leg. (See related story above.)

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CHS Band Students Earn Awards
C-T May 12, 2005

Several awards were presented Wednesday night during the Chillicothe High School instrumental music department's spring concert at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Front, from left: Dave Goodwin, instructor; Megan Thompson, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award recipient; Sarah McCumber, Charles W. Maupin Award recipient; Jacob Bowyer, John Philip Sousa Award recipient. Back, from left: Xandria Colvin, outstanding sophomore; Kate Lindley, outstanding freshman; Betsy Brick, most improved; and Austin Jones, outstanding junior. Submitted Photo

Several band students were honored Wednesday evening at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center during the spring concert presented by the Chillicothe High School's instrumental music department. The evening included several pieces performed by the Chillicothe High School jazz band and symphonic band, under the direction of Dave Goodwin and Francie Kapono. The evening concluded with the distribution of several awards.

  • The most prestigious award - the John Philip Sousa Award - was given to senior Jacob Bowyer, son of Steve Bowyer and Wilma Graham. Jacob is the 48th recipient of the award, which was presented by instructor Dave Goodwin.
  • Megan Thompson, daughter of Don and Debbie Thompson, was presented the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. The Charles W. Maupin Award was presented to Sarah McCumber, daughter of Lisa Hecker and Dave McCumber.
  • The evening also included solos by three band members: Kate Lindley, trumpet; Jacob Bowyer, tuba; and Sarah McCumber, flute. The soloists were accompanied by Mary Willis.
  • Special recognition was given to the senior band members: Jacob Bowyer, Daniel Ewing, Meghann Gilliland, Crystal Hasler, Gina Heaton, Kelly Horton, Rachel Hughes, Heather Hundley, Allen Jeffries, Sarah Johnson, Mitchell McCauslin, Sarah McCumber, Katie Nibarger, Craig Putnam, Kayla Riekena, Amanda Steely, LeDawn Thomas and Megan Thompson.
  • Other special award winners during the evening were Betsy Brick, most improved; Kate Lindley, outstanding freshman; Xandria Colvin, outstanding sophomore; Austin Jones, outstanding junior.

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Class of '05 Celebrates Year's End
By Megan Neis / C-T Staff Writer, Monday, May 16, 2005

Of the class of 2005, 68 will attend a four-year college or university, 35 will attend a two-year college, 10 will attend a technical or vocational school, two will enter the military and 31 will enter the workforce. C-T Photo/Megan Neis

One hundred forty Chillicothe High School seniors were honored yesterday (Sunday) during the annual CHS commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2005. Before a large, overflowing crowd of family and friends, the 146 CHS graduates were applauded and congratulated. "It is my please to welcome everyone to the 2005 Chillicothe High School commencement," said CHS Principal Tom Anderson. He added that during their high school careers, the graduating class of 2005 has continued a long tradition at CHS with academic excellence and many other accomplishments.

These graduates are members of the second class to spend all four years of their high school careers at the new CHS building on Hornet Drive. The graduation ceremony featured the introduction of the three valedictorians of the class - Katie Nibarger, daughter of Terry and Julee Nibarger; Allison Conrad, daughter of Bob and Mary Conrad; and Nicholas Hager, son of Randy and Ruth Hager. Katie Nibarger, senior class president, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony and also presented the senior class gift to the school. The class of 2005's gift to was two large track record boards (one each for boys and girls). These record boards will be placed on the north wall of the gymnasium at the school.

Dale Wallace, R-2 superintendent, presented the class of 2005 and extended congratulations on behalf of the school board, faculty and staff of the district. "This class has set good examples for those who will follow," Wallace said. During Wallace's presentation of the class, 12 graduates were recognized as Bright Flight scholars. They are Kathryn Brodmerkle, Allison Conrad, Ben Coult, Tracy Crose, Amy Diegelman, Derek Dosterschill, Nick Hager, Rachel Hughes, Heather Hundley, Katie Nibarger, Cassandra Peters and Kayla Riekena. In order to win a Bright Flight award, students must score at least a 30 on their ACT tests, placing them among the top 3 percent of ACT test-takers nationwide.

