Clubs and Organizations
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Drafting Team Success at State
Nashville High School was represented well at the Illinois Design Educators Association State competition on April 20, 2024. NCHS students Rheanna Kiefer and Mary Hentges each brought home 3rd place in their respective competitions.
Senior Rheanna Kiefer was happy with her placement in Intro to Autocad. When asked how she prepared for State, her answer was surprising. "I haven't been in Drafting for two years. Mr. Kell asked me to join because I'm just that good." Rheanna certainly proved her skills.
Sophomore Mary Hentges, who competed in the Introductory Board category, said was greatful for the opportunity to compete. She shared, "In my category, we were given an image with measurements to translate onto a blank paper. We had two hours to draw the top, front and side view of the image. It was very challenging to figure out, especially at first. Even though it was a bit stressful, it was enjoyable and something I would love to do again if I had the chance. Practicing drawings from previous years before the competition definitely helped refresh my memory and be prepared for the unknown drawing I was about to work on. I am incredibly grateful for being given this opportunity by Mr. Kell. He has been very encouraging and helpful throughout the process."
Sean Abernathy, Rheanna Kiefer, and Mary Hentges at Illinois State University for IDEA State.
Photo Credit: Mr. Kell
Final Math Field Day Held at SEMO
On April 11, the NCHS Math Team participated in the SEMO Math Field Day at the South East Missouri State University. This math competition had many events in which students solve complex math problems either in teams or individually. The events tested students' knowledge in various branches of mathematics such as Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Data Analysis, Number Theorey, and many more. The following students participated in this competition:
Freshmen
Jacob Kula and Racheal Staley
Juniors
Andrew Jablonski, Ethan SanJuan, and Trinity Engelman
Seniors
Jaylin Stofferahn, Isaac Wrzesinski, Collin Rolf, Brady Meyer, Brady Stein, and Robin Habeck
The following students won awards in the following events:
Racheal Staley placed Third in the Word Problems event
Jaylin Stofferahn placed Second in Probability
Isaac Wrzesinski placed Second in Non-Routine Problem Solving
Jaylin Stofferahn, Collin Rolf, Robin Habeck, and Brady Meyer placed Third in the Medley event.
Great job, Math Team!
Image Credit: Google Images
April Was Busy for FFA!
Specialized Teams Make Multiple State Competition Appearances
The Nashville FFA Horticulture team recently brought home an 11th place finish at the State Horticulture Career Development Event held at Parkland College. Members competed in activities that tested their ability to judge 8 rings of plants, identify 50 plants from a list of over 200, take a 50 question test on basic knowledge of the Horticulture field, and tried their hand at landscaping and floral arrangement practicums. Members who participated were (L to R): Clara Kozuszek, Sarah Hentges, Parker Ebert, Alexys Spratt, Mary Hentges. Also pictured is FFA State Vice President and Nashville FFA Alumni, Eric Wisley.
Kaskaskia College hosted the State Dairy Judging CDE on April 5th. FFA members from the entire state had the opportunity to judge six classes of dairy cattle. The cattle were judged on factors including: udder, dairy strength, feet and legs, and frame. Members also completed a test over cattle nutrition, equipment, herd management, etc. Nashville FFA members who participated are (L to R): Illinois State FFA Vice President Eric Wisely, and competitors Dakota Hanenberger, Dallas Burr, Collin Rolf, Grayson Schorfheide, and Clara Kozuszek.
On April 19th, five members of the Nashville FFA Chapter participated in the State Livestock Judging Career Development Event held at the farms at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. FFA members judged beef, sheep, swine, and goats at the contest. Overall, Nashville placed 60th place out of 118 teams. Members who participated were (L to R): Jayla Ledford, Grace Tolliver, Ethan Malone, Katie Kurwicki, Maliah Riechmann.
Article and Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter. Image Credit: Google Images
Ahoy! The Science Club Boat Regatta is April 27!
