Bayless Magazine Fall 2024

Bronchos with an H Page Four: High expectations for high achievement Page 14: SSgt Marc Cox, Class of ‘04 Fall 24/Vol. 8

Issue 2

Board of Education

Woody Babb, President Shannon Kohler, Vice President Jeff Preisack ’83, Member Sarah Reece, Member

Michelle Padgett, Member Laura Van Zale ’83, Member Stephanie McCreary, Member

District Administration

Amy Ruzicka Superintendent of Schools (314) 256-8601

VICC Transportation (314) 721-8657

Dr. Chel’Lee Whitten Assistant Superintendent (314) 256-8658 Anna Barton Director of Instructional Effectiveness (314) 256-8601 ext. 8088 Preston Sterett, ‘05 Director of Business & Finance (314) 256-8687 Kim Arnold Director of Human Resources (314) 256-8605 Stephen Terrill Marketing and Communications Coordinator (314) 256-8115

Kelly Stahlhuth District Activities Director (314) 256-8664 Barbara Shetley District Registrar (314) 256-8100 Kari Wolford ‘03 Transportation Supervisor (314) 256-8601 Fadil Hamidovic Director of Technology (314) 256-8611 Dr. Monika Hasanbasic ELD Director (314) 256-8600 ext. 2304

Students celebrating the first day of school at Bayless Junior High.

Cheerleaders performing during halftime at a home football game.

Bayless Schools

Early Childhood Center (314) 256-8630

Christina Ly ’99, Principal Amra Hadzic, Administrative Assistant

Sanela Jugovic, Administrative Assistant Cantrece Novak, Administrative Assistant School Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:36 p.m.

Office Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

School Hours: 8:05 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

High School (314)256-8660

Elementary (314) 256-8620

Aaron Kohler, Principal Dr. Amanda Middendorf, Assistant Principal Amber Callahan, Assistant Principal Mirsada Becarevic, Administrative Assistant Kimberly Moreau, Administrative Assistant Christine Kohl, Administrative Assistant School Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 3:21 p.m.

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Junior High (314) 256-8690 Daniel Bieser, Principal Dr. Andrew Mertens, Assistant Principal

Eric Lawrence, Principal Dr. Alyssa Stock, Assistant Principal Alex Johnson, Assistant Principal/Athletic Administrator Sandra Schacht, Administrative Assistant Lauren Champion ’07, Administrative Assistant Melissa Godat, Registrar School Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:36 p.m.

Office Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

A Jobs for America’s Graduates class participates in an engineering project.

A teacher and a student on the first day of school.

Alumni Association (314) 256-8660 ext. 8617

Sally Wear ’58 Alumni Association President

A junior high ELA student reads to an Early Childhood Center student.

Bayless is published multiple times a year to inform the public about what is occurring at the Bayless Schools - including student achievements, happenings in the classroom, involvement in the community and more. Please submit any questions, comments or letters to Stephen Terrill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 4950 Heege Road, St. Louis, MO, 63123, 314-256-8115 or at: sterrill@bayless.k12.mo.us Bayless School District does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law.

Inquiries related to District programs may be directed to Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator Mrs. Kim Arnold at 314-256-8605, 4950 Heege Road, St. Louis, MO, 63123. The Bayless School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

From the Superintendent

Dear Bayless Community, There are many things that set Bayless Schools apart. One of the most obvious to the casual observer is that we are not just Broncos; we are Bronchos with an H. Sometimes our unique spelling elicits questions such as “Where did the H come from?” and even teasing from sports rivals who say things like “Here come the Bron-chohs!”

One day this past August, after being playfully teased by another district while out in the community on our leadership retreat, I decided that it was time to define the H. During our annual all-staff Convocation on August 13, I did just that.

Below is an excerpt from my welcome message to our staff that I would like to share with you, our valued Bayless Community.

We are not just Broncos; we are Bronchos with an H. That H represents values that have guided us throughout our journey - hard work, humility, honesty, high expectations, and hope.

