Fall 2017
December 18, 2017
Christian Spirit Graces Mt. Vernon Schools
By Michaela McChesney
As you walk through our quaint town of Mt vernon or as you sit through an athletic sporting event, it won’t take long for you to uncover the devout love for God this community holds. When searching for churches in Mt. Vernon online, 19 within the city limits of Mt vernon come up, and Mt. Vernon’s population was only 4,553 in 2016.
It is no surprise, then, that such a prominent Christian community has a great influence over the school's atmosphere. This influence is most obvious and concentrated in the school club FCA, otherwise known as Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
FCA is an organization for the athletes of the school and those they influence. On Thursday mornings at 7:30 students gather in the high school media center to hear a short sermon presented by peers or different members of the community. Breakfast items are always brought and enjoyed during the meetings.
The goal is to provide students who want to get together in a Christian environment the opportunity to start their day with a positive by hearing from different speakers and surrounding themselves with their fellow Christian schoolmates. “It’s a good, positive way to, hopefully, influence the school for good,” reports FCA sponsor Tom Cox.
Many of the churches in the community help and influence FCA. Church in Action, Lifebridge Assembly, Kingsway, First Baptist, Covenant, Freedom Christian Center and others have provided speakers and support through the years. Among the members of the community who come and speak are the youth leaders of these churches and others, business owners in Mt. Vernon, and teachers within the school.
Steve Hicks, Church in Action's minister, said FCA is an important priority when he is asked to be guest speaker. “I always want to take every opportunity
Above: FCA members listen speaker Trevor Cocquillard in the media center on November 9.
Above: A speaker from Church in Action talks to MV students about the need to know Jesus better.
to speak with young Christians (athletes or not) and encourage them in their faith. I want to support any organization that helps promote the Christian faith and Christian values in our public school system.”
Mr. Hicks said when he comes to speak, “I hope the discussions I have had with young Christian athletes will better equip them to live out their faith in practical ways while at school and in their communities.”
Tom Cox thinks they're well on their way to this goal, saying, “They’ve really done a good job, I think, of speaking to our kids where they’re at in their life, like right now."
Mr. Hicks sees a distinct influence of the Christian church in this particular school district. He said, ”I happen to be familiar with several school districts around southwest Missouri and I do feel that the spiritual climate at MV is much stronger than many others in our area. I have heard that many schools do not even have a FCA ministry, or if they do, there is minimal involvement.”
In addition, some of the members of FCA reach out and influence the community. On special holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the community comes together for lay services, which include congregational singing and breakfast after. It brings people of all different denominations together. These events last three days, and there is a service on each day. Usually one of the FCA students will bring the message to one of the three services.
Mt Vernon really is a unique and loving town through and through. The community is always trying to improve and help their school in whatever way they can. Many positives have come from this, but there is always room for more improvement.
Mr. Hicks said, "I can’t speak for other churches in our community, but I don’t feel that Church in Action does as much as we could be doing to support our local students in the area of public education. I would like [to] get more actively involved with the school administration to pursue ways that the local church could have more of a positive impact on the school district. I believe local churches have many 'untapped resources' that could benefit our kids in the community if we could just identify what those needs are and how we could assist with them."
MVHS Displays the Gift of Giving
By Tatum Watts
While many are fortunate to have well-paying jobs and can afford everything during this season of giving, many families cannot. Through the holiday season, many people around the world go without proper clothing or a hot meal and kids go without toys on Christmas.
This is why MVHS students have hosted and participated in several charity events. Last October, Mrs. Mona Brown did "Socktober," which resulted in the donation of 120 clean socks to Children's Emergency Services. Now in December, she is doing her own toy drive, collecting unopened toys that can go to kids who aren’t lucky enough to get what they want.
There have also been food drives and toy drives and drives that will give those who need it the essentials to survive. Mrs. Brown explained, "My toys go to holiday central, which distributes clothing and toys and food to the Mount Vernon area. I was with the food distribution, too." Mrs. Brown added, "The distribution took place on Saturday the ninth. I collected about 70 toys. I don't know how many families signed up, but we handed out about 200 food baskets."
Winter concert raises spirits
By Michaela McChesney
On December 17 Mt. Vernon families, neighbors, and friends were brought together by festive, joy-filled music performed by the Mt. Vernon band and choirs. "Sleigh Bells," "The Little Drummer Boy," and "Mary, Did You Know?" were three of the ten songs played Sunday afternoon.
The band performed "Star Spangled Banner," "Childhood Hymn," "Fanfare and Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and a combined song with the choir, "A Christmas Festival." Among the 56 band members there, Natalie Cummins, Erin Shelton, Alexandra Hannaford, Luke Palmquist, Spencer Jones, Jessie Warden, and Austin Schaedler are all-district band members, and percussionist Spencer Jones is an all-state orchestra member.
Concert Choir opened the concert with "Beautiful December." They then sang "Sleigh Bells" and ended their performance with "The Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth." Mt. Vernon's show choir Vocal Motion entertained the crowd with "White Winter Hymnal," "Mary, Did You Know?" and "Good King Kong Looked Out."
Above: Mr. Heckman conducts the high school band as they play their first song, "A Christmas Festival."
Above: Opening the concert, Ms. McBain thanks the audience and everyone who helped in the preparation of the winter concert.
Within the choirs Kassidy Anderson, Allie Barker, Megan Dawson, and Madison James where all-district sopranos. All-district altos include: Josie Baker, Hannah Estes, Alexandra Hannaford, Megan Mynatt, Cici Quick, and Andrea Seitz. Mt Vernon's all-district tenors are Drake Goodson, Stephen Henry, Wyatt Johnson, Logan Johnson, Keaton McElroy, Luke McKinzie, and Jesse Wells. Last but not least, all-district basses are Nickolas Belanger, Chase Brashers, Spencer Jones, Maison Hazelton, and Kaden Myers. Mt Vernon's two all-state choir members are Alexandra Hannaford and Spencer Jones. Allison Barker earned all-state alternate.
