final issue

Teacher Flashback

Sydney Cochran

When graduating from high school, coming back is not usually on the agenda, but that was not the case for English Department Chairman Mr. Josh Martin who attended Plymouth High School as a student.

Mr. Martin said, “Back in 2004 when I started, it felt super surreal. Many teachers I had in class were still here teaching and that felt odd.”

Mr. Martin started his freshman year of Plymouth High School in the fall of 1986. As a student, he was very involved with soccer. For all four years, he participated in varsity soccer. He also participated in Varsity Letterman's Club; SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving); Intramural Basketball; Business Club and Junior Achievement. Mr. Martin’s junior year excelled in the All-conference in soccer Northern Indiana Conference and the second team All-State.

He described hobbies that he enjoyed doing after school when he was a student.

He said, “I liked hanging out with friends, playing soccer whenever possible, playing Nintendo - Legend of Zelda, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.”

After graduating in 1991, Mr. Martin attended Indiana University.

He said, “Yes, I did enjoy high school, but probably not to the extent that I would want to do it all over again.”

Business teacher Mr. Joel Grindle also attended Plymouth High school as a student.

He said, “I love being back. As I said, I enjoyed my time as a student. Many teachers really impacted my life. I hope I can do the same thing for my students.”

He started his freshman year in the fall of 1995. He participated in basketball and football. His achievements include making the top 40 in basketball, All-state in football, and earning honor roll recognition.

Mr. Grindle shared his best high school story.

He said, “When I played football, Coach Baron was an assistant and called the offensive plays. During a big game, we called a time out and our head coach told him to run the ball. Coach Barron walked to our huddle and called a pass play to me. I caught the pass and scored a touchdown. We went on to win the game.”

Sports took up most of Mr. Grindle’s time in high school.

He said, “I was pretty much caught up in the sports scene during high school. In my free time, I was typically in the gym or the weight room. During the summer my friends and I spent a lot of time tubing at the lake.”

After graduating in 1999, Mr. Grindle earned a scholarship to play basketball at Bethel College.

“I enjoyed high school. The school and town was very good to me. I enjoyed my teachers and am grateful. Without Plymouth High School, I wouldn't have the opportunities that I have today.”

Chuck E. Cheese Field Trip

Kiley Weiss

Food! Friends! Games! Mrs. Selner’s Life Skills class went on the annual class field trip on April 24th to Chuck E. Cheese. The students played games and ate pizza together. The class attends Chuck E. Cheese every year to gain social skills they can use in the future.

Mrs. Selner said, “It is important to go on class trips so they have a chance to interact with peers in a regular situation and experience new things and learn how to act appropriately in the community.”

Junior Kelsey Shell said her favorite game at Chuck E. Cheese was the spin the wheel game.

Shell said, “My favorite part about the trip was that I didn’t have to do homework and that I got to hang out with my friends.”

Senior Christina Felger said, “Next year I will miss not going on class trips. My favorite part about Chuck E. Cheese was the fun games we played.”

The Life Skills class has been going on the trip for five years and will continue this tradition in years to come.

Music Awards

Orchestra:

Freshmen

- Spirit award: Chloe Garner

- Most improved: Savannah Paxton, Jesus Gama

Sophomore

- Spirit Award: Jenna Justice

- Most Improved: Andie Kizer

Junior

- Spirit award: Mickaela Bush, Julian Schwenk

- Most Improved: Victoria Perschbacher

Senior

- All receive senior medals

- Paperweight Awards: Renee Green, Autumn Wilson

Choir:

Freshmen

- Most improved: Austin Kizer

Sophomore

- Most improved: Armando Chantea

Junior

- Most Improved: Madison Joseph

Senior

- All receive senior medals

- Most Improved: Trevor Pletcher

- Paperweight awards: Jessica Clemons, Macy Goble, Renee Green, Trevor Pletcher, Jonas Standly

Band:

Freshmen

- Most improved: Brayden Mackey

- Service Award: Michael Berg

Sophomore

- Service Award: Hailey Casper

- Most Improved: Shelby Casteel

Junior

- Service award: Nate Celmer

- Most Improved: Rose Szalay

Senior

- All receive senior medals

- Service Award: Samantha Payne

- Paperweight awards: Hope Carter, Joshua Hildebrand, Audrey Himes, Isaac Holcomb, Abby Kraszyk, jillian Miller, Hattie Myers, Isabel Nunez, Samantha Payne, Cassandra Salach, Autumn Wilson.