Hard work is the foundation upon which our district stands. It is the dedication and perseverance that each one of you brings to your classrooms, offices, and every interaction with our students. Let us continue to push ourselves and our students to reach new heights, knowing that hard work is the key to unlocking their potential.

Humility reminds us to approach each day with graciousness and openness. We recognize that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and it is through humility that we can truly connect with our students, their families, and our colleagues. Let us always remember that each of us is a work in progress, learning and growing everyday.

Honesty is the bedrock of trust. It is through our integrity and transparency that we build strong relationships with those we serve. Let us continue to foster an environment where honesty is valued and cherished, enabling open communication and growth.

High expectations are what set us apart. We believe in the extraordinary potential of every student and every staff member. By setting the bar high, we empower our students to believe in themselves and achieve greatness. Let us continue to challenge ourselves and our students to exceed expectations and reach for the stars.

Finally, hope guides us through the challenges and uncertainties we may face. It is the unwavering belief that, with our collective efforts, we can make a difference. Let us be the beacons of hope for our students, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions.

I invite each and every one of you to exemplify the H in Bronchos this year. Let us embrace hard work, humility, honesty, high expectations, and hope in all that we do.

Our students are looking to us for guidance and inspiration, and it is through our actions that we can make a lasting impact on their lives.

This issue of exemplifies some of the ways our Bronchos have been the H in their classrooms, on the fields, in the gyms, and out in the community.

Whether you are a Bayless parent, alum, community member, or friend, I invite you to join us and Be the H!

Magazine is distributed to alumni, parents, friends and neighbors. Its mission is to maintain ties among the district, its alumni and all of our friends and neighbors.

In this Issue: Letter from the Superintendent

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High Expectations at Bayless High School

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Helping Hands at Bayless Elementary

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Hard Work at Bayless Junior High

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Hometown Heroes at the Early Childhood Center

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Homecoming Weekend

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Bayless Academic Foundation

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Building a Better Bayless

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Future Focused Friday

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Athletic Success Stories 13

Marc Cox, Class of ‘04

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Sonny Siebert Dugout

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Go Bronchos!

Amelia A. Ruzicka Superintendent of Schools

Cover: ECC Student Emmy Knetzer plays during class.

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From the Schools

H is for High Expecations at BHS:

Pushing students to achieve more An important part of education is being challenged

to grow as a learner and a person.

At Bayless High School, high expectations is a core value for everyone, like science teacher Anadia Groeneman and principal Eric Lawrence.

Groeneman teaches six sections of biology to primarily juniors and seniors. With either college or a career in front of them, she plans her course rigor to teach both the science of life and discipline that will carry them far.

She requires students to keep the class very clean and organized and to be ready to learn every day.

“I set that expectation the first week (of school),” Groeneman said. “I teach them the class routines. We keep all of our papers in a very organized binder.”

A lab in Groeneman’s Class.

Groeneman does not Photo by Colton Wooldridge accept late work, either.

While each teacher at Bayless can set their own policy on late work that makes sense for the course, Groeneman finds her policy important for the classes she teaches.

She said she has experienced minimal pushback from students on this.

“It’s usually only a couple of students (who disagree with her class rules), and it’s usually at the beginning of the year,” Groeneman said. “They’re frantic and want to turn in several late assignments — and I don’t take late work. After that first two weeks of school, they learn the routine and how to manage their time.”

Groeneman is around to help if a student needs it.

When a student needs to catch up on organization or other classwork, she will work with them to make sure they get back on track.

All of the work culminates with the End of Course 4

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exam in May, a state-required exam, and the only high school science course with a state test. Students have a year’s worth of information in their binders to look back on and study from, which has been reflected in the high schools’ science scores over the past few years — all well over the state average. Groeneman also said she has had students go on to STEM programs in college and refer back to their binder from biology in some of their early courses.

Groeneman’s view of high expectations is indicative of BHS as a whole.