Members of the class of 2005 toss their hats following the commencement
ceremony held Sunday in the Chillicothe High School gymnasium.
There were 146 graduating seniors.
C-T Photo/Megan Neis

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CHS Prom April 23, 2005
C-T April 20, 2005

Chillicothe High School juniors and seniors will travel from the Nile River to China this Saturday as they participate in the annual CHS prom and project prom with the grand march ceremony set to kick off the entire event. "Sunset Over the Nile" is this year's prom theme and is sponsored by the CHS junior class. The Chillicothe High School will be transformed into an Egyptian paradise for the prom.

The grand march ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center, and according to Barb Thurmon, junior class sponsor, there will be plenty of seating for parents and the general public (parents of prom goers will have reserved seating). During the grand march, couples will be announced on stage and a group of 12 vocal students will perform a song. A poem will also be read, according to Thurmon.

Between 300 and 400 juniors and seniors and their dates are expected to attend the annual prom festivities. Bailey Studio will begin taking pictures at 4 p.m. on Saturday. 
When prom goers arrive at the prom, they will be treated to valet parking.

Following the grand march, students can follow the Nile River down the 200 foot hallway leading from the arts center to the commons area and gymnasium. The dance will begin at 8:30 p.m. in the gym and dancers can retreat to the commons area where they will walk into an "oasis." "It's going to be gorgeous," said Thurmon. "They've (junior class) really been working." Complete Music will be the disc jockey for the dance.

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Music Students Earn Honors at District Competition
Chillicothe Symphonic Band Earns 21st Consecutive I Rating
C-T April 6, 2005

The Chillicothe Symphonic Band earned its 21st consecutive I rating this year! The band, several solos and small ensembles earned I ratings at District Music Festival March 31 and April 2 at Northwest Missouri State University. The MSHSAA Festival included 41 schools over a 3-day period. Those solos and small ensembles receiving a I rating will participate at the State Music Festival on the campus of the University of Missouri on Friday, April 29.

I RATING
Symphonic Band; Adam Callahan, vocal solo; Jessica Morgan, vocal solo; Sarah McCumber, flute solo; Jacob Bowyer, tuba solo; Daniel Alford, vocal solo; Tyler Way, vocal solo; Kate Lindley, trumpet solo; Ben Nibarger, vocal solo; Matt Oleson, vocal solo; Ashley Venable, vocal solo; Katye Harrison, vocal solo; Kathryn Brodmerkle, vocal solo; B-flat Clarinet Quartet (Maggie Greenwood, Heather Hundley, Kelly Tharp, Savanna Whitt); Trumpet Trio: Kate Lindley, Chris Peterson, Logan Gilliland).

II RATING
Mixed Chorus; Chamber Choir; Men's Choir; Alison Critten, vocal solo; LeDawn Thomas, vocal solo; Brandon Sensenich, vocal solo; Xan Colvin, flute solo; Maggie Greenwood, clarinet solo; Betsy Brick, bass clarinet solo; Jonathan Schneider, vocal solo; April Williams, vocal solo; Amy Hobbs, vocal solo; Amanda Beting, vocal solo; Chris Peterson, trumpet solo; John Riekena, trombone solo; Austin Jones, trombone solo; Megan Moore, alto sax solo; flute quartet (Sarah McCumber, Katie Nibarger, Kayla Riekena, Amanda Steely); mixed woodwind quartet (Sally Baldwin, Xan Colvin, Cally Gannan, Betsy Brick); bass sextet (Jacob Bowyer, Mary Davis, Josh Morgan, Chris Peterson, Craig Putnam, Austin Jones); percussion ensemble (Claire Constant, Jamie Cunningham, Brandon Merrill, Mitch McCauslin, Allen Jeffries, Natalie Hughes); percussion ensemble (Rachel Hughes, Natalie Hughes, Rebecca Kerry, Kate Lindley, Sarah McCumber, Kayla Riekena, LeDawn Thomas); mixed woodwind trio (Kayla Riekena, Sarah McCumber, Rachel Hughes); misc. vocal ensemble (Adam Callahan, Josh Copeland, Lacey Hague, Katye Harrison, Sarah Johnson, Whitney Miller); mixed double quartet (Daniel Alford, Kathryn Brodmerkle, Kaylee Douglas, Kelly Gengelbach, Jonathan Klinginsmith, Sara Mathew, Ben Nibarger, Tyler Way); girls sextet (Amanda Breting, Olivia Breting, Betsy Brick, Jessica Hinnen, Amy Hobbs, Kim Klinginsmith).

