Clubs

Scoring For The Skill

By Jackie Hicklin

Photo credit by Michelle Thomas  

Odessa high school unified partners had their Job Olympics on April 8th. 

Job Olympics is where Special Olympics Athletes compete in their job skills, based on what jobs are in Odessa Missouri. Participants show off their skills and win medals by performing 4 mock job tasks. It is also a part of unified partners.

The event gets planned by the Odessa high school special education department teacher Tymme Johnson.

She started planning in January by gathering ideas for jobs that would be relevant to Odessa and what jobs the students could actually do in the Odessa community in surrounding areas.

Students get assigned to mock job tasks such as rolling silverware up,mock interviewing, restocking shelves and helping working the concession with a variety of other jobs. They have to perform in front of judges that score how well students performed in the related job.

The most memorable part of the Job Olympics would be the silent disco.That is where students and others had over-the-head headphones that channel into music radio stations. Students  also had a blast meeting with other people and making unforgettable connections.  

“The kids love it, they had a great time dancing between their shifts,” unified partner sponsor,

T'Quia Bandy said.  

Some of the helping roles that students took in this event was helping out with score keeping, restocking shelf items and sorting through awards.

“I was sorting gift cards and keeping time then rate how they did,” freshman Maylee McMahon said. 

Participants take their events seriously and practice at home by doing small tasks.

“Parents can support their child by practicing their job tasks at home and students take this seriously, ” Johnson said

Students recommend joining unified partners because it's a great way to connect to others and a great way to help out  in the community. The other students said that all part of the unified partners is fun and they are looking forward to doing this in the future.

Select DECA Members Headed to ICDC

By: Aliyah May

Nine OHS DECA members make their way to ICDC on April 25-29.

DECA’s International Career Development Conference, known as ICDC, is the next step for members who place at State. The conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, April 25-29. After making it through state the following nine members advanced to ICDC, Sarah Booth, sophomore, Sadie Booth, senior, Kaylyn Seals, junior, Lola Walter, junior, Avery Shepard, junior, Nicole Sipala, senior, Hallie Brice, junior, Rylee Hicklin and Anna King, seniors. 

“Me and Sarah were very confident and proud of how we did with our presentation, but naturally nerves kicked in and I was still surprised when getting first place,” Sadie Booth said.

Contrary to the Booths being confident, Sipala and Brice were a little less sure in their presentation. stated it was surreal being called on to the stage.

“Both Hallie and I wanted to, but we didn’t think that we did well enough with our presentation, so going up on the stage was a very nice and unexpected surprise.” Sipala said.

Placing at State isn’t just about getting an award, but it’s also about what it makes members feel and what it means to them.

“A lot of hard work has gone into mine and Sadie's project. We have been working on it all year long, and it took a lot of work to get to ICDC, so I think to me it just means, it showcases all the work we put in and how successful we were.” Sarah Booth said

Seals and Walter made it to ICDC together in their Project Management Giving presentation where they raised money for Wayside Waves. They plan to keep practicing a lot more to prepare.

“I don't really have high expectations for ICDC, but I'm just excited to go,” Seals said. “Lola and I hope to make it past pre-lims, but we will have to be presenting really good that day.”

The nine members along with DECA ambassador, Jessica Wade, and teachers Rachael Begemann and Crisa Seals will be attending ICDC April 24 through 29.

Springing into Contest

Photo credits: Austin Ray 

By: Adalyn DIetrich

44 Odessa FFA students officially started their spring contest season March 6. 

The contest consists of taking a knowledge test and identifying a variety of agricultural topics. There are multiple different contests you can compete in, our chapter competes in poultry, ag mechanics, horse judging, forestry, entomology, knowledge, agronomy, floriculture, soils, livestock judging, and meat judging.

“In entomology, you have an ID segment where you have to identify 40 insects, a section where you identify diseases, a math test, and then a general knowledge test,” Andrea Pfetsch, sophomore, said. 

While Pfetsch looks at insects, the knowledge team takes a 100-question test about FFA facts and history. 

The Knowledge Team’s second-place finish at the Area 6 banquet earned them a spot to compete in the Leadership Development Event (LDE) at districts.