All three directors--April McBain, Brad Heckman, and Andrew Tiefenbrunn--are new to their positions this year. This didn't hold them back in any way; they worked together and did an amazing job with their first winter concert.
Mount Vernon Community Theater prepares quality performances
By Tatum Watts
Theater is an art that is expressed everywhere. Without theater we wouldn’t have actors or actresses, and if we didn’t have actors and actresses we would not have movies or TV shows or skits. Brilliant stage writers who put together plays and operas are the equivalent of those directors and producers and creators who make TV and movies today.
MVHS's drama club puts on plays that are open to the public and are performed at the MARC, where community plays are also performed. One of the more recent plays put on by Mount Vernon Community Theater (MVCT) was the drama Tribute. Its story revolves around a man who is sick and wanting to make up with his grown son, whom he has been estranged. MVCT also works with more upbeat performances like the musical they presented last summer, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Laura Hazelton and her son Maison, a junior at MVHS, are community theater veterans, though Maison usually does his work backstage. Ms. Hazelton said many things that go into theater in order to hold a successful show. "In order to make a musical or production successful, the first thing you need is time," Ms. Hazelton explained. "A summer musical generally has a four-nights-a-week practice schedule for at least eight weeks. In the first few weeks, rehearsal times are around two hours a night, but increase to three-four hours until the last couple of weeks that could be five-plus hours per night on a daily schedule. So, time is definitely number one."
Ms. Hazelton also said community theater takes a lot of dedication. "Not only are you at practice for hours and hours, you also are having to practice for hours and hours," she said. "There are lines, songs and choreo that have to be learned and perfected, and this can't all be done at practice. In a community theater, no one gets paid and basically you have to be a jack-of-all-trades.
Community theater, after all, isn't just about the acting. Ms. Hazelton explained, "There are costumes to be made, props and sets to be made, lights and sound to be set and even posters to be hung. There is something for everyone to learn and everyone must help out."
Community theater is a magical place where people can show off what they know they have or find talent they never knew they had. Ms. Hazelton said, "That's one great thing about Community Theater--there is always something for everyone and you really get the chance to pull out the talent in people!"
Mt' Neer Basketball
Lady Mountaineers Take the Court
By Haylee Yeats
Our girls' basketball program has kicked off this season with a bang.
The Mountaineers recently took the championship title in the Carthage tournament, beating East Newton in the first round 68-18, taking Joplin 72-35, and then conquering Springdale Har-Ber out of Arkansas for the big win, 60-48.
The Mountaineers then followed up with a decisive win against Diamond on Dec. 7 with a final score of 85-19.
The following Monday, Dec. 11, the girls played Fair Grove, a tough competitor, and took a 77-60 loss.
Mountaineers Fight for Success
By Haylee Yeats
Our Mountaineer boys tipped off their season with the Clever tournament on Nov. 27.
Their first opponent, Clever, handed them a quick defeat with a final score of 68-47.
Following that game, the Mountaineers took on Springfield Catholic in the Clever tournament semifinals Friday, Dec. 1, and lost 70-54, leaving the Mountaineers in with a third-place finish in the tournament.
The Mountaineers took that loss and turned it into motivation, beating Fair Grove on Monday, Dec. 4, 54-42.
The boys then played in the Arvest Tournament and placed fourth after losing to Webb City, 44-38.
Athletic Boosters rally community spirit
By Haylee Yeats
Athletic Boosters plays an immensely important part in our community and our athletics programs.
President Matt Shuster told us that Athletic Boosters is a not-for-profit organization comprised of local volunteers who help organize special events and fundraising efforts for the various MVHS athletic programs. “Although athletic booster clubs have a long history in high school sports, I’m not exactly sure when the MVHS Athletic Booster Club was formed or how it started.”
Athletic Boosters raises money to help support all of the athletic programs at MVHS. Mr. Shuster explained, “When you see new uniforms and equipment, supplies used by our athletic trainer, Dr. Dan Schmutz, or see student athletes and/or coaches on sporting event trips or conferences, there’s a likelihood that the MVHS Athletic Booster Club has funded, or helped fund each part of that.”
The organization is composed of three officers: president Matt Shuster, treasurer David Hood, and secretary Cheryle Gann. Groups called executive committees are comprised of athletic booster club members who commit to “serving behind the scenes.” Three groups are appointed to oversee the boosters' memberships and merchandise, concession preparation and sales, and special events. Mr. Shuster explained the workings of each group below:
An example flyer that members Adam and Cassi Boswell posted for the boys football semifinals game.
Memberships & Merchandise
“This group focuses on growing our group’s membership, coordinating our membership packages and rates, as well as designing and ordering all of our athletic booster club apparel. The behind-the-scenes work this group does is seldom ever seen by the public, but is such a vital part of our organization.”
Concession Prep & Sales
“Since most of our efforts are focused on fundraising for the athletic programs, this group’s efforts are just as important and require a lot special attention. This is our third year of overseeing and managing the concession stands at athletic events for our home games. With that comes a tremendous amount of responsibility such as ordering food, beverages, and service goods. They are also responsible for organizing volunteers to help prepare and serve food [and] clean-up efforts for each event. It’s a lot like running a small restaurant!”
Special Events
“This group has taken on the responsibility of overseeing fundraising efforts for Apple Butter Makin’ Days, [the] tailgate party for the first home football game, and other events throughout the year that are focused on special events. They also help in coordinating the hospitality rooms when MVHS hosts district events. This year MVHS has hosted volleyball districts and will also host basketball districts. This group organizes menus, food service, volunteer help, and clean-up efforts. This group, too, spends many hours behind the scenes helping to make the athletic booster club function well.”
