Reading is Rad

March 4, 2019

By: Grayson Garrette

Read Across America Day, created in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, was celebrated recently on Saturday, March 2nd; however, students celebrated fully the week prior to Seuss's birthday. On Friday, March 1st, key clubbers from Community High School traveled to CES to read to students in kindergarten, first, and second grades. Classic books such as The Lorax, I'll Love You Forever, and Knuffle Bunny were shared with the students. Senior Devin Bousum even brought his guitar and played a couple of songs for the eager listeners.

"I think it is fun and important for kids to see older generations reading books that they can relate to, and it is good to hopefully spark their interest in reading for the future," states Key Club Sponsor Mandy Beech. High school and elementary students alike thoroughly enjoyed the special treat, and we would like to thank all the students who put in their time and effort to invest in future generations.

A Community of Supporters

February 6, 2019

By: Logan Brothers

On January 26, the Unionville community came together to support a local family. Lyle Waterson, a resident of Unionville, recently received a dire heart transplant. The days, weeks, and months preceding his heart transplant were spent with many doctors visits and long hospital stays. As one can imagine, many expensive medical bills were accumulated during this time.

The Waterson family has been very involved in the Unionville Community for many years. Lyle’s wife, Nikki, is a teacher’s aide at the elementary school. They have two children that attend both the middle and high schools. Their children are involved in numerous school clubs and play on their respective football teams.

A group of elementary teachers that work alongside Nikki decided to put together a benefit for the sweet family. They advertised via social media and collected auction items from various businesses in the community. Students and teachers from all three schools volunteered at the benefit. Barbecue was donated from a local business to be prepared and sold at the benefit. It was a night of unity as families throughout Unionville and beyond gathered to support the dear family. While a grand total has not been released, over 600 plates were purchased at the benefit, going for ten dollars a plate, and all auction items were sold! It was a very successful night for both the Waterson family and the Unionville community!

Dr. Gragg Returns

January 22, 2019

By: Zachary Lohn

Community alum Dr. Gayle Gragg came back to Community High School to finish off the year as the school's guidance counselor. Dr. Gragg said that she is looking forward to working with people that she has known for years. When asked what she is looking forward to, she replied that she is really looking forward to helping seniors with their applications and looking for their right college fit. We are really excited to have Dr. Gragg back and cannot wait to see the impact that Dr. Gragg will have on the students. We wish Dr. Gragg good luck, and we already are feeling the impact that she has made through the school!

ThesCon Recap

January 14, 2019

By: Ana Ragland

Two days. Over 2,600 Thespians. One campus. On January 11 and 12, the Smokestack Theater Group, along with many other schools across Tennessee, all met up at Middle Tennessee State University for the annual Tennessee Thespian Conference. The theme this year was Cirque Du ThesCon, or Circus of ThesCon. There was an abundance of workshops for the students to attend such as an aerial flight class, learning an African Hip-Life dance, and learning the dance to "Yorktown" from the Broadway musical, Hamilton.

Over the course of the two days, the students were accompanied by Mr. Tony Davis, Mr. Mark Gregory, and Community High School alumni, Alyssa Amos. Each student was able to chose their own workshop, allowing them to explore their different interests. Some of our students even did monologues for adjudication; a term in theater which translates to one auditioning in front of judges to be selected to perform in the showcase later in the conference. Seniors such as Gabby Hunt and Devin Bousum were two out of the five students who auditioned. Although no one from Community was selected, they did not let that stop them from enjoying their weekend at this lovely campus; meeting new people, and watching two beautifully crafted plays at the end of each night.

Officer Appreciation Day>>>

January 10, 2019

By: Grayson Garrette

School resource officers, SROs for short, are an essential part of keeping peace in our schools today. We are truly blessed here at Community to have two of the best SROs not only in the state but in the nation. Officer Tracey Harvey and Officer Cam Farrell serve students and faculty on a daily basis to keep our schools safe and to make the world a better place. Each one does their very best to interact with students personally and genuinely, and they care deeply about each student's future and success.

"I've worked with Officer Harvey for about 18 years, and I've worked with Officer Farrell for as long as he's been here. I can say that Officer Harvey certainly serves with her heart, and she would do anything it takes to keep us safe as well as keep us law abiding," states Assistant Principal Dr. Keith Williams. "Officer Farrell is always willing to support us as well, and he pours his whole heart into service."

To say thank you to our officers, student council hosted a breakfast on January 10th to celebrate the time and effort that our SROs put back into the community. We are so grateful to have these amazing people here to support and protect us, and may we never take for granted the blessing it is to go to school in a place where someone is willing to lay their life on the line to give us a hope and a future.

It's That Time of Year

January 8, 2019

By: Zachary Lohn

With the non-conference part of the schedule finished, the Viqueens and Vikings basketball teams start district play January 8 at home against Marshall County. The Viqueens are off to a hot start with a 10-5 record, and they are in the midst of winning seven out of their last nine games. The Vikings also finished their non-conference schedule off strong with a 11-6 record, and they also currently on a six game winning streak.

Both teams participated in this years 2018 Richland Classic. The girls team suffered a tough loss in the opening game against Pickett County. This did not affect them though as they rolled through the next two games winning by an average of 38 points and also winning the consolation bracket. The Vikings opened up the Richland Classic with a narrow win over Pickett County, but they then defeated Lyndsey Lane (AL) by 34 points. The Vikings fought hard during the championship game and prevailed 56-49 over Fayetteville City. Both teams hope to ride the momentum from this tournament into District play.

Be sure to come out and support the Viqueens and Vikings as the Viqueens try to repeat as District Champions. The Vikings and Viqueens are both enjoying strong starts and hope to continue it against Marshall County.

CHS Cruises to Early Victories

December 5, 2018

By: Grayson Garrette

After a busy start to the season, the Community Viqueens and Vikings have each had outstanding success. The Viqueens are off to a hot 5-3 start, obtaining significant victories over Middle Tennessee Christian School, Huntland, and Eagleville. The 6-4 Vikings recently rode a six game win streak, defeating MTCS, Huntland, Cascade, Summertown, and the defending state champion Loretto Mustangs. The Queens and Kings are looking to close out the non-district schedule with strong success, hoping to build upon the experience they have gained thus far.

Athletic Director Ralph Edwards states, "I think both teams play very hard, and the mistakes we are making are correctable. I believe that once we get into district play in January, we will be able to cut down on those mistakes and be successful." The Vikings and Viqueens will face off next at home on December 7th (Homecoming) against Moore County. Come out and support your team!

The Community High Banners

November 26, 2018

By: Karissa McAnally

Community High is continuing the tradition of the graduating classes making class banners. This year the competition is pretty tight between each class. Each graduating class is always racing to get more class points than the others, and it does make one very curious to see what each class will present. The sophomore class president Lexi Evans states, "The sophomore class did a great job working together to create a fantastic banner. The juniors did an excellent job incorporating their class. The seniors and freshman's banners looked great. Although, I feel like the competition is really between the juniors and seniors." Everyone did an amazing job, and Dr. Ralston will announce the placement of each class at some point this month.

FCA/FCS Food Drive Update

November 15, 2018

By: Macie and Anna Katherine Lemmons

The FCA/FCS has been holding their annual food drive these past few weeks. Not only has food been collected, but items to give to the hurricane victims have been collected. Each item brought in is worth a certain amount of points, which will be converted into points that will count for class points sponsored by Student Council. Items that would be much appreciated are potatoes, muffin mix, paper towels, trash bags, paper products, plastic utensils, and anything else on the list. A list of items that are needed are located on the school website. Please bring in as many items as you can to help out those who aren't as blessed as we are.

Heroes in the Halls of Community High

Everyday heroes walk the halls of Community High making us proud to be Americans. Click the link to watch our 2018 Veterans Day video and meet a few of our heroes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wFTnTNkMs0

Wait (Until Dark) There's More!

November 12, 2018

By: Ana Ragland

Smokestack Theater is putting on a make-up night performance this Friday night at 7 o'clock! Due to medical issues, Smokestack had to cancel their night show half way through. The show consists of the plot of two con men who have been put on parole for various crimes. One night, they received a phone call from a mystery man telling them to meet at an address of a blind woman named Susy Hendrix. Throughout the night, the two men would try to trick Susy into giving up the doll, but this is no ordinary doll. If you want to find out more, come watch the cast perform once again, Friday night at 7!

Student Council Hard at Work

November 2, 2018

By: Anna Katherine Lemmons

If one were to walk into Miss Williams' room during second lunch, they would be greeted with the sound of laughter, the smell of Sharpies, and the feeling of utter chaos. Student Council has been using fifth period as a chance to get some very small, but important, stuff completed. They make posters for all the upcoming events, such as Tree Topper Day, Sleigh the Day, and Basketball Homecoming dress-up days. Be sure to look for these awesome posters! Also, the council has been hard at work preparing for homecoming, which is the week of December 3rd through the 7th. They have been printing programs, tying together flowers, and ordering lots of decorations. The officers, sponsors, and representatives thoroughly enjoy having this time to work on things that make our school exciting. Senior historian Jaydah Curry stated, "I am really glad we have this period. I have to work on the scrapbook, and it gives me a chance to get the input of others while I begin putting it together." Make sure you keep up with all the upcoming events Student Council has been planning by looking out for posters, checking the school website, and talking to members of the council!