THE
Starkville High School
JACKET BUZZ Volume XXVI, No.3 • May 17, 2016
INSIDE
Teachers Retiring Gruchy, Shumaker, Townsend bid farewell to SHS
McDonnall, Hogan Named in New Positions. Page 2
Jackets Remember
Page 5
Baseball makes history Page 5
By CARLY DANIEWICZ Jacket Buzz Staff
Throughout the many years at Starkville High School, there have been plenty of great teachers and officials that have put students first. Three are retiring this year after many years of service. One of these officials is Nurse Darinda Gruchy, who started working at the school Photos by Carlly Daniewicz /Jacket Buzz Staff Photo in 1994. Starting left to right, Officer Shumaker, Nurse Gruchy, and Mrs.Townsend are retiring at the “I have 28 years of experiend of the 2015-2016 school year. ence altogether because I also worked at the Health Depart- over.” he still plans on being a part spent 33 years working in the ment, which is a state agency.” school district and has worked Officer Sammy Shumaker, of SHS. said Gruchy. “I still plan on being the seven years at SHS felt like it who has worked at 12 years at During retirement, Gruchy the school and 27 years in law voice of the Jackets, if they was time for a change. plans on spending time with enforcement and the military, will have me,” Shumaker ex“I just feel like I’m ready her family, but also plans on has also made plans to retire plained. to do something different,” finding more work. “And definitely still help- Townsend stated. this year. “My husband recently re“I still enjoy teaching and I “After having a lengthy ca- ing people just kinda in my tired, and I just wanted to reer in law enforcement plus own capacity, not necessar- still have a passion for wantspend more time with my military, it finally takes a toll ily as a law enforcement of- ing to make a difference in the grandchildren and garden,” on you.” Shumaker said. “It’s ficer where I don’t have to lives of students.” she explains. “I might look the end of the road for me.” For Mrs. Townsend, her answer the calls anymore.” he for something part time, you Even though Shumaker is laughed. See “Retire” page 8 know, after the summer is leaving after the year is over, Lastly, Lula Townsend has
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The Jacket Buzz
May 17, 2016
Woomer, Adair appointed New principal, Millsaps vo-tech in U.S. Naval Academy director named
By Ethan Tucker Jacket Buzz Staff
Marshall Adair and Emily Woomer have committed themselves to serving the United States at the Naval Academy. Emily Woomer spoke about her desire to serve, “I see [the Naval Academy] as the best opportunity to give back through service for my country.” She also felt that she could further develop herself, “as a student, athlete, and leader.” Marshall Adair arrived at the Naval Academy after studying his options. “I decided to go to the Naval Academy because I’ve always been interested in naval service and after doing some research about the academy I realized that the academy was the best way for me to have a career in naval service.” These two students join an exclusive list of Starkville High School students to enroll as cadets in the Naval Academy. Emily Woomer’s older brothers, Grant and Stuart Woomer, also attended the naval academy. Marshall Adair’s father, Ty Adair, was a service member in the Navy. Both Emily Woomer and Marshall Adair have family ties to the Naval Academy, which is known, for family lineage and tradition.
By ANNA BYRD
Jacket Buzz Staff
SHS and Millsaps will have new leadership next year. Assistant Principal Sean McDonnall was named the new Principal of SHS an Assistant Principal Dr. Lenora Hogan was named the Director of the Votech. “I wanted someone in the spot who cared about this school and community,” McDonnall said. Hogan said being patient was the hardest part when waiting for the job offer. Both were graduates of SHS Class of 1989. “Having the struggle of being a
peer and now a supervisor is going to be difficult,” said McDonnall. He plans to work on developing profession relationships as well as relationships with students. Hogan is taking initiative to ease the transition into her new role. “I have been taking to teachers about what they are doing in classroom and making sure they are preparing for the changes coming to meet the needs of our students. “ Both McDonnall and Hogan are looking forward to keep moving in a positive direction for the benefit of the students.
Submitted Photo
Top, Marshall Adair is congratulated by Starkville High Principal David Baggett for being appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Above, Emily Woomer signs a contract to run track at the Naval Academy as her mother and grandfather watch.
It is very rare that two members of a high school be selected for the Naval Academy due to strict admission requirements and selective acceptance.