Mr. Shuster explained that although each group has very specific and detailed responsibilities, everyone helps out wherever needed.
He said Athletic Boosters loves to see the MVHS student athletes and coaches succeed in every way possible. “Most members of the MVHS Athletic Booster Club have a child/children or grandchild/children that are, or were at one time, athletes at MVHS. Perhaps they were an MVHS athlete or an athlete at a different school district. Maybe they weren’t an athlete at all. But we have this in common: the success of student athletes and coaches at MVHS.”
Mr. Shuster said his number-one priority "is to see our membership, and membership involvement, continue to grow.”
Athletic Boosters would like to see the community of Mount Vernon to rally behind our athletic programs, student athletes, and coaches like “no other community in southwest Missouri.”
The organization ultimately wants every student athlete, coach, and MVHS Athletic Booster Club member to reflect on their memories as a Mountaineer knowing they were a part of something great. “For the phrases, 'Green Machine!' and 'Bleed Green!' to be sounds they hear afterwards, and smile!”
Art Club Paints the Town
By Michaela McChesney
Art Club is a wonderful avenue to learn how smoothly community, thought, and art blend together creating one unique and fun experience.
Mount Vernon’s own Art Club is led by high school art instructor Ms. Susan Buffington. To be in Art Club the student needs to be in an art class or to have successfully completed Art I. The goal of Art Club is to teach students to be involved in the community through new, innovative ways such as painting.
Art Club’s largest fundraiser and activity is painting murals. When asked where Art Club had painted some of their murals, Mrs. Buffington answered, “We have done murals in the hallways at the high school, in the intermediate school, and then we do our window painting for Christmas.” The Christmas murals take six full days of work to complete each year, and usually raise close to $3,000.
The club uses this money to provide members with scholarships and letter awards. Each year they put some of the money towards a field trip, and they give about $600 dollars of the money raised back into the community through various charities. The members take a vote to decide where to give the money.
Art Club is a good way to get involved in school. Mrs. Buffington remembers a particular Art Club moment with a giggle: “We were painting one time when the wind chill was three below zero. It was so cold that when you would go to take your paintbrush to the window it would fall through your fingers because you couldn’t feel. There was a time (whenever you’re painting you have kids down below) I was reaching over and it was actually so cold I dumped paint on top of a student’s head!”
In addition to housing Art Club members, MVHS holds NAHS, otherwise known as National Art Education Association, members as well. The difference between Art Club and NAHS is Art Club just started as a way for the students to get together and do things within the community. NAHS, on the other hand, wasn't introduced to MVHS until six years ago, and the guidelines to join are national. To be part of NAHS, students must have community service hours as well as activity hours.
Smile for the Camera!
Art Club members paint Christmas murals on the windows of local businesses as their annual fundraiser.
November 30, 2017
Counting on the Blood Drive
November 30, 2017
Haylee Yeats
On November 1, MVHS held their fall blood drive with the CBCO.
Every year, FCCLA works the blood drives held at MVHS in November and March. FCCLA adviser Ms. Kristina Reach, said MVHS reached the goal the CBCO had set. “We received 85 units of whole blood, 13 units of plasma, and 2 units of double red blood cells,” she said.
First-time donor Junior Sydney Anderson, said she plans to donate again. “I decided to donate because I wanted to find out my blood type," she explained. "My experience was almost comforting and really accommodating.”
Sophomore Kassidy Anderson, also a first-time donor, said, “I heard upperclassmen talking about it, speaking very highly about it, so I decided to do it. I also wanted to make a difference, I’ll definitely be donating again.”
Junior Jesse Wells explained, “This is my second time donating. I donate for the benefit of other people, and helping them out. I’ll continue to donate. This time around was better for me, they found my vein on the first try. It was a pretty good overall experience for me.”
If you're interested in donating, MVHS will hold another blood drive in March 2018.
Week One: Winter Sports Recap
By Haylee Yeats
Boys' Basketball
Based on the Mountaineers' practices so far, Coach Mike Ray said he feels optimistic about the coming season. “They worked really hard, they’ve been very productive, and they overcame a lot of distractions.”
Ray tries to do drills to get the team moving during the first 5-10 minutes of practice. He expects them to be focused and be communicating with each other within that time, along the rest of practice.
“Our comfort level isn’t very high right now. We have some guys adjusting to bigger roles, and some guys that aren’t quite there,” Coach Ray explained.
Coach Ray said he will rely heavily on his top three leaders this season: Kyle Bushman and Cale Cornell, both seniors, and junior Kelly Vaughn.
Ray expects the boys to keep working hard and to keep improving. “You never know where you’re at until you play, [so] the jamboree will be good for us. It helps to go on the road.” The Mountaineers' first contest took place in Carl Junction at the Nov. 17 jamboree against Carl Junction, Carthage, and Greenfield.
Girls' Basketball
After Coach Dusty Killingsworth and the Lady Mountaineers finished their first week of practice, Coach K provided The Green & White Review with a sneak peek of the upcoming season.
“The first week went really well; the girls were nervous and anxious to get started but their energy [and] enthusiasm were excellent," Coach K said. "[I] could’ve done a little bit better in practice prep, but the players exceeded my expectations.”
Coach K told us his team's comfort level is good so far, “but it's early." He said the older ones are comfortable with each other, but the freshmen have a bigger learning curve to overcome. "However," he said, "they have moved with a purpose and that takes care of some of that!”
Within the first 5-10 minutes of practice, Coach K looks for attitude. He says physical fitness is the easy part, but "they have to choose what mentality they're coming with." He says players are less productive in practice when the stresses of the day come to court with them, but, "If they come in committed to our practice, then mentally, they naturally have some stress relief which allows us to get better.”
