The Cardington-Lincoln FFA recently announced its officer team for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The new officers (pictured) include, front row, L-R: Megan Gardner; Hailey Littlemeyer; Rylee Donkin; Sophia Goers; Aliya Ramoneda.  Back row:  Ava Davis; Wyatt Denney; Christopher Kinsey; Bryce Hartley; Aaron Howard; Isabelle Hess; Miss Erin Wollett, FFA Advisor.

Official positions will be announced at the end of the Annual Banquet on April 19.

The Tri-RIvers Career Center announced its accepted students for the 2024-2025 school year. Students from CLHS include:  Myleigh Bishop, Adysen Briggs, Zayden Christine, Devin Cimino, Trista Cramblitt, Emma Davis, Daniel Dyer, Levi Garland, Angelia Globe, Seth Haser, Kaylee Kendrick, Miranda Kintz, Thorton Kovacs, Landon Levering, Micah Lilly, Brennen Marks, Evan Marquis, Holden Martin, Lane Maynard, Joshua McGlothlin, Blake Mieth, Logan Morrow, Brieanna Parsons, Riley Pickens, Caleb Reynolds, Reilly Ryan, David Sexton, Josephine Shonk, Peyton Springer, Haylee Stainer, Tayler Timmons-Clark, Xander Walters, Marlee Watson, Wyatt Watts, Alexa Webb, and Aiden White.

From the CLLS Board of Education - The Cardington-Lincoln School District Board of Education announced it has selected Mr. Todd Spinner as its next Superintendent of Schools.  Mr. Spinner will assume the Superintendency on August 1, 2024.

“Mr. Spinner brings an impressive list of credentials, leadership experiences, and a proven track record of success to our district,” said Board of Education President Matt Clinger. “We believe his experiences and leadership style, including a focus on school and community spirit, will help our district maintain the positive momentum we’ve gained and continue to build upon our tradition of excellence.”

Mr. Spinner presently serves as the Berlin High School Principal, for the Olentangy Local School District.  Prior to that experience, he was the Westerville Central High School Principal, for the Westerville City Schools.  He brings professional experience as a classroom teacher where he taught English at Dublin Scioto High School, while coaching baseball and football.  Mr. Spinner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Interpersonal Communication from Ohio Dominican University and a Master's Degree in Policy and Leadership from the Ohio State University. When not in the school district, his hobbies include working out, reading, and spending time with his family.

“I’m both thrilled and humbled at being named the Superintendent of the Cardington-Lincoln Local schools.  To be given the opportunity to lead a school district with such a positive reputation as Cardington is very special,” said Mr. Spinner.  “I can tell you, the Board of Education and everyone involved in the process were amazing, and I am very excited to be here!  Building relationships, strengthening the culture, and collaborating with the school community and all stakeholders will be a big priority.  Student achievement will remain a focus while working alongside the students, staff, parents, and Board in an effort to keep Cardington moving in the right direction.  I look forward to meeting, getting to know, and learning from the people in our school community who have made our district as successful as it is today.”

The Board of Education voted on Mr. Spinner’s contract during a special Board meeting on February 28, 2024.

The Cardington-Lincoln High School National Honor Society hosted its first, hopefully annual, Trivia Night to raise funds for future academic excursions.

Four teams representing the Cardington community battled through three rounds of trivia.  In the end, the “Dewey Decimators,” representing the Cardington Public Library took home the first-place honors.

The Cardington Cafe provided food and drinks for the event.  The hope is to expand the event next year with more teams participating, and other CLHS organizations showing their talents to the participants.

The Microbiology class, taught by Ms. Jennifer Price, recently studied food and microbes using sourdough.  Each group cultivated its own sourdough starter, ultimately creating some delicious, microbe-based food.  The bacteria and yeast found naturally in the environment feed on the flour to produce various acids and carbon dioxide, giving sourdough its distinctive taste and texture.  The starter must be fed and cared for daily for about two weeks until the levels of acids and CO2 are high enough to kill other microbes and to leaven the final bread product.

Cardington FFA members attended the Mission: Impact State Leadership Conference at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio.  Alongside 300+ members from all across Ohio, they learned about their leadership styles, how to create their ideal community, what they value, and how to use their strengths to make an impact.  They also hung out with State FFA Officers, learned from National FFA Facilitators, boogied at the dance, and made lasting memories!

Kaylynne Barlow was the champion speller at the recent Crawford/Morrow Counties Spelling Bee.  Kaylynne and classmate Damon Boggs qualified for the Tri-County Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 15th, at 6:30 pm at MOESC in Mansfield.

The Cardington FFA Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Team was announced as the state champions of the Ohio FFA Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Contest.   With only thirteen points separating first and fifth place, the young team - all sophomores - won their preliminary room and advanced to the final round where they faced off against the top six teams.

While the team has finished in the top five in the state in each of the last eight years, this year marks the first winning title in the program’s 84-year history.  Preparations began in October with nightly practices totaling 10-15 hours per week.  The team has now qualified for the National Competition in Indianapolis next fall, where they will compete against state champions from 52 other State Associations.  The team is coached by Ag teacher, Ms. Erin Wollett, and student Assistant Coach, Alexis Peters.  Team members include: Brandon Hughes, Chair; Ava Davis, Secretary; Isabelle Hess; Hailey Littlemeyer; Megan Gardner; Brayden Rammelsberg; Danny Townsend; and Madison Dornon.

This Cardington FFA chapter also carried out its annual Adopt-a-Family project. Working with Morrow County Job and Family Services, students adopted six families to provide them gifts and necessities for Christmas!  “Santa” and his delivered everything to the families the week before Christmas!