“I’m a firm believer that wherever your expectations are — kids will meet them,” principal Eric Lawrence said. “If you have average expectations, kids are going to meet that, and they’re going to stop. If you have high expectations, it pushes people to achieve more.”

A level of trust is required to make this work. Groeneman working with students who need help is part of that.

“If you have trust there, you can raise expectations,” Lawrence said. “It’s not an overbearing, or overwhelming situation, it’s just trying to bring the best out of everyone.”

A student performs a lab in Groeneman’s Class.

Photo by Colton Wooldridge

At the end of the day, the best of Bayless students is a high level of achievement.

“I’m very proud of how our kids do,” Groeneman said.

“I set the challenge and the expectation at the beginning of the year, and Bayless kids never let me down.”

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A Helping Hand at BES Students at Bayless proudly hail from all

is a collaboration between the St. Louis County parts of the world. With over 35 native languages, Police Department, KMOV Channel 4 and local school districts to recognize students for their we work to make sure everyone is a Broncho. good behavior, This year, Bayless has over 350 students in English Language Development classes at varying heroic acts and service to the proficiency levels. ELD students learn more community.

English daily and work on settling into life in at “Actions by Bayless. students like ELD students are also a source of support for Omar help in the their fellow classmates. As has been the case for moment, but they Bayless students for many years now, students are a community who speak multiple languages are quick to jump Sultani works with an A+ service, too,” in and lend a helping hand. tutor during math class. principal Aaron For example, Omar Enayat is a third grader in Kohler said. “By helping a classmate or a sibling, Erin Wegmann’s class and has several cousins it strengthens our community and school.” across the school. He has been in school for Actions like Omar’s are not just limited to one several years, and has a good grasp of English. He Broncho.

Aryan Sultani is a second grader in frequently helps his cousins navigate the day-toKristen deJong’s class. He started at Bayless in day things of school. On the first day of school, kindergarten and is an exemplary student. one of his cousins, new to school, was having a This semester, a new student joined his class hard time adjusting. Omar came in and comforted who mainly speaks Dari. When he heard that, him to let him Aryan jumped in to let Ms. deJong know that he know everything could help, since he speaks both Dari and English. was going to be He has been there to help his classmate adjust to okay.

Bayless. For his efforts, he was honored via Future “Omar has a Focused Friday, which highlights students who positive attitude exemplify the Portrait of a Bayless Graduate. and is a very Abdul Hadi is a fifth grader in Claudia Peth’s hard working class, and he is helping a few students at his end student,” of the school, including one of his siblings. He Wegmann assists people with translation to make sure they said. “He has understand, and he helps in many other ways. helped several “Abdul has always shown a willingness to help of his cousins anyone, from running an errand to cleaning learn school Omar at the Do The Right Thing up, walking with another student somewhere expectations Presentation in Maryland Heights. or trying to make someone feel better, and now and checks in to helping people communicate,” Peth said. make sure they As the students help each other, they live out are following them.” what it means to be a Broncho with an H. Omar was recognized by the St. Louis Do the Right Thing program this fall. Do the Right Thing Lifestyle Magazine

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From the Schools

Hard Work to build the future at BJH Multiple times a month, a group of students

at Bayless Junior High gather to improve their school.

It is hard work, but the BJH Student Council is there to get things done.

From planning the school’s appearances in both the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce and Bayless homecoming parades, hosting a face-painting booth at the Homecoming Festival, running fundraisers like “Turkey Teacher” (which ended with science teacher Chris Ross in a turkey costume before Thanksgiving and over $120 raised for Care to Learn) and a pep assembly in tandem with NJHS to end the fall semester, the council is working to move their school forward.

“We haven’t Science teacher Chris Ross in a turkey costume after Turkey Teacher. planned a pep assembly before,” advisor and english teacher Hannah Mitchell said. “I took the officers to a conference with the high school student council to help build ideas. We’re just getting started as a student council. We’ve planned dances before, but we’re trying to become a true student council with service in mind.”