Orchestra High Honors and Awards

- Red Honor Senior Winner: Renee Green

- White Honor Senior Winner: Autumn Wilson

Choir High Honors and Awards

- White Honor Senior Winner: Renee Green

Band High Honors and Awards

- Red Honor Senior Winner: Joshua Hildebrand, Isaak Holcomb, Isabel Nunez, Sammantha Payne, Autumn Wilson

- White Honor Senior Winner: Jillian Miller

Teacher aid Awards

Orchestra

- Renee Green

- Autumn Wilson

- Victoria Guard

Choir

- Katie Buckland

- Katie Fisher

- Macy Goble

- Renee Green

- Katie Machlan

- Harlie Mast

- Jonas Standly

Band

- Audrie Burton

- Matthew Gerard

- Hannah Haight

- Alex Mathews

- Kaiyan Naylor

- Laura Payne

- Samantha Payne

- Cassandra Salach

- Reynaldo Tijerina

Administrative Professionals Day

Bo Meadors

National Administrative Professionals Day is a day that recognizes and celebrates the amazing work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office secretaries in their area of work. Administrative professionals around the world as well as here at Plymouth High School are in charge of routine office and organizational tasks. Along with this, they organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments and support other staff.

Here at Plymouth High School, we have a total of eight administrative professionals. These are Mrs. Downs, Mrs. Flynn, Mrs. Huff, Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Keller, Mrs. Kriss, Mrs. Mahan and Mrs. Schuler.

Mrs. Flynn has been an administrative professional for 8 years now. It is her first year in the college and career center, and she has been the director of communications since Widener School of Inquiry first started.

Mrs. Flynn said, “It’s a little different because I am coordinator of the college and career center. I love working with students to help them follow their dreams and figure out the next steps.”

Mrs. Keller has been in her profession for seven years now. Mrs. Huff has been with the school for an amazing total of 20 years, and she has been in the front office for 10 years.

Mrs. Keller said the best part of her job is, “the great staff that I work with, who I consider friends.”

Mrs. Huff has been with the school for an amazing total of 20 years, and she has been in the front office for 10 years.

Mrs. Huff said, “I like that no two days are ever alike and I like the interaction I have with students.”

No day is quite the same for these ladies.

Mrs. Flynn said, “Every student has a different need, and I help them fill out applications for jobs, figure out FAFSA, we talk about scholarships, resumes and mock interviews, as well as financial aid for colleges. Yesterday, I took a young man on a job interview.”

Mrs. Keller said, “It is a little different every day. It is always a busy day for me and the time goes by quick doing what I love.”

Mrs. Huff said, “A typical day is crazy. My first major job is taking care of absences of staff. I also am in charge of scheduling, announcements and the bells. It doesn’t matter the person, staff, student, or parent. It could be a tissue, helping with lunch or coffee, copies, or anything. It’s all about the customer service!”

JDay @ BSU

Haley Odiorne

Journalism Day or JDay is a celebration of student journalists and the hard work they have done in the community. It was celebrated on April 27th at Ball State University. The Yearbook and Newspaper staff had the advantage of taking a trip to Muncie where they hosted different workshops to help middle schoolers and high schoolers succeed in the journalism field.

Workshops included “Legal Issues of Social Media” which consisted of what privacy and copyright laws are connected with social media outlets and “Interview with a puppy” where Robin Blom brought her puppy, Boba, she is training to be a guide dog. Participants learned about Boba’s journey and learned how to write stories about disabilities and service dogs.