Students in Ms. Kirsten Ebert's Government classes and Mrs. Jennifer Price's MTC Government classes took a guided tour of the Ohio Statehouse.  The tour gave the students the opportunity to learn more about our state history, how the state legislature works, and a description of the architectural features of the Ohio Statehouse.

CLES third graders took a trip around the world and "visited" eight countries to learned about the traditions, food, and culture of these countries.  The Cardington Cafe donated “suitcases” to each student.

CLJH 8th-grader, Damon Boggs, won this year’s district spelling bee, with fellow 8th-grader, Ky Barlow, finishing second.  Makynzie Boggs, Aliauna Kirkpatrick, and Phoebe Phelps rounded out the top five.  These top five finishers will go on to compete in the Crawford/Morrow Counties Spelling Bee on January 18th, which will be held over Zoom. 

CLHS music students, and others, were treated to a performance of bluegrass music by local musician, Clayton Eckert.  In addition to performing several songs, he shared the history of bluegrass music and explained the various guitars that he uses to perform this genre.  Several students recognized some of his songs and were able to sing along with Mr. Eckert!

The Cardington-Lincoln Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted twelve new members last month.  To qualify, students must maintain a minimum grade-point-average of 3.5 and complete at least twenty service hours.  The applicants are then evaluated by the faculty based upon character and leadership.

This years new members are, L-R: junior Kelly Moreland, junior Jaelynn Ireland, junior Mattie Ongalibang, junior A.J. Brehm, junior Rylee Donkin, senior Genevieve Longsdorf, senior Autumn Holt, senior Kelli Landon, junior Sophia Goers, junior Aaron Howard, and junior Abigail Hardwick.  Our NHS advisors are Ms. Molly Clinger and Mr. Eric Staley.

The Advanced and Novice Parliamentary Procedure teams travelled to Madison Plains High School last month to compete in the District 6 Parliamentary Procedure Competition.  The event tests students’ abilities to think on their feet, speak well, develop quality debates, and demonstrate abilities of Robert’s Rules of Order within a strict time limit.  Schools across nine counties competed, with the top two teams in each contest earning a spot at the state contest.  The Advanced team won the District competition, while the Novice team finished second, earning both teams a spot at the State competition.

First-graders at Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School in Ms. Melissa Deems’ and Ms. Amy Kipfinger’s classes celebrated with a “toothpick Thanksgiving” late last month.

The students supplied the food, set up the tables, and served the food.  But, before dining, the students went around the table and shared what they were thankful for.

The Cardington-Lincoln Middle School SAIL After School program recently visited the Cardington Fire Station, EMS, and Police Station.  The focus of the visits was a discussion of the careers available in our community and to promote the work that our local agencies and first responders perform. Fire fighters, police officers, and EMS clinicians were on hand to explain their job responsibilities and to demonstrate some of the equipment that they use.

From Facebook - Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School announced its “Students of the Month” for November.  This month’s SOTM are:

Back row, Grade 4, L-R: Kaelyn Downer, Willow Wheatley, Londyn Shirey and Skyler Price.

Fourth row, Grade 3, Owen Graham, Xander Clark, Eva Prince and Walker Prince.

Third row, Grade 2, Gage Ralston, Jordan McCarthy, Brantley Treese and Damon Stephens.

Second row, Grade 1, Christina Chafin, Carson Crum, Karlie Hoffman and Brayden Arroyo. 

Front row, Kindergarten, Vivian Jackson, Scarlett Rogers, Harper Scott and Daniel Naylor.

By Kayden Bailey - I recently sat down with Mr. Jacob Moires, an 8th-grade math teacher, to learn about what led him to teaching, and what led him back to Cardington.  I learned a few other things, too.

What inspired you to be a teacher?

I wanted to have a positive influence on the community I grew up in.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I don't think they'd be surprised about anything.

Would you rather teach Algebra or Math 8?

They both have their perks; I enjoy Algebra.

Is technology helpful with your teaching?

The calculators, absolutely.  They are very beneficial.  My projector is nice. 

Do you have any embarrassing teacher moments?

One time a kid asked me if I had new pants, and I said yes, and the kid said the sticker was still on it!

If you could take your students anywhere, where would you take them?

Disney World.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Laid back.

What would you be doing if you weren't a teacher?

Working at some business in an office or painting with my father-in-law. 

What was your proudest teacher accomplishment?

Last year when 90% of my students passed the state test.

Why did you pick Cardington Schools?

It’s where I grew up.

If you could teach anything else, what would it be?

Gym.

Do you ever regret being a teacher?

No, not even a little bit.  It's very rewarding, every day is new, and every year is new.

The Cardington FFA held it’s annual Greenhand Week last month.  The week’s activities celebrate the freshmen and other new members.

The week included: 

• Monday - New members received “FFA Member Lives Here” signs to show off their pride of membership.

• Tuesday - Thirty-three freshmen were presented their very own FFA jackets, sponsored by the Cardington VoAg Farm Association.  Trustees Randy Grimm and Nate Mosher helped present these jackets on stage during the Greenhand Banquet.  Members also received their Greenhand FFA Degrees, the first degree a member can earn in the organization as they celebrated becoming official members. 

• Wednesday - Freshmen proudly wore their new official dress throughout the school day.

• Thursday - Ag classes were joined by three Ohio FFA State Officers (Luke Jennings, State President: Jaden Smith, State Secretary; Emma Wells, State Treasurer) for various workshops and activities on leadership and character.  Thursday night was the annual New Member Night.  This year, they celebrated membership in SUPERHERO style, learning that, “with a great chapter comes great responsibility.” Members competed with their Officer mentors in an escape room, trivia, an obstacle course, kan jam, cornhole, a wing eating contest, and krypto ball, along with a series of “secret challenges” to earn points. The upperclassmen hosted this event for our new members. 

