Out of This World
Editor: Darrah Dickinson
Dr. Ladd fondly recalls time at MVHS, anticipates future
By Nana Giorgidze and Jake Witmer
Dr. Josh Ladd has been a beloved figure at MVHS, with a deep connection to the students, teachers and staff. As he prepares to take on a new challenge as an assistant superintendent at Willard, his departure is sure to leave a void at MVHS. In a recent interview with The Green & White Review, Dr. Ladd shared some of his favorite memories and reflections on his time at MVHS, as well as his hopes and plans for the future.
When asked about his favorite memories at MVHS, Dr. Ladd's response was one many would agree with: “Oh gosh, favorite memories? I really have enjoyed Christmas at MVHS, the way that staff and students have spirit days during Christmas, dressing up as your favorite Christmas characters, things like that have been my favorite part of Christmas–how much fun people have during the holiday seasons here.”
He also spoke about the people at MVHS, from the students to the teachers and staff, who have made his time there so rewarding. His connection to the people at MVHS is what he will miss most as he takes on his new role. “For starters, every kid is different, and the only way you make progress is to know their differences. The only way to know their differences is to make time and effort to invest. My kids in E-Club are just as important to me as your star athlete or your valedictorian-type of individual, I love them all. They’re just different. This is my passion and I love working with you guys.”
But while he will miss the people, Dr. Ladd is also excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his new job. “I’m looking forward to the challenges that this job is going to bring. In particular, being able to work with people in the administrative role, sharing with them my thoughts and philosophies on how to work with kids and making progress with kids, and supporting and empowering teachers. Being able to spread what I do at a bigger level is exciting,” says Dr. Ladd.
Reflecting on what he has learned at MVHS, Dr. Ladd passes down his wisdom to MVHS students. “At MVHS, I have learned to slow down, especially when situations get intense. To put more thought into situations before I act. I have learned the importance of making good, positive connections between administrators and teachers, and teachers and students–those are some very valuable lessons I have picked up here. Not to mention, one of the most vital things to my professional job is having personal conversations with people.”
Finally, Dr. Ladd has a message for MVHS: “To my staff and students: thank you for being so good to me. For accepting me, for letting me be weird, goofy, letting me be me. That’s all I can say to them. Thank you.”
When asked about what drew him to this new job, Dr. Ladd spoke about his familiarity with the people and the community at Willard, where he has spent much of his career. He was also attracted by the fact that he would not have to relocate, allowing him to continue to care for his family and be part of the community he loves.
As Dr. Ladd prepares to embark on this new adventure, we wish him all the best and know that he will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of students and teachers wherever he goes.
Unavoidable endings and what comes next: hidden dread, fear follows seniors
Senioritis is parallel to a procrastination/depression/anger filled mental virus that strikes seniors of all ages—those graduating, and even those over the age of 65. No matter what, people nearing the end of something are almost always caught with a yearning for time to pass faster. With that, isn’t there also the secret dread held with leaving something you’ve known for so long? Simply put, yes. Yes there is.
Begging to graduate ever since middle school, I was so ready for the real world and to travel and to make new friends and make my own money. Now, as a senior who has traveled, worked three jobs, and made new friends, I still find myself crying out for my mommy in fear of watching graduation approach.
At first, when I realized “adult life” wasn’t as good as it’s cracked up to be, I found myself caught in a whirlpool; I thought I was stupid, I thought I’d been lied to, and I simultaneously thought I was the liar. In reality, I was in a perfectly normal state. What fresh eighteen-year-old high school senior isn’t absolutely, catastrophically, and fantastically terrified?
Inevitably, there is no way to get over the fear unless you attack it head-on. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the only way through is through. I’d love to give you a way to get past the fearfulness, but really, taking it one day at a time is the best way to get yourself through everything.
The underlying dread is the worst part of it all. At the beginning of senior year, everyone is excited to finish high school and work towards graduation, but in the last few weeks leading up to it, the fear, anger, and sadness hit harder than anything else.
Really, there is only one thing you can do: keep pushing through it. See your friends. Get coffee with your favorite teacher. Keep yourself happy. Keep yourself focused. Even if graduation is your only goal, keep pushing. After that, you can relax and work on your next objective. If you are having trouble setting a target, make sure to understand that this isn’t the end. Life doesn’t stop after high school, and even if you don’t have the guidance of teachers and parents, you are never alone.
MVHS students plan to seize this summer
Summer break is almost here! Just about all students in high school or college look forward to summer break as their time of relaxation and enjoyment. Some students know what they’re going to do with their break before it even starts, but others aren’t sure how they’re going to spend their next three hours, let alone three months! Luckily, there are plenty of ideas that can be found on the internet and even some recommendations made by the students of MVHS themselves on how you can spend your summer.
Summer break can be the time where students dip their toes into adult life by applying for a summer job. Getting employed during your high school years can be highly beneficial for your social skills and especially for your bank account!
Junior Tyler Moore is planning on working with his father for his moving company. They help people move, even from one side of the country to the other! They once worked for a professional football player. There are several job opportunities for students during the summer and it can be the time for students to experience different environments and could even open the door to discovering what the students might be interested in for a future career. One very popular option among the students is to get a job at the new local pool opening this summer.
While it might be too late to apply for a job at the pool, it is not too late to make plans to visit the pool and have some fun in the sun. In fact, several students plan on having some fun in the great outdoors. From camping to swimming and fishing there are endless possibilities to get outside and enjoy the summer sun! Junior Bailey Marquis is planning on making a giant slip-n-slide and sliding on it with her friends.
Getting involved in some special activities and projects can lead to a fun and productive summer. Juniors Jaden Wilson and Kade Jenkins have plans on getting involved in the communities around them this summer. Wilson is going to be in the production of Mean Girls (the musical) at Joplin High School this summer as the lovable love interest, Aaron, and Jenkins is going camping with the members of his church and having a great experience. There’s nothing like being in the great outdoors with your friends and family.
Some fun suggestions from Real Simple include going to a drive-in movie with some friends, being a child again and blowing some bubbles, drawing with chalk, or making some homemade lemonade. There are also plenty of food related things you can do to shake up your summer: roast some marshmallows over an open fire, grab a slice of fresh watermelon, or have a picnic lunch. Then after all that sit and watch the sunset or watch it rise, take a trip to the beach, or just relax in a hammock.
Another article by Super Camp says summer break can be the time for students to expand their horizons with new hobbies and activities. “It could be a sport, music, art, cooking, or anything else that there never seems to be enough time for during the school year.” Students can now feel free to try new things without worrying about time restraints. Students can listen to new music or even learn to create their own! We’ve all wanted to try out a new hobby, or continue with a current hobby, but never seem to have the time. Luckily, during summer break, you’ll definitely have some spare time.
Summer doesn’t last forever so it’s important to spend that free time doing something that’ll help benefit you in the long run, but it’s also important to take that time to have some fun and relax. Once you find that balance, your summer is sure to be a gratifying one!