What's New at NCHS?
Congratulations to Deck the Halls Winners!
Mr. O'Rear's "Christmas Memories" was awarded First Place!
Mr. Weathers was awarded Second Place with "How Miller Lou Who Saved Christmas."
Mrs. Williamson's "Fleece Navidad" was awarded Third Place!
The Halls are Decked, Now You Decide!
Choose ONE door / scene in the Google Form to the left. Teachers are listed in alphabetical order. Voting will continue through Thursday morning when 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place doors will be decided. The winners receive respect and the highest of fives.
Blue Banner would like to say a huge thank you to students and staff who worked on decking the halls during this busy time. Also, a very special thanks to Coach Malawy for having a good sense of humor, and for not copyrighting his likeness.
Image Credit: Google Images Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset Strategy from Mr. Begando includes tips for Semester Exam success. Preparation is key to doing the best you can do to finish the semester strong.
One of the few times it's okay to take candy from a stranger.
Who's the mystery man with the Christmas Spirit?!?
Snowflakes, snowflakes everywhere!
Olivia and Aubrey with their Christmas RED.
Nori's Santa Glasses Would Make the Grinchiest Grinch Smile.
Thank you to all who helped spread Christmas Spirit this week!
Photo Credit: Mady Farley, Bobbie Matlock, Katie Mason, Lucy Walters, Mrs. Kollbaum, and Mrs. Goostree
Jingling All The Way Through Christmas Spirit Day!
The Force is Strong with Emily, Ally, Petey, and Brody's Christmas Spirit.
Meow what do we have right here? Meowy Catmas, y'all!
*no cats were harmed in the making of this fantastic attire*
Hailee, Zoe, Brooke, and Peyton spread their cheer around town at lunch!
Emma, Kris, and Reese's shirts make us feel Merry and Bright.
2021-12-10-160624742.mp4Here's the TikTok you didn't know you needed.
Ethan and Emily do their best impersonation of the entire them of the day: dress as a tree or present.
No time to wrap? Gift bags work just as well.
Addison definitely understood the assignment.
Rockin' Around the Christmas Trees at NCHS
Gracen and Jill are TWINNING with these Christmas Tree hats, while Jaymie is rocking it as the best gift ever.
Photo Credit: Lainey Fletcher, Becca Shopinski, Mrs. Kollbaum, and Mrs. Goostree
Mrs. Patton and Ella look ready for the slopes.
Photo Credit: Katie Mason, Information: Farmer's Almanac
Having snow much fun wearing our Snow Day attire.
Anne is keeping warm from head to toe.
We won't get a snow day before exams, but the Farmer's Almanac predicts snow for January. #fingerscrossed
Nikole and Curt are receiving secret snow day messages from the magic banana.
Dressed for Vacation on the Coldest Day of the Week
Two thumbs up from Mr. Miller and his flamingo shirt for vacation day.
Cheyenne is thinking warm thoughts in Civics.
Photo Credit: Katie Mason and Mady Farley
Hang in there. Vacation starts December 18!
Brandee and Calista debate whether or not they can actually sleep in class on PJ day.
Brayden, Brance, and Colten like to keep it casual.
Robin, Tanner, and Katie are even sporting the cool holiday masks currently being sold by the Kindness Committee.
Photo Credit: Addison Stambaugh, Jaylyn Stofferhan, and Katie Mason
'Twas the (18th) Night Before Christmas...
...and all through NCHS, the students were decked out in their jammy-jams, in denial about Semester Exams.
Nice mixture of Christmas, winter, and casual sleepy-time attire from Anna, Cheynne, Addison, Therese, and Abbie
What's better to get the creative juices flowing in art than to be comfortable like Brie, Makenzy, and Ashley.
Ready or Not, Semester Exams are Almost Here. How will you prepare?
Semester exams are coming very soon to NCHS. Did you know that at least 50% of students at NCHS have never taken a semester exam? And 25% have only taken semester exams once. That's the reason senior Blue Banner members have come together to share helpful tips to prepare you for the exams that are coming soon.
Katie Mason's "A Guide to Exams By A Senior"
Hazel Konkel's "Cheesy Jokes for Your Stressful Week."
Exam Jokes.pdf
Pro-Tip...don't start a new streaming series during exam week.
Stephen Wilson's Top 10 Prep Tips
Get a good night's sleep.
According to the CDC, 13-18 year olds need at least 8-10 hours of sleep. Being well-rested is very important to how well you perform on your exams. You want your brain to be working at full capacity, not groggy and tired. The last thing you want to do is fall asleep during an exam.