III RATING
Mary Davis, french horn solo; Rebecca Kerr, flute solo; Amy Diegelman, vocal solo; Lacey Hague, vocal solo; Betsy Brick, piano solo; Maggie Greenwood, piano solo; Kayla Rickena, piano solo; Jessica Hinnen, vocal solo; Amanda Hutchinson, vocal solo; Candace Lindley, vocal solo; misc. vocal ensemble (Jacob Fellhoelter, Logan Gilliland, Chris Peterson, Jonathon Schneider, Brandon Sensenich, Todd Shannon); girls trio (Candace Lindley, Stephanie Meyer, LeDawn Thomas).

IV RATING
Women's Choir; Boys Double Quartet (Josh Copeland, Jonathan Klinginsmith, Ben Nibarger, Ryan Riggs, Daniel Alford, Tyler Way, JR Wigehert, Adam Callahan).

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CHS Senior's Art Selected for MU Christmas Card
Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor, December 8, 2004

A CHS senior has been selected as the winning student who will have his art featured on the front of the University of Missouri's Dean of the College of Education's Christmas card this holiday season. Daniel Leatherman created a watercolor depicting a father and son enjoying a snowy scene by moonlight. CHS art teacher, Dorlene Meneely, reported this is the first year that CHS was selected to create the art adorning the Christmas card. There were 36 entries for the card at the high school, but only Leatherman's winter art was selected. Two other students were given honorable mention: Freshman Correy Miller's art portrayed the columns at the University of Missouri Columbia campus, and Sophomore Austin Baker portrayed a winter forest scene. With Leatherman's art featured on the front of the card, the inside states: "Wishing you happiness during this Holiday Season and throughout the coming New Year, - MU College of Education Faculty and Staff." The back of the card explains that the cover artwork was created by Leatherman and that he is involved in cross-country, track, FBLA, Art Club, and the Spanish Club. Leatherman's art can be viewed by clicking here.

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Portrait of Bob Carter Donated to CHS
Paul Sturm, Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, December 14, 2004

Portrait donated to CHSA donated portrait of the late Bob Carter, sports editor of the Constitution-Tribune for nearly three decades prior to his untimely death in late 2001, is presented to Chillicothe High School activities director and football head coach Phil Willard (white shirt at right) and boys' basketball head coach Chad Snyder (behind Willard) by Deborah Lindley on behalf of her husband, Scott (to her right), and numerous other friends of Carter's. The painted portrait, along with a plaque identifying those who contributed to the portrait's commissioning and plaques signifying Carter's posthumous induction into the state high school football and basketball coaches' associations' Halls of Fame, will hang in the high school commons. The presentation, along with comments from several persons from Chillicothe and area schools Carter covered, took place between games of Monday night's home basketball doubleheader against Macon. C-T Photo/Paul Sturm

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Chillicothe R-2 Receives $892,875 History Grant
Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor, Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, 07 21 04

Chillicothe R-2 school board members received some good news last (Tuesday) evening at district headquarters as Mike Lair, CHS social studies department chair, announced that the district had received an $892,875 federal grant designed to enhance the teaching of American History.