Can you and up to 4 friends design and build a cardboard boat that can hold 1 - 3 people for a 5 minute float AND win a race? Then it's time to get your shipmates and boat engineers together to build the best "sea" worthy cardboard vessel for the first annual Science Club Boat Regatta on April 27, 2024.
Check-in and construction begins at 10:00 a.m. at Nashville Memorial Park Pond. All boats must be constructed by 1:00 p.m. All participants MUST have a signed waiver on file with Mr. Miller prior to participating.
Interested teams should sign up outside of Mr. Miller's room. Be sure to pick up specific details about materials, design, and judging. If you have any questions, see Mr. Miller as soon as possible.
You don't have to be a memember of Science Club to watch the Boat Regatta. Boats will enter the water at 1:15 p.m.. Be there to cheer on your friends as they float into Regatta history!
Image Credit: Google Images
NCHS Students Complete the Academic Challenge State Competition
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Junior Lexi Welte and Senior Brady Stein took their "A" game to Eastern Illinois University for ACES State.
Congratulations to Lexi Welte for placing 5th in Computer Science!
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
NCHS Students Compete at ICTM State
As reported earlier, two NCHS math team students earned the opportunity to advance from ICTM (Illinois Council for Teaching Mathematics) Regionals to State competition. Karlie Stein qualified in the Algebra 1 Written event and Annelise Shubert qualified in the Geometry Written event. These students traveled to Illinois State University in Bloomington on Saturday, April 6 and competed in the ICTM State competition. Both students took a fifty minute math test with twenty questions. This tested their knowledge in Algebra and Geometry.
Mr. Markotay, Karlie Stein, and Annelise Shubert on the campus of Illinois State University
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay // Image Credit: Google Images
Math Team Ends Regular Season at SIUC
On March 26, Math Team participated in Math Field Day on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Students took a multiple choice math test without a calculator. This contest tested student's knowledge in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and other branches of mathematics. They competed with many other math teams from other high schools.
Paul, Trinity, Ethan, Andrew, and Rachael are ready to calculate.
SIUC Math Team Participants were Collin Rolf, Brady Meyer, Paul Campanella, Rachael Staley, Trinity Engelman, Isaac Wrzesinski, Andrew Jablonski, and Ethan SanJuan
Seniors Collin, Brady, and Isaac are confident and ready.
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay // Image Credit: SIUC Department of Mathematics
Horticulture Team Brings Home 2nd Place at Sectional CDE
The Nashville FFA Horticulture team recently brought home a 2nd place win in the Section 21 Horticulture CDE. Members competed in activities that tested their ability to judge 4 rings of plants, identify 100 plants from a list of over 200, and take a 50 question test on basic knowledge of the Horticulture field. On April 4th, the team competed at the contest which was hosted by the Mt. Vernon FFA. The team did an outstanding job, with four members placing in the top ten. Individual placings were: Sarah Hentges – 2nd , Mary Hentges- 6th, Clara Koszusek 10th. Members pictured first row (from l to r): Clara Koszusek, Mary Hentges, Lexy Spratt, Sarah Hentges, and Parker Ebert
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann // Image Credit: Google Images
FFA Members Headed to State!
The Nashville FFA Chapter participated in State Proficiencies at Mt. Zion High School on March 23rd. Three members from the chapter advanced to state with their record book project. The three state finalists, Jordan Schuette, Lily Tejada and Therese Herrmann all participated. Jordan Schuette competed in beef production placement which consists of working with beef cattle on his family farm. Schuette Farms is located in New Minden, Illinois, where they farm about 1,400 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat, and raise around 50 head of Black Angus beef cattle. Lily Tejada competed in Ag Communications which allows her to work on projects in and outside of the classroom that help our Chapter and communicate the importance of Agriculture. Throughout her SAE, she has developed major life skills like perseverance, hard work, and dedication that can help her become successful in whatever career she decides to pursue in her future. Therese Herrmann competed in outdoor recreation where she is a partner in her family’s agri-entertainment business located in Hoyleton, Illinois. Country Kids Pumpkin Patch was started approximately 15 years ago with the concept of providing a venue for families to enjoy outdoor activities while learning about agriculture. At the patch, they host roughly 3,000 to 4,000 people a year.