Eat a nutritious breakfast
Studies have shown that a healthy breakfast leads to higher levels of energy and concentration. If you can not get a healthy breakfast at home, the ladies in the cafeteria provide a free scrambled egg and sausage breakfast for all students.
Study hard
Exams require you to recall information you have learned since the beginning of school. You’re not going to be able to remember lessons from August if you don’t study.
Stay organized
Staying organized can reduce stress and make it easier for you to find the paperwork you need to study. You can’t study if you can’t find your notes.
Study with friends
According to research, studying with friends has a lot of benefits! Studying with friends has been proven to help you retain information, boost your mood, help your motivation, and much more.
Make Quizlets
Quizlets are an essential part of studying for exams. Luckily for us, students in our classes and from years past have made Quizlets that review all the information you will need for your exams. If you can’t find a good Quizlet for the class you're studying for, why not help other students by making one yourself.
Drink plenty of water
Scientists recommend that the average person drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Water is very important to how well your brain functions. Even a light dehydration can slow your brain down, so it’s important to get all the water you need.
Look at old tests and quizzes
As someone who has taken many exams at NCHS, I can tell you that almost all of the questions on your exams came from questions on past tests and quizzes. Looking over these old questions will give you an idea of what to expect with your exam and help you find the answers you’ll need to pass.
Use study guides
Most teachers will be giving you a study guide for your exams before you take them. Study guides for exams are very helpful because they tell you what you need to study. Many teachers also copy the questions on the study guide onto the exams, so make sure you complete your study guides and use them to prepare.
Ask your teacher for help
If you find yourself confused or lost when studying for exams, work with your teachers. Never be afraid to ask your teacher a question when you have one.
Good luck preparing for your exams, NCHS!
Image credit: Google Images
Get ready for Christmas Spirit Week, December 6 - 10!
Monday: Twas the Night Before Christmas
Wear your favorite pajamas, but be sure to stay awake in class.
Thursday: Deck the Halls
Your mission: wrap yourself up like a present or dress as a Christmas tree.
Tuesday: Christmas Vacation
Imagine going to the beach for Christmas. Wear your beach attire!
Friday: Christmas Spirit Day
Wear all of the Christmas clothes you can find. Overdoing it is the name of the game.
Wednesday: Snow Day!
It's not a real snow day...school is in session, but wear your snow gear. And be sure you can put your arms down!
Your 'presents' is requested to help Student Council spread Christmas Spirit!
Image credit: Google Images
The Annual Donate for Donuts Campaign is Underway!
Now is the time to donate those gently used clothes you have outgrown. Maybe you have an overabundance of travel toiletries - bring those, too. Or buy something new to help women and children who are leaving domestic violence situations with very little to start over again.
Donate for Donuts.pdfDonate for Donuts Items Needed (1).pdf"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
~Mother Teresa
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset Strategy from Mr. Begando includes important tips to consider to work toward academic self-improvement. Whether you're an "A" student or aspire to be, there are good reminders for everyone.
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset Strategy from Mr. Begando is a suggestion to add the opportunity to receive an education to your list of things to be thankful for this week.
New Book Arrivals
Need a break from research? Mrs. White has posted here three of the NEWest books that NCHS has purchased through a grant. It's a series called Folk of the Air.
See Mrs. White to check them out.
Click the biographical information to the left to link to Holly Black's website.
Photo Credit: Mrs. White
Mason, Breckin, Noah, Quintin and Tommy seem happy about their collection.
Esdon gives a big thumbs up to the collecting he, Brance and Dallas did.
Emma, Quentin, and Jill are pumped about their haul. It was enough for their Student Council team to win them second place!
Addison and Savannah help stock food in this great pantry at Grace United Methodist Church.
Daci and Hope pulled in quite a haul for FCA.
NCHS Students Harvest 1,440 Donations for the Community.
Trent, Leah, Ethan, and Adam have a wide variety of food for our neighbors in need.
On Monday, Student Council hosted its annual scavenger hunt for food, and NCHS students did not disappoint in their collection. Seven teams scoured Nashville for non-perishable items for the food pantry of Grace United Methodist Church. 1,440 items were gathered to help our neighbors in Nashville and Washington County. Good job doing good, NCHS!
Check out the sorting technique of cans and packages by Therese, Ella, Brooke, and Sailor. Congratulations to NCHS Cheer for earning first place for most items collected AND most mystery items.
Do a little bit of good where you are.
It's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the whole world.
~Desmond Tutu
Photo Credit: Savanna Harrison, Addison Stambaugh, and Mrs. Robinson
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset Strategy from Mr. Begando shares ideas about the importance of perseverance.
Looking for a New Read...