On March 31, the rest of our contest teams competed at the Central Career Development Event (CDE) districts, and placement varied by contest.

The soils team was very confident for districts because they placed third in the district from the practice contest according to Harper Dickey, junior.

At districts, knowledge placed seventh, soils placed third as a team, entomology placed fourth, and forestry placed eighth, advancing them all to state.

On April 15-17, these teams showcased their knowledge at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia. All teams that competed earned group two silver ratings. 

Music Bingo

By Kloe Garrett

NHS put a musical twist on a classic game with its recent Music Bingo fundraiser.

Kaylee Robinson, Cheyanne Strader, Abbie Pfestch, Avery Marble, Kayla Smith, and Jordyn Beal, seniors, worked with Lillian Bellis, Gabby Jeffrey, and Harper Dickey, juniors, to organize the project on Tuesday, January 13. 

According to Whitney Bachman-Twombly, NHS adviser, Music Bingo stood out from other service projects because it was interactive and easy for anyone to join. “You really don’t have to have a lot of skills other than just pay attention and have fun,” she said. Students could sing along and recognize their favorite songs while still supporting a good cause.

Students chose from four music categories: Disney, Taylor Swift, 2000s hits, and country. Bachman-Twombly said she was surprised by some of the results. While Taylor Swift was expected to be popular, country and Disney were some of the biggest hits with the crowd. 

Pfestch said she thought Music Bingo would be fun because she loves music and felt like it was an activity many people could attend. 

Pfestch helped create part of the playlist and said that pop and country songs were some of the easiest for students to recognize. She said her favorite part of being involved was simply enjoying the music.

Twombly said the project involved more than just playing songs. Students contacted local businesses for donated prizes, created marketing materials, designed the bingo boards, and ran the event. 

The original date was snowed out, forcing students to reschedule, but the event still had a strong turnout. 

Twombly said she hopes students gain leadership skills and understand the importance of networking and community support.

Overall, Music Bingo served as both a fundraiser and a learning experience. By organizing the event from start to finish, students were able to practice leadership, creativity, and teamwork while bringing the school community together.

This image shows the Radium Girls cast on the stage. Courtesy of Emily Turner. In the image is Skyler Elliot, Rollie Platt, Cogan Clark, Journey Platt, Lynkyn McElmurry, Sadie Booth, Jack Oldham, Rylee Hicklin, Trinity Halford, Avery Pastore, Phineas Worley, Elaina Kolie, Ginevira Valentino

Speech and Debate Is Preparing for The Radium Girls One Act

By: Carson Bradley

Odessa High School’s Speech and Debate team had their competitive One Act, Radium Girls, on February 21, 2026.

The cast members include Ginerva Valentino, Junior, Skyler Elliott, Senior, Journey Platt, Senior, Elaina Kolie, Junior, Trinity Halford, Freshman, Rylee Hicklin, Senior, Phineas Worley, Sophomore, Jack Oldham, Junior, Rollie Platt, Sophomore, Cogan Clark, Junior, and Avery Pastore, Freshman.

Emily Turner, speech and debate advisor, said that she thought the hardest prop to travel with would be a giant clock. 

“I think it's going to prove to be difficult, we are making a giant clock as a part  of our set. The hand of the clock will be movable.” Turner said.

Speech and Debate also has a small crew of people that travel with them to help out.

“So we will have only a couple people that travel with us. I think we have one for costumes and one for lighting, sounds and stuff.” Turner said.

A member of Speech and Debate was asked what struggles they or the rest of the team had, if any.

“A lot of the struggles within the team are personal since each person prepares their own piece by themselves. As a whole, the team actually has very few struggles.” Said Pastore.

Some students have won awards for the One Act, but they have also won awards prior to the show. For example, Pastore had won a congressional debate award at a prior tournament.

“The first tournament was at Blue Springs High School. Basically you had a 3 minute speech to make your case and then you go sit down.” Pastore said.

Some of the things Pastore debated were a bill to end the border war between New Jersey and New York, a bill to amend the constitution to strengthen religious freedoms, and a bill to criminalize vehicular pet abandonment, along with many more.