The district was one of only two in the state to receive a Teaching American History grant and according to Lair, only 450 to 500 districts across the country usually apply for them. He explained that only 110 to 130 applicants are chosen to receive the grants.

This was the district's second try at the grant, Lair said, explaining that the district applied for a history grant two years ago, focusing more on technology, but were denied, placing 210 out of 477 districts that applied.

What helped the district try for the grant the second time around, according to Lair was the score card that the district received, explaining just why the grant was denied. He added that a panel of three people judged the grant requests in five different areas and wrote "copious" notes on the scorecards.

So, when trying for the grant the second time around, Lair said that the grant writers adjusted the grant to focus primarily on teaching history. They received the good news the first of the month.

"It's designed to create a core of people who know how to teach history in grades kindergarten through 12," Lair explained.

Specifically, the grant is designed to help the district establish a network of master teachers and ensure that northwestern Missouri teachers and administrators have the skills, knowledge and abilities to teach U.S. history.

Lair said to accomplish that goal, the R-2 school district will work with the University of Missouri Western, Central Methodist College, Truman Presidential Museum and Library, the State of Missouri's Office of the Secretary of State Archivist, the Livingston County Library, and 23 northwestern school districts. The almost $900,000 grant will be funded over a three-year period, becoming available around the first of September, Lair said.

Visit the history project web site at www.chillihistoryproject.com.

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Gold Star School
CHS Achieves Gold Star Status

Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor, Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, April 28, 2004

Chillicothe High School has received yet another accolade from state education officials after the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that the school was chosen as one of Missouri's 13 Gold Star Schools for 2003-04. This is the first time in CHS history that the school has received the prestigious honor.

"We are very pleased and honored to again bring this recognition to our district and community," Dale Wallace, R-2 schools superintendent said Wednesday. He added that CHS joins Dewey Elementary and the middle school as Missouri Gold Star School recipients. Dewey Elementary earned that honor in 1994 and Chillicothe Middle School was designated as a Gold Star School in 1995.

"This reflects the good leadership, dedicated staff and high achieving student body that is found at the high school," Wallace said, adding, "I hope the community takes a great deal of pride in this award and appreciates the hard work that is behind it."

According to Bob Levy, CHS principal, state education officials examined many aspects of the high school's programs and activities in determining if it met Gold Star School criteria. Specifically, Levy said that the school's continued improvement in MAP scores over the last three years, its minimal dropout rate, its special education program, the progress and development of its curriculum and its consistently high attendance rate were the primary factors which earned the school this latest statewide recognition.

Levy also noted that state education officials also consider the number and diversification of the school's extra curricular activities and how they "co-mingle" with community involvement. He said that the school's 4-year-old hunting and fishing club, and its leadership class (taught by Jeanne Lair) were positive additions to the school's curriculum over the past few years. Levy also said that next year, the high school will add a community service component to its curriculum.

Involvement in the school's upcoming community service program will not be a graduation requirement, but Levy said that students who finish the program successfully will be recognized at commencement ceremonies. He added that the program is designed to have participating students complete 40 hours of community service by the time they graduate from high school.

Gold Star School Award presented in Jefferson City
Several Chillicothe High School and R-2 District officials attended the
Gold Star School Forum held May 3 in Jefferson City to receive the
Gold Star School Award on behalf of the high school. Pam Gable,
senior MAP leader served as a panelist during the forum discussions.
Dr. Kent King presented the Gold Star School Awards to representatives
of the 13 schools receiving the award. Pictured from left: Brenda Block,
CHS special ed chairperson; Jill Watkins, CHS language arts instructor;
Principal Bob Levy; Assistant Principal Tony Perry; Pam Gable; and
R-2 Superintendent Dale Wallace. 