Interested in reading a NEW book? Eyes need a rest from the computer screen? Mrs. White is always looking for ways to provide the NEWest content to NCHS students, and one way she does is by purchasing a membership to the Junior Library Guild (JLG). The two titles to the right are the NEWest books that the JLG has sent to NCHS.
See Mrs. White to check them out.
Photo Credit: Mrs. White
Mrs. Maschhoff and Chloe are ready to travel to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and more!
Below, students and parents patiently wait to be called to have their documents checked.
Photo Credits: Katie Mason, Lucy Walters, and Mrs. Goostree
Image Credit: Google Images.
One Step Closer to Europe!
The excitement was in the air as students, parents, and staff traveling on the 2022 European trip carefully filled out and submitted information to get their first passports or to renew expired books.
You may be wondering how you can get a passport to travel abroad some day. Visit the Department of State's website to find applications and helpful tips. You can also visit the helpful people at the Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Kali, Stephany and Abby fill out their passport paperwork. They're one step closer to traveling to Europe.
A Belated Welcome to Mrs. Price
I'm sure you have all met Mrs. Price, but now we're here to tell you more about our new NCHS staff member. After first-hand experience, Mrs. Price is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Mrs. Price is an NCHS graduate born and raised here in Nashville. When asked her about her thoughts from the staff's point of view, she said Nashville is one of the best schools and loves how we all act like family here. The teachers and kids are awesome. As she proudly said, "people from other towns admire Nashville and how we rally around the school with the whole community." Isn't this everyone's favorite part of NCHS? After all this world has been through, Mrs. Price is looking forward to when things get back to normal and seeing kids participating in sports, activities, and overall just having fun. Aren't we all ready for that?
When asking Mrs. Price what her favorite part of NCHS was, Mrs. Turner happily answered that with, "It better be working with me!". Mrs. Price gave her answer after laughing with Mrs. Turner, "The band supports the sports, and the sports support the band, the cheerleaders, stingers and the academic teams - everyone supports each other." Overall, Mrs. Price loves how we rally around each other and how close we all are.
Article and Photo By: Becca Shopinski, Class of 2023
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset strategy from Mr. Begando shares some tips to overcome the stress you can sometimes feel while studying or completing multiple projects at once.
NCHS Media Center: Research or Leisure
How Are You Using Your Available Resources?
The NCHS Media Center is used for a plethora of reasons: daily study halls, after school tutoring, technology repairs, charging stations, and printing opportunities just to name a few. The Media Center is a blessing during research over controversial issues like Mrs. Robinson's students are currently doing in English III. But that isn't all the media center has to offer. Mrs. White researches herself on the newest most relevant contemporary fiction as well and can direct you to any of those new purchases.
...junior Abby Lane utilizes a reference book about the advantages and disadvantages of medical marijuana...that book was made possible through our NCHS Media...
Mrs. White shares, "Don't see what you like on our shelves? I will be happy to help you search for your reading wishlists from other libraries across the state through the SHARE network."
...freshman Addison Browne has been reading all the new "twisted tales" available in our library...
OTHER REFERENCE BOOKS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE MEDIA CENTER
...uh, Kaden, you've got a minor problem...
...Savannah is researching body piercing...
Chromebook on the "fritz"?
...Gavin ups his knowledge on the war on terror...
"Don't just go get a loaner," Mrs. White says. Instead have her take a look at it. She shares, "If I can't fix it there, our tech guru Mr. Welte surely can."
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset strategy from Mr. Begando challenges you to develop the Little Engine that Could Mentality. Think you can do it, work toward your goals, and you can, in fact, do it.
Thinking About and Planning for the Future
The NCHS Guidance Offices hosts a Career Fair every two years at Nashville High School. Students have the opportunity to sign up for four 40 minute sessions. In each session a professional from a different career path speaks to and with NCHS students about the many areas of that job, including required education, expectations, duties, income, and skills needed to be successful in that particular job. Mrs. Luessenheide of the Guidance Office works to invite and organize an array* of options for the students ranging from agriculture to banking to nursing to trade jobs like an electrician and machinery operator.
Career Pathways Session
Students were truly enamored with Jason Williams from Maryville University who spoke about the typical work day for a career in Sports Management.
* (noun) large and impressive grouping of things
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner and Mrs. Patton
Welding and Iron Working
Petey Geppert tried on the 50 lbs of tools and equipment that each iron worker carries daily.
Mr. Turner got a feel for the 50 lb pack too.
Photo and Video Credit: Mrs. Robinson
rylan.MOVJuniors Rylan Hammer (above) and Sophie Schubert (below) used the virtual technology the iron welders brought. With the technology, the participant walks an iron beam 200 feet above the ground with no hand rail.