Skyler Elliot, Senior, won best male performance in the One Act. 

“I felt proud of myself for achieving the reward.” Elliot said.

Reading Across America

By: Makayla Cole

Photo credits: Makayla Cole

On March 3rd, the Odessa High School Interact Club went over to the Elementary to promote literacy through reading and hands-on activities

“We went over to McQuerry Elementary, the Childcare Center, and the Early Child Special Education to promote literacy. The students read to their assigned classrooms and did various activities with the students, like coloring, creating activities based on what they like to read, playing games, and having a good time thinking about books and reading.” Said Crisa Seals, OHS Businesses, and computer teacher, who is in charge of Interact

The OHS students had fun meeting and interacting with the Elementary students.

“I enjoyed getting to watch my friends Trevor, Cerise, and Makayla read and interact with the kids.” Said Evalynn Miles, a sophomore, a part of Interact.

After the students spent time at the Elementary school, they continued their efforts in different ways.

“The second half of the day was spent working on other community projects, such as the shoe donation bins and a reading museum walk. I would definitely do it over again because it was so much fun, and I always love hanging out. The one thing I would say to others is to just try it, even if you don’t like little kids.” Said Trevor Foster, a sophomore, a part of Interact.

As the school year winds down, the group is preparing for several final events.

“The end of the year is fast approaching. I am hoping to get one more field trip in before the seniors' last day. There will also be a senior lunch provided by Rotary to thank them for their participation over the last 4 years. And lastly, we will have our annual end of the year celebration and awards/pins.” Said Seals.

Photo credits - Leslie Ricketts

ASL Enters Elementary

By: Makyla Cole

Odessa’s Elementary School has introduced a new club for first and second graders, American Sign Language.

This new club is run by Leslie Ricketts, second grade teacher, and Michelle Carlson, kindergarten teacher.

“It was my idea to start the club. I had taken two years of Sign Language in college, I have a student with a cochlear implant this year, and I have a sister who is a sign language interpreter for the KC school district. When I talked to Mrs. Carlson about my idea, she loved it,” Ricketts said. 

Carlson was eager to be asked to help form this new club.

“I was excited to join her in co-teaching the club since I know ASL as well. She has been doing ASL longer, so it has been great getting to use my signs and refreshing what I learned in college,” Carlson said.

The club allows young students to learn a new language while also building awareness of Deaf culture and communication. 

“We teach the students ASL, watch ASL songs, and play games to help us with signs. Our group might be interested in doing some performances in the future, but don’t have any planned currently,” Ricketts said. 

Students have shown excitement about learning how to communicate in a new way and using their hands to express words and emotions.

“We have second grade club on Wednesdays after school and first grade club on Thursdays after school,” Carlson said.

FFA takes on PSI

Photo credits: Austin Ray

Caption: Harper Dickey, Norah Eaton, Roman Middleton, Ceanna Caldwell

By Adalyn Dietrich

Students from the Odessa FFA chapter attended the Public Speaking Institute (PSI) on January 17 in Columbia. 

Students were given the choice to attend PSI, a one-day seminar where they build their public speaking skills and prepare to run for future office positions.

“During PSI, I got to listen to many passionate speakers to share their tips and tricks about speaking to help me prepare for competition," Norah Eaton, sophomore treasurer, said.

Harper Dickey, chapter president, said she learned that when you give a speech, you need to tell stories in it to keep the audience interested.

As Eaton and Dickey took away tips and tricks, Roman Middleton, sophomore, learned how to interview the correct way. 

Moving forward, FFA students will use these skills to achieve in competition and potentially take officer positions.

“I feel more confident because I feel like I can talk better in front of people,” said Middleton.

Middleton used these skills in his first soils contest on March 6 in Brunswick.

Chapter officer applications were released on March 12. Applicants will be required to participate in an interview with a panel of community members as part of the selection process.

By: Andrea Pfesch

Last year during the 2024-2025 school year, Odessa Upper Elementary established a new robotics club.

