What's Up With That:

CLARK Center Provides Hope for Mental Suffering

When someone mentions high school, inevitably the conversation will come around to the topic of mental health. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, both inside and outside the classroom setting.

In fact, mental illness is currently sweeping the nation with staggering numbers, according to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), “Approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 (21.4%) experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. For children aged 8–15, the estimate is 13%." “I deal with and speak to about 2-10 kids a week that say they struggle with their mental health,” states CLARK Center therapist Tony Keller.

Contributing factors to a mental health struggle may include any of the following: conflicts at school, conflicts at home, or something amiss in a student's hormones and body. “Only about 50% [of students] relay a school-related issue” being the cause of their mental illness, according to Keller. Both anxiety and depression are normally caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. When this happens, a person's mood, motivation, as well as physical, mental, and emotional well being can all be affected.

Anxiety

Anxiety ensues from any number of issues, including but certainly not limited to public speaking, feeling overwhelmed, side-effects from certain medications, symptoms of illness, or stress from work, school, or personal life. Some people simply suffer from an anxiety disorder, the most common form being Generalized Anxiety Disorder which has the symptoms of fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, irritation/feeling on-edge, or muscle tension.

Other forms of anxiety include Panic Disorder (this can lead to panic attacks which often get mistaken for heart attacks) and phobia-related disorders that can lead to heightened anxiety. There are also smaller-scale anxiety disorders that are rather common such as Social-Anxiety Disorders and Separation Anxiety Disorder. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and everyone, for some it is just on a larger scale.

If these are symptoms that have shown up and haven’t gone away for a number of days to a number of weeks, these may be signs of a depressive disorder. Like anxiety there are also different depressive disorders like Persistent Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Psychotic Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Bipolar Depression. Each of these disorders comes with the varying signs and symptoms.

In Conclusion . . .

Perhaps you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. For those who may be experiencing any of these symptoms and disorders, seek out help from a professional. You can always sign up for therapy at the CLARK Center in Monett. Those who are there can help you get on the right track to a healthier, happier life. Talk to someone about what you are feeling and have faith in yourself. Focus on constructive ways to deal with depression and anxiety. Do not pop pills. Do not consume alcohol. Do not do harm to yourself or others. Instead, seek out professional help, listen to music, paint, draw, write, or do anything that is considered constructive. Turn your hobbies into coping mechanisms and try to be as productive as you can.

“Anytime you can take a healthy leisure interest and turn it into a coping skill that is the best option,” states Keller.

Bud's Donuts Teams with Business Department for 'Fritter Friday'

You may have noticed a few teachers indulging themselves with some donuts on Friday mornings and wondered where they got them or how you could get in on the treat. The answer to your query is Bud’s Donuts and accounting class.

It all started with the accounting class brainstorming for ways they could raise money to fund a field trip at the end of the year to the accounting firm BKD in Springfield. Accounting student Caitlin Hicks explains, “We need money for gas and food. Then the leftover money will go towards a scholarship for one of us.”

Spring Sports:

Whirlwind of Playoffs Pays Off: The Lady Mt' Neer Softball Team is Headed to the Final Four

'Dangerous' Team Rounds Third and Heads into Districts

The Mt. Vernon Baseball team has had an up-and-down season, collecting a few wins in a row, then a few losses.

They have been able to keep most of their games tight, such as only falling to the Aurora Houn’ Dawgs by one run, the final score coming out to 5-6. They were able to snag a eight-run win over Stockton for their senior night.

At the beginning of April, the team competed in the Bill O'Dell Tournament in Carthage, where they defeated Nevada (8-7) and Carl Junction (6-5) before facing Carthage in the championship and ultimately taking a 7-3 loss.

They will be competing for the Class 4 District 12 title next week. With the record of 11 wins and 9 losses, the team was seeded second and will be facing the winner of the first round game between Carl Junction and Nevada. In a preseason interview senior Will Boswell announced, “We want a championship! We are feeling dangerous.”

However, does the hard work pay off? “I have a ton of respect for any athlete that is willing to sign up to be on the track and field team," said Trokey. "These guys volunteer to run on a daily basis, compete against the most talented athletes in the area, perform at their highest potential at every single meet, and they find a way to have a positive attitude every day. I am convinced these guys are going to find success both in their track and field endeavors, as well as their future careers, families etc. because of the foundation they are building right now.”

Overall, though it has almost ended, the boys track season is sure to be a memorable one. “I have been very proud of our athletes this season and I think they have achieved at a very high level," Trokey said. "We have challenged our athletes both in practice and with our meet schedule and the majority of them have stood the test.”

Two Golfers Advance to State

It’s the bittersweet ending of golf season for senior Collin Bartelsmeyer, who has played both his junior and senior years. “I’m going to miss the memories and spending time with the guys. The team's a brotherhood,” explained Bartelsmeyer.

The boys golf team played for sectionals on April 29 at the Class 2 District 3 Tournament. Junior Kaden Killingsworth and sophomore Curtis Wendler tied for third, missing second by one stroke. The team advanced to sectionals on May 6 where they finished third.

“It wasn’t the score we wanted, but the goal was to advance as a team and the goal was accomplished,” stated Coach Dusty Killingsworth.

Both Curtis Wendler and Kaden Killingsworth qualified for state and will be moving forward in the season.

Fine Arts:

Drama Department, Speech & Debate Close Year's Curtain

The 2018-2019 school year is coming to an end. That being said, the fine arts department had an eventful year. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Rumors were the two plays they put on. “My favorite memory this year was qualifying for state in speech and debate for the first time in a long time,” states Mr. Jordan Merritt, the adviser.

Big changes are coming to the drama department next year. Instead of the traditional schedule of one play in the fall and one in the spring, there will be two plays in the fall and another in the spring. “One of the shows will be with third hour Advanced Drama, which will allow more opportunity for more students,” explains Merritt.

Figuratively speaking, they’ve closed the curtain to a great season.

Nerdy News:

Summer DIY:

Mystery Faculty #6

“Get your life right” is his motto

He enjoys hunting, fishing, and rodeo

He would love to master the violin

But he already has the title of captain

The number seven is his lucky number

While his dream car is a '73 Barracuda

If you feel like you know exactly who this mystery faculty member is, email us at newspaper@mtvernon.k12.mo.us for a chance to receive a prize!