A strength that Killingsworth has been able to rely on is that the majority of his team has been with him before. “This allows us to move faster and make bigger steps everyday," he said. "When you are teaching new things every day, that takes time. When you can say get into this or run that, it moves us forward when we don't have to teach it.”
Coach K said he and Coach Michelle Rust keep a list of skills they've worked through on a practice grid, such as “man offense, zone offense, transition, defenses, [and] press breakers." He explained, "This allows us to see what we have in and what we need to get in.” He said the system helped him feel confident about the team's preparation for the jamboree on Nov. 16.
The Lady Mountaineers lined up McDonald County, Webb City, and Carl Junction for jamboree because, Coach K said, “They usually have some balance of speed and big post players. This allows us to work on our needs, whether it's post-play or stopping guards. It's always been good for us!”
Mountaineers travel to the Big Easy
By Michaela McChesney
The Mount Vernon FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) sent six members and adviser Bridgett Schmutz to New Orleans, LA, for the 2017 National Leader Conference (NFLC).
On Wednesday, November 15, two charter buses carrying FBLA members from nine different schools left for New Orleans at 9 p.m. The next morning, the tour bus load of members arrived at a swamp just outside of New Orleans for the first tour. After seeing wild alligators, raccoons, and hogs, they loaded up and headed into town. That evening, the party of FBLA members met up with a tour guide in front of the infamous St. Louis Cathedral for their second tour, a haunted history tour.
Bright and early the next day, they headed to Mari Gras World, a warehouse featuring old float props and artists working on the new ones. For lunch that day, the buses dropped the members at the French Quarter to explore and eat. Once they had all filled their stomachs and absorbed the sights, they walked to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for their fifth and final tour. Afterward, everyone loaded up and returned to the hotel to dress for the opening session of NFLC.
Saturday was filled with sessions. The MV FBLA members' first session was entitled "Best Careers for the Travel Bug in You" and was presented by Dr. Christopher Salute. For their next session, the MV FBLA members split up. Half of the members went to "Careers in Social Media Marketing" present by Tim Guella and Kathy Naasz. The other half went to "Managing and Leading Others with Swag" presented by Dr. Laymon Hicks. That evening, they listened to the closing session by Patrick Perez, who encouraged all the students to do things that make them uncomfortable and to grow from them.
Give Thanks.
By Tatum Watts
When October is over, and the leaves really start to leave the trees barren only to litter the ground, that means Thanksgiving is only right around the corner. With family traditions that can go back for generations or go back only a few years, this day is for food, friends, family, and being thankful for what you have. Well, the journalism staff would like to say what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Adviser Tanya Hannaford:
I’m a very lucky lady. God has given me a sturdy home, a loving family, and the best job in the world. Why is it so great? I get paid actual money (not a lot, but it pays the bills) to not only teach, but learn from some of the best teenagers on the planet. I recently learned a lot from my College English students who researched social justice issues and provided innovative ways to solve those problems. My freshman English students keep me on my toes with questions and insights that seem to gush from their curious minds. During fifth hour J-Class, together we have learned how to be a news team and how to be resources for one another. Ms. Stefan, my student teacher, has been my teacher, too. From her gentle example, I have learned that a smile really is the best way to start any conversation. I am thankful for her positive, graceful presence in room 201 during this all-too-short semester.
Editor Tatum Watts:
I am definitely the most thankful for my family. They have pushed me through every little bump in the road and they won’t give up on me even if I have given up on myself. My parents and my brothers have given me that motivation to keep going no matter what happens. I’m also extremely thankful for my friends--who honestly might as well be called my extended family--no matter what they are always there. They refuse to give up on me, just like I refuse to give up on them. I am so thankful for my journalism class and the girls and teachers; they have no idea how much I love working with them and how much I enjoy the class because of them. I am thankful to be in a good place for the most part as well. With good grades and a drive to do what I need when I need to. I'm thankful for all of my teachers, especially those who listen to my problems and my questions. There's a lot I'm thankful for this year.
Reporter Haylee Yeats:
I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for my best friend, who is also my boyfriend, Elijah Jones, and his amazing family. I’m thankful for my very best friend, Alane Cordray. I’m exceptionally thankful for my journalism girls, and teacher, too.
Student Teacher Ellen Stefan:
I am thankful for my families--both moms and dads--and my friends who might as well be family. They make me laugh, let me cry when I need to, and provide encouragement and support especially when I need it most. I am beyond thankful for Mt. Vernon High School and the deciding powers who allowed me the opportunity to come into the school to learn during my student teaching experience. In short, I was very nervous and expectant on my first day of school this fall; throughout this semester, I have come to realize what an incredible experience this has been, as it is one that I will always remember with a grateful heart. On that note, I must voice that I am thankful for Mrs. Hannaford, as she has provided guidance, reassurance, and comradery that most student teachers only hope for and dream of in a mentor, and a lifelong friend and colleague.
Editorial: Fall Sports Recap
Fall, how you grace us with your presence, the cold weather, the warm sweaters, the pumpkin spice everything, and here in MVHS you’ve graced us with fall sports. Girls golf, tennis, volleyball, and one of our best of football seasons yet.
Senior Alane Cordray with the Lady Mountaineer tennis team informed us, “Our team as a whole won districts for the third year in a row this year. Senior Abby Rinker and I won districts." She also said senior Stevie Meirick and junior Lyndsey Hood won second place at districts, where their efforts gave them opportunities for both sectionals and state play.