Sophie.MOV
NCHS alum Jes Stanley who works for The Boeing Company spoke with four packed sessions about computer programming.
Always a BIG hit with the students is the cosmetology program from Kaskaskia College. A team of 8 - 10 participants in the program visited with the very interested students.
...life presents many choices...
...the choices we MAKE determine our future...
~ Catherine Pulsifer
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum, Mrs. Greten, Mrs. J. Maschhoff
October 2021 -- National Principals Month
Principal Begando 2021.pdfIt's All Fun and Games
Thursday's Red Ribbon Week activity was Game and Movie Night. Students loaded up on snacks and spent a few hours in the Art room playing games or watching movies. It's tough to get pictures in the dark, but this set of photos captures what it's like to play games on the day the yearbook also comes out.
Robin, Tanner, and Madison are trying to solve the Clue murder mystery, but Meredith and Malayna are too distracted by the yearbook. I guess we'll never know if it really was Colonel Mustard, in the study, with the pipe!
Photo credit: Katie Mason
Jaylin (above) sports her winter red style, while Malayna (right) was nice enough to pause from her tasty lunch to show off her red.
Red-y to Be Drug Free
Red Ribbon Week continues with with a day dedicated to wearing the color RED.
Who knew these homecoming shirts would come in so handy after Homecoming Week?!
Photos credit: Katie Mason
Pumpkin Taste Test -- Take Five
The final October pumpkin tasting for Mrs. Kollbaum's English I freshmen featured the quintessential* pumpkin recipe: pumpkin pie.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
* (adjective) most perfect embodiment of something
Pumpkin Pie Recipe: 1 can of pumpkin pie filling, 2 eggs, 2/3 cup evaporated milk, pie crust shell, and Reddi-wip whipped cream (student-suggested amount: lots and lots of whipped cream)
Griffin Briles isn't afraid to try a little (or a lot) of pumpkin pie.
...RESULTS OF THE TASTE TEST...
"Mmmmmm, Mmmmm good!": 40 votes
"No thank you!": 6 votes
Everything is better with capes. Robin sports his Robin cape and colors today.
With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility
As Red Ribbon Week rolls on, students were encouraged to represent their favorite Superhero on Wednesday. On Superhero Day, students are asked to think about the power we all have to control our future. And with that power, comes the responsibility to make good choices.
Who would you choose: Marvel, DC, or maybe just yourself?
Braden's Spidey senses knew this would be the perfect jacket for today.
Photo Credit: Katie Mason
Where Should We Look?
One of the highlights of Red Ribbon Week is the annual scavenger hunt, which sends students out into the community to look for and document specific images and experiences.
...junior Allyson Osborne was able to find and document the one and only crack in Nashville's roadways...
...freshman Dominic Beaty is thrilled to receive these HORNET-themed bouqet of flowers from junior Tristan Harrison during the scavenger hunt...
Photo credit: Mrs. Schultz
...the search for something can prove as interesting as finding it...
Mr. Weathers has some "bright" students in Math
"The future depends on what you do today."
Mahatma Gandhi
Our Future's So Bright, We Have to Wear Neon.
Tuesday's Red Ribbon Week theme encouraged students to dress in neon colors or tie dye to support that idea that our future is bright, and the use of controlled substances could darken those possibilities.
No neon, no problem. Lainey and Meredith (above) and Savannah (at left) chose the colorful tye dye route.
Photo credits: Katie Mason and Addison Stambaugh
Just for fun: enjoy "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades," by the 1980s band Timbuk 3.
By any 'sketch' of the imagination, a chalk mural contest draws a crowd.
Seniors Brandee, Emma, and Addison won first place for best use of them with their spooky and magical scene.
The work of juniors Ally and Jaiden on their koi fish scene landed them the best chalk technique award.
Addison and Claire know you can only stay groovy if you're drug free.
"Creativity takes courage."
~Henri Matisse
Lifesavers sponsored a contest to create chalk murals with Red Ribbon Week messages reminding us to bee kind, bee safe, and bee drug free.
Tanner, Katie, and Madison tie three versions of the same idea together.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree Image Credit: Google Images
These pajamas will leave you in Stitch-es. Juniors Katelynn and Emily were the coziest of us all.
"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them."
~Walt Disney
Red Ribbon Week Kicks off with Student and Staff Favorite: Pajama Day!
Removing controlled substances from life removes barriers we may face to achieving our goals. College, career, friends, family...all of these goals we have for the future require us to be present physically and mentally so we can be our best self for others and ourselves. This is why Lifesavers kicked off Red Ribbon Week on Monday with our favorite clothes to dream (or daydream) in: pajamas.