The pep assembly before finals did not involve teachers in any way (outside of their participation in a staff vs. student game), with the students doing every part of the event.

Focusing on service is a vital part of education as 6

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students grow into young adults. An active student council can go a long way in helping make a building work together and, at the same time, teach students the value of leadership.

“I like the leadership aspect of it,” secretary Hope Hafertepe said. “Being involved in the school is nice.”

High school senior Nadia Amghar speaks at the junior high finals pep assembly.

Even outside of official leadership positions, members are very active in operations.

“For the parades — I wanted to bring more posters to hype people up,” eighth grader Angelica Adkins said. “I love sharing ideas and helping turn them into things. All of us are inclusive to other’s ideas.”

Having the students lead the council’s initiatives and projects allows them to succeed.

“Junior high kids respond really well to their peers,” Mitchell said. “(As teachers) we speak to them all day, so this is an opportunity for the kids to listen to each other.”

Another benefit the council provides is an organization accessible to anyone, regardless of where they are in school. “(The BJH) Student Council is open to everyone — which allows kids an ‘in’ that might not have it in other ways,” Mitchell said.

As the council continues to work, the staff and students at BJH are eager to see what is next.

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Hope through Hometown Heroes at Bayless ECC At Bayless Early Childhood, the

just to highlight these heroes A student works with maintenance but to show students that they worker Bryan Crider to mend the Itty Bitty Bronchos are learning playground fence. can be heroes too.

Part of what from a variety of heroes in their it means to be the “H” in Bronbackyard. The full-day classrooms are piloting a new curriculum, “Cre- chos is teaching children that ative Curriculum,” which Missouri’s heroism doesn’t always come from department of education has put out grand gestures — it can be found in the small moments of hard work, recently. dedication, and commitment. By Part of the curriculum connects learning about the roles of the the students with real-life heroes people around them, students are in the community. These “everyday heroes” are more than just role beginning to see that they too can make a difference in their commumodels; they are a vital part of the fabric that makes the Bayless com- nity and the world.

Officer Eric Middendorf munity special. Throughout the year, The response from the children speaks to ECC Classes. students have met and learned from has been overwhelmingly positive.

They are eager to learn about the individuals who bring hope to the world. One visit was St. Louis County different careers and roles that Police Officer Eric Middendorf, one help shape their world. Whether of Bayless’ School Resource Officers. aspiring to be a police officer, a Eric helped students understand the student-athlete, a gardener, or a firefighter, our youngest learners important role of law enforcement are gaining a new appreciation for in keeping our community safe. In the diverse ways people contribute another visit, Junior high athletes to the greater good. shared their passion for sports, The Bayless Early Childhood staff showing our youngest learners the is proud to be part of this exciting A student handles a tool at power of teamwork and dedication. adventure, helping their students the Affton Fire Station on During the fall, students from the envision a future filled with opporSeibert Avenue.

High School Garden Club inspired curiosity about nature. The student’s tunities to lead, help, and make their mark. As the favorite trip was when firefighters year continues, they look from the Affton Fire House on Seiforward to welcoming bert Avenue showed how they use even more everyday hespecialized tools to save lives. Mr. roes into the classrooms, Bryan Crider, a dedicated member showing children that the of the Bayless maintenance team, has given students a glimpse into the world is full of possibilbehind-the-scenes work that keeps ities waiting for them to explore.

Student athletes from the junior high our campus running smoothly.

The goal of this curriculum is not

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speak to classes about playing sports.

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Homecoming Weekend

The Homecoming Parade and Festival in October was a phenomenal Saturday. Thank you to everyone who attended!

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Issue 2020

The Bayless Academic Foundation: Help for Hard Work The Bayless Academic Foundation exists to inspire students and support teachers by providing independent funding for programs offering innovative learning opportunities. Since its founding almost 30 years ago in 1996, the BAF has provided numerous opportunities for Bayless students. Teachers apply for a grant that a commitee reviews, and the foundation disperses funds to help make the approved supplementary activites a reality. Here are several things classrooms have done with foundation funds.

Translation in ELD Classrooms

Students in Mrs. Tiffany Maloney’s English Language Development (ELD) class have been working on choosing question words to go in sentences.

The photo on the right shows students using the translators purchased with a BAF grant to work in multilingual groups to talk with each other about which word they thought would be correct in the sentence. These translators allow students to work efficiently as they engage in on-the-spot language practice with peers.

Audiobooks in the Elementary Library

With money from the Bayless Academic Foundation, the elementary library doubled the size of its audiobook collection from 20 books to 40. Last year, those 40 audiobooks were checked out over 500 times by students in grades 3-5. The audiobooks are generating some new excitement around reading for many Bayless students.

A variety of opportunities in the Early Childhood Center The Early Childhood Center used a BAF grant to enhance curriculum. One of the center’s main focuses over the past year has been to increase students’ fine motor skills. They received LCD writing tablets and have used them as a way to practice grip and letter formation.

The tablets allow the students to try again and again without needing more materials.

Teachers also received books to enhance social-emotional and math curricula.

Ways to support the Bayless Academic Foundation As a 501(c)3, the BAF welcomes donations from anyone looking to support education at Bayless Schools. A donation link can be found with the QR Code on the left. You can also mail checks to: Stephen Terrill, 4530 Weber Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Please make checks payable to the Bayless Academic Foundation.

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Building a Better Bayless

Creating Hope for the future Building a Better Bayless Thanks to the generosity and

main office, ensuring controlled acsupport of the community, Bayless has cess and greater peace of mind. Adcontinued working to make the district ditional upgrades at the high school included renovated restrooms and a a great place to learn and grow. As 2024 comes to a close, Bayless School new nurse’s office, ensuring students District is excited to share updates on have access to modern, comfortable, facilities. Many of these renovations several construction and renovation were made possible with grant fundprojects that have transformed the campuses. These efforts reflect BSD’s ing from the state of Missouri.

At Bayless Junior High, an old classongoing commitment to providing a safe, modern, and supportive learning room was transformed into a refreshed teacher’s lounge and faculty environment for students and staff. restroom, creating a private, comfortOver the summer, crews completable space for teachers to relax and ed a new entry vestibule at Bayless collaborate. A particularly meaningful High School, improving both access and security. The expanded entrance project involved restoring the original terrazzo flooring from 1934. Thanks allows students and visitors easier to the dedication of our maintenance entry while keeping doors securely and custodial teams, the restored locked throughout the day. Visitors floors now gleam with renewed beaunow check in through the updated

The entry vestiuble at Bayless High School under construction in August 2024.

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The updated high school office reception area.

Issue 2020

ty, showcasing a timeless feature of our school. The original gym was also updated with new paint and sound-absorbing panels to The updated JH Gym with freshly painted walls and improve acoustics. sound control panels on the walls and ceiling.

Bayless Elementary also received minor upgrades drainage was improved, and new lawn to flooring in the main office and liareas were added for students to enbrary. More significantly, following a joy during recess. Seating areas and plumbing failure in December 2023, a newly created teaching patio now the Hildesheim wing of the school provide an inviting outdoor learning required extensive repairs. Over the space that blends play and education. summer, crews worked diligently to Progress on the new Bayless Cenreplace damaged flooring and ceiling tral Office building on Gravois Avenue tiles, ensuring that classrooms and re- is nearing completion. Interior finish strooms were ready for students when work and landscaping are underway, school resumed in August. These and we anticipate opening the facility repairs were made possible with inin the first quarter of 2025. This modsurance funds. With those essential ern administrative center will enhance repairs completed, attention shifted to our ability to support students, staff, enhancing the school’s outdoor envi- and the entire Bayless community. ronment to better serve students year- The continued efforts to improve round.