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Congratulations to FFA Members advancing to State Competition this summer: Lily Tejada and Therese Herrmann. Not pictured, Jordan Schuette.
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann
FFA Members Have a Good Showing at Section Public Speaking
On March 20th, FFA Public Speakers competed at the Section 21 Public Speaking Contest at Kaskaskia College. The contest has five categories which speakers can compete in: Varsity Prepared, JV Prepared, Varsity Extemporaneous, JV Extemporaneous, and FFA Creed Speaking. As the name implies, prepared speaking requires presenting a 6-8 minute speech from memory that was prepared before the contest. The extemporaneous contest requires the participant to draw an agricultural topic and prepare a 3-5 minute speech in 20 minutes. In the Creed contest participants recite the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions about its meaning and purpose. In Varsity Prepared, Sarah Hentges placed 2nd, and in JV Prepared Maliah Riechmann placed 2nd, JV Extemporaneous Grace Tolliver placed 2nd, in Creed Speaking Clara Kozuszek placed 1st and Jayla Ledford placed 6th. Speakers were (left to right): Grace Tolliver, Jayla Ledford, Clara Kozuszek, Sarah Hentges and not pictured Maliah Riechmann.
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann
FFA Places 4th at Section Livestock Judging
The Nashville FFA Chapter participated in the Section 21 Livestock Judging CDE on March 22nd. The Section competition was held at King City Saddle Club in Mt. Vernon. FFA members judged beef, sheep, swine, and goats at the contest. Nashville placed 4th as a team with Erica Kujawa placing 6th as an individual. Members who participated were (front row l to r): Abby Cottom, Chloe Kurwicki, Jayla Ledford, Maliah Riechmann, Grace Tolliver, Katie Kurwicki and Erica Kujawa (back row l to r): Regan Robinson and Ethan Malone.
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann // Image Credit: Google Images
FFA Places 4th at Section Dairy Judging
On March 18th, Greenville High School hosted the annual Section 21 Dairy Judging CDE. FFA members from Section 21 had the opportunity to judge 6 classes of dairy cattle, which included Holsteins, Guernsey, Jersey cows and heifers. The cattle were placed on many factors including: frame, dairy strength, udder, and feet and legs. The participants also completed a 25 question test over the dairy industry. Overall, the team placed 4th, and in the individual competition Dallas Burr was the 6th place individual and Collin Rolf was the 10th place individual. Members who participated were (front row l to r): Brock Schuessler, Oskar Ryterski, Dallas Burr, Jordan Schuette, Dakota Hanenberger, Collin Rolf, Grayson Schorfheide, Clara Kozuszek, Ava Witte.
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann
FFA Participates in Envirothon Competition
Recently, the Nashville FFA Chapter participated in the Land Use Council 13 Envirothon contest held at the Roland Lewis Center in Mt. Vernon. Twelve schools were represented by 21 teams at the contest. Members worked as a team to answer questions that tested them on their knowledge of wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils, and a current issue category. Teams consist of five members who work together to complete a test in each category. The test scores are then added for a combined team score. The Nashville FFA proudly placed 1st out of teams in Washington County and 4th out of 21 teams overall. Members that participated were (l to r): Mackenzie Bauza, Erica Kujawa, Jordan Schuette, Dallas Burr, Collin Rolf.
Article By: Maliah Riechmann, Chapter Reporter
Photo Credit: Maliah Riechmann
NCHS Drama Presents Under the Big Top
The spring play, Under the Big Top, was an absolute hit at Nashville Community High School. From the moments the curtains rose, the audience was transported into a world of circus magic and wonder. The student's dedication and hard work truly shone through in every aspect of the production, from the costumes to the set design.
The talented cast brought the characters to life with their outstanding performances, capturing the audience's attention with their emotional depth and comedic timing. The energy onstage was catching, drawing the audience into the captivating story and leaving them on the edge of their seats until the very last scene. It was evident that months of rehearsals and preparation had paid off, as the entire auditorium erupted into laughter and also provided cheers and applause at the conclusion of each act.