Girls golf had its own highlights. “We had a very successful season. We won districts, got second at sectionals, and advanced to state as a team,” said senior and golf member Brooke Wendler. Individually the MVHS female golf team had four players make All Districts. As a team, they received second place at two of their regular season tournaments. The team took second at sectionals and finished seventh overall at the state championship.
Wendler said she couldn't pick a favorite moment from the season. “I loved the whole season. It was a huge learning experience," she said. "I’m proud of my team for winning districts and making it to state. It was a huge accomplishment for us.”
In defeating both Monett and Nevada, the volleyball team reached the district championship. They only lost the first set by three points, and the final score for the second set was 18 to 25. The varsity team ended the season with an overall record of 16 losses and 17 wins. I
In addition, the Lady Mountaineer junior varsity season’s record was two losses and 14 wins. The JV team received second place in Mount Vernon’s junior varsity invitational tournament. As for individual accomplishments, senior Samantha Staab received a first all district, junior Ashlyn McCanless received a second team spot, and sophomore Bethany Williams received honorable mention.
The Mount Vernon football team has had an incredible season, not only going on to districts, quarterfinals, semifinals, but also competing for the state championship for the first time since 1982. Unfortunately, the boys lost state--but going all the way after an extensive amount of time is an accomplishment all in itself.
Coach Chris Johnston stated, "I think the biggest thing about that is all the underclassmen had experience at the state championship and that will give them the drive in the off season and for next year." Coach Johnston says this is important since ten seniors, many of whom were key players, will be moving on. He explained, "we do hope that the underclassmen will step up and fill those holes."
Whether or not next year's team will go all the way is yet to be seen, but Coach Johnston feels hopeful. He said, "We always go into a season with positive, high expectations so we will see and hopefully we can develop and progress."
October 31, 2017
Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and tragedies: hope through the ashes and destruction
With so much chaos in the world, you would think that it couldn't get any worse. From horrifying fires and hurricanes that shake the coast to wars, terrorist acts, and bombings, you would think humanity and nature are in a fight for their lives. There is a light in this darkness, though: relief efforts and donations are being made every day for those who have lost their homes; and for those who have lost their hope, time and again we see cities and states and nations bounce back and band together to make something better.
Raining 40-52 inches of water in coastal Texas beginning August 25, Harvey broke U.S. cyclone rain records. Many people were left with no choice but to evacuate, and when they came back, most, if not all, of their properties and possessions were destroyed. With this in mind, Elena Suazo-McChesney decided what she wanted for her birthday: relief for those devastated by Harvey. After setting up a site where people could donate, Elena sent out an all-call on several forms of social media asking people make a donation for Harvey victims as their present to her. Her goal for the fundraiser was to earn $500 for the victims. Through this selfless and thoughtful idea, Elena exceeded her goal amount, gathering a whopping $2,130.
With hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Harvey already hitting and demolishing everything in their paths, along comes hurricane Maria. Starting as a category four hurricane and causing destruction and seven deaths in the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, Maria moved on to Puerto Rico. With winds of 155 miles per hour, and then dying down to 140 mph and drowning the coastal region with about 12 to 18 inches of rain, this hurricane was capable of ripping out trees and tearing roofs off of houses.
The people of Dominica and those in Puerto Rico are now trying to clean up all of the destruction that Maria left in her wake.
The citizens of Dominica are calling for aid and air support due to the flooding and debris. Food, shelter, and water are still needed (there is no drinkable water there) as the people struggle with destroyed and uprooted pipes and no electricity. Shelters were set up for those who had lost their homes and clean up has slowly begun.
Along with these disasters was a shooting in Las Vegas at a Jason Aldean concert. With more than five hundred in the hospital with injuries and almost sixty dead, there is a bright spot in the situation. Concert goers helped each other get over the barriers and get out of the shooters line of sight. People have been donating to charities and donating blood to help those who were injured, and the money goes to the ones in the hospital and their families.
The California fires have brought much destruction to many cities. There are so many ways to help with relief for almost everything. The Salvation Army has sent out multiple mobile kitchens who are serving evacuees and first responders in all areas affected. The American Red Cross has a "Safe and Well" website where evacuees can register to let their families know they're safe. Social media is also helping with any lost animals. Many victims turn to Facebook groups like PET Lost and Found for Lake County Fires, Valley Fire - Lake County Lost or Found Pets and Operation: Save Butte Fire Animals to locate and reconnect pets to their lost homes.
One of our reporters interviewed a victim from the fires--Mrs. Lee Ann Criswell who lives in Orland, California. She said, “The Oroville fire was about 40 miles from us. The big bend fire is about 80 miles from us and is still not contained. The fires majorly affected my breathing. My asthma flared up big-time and I had issues breathing for over two weeks. It was so smokey all around us, you couldn’t even see the mountains. Smoke was so close to the ground it looked like fog. If you actually went outside, there was ash on cars, lawn furniture, etc.” Criswell also said Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency and that relief is coming very soon.
Within all the sadness to this natural disaster, there's hope.
Club Review: Hellenikos
By Tatum Watts
Hellenikos is described by Mrs. Brown herself as a, “Way to broaden the horizons of students.”
Hellenikos held its third club meeting in October, watching Dead Poet’s Society and deciding what to do for T-shirts along with enjoying the many things that people wore for the theme; the weirdest thing in your closet.
What is Hellenikos, you ask? Well, it's a little bit of everything. "I started it several years ago [in 2005] because I had so many students that had limited experiences with things," said Mrs. Mona Brown, the adviser. "At first we would go to restaurants in Mount Vernon and sample food." One of the many memories that Mrs. Brown enjoys is the desserts that a past student used to make: "He made the best Christmas dishes and he would make igloos out of fudge," Mrs. Brown said.
At the end of the year those who are in Hellenikos get together for a party, which is called Hootie Cackle. Mrs. Brown invites those who are in the club to join her at her home and just have a blast, literally: "Most of the time we end up lighting things on fire," Mrs. Brown said.