We're supposed to be chasing our dreams, but these socks might give us nightmares. We're picking up a real Chronicles of Narnia vibe from junior Sophie W.
The pj dress code gets a Kali H. seal of approval.
We can all identify with Sophomore Hailee's shirt. Especially on a cold, rainy Monday.
They say dreams don't work unless we do...put do we have to work on PJ Day?
Photo Credits: Addison Stambaugh and Katie Mason
Image Credit: Google Images
Playoff Football Tailgating, BABY!!
The Friends of Hornet Football invite all Hornet Fans to join in the tailgating fun this Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the NCHS north parking lot. #nchshornets #ihsaclass2playoffsbaby
MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW
Who are you willing to walk beside (or hide behind) in the TRI-M spooooooooooooookkkky haunted trail?!?
PLAN your group TODAY.
Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pavilion behind the high school and end at 10:00 p.m. (for those who make it out alive.....mmmwwwwaaahhhh).
Flyer created by senior Ethan Gambill
Illinois State Scholars Announced
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 Illinois State Scholars. Students receiving this honor are chosen based on a formula calculation that combines student ACT/SAT test scores, class rank, GPA, and class size.
This year's award winners are:
Alyssa Cole ~ Michael Combs ~ Jordan Donato ~ Emily Guest
Nolan Heggemeier ~ Hazel Konkel ~ Brooklyne Luessenheide
Emme Paskiewicz ~ Caitlynn Pytlinski ~ Halle Rueter
Emily Schnitker ~ Lilly Taft
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
This week's Academic Mindset strategy from Mr. Begando challenges you to set goals, evaluate what might keep you from reaching those goals, and then boot those 'dream killers' out of the equation.
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
Pumpkin Taste Test -- Take Four
It's week four of October, and Mrs. Kollbaum's English I freshmen are still deciding what and where pumpkin should or should not be included. This week's recipe is a pumpkin rice krispy treat. The problem? It didn't taste like a rice krispy treat because it was soft. The people, however, have spoken, and they are split right down the middle. It's apparent that the lack of crunch didn't bother some of our taste testers.
...RESULTS OF THE TASTE TEST...
"Yay!" "Needs, though, to be crunchy next time!": 22 votes
"Nay!" "It's a crime!": 22 votes
Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats: 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin, 12 cups Rice Krispies, 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 2 bags of marshmallows, 1 stick (8 TBSP) of butter.
FREEDOM from Campus for LUNCH
Typically, all freshmen and sophomores remain on campus during lunch; however, students earning the attendance incentive are granted off-campus lunch on Fridays. And TODAY October 22, 2021 was the first day of freedom for many eligible freshmen and sophomores. In fact, based on the numbers in the cafeteria, we'd estimate that over 80% of the freshmen and sophomores were granted this privilege for hitting the criteria: no grade below a 70%, no unexcused absences, no more than 5 excused absences, no suspensions, and no more than 3 behavior referrals.
...some underclassmen were lucky enough to have older siblings and friends drive them to local eateries and willing to hang out with them at lunch...
...senior Lucas Knepp with sophomores Abby Knepp and Parker Renken...
...senior Daphne Kollbaum with freshmen Grady Kirchner, Samuel Kollbaum, and Declan Kirchner...
Photo Credit: Lucas Knepp, Abby Wesselmann, Daphne Kollbaum
...sophomores Harrison Zgonina, Kinzie Klingeman, and Ella Wesselmann were excited to be busting out for lunch (at an appropriate speed, of course)...
Image Credit: Google Images
Source: Academic Mindset, Edison, NJ
Principal Begando's Weekly Message
Mr. Begando, our "fearless leader," cares deeply for the students of NCHS and wants EACH and EVERY student to be successful. He knows that success, however, isn't just handed out...instead, students must build the skills to be successful. Therefore, he would like to share An Academic Mindset strategy with NCHS each week.
NCHS Announces 2021 DAR and SAR Award Winners
Seniors Emily Guest and Ben Reid have been named this year's recipients of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution Award. This award, established in 1934, "recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities." A group of students are first selected by their teachers, and then voted on by their peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. Award recipients then have the option to apply for different scholarships based on this honor. Congratulations, Emily and Ben, on receiving this important award!
"Citizenship is a sense of belonging to a community for which one bears some responsibility. In a word, citizenship implies public spiritedness, which is akin to patriotism, and has to be cultivated."
~Walter Berns, Constitutional Law and Politics Scholar
DAR / SAR information from DAR.org
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Pumpkin Taste Test -- Take Three
It's mid-October and Mrs. Kollbaum's English I freshmen are on their third pumpkin taste test. And the results are clear. This week's recipe is a pumpkin dip.