Gary McCulley, computer literacy teacher, and Mike Lawless, 4th grade teacher, started the club with a group of 10 students. This year, they’ve expanded to 20 students, splitting into two robotics teams.

In robotics, the students learn different skills like critical thinking, mathematics, and engineering. Their students also compete in competitions hosted by the First Lego League – A STEM program from grades k-8.

Currently, the students are working on making small robots.

“We get to build robots and code them to follow a black line,” Issac LaBoube, OUE student, said.

These students enjoy being in the club, wanting to continue to participate in the robotics club. They think it’s a great opportunity for other students to grow.

“It gives you knowledge, building skills, and big dreams to create new things,” Cooper Watson, OUE student, said.

McCulley says that the students are currently working hard on coding the robots they finished building to complete a FLL competition map.

FFA Chapter Attends PSI

Interview by: Adalyn Dietrich

Harper Dickey talks about her time at Public Speaking Institute

Q: How was psi?

A:  PSI was an amazing opportunity to grow my public speaking skills! We had an awesome time and learned so many tips and tricks.

Q: What did you do while you were there?

A: At PSI, we attended different workshops and learned in-depth details about each part of public speaking. I met many people from all over, and saw members I met at the public speaking academy over the summer. 

Q: Do you feel like your public speaking abilities have gotten better?

A: I feel that my public speaking has improved because I now know all of the ins and outs of delivering a speech.

Q: What trick stuck with you the most?

A: When speaking its important to tell stories to keep your audience

engaged.

Students join Scholar Bowl to work as a team and discover new things along the way.

By: Chloe Garrett

Scholar Bowl is a fast-paced quiz competition where teams of students answer questions across a wide range of topics, like history, science, literature, and even music and art. It’s all about using knowledge and quick thinking to outsmart the other teams.

Students focus on their strengths when preparing for the competition. For example, Lucas Tate, senior, is strongest in music and art.

Colton Fredrich, senior, suggests picking a subject and studying it really hard. 

To prepare for competition, the team members share their knowledge, so each person’s area of expertise is covered, and they’re ready for anything that comes up in the game

Even though they haven’t had any games this year, the team has always worked well together by spreading out their knowledge. Everyone plays an important role, and each person’s skills contribute to the team’s success. Knowing when to lean on your teammates’ strengths is key to doing well.

“We know each other’s strengths and can cover each other’s weak spots,” Fredrich said.

In a Scholar Bowl, things can get intense. Fredrich shares that he fidgets with his hands to stay calm and focus when the pressure is on. Different students might have their own tricks to stay calm, but for Fredrich, this technique helps him think clearly under pressure.

Tate remembers a time when he answered a question that everyone thought was a guess—but he was right.This shows that sometimes, quick thinking and confidence can pay off in a big way during these matches.

Parker Nye, junior,  joined Scholar Bowl because he had fun doing it at his old school, and a teacher encouraged him to try it. He enjoys competing because it challenges his knowledge and helps him connect with others who love learning.

“I enjoy getting to hang out with my friends, and I joined because I know a lot of random facts”. Fredrich said. 

Fredrich’s advice for anyone thinking about joining Scholar Bowl is simple, study a subject you love and become an expert in it. This will help you be ready when a question about your topic comes up.

 Scholar Bowl is all about knowledge, strategy, and staying calm under pressure. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, work as a team, and have fun competing with friends!

“Just join it because it is fun and you learn some new things,”  Nye said. 

National Convention

By: Adalyn Dietrich

Picture Provided by: Austin Ray

Fourteen Odessa FFA members attended the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

“Nationals was really fun, the group got along well, and we went to a lot of activities that I personally find interesting. The guest speakers were relatable, especially A’ric, and helped make the general sessions enjoyable,”  said Kaylee Robison, senior vice president.

While Robinson had fun at the sessions, Brodie Barker, junior secretary, and Abygayle Spencer had fun at the shops at convention.

Many members attended workshops and learned many valuable lessons, Barker says, “You have to think about the end before the beginning to see what your outcomes need to be”.

Four of our FFA alumni, Jewelia Lett, Colby McCartney, Jenna Schwartze, and Kaycee Combs, received the highest degree in FFA, the American degree.