There was also an opportunity for students planning on going to Ball State Department of Journalism. Instead of attending the first session, participants had the opportunity to take a tour of their campus newsroom. In the newsroom, they have a station for student news and weather. There were also students writing for the campus newspaper, The Ball State Daily News. High school students from around the state met and listened to the college students talk about their experiences in journalism.

Senior Samuel Carroll went on the trip and was astonished by the tour. He enjoyed, “Getting to see more of my college and touring around places I hadn't been yet - it was nifty!”

Carroll said, “I plan on majoring in Creative Writing at BSU, but I also would like to participate in the journalism side of things as well. The newsroom was pretty convincing.”

Meghan Caine is also a senior and is planning to attend Indiana University Bloomington and majoring in Environmental Management. She also attended the tour at BSU.

She said, “I thought the tour was really cool, it was neat seeing a college level newsroom. I learned a lot about publications at a college level. I enjoyed the tour the most. It was cool talking to the college kids on staff and learn about all of the options students have for going into publications at college. “

Between Yearbook and Newspaper class, 24 students went on this trip. Most of them agreed the long ride to the campus was really worth it.

WGI World Championships

Kaylynn Curley

The Winter Winds and Color Guard groups are directed by Mr. Ames. On April 21st, these groups traveled to Dayton, Ohio to perform at the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships. WGI is a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guard (also known as winter guard), indoor percussion ensembles, and indoor winds.

Sophomore Lexi Rodgers has participated in the Winter Winds guard since eighth grade, but she has also participated in color guard since fifth grade.

Rodgers said, “When I found out that we were going to WGI Championships, I was so excited to have the opportunity to be able to experience performing as a world class group and going against winds groups from all over the world.”

Junior Alex Mathews has participated in Winter Winds for two years.

Mathews said, “I felt very grateful to be given the opportunity, that many schools don't have.”

Working really hard, not only during practices and sectionals, but also meeting with their sections and working on certain parts of the music that were not yet perfected is what led these two groups to advance to the World Championships.

Rodgers said, “I felt excited, terrified, and also sad. Going to WGI Championships is an experience that I will never forget I will never forget performing in that giant stadium. I also felt terrified because I never performed in that big of a crowd before, let alone as a soloist. I also felt sad because that would be my last performance with the seniors and also my winds family. My favorite part was the awards ceremony, it was so much fun and being surrounded by confetti falling - there just is not a better feeling.”

Junior Mickaela Bush has participated in winter winds for three years.

Bush said, “The Championships is an amazing experience, especially the awards. It is just filled with praise and confetti.”

Jurado & Mendez take on Texas

Alissa Knapp

Make way Texas, because juniors Citlalli Jurado and Elizabeth Mendez are on their way to compete in the International Level HOSA competition! Last April, Health Careers students competed at the HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference competition in Indianapolis. Overall, the competition had 120 teams that competed in the Health Career Display category and five teams of those teams were from North Central Area Vocational Cooperative. Four of those five advanced to the top 20 of the competition and Jurado and Mendez placed second in the competition. They earned their way to Texas for the competition in June.

Looking back on how it all started, Mendez remembers what pushed her to choose Health Careers.

Mendez said, “I took Health Careers because I was still undecided if I wanted to go to med school or work in therapy. I knew this class was going to let me visit different units that would help me make my final choice before my senior year.”

Mendez described the moment when she won.

“So when my partner and I were called up, we were surprised because we were unsure about our presentation. Being in top ten was surprising, but being in second place was crazy. It was great and definitely something I would do again.”

Mendez had advice to give to those planning on going into the nursing field.

Mendez said, “I’m not going into the nursing field, but for anyone interested in working within the medical field needs to be prepared. From what I’ve learned through Health Careers, it’s hard work, but it’s achievable.”

Mendez and Jurado both have an eventful summer waiting for them as they head to the Lone Star State.

MLK Essay

Meghan Caine

Junior Sam Zechiel was awarded second place is the MLK essay contest. Each year, the Indiana Association of Schools Principals and Ball State University host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. Zechial won $300 for her efforts.