...RESULTS OF THE TASTE TEST...
"Yummy! "Amazing!": 46 votes
"Nay! Tasted Orangey! Yucky!": 1 vote
Pumpkin Dip: 1 can 100% pure pumpkin, 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and 1 container of Cool Whip. Graham cracker sticks for dipping.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
...Heather Arnold was all smiles for her pumpkin dip...
NCHS Launches New Website
Mrs. Heggemeier and her Webpage class have been working overtime this year to learn new software and create a new website for NCHS. The big reveal was Wednesday, October 13, and it's obvious from the video below that students are proud of their hard work. Be sure to check out the new website today!
IMG_9703.MOV
Click the image above to connect to the NEW website at NCHS!
Congratulations, Queen Ella Jones. Pictured with Queen Ella is her Homecoming escort, Senior Ethan Gambill.
NCHS HOMECOMING
NCHS has been celebrating its Homecoming for decades now, but the Homecoming 2021 has to be one of the best yet. Perhaps it is because we recognize what the COVID-19 pandemic has taken from us and we are embracing these normal activities with all the love that they deserve? Or perhaps it is one of the best because of the amazing student body that walks the halls of NCHS daily? Or perhaps it is because NCHS is supported by an dedicated Student Council, a positive Cheer Team, and an invested Administration. Oh, who are we kidding...we know that it's all three of these things!!
So, with that we say THANK YOU...to everyone who is doing anything to allow us to return to normal teenage high school activities (we see you and what you are doing)...to all of the student council members and their sponsors for your creativity and planning for a fun-filled themed week of activities...to the NCHS Cheerleaders and their sponsors for your dedication to the Pep Assembly (which is a highlight of the week)...and to our NCHS Administrators Mr. Begando and Mr. Turner (we see how invested you are in NCHS and consider ourselves blessed). "Houston, We Have A Homecoming" is a week of memories that we will be sure to treasure always. #hornetpride #NCHSisthebest #smalltownbigheart
Homecoming Rewind
...moments to remember from Homecoming Day...
A Spirited Send-off with the Homecoming Pep Assembly
Mr. Begando wants you to "MAKE SOME NOISE!"
Nothing pumps up a crowd like the chance to get free footballs!
Seniors Nikole Reynolds and Michael Wilken play "Illinois Loyalty."
Freshmen Stingers Addison Stambaugh and Claire Greten bring hip hop to the crowd.
Sophomore Alissa Tyler wants NCHS to pump up that Hornet Spirit!
Juniors want those HORNET footballs...
Musical chairs is fun for all ages. View a portion of the Senior Game in the video above.
Photo, Video Credits for the Pep Assembly: Mrs. Kollbaum & Mrs. Goostree
It's all fun and games until someone steals your chair.
Musical Chairs Champ, Senior Josh Bruns.
...definitely a Brotherhood...
...the anticipation of the musical chairs competition was too much for these seniors...
...as the NCHS Hornets wait to see who wins...
...as they waited to see if Wyatt Kwiatkowski or Josh Bruns would emerge as champion...
...the musical chairs competition...
...and the entire senior class stormed the court when senior Josh Bruns emerged victorious...it was the highlight of "Brunsie Appreciation Week"...
Inspiration on Game Day
It's an NCHS tradition that the senior football players get to share their inspiration and appreciation at the Homecoming Assembly, and this year's seniors did NOT disappoint, speaking about the camaraderie* football provides, the passion they feel for playing as a team, and their immense appreciation for the NCHS students and Band.
...Senior Kolten Gajewski tells NCHS to "show up and show out" at the Homecoming Football Game and Senior Josh Bruns thanks NCHS for all the support of Hornet Football...
* (noun) mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
Photo / Video Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
Class of 2023 ~ 2nd Place Finish
Mr. and Mrs. Legs
Talanie Kozuszek and Eric Wisely
...the Parade Float Competition Is A Serious Affair...
Class of 2025 ~ 1st Place Finish
Looking Good, NCHS, For The Dance
Freshmen Marcus Bartolotta, Andrew Jablonski, Kaylee Hodge, Aiden Frese, Will Volz, Ethan San Juan, and Pierson Krewinghaus are ready to show off their smoooooooooth dance moves.
Photo Credit: Facebook
...life is better...
...with friends...
Moments Captured
There were so many great pictures shared last week, and we couldn't include them all at the time of publication. Please enjoy these photos as another look at some great memories.