Tip-off to the Pre-season: an interview with head coach Dusty Killingsworth
By Haylee Yeats
The philosophical, intelligent, intellectual, and inspiring Coach Killingsworth pushes his players both on and off the court to be not only better players, but better people.
Killingsworth holds 303 career wins, nine championships, and six Coach of the Year awards.
Killingsworth says he expects his players “to do their best, even though that’s a cliche, to be their best off the court is just as important, and to be the best people we can be because that translates back to our program.” He holds some goals, big and small, for his team no matter what: “Championships, enjoyment is important, how our players mature and become young adults is vital and a primary long term goal. I always have big hopes and dreams as a coach, the process is a part of that.”
Every coach expects a lot out of their teams every year, Coach Killingsworth says, adding, “enjoyment of the game is a goal.” It’s very important to remember that basketball is a competition, but it’s also important to remember that it’s just a game, and that it can be fun no matter the level of play.
Strengths and weaknesses play a big role in how a coach does what he does. “A weakness is that I care too much about what other people think," Coach Killingsworth explains, "and I care too much about players. A strength or strengths I have is that [I prepare] in the off-season, during the summer, during the season, before the season, and after the season.”
Asking a coach why they coach can be a tough question. Coach Killingsworth explains, “Looking back at players we had, no matter who, and what they become, you see the success, and to know that you’re a small part of that is very gratifying to me.” Further, he says, “The way I coach is for us, the players, the personalities. It’s all very important.”
He lists the qualities he looks for in a player: “It’s changed over the years, but I look for self-awareness, the future for each of us, accountability, and loyalty.”
Coach Killingsworth says his role in the off-season is to prepare people the best he can for their seasons, no matter what sport they play, and not to burn anyone out.
Above: The Lady Mountaineer varsity volleyball team takes a pictures with their second-place district plaque.
Above: The Lady Mountaineer junior varsity team poses with their second-place plaque for the Mt. Vernon Invitational JV Tournament.
A Season in Review
By Michaela McChesney
Wednesday evening, October 18, the Lady Mountaineers’ volleyball season came to an end due to a loss to the Aurora Lady Houndawgs at the district championship game hosted in the Mount Vernon gymnasium.
The Mountaineers had defeated both Monett and Nevada to reach the district championship, and they didn’t go down without a fight in their final game. They only lost the first set by three points. The final score for the second set was 18 to 25. The Lady Mountaineer season’s overall record was 16 losses and 17 wins. In addition, the Lady Mountaineer junior varsity season’s record was two losses and 14 wins. The junior varsity team received second place in Mount Vernon’s junior varsity invitational tournament.
As for individual accomplishments, senior Samantha Staab received a first all district, junior Ashlyn McCanless received a second team spot, and sophomore Bethany Williams received honorable mention.
Volleyball statics aren't the only things gained from this season. When asked what her favorite memory from the season was she answered, "Packing as many people as humanly possible into a car and going to Keen Bean while singing our hearts out. Also, the joy I had when our team fought so hard in the district championship."
Maddy Mosley's favorite memory was singing in the locker room before the games. Sam expressed what she overall gained for the season by writing," This season alone has taught me not only things for volleyball, but life long lessons. I have gained everlasting friendships and bonds."
Altogether, this season can be confidently written off as a success for the Lady Mountaineer volleyball team.
Apple Butter 2017 brings familiar sights, smells, and sounds
By Tatum Watts
The second weekend in October brings the festival that people who inhabit Mount Vernon know and love--with sights, and sounds that never seem to change--and that’s how most like it. The students get out of school and get to enjoy all of the wonders that ABMD brings: the parade, the booths, the food, the performances--it’s amazing how one thing can bring a community together.
Sadie Heisner, freshman, was crowned queen of the 51st annual Apple Butter Makin’ Days, which kicked off with competitions like the nail-driving contest and the bubble-blowing contest before hitting us with the performances of the show choir, the Coquettes, and the Improv Club, just to name a few.
The second day of ABMD kickstarted with the parade featuring high school and middle school bands, as well as bands from other area schools, that marched and played, interspersed with unique floats, heart-warming smiles, thrown candy, and squealing children holding plastic bags to gather it in.
Sunday, of course, is the last of ABMD, when the crowd dies down and the booths start packing up to go home after a weekend of fun. The square empties and the smells and sounds are swept away with the wind, only to return next year.
Bonner Springs Renaissance Festival
By Michaela McChesney
Have your ever read a book and fallen in love with the world the author created? You think about it for days after wishing you lived in that lively world filled with knights and witches. Your wish has come true thanks to the Bonner Springs Renaissance Festival, or "Ren Fest," for short.
Established in the year 1977, the Ren Fest has grown and evolved into a colorful festival filled with music, plays, costumes, and food. When you walk through the gates and step onto the festival grounds, you really are entering another world. To your right you’ll see gypsies dancing and shouting around a maypole. To your left you’ll see an arena, and looking closer you’ll see two shining knights jousting to the death. The more you explore, the more you’ll feel you are enveloped in a bedtime story.
Woven into the captivating performances and beautiful decorations are the shops of many artisans; therefore, not only do you get to see another world, you get to be part of it. Shops are filled with pretty much anything you could imagine: flowing gowns, leather and metal armor, wands, staffs, hand-crafted necklaces, dragon eggs, pretty rocks, woven shawls, and so much more.
After you’ve decide to be a woodland fairy or barbarian, you’ll be extremely hungry. Nothing to worry about; there is plenty to eat. You're sure to find something you'll love. The most popular food item is by far the smoked turkey legs. Next would be the loaded potatoes. If it happens to be chilly the day, I would recommend the soup in a bread bowl.