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CHS Band Students Lauded for Achievements
Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, Megan Neis, C-T Staff Writer, May 14, 2004


CHS band members who received awards after the annual Symphonic and Jazz Band Spring Concert held last (Thursday) evening included: Staci Kincaid, most improved band member; Amy Patel, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; Jessica Pyrtle, John Philip Sousa Award; Whitney Prewitt, Charles W. Maupin Award; Sophie Pyrtle, John Philip Sousa Award; Rusty Scott, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; Sarah McCumber, outstanding junior band member; Sarah Sivill, outstanding sophomore band member; and Natalie Hughes, outstanding freshman band member.
Submitted Photo

Several band students were honored Thursday evening at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center during the spring concert presented by the Chillicothe High School's instrumental music department. The evening included several pieces performed by the Chillicothe High School jazz band and symphonic band and the distribution of several awards.

The most prestigious award -- the John Philip Sousa Award -- was given to seniors Jessica Pyrtle and Sophie Pyrtle. Jessica and Sophie are the 46th recipients of the award, which was presented by instructor Dave Goodwin. Two senior band members, Amy Patel and Rusty Scott, were named the recipients of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. The Charles W. Maupin Award was presented to senior Whitney Prewitt.

The evening also included solos and small ensembles by several band members: Whitney Prewitt, clarinet solo; Jessica Pyrtle, flute solo; Amy Patel, alto saxophone; Jessica Pyrtle, Sara McCumber, Kayla Riekena and Katie Nibarger, flute quartet; Rusty Scott, Daniel Ewing, Natalie Hughes, Ryan Derickson, Claire Constant, Allen Jeffries, Mitch McCauslin and Sophie Pyrtle, percussion ensemble. All soloists were accompanied by Mary Willis.

Senior band members include: Luca Bertani, Dionne Cook, Lauren Couch, Penny Denton, Katie Kepner, Staci Kincaid, Ashley Midgyett, Amy Patel, Whitney Prewitt, Jessica Pyrtle, Sophie Pyrtle, Natalie Ream and Rusty Scott.

Special award winners during the evening were: Sarah McCumber, outstanding junior band member; Sarah Sivill, outstanding sophomore band member; Natalie Hughes, outstanding freshman band member; Staci Kincaid, most improved band member; Jessica Pyrtle and Sophie Pyrtle, drum major award; and Mary Willis was presented with a gift.

Goodwin also named the band students who had accumulated the most points in each grade level. In the freshman class, Maggie Greenwood and Natalie Hughes tied with 16 points. Austin Jones led the sophomore class with 15 points and Kayla Riekena led the junior class with 35 points. Jessica Pyrtle received recognition for earning the most points in the senior class and the band as a whole with 45 points.

The Chillicothe High School Jazz Band performed several songs at the annual CHS Symphonic and Jazz Band Spring Concert held Thursday, May 13, at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center.
C-T Photo Megan Neis

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District Hires New CHS Principal
Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, Laura Schuler, C-T City Editor, March 29, 2004

After an extensive hiring search which began in mid-February, the Chillicothe R-2 School District has employed a new high school principal. Tom Anderson, who is currently principal at Braymer C-4 High School, was officially hired this (Monday) morning after the Chillicothe R-2 board met in special session this morning at district headquarters.

Anderson, who will begin his new position on July 1, will replace Bob Levy, who announced on Feb. 13 that he has accepted a principal's position with the Gasconade County R-2, in Owensville, Mo. Levy has been the high school principal in Chillicothe for four years.

The Braymer principal was one of more than 30 applicants who applied for the open position and was hired at a $70,000 salary. He reported today that he was "elated" upon hearing that he had been chosen as the top candidate and looked forward to becoming a part of the R-2 district's administrative team. He went on to note that the school district's outstanding reputation served as one of the main reasons why he decided to apply for the position. "The reputation of the Chillicothe R-2 School District is excellent, in my opinion, and the community supports its school 100 percent," he noted. Anderson went on to add that the community's high expectations for its students in academics and other activities also served as an incentive to apply.