Overall, Under the Big Top was not just a play, but an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone that was able to witness it. This show popped with flavor, leaving behind trails of popcorn and confetti. It showcased the massive amount of talent and passion of the students at Nashville Community High School and will be remembered as a highlight of the school year for years to come.
Article By: Landon Urbanski, Class of 2026
Everyone has a role to play in making the circus the best.
Mrs. Robwell does not like snakes.
"Peanuts! Get your peanuts here!"
The Cast and Crew of Under the Big Top
Annie introduces the circus.
It's time to spruce up the circus!
What's a clown supposed to do in this situation?
Henry seems a little tied up at the moment.
Photo Credit: Rheanna Kiefer // Caption Credit: Rheanna Kiefer and Leo Dunnahe
ECLIPSE 2024
CAN YOU FIND NASHVILLE, ILLINOIS ON THE MAP?
That's right...we are in the perfect spot for TOTALITY. And, the National Honor Society is hosting a TOTAL ECLIPSE PARTY on Monday, April 8th from 11 a.m - 2 p.m. and is inviting NCHS students, faculty, and staff to join them on the high school football field to take part in kickball, karaoke, spike ball, bags, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, temporary tattoos, and face painting. Chick-fil-a sandwiches will be available for $6 as will popcorn and water.
SAFETY ECLIPSE GLASSES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TOTAL ECLIPSE PARTY.
Be certain to fill out the Google Form emailed from NHS Co-Sponsor Mrs. Maschhoff.
Source Credit: Google Images
A Pair of ACES Heading to State
Congratulations to Lexi Welte and Brady Stein for their top performances with ACES at the SWIC Sectional on March 1, 2024, which earned them a trip to compete at EIU on April 9. Lexi placed second in Computer Science and will also compete in Chemistry. Brady placed first in Engineering Graphics and will also compete in Physics.
Preparation is key for ACES success. Junior Lexi shared, "Mr. Miller makes sure we get at least one practice test done each week, and he is really great at organizing the team." Lexi also expressed her excitement about this opportunity. "Last year, I placed third in regionals for Computer Science which wasn't enough to advance, so I made it my goal to at least get out of regionals this year. When I placed first in Computer Science for regionals, I was surprised and extremely happy. I went into sectionals with the mindset that I would not be surprised if I didn't place, but then I ended up tying for second with two others to advance to state for the first time. I've always had an interest in computer science which I think gives me an advantage from my years of experience in that category. My dad, Mr. Welte is also very knowledgeable on the topic, so he was able to give me some pointers."
As a senior, Brady reflected on what this final opportunity to compete means to him: "This opportunity to go to State is one that I have been chasing for a long time. After falling short of state both sophomore and junior year, it was crushing to not even place in Regionals this year. I thought my season was over because of one bad test, but luckily our team did well enough to advance to Sectionals. I am thankful for my team for helping me get to State, and I want to thank Mr. Miller for his commitment and enthusiasm for the team. Every ACES event has been awesome, and I'm going to miss the team after this year."
Good Luck at ACES State,
Lexi and Brady!
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
Math Team Competes at ICTM Regionals
The NCHS Math Team attended the ICTM Regionals Competition at SIUC on Saturday, February 24. Students have been preparing for this competition through many after school practices. This contest has many events that students compete in similar to a track meet. The events that NCHS students competed in were Algebra 1 Written, Geometry Written, Algebra 2 Written, Pre-Calculus Written, 8 person, 2 person, and Calculutor events.
Congratulations to Karlie Stein and Annelise Shubert for qualifying for ICTM State at ISU on April 6! Good Luck at State!
Congratulations to the Algebra I Written Event team of Jacob Kula, Karlie Stein, and Rachael Staley for their 2nd Place finish.
Freshmen Karlie Stein (pictured far left) individually placed 4th in the Algebra 1 Written Event.
NCHS Math Team at ICTM Regionals. Row 1: Paul Campanella, Ethan SanJuan, Jaylin Stofferahn, and Grace Stein. Row 2: Jacob Kula, Karlie Stein, Rachael Staley, Robin Habeck, Emma Cometto, and Annelise Shubert. Row 3: Calvin Endres, Brady Stein, Brady Meyer, Colin Rolf, and Andrew Jablonski.
It's a Tie! Nashville's Rachael Staley and a Carlinville student share the 2nd Place plaque for the Algebra I Written Event.
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay // Image Credit: Google Images
NCHS Drafting Students Qualify for State Competition
On Friday, February 23, NCHS Drafting students participated in Regional competition at Kaskaskia College. NCHS finished with three students placing first: Rheanna Kiefer in Intro CAD, Jordan Schuette in 3D Architecture, and Mary Hentges in Intro Board. Two second places finishes came from Brady Stein in 3D Architecture and Sean Abernathy in 3D Cad. Rounding out the awards was Harrison Zgonina with third place in Intro Board. All first and second place finishers qualified to participate in State competition at Illinois State University in April. Others participating include Brynn Stiegman (Intro CAD), Erica Kujawa (Intro CAD), Lexi Welte (Intro Board), Bennett Witte (Machine CAD), Calvin Endres (Machine CAD), and Evan Eberhart (3D CAD Modeling). Regarding his thoughts on the day, Mr. Kell said, "Everyone did a great job, and I’m proud of all of their efforts.
Rheanna Kiefer (above) and Jordan Schuette (below) get started for the day.
Mary reads those Intro Board directions carefully.
NCHS Drafting Team (row 1): Calvin Endres, Rheanna Kiefer, Mary Hentges, Ericka Kujawa, and Brynn Stiegman. Row 2: Lexi Welte, Evan Eberhart, Sean Abernathy, Harrison Zgonina, Brady Meyer, Jordan Schuette, Bennet Witte.
Congratulations to our medalists and State Qualifiers.
You can hear the wheels turning in Harrison's mind (above). Ericka and Brynn are pumped up about the Drafting competition (below).
Photo Credit: Mr. Kell
NCHS Scholar Bowl Wins Conference
On Tuesday, 2/13/24, the NCHS Scholar Bowl dominated at the Conference Meet and became the 2024 Conference Champions. They faced off against five Conference foes and beat them all:
Nashville vs. DuQuoin --- 190 - 110
Nashville vs. West Frankfort --- 260 - 30
Nashville vs. Benton --- 160 - 140
Nashville vs. Pinckneyville --- 200 - 130
Nashville vs. Anna Jonesboro --- 210 - 150
The toss-ups for the day were shared amongst the teammates with the highest number of 30 toss ups going to Griffin Bochantin. Jaylin Stofferahn followed with 17 toss ups. Rounding out the numbers were Isaac Wrzesinski and Keeley Hug with 2 each and Andy Gollaher and Leo Dunahee with 1 each.
The team will close out the regular season with the Masonic Tournament in Fairfield on Saturday, 2/17/24, and will begin post season play in the IHSA Regionals on Monday, 3/4/24.
Row 1: Trinity Engelman, Jaylin Stofferahn, Leo Dunahee, Will Volz; Row 2: Coach Mrs. Williamson, Ethan San Juan, Griffin Bochantin, Keeley Hug, Andy Gollaher, Isaac Wrzesinski
Congratulations, Varsity Scholar Bowl, on your Conference Championship.
Top toss-up leaders Jaylin and Griffin proudly accept the Conference Championship plaque.
A Pinckneyville competitor was first on the Mississippi Division All-Conference team with 27 toss ups, and Griffin earned second place on the Mississippi Division All-Conference team with 25 toss ups.
Are You Ready to Go Under the Big Top?
Under the Big Top is an exciting drama produced by the Nashville High School Drama Club. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant circus, the play explores the dynamics of love, ambition, and sacrifice within the circus community. As performers strive to entertain audiences under the spotlight, they also stumble upon personal struggles and aspirations. Through storytelling and mesmerizing performances, Under the Big Top invites audiences to experience the magic and life underneath a circus tent. Be ready for laughter, love, and whatever comes next! This heartwarming production will be entertaining to audiences of all ages! Through this production, the NCHS Drama Club invites you to take part on a journey into the enchanting world of the circus. Jenny Olson, the director of this Spring’s play, shared that she has been the director of seven plays and assistant director of four plays at NCHS. She said, “It's important for students to have the opportunity to be a part of drama productions. The arts, in general, are beneficial to humans and to society as a whole, and it's important that students here at Nashville High School have the opportunity to explore their areas of talent while in school.” Mrs. Olson also shared that she expects the cast and crew to give an amazing performance, and she also expects for the audience to be greatly entertained. Both Lia Bulger and Tanner Brooks, cast of the drama, expect the play to be a fun production, and the audience will be surprised by the tone of the play. Tanner shares that it is very funny, very loud, very random, and very energetic, and he thinks that this is just what this program has needed. He said, “We are really leaning into our circus theme, and I think that the audience will be very pleased with what we've come up with. Expect to see clowns, magicians, fortune tellers, bearded ladies, criminals, cowboys, snakes, a lot of buckets, and so much more. We'll even have cast members interacting with the audience, so be prepared for popcorn, peanuts, and confetti too!”
Article by Landon Urbanski, Class of 2026
Image provided by NCHS Drama Dept.
March 15th, 16th, and 17th in the NCHS Auditorium.
Tickets go on sale February 20, 2024 in the NCHS Office.
For more information, contact Jenny Olson at jolson@nashville-k12.org or at 618-327-8286, ext. 215
NCHS Students Participate in ACES
On Wednesday, 2/7/24, the NCHS Academic Challenge Team, consisting of 28 NCHS students, traveled to Kaskaskia College for the ACES Regional Competition under the sponsorship of Mr. Miller.
Row 1: Lily Emge, Emma Behrmann, Brynn Stiegman, Belle Schmale, Chloe Maschhoff, Lexi Welte, Trinity Engelman, Addison Browne, Jaylin Stofferahn, Leo Dunahee, Ethan San Juan, Jaylen Jones; Row 2: Evan Eberhart, Griffin Bochantin, Harrison Zgonina, Claire Greten, Blaine Emrick, Rachael Staley, Brady Stein, Sarah Hentges, Lucas Dunn, Grace Stein, Collin Rolf, Calvin Endres, Brady Meyer, Keeley Hug, Annie Shubert, Landan Pierce
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
Such concentration from our Nashville test-takers.
Individual Results
English -- Sarah Hentges -- First Place
Computer Science -- Lexi Welte -- First Place
Math -- Jaylin Stofferahn -- First Place
Biology -- Ethan San Juan -- Second Place
Congratulations, students, and best of luck as you advance to the ACES Sectional Competition on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Team Results
Varsity Team -- 700 Division -- Third Place
JV Scholar Bowl Ends Season
The NCHS JV team participated in the JV Conference Scholar Bowl Tournament on February 6, 2024. JV Coach Mrs. Spenner related that the tournament "went well" for the young squad. The team went 3 - 2 in round robin and was just short of making the final round. She shared that "all team members answered at least one question, and several answered toss-up questions." The toss up totals for the day were: Jacob McBride (25), Jaylen Jones (10), Landon Pierce (7), Johnathan Bronke (4), Iris Kozan (1), Lila Kozuszek (1), and Chase Gill (1).
Row 1: Anna Carr, Chase Gill, Lila Kozuszek, Iris Kozan, Arabella Alfeldt, Mrs. Spenner; Row 2: Johnathan Bronke, Matt Wright, Jacob McBride, Landan Pierce, Jaylen Jones
Landan Pierce, Jacob McBride, Jaylen Jones, Lila Kozuszek, Iris Kozan
Coach Spenner shared a special congratulations to freshman Jacob McBride for tying for first place in the Mississippi Division for top toss-up questions answered correctly. Jacob answered 25 toss ups.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner // Image Credit: Google Images
NCHS Science Club is Off and Running!
