Articles

AHS Student Makes Nationals for FCCLA

State Convention

By John Gibbons

Homepage Features

AHS Teacher of the Year: Mr Spencer!

Wampus Cat News would like to Congratulate Mr. Spencer for being chosen AHS teacher of the year. He works hard everyday to make students smile and help them learn the best. Mr Spencer teaches Algebra 1 and 2. He has been a part of AHS for two years. "Then the little things we do can add up and collectively make a difference in developing their academic and emotional capabilities to the fullest. It is a privilege to be a part of the APS team," Mr Spencer states. The staff at AHS witnesses him work hard every day and help even when he is not required to, and we are glad to have him here!

Track Meet

Atoka Track Meet Results

Hannah Vanderburg 2nd Girls 800 meter run

Hannah Vanderburg 1st Girls 400 meter run

Hannah Vanderburg 5th Girls 1600 meter run

Reagan Cochran 3rd Girls high jump

Reagan Cochran 1st Girls discus

Lacie Garnder 4th Girls discus

Malachi Brooks 2nd Boys high jump

Sean Allen 4th Boys pole vault

Karson George 3rd Boys discus

State Track Meet Results

Sean Allen State Champion Pole Vault

Karson George 2nd Discus

Hannah Vanderburg 4th in 400 M dash

Malachi Brooks 3rd High Jump

Reagan Cochran 5th High Jump

Ohio Trip

Atoka Indoor is new to the Pride of Atoka organization and is growing. Recently, the Atoka Indoor Percussion competed in Dayton Ohio’s 2023 WGI World Championships. WGI is a performing arts association, governing body, and the producer of regional championship events for three activities: color guard (known as winter guard), percussion ensembles, and small marching bands (known as winds). Atoka Indoor percussion, along with other groups, are among the very few in Oklahoma that compete in the championships. They work really hard to perform in front of thousands of people from all over the world. It really is amazing to be able to do such an incredible thing in front of so many people.

Wampus Cat Review: Book Edition

By Joy Mayo

Banner in the Sky, published by Harper Collins in 1954, is American author and mountaineer James Ramsey Ullman’s most popular novel. Based on the true story of the ascent of the Matterhorn, it tells the story of Rudi Matt, a 16-year-old boy who desperately wants to climb the Citadel, the mountain that claimed his father's life. Through Rudi’s journey, the novel explores themes of Maturity and Masculinity, The Relationship Between Humans and Nature, and The Balance of Risk and Courage. Banner in the Sky was popular both in the United States and abroad, winning the 1955 Newbery Honor award. Walt Disney Pictures adapted it as the movie Third Man on the Mountain, which became the basis for the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland.

Ullman began mountain climbing in college, climbed the Matterhorn and Popocatépetl, among others, and participated in the 1963 American expedition to Mount Everest. He wrote approximately 20 books about the field, most notably Banner in the Sky and The White Tower, both of which were adapted into major motion pictures. He also worked with Tenzing Norgay—who, along with Sir Edward Hillary, was one of the first two men to reach the summit of Mount Everest—as a ghostwriter for his autobiography, Tiger of the Snows. Ullman died of cancer in 1971.

AHS Teacher Spotlight

Mr. Cross

by Amairah Hill and Bryanna Barcus

Mr. Cross has been teaching at AHS for 22 years. He has a busy schedule teaching calculus, trigonometry, and geometry. There was one year when he taught Algebra 1 and to put it in simple terms, “it was interesting.” All of those students will be graduating this year, so it is a bittersweet moment for Mr. Cross. He likes to teach calculus because the class is always small. This year there are six seniors taking the class. After school he likes to spend his free time watching silly TV shows like SNL and The Simpsons.

I’ve known Mr. Cross since 8th grade, and throughout that time, he has undoubtedly made an impact on my education. He’s super fun to have as a teacher, and we encourage everyone to spark a conversation with him!

Calculus class (The favorites)

Senior Spotlight

Amairah Hill

Senior Quote: I love Bryanna Barcus

Future Plans: I plan on going to SOSU in the fall and major in Performance Instrumentals to become a musician.

Advice for Freshman: Do what you love to do. Don't limit yourself based on what other people might think of you. Step out of your shell. It may be hard at first, but I can promise you it's worth it, Try out for a lead role, talk to that one person you think is really cool. You won't regret it.

Bryanna Barcus

Senior Quote: I love Amairah Hill

Future Plans: I plan on going to SOSU in the fall and major in Business.

Advice for Freshman: Don't stress yourself out! It's probably not that deep anyways.

Julio Arcos

Senior Quote: I see everyone like family.

Future Plans: I plan on going to ECU in the fall and major in Music.

Advice for Freshman: Treat everyone how you would want to be treated.

Abby Roland

Senior Quote: Stem Queen

Future Plans: I plan on going to OU in the fall and major in Aerospace Engineering

Advice for Freshman: Don't be afraid to join something that is not considered cool.

Page updated

Report abuse