According to Dale Wallace, R-2 school superintendent, a selection committee comprised of himself, eight high school staff members and assistant superintendent Dave May, examined all of the applications and narrowed the field of possible candidates to six. The committee then met with the finalists last week before making their recommendation to the board this morning. In a news release issued today, Wallace stated that district officials were pleased to have a number of "outstanding" candidates to choose from and they are "very pleased" with the selection of Anderson. Wallace also thanked the members of the selection committee for the many hours dedicated to the selection process and their input on finding the most suitable and qualified candidate available.

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CHS Hoops Fixture Vance Bows Out
Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, Paul Sturm, March 22, 2004

Long-Time Freshman Boys' Coach Retiring After 32 Years

A long-running era in Chillicothe High School basketball is over. Larry Vance, who has coached basketball - mostly as head coach of the Freshman boys - for the past 32 seasons has decided to retire.

At the annual basketball banquet on March 17, Vance was presented with a gift by the other CHS hoops coaches and made some brief remarks. "One of the things I will miss most is the relationship with my fellow coaches," said Vance, who was leaned on heavily for advice and counsel by CHS Varsity and Junior Varsity coaches through the years. "The thing I will miss the most, however, is the relationships I developed with the players. When they joined the Freshman team, they became 'my kids' and as I'd watch them through the rest of their high school years, they'd still remain 'my kids' to me."

After thanking his wife, Margaret, for her support through his years of working with a generation-plus of CHS cagers, Vance admitted that he'll probably find it impossible to completely withdrawn from contact with Hornets hoops.

"I'm sure I'll pop into the gym during practices sometimes," he conceded, a situation Hornets Varsity head coach Chad Snyder had earlier indicated he'd welcome. "It's been a great ride," Vance concluded to a warm ovation.

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Teachers Honored for Service
Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, Megan Neis, 12 02 03

C-T Photo / Megan Neis
You may click on photo to enlarge.

Many Chillicothe R-2 employees were honored for their years of service in the education field at yesterday’s Teacher of the Year recognition program held on December 1 in the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Pictured are the teachers honored for 25, 30 and 35 years of service. They each received a pin and a plaque. Left to right: Linda Fox, first grade, Dewey Elementary School, 25 yrs; Judy Leach, cafeteria, Chillicothe Middle School, 25 yrs; Gregory Crain, custodian, Chillicothe Middle School, 30 yrs; Don Jackson, Guidance Counselor, Chillicothe High School, 30 yrs; Susan Jackson, Guidance Counselor, Central and Field Schools, 25 yrs; Betty Sue Radcliff, Librarian, Central School, 25 yrs; Dee Alden, third grade, Field Elementary School, 25 yrs. Not pictured: Brenda O’Halloran, Reading Specialist, Dewey Elementary School, 25 yrs; Larry Vance, Social Studies, Chillicothe High School, 35 yrs. Other employees were awarded pins for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service in education.

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CHS to Receive Additional State Funds
Chillicothe Constitution Tribune, 12 03 03
Story by C-T City Editor, Laura Schuler


Chillicothe R-2 District officials received some welcome news Tuesday, after Gov. Bob Holden released $83 million that had been held back from Missouri's public schools and colleges because of budget concerns. The money amounts to a little more than one-third of the $222 million the Democratic governor withheld from education at the July start of the state fiscal year.

According to Dale Wallace, R-2 superintendent, the released funds will put roughly $175,000 back in the district's coffers. The increase in state aid will arrive monthly beginning in December and will give the district's Fund 1 (the general operating budget) some extra padding after losing upwards of $400,000 in state aid this past fiscal year.

"This is a big deal for us (the district)," Wallace said today (Wednesday). "Anytime we can pick up more revenue is good news."