Bayless’ facilities are driven by our The rear yard of Bayless Elementa- dedication to preserve, enhance and ry underwent significant landscaping create a better Bayless for our sturenovations in September and Ocdents, staff, and community in the tober. Flood damage was repaired, years to come.

Progress over time on the elementary rear yard.

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Portrait of a Graduate: Students

Future Focused Friday:

Bronchos of all ages developing the Portrait of a Graduate The Portrait of a Bayless Graduate is a set of four competencies we teach to all students, and it will

provide them with skills needed in tomorrow’s workforce. By the time a student walks across the stage at graduation, they will have been taught to be a Collaborative Communicator, Problem Solver, Critical and Creative Thinker, and a Global Citizen. This year, Bayless has highlighted students who exemplify how those skills show up in our classrooms, on the fields and in the community. The Portrait is for all Bayless students, from the youngest Itty Bitty Broncho in the ECC to the first senior to receive their diploma. Watch the Bayless social media pages for the biweekly series!

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Issue 2020

Athletics

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Athletes of the Week Grace Ladouceur was a force on the court this fall, contributing to Bayless Volleyball’s 22 wins.

Grace is a member of the Class 3 All-State Volleyball team, and is likely the first-ever female student athlete from Bayless named to an All-State team. She was named the South Central Activites Association Conference Player of the Year, a First-Team All-District selection, and now holds the record for most career kills in school history.

She did this only playing at the varsity level for three years. She was selected as a Post-Dispatch Athlete of the Week after a career-high 23 kills in a match against Farmington.

Emma Bolden held down the catcher position for Bayless Softball this fall. She was selected as a Post-Dispatch Athlete of the Week for her performance during a four-win week for the team leading into the postseason. Her season stats included a .634 batting average, 36 stolen bases, 33 runs scored and an OPS of 7.32. She was named the SCCA Co-Player of the Year, First-Team All-District and Regional Coaches Second-Team.

Marvin Jones set a program record on the ground this season for Bayless Football.

Jones set the Bayless single-game rushing record with 275 rushing yards in a 44-12 win over Dupo (Illinois) in the early part of the season, earning him the Post-Dispatch honor. He was a player teams had to watch out for due to his explosiveness and speed.

Jones ended the year with 1,251 rushing yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry, and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground.

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Portrait of a Graduate: Alumni

Portrait of a Graduate: Marc Cox’s journey in the Marines There is a quiet, unassuming building on the

eastern edge of the Delmar Loop. It’s only two stories, but on the front is emblazoned the name of an honored military branch— Marines.

Staff Sergeant Marc Cox has his recruiting office inside, doing something he considers a crowning achievement in life — helping people just like his younger self find a path forward. The location is conducive to it too — his office is at what he lovingly calls “the middle” of St. Louis, where many of the region’s groups tend to collide geographically.

SSgt Cox is a St. Louis native, a Bayless graduate, and he’s been a collaborative communicator his whole life.

SSgt Cox grew up in North St. Louis, near Natural Bridge Avenue and Kingshighway. In fourth grade he came to Bayless through the VICC Program and stayed there until he graduated. He speaks fondly of the experiences he had at Bayless, and says coming back to his alma mater is one of his favorite parts of being in charge of the recruiting station here.

SSgt Cox graduated from Bayless in 2004. He looked to join the military in 2009 after completing some undergraduate work. Being in the armed forces was not his initial plan, but he did have a desire to serve his neighbors.

“Service to the country was always something that was in my mind,” Cox said. “It might not have been in the military, per se. It could’ve been in the medical field, even in the religious field. My grandfather 14

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was a bishop when he passed, my grandmother is a pastor. I kind of thought for awhile that would be the route I took.”

Several conversations with his family, who all suggested he would fit in a military environment, began to push him in that direction. It was then a process of choosing which one.

“I looked at the four major branches, and the Marine Corps didn’t stick out to me,” Cox said. “You hear about the others all the time.”