• Friday - FFA freshmen and seniors met early to enjoy breakfast together as one class prepared to pass the torch to the other. After breakfast, the seniors painted freshman hands green in a tradition that’s more than 40 years old. Freshmen wrote letters to themselves that they’ll receive when they hang up the jacket for the final time as seniors. 

In other news, four students travelled to River Valley High School to compete in the Sub-District Job Interview Competition against schools from three different counties.  The competition includes demonstrating ability to create a resume and cover letter, complete an application, interview with industry professionals, and to write a follow up letter.  Alexis Peters and Miranda Kintz qualified for the District Contest.

Twice each month, students in Ms. Kirsten Ebert's American Government class have been volunteering at the Cardington Community Food Pantry.  

Their efforts include collecting and storing food items, cleaning and organizing shelves, and working with the pantry staff.  More importantly, they learn about community service.  The students will continue to volunteer at the pantry throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Mr. Staley’s CP English 9 class is using “The Hero’s Journey” model when discussing plot structure this year.  As an extension activity, the students made a set of Hero’s Journey cards similar to the popular “Hero’s Quest” card game.  Students then paired up and played a game pitting the Hero against the Shadow.

Students in Mrs. Gompf's, Mrs. Volk's, Ms. Hess', and Mrs. Scohy's classes recently visited Cardington’s firehouse to learn about fire safety. The students also explored the emergency squad and fire trucks.

Our CLES third-grade classes were visited by Ms. Marilyn Weiler from the Headwaters Outdoor Education Center.  She taught the students about an American pioneer named John Chapman — better known as “Johnny Appleseed.”  Her program, titled, ”Johnny Appleseed, Man or Myth?” told of Chapman’s work as a conservationist and as an orchardist.  He is, of course, known for planting a proliferation of orchards throughout the American frontier.

Students in Dr. Mary Hughes' 11th/12th grade English classes recently completed an “escape room” based on The Crucible, by Arthur Miller.  The activity challenged students to “escape” the hysteria that surrounded Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.  The students had to solve multiple challenges in order to escape.  The goals of the activity were to promote problem-solving, communication, and teamwork; to improve content retention; and to encourage and develop creative thinking.

From Facebook - Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School announced its “Students of the Month” for October.  This month’s SOTM are:

Back row, Grade 4, L-R: Jonah DeSelms, Julian Greene, Madison Vinson and Norman Wodecki.

Fourth row, Grade 3, Madeline McDonald, Chloe Wilson, Jacob Palmer and Hayley Naylor.

Third row, Grade 2, Taylor Thomas, Oliver Whitehead, Jason Saft and Kennedy Reed.

Second row, Grade 1, Julian Norton, Evelyn Richards and Hadley Molnar; 

Front row, Kindergarten, Mason Jones, Maci McNichols, Myles Gossett and Zayne Andrick.

Not pictured is Clay Cronin, first grade.

From Facebook:  Students in Ms. Tammy Wells' Environmental Science class took a trip to the Delaware State Park to put their newly acquired kayaking skills to the test.  Participants included: Zoie Arthur, Dillen Darst, Connor Davis, Daniel Dyer, Ted George, Lydia Hess, Josie Miller, Aidan Reitmire, Logan Reynolds, Alexander Tackett, Isaiah Ward, Journey Williamson, and Marnie Young.  Ms. Wells and Mr. Ryan Goetzman made the trip, as well.

The 2023 Morrow County Fair, saw many Cardington FFA members exhibit projects and livestock. Recognition given to FFA members at the fair this year includes:

Lane Hughes

Second Runner Up to Fair King

Holly Barga

Grand Champion Beef Feeder

Second Overall Showman of Showman

Morgan Powell

Grand Champion Overall Market Steer

Madison Dornon

Grand Champion Market Rabbit

Grand Champion Vegetable Project

Mason Powell

Grand Champion Market Chi Steer

Autumn Holt

Grand Champion Berkshire Market Hog

Reserve Champion Born, Bred, and Raised Berkshire Hog

Bryce Hartley

Reserve Champion Born, Bred, and Raised Market Lamb

Miranda Kintz

Morrow County Equestrian Queen

Junior Fair Board Representative

Grand Champion Overall Horse Project

Grand Overall Miniature Horse High Point

Third Overall Ranch Pleasure High Point

Marcy Rollins

3rd Overall Senior Rabbit Showman

Best of Breed American Blue Breeding Rabbit

Sarah Perry

Reserve Champion Pygmy Doe

Ricky Morgan

Reserve Best of Breed Holland Lop Breeding Rabbit

Christopher Kinsey

Third Overall Intermediate Goat Showman 

Chloe Nida

Third Overall Senior Goat Showman

Kayla Hughes

Third Overall Senior Pygmy Goat Showman

Owen Christian

Reserve Champion Contesting High Point

Bristol Whetnall

Morrow County Junior Pork Ambassador

Emma Davis

Junior Fair Board Representative

Wyatt Wade

Reserve Champion Welding Project

Zane Everly

Grand Champion Bedding Plant

Megan Moller

Reserve Champion Bedding Plant

Drew Etgen

Grand Champion Corn Project

Grand Champion Soybean Project

From Facebook: First grade teacher, Mrs. Morgan Gompf, is utilizing some interesting techniques to enhance the learning process of her students. She is using brain breaks and the Heggerty Heroes program to make learning more fun and engaging.

The students take “brain breaks” during the day by drumming on their desks.  Brain breaks are mental breaks students can take in between learning tasks. These breaks can be active or relaxing, depending on what’s needed for each child. When students are learning, most of their energy goes to those parts of the brain that are used for attention and critical thinking. These breaks are needed to reduce stress and improve learning.  Brain breaks often focus on physical movement or sensory activity, and often last for 3-5 minutes. 