Over the past few years, district officials have been struggling to build up the district's reserves and succeeded in getting the R-2 district off of the state's financially stressed list.

To that end, the Chillicothe R-2 Schools Board of Education approved a 20-cent property tax increase last August, raising the total tax levy to $3.67 per $100 assessed valuation. 

Wallace also made high dollar cuts throughout the school year by not filling several full-time teaching positions that came open through normal attrition. The district also eliminated an art instruction position reduced a position to part-time and reduced expenditures in categories such as textbooks, athletics and other miscellaneous expense categories.

Tuesday's announcement will bump the district's proration factor up from .87 and .82 to .89 and .84. When school districts are fully-funded by the state, the district's proration factor is rated at 1.0 When the districts are under funded, the proration factor falls below that number.

In releasing the money, Holden claims the budget passed by the Republican-led Legislature lacks enough revenue to fulfill its spending commitments.

But he said the state Department of Social Services is receiving $83 million more than was budgeted from the federal government, which will help that agency pay for rising costs in the Medicaid health care program for the poor and disabled.

That, in turn, will free up existing money to go toward education, Holden said.

''While this is good news for school districts throughout the state this year, it in no way solves the basic budgetary challenges we continue to face in 2004 and that we will face again in 2005,'' Holden said at a Capitol news conference.

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CHS Is Site of New Anemometer
Chillicothe Constituion Tribune, Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Story by C-T City Editor, Laura Schuler
Photo: Laura Schuler

102803 wind anemometer (7973 bytes)Rick Anderson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources energy policy analysis, works on installing the instrument, which will be used to measure wind speed and develop a map for the Department of Natural Resources to highlight areas where wind power may be a possible avenue for energy production. The anemometer also features an lightning rod (shown at the extreme lower left of the photo), and a wind vane.

C-T Photo / Laura Schuler

Now that a 66-foot-tall anemometer has been installed north of the Chillicothe High School, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be able look for the answers that are indeed "Blowin' in the Wind."

As of Friday, the instrument is up and running, measuring both wind velocity and consistency every three seconds, 24-hours-a-day. According to DNR officials, the information it gathers will be downloaded onto a computer every month for a year to help form a map depicting the state's wind resources as a possible source of energy. Chillicothe R-2 science students will also take advantage of its availability to learn about wind energy in physics class, according to high school officials. "But mostly, the DNR is using it (the anemometer) as a display so that people in the area can see it and get involved in the DNR's (Anemometer Loan) program, Greg Thurmon, CHS science teacher said today (Tuesday).

So far, the Anemometer Loan Program includes the installation of 10 towers around the state. The next closest one will be located in St. Joseph, according to Rick Anderson, DNR energy policy analyst, who helped install the local tower. The site at the high school was selected after the Chillicothe Municipal Utilities and the high school applied for and received a grant, allowing the DNR instrument to be loaned free of charge to the high school.

"Of course we're happy that Chillicothe was selected (as one of the anemometer sites)," Steve Svec, CMU general manager noted Friday. He added that, not only will the tower help with the education of students in a real-life situation, but it will yield information necessary to investigate the possibility of using wind power as a source of energy in the area. According to Kelly Nelson, University of Missouri agronomist at MU Greenley Research Center near Novelty, Mo., wind-driven energy could greatly benefit some rural landowners. "Wind generators are a new opportunity for rural economies," he said in a recent University of Missouri Outreach and Extension publication. "The wind is an untapped energy source that is readily available, and all we have to do is harness it." He added, "Once you identify the areas that look promising and get support from the grassroots efforts, you take the next step."

Anemometer Removal 12 01 04 - C-T photo

The anemometer was removed from the CHS site on 12 01 04 and moved to a new location after testing was completed here.

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Donation Completes CHS Sign Project
Chillicothe Constituion Tribune, Thursday, September 4, 2003
Story by Megan Neis, C-T Staff Writer

092503 A C-T Photo... (18298 bytes)Caption: