The Pony Express, Vol. II, Issue 04 (Feb. 2019)

The Pony Express The student newspaper of Center Hill High School

February 2019

Center Hill High School

Volume 2, Issue 4

District Champs Kaeden Laws sinks 3-pointer to beat OB

By Sarah Claire Miller Staff Writer After two prior losses this season to Olive Branch, the Center Hill High School boys basketball team beat Olive Branch Feb. 15 for the District 1-5A championship.

Kaeden Laws’ last second 3-pointer pushed the Mustangs ahead of the Quistors, 49-48.

The next day on Twitter, Laws,

who had a total of 16 points in the game, said he was giving all glory to God for the buzzer beater and victory.

“Coach told us not to give up and we came back from 10 points down in the 4th and won at the buzzer,” the 6-foot-4-inch small forward tweeted. “I love my team, I love our fans and we love our city. NOW LET’S GO GET THIS RING!!”

As they continue their journey

to reach their goal of a state championship, the Mustangs will play at home Feb. 23 in round one of the MHSAA playoffs. In the meantime, The Pony Express caught up with the CHHS sophomore to ask him about the social media buzz – good and bad – his game-winning shot created.

Q. What was going through your mind with the .3 seconds left on the clock?

A. I was thinking about where I could get to get my shot off and win this game.

Q. How badly did you want to beat OB? A. I wanted to beat OB really badly because it’s the most we’ve prepared to beat a team as long as I’ve been here. At the beginning everything started going downhill with bad calls, but then coach brought us all together.

Q. What’s the next step?

A. I think we’re playing Saltillo next, but we will practice and watch film, practice some more, and keep getting better from there.

Q. What are your remarks on what people are saying about you scoring after the buzzer went off?

A. I don’t have nothing to say, but the trophy is ours.

CHDT ranks 10th in nation

By Max Lankford Staff Writer On the heels of winning double state titles in pom and hip hop in December, the Center Hill Dance Team placed 10th in hip hop at the Universal Dance Association competition in February.

“This is the third year in a row that we have made it to finals,” sophomore Kaitlyn Wilty said.

“Being 10th in the nation shows that CHDT works extremely hard. It shows that we have hardworking athletes.”

To prepare for Nationals, held annually at Disney World in Orlando, “We practiced every day before we left,” Wilty said. “We ran every day to get our stamina up to have as much energy in the routine.”

Once they arrived at the theme park, Nationals was not all fun and games.

“What most people don’t know is that we never get to actually go to a park and ride rides and stuff until after the competition,” said Brittnie Sandridge, one of the team’s three co-captains.

“We practice, compete, practice, compete. Then once we’ve worked and done what we came to do we can play and have fun.”

Sandridge said winning would not have been possible without the dancers’ collective desire to do their best.

“We just work as a team and our coaches really push us to keep wanting more,” she said.

“One of our mottos that our coach says after every practice is ‘Stay Humble. Stay Hungry.

Keep working hard.’ We make

Photo by Katie Whitaker The Center Hill Dance Team won double state titles in hip hop and pom and is also now ranked 10th in the nation in hip hop.

sure to keep setting goals and we work till we reach them and every single girl gives it their all because we love to dance and we love each other.”

CHDT sponsor Kerry Matthews also attributed the team’s performance to help from dancers at the University of Memphis, ranked No. 2 in the country, and coach Chrissy Rodefer, who came on board last May. “Our new coach really raised the bar in terms of the difficulty of the choreography,” Matthews said. “The more difficult the choreography, the higher your team scores. Chrissy does a really good job of taking the judges’ comments and critiques and applying them to the choreography before semis and finals.”

Now that they have their third national ranking, “It feels so good to be able to leave my legacy to

CHDT knowing that all of our hard work has paid off, and that

not only my leadership but other alumni have set examples for the

younger girls to be great leaders also,” Sandridge said.

Cheer earns 17th in first-ever Nationals

By Sarah Claire Miller Staff Writer After their first-ever trip to Nationals, the Center Hill High School cheerleaders are now ranked 17th in the country. Cheer competed in the UCA Large Varsity Game Day division in February.

“Nationals has been a dream of CHHS Cheer for many years,” said Kristie Cohea, who co-sponsors the squad with Melissa Smith. “We feel that making it into semi-finals and placing 17th out of 40 in the nation speaks volumes to the girls’ dedication to building a tradition for CHHS Cheer.”

Smith said the experience was

memorable.

“The moment they called our name out in the ESPN Championship Stadium is a moment we will always remember,” she said. “To see the joy and the tears on the girls’ faces after finding out that they had achieved what they set out to do was priceless. We could not be more proud of them.”

Reed Simmons, a sophomore, said she and her teammates have been perfecting their routine for the past six months.

“This was the first time we went and we improved our team a lot this season,” she said. “We learned our original routine back in September and have been improving it based

on the judges’ input from regionals and state.”

Simmons said the work was worth it.

“We ended up making it to semifinals our first year, and we’re all really proud of the routine we put on the mat,” she said.

Sara Hissong, a junior, said their performance at Nationals speaks well of CHHS Cheer.

“Not only is it our first year going, but we also got into semifinals,” she said. “Most teams take years to get to semifinals. We practiced almost every day after school. It was so worth it. We are going to work 10 times harder.”

Mustang Spotlight

Meet musician Drew Hutchins

Photo by Micheal Feild Drew Hutchins practices the drums in the CHHS Band Hall.

few questions to find out more about this Mustang.

By Micheal Feild Staff Writer You may know Drew Hutchins as a junior who is a percussionist in the Center Hill band. But did you know the 16-year-old, who plans to atted Brown University, plays multiple instruments and earns money by performing at churches, weddings and funerals?

The Pony Express asked Hutchins a

Q: How many instruments do you know how to play?

A: Four. Organ, piano, bass guitar, drumset.

Q: How long have you been into music?

A: Since I was about four.

Photo courtesy of Drew Hutchins Drew Hutchins plays the organ at his church.

Q: What kinds of things do you do outside of school?

A: I play piano at my church, New Mount Gillian Baptist Church, at gigs around Memphis, and at weddings and funerals.

A: Since freshman year.

Q: How much do you get paid at gigs?

A: About $250 a gig.

Q: Why do you perform for others?

A: It’s kinda just like my second nature.

Q: How long have you been in band at Center Hill?

Q: How’d you first get into playing piano?

A: My dad plays keys, my mom sings, and my granddad used to sing.

college?

A: Brown.

Q:What do you plan on doing in college?

A: I plan on minoring in music.

Q: What do you plan on doing when you get older?

A: I want to produce music.

Q: Where do you want to go to

Center Hill students, staff not immune to flu epidemic

By Emily Merz Editor-in-Chief Like the rest of the state and much of the nation, sounds of coughs and sneezes are echoing through the halls of Center Hill High School as the flu epidemic takes its toll on students and teachers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu cases in all 50 states, and all but three states have widespread flu activity. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, “During week 03 (01/13/19- 01/19/19), the overall state ILI rate (4.2%) increased from the previous week (3.6%), but was lower than this time last year (9.4%).”

In District I, which includes DeSoto County, the rate for week 3 is 5.3%, which means about

one of every 20 residents has some form of influenza.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish/ chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

According to cdc.gov, flu can be prevented by frequent hand washing as well as covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.

There have been many student absences in the past few weeks, due to the flu. Senior Sophie Webb was among those who battled flu-like symptoms for three days.

“I really didn’t want to miss school, because I didn’t want to get behind in my classes,” she said.

Even though Webb did not come to school sick, some students do and that’s not OK,

The Pony Express Emily Merz Editor-in-Chief Ginny Shikle and Michelle Jones Advisers Doug Payne Principal

“I really didn’t want to miss school, because I didn’t want to get behind in my classes.”

Sophie Webb Senior English teacher Victoria Moore said.

“When students come to school sick, they share the illness with others, which is how so many students become infected,” Moore said. “I have a 3-monthold baby, and like other teachers with children, I don’t want to take illness to him.”

Health and school officials caution that the flu spreads very quickly, and the symptoms do not always show up right away.

When symptoms appear, there are many ways to get better, including rest, medicine and

plenty of fluids.

“I mainly just slept and stayed warm to get better,” Webb said. “I went to the doctor and they gave me some flu medicine, but I just slept mostly and drank a lot of water.”

Flu symptoms can appear suddenly, and the virus spreads very quickly, especially in a place like a school, where hundreds of people share the same spaces.

“Many students feel fine in the morning and then they’re out sick with a fever that night, and by then they have already infected someone else,” attendance clerk Cathy Dawson said.