FFA alumni member Abigayle Lett placed in the top four in the Specialty Crop Production Proficiency and got an award on stage; she was one of the first in 90 years. 

Harper Dickey, junior president, got a tour of the media room as she's one of the FFA of the USA reporters. 

Odessa visited many new places and overall had a good time at national convention.

Exploring the Past, One Trip at a Time

By Abby Smith

Picture by Ali Cain

History club is taking a few adventures this school year. 

They are taking, some are in March, February and others they are currently unsure about when they are or if they will end up having them.

Question: What are you most excited about doing this year? 

Coral Mills (Senior): “Watch Hamilton live in Kansas City sometime during February or March. The only thing bad about it is that there will be different actors.” 

Lily Heflin (Senior): “Watch Hamilton live and do concessions.” Helfin likes doing concessions because they get to interact with other people and families.

Question: What are some things you hope the history club will do? 

Mills: “Go on more field trips and go to more museums like the WW1 museum."

Heflin: "Have more meetings because last year there were not a lot of meetings."

Question: What are some things you are hoping the club will do again? 

Mills: “Go to the WW1 museum again" Mills confessed that she tripped on the stairs a lot.

Heflin: “WW1 museum," Heflin liked all the artifacts.

Question: What fun things is the history club doing this year? 

Lynette Williams (Teacher): “We do the field of flags. Also, we are going to go to the court of appeals. We will go to the Truman Library. We may do the WW1 museum again this year. We are the Sponsor of the Senior parking spot so we raise money for that each year. We are going to watch Hamilton live and then watch Hamilton in theaters.”

FCS Follows Faith

Interview by: Carson Bradley

Question: When is your next competition?
Pastore: “Our next competition is next week [when the interview was conducted], it is February 18th and 20th, and it's a conference, it's not districts.”

Question: Are you more excited or more nervous for the next competition?
Pastore: “I'm more nervous cause I’m bringing an event I've never done. I'm still a little excited because I like debate.”

Question: Ms. Turner told me that you had won a congressional debate award, could you tell me more about that and like what it's for?

Pastore: “The first tournament was at Blue Springs High School. Basically you had a 3 minute speech to make your case and then you go sit down.”

Question: Are you going to be in the Radium Girls One Act, and if so, do you know what your role is?

Pastore: “Yes, I play 3 roles. I play Harriet, who's the main character's daughter, an old lady who gives advice on good health, and the Sob Sister, who's a sleazy reporter.”

FBLA collaborating with the community

Story by Emma Mahan and Jaidyn Hemmen

Photo by Rachael Begemann

Future Business Leaders of America is tied into the community much more than one might think, from the BAA to their individual projects.

Cheyanne Strader, senior, said that, “FBLA is community-tied, though you don't hear much about their projects.” Strader also said that once the right people start projects and make them community-related, it can be very enjoyable. 

Another way FBLA is tied to the community is that “it helps students in school learn valuable life skills,” Robert Kuntze, junior, said. 

“Teamwork, Organization, Planning, and public speaking are just a few of the skills” that would be developed, Lucas Tate, senior, said.

When it comes to FBLA projects, “some FBLA Projects give back to the community, like our chapter service projects or BAA,” Kuntze said. 

Others give back by “teaching students how to be more confident, which can help everyone,” Tate said. “The BAA is an award given to those who give back to their community through a service project.”

Some specific projects this year are “a coat drive, going to the paw, a cereal drive for the food pantry, and adopt a family,” FBLA sponsor Rachael Begemann said.  

They are “also doing an angel tree,” Strader said. 

Though tied into the community, FBLA is mainly an individual project-based club, with Strader doing a mock job interview and career portfolio, Tate doing a mock lesson plan and teaching it to the judges, and Kuntze doing real estate and advertising.

With FBLA being more independent, it means each member will have their own reasons they enjoy the club. 

“I just enjoy getting to compete and go places,” Kuntze said.

“Learning about my projects and getting to plan,” is what Tate enjoyed. 