Starkville High School is very honored and privileged to have two bright students who wish to give back and Photo by Brian Richey/ Jacket Buzz Staff Photo serve their community and SHS graduates, class of 1989, Dr. Lenora Hogan and Sean country. McDonnall look foward to their new positions of leadership.
May 17, 2016
Students, teachers: School district consolidation brings changes
The Jacket Buzz
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Celebrating Senior Week
By CAMRYN DAWKINS Jacket Buzz Editor
On July 1, 2015, Starkville Public School District and Oktibbeha County School District consolidated to for Starkville Consolidated School District. “I thought this would be a very good opportunity for younger kids,” Senior Alexus Milons stated. Milons was one of many students who came to Starkville High School from the county. Consolidation helped Milons receive a scholarship for choir that she never would have received if she were still at the county. “I am not going to say that consolidation helps you out all the way, but it did help out here and there. It has had its ups and downs,” said Milons. Due to the consolidation, the High School added onto the cafeteria. New booth seating, kitchen, and layout was to help the flow of lunch. Veteran U.S. History teacher Joel Fuller said,” The consolidation of the county schools has gone as good as can be expected in the first year.” Fuller commended the administration for making the transition as smooth as pos-
“I am not going to say that consolidation helps you out all the way, but it did help out here and there. It has had its ups and down. Starkville High School Senior Alexus Milons sible for the teachers. “I don’t speak for all of the teachers, but I haven’t noticed a huge change in my classroom load. I personally wouldn’t complain if the number of students increased; after all, thats why we teachers are here,” Fuller said. There will always be logistical questions that come when consolidating an under performing school district with a solid one. “Where there has been a noticeable change is in the hallways at SHS,” says Fuller. In the near future, Fuller thinks for future growth the community of Starkville and administration of Starkville Consolidated School District will have to band together to advance the facilities for the future generations.
Photo by MaruHunter Brown/ Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
SHS Seniors partciapted in the annual Senior Luau. Seniors had a dance party along with barbecue, and a water balloon fight to end the party.
Photo by Marin Hunter Borwn/Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
Seniors also participated in a skate party at Skate Odyssey to conclude senior week activities on Thursday.
Opinions
Page 4 The Jacket Buzz May 17, 2016
Senior exemption policy proves questionable Have you ever felt like you got cheated out of something you deserved? Well that is exactly what happened to the Class of 2016 Cameron at Starkville High Maddox School. Columnist As many of you know, the exemption policies used to be simple: If you had an A in a class and were a senior,
you would be exempt from taking a final exam in that course. However, before the 20152016 school year, the rule was changed. The new rule states that if a student had three absences, they would need to have an A+ to be exempt, two absences would require at least an A, and with one absence they would have to have at least an A-. This year’s seniors have to obey this new rule while the other pre-
vious grades had exemption with simply an A. You might be thinking, “How hard is it to just go to school and not skip?” Well, the problem is that all absences count. Excused absences and unexcused absences both count equally towards your exemption status. Not only that, a lot of seniors didn’t know this new rule was in place until exams in December, so many of us were scrambling to do extra credit in order to obtain
a higher A to be exempt. The obvious solution to this problem would be to just go back to the original rule: Seniors can be exempt; absences have no effect on their exemption. Even if the rule cannot be changed, and seniors will continue to be negatively affected by their absences, it is my hope that seniors will be notified up front and verbally because let’s face itwho reads all those pages in the handbook in August.
Foolish outcry of the left reveals hypocracy Recently Mississippi and North Carolina passed controversial laws involving businesses, bathrooms, and the LGBT comEthan Tucker munity. Mississippi law Columnist allows businesses to refuse service to customers who contradict with the business owner’s religious beliefs. The North Carolina law prevents transgender people from using
the bathroom that conflicts with their gender at birth. Both laws have come under scrutiny by those who call them discriminatory and examples of bigotry. Forcing a business to support practices it does not morally agree with is tolerance, but refusing to contradict your beliefs and refusing service is discrimination. Popular opinion is the only opinion that matters, and anything against popular opinion is bigotry or hate. This is again clear in the re-
sponse to the North Carolina bathroom law. America has begun accepting feelings and delusions over truth. This is no more evident than in the outcry to these laws. A man can put on a dress and decide he is a woman one day, and so he should be allowed to use the women’s restroom? You can dress a pig up like a cow and even teach it to moo. Yet no one would argue that it is not a pig. People are ignoring logic and biology, afraid of being marginalized for not
Staff
Leadership Team Editor in Chief: Camryn Dawkins Photography: Tristen Grantham Faculty Adviser: Angela Hobart
Mari Hunter Brown Anna Byrd Dawson Burrell Carly Daniewicz Lawson Joy Dumas Kennis Kingery Hailey Locke Cameron Maddox Katelynn Peeples Ethan Tucker
supporting popular opinion. Difference in opinion is no longer a concept that leads to discussion or understanding. Either you agree or you are a hateful bigot. Understanding and tolerance are trampled in a delusional “rights” crusade. Discussion, debate, and people who have firm beliefs are what T he United States was founded on, and what it needs to continue to be successful.