But during his search, the other branches got crossed off the list. For Cox, the Army felt too large, the Navy had longer deployment cycles, and the Air Force was for brainiacs (something Cox now admits is true of members all branches, but he didn’t quite catch that at the time). He intentionally left the Marines for last. “(I said to the recruiter that) I’ve always heard that you guys are just, hardworking, you guys go in first, you leave last, you guys are straight edge and the most dangerous person in the room,” Cox said.

“Then the recruiter said ‘well what if people stop sayIssue 2020

ing that about just us and start saying it about you?’”

That sealed his choice — he was going to be a Marine. In July of 2009, he had been waiting for a contract to come up, and got a call from a recruiter on a Tuesday. There was a spot open as an aviation mechanic, but he had to leave Thursday.

He packed up his apartment in two days and got on a plane to San Diego. Recruit training began shortly after.

“It’s 13 weeks, which is the longest in the Department of Defense,” Cox said.

After 13 weeks of recruit training, he was officially a Marine, but still had another month of combat training, which covered many of the weapons the Marines use in combat situations. Then he spent another year of training on the east coast learning to work on aircraft and eventually got stationed in San Diego.

During his early years, Cox also set off on an international deployment. He was sent to Japan, where he and his fellow Marines had to act as informal “Ambassadors to the World.” Since service members are one of the main ways Japanese citizens interact with Americans, Cox had to understand the culture and communication barriers that might exist in that context.

“It’s really about knowing what the American

SSgt Cox and his daughter on their front porch.

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culture is, positive or negative, and how others view us,” Cox said. “As a Marine — holding true to everything that is just and right. While you’re there, it’s a full on Cox in high school in the respect, and an exploraearly 2000s. tory mindset and being willing to try new things.

You have to respect the people and their place — because it’s theirs.

“There’s a historic aspect to being over there as well,” Cox said. “We fought each other in a war.

During my time I’ve been to Pearl Harbor, where that war started, and to Hiroshima, where the war ended.”

Cox had several jobs after his time in Japan, building a diverse skillset he credits the Corps for providing. He worked his way through the ranks, eventually being promoted to the Non-Commissioned Officer rank of Staff Sergeant.

“Marines have the unique opportunity of being really good at a lot of stuff,” Cox said. “One hat I wear now is station commander for St. Louis. Before that it was quality assurance for a division of Marines in aviation.”

Between Ospreys, Hueys, rotary and others, he oversaw many different aircraft. This is where being a collaborative communicator is truly important.

“Relying on the thinking heads around me,” Cox said. “There’s Marines that have been through this before me, seen it done a million times — why not reach out to them? Then being able to translate and teach that to a new generation. And sometimes (younger Marines) have different approaches than I might, and that approach is the missing piece.”

That willingness to collaborate is an important example for not only the Marines under his command, but anyone looking to succeed in life.

Collaborative Communication, paired with one other thing Cox finds vital in the recruits he speaks to, will take people far.

“Consistency,” Cox said. “You might not get it right, but never stop shooting. One foot in front of the other, if you keep on that path you’ll be alright. That will help you — not just here in the Marine Corps — but in any profession.”

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4950 Heege Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63123 p. 314.256.8600 - f. 314.544.6315 Website:

baylessk12.org

Read the magazine digitally at: issuu.com/baylessschools

Where’s Joe Broncho?

Joe was hiding on one page in the last issue of

. In that issue, Joe was on page seven in a photo of a junior

high student walking across the stage at promotion. Can you find Joe the ONE time he appears in this issue?

the sonny siebert dugout During the Homecoming Festival, Bayless dedicated the home dugout at Bayless Ballpark to Wilfred “Sonny” Siebert. Siebert graduated from BHS in 1955, played basketball and baseball at Mizzou, then played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball. Siebert played for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and several other teams.

He won 140 games and posted a 3.21 era in his career, which included All-Star game appearances for the American League in 1966 and 1971. Sonny visited Bayless Ballpark with his family on October 19 to see the dedication.

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Issue 2020