“The one thing I enjoy most in FBLA is the people on the team! Competing and doing projects are nice, but the people make it ten times better,” Strader said.

A big part of why the students stay in FBLA is their sponsor, Begemann. Many members are thankful for her help and effort.

Everybody is appreciative of Begemann's continued support and contributions to FBLA and everyone in participation. 

“I am thankful for Mrs.Begemann for continuing with FBLA and for always putting up with the shenanigans that happen throughout the year,” Strader said. 

FBLA pictured below.

Giving Back to the Community with Interact

By Jaiden Hemmen and Emma Mahan

The Interact Club is spreading kindness and community spirit through a variety of upcoming service projects. 

Members are preparing positive notes to leave on cars, organizing a clothing drive, and adopting a Family for Christmas. Their goal is to raise awareness of local needs, support families, and bring joy during challenging times—all while helping students develop life skills and a heart for service.

Crisa Seals, sponsor, said the projects' aim was, “to bring awareness to areas of concern in our community and spread positivity during these challenging times.” 

Ayana Brown, senior, added that the club hopes to, “embrace and help the community, and help kids with life skills like economics.”

The current project Interact is working on is “kindness letters,” said Brown. “We’re planning to put them over the school and on some cars."

An upcoming project Interact is planning to do is a clothing drive where “winter clothes or necessities in good condition” will be wanted, said Interact president Carrera Kuntze, senior.

Everything donated will be donated to “local women's and children's shelters,” said Kuntze.

Kuntze added, “Another one like the clothing drive is the shoe drive,” which will also be happening here soon.

The group encourages students and community members to get involved. 

“We really appreciate community support and participation so that our projects are successful and impactful,” Seals said.

For Interact members, giving back is what makes the club special. 

“I wanted to help,” Brown said. “It’s fun and easy to get service hours, and it feels good to make a difference.”

With so many projects ahead, Interact continues to prove that small acts of kindness can create a big impact.

DECA

FFA Fall Banquet 

Photo credits: Gene Collins

By: Adalyn Dietrich and Makayla Cole

The Odessa FFA chapter had its fall banquet in the OHS auditorium on November 18.

57 greenhands (freshman) and 25 chapter degrees were awarded; greenhands received their FFA blue corduroy jackets. Additionally, students competed at the summer fair and fall events, and public speakers were also awarded that night.

Garret Mills, freshman, achieved this degree by memorizing the FFA creed, being enrolled in an agriculture class, and paying chapter dues. 

Mills said the FFA creed before the awards were handed out.

“I had a great time saying the creed. I love public speaking, and I’m thankful that I got to do it,” said Mills

While Mills is thankful for saying the creed, “I’m thankful for the experiences brought to me. If I hadn't joined FFA, I wouldn't have experienced the national convention or state convention.” said Andrea Pfetch, sophomore.

As Pfetch reflects on the opportunities the FFA has given her, she also shares who she was thankful for and who helped her get to where she is today.

“Mr. Ray has especially helped me the most… without him, I wouldn't have been able to experience the things I've done, and I wouldn't have the passion I have now to be in FFA,” said Pfetch.

Along with Pfetch, Norah Eaton, sophomore, also focused on the people who make FFA meaningful to her.

“I'm thankful for all the amazing people I've been able to meet and the great experiences I've had with the program,” said Eaton.

Up next for FFA is Public Speaking Institute (PSI) on January 17, where students will work on improving their public speaking skills. After that, FFA has FFA week from February 21 through February 28, and contest season during March.

Scholar Bowl 

By: Donavynn Southall

With buzzers in hand, questions on the tongue, the Odessa Scholar Bowl team shows how quick thinking and good teamwork can be.  When it comes to Scholar Bowl, everyone has that one subject they feel confident in. For Ezra Mills, senior, that subject is geography. 

Geography is about countries, capitals, maps — that’s Mills’ thing. If a geography, math, or history question pops up during a round, there’s a good chance he’s ready to hit that buzzer.