Editorial Policy
The Jacket Buzz is published by the Journalism Department at Starkville High School. The Jacket Buzz is a student-run publication committed to providing SHS with objective information and serves as a forum for student expression. Opinions expressed are those of students and do not necessarily reflect the views of administrators and others in the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. Content decisions are made by student editors. Factual errors will be corrected in the next scheduled edition. Letters to the editor are accepted and published, excluding those that are deemed libelous or disruptive. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and space availability. All letters and comments may be e-mailed to shsjacketbuzz@gmail.com.
Jackets Remember
Photo by Msri Hunter Brown/Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
Page 5 The Jacket Buzz May 17, 2016
Photo by Morgan Lomen /Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
SHS Quarterback Moneterio Montomery celebrates the 2016 State Championship trophy. The The “Nest” celebrates the 1st touchdown of the season at Jackets defeated the Petal Panther 27-7. Yellow Jacet Stadium by the football team.
Submitted/Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
Photo by Mari Hunter Brown /Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
The SHS Soccer Teams celebrate senior night at Yellowjacket Seniors Kevin Yang, Will Prewitt, JD Taylor, and Ben Burrell pose for a picture at their senior Stadium. prom with Senior Counselor, Mrs. Roberson.
SPORTS
Page 6 The Jacket Buzz May 17, 2016
Baseball ends with a successful season By Kaylie Beth Hobart Jacket Buzz Staff The 2016 Yellow Jacket baseball team finished the season with a record of 19-11. After a winning season in spring of 2015, they had a lot of goals for the upcoming season that they thought should be accomplished. Their main goal for the season was to “field a good competitive team,” Head Coach Travis Garner said during pre-season training. The Jackets accomplished that goal with a winning season and a run into the second round of play-offs for the first time since classifying 6A, after defeating Desoto Central, defending 6A champions in the round one series.
Tupelo defeated the Jackets in back to back games in round two which ended the season. Some specific players exceeded expectations this season. “Sophomore Carter Bentley was a huge bonus this season stepping up and being a great position player with a great attitude on and off the field, senior JD Taylor also was a big surprise on the mound, both of the boys had a great season,” Garner said. For the upcoming season Garner is excited to see what Dee Petty, Bentley, and Austin Campbell have in their next couple years of baseball. “The main challenge the boys had to face this season was getting into the playoffs because they’re facing the toughest district in the state, which I would say we overcame that chal-
lenge,” Garner said. The 2016 baseball team had what seniors believe was a successful, strong season and believe baseball taught them life lessons. “I want to thank all of my teammates and coaches for an amazing 4 years. They taught me more than just the game of baseball. It will be 4 years I never will forget,” senior JD Taylor said. Eight seniors depart this year, five of whom were college signees. JD Taylor, Blue Mountain College; Justin Connor, Blue Mountain College; MilSubmitted Photof ton Smith III, Meridian Community College; Rashon Tate, Northeast Com- Sophomore Carter Bentley fields a groud ball at third base. munity College; AJ Brown, University of Mississippi where he will play both football and baseball.