Students typically miss around five days when they have the flu, so their doctor’s note is not turned in until the sixth day.

Dawson recommends faxing a doctor’s note to the school so the

The purpose of The Pony Express is to inform the students and faculty of Center Hill High School of events and issues that affect them. The Pony Express is an after-school club that is supplemented by students in the Foundations of Journalism class.

As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of Center Hill. Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of Center Hill, its students and faculty.

absences can be excused before truancy letters are mailed after five unexcused absences.

Students who receive a truancy letter after being out with the flu or another illness should contact Dawson and turn in the doctor’s note as soon as possible so that the problem can be resolved.

From a teacher’s perspective, Moore said extended absences from the flu hurts the classroom dynamic.

“It is detrimental in an English class setting because having students out limits the amount of unique perspectives during class discussion and analysis,” she said, adding that so far this school year she has had more than five students out with the flu. “My class thrives when there are multiple approaches to a work of literature. Fewer students can mean less lively discussions.”

All opinion pieces are the views of the individual writer, with the exception of staff editorials, which are unsigned and reflect the consensus of The Pony Express staff.

The Pony Express is a member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, which named our publication Most Improved High School Newspaper for 2017-2018, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

To advertise, contact Ginny Shikle at ginny. shikle@dcsms.org. Submit questions, comments and letters to the editor to ponyexpresschhs@gmail.com.

Winterfest

The Hill celebrates basketball win over Lewisburg

By Sarah Claire Miller Staff Writer Even though the Mustangs won the game, the stars of Winterfest were King Venquez Smith and Queen Nichole Herbert. The seniors at Center Hill High School were crowned Jan. 18 during halftime of the boys basketball game against Lewisburg, which the Mustangs won 117-45.

“It was an honor,” Herbert said.

“It’s one thing to be put on the court and I was so thankful for that, but to be voted by a majority of the school as queen is so crazy.”

Herbert said she felt “pure and utter shock” when she heard her name.

“To be able to represent a group of girls with such amazing qualities is more than I could ever ask for,” she said. “I only wish that a crown could be given to everyone, because it’s so obvious that so many other girls also deserved one.”

In addition to Herbert, other members of the Senior Court were Hannah Ewing, Kimberly Jackson, Kyndall Jones, Christany Liggins and Faith Williams.

Junior representatives were Kennedi Evans, Maggie Gaines, Breanne Jimenez and Sydney Lee. Sophomores elected to the court were Candice Buford, Alexandria Edwards and Ada Vu, and Laurel Allen and Zoey Moore represented the freshman class.

Winterfest, like Homecoming for basketball, is a tradition at The Hill.

“With me being a senior and winning Winterfest King, I feel honored and as if I belong to a special part of the school’s history,” Smith said.

Sophomore Kaeden Laws, who

Photo by Ana Le On Battle of the Bands dressup day during Winterfest Week, Band Director Jared Ross wore a Center Hill Marching Band uniform.

Photo by Katie Whitaker Nichole Herbert and Venquez Smith were crowned Winterfest Queen and King during halftime of the boys basketball game against Lewisburg on Jan. 18.

escorted Edwards and played in the game, described the experience as amazing.

“Playing in the game was awesome,” said Laws, a small forward for the Mustangs. “The atmosphere and crowd was one of the best we’ve ever had. Being on the court was an honor. It was a lot of fun and I hope I can do it again.”

Prior to the boys game, the Lady Mustangs beat the Lady Patriots 60-32. During halftime of the girls game, the Winterfest Sweethearts and Beaus were presented.

Photo by Kymoria Mottley

Photo by Sarah Claire Miller

Senior Jacob Wright wore his cowboy best on Country vs.

Country Club dressup day.

Maggie Clifton, sophomore, and Trinity Baynham, senior, dressed up as characters from “Saved By the Bell” and “Nurse Jackie” on TV Show vs. Movie Day during Winterfest Week.

Soccer All-Star Brayden Hellums chosen for All-Star soccer game

By Emily Merz Editor-in-Chief

Brayden Hellums, an Itawamba Community College commit, was selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches AllStar soccer game.

“It’s a huge honor,” Hellums said. “Not many people in DeSoto County get picked for it. I was the first boy from Center Hill Soccer to get picked in recent years.”