Another world is only a couple hours away. What are you waiting for? Hop in your car and explore this lively festival.
'ELF the Musical' to heat up November
By Michaela McChesney
The Mt. Vernon High School drama program will be preforming the family production Elf the Musical in November at the Marc.
The musical, based on the movie Elf, is about Buddy the elf, who’s actually a human, finding out he was adopted by Santa. He then ends up on a mission to find his real family and real father. This mission leads him to New York City and many exciting, new adventures.
Mr. Jordan Merritt believes "high schoolers will enjoy (it) because of the movie with Will Ferrell.”
Elf the Musical will involve roughly 50-60 high school and middle school students in its production, including the actors, extras, and stage hands. Mr. Merritt said, "All the younger students will see it that Friday [November 16].” This is will be beneficial to the younger students by showing them what opportunities will be open to them in the future and to the students involved with the play by allowing them to work out the kinks in the play before opening night.
If you are interested in supporting your school, want to get your squad card completed, or would just like to see an entertaining and funny play, Elf the Musical will be put on by the Mt. Vernon High School in the Marc on November 16-18 at 7 pm. The tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for Mount Vernon students.
New Beginnings for the Mt'Neers: a pre-season interview with head coach Mike Ray
October 31, 2017
By Haylee Yeats
The Mountaineers have a lot of new beginnings this year. Head Coach Mike Ray has already begun organizing conditioning, weight training, and skill development during the off season to prepare for the coming season.
Coach Ray says he most wants his players to “love to play basketball," but he adds with a laugh, "it also helps if they’re 7 ft and athletic."
Known for his drive to always learn and improve, Coach Ray admits that his biggest weakness is his competitive nature. This coming season he hopes to instead focus on developing a close-knit group that will seek to improve every day and compete at their highest level.
When he coaches, Coach Ray says, “I try to imagine what it’d be like to play, I have high expectations, and to do so in a positive way, we aren’t always going to succeed in that.”
Coach Ray says he's a coach because he loves basketball, and he feels that it helps a lot of people.
September 29, 2017
History Club revives at MVHS
By Haylee Yeats
With our many different and vibrant personalities here at MVHS, we have just enough clubs for just about everyone, including our newest feature this year: History Club.
Mr. Dusty Killingsworth, one of our three history teachers, provided input about our newest addition.
Mr. Killingsworth said, “There was a History Club years ago and Coach Ray brought it up that we should look at doing one again. Coach Parrigon and I were on board. We talk between classes daily and met during a past collaboration day to discuss the logistics of what the club would look like, plus what we hoped to accomplish.”
Mr. Mike Ray added, “The reason we started the club was due to interest among students and at one time, there had been a History Club here.”
Though a final number of members has yet to be tallied, Mr. Killingsworth said around 100 came on sign up day. The number is expected to reduce in size by the next meeting, but the three advisers expect a large number.
Mr. Killingsworth said, “We are working on trying a system that involves area historical landmarks/museums, along with some type of community service to receive club points to attend the end-of-year activity." He also said the area provides a number of areas, including History Days at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, that will allow students to earn club points that will be required if students want to go on a yet-to-be-determined activity at the end of the year. Mr. Killingsworth said, "We want History Club to be alive and fun--it can be more than years, dates, lectures, questions, and tests.”
If you’d like to learn more about it, there will be an information sheet available soon.
Homecoming: Dance the Night Away
By Tatum Watts
After a hard game against the East Newton Patriots on September 22nd 2017, and senior Megan Cook being selected as the homecoming queen, the students of MVHS gathered together in the cafeteria of the school, and danced like no one was watching. A large crowd of students of course had gathered around the DJ’s who played songs like Cupid Shuffle and Wanted. The dance went on through the night from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Fantastic Fall Festival
By: Michaela McChesney
The Ozarks are known for their colorful trees and lively festivals in the Fall, and right now we’re in the heart of our festival season.
The closest to home is of course Mt. Vernon’s very own Apple Butter Makin’ Days. It will be held Friday, October 13th-15th on the Mt. Vernon square. "It's an exciting time to celebrate the town," Mt. Vernon student Courtney Bolin explains. The booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Our very own Mt. Vernon Show Choir and Coquettes will be two of the many performances expected. When asked if she would recommend Apple Butter Makin' Days, Courtney answered enthusiastically, " Yes". If you're interested in further information , the following link contains the schedule of events http://www.mtvchamber.com/apple-butter-makin-days.html.
Fair Grove’s Heritage Reunion is another entertaining and popular festival here in the Ozarks. It will be held on September 23rd and 24th this year. It only hosts vendors with home made crafts and products, so if you’re interested in unique items, this is the festival for you. There will be a parade included Saturday the 23rd starting at 10:00 a.m.
Pumpkin Daze will take place the first Saturday in October on the North Maine Avenue of Republic, Missouri. The festival was founded in 1992 with the intent of giving the crowd an unique fall experience. To sell this thought, they decided to include a pumpkin competition. The goal of the competition’s attendants is to enter the heaviest pumpkin. This festival does include the regular attractions of craft booths and seasonal food.
Right Back At It
By: Michaela McChesney
The 2017 Mt. Vernon Lady Mountaineer Volleyball season, lead by head coach Bridgett Schmutz who is assisted by Ashley Ragsdale and Kiley Alumbaugh, has commenced. So far the Mt. Vernon Volleyball team has accumulated three wins and four losses, including a loss to their rival the Aurora Houn' Dawgs.
The Lady Mountaineer Volleyball team features three returning varsity players: Alexa Lee, Samantha Staab, and Sydney Swillum. “We look to them a lot for leadership,” Coach Schmutz informed. She also mentioned Ashlyn McCanless as a returning varsity player and leader. Together they've chosen "Right Back at It" as their team philosophy.