On January 24, 2024 The NCHS Science Club had their first meeting. Teachers and students introduced themselves to each other, and there were 72 students there! The Science Club is sponsored by all four of our Science teachers: Mrs. Bergmann, Mr. Meinert, Mr. Miller, and Mr. O'Rear. The focus of the first meeting was to share ideas about the first Science Club activity. The teachers shared an idea about a boat Regatta, and the students found this idea wonderful. There is currently a long list of suggestions by students of what could happen next. So that's what has happened with the NCHS Science club so far. The next meeting date has not been announced yet, but Mr. Miller says anyone who wants to keep up on all of the information should make sure they join the Google Classroom and Remind text group.
Article by: Ethan Malone, Class of 2026
Shoutout to the Science Club T-Shirt Designer, Senior Zoe Lopez for this cool design.
Another benefit of joining Science Club are the resources shared on Google Classroom by our Science Teachers. Mr. O'Rear shared an interesting game called Metazooa, which is like WORDLE for Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy. You can play by clicking the image to the left. Click the turtle to begin your scientific adventure.
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NCHS Scholar Bowl Faced With Challenges
Varsity Scholar Bowl headed to Carterville on Thursday, 2/1/24, in a four-team match up with Carterville, Massac County, and Benton. It was a challenging match for the Hornets as they fell to both Carterville by a score of 110 - 340 and to Massac County by a score of 190 - 270. They did win against Benton with a score of 190 - 70. For the day, Griffin Bochantin had 13 toss ups, Jaylin Stofferahn had 5, Isaac Wrzesinski had 1, Paul Campanella had 1, and Keeley Hug had 1.
Team of Andrew Jablonski, Jaylin, Griffin, Keeley, and Paul in action.
Tyler Sundberg demonstrates his accurate scoring for a match.
Behind every great thinker is a great thinking pose as demonstrated by Pierson Krewinghaus, Ethan San Juan, Griffin, Will Volz, Marcus Bartolotta, and Trinity Engelman.
The JV Scholar Bowl squad faced the same challenges as the varsity team as they fell to Carterville 240 - 270 and to Massac County 260 - 330. Like the varsity, they also beat Benton 260 - 190. Toss up totals for the competition included Jacob McBride with 17, Johnathan Bronke with 4, and Jaylen Jones and Lila Kozuszek with 2 each.
Lila Kozuszek, Jaylen Jones, Jacob McBride, and Iris Kozan compete.
Johnathan Bronke, Jacob McBride, Jaylen Jones, Arabella Alfeldt, and Landan Pierce in action.
NCHS Students Compete in Brain Games
Two teams from NCHS competed at Brain Games at Rend Lake College on Thursday, 2/1/24, under the guidance of Mrs. Williamson. Brain Games is a competition that provides a structured academic atmosphere filled with creative thinking and problem-solving exercises. Student teams participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities, questions, and challenges across the curriculum of math, science, social studies, language arts, and the arts. Teams of 4 students compete against other schools’ teams. Winning teams at each level advance to the Southern Illinois Brain Games competition each spring. Each school in the five-county region is permitted to enter up to two teams.
The team of Harrison Zgonina, Griffin Bochantin, Isaac Wrzesinski, and Keeley Hug placed fourth, and they advanced to the next level of competition in April.
The team of Addison Browne, Jaylin Stofferahn, Ethan San Juan, and Leo Dunahee earned seventh place, narrowly being edged out of advancement. They are the first alternate team should any team be unable to move on.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Williamson // Image Credit: Google Images
NCHS Chess Club Holds First Meeting
The NCHS Chess Club held their first meeting in the Media Center after school on Monday, 1/29/24. Twelve students played chess and team chess. The
Chess Club members elected to start meeting on Fridays to limit conflicts with other school events and practices. The Club will be meet again after school on Friday, 2/9/24. Sponsor Mr. Haglund shared, "Anyone who would like to play chess is encouraged to come. If you don't know how to play chess, but think you might like to learn, come on out. Many of us are novices, but we also have several very experienced chess players who would love the opportunity to share what they know." The Chess Club has several boards that students can play with, and some members will be bringing their boards or pieces as well.