Girls golf team fairs well at 6A State Tournament By Lawson Joy Dumas Jacket Buzz Staff
After a five hour drive to Pass Christian in a storm, the Lady Jacket golf team, along with other 6A golf teams, did not get a practice round prior to the state tournament. The weather put every team except the Gulf Coast schools, who already are familar with the course, at a disadvantage. “The team goal was to make state,” said head coach Anglea Hobart. Freshamn Kailey Beth Hobart show an 84 the first day putting her as the 7th seed going into day two. K.Hobart ended day two
in 10th place with a score of 181. Morgan Lomen, senior, has been on the golf team for three years. “Even though this year I only played at district and state, I somehow scored better than I ever have. I was determined to do my best my senior year and have fun,” Lomen said. Lomen had a 3-stroke improvment from last year’s state tournament. “I wish we had been able to get in a practice round, but I am proud of the final results. Golf is such a great sport for girls. I am hoping to get more girls intrested in playing next year,” Hobart said.
Submitted Photo
Starkville Lady Jacket Golf team membersrs, Kaylie Beth Hobart, pictured left, and Morgan Lomen, pictured right, compete at the 2016 Girls State Golf Tournament.
May 17, 2016
The Jacket Buzz
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SHS Track & Field competes at State Meet By Carly Daniewicz Jacket Buzz Staff
The Starkville High School Field and Track team have been training all year and earned a spot in the state championship, which took place on May 6th. Kate Maddox, who was the champion in 1600 and 3200, prepared herself by relaxing and taking it easy. “[I’m] trying to get plenty of rest and make sure I’m eating a lot so I have my energy, and just watching what I eat too.” she explained. “Just getting ready with the team and talking with them about it, and just practice.” Just like Maddox, Patton Little, who took third place in the 1600 and 800, also prepared himself for the championship by relaxing as much
Submitted Photo
Lady Jacket 4x800 relay placed 3rd with a team record of 10:09.
as possible.“We’re just working hard and taking it a little easier closer up to it to stay fresh.” Little said. For Little, working up to the championship meant hard work and practicing a lot, including in the summer.“Just a lot of miles in the summer, built up a lot of endurance
through cross country and worked on speed through track.” he said. Raleshia Gee, who is Long Jumper champion in the State across all divisions, admits that her biggest competition is none other than herself.“I’m not consistent, like I have a chance to win but it all comes down to me.”
she said. Gee also admits that her coaches have played a big role in helping her get to the championship this year.“My coaches are like big motivators, they help us through it all, from personal stuff to competition, they are there, and they tell us we can do it, they believe in us just as much as we believe in ourselves.” Gee stated.For Lake Spradling, he passes on some advice for younger teammates who might be in his place one day. “Just work super hard, put in the miles, you have to be confident that you can win because you really can. Overall, the Starkville Lady Jackets received 4th place in the championship and the Starkville Jackets re-
ceived 9th place.
New cheer squad selected By Hailey Locke Jacket Buzz Staff
The new Starkville High cheerleaders are ready to get the year started with new cheer coach Courtney Henderson. “I’m looking forward to the new year and excited to share my background and experience with the squad at Starkville High School,” Henderson said. Alongside Coach Henderson, R. Blackwell is the new assistant coach ,and Kim Williams is the sponsor. Henderson has been coaching cheer and tumble for almost 15 years. She is a former completive cheerleader and Mississippi State University cheerleader. After this year, she will have completed her first year of teaching Spanish.
Varsity cheer tryouts were held April 29. Out of forty-two girls who tried out, fourteen were selected. The team consists of one senior, four juniors, six sophomores, and three freshmen. Contestants were judged based on jumps, cheer, chant, dance, tumbling, teacher evaluations, and overall impression. The tryouts this year were a little different than previous years. Junior Merriam Mock said, “I’m really looking forward to the 2016-2017 cheer season. I feel like it’s going to be a very successful season because it’s a great group of girls and I’m excited to see what Coach Henderson has in store for us.” Coach Henderson has scheduled the first cheer practice for the new team May 17.
Photo by Katelyn Peoples/ Jacket Buzz Staff Photo
Sophomore Quaterback Ben Owen recieves a snap to pass the ball off to Sophomore runningback Dre Swanegin at the Spring football game May 12.
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Retire From page 1
fondest memory at SHS is watching her students grow. “You see students, especially through the reading class I taught, I see students come in and score on their initial assessment fourth, fifth or sixth grade level, and then by the end of the semester you get them on a 10th, 11th or 12th grade level, and that’s a joy to me and I’m sure it’s exciting for them and their parents,” she exclaimed. Together, these teachers and officials have a combined total of 88 year of experience between them. The impact they have left on SHS students is remarkable, and they will never be forgotten.