If you’re interested in supporting the volleyball team, they are hosting a tournament Saturday, September 30. The tournament will be a smaller more traditional tournament, including eight varsity teams and six junior varsity teams. They will also be hosting their annual childhood cancer awareness night Thursday, September 28.
Schedule for the remaining season:
Mon, September 18 : Vs Springfield Central Tues, October 3: @ Cassville
Tues, September 19: @ McDonald County Thurs, October 5: Vs Seneca
Thurs, September 21: @ Fair Grove Tues, October 10: @ Monett
Tues, September 26: @ Aurora Thurs, October 12: Vs East Newton
Thurs, September 28: Vs Lamar October 16-19: District Tournament
Sat, September 30: Mt. Vernon Tournament
Teacher Feature: Mrs. Cowherd
By Tatum Watts
This year at Mount Vernon we welcome new American Literature teacher Mrs. Lynne Cowherd. Mrs. Cowherd took Mrs. Liz Elsey’s position after she was appointed to A+ coordinator.
Mrs. Cowherd spends most of her free time away from school traveling with her family and going to national parks. “As a family, we are trying to go to every national park. There has never been a national park I didn’t like.”
She also reads a lot in her free time, enjoys drama, and dislikes sci-fi and other-worldly genres. Her favorite thing in the classroom, though, is interacting with the students, and her favorite colors are green, “Because I bleed green.” And black and gold, “Because I am a Mizzou fan.”
A+ Photo by Tatum Watts: Mrs. Cowherd, excited as ever to teach here at MVHS, teaches a Creative Writing class, American Literature and Composition, English I, and Mythology.
Awesome or not?
Solar eclipse doesn't exactly wow this crowd
On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse visible to North America for the first time in centuries took place. Provided with the special glasses that are supposed to protect the eyes of the onlookers from the powerful UV rays of the sun, all students and staff of Mount Vernon High School, along with the elementary, intermediate and the middle schools, were treated to the amazing privilege of seeing it full force.
The reporters of the Green and White Review were on the scene to interview the staff and students about their takeaways.
The overall reaction from the student body was dissatisfaction. Though it was an exciting event, most students, and even some teachers, felt mislead. Caleb Bolin explained, "I was expecting it to be a lot darker, and for it to actually hurt your eyes when you looked." He concluded with the statement, "I liked it." Caleb displays the average opinion on the event: it was interesting, but kind of a watered-down version of what was expected.
Science teacher Mr. Tom McChesney told us that he wasn't disappointed and that the students didn't quite understand what actually happened. He expected it to be more than it was, but because we weren't exactly in the band of totality, the sky didn't achieve total darkness. McChesney stated, "97.5% coverage still wouldn't be dark--the other 2.5% is still a lot of light."
The last total eclipse was in 1964, when Mr. McChesney was just two years old. Though he had experienced an eclipse before on May 10, 1994, an eclipse called an annular eclipse, it was very different from the total eclipse we all experienced. "We were in the center of the path of totality," he recalled. "The moon didn't block out all of the sun; it was darker than what the school saw on the 21st, and the edges were fuzzy." Eclipses aren't really a "once in a lifetime" thing; we experience them almost twice a year all around the world. McChesney told us that the next total eclipse will be in April of 2024.
August 16, 2017
Principals prep faculty, students for year of big changes
By Tanya Hannaford
High school principal Dr. Josh Ladd plans to raise his expectations, for both faculty and students, during this school year. Now that he and his family are settled into a Mount Vernon home, he's feeling comfortable in moving forward with some ideas he's been developing.
While Dr. Ladd still wants students to enjoy their learning and have fun, his number-one priority is helping students "learn what it means to be a part of the Mountaineer community," which he says requires a higher standard than in most other communities.
Now that he's moved into his new home, high school principal Dr. Josh Ladd is looking for someone to mow his two and one-half acre wooded lot. See Dr. Ladd if you're interested.
Dr. Ladd wants students to know that the teachers are on their side, have prepared quality lessons and will do all they can to help students learn. But ultimately, Dr. Ladd says, "It's up to the student to be willing to receive and apply [the learning]."
One big change already in the works is a student apprenticeship program that will enable students to gain specialized training in various fields while also earning high school credits and a regular paycheck.
Dr. Ladd has completed paperwork with the Missouri Department of Labor to get funding for the program and already has one MVHS student, who applied and interviewed for the position, piloting the new program.
Area businesses are eager to participate and Dr. Ladd hopes to open the opportunity to more students in the 2018-19 school year. He cautions students who might be interested in the program to strive for good attendance and discipline: "These are the two biggest factors for consideration," he says, "above grades, even."
Mr. Chris Johnston, who serves as both the assistant principal and the activities director, is also excited to help Dr. Ladd and other administrators in the school district begin an Administrator Internship Program, which will give a leg-up to teachers who aspire to eventually take administrative roles.
Mr. Chris Johnston says his job as assistant principal has proven to him "that we have really good kids at Mount Vernon High School."
Mr. Johnston points out that he and several other administrators in the district have come straight from Mount Vernon R-5 faculty and into their current roles. "We can grow our own leaders, our own administrators," he says.
Another big change looming for the 2018-19 school year is the addition of six schools to our conference, which, though it will soon house fourteen schools, will continue to be named the Big 8 Conference.
The schools to be added include Marshfield, Springfield Catholic, Reeds Spring, Hollister, Nevada, and Rogersville.
Because of the conference's large size, the conference will be split into two divisions, East and West. Mount Vernon will be in the East division.
This will reduce travel costs and will allow the Big 8 to be the first conference in the state to have a play-off system that will include both a division champion and a conference champion (the two division champions will play one another for conference title).