Photo Credits:
Mady Farley
Emma Grathwohl
Bobbie Matlock
Katelyn Mason
Trevor Siliven
Mrs. Bergmann
Mrs. Spenner
Mrs. Kollbaum
Mrs. Goostree
Pumpkin Cookies: 1 can 100% pure pumpkin and 1 box of spiced cake mix
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
...freshmen Mason, Dominic, Andrew, Grady, Peyton (she LOVED them), and Aidan are more than willing to eat a second (or third) cookie...
Pumpkin Taste Test -- Take Two
October means pumpkin so Mrs. Kollbaum's English I freshmen are taste testing pumpkin recipes every Friday in October. This week's recipe is a simple pumpkin cookie.
...RESULTS OF THE TASTE TEST...
"Yum!": 42 votes
"Nope!": 2 votes
A NEW FACE at NCHS
Have you met Mrs. Meghan Haglund yet? She is the newest member of our NCHS kitchen staff. Just from talking to her today, I can tell you she is a nice person with high hopes for the future of our cafeteria...from the food to the environment. She started cooking with her family at the young age of thirteen. She now has twenty-one years of cooking experience. Her first big job as a cook was at a nursing home. She then took six years off to have and raise her babies. When her babies got a little older, eight and six, she went to work at a middle school from 2019 until this year. NCHS is her first high school cooking job, and she really wants to get rid of the classic high school cafeteria stereotypes, such as the classic food tastes bad, the lunch people are crazy, and upperclassmen pretty much have to leave. She plans to survey students to get their opinions on what food they enjoy and what food they could do without. As for the “crazy lunch people,” she plans on trying to have better communication with the students by making herself seem more of a relatable person. She even says that lunch is a mental break from the usual classes of school. At lunch, students can sit down in a positive environment with their friends. She says it best herself, “Look for changes to come.” I have very high hopes for the changes that she is going to make in our lunch environment.
Meghan’s life outside the walls of NCHS includes several likes. She has three dogs, two cats, and four house bunnies as she absolutely loves animals. Her favorite color is purple. She enjoys making homemade pizza in her free time. Sweets can also be found being sold from her house.
By Bryna Jablonski, Class of 2024
Cowboys and Aliens Invade the Halls of NCHS
On one of the best dressed days in recent Homecoming history, the NCHS students, staff, and teachers took to the hallways in spurs and antennas...
Mrs. Heggemeier and first hour Yearbook class...what a mix of aliens and cowboys in this crew?!?!
Senior Eric Wisely is the unofficial WINNER for the day...BOTH cowboy AND alien. When asked where he got the costume, he answered, "Amazon, of course..."
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum, Mrs. Heggemeier, and Mrs. Olson
Mrs. Olson and her third hour English II sophomores
Senior Kade Ridgeway looked like he was right out of Tombstone in his riding jacket and spurs...
"...we didn't realize we were making memories...
...we just knew we were having fun..."
Mrs. Patton and senior Civics class...Can Emma's hat get any bigger??
Hahaha..Mr. Browne and junior Kendall Vallett took the assignment literally.
Mother / daughter duo...Mrs. Williamson and freshman Emma
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum, Mrs. Patton, and Mrs. Williamson
Mrs. Kollbaum and her fourth hour English III Honors juniors
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum, Mrs. Williamson, Bobbie Matlock, and Mr. Browne
"...the best thing about memories...
...is making them..."
Mrs. Williamson and her Spanish II students
Mrs. Bond-Ledford's Ag Business Management class
Mr. Browne and his freshman Music I class
...Mrs. Goostree's third hour U.S. History class has been taken over by junior alien Kade Kasban...
* (noun) fellow members
"...never underestimate the importance of having fun..."
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Image Credit: Google Images
...senior Lynsey Kujawa and junior Tessa Kellerman toss their flags to their alien brethren* up above ...
...juniors Valerie Combs, Lauren Rapp, and Daci Finke are so excited for HOCO 2021...
NCHS Mother / Daughter Duo Knows How to THROW IT BACK
...Mrs. Jennifer Maschhoff and freshman daughter Chloe dressed the part for the HOCO 2021 Throwback Day...
...you do not find the happy life...
...you make it...
...remember, NCHS students, faculty, and staff, the Blue Banner staff would love to feature you and your friends dressed up and celebrating Homecoming 2021...send your favorite photos to Mrs. Kollbaum or Mrs. Goostree...
Photo Credit: Facebook
...happy times come and go...
...but the memories stay forever...
Photo Credit: Bobbie Matlock
Throwback to the "Olden Days" of NCHS Athletics
...#82 Tight End Calvin O'Rear, NCHS Class of 2005, was all about sporting his NCHS football jersey and his puka shell necklace that was all the rage in the early 2000s...