The Jacket Buzz
May 17, 2016
Senior Class of 2016 Will & Testament - I, Terrigin Dixon, leave all the struggles and frustrations of high school to the underclassmen. I no longer want or need them. -I, Caroline Pollard, leave wearing converse every game day to Alecea Niven and community ice cream to Justin Easley. -I, Lorenzo Dantzler, leave my work ethic and leadership to the football team!!! GO WIN STATE! -I, Will Prewitt, leave all of my high school women to Waverly Yeatman. I have grown out of them. -I, Justin Conner, leave my jersey, number 12, to Wesley Graves. -I, Alexis Townsel, leave all my love to my sister. -I, D’ Angelo Lucious, leave my struggles through high school to the underclassmen. -I, Shastasia Davidson, leave my soprano position to Tracey Travis in choir, all of my attitude to Myesha Ward, and all my love to Starkville High School. -I, Caleb Guyton, leave all my waves to the entire basketball team, especially Jesse Little. -I, Matthew Gent, leave my trombone cubby to my brother. -I, Tyson Carter, leave my work ethic to all of the basketball team, LOL. -I, Jazmine Johnson, leave my attitude, laughing, and laidback personality to every student because that’s the way to be… LOL honestly. -I, AJ Brown, remind everyone God loves you. -I, Lakendria Larry, leave my kindness to Tykeria Brown and Janiryah Tate. -I, Daterrion, leave my fun personality to Carly Evans and my snacks to Kennis Kingery. -I, April Reese, leave the ability to skip class to Jesse Little, and my volleyball skills to the whole volleyball team, especially Kennis Kingery. -I, Lakendrea Young, leave all my love to bae, Jesse Little. -I, Trey Epps, leave my TA spot in the office to Nelson Jordan. -I, Valencia Epps, leave my only fourth block class to CiCi Zhang. -I, Andrew Clark, leave my common sense and a tip to Mari Hunter and the choir: “ Leave your ex’s behind.” -I, Taylour Williams, leave my attitude to Mya Furr. -I, Darrius Wilson, leave my TA spot in Coach Carter’s
class to Ddallen Bailey. -I, Eryka Williams, leave my skills and hooping to Carley Ellis, my three point shots to Tahreea Gandy, my intelligence and common sense to Jariyah Covington and Kelsey Jones, and my dress attire to Jalisa Outlaw. -I, Jasmine Belt, leave my attitude to Jada Belt and Zyleecia O’Briant, and my intelligence and quiet nature to Anferna Johnson. -I, Abigail Alford, leave Thespian Presidency and patience to Kelsey Damms. -I, Carly Beth Cappleman, leave my love for music and choir to Audrey Robertson, Madi Morris, and Allexie Williams and I leave my high first soprano notes to Audrey Robertson and Madi Morris. -I, Callie Wells, leave the nest and its Twitter page to Lawson Joy Dumas and Chloe Bardon- Y’all take care; -I leave my free wings to Blake Miller, and the right for everyone to treat Josh “Pookie” Arnett like a freshman until the day he graduates. -I, Victoria Sellars, leave all the stray cats at Starkville High to Tristen Grantham, feed them daily or they get mad. I also leave McDonalds breakfast and ice cream to Pitcher Rendon, love you so much! I leave Mary Elizabeth Buckner my craziness and all the potatoes, try to have fun in choir without me love! To Savannah Munn, I leave all my black tech clothes and $5 I lost in the theater. I finally leave “Vicki” to Chloe Bardon, Tristen Grantham, Lawson Joy Dumas, Sam Snell, Carla Bohna, and Eduardo Aguero, because she is crazy! Love y’all! -I, Morgan Lomen, leave all my love and money in my bank account (even though there’s $1.39 in it) to Tristen Grantham. I also leave my Queen B crown to rule the school to Chloe Bardon. -I, Liz Jones, leave my big dreams and the ability to always be enough to Genny Fischer, to Sam Turner I leave the second soprano section, I leave control of my spot on the front row to Sarah Fischer, to the sophomore squad I leave my ability to make the best of every situation, tons of movie nights, and my love for obscure musical theatre cast albums, and to Noah Knox I leave patience to stay focused, be nice, and make incredible memories.