The students are also learning about phonemes through the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum and Heggerty Heroes program.  Students are recognized for being great leaders during the daily phonemic lesson and are rewarded with a Heggerty Heroes badge. The reward reinforces the learning process.

From Facebook - Cardington-Lincoln Elementary School announced its “Students of the Month” for September.  This month’s SOTM are:

Back row Grade 4, from left to right: Taylor Kincaid, Kaiden Henry, Samantha Adkins and Jethro Eckert.

Fourth row, Grade 3, from left to right: Azaria Spencer, Matteson Krouse, Katherine Richards and Taylor Eastep.

Third row, Grade 2, from left to right Rhyker Hurt, Morgan Lambert, Harley Hubley and Cheri Woods.

Second row, Grade 1, from left to right: Brayden Cooper, Riley Wasserbeck and Emilee Teets. Absent is Myah Vinson.

Front row, Kindergarten, from left to right: Killian Parsons, Brayden Townsend and Eliza Lyday. Absent is Conner Segaard.

By Riley Houck - The Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter had a great showing at the Ohio FFA State Convention in Columbus on May 4 and 5.  The entire chapter received state-level recognition, and several students earned individual recognition, as well.

The Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter is led by Ms. Erin Wollett.  The biggest news was that the chapter was named the #1 chapter in Ohio in Strengthening Agriculture.  The team was also named a top ten chapter in the areas of Building Communities and Growing Leaders. 

The combined accolades resulted in being named a top ten chapter overall, and a “gold” rating.  The group also received Charitable Giving Recognition.

Senior Sage Whetnall earned 1st place in the FFA State Proficiency Award for Equine Science Entrepreneurship.  Senior Alexia Crone was named an Ohio Star in Agribusiness.  Justin Radel is an Ohio Star Farmer Finalist.

Other individual student recognition included:

Gold Rated Secretary - Sarah Perry

Gold Rated Treasurer - Zane Everly

Gold Rated Reporter - Alexis Peters

State FFA Degree recipients:

Meghan Greenawalt

AJ Hall

Kayla Hughes

Mason Powell

Marcella Rollins

Ryan Spires

Zane Everly - Talent Showcase Winner

Rylee Donkin - State FFA Choir

Sophia Goers - State FFA Choir

Cheyenne Leopold - State FFA Choir 

STAFF REPORTS – Senior Grace Gardner recently exhibited some of her art at the Congressional Art Competition at the Warren G. Harding Center in Marion.  Over thirty works from Ohio’s 4th district were on display, and Grace earned a certificate of recognition signed by local Congressman, Jim Jordan. 

STAFF REPORTS – It is that time of the year -- time for our Biology students to dissect cats!  Preparing for their forthcoming dissection projects, our sophomores researched organs, arteries, and veins. 

The purpose was to determine their function, location, and the system or systems to which they belong.

Some students created visual representations of human bodies which are currently on display in the hallways of the high school. 

STAFF REPORTS – The Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter named its officers for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Officers include: Zane Everly, President; Kayla Hughes, Vice President; Sarah Perry, Secretary; Megan Gardner, Assistant Secretary; Alexis Peters, Treasurer; Rylee Donkin, Assistant Treasurer; Maddy Brook-Hobbs, Reporter; Brandon Hughes, Assistant Reporter; Sophia Goers, Sentinel; Christopher Kinsey, Chaplin; and Autumn Holt, Student Advisor.

STAFF REPORTS - Mrs. Tammy Wells' Environmental Science class recently built birdhouses and distributed them throughout the community.  Student include Layla Shinaberry, Samantha Miller, Nia Shrader, Mason Powell, Silas Horton, Cameron Tribunella, Avery Robinson, Sam Wilson, Logan Fridley, Kayden Gwilym, Dorjan Hammock, and Hannah Neely. 

STAFF REPORTS – Eleven more CLHS students earned acceptance into to the Tri-Rivers Career Center beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year.  Those students include Brenya Johnson, Zayden Christine, Warren Garrison, Devin Koehler, Denton Garrison, Issabella Petty, Rylee Webb, Harley House, Jessica McGee, Holly Harbin, and Victoria Peters.

By Riley Houck – On March 3, the TRIO program gave thirty Cardington High School students the opportunity to tour the new Dollar Tree and Family Dollar distribution facility in Marengo.  This tour was followed by a tour of Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

The Dollar Tree/Family Dollar tour offered students insight on how a distribution hub operates.  During this Nationwide Arena tour, students learned local history and stories about the “Blue Jackets” name, as well as the background of the team.

The day ended with free tickets to the Columbus Blue Jackets game against the Seattle Kraken (a 4-2 Seattle victory). 

Staff Reports - The Environmental Science class, taught by Mrs. Wells, recently completed a unit on fishing.  Local fly-fishing expert, Paul Binkley, visited the class to teach the students how to properly tie flies and then offered a lesson on the difference between spin rods and fly rods.

By Jeff Jackson – Ms. Angela Conley is an English teacher at the high school.  We recently spent five minutes with her to learn more about her. 

If you could do only one thing for an entire day, what would it be? 

Read!  I would read! 

If there was only one meal that you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Breakfast foods.  I love breakfast foods! 

What was the most recent movie that you watched, and what did you think of it? 

Phantom of the Opera.  All of the costumes are beautiful. 

What makes you laugh the most? 

When other people laugh. 

What was your favorite subject in high school? 

English. 

If you came with a warning sign, what would it say? 

Warning!  Sarcasm overload! 

Did you work anywhere before becoming a teacher, and if so, what did you do? 

I worked at Mcdonald's for four years. 

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would buy Cardington everything it needs and then quit.  And, I would get all of the doggies from the Humane Society.

By Taitym Byrne

(Editor’s Note: This article is part two of a two-part look into college majors selected for potential employment versus enjoyment.  Part one appeared in our 03-10 issue.) 

The March 6 issue of The New Yorker includes an article by staff writer, Nathan Heller, titled, “The End of the English Major.”  The article notes that since 2013, the number of American college students majoring in the Humanities has dropped by around one-third.  Meanwhile, the number of “STEM” degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) has increased.

The author surveyed many current college students, asking three questions:

1) What is your major?

2) Why did you select this major?

3) Which class has been your favorite throughout your entire education?

The majority of students who are majoring in a STEM field chose that major because they believed that it was their best option to secure a well-paying career.

Heller’s article states that the number of English majors at Arizona State University in the past ten years has fallen by nearly 40%.  Records indicate that the number of graduated language majors, including History, has decreased by roughly one-half.  Most students want jobs that pay more, are more exciting, and offer a higher social status.

In our last issue, we published the results of a survey of members of the CLHS senior class asking about future plans.  The poll targeted those seniors who plan to pursue a four-year college education.  We asked what they planned to study in college and categorized the responses.  Then, we asked about their favorite classes taken here at CLHS and categorized those responses.  The results were: 

Major

Business 36.4%

STEM 27.2%

Medical 18.2%

Education 9.1%

Arts and Entertainment 9.1%

Favorite Class

STEM 40.0%

Humanities 33.3%

Arts 20.0%

Mathematics 6.7%

Our data are similar to the data presented in the Heller article.  The most popular intended major is Business.  However, less than seven percent of respondents indicated that mathematics – a business-related course of study – was among their favorite classes taken.  No respondents indicated that Economics, Financial Literacy, and Foundations of Business were among their favorite classes. 

So, what are the implications of the CLHS senior data?  Are our students following the same trend as many of the current college students?  If so, why? 

Furthermore, in what ways can – or should – teachers and administrators offer guidance to students on future careers?  Should students be guided toward more potentially lucrative careers?  Or, should students be guided toward careers that match their interests?

The New Yorker article remains available at www.thenewyorker.com.

By Taitym Byrne

(Editor’s Note: This article is part one of a two-part look into college majors selected for potential employment versus enjoyment.  Part two will appear in our 03-24 issue.) 

We recently surveyed members of the CLHS senior class asking about future plans.  The poll targeted those seniors who plan to pursue a four-year college education.  We asked what they planned to study in college and categorized the responses.  Then, we asked about their favorite classes taken here at CLHS and categorized those responses.  The results are:

Major

Business 36.4%

STEM 27.2%

Medical 18.2%

Education 9.1%

Arts and Entertainment 9.1%

Favorite Class

STEM 40.0%

Humanities 33.3%

Arts 20.0%

Mathematics 6.7%

This data suggests that students select college majors based on what they believe will lead to greater job potential and a higher salary, rather than a major they enjoy more. 

The second part of this article will look at national trends and uncover their implications and will compare the national results with our results here at CLHS.

Submitted by Ms. Erin Wollett, FFA Advisor - On February 22, four FFA members traveled to Fairbanks High School to compete in the District 6 FFA Public Speaking Competition. This is the first time in almost a decade that all four divisions have been represented at this level from Cardington.

Sophomore Aaron Howard competed in the Beginning Prepared Speaking Competition.  This contest requires students to write a 5–7-minute speech on the agricultural topic of their choice, memorize the speech, and present it to a panel of judges without any speaking aids.  They then answer questions.  Aaron's speech, "The Mental Game of Farming," educated listeners on the topic of mental health concerns in the production agriculture industry and available interventions. Aaron placed second in the district.

Junior Autumn Holt competed in the Advanced Prepared Public Speaking Competition.  This contest mimics the Beginning Prepared Speaking Competition, requiring a 6–8-minute speech on the agricultural topic of their choice, presenting it, and answering questions.  Autumn’s speech, “Urbanization in Agriculture,” addressed growing concerns in central Ohio about the overdevelopment of agricultural land and how to combat urban sprawl.  Autumn placed 7th in the district.

Junior Sarah Perry competed in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Competition.  This rigorous competition forces students to think and act on their feet.  Students are taken to a prep area where they draw five topics out of a bowl of 48 possible topics spanning issues across all of agriculture, from animal science to ag mechanics to ag research.  They get to select one of those five topics to focus on.  Students are given a laptop computer and 30 minutes to develop a speech on the topic they draw.  They then go straight to a presentation room where they deliver the 6–8-minute speech and answer questions.  Students are forced to quickly become experts and exude confidence in a new area - their topics are never the same from competition to competition.  Sarah gave a speech at the district competition on preventive health care in the production livestock industry and placed second. 

Freshman Ashlyn Troyer represented our chapter in the Creed Speaking Competition.  In this contest, students memorize the five-paragraph FFA Creed as written by E.M. Tiffany and adopted in 1933.  The creed has been revised twice since then.  Students must memorize and present this creed in front of a panel of judges and answer questions.  Ashlyn placed ninth in the district contest. 

Perry and Howard qualified for the State Public Speaking Competition and will represent Cardington at the contest on March 4 at Marysville High School.  This is Cardington’s first showing at this contest since 2020.  Sarah and Aaron are the fifth and sixth students/teams from Cardington to qualify for a state competition this year.

STAFF REPORTS – Mrs. Jennifer Price and her Zoology class did their first dissection of the semester recently.  The class dissected earthworms. 

The class will dissect starfish in about one week, followed by dogfish sharks, and fetal pigs by the end of the year.

By Jeff Jackson – Mr. Ryan Treese Health and Physical Education at the high school and serves as the Pirates’ volleyball coach.  We recently spent five minutes with him to learn more about him. 

If there was only one meal that you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chik-Fil-A.

If you could do only one thing for an entire day, what would it be? 

Play golf with my friends. 

What was the most recent movie that you watched, and what did you think of it? 

Hell, or High Water. It made me sad. 

What makes you laugh the most? 

Bad volleyball! 

What was your favorite subject in high school? 

Mathematics. 

If you came with a warning sign, what would it say? 

Warning!  Don't give him a clipboard!

Did you work anywhere before becoming a teacher, and if so, what did you do?

I worked at Arby’s for three months.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Build a private golf course.

STAFF REPORTS – Four Cardington FFA students were winners of their respective divisions at the recent County Public Speaking Contest held at Highland High School.  Junior Sarah Perry won County Extemporaneous Speaking Contest.  Senior Colin McAvoy placed 3rd and sophomore Carter Ramoneda finished 5th within the same division. 

Junior Autumn Holt won the County Advanced Prepared Public Speaking Contest.  Sophomore Aaron Howard won the Beginning Prepared Public Speaking Contest.  Freshman Ashlyn Troyer won the Creed Speaking Contest.

 The students will move on to the Sub-District Competition next month.

STAFF REPORT - The Environmental Science class, taught by Mrs. Tammy Wells and Mr. Todd Jolliff, recently completed a unit on Archery.  The students learned about archery gear, safety, and shooting skills.  More importantly, hunting regulations and conservation were covered.

The lessons culminated in an archery competition.  Senior Layla Shinaberry took the top spot, with senior Samantha Miller coming in second.  Senior Sam Wilson took third place, and sophomore Dorjan Hammock rounded out the top four.

By Jeff Jackson – Mr. Austin Strickland runs the computer lab at the high school.  He also coaches football and wrestling.  We recently spent five minutes with him to learn more about this very popular teacher.

If you could only eat one thing at every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Pizza!”

What was the last movie you saw? What did you think?

 “Avatar: The Way of the Water.  It made me cry.”

What makes you laugh the most?

“Kevin Hart, because he’s a top 5 comedian.”

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

 “Digital media.”

If you came with a warning label, what would yours say?

 “Caution!  Short temper!”

Did you have a job before becoming a teacher? What was it? 

“Yes, I was security for the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team.”

What would you do if you won the lottery?

 “Buy a football team!”

By Liz Ramey - “There’s a piglet!”

On January 20, Erin Wollett, FFA Advisor, received the 2:00 A.M. telephone call from senior Marc Rollins, who was on farrowing watch, telling her that “The Pig Project” was reaching its pinnacle.

The team of barn managers all arrived in the early hours to assist Charlotte through her labor. By 7:00 A.M., Charlotte had finished birthing 12 piglets. Shortly after, Lola went into labor.

During the school day, students, teachers, and family members were able to watch Lola’s birthing.  By 6:00 P.M., she had given birth to another thirteen piglets – a total of twenty-five piglets from the two sows.  Ms. Wollett took the lead on Charlotte’s delivery.  By the time Lola began birthing, the barn managers were ready to take over.

“That’s a great moment as a teacher!” Ms. Wollett said.  “You love seeing students apply what they learned.”

By the end of the day, the 9th-period junior and senior class FFA students administered iron injections that are required within the first 24 hours of life.  On Tuesday, January 24, with the help of Klingel Show Pigs, the class performed ear notching for easy identification of the piglets.

The barn managers received a visit from the Human Resources Department at Hord Family Farms from Bucyrus, Ohio.  They held a discussion of their experiences and established industry connections.

The next steps include castration of the male piglets and tail docking on all piglets.  Representatives from Dawson farms will be on hand to assist with the castrations.

By Liz Ramey – Cardington-Lincoln's FFA program is beginning a new project-based learning assignment this January and February. The Advanced Livestock Management Class will watch two farrowing (mother) pigs over the two months while they learn the beginning-of-life care the pigs will need. 

 The care will consist of ear notching, docking tails, administering iron injections, and castration of the piglets. Upperclassmen were given the opportunity to apply as Barn Managers in December, and those selected were Dillion Minturn, Silas Horton, Chloe Sherbourne, Holly Barga, Sage Whetnall, Abby Raber, Addison Plowman, Drew Etgen, and Mason Powell. 

The barn managers completed the official “Pork Quality Assurance Certification Training” through the Ohio Pork Council.  The students now know how to handle the animals, along with the proper management techniques.

“Lola” and “Charlotte” arrived on January 10.  They remain housed in a birthing center, which FFA Advisor, Erin Wollett, describes as, “Truly the Ritz of pig housing facilities.”  Barn Managers will observe the pigs through a security system within the birthing center. The birthing center – the same display used for sows at the Ohio State Fair - was given to Cardington’s FFA by the Ohio Pork Council and Hord Farms.  The pigs will be able to access water through the birthing center. 

Students are allowed to visit the pigs.  Signs posted on the Ag room door will indicate when Lola and Charlotte are accepting visitors. 

The plan for the pigs is that FFA members can apply to obtain a piglet for free that they can raise as a project to be shown at the 2023 Morrow County Fair.  This gives another opportunity to those students who did not have the chance to have a large-animal experience in the past. 

By Lydia Hess – One December 10, the Cardington FFA Parliamentary Procedure Novice team competed in the state competition.  Having placed second in Morrow County, second in the sub-districts, and first in the state preliminary room, the team moved on to finish fourth overall in the state.

“I am very proud of the novice team,” said FFA advisor, Ms. Erin Wollett, “They got a late start to the season and made some super big accomplishments. Bright young students!”

The Advanced team competed in State competition on December 17, finishing in fifth place.  This follows first place finishes in the county, sub-district, and district competitions.

“I think it’s cool to see half the team come back for the advanced team and seeing them learn off of each other,” Ms. Wollett added. 

Everyone from the Advanced team qualified for the state competitions since their freshman (novice) years. The Advanced team competes under “Robert's Rules” with more debates required and a  few more abilities than Novice teams.

Novice team members include: President, Brandon Hughes; Vice President, Cailynn Robinson; Student Advisor, Isabelle Hess; Sentinel, Isaac Broome; Treasurer, Hailey Littlemeyer; Secretary, Ava Davis; Reporter, Megan Gardner; Brayden Ramelsburg; Madison Dornon; and Danny Townsend.

Advanced team members include: Chair, Ryan Spires; Secretary, Sarah Perry; Alexis Peters; Lane Hughes; Sophia Goers; and Rylee Donkin. 

“Cardington High School has developed a reputation for ‘Parli Pro.’  Either in 2015 or 2016 was when our teams started to do super well,” Ms. Wollett said.  “One out of five teams in all of Ohio qualify for state finals and we have gone to state multiple times. Parli Pro is, in my opinion, the most rigorous contest in FFA and it’s not just an individual event but a team. I am excited that the kids are into Parli Pro!”

By Riley Houck - The Cardington FFA Parliamentary Procedure teams have a busy schedule lately.  “Parli Pro” competitions are increasing, so the teams practice four times per week.  Following ‘Robert’s Rules of Order,’ the students learn how to run agricultural businesses, including making motions, demonstrating abilities, and debating on topics.

Both the Novice and Advanced Teams won the County and Sub-District Competitions and, on November 29, both teams won the District Competition held at Urbana High School.

Both teams have clinched spots in the State Competitions, as well.  The State Novice Competition will follow on Saturday, December 10 and the State Advanced Competition will be held on Saturday, December 18.

Team members include Novices Brandon Hughes, Cailynn Robinson, Ava Davis, Hailey Littlemeyer, Megan Gardner, Issac Broome, Isabelle Hess, Brayden Rammelsberg, Danny Townsend, and Madison Dornon; and Advanced members Ryan Spires, Sarah Perry, Alexis Peters, Lane Hughes, Sophia Goers, and Rylee Donkin.

By Lydia Hess - On December 2, the National Honor Society and History Club visited the President Harding Memorial, President Warren G. Harding’s Home, and the Huber Machinery Museum.  The NHS advisors, Mrs. Price and Mrs. Clinger led the trip along with the History Club advisor, Ms. Ebert.

President Warren G. Harding was born in Blooming Grove, Ohio, in 1865.  While growing up he had a love for the Marion newspaper, “The Marion Ohio Star.”  He once worked for the Star as a printer’s assistant.  The paper was about to go out of business, so Harding took over the paper and made a fair amount of money with it.  He loved the paper so much that during his Presidency he had the Star shipped to the White House.

“I have been to the Harding memorial twice and thought it was very beautiful,” said Ms. Nippert, one of the substitute teachers.  “The thought that there was an upstairs in the memorial was cool to grasp. I had no idea there even was the Harding home, but I do want to visit it someday.”

While running for President, Harding had porch speeches to promote his campaign.  He wanted to bring the people of the United States to Marion so they could see his little town.  He drew crowds of 5,000 to 6,000 people.  It was so crowded that people would climb onto roofs to hear his speeches. 

“My favorite part of the trip was when we learned that in the Harding Home,” said junior Madison Brook. “They replaced a portrait of Warren Harding with a portrait of one of their dogs, ''Hub.”

“The trip on Friday was very informative. I had not been inside the Harding Memorial and had no idea it is the largest memorial for a deceased President outside of the Washington DC area,” Mrs. Clinger said.

Following the activities of President Warren G. Harding’s Memorial and home, the students went to the Huber Machinery Museum.

Edward Huber patented the “Revolving Wood Hay Rake” in 1865, changing the work of farmers forever.  He also made steam engines, road graters, and tractors.  Some of the Huber equipment has been used by NASA, including the Apollo missions.

STAFF REPORTS – The Cardington-Lincoln chapter of the National Honor Society inducted seven new members on November 11.  They join the nine current members inducted last year. 

To earn induction, students must complete an application and meet the criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  These standards include a grade point average of 3.5, at least twenty hours of service credit, and a favorable staff evaluation.

“This is a great, new group,” said Mrs. Clinger, one of the NHS advisors, “They are very strong, academically, and they have demonstrated some very positive community leadership.”

Mrs. Price, also an NHS advisor, shared that there were thirty juniors who met the criteria and were eligible to apply.  Twelve of these students petitioned for induction. 

The current and newly inducted members will hold voluntary events and participate in other leadership opportunities.  This includes an annual trip to South Dakota. 

Other opportunities include local trips, such as an upcoming tour of some of Marion’s historical sites.

“I look forward to visiting the Harding Home with them,” Mrs. Clinger added. 

The National Honor Society awards nearly two million dollars in scholarships to around 600 students each year.  Scholarship amounts range from $3,200 for national semifinalists to $25,000 for the top national finalist.  Current members who plan to pursue a degree at an accredited college or university in the United States can apply. 

Current Cardington students who wish to learn more about NHS should contact Mrs. Clinger or Mrs. Price. 

By Liz Ramey - The works of several students from the Cardington-Lincoln School District were on display at the Morrow Little Theater Art Show on October 13. 