Zechiel said, “I am very honored to have done so well in the competition. Placing second in the state is pretty cool. I am excited to have my essay published online along with the other winning essays.”

The junior students in their English classes were asked to write essays based on the quote by MLK: “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

She said, “It took a lot of time to write the essay. I outlined it first, then wrote the rough draft. I did revisions on it and worked on finishing touches. Finally, I submitted the final draft to the competition.”

The essay was assigned to her by her junior english teacher, Mr. Ciboch. All juniors had to write the essay.

Mr. Ciboch said, “The 11th grade English teachers decided that participation in this contest was a great way to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History month. We also use this contest to reinforce and teach writing skills.”

The essay contest was open to grades 6-12 and only five essays per school were accepted for the competition. The essay was limited to 450 words.

She said, “It took a lot of time to write the essay. I outlined it first, then wrote the rough draft. I did revisions on it and worked on finishing touches. Finally, I submitted the final draft to the competition.”

Mr. Ciboch gave advice to students who want to place well in the future.

He said, “Students who want to place well in this competition need to find a way to separate themselves from everyone else who enters the competition. They need to find an engaging hook, or make creative analogies; students who win competitions like these go above and beyond. I would also recommend that students seek out their English teachers for feedback and advice.”

Congratulations Sam!

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Autumn Allmon

Have you always wanted to go somewhere fun during the summer with your friends? The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is the place for you. The museum now has a new indoor/outdoor sports, health, and fitness venue called The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. They opened their 7.5 acres of fun on March 17 with high schoolers and college students rolling in and coming out astonished. The Children’s Museum has added 12 sports venues that have all the equipment you need to play and have fun. The museum has also added a new sports art collection for all ages called the National Art Museum of Sports, a sports memorabilia, and artifacts throughout the Sports Center.

According to a press release, Matthew Cook, President of Riley Children’s Hospital said, “The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience is designed to get families outside to enjoy the fun that comes with being active together.”

The Children’s Museum has an Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever basketball court, Indianapolis Colts Football field, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Car Racing, soccer field, Pete and Alice Dye Golf course, Wiese Baseball Field, Seymour Rheta Holt Tennis Courts, Jane and Steve Marmon Run-Walk Track, the Children’s Museum Guild’s Fantasy Tree House of Sports.

Also according to a press release provided by the museum, Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, President and CEO said, “We wanted to take a holistic view of family health and fitness through the lenses of sports and sports legends. The goal was to create an outdoor and indoor experience to promote an active lifestyle in an immersive experience that would bring families together.”

Stepping into College

Alexa Orozco

The class of 2018 has shown a promising future with the induction of 13 students into the Academic Hall of Fame. The following students have been honored by joining the other diligent alumni on the wall. They are Austin Bachtel, Bailey Bourdon, Meghan Caine,Cortni Cook, Kadin McCrammer, Renee Green, Nathan LaFree, Emma Daniels, Sydney Morris, Jaquelyn Peynado, Payton Skirvin, Leah Smith, Autumn Wilson.

Daniels, who is going to Trine University to major in Biomedical Engineering, shared her experience and advice that earned her the acknowledgement from WSOI Mathematics from Mr. Nordmann.

Daniels said, “The Academic Hall of Fame was never really a goal of mine, it wasn't even something I thought I could achieve. I have always loved science, though, and done well in the courses. I have taken a science course every semester throughout high school and I've learned to always ask questions, no matter what. The teachers will not get annoyed or frustrated with you as long as you are courteous and attentive in class. As long as you work hard and ask questions, you can achieve anything.”

Peynado, who is going to Valparaiso University to major in Health Science, received two recognitions from the English and Spanish department.

Peynado said, “Don't be scared to take as many AP and dual credit classes you can. You will be challenged, but it will help you grow into a better student! Along with this, never cheat yourself out of hard work; it will never go unnoticed. You can achieve a lot if you are willing to be diligent!”

Wilson also received double recognition for Band and Orchestra and plans to attend St. Mary-of-the-Woods College to major in music therapy.