Unlike some competitors who spend hours studying before matches, Ezra keeps it pretty simple. He says he doesn’t really “prepare” in a normal way. Instead, he relies on what he already knows and what the team goes over during practice. For him, it’s more about staying sharp than spitting facts.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to improve. This season, he says he wants to improve his English skills. Literature and grammar questions can be tough, and becoming stronger in that area would make him a more well-rounded player.

During fast-paced rounds, things can get intense. When Ezra doesn’t know an answer, he doesn’t guess — he just lets it go. It’s a strategy that keeps the team from losing points and helps him stay focused on questions he feels confident about. Staying calm comes down to knowing his strengths and sticking to them.

As for why he joined Scholar Bowl in the first place? In his own words: “Mrs. Begamann needs me.” Mills also says that Mrs. Gwodz wanted him to join in his freshman year, but he just didn't feel like he had what it takes. When Mrs. Begamann said that she needed Ezra for one scholar bowl tournament, he's been there ever since.

With geography as his strong suit and goals to improve in English, Ezra continues to grow this season. One thing’s for sure — when a geography, math, or history question comes up, Mills is ready. 

Odessa High School Clubs Bring Recognition

Picture By Jillian Martin

Story by Ali Cain

On November 11th, Odessa High School hosted veterans for an assembly and brunch run by the National Honor Society, History Club, and Student Council. The event brought together staff, students, and community members to recognize veterans for their service. 

The event created a meaningful connection between students and the community, helping students understand the importance of Veterans Day. 

The students reflected on what it meant to serve here at OHS. “Just seeing how much the Veterans appreciate the breakfast and the recognition they get,” said Brooklyn Burks, senior NHS member. 

Burks added that, “it was very eye-opening seeing how much the veterans look forward to the breakfast and assembly.” 

Amber Deaton who served “Honoring veterans is so important so that they aren't forgotten,” said Amber Deaton, teacher and Veteran. Deaton talks about the hardships of veterans when returning home to normal life, “thanking them and letting them know we are proud of them goes a long way,” she said. 

“Students see Veterans Day on a calendar, but may not really understand what it means,” said Whitney Bachman-Twombly, NHS advisor and teacher.

“Every day is a blessing… while they get to go home, so many don’t. So many never will.” Deaton adds, in hopes that students will further understand the importance of Veterans Day. 

The best part of helping was “seeing people smile with their grandparents or parents,” Jordyn Loehr, senior, said. Loehr also said she enjoyed the veterans who spoke at the assembly.

Students also got to connect with the veterans on a more personal level, “Meeting with the veteran I sat next to was fun as well as hearing her interesting stories,” PJ Green, senior NHS Member said.

Green heard stories about a grandma whose husband fought in the Vietnam War, as well as how her husband’s exposure to Agent Orange affected their lives.

 “Seeing everyone come together with smiles on their faces to help those who helped serve our country,” Chance Burch, senior, says what he enjoyed the most.

“It’s the least I can do,” Burch said. 

“Honoring veterans is very personal for me, with my son currently serving in the Air Force,” said Lynette Williams, History teacher and History Club Advisor. “It’s a small way to show gratitude for the courage, commitment, and hardship they’ve endured on behalf of our country,” Williams said. 

Below Amy Jo Lett, VFW Ambassador, addresses students at assembly. 

Making Odessa Feel Like Home

By Kaylynn Seefeldt

Picture by Ali Cain

For Kara Smith,OHS social studies teacher, running STUCO means empowering peers and creating a stronger school community. 

In this interview, she shares how the experience has shaped her leadership and helped her feel at home in Odessa.

Question: What does running STUCO mean to you?

Smith: “It means that I am able to help develop students into leaders, and I am able to try to make the high school a better place.”

Question: How has STUCO impacted you?

Smith: “It has made me a better leader, but it has also allowed me to make connections here personally in Odessa. As somebody who was raised in a different town, it has made Odessa feel more like home.”

Question: What made you decide to run STUCO?

Smith: “I wanted to be part of an organization that empowers students. I also wanted to be part of a group that tries to better the school community.”

Question: How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within the group?

Smith: “I sit down with the members, and I have them talk it out. This has resolved the problems that we have had. Usually, the group doesn't have much conflict.”

Gaining Tractionat OHS