...Seniors Daphne Kollbaum and Jordan Donato in their 1990s throwback basketball warm ups were all too happy to pose with their idol and favorite science teacher...
Time Flies in the Halls at NCHS...
Kris, Abby, Sophia, and Sophie
1960s and 1970s
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum and Bobbie Matlock
Kali, Faith, and Reese
1980s
AnnMarie, Jada, Bobbie, Sophie, and Kris
1960s and 1970s
Kade and Emma
1990s
...When You're Having Fun During HOCO 2021
Image Credit: Google Images
Star Trek and Star Wars...is there a difference? Just ask Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Robinson...they'll tell you there definitely is a DIFFERENCE.
STAR STRUCK DAY
Addison, Evan, Mrs. Robinson, and Griffin show their school spirit...
Mrs. Goostree as Rey Skywalker
NCHS STUDENTS, SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO THE BLUE BANNER...
...ELVIS IS IN THE HOUSE...
Mrs. Kollbaum thought it was "invite" your favorite star to school today to hang out with Mr. Browne and Mrs. Williamson
October Means Pumpkin, Pumpkin, and More Pumpkin
Mrs. Kollbaum's English I freshmen got a taste of pumpkin juice, a Harry Potter inspired drink, on the first day of the best month of the year (also known as OCTOBER). The bravest students tried the concoction and were asked to weigh in with their thoughts on the recipe...
...RESULTS OF THE TASTE TEST...
"Yay...it's delicious": 30 votes
"Bleh...I'm never drinking this again": 13 votes
Pumpkin Juice: 1 can 100% pure pumpkin, 3 cups orange juice, 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 teaspon vanilla extract
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum and Google Images
Covid has taken so much from NCHS students in the way of classes and activities over the past year and a half, BUT one of the benefits that has come from Covid is the freedom to eat lunch OUTSIDE in the beautiful weather.
A Perfect Day for Lunch OUTSIDE at NCHS
Mr. Begando LOVES that he gets to visit with the students who elect to eat OUTSIDE.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum
Spirit Week is coming! Get your outfits ready for "Houston, We Have a Homecoming."
Monday: Star Struck
Dress as your favorite character from space or celebrity
Tuesday: Time Machine Day
Bring back the fashion of a past decade.
Wednesday: Cowboys v. Aliens
Dress as a cowboy or an alien.
Thursday: Color Day
Friday: School Spirit. Wear your Hornet colors!
Thank you, senior Addison Povolish, for your courage and willingness to educate others about lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans.*
* Source: www.lupus.org
Lupus Awareness Night
Don't forget...tonight September 23 is Lupus Awareness Night at the NCHS Hornette Volleyball Game. Festivities BEGIN AT 4:30 and include the NCHS Hornet Drumline and food, drink, and bracelet sales. The Hornettes face off against their southern rival, the Pinckneyville Panthers
Jimmie Johns Sandwiches - $5.00
Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef or Italian Sub
ABC Concessions Popcorn - $1.00
Drinks - $2.00
Water, Ski, Cherry Ski, and Diet Coke
Lupus Awareness Bracelets - $2.00
ALL Proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America Heartland Chapter
The 2021 - 2022 NCHS Homecoming theme is “Houston, We Have a Homecoming.”
Homecoming Week FESTIVITIES include:
Monday, 10/4/21 - STARSTRUCK Day(dress up as your favorite celebrity or space movie)
Tuesday, 10/5/21 - TIME MACHINE Day (Throwback Day)
Wednesday, 10/6/21 - COWBOYS vs. ALIENS
Thursday, 10/7/21 - COLOR Day (Freshman-White, Sophomores-Red, Juniors-Blue, Seniors-Black)...LISTEN for announcements about Homecoming shirts for your class.
Friday, 10/8/21 - SPIRIT Day, including Pep Assembly, Homecoming Parade (2:00 p.m.), and Football Game vs. rival Pinckneyville Panthers (7:00 p.m.), including Queen Coronation during half-time
Saturday, 10/9/21 - Homecoming Dance...North Gym (8:00 - 11:00 p.m.)
Freshman Attendant Candidates
Meredith Anderson
Anna Bauza
Cheyenne Harris
Mia Vogt
Sophomore Attendant Candidates
Kendall Donato
Abby Knepp
Tailer Pelczynski
Shelby Thorson
Junior Attendant Candidates
Lauren Rapp
Korbi Rhine
Reese Varel
Jada Winka
Attendants
Sailor Gutzler-Dlubala, freshman
Lilly Redman, sophomore
Faith Frerker, junior
Senior Queen Candidates
Alyssa Cole, Hanna Niedbalski, Halle Rueter,
Ella Jones, and Annie Ahlers