Wilson said, “I'm grateful for getting inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame. I wasn't expecting to get inducted because it's based on each individual department nominating students who have a high GPA and a certain number of credit hours in a department. I would say just do your best every day because even if you aren't chosen to receive the award, you'll feel good about doing your best!”

Morris was recognized by Ms. Guan for her Chinese study accomplishments and plans to continue her education at McGill University to major in Linguistics.

Morris said, “I think my advice would just be to focus on the subject(s) you are passionate about. That is what I did! I love studying Chinese, so I always liked putting a lot of effort into my Chinese work, including even studying Chinese in my free time to get better.”

Ms. Guan, the Chinese teacher, said, “Sydney’s commitment to learning Chinese for five years and continuing her education about it in college makes her a role model for students learning Chinese.

Bachtel, who was recognized by the Agriculture department, plans to continue in his business of AB Lawn Care where he is the founder and to continue as a mechanic at Farm Fertilizers. AB Lawn Care provides mowing and trimming services to commercial and residential clients.

Bachtel said, “My motivation to start my business was the FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) summer program. This program gives you a high credit each year you complete it. I currently have a full time job and just mow on the side, but by next year I would like to have enough mowing clients to justify quieting my full time job and mow full time. My advice would be don't expect anything from anyone. You don't deserve anything unless you put in the time. Be kind to everyone.”

Smith, who was recognized by the WSOI Social Studies department, is planning to major in Global Health and PreMed at DePauw University.

Smith said, “Always put your best foot forward in your classes, but don't let your efforts end with your studies. Help others, be engaged in class, and work diligently to achieve your fullest potential.”

Skirvin, who is planning on majoring in Marketing/Management at Indiana University, was recognized by both the business and social studies departments.

Skirvin said, “I would say that you should just put in the hard work and dedication that it requires, and to build relationships with your teachers to ensure the best possible learning experience for yourself.”

Nurses Day @ PHS

Alissa Knapp

Did you know that School Nurse Day was on May 9th? That’s right. It was a day all about Mrs. Magee and Mrs. Rearick who is a health aide alongside Mrs. Magee since 2012! May 9th was a day just for school nurses to show appreciation for everything they do in their daily lives to help students feel healthy. School nurses have the duties of making everyone at the school healthy and active.

School nurses have heard everything in the book from students making pretend “throw up” and much funnier excuses to add to their busy schedules.

Mrs. Magee said, “I have heard some pretty elaborate stories over the years. I really prefer the truth. I know some days it is hard to be here and be focused so I try to be understanding. I also have five children, so I have A LOT of experience with kids.”

Both Mrs. Magee and Mrs. Rearick have always had a positive outlook on finding solutions to help students feel their absolute best.

Mrs. Keller, attendance secretary, said, “What I admire most about Mrs. Magee and Mrs. Rearick is that their personalities make them the best nurses around!”

Mrs. Magee has been a school nurse for 20 years total. A fun fact is that most of her family members were educators. She thought about being a teacher for a brief time, but she realized she wanted to be a nurse before her freshman year at college.

Summer Reading

Ivy Marin

The Plymouth Public Library is having a summer reading program for kids of all ages. The sign-ups for the summer reading program start on Friday, May 25. The summer reading program has a theme every year. This year's theme is “Libraries rock!” When you sign up, you get a monopoly board to track how you are doing during the summer. You can sign up at the adult circulation desk.

Every board piece is a different color and that means you must read a book from that category. You must keep the board because it’s your own personal tracker. One of the staff members must sign it when you complete a book. The program begins May 26th and it ends July 10. You can win prizes whenever you hit a certain point on the board. You could win gift certificates to different Plymouth businesses and other library-related prizes.

Some Great American Read books are Beloved by Toni Morrison, Dune by Frank Herbert, and the Outsiders S.E. Hinton. The address to the library is N Center St & W Garro St, Plymouth, IN 46563. The Plymouth Public Library is open everyday. Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm. Friday-Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm. Sunday 1pm-4pm.