Mr. Josh Groves, Art teacher and advisor of the Art Club, asked to submit artwork to the event. The art show showcases local visual and performing art, including music, theater productions, and other options. 

Students who submitted work to the show include seniors Cat Shaw-Potter, Aydin Haines, Zane Osborne, Grace Gardner, and Ariana Sexton; junior Alexis Reyna; sophomores Anastasia Owens, Conner Davis, and Caleb Watkins; and freshmen Riley Pickens, Jordan Fair, Peyton Springer, Landon Levering, and David Sexton.  Mr. Groves, himself, also submitted some of his work.  Senior Dalton Edwards performed a musical piece. 

The Morrow Little Theater is an organization started by a group of friends who grew tired of driving to distant locations to see live theater performances.  Joey Powell and Ken Barnett started the company around 2009.  Their signature event, “Christmas in the Village,” began in 2010 and allowed their company to thrive. 

Their plan is to offer summer workshops in the future to share their passion for theater with the youth of Morrow County.  These workshops will teach students how a show is staged, from choosing a show to directing, lighting, sound, set design, and much more.

There is a scholarship program through the Morrow Little Theater, which offers a student from Morrow County the opportunity to study art in college.  The scholarship is currently a new feature, so information is limited at this time.

More information on the Morrow Little Theater is available at their website at morrowlittletheatre.org or by e-mail at admin@morrowlittletheatre.org. 

By Liz Ramey – The Cardington-Lincoln school district welcomed seven new teachers this year, including three new teachers at the High School. 

Mr. Jim Spelman, Algebra I teacher, decided that he wanted to work for Cardington-Lincoln Schools out of the many other small rural school options nearby. 

“I could have taken a virtual teaching job, but I turned it down because I liked the idea of teaching at a smaller rural school,” he said.  “Cardington seemed like a great fit for me and I am excited to be here!” 

Mr. Spelman became a teacher for many reasons.  Among them is the fact that he wants to make a difference in some of the student’s school and career lives.

“I love math and wanted to do something where I felt like I was making a difference.”

Mr. Spelman has had a variety of jobs throughout his life, including computer programmer and a country church pastor. 

“After a very difficult season where I nearly lost my son to a serious brain infection, followed by major life changes, I started a new chapter in life that led me to getting my teaching license and becoming a math teacher,” he said. 

Outside of school, Mr. Spelman enjoys the outdoors.

“I like to be out on a remote trail or in my kayak on a quiet, lazy stream with old-growth trees, looking for turtles on fallen logs.”

Ms. Josephine Palmer, Financial Algebra, Pre-Calculus, CP Geometry and Honors Geometry teacher, chose to teach in Cardington schools because “it felt like home.”

“I grew up in a similar small town rural high school, and then went to college at a rural college,” she said.  “I felt that I could relate to the students better than if I went to a large, inner-city school, and I felt that I would also be fairly close to my family.”

Ms. Palmer knew that she wanted to teach for many years.

“My decision to become a teacher started to develop since middle school, whether I knew it at the time, or not.” 

A part of her desire to teach came from her involvement with the Boy Scouts of America.  She has been involved with scouting for over sixteen years, being a part of the staffing which caused her to ‘fall in love’ with the idea of being a teacher at a young age.

“I always loved staffing in the cub scout world, which then led me to staffing at Boy Scout Summer Camps over the last four summers,” she said.

Her passion for scouts positively affected her career choices and teaching the children at camps opened her eyes to a new world.

 “I have learned to love the idea of helping the future generation learn and grow into bright, intelligent people with their own unique characteristics,” she added, “Seeing my hard work pay off by watching the scouts express joy in learning and coming back to me sharing their thoughts and feelings on the material we’ve worked on together makes me feel so good.” 

Outside of school, Ms. Palmer enjoys the outdoors, archery, and music ensembles.  She has played trumpet for twelve years and was in the marching band for nine.

The high school also welcomes Ms. Hillary Malcolm as an Intervention Specialist.  At the elementary school new teachers include Ms. Katelyn Kinzel, Ms. Emilee McCabe, and Ms. Sydney Tucker. 

September 30, 2022

STAFF REPORTS – After a nearly twenty-year absence, Cardington-Lincoln High School will resume publishing The Searchlight – the school news periodical.  Work on The Searchlight is a part of the new Journalism class now being offered at the high school as an English elective.

Mr. Staley is leading the rebirth.  He proposed the creation of a Journalism class last spring to go along with the publication.

“This is not simply an extracurricular activity,” he said.  “We are teaching Journalism to the students and making sure that they know how our local and national media operate.” 

Mrs. Price, the current Yearbook advisor, was the advisor for The Searchlight from 2003-2005.  She is excited to see the publication return.

“Journalism is a very rewarding experience.  Seeing what the yearbook or newspaper students have produced actually in print is pretty moving, emotionally speaking,” she said. “ It can also be a lot of fun - the staff of an organization like yearbook or the newspaper becomes a lot like a family.” 

Principal, Mr. Mills, is also happy to have The Searchlight return. 

“This is a great opportunity for students to report on stories and topics that students are interested in, investigated by students, and reported by students,” he said.

Mr. Mills noted that The Searchlight has not been published since he began with Cardington-Lincoln Schools in twelve years ago.

“On many levels, this is a positive for our school and more importantly our students,” he added.

Mr. Staley sees the publication growing through the school year.  Following the trend of modern media, The Searchlight will be primarily a web-based news source at www.thesearchlight.net.

“As the students learn more about Journalism, they will be able to report on more topics in more sections of a news publication,” he said.  “We can add new content to the web site and archive past stories.”

 A .pdf version will also be published and distributed by email to the district and to the community every two weeks.  Students can also see the .pdf version from Google Classroom.