Sean Abernathy and Marcus Bartolotta play a friendly game.
Pierson Krewinghaus and Tyler Sundberg set up for a match.
Angel Rojek, Pierson, and Tyler contemplate their moves.
Photo Credit: Mr. Haglund
NCHS Scholar Bowl Competes at Benton
NCHS Scholar Bowl traveled on Tuesday, 1/9/24, to Benton to match up against Benton, Murphysboro, and DuQuoin.
The JV team struggled against the teams, losing 20 - 50 to DuQuoin, 190 - 250 to Murphysboro, and 220 - 260 to Benton. Tossups were won by Jacob McBride (8), Jaylen Jones (3), Johnathan Bronke (2), Arabella Alfeldt (2), and Iris Kozan (1).
The Varsity team won 2 out of 3 matches losing the third to DuQuoin by only 10 points. Tossups against DuQuoin were won by Jaylin Stofferahn (5), Griffin Bochantin (3), and Keeley Hug (1). In the win against Murphysboro the score was 140-130 and tossups were won by Griffin (5) and Jaylin (1). The other win against Benton was an easier defeat with a score 260-90 with tossups won by Griffin (6), Keeley (2), and Jaylin (2).
About his experiences, varsity member Griffin Bochantin shared, "Scholar bowl is really fun and challenging and that even though it's not a physical extracurricular like football, it is still super competitive."
Varsity teammate Keeley Hug shared, "As the season has gone on, we have gotten closer as a team, which has helped us to win matches. It has also led to some funny moments, especially when Griffin comes up with a different adjective to describe our coach, Mrs. Williamson, every match. We like to laugh and have fun together whether we win or lose."
Four year veteran Jaylin Stofferahn explained, "Throughout my four years of scholar bowl, the team has changed a lot. Every year, though, we have always managed to come together as a team, both within friendships and skills. Every person has something to offer, which creates a well-rounded team that I am proud to finish off my scholar bowl career with."
Photo Credit: Mrs. Williamson
Nashville FFA Members Make Jigs for Washington County Workshop
“Living to Serve'' are three very important words every FFA member lives by. What better way to showcase this than by volunteering for our community. During the week of December 4th-8th, Nashville FFA students created 10 jigs for the Washington County Vocational Workshop. This device helps participants keep track of the required number of parts to be packed in each box. Pepper Pontious from the Washington County Vocational Workshop Facebook page stated that, “The finished product is perfect and will be used daily at WCVW”. FFA members who constructed the board are pictured: (l to r) Ethan Malone, Levi Huge, Evan Kroeger, and Kelton Roethemeyer.
Article and Image Credit: Lily Tejada, FFA Chapter Reporter
FFA Members Buy Presents for Children in Need
Nashville FFA Major and Greenhand officers bought gifts for their yearly “Adopt A Family Christmas Shopping”. To begin the project, FFA members selected seven children to shop for from the Giving Tree at Prairie State Generating Company, LLC, located in Marissa, IL. This tree provides support for children across Washington County who are in need. Information provided for each child included clothing sizes, favorite color, any other specific needs, and special interests. The FFA members focused mainly on purchasing coats, bed sheets, clothing, and toys or special interest items. All purchases were taken to Prairie State Generating Company, LLC so they could be sent to the families.
Article and Image Credit: Lily Tejada, FFA Chapter Reporter
FFA members that participated in the event are: (l to r) Maddy Hasheider, Anna Bauza, Chloe Kurwicki, Jordan Schuette, Parker Ebert, Dallas Burr, Lexy Spratt, Erica Kujawa, Lily Tejada, Leila Rye, Jayla Ledford, Clara Kozuszek, Mackenzie Bauza, Makayla Winka, and Abby Cottom.