Hellums, a center defensive mid for the Mustangs, played in the all-star game Feb. 16 in Brandon.

“I am extremely proud of Brayden,” boys head soccer coach Andrew Yeoman said.

“He has started since his freshman year for me and

it’s been fun to watch him develop as a player and a person. To be chosen to play in the state all-star game is a great accomplishment, and he is a great example of what hard work can do for you.”

Yeoman, who called Hellums a versatile player with “an extremely high soccer IQ,” said Hellums has other valuable skills.

“He brings leadership and communication, which is one of the best I’ve been around as a coach,” Yeoman said. “He organizes the team.”

Teammate Jay Price said Hellums also motivates the Mustangs.

“Brayden is an exceptional player on and off the field,” Price said. “He comes in every day and pushes himself and

Photo by Nancy Toche Brayden Hellums, left, a center defensive mid for the Mustangs, pulls a move on defender Spencer Reynolds to try to make a shot during soccer practice. Hellums was selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star game on Feb. 16.

others around him to the fullest. If anyone deserves to

go play in the All-Star game, it’s him.”

Staff Writer Sarah Claire Miller contributed to this story.

Full Court Press Teachers take the W in annual fundraiser

By Nada Herzallah Staff Writer Teachers help students in the classroom but took no prisoners on the court Jan. 25 during the annual faculty-student basketball game at The Hill.

“It was really fun and exciting,” said drama teacher Jensen Jacquet, who helped her team topple the students 45-34.

“I played in high school, but I haven’t really touched a basketball since.”

Even though she hasn’t played since she was a forward on the girls basketball team at d’Iberville High School on the Coast, Jacquet managed not one but two 3-pointers during the game.

“Honestly, it was a little

surprising,” she said.

Daniel Xu, a senior, also made a 3-point shot.

“Daniel’s 3-pointer was the best part of the game,” senior Kyle Shipway said.

Sophomore Reagan Green preferred head football coach and athletic director Alan Peacock’s antics.

“My favorite part was when Coach Peacock threw his hat and ripped his shirt off,” Green said.

Green and Shipway were among the 742 students who purchased tickets for the game, which is a fundraiser for the Student Council.

Student Council co-sponsor Ashlee Young said the group raised $2,226 to fund projects such as the purchase of

Photo by Jackson Smith With students closing in, Coach Caleb Wilcke grabs the ball in the annual Faculty vs. Student basketball game Jan. 25. The event raised $2,226 for the CHHS Student Council.

microwaves in the cafeteria.

“All the little things we can do for the school,” Young said,

adding that the club has also sponsored student-faculty volleyball games. “I don’t think

the students have ever won, to be honest.”

Archery

Analysis

Patriots reign continues with Super Bowl win

By Laine Crabb Staff Writer

On Feb. 3, the New England Patriots brought home their sixth title since quarterback Tom Brady started calling the shots in 2001.

However, it was the defense, not Brady, that led the Patriots to their 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

If you prefer offensive football, Super Bowl LIII probably did not keep you on the edge of your seat. The Patriots defense came in with a superb game plan, and they executed it to perfection. LA was held to only 57 yards of total offense in the first half of play.

New England found the perfect antidote to counter the run heavy and play-action pass offense of the Ram’s.

Coach Bill Belichick’s defense shut down the Ram’s star running back, Todd Gurley, only allowing him 35 yards on 10 carries.

However, the Patriots were not the only ones with a strong

defensive scheme. The Rams allowed just one touchdown, a goal line rush from rookie sensation, Sony Michel. Brady, who is rightfully branded the greatest quarterback of all time, threw one interception and no touchdowns.

There was just one thing giving an edge to the Patriots, and his name is Julian Edelman. Edelman had a big day, catching the ball 10 times for a total of 141 yards. On the Patriots touchdown scoring drive, the Super Bowl MVP caught two big passes on critical third down plays.

It was another year of complete postseason domination by the New England Patriots. The Patriots were considered the underdog in many big games this year, but that was fuel for Belichick and Brady to lead their team to another Super Bowl win.

Also, in case you were wondering, Brady is not done yet.

Photo by Jackson Smith Tyler Jones, center, takes aim during a home archery match Feb. 12. CHHS beat Lake Cormorant and DeSoto Central. Top scorers were Hannah Willard and Garrett Betts.

Your business could be featured here!

To advertise in The Pony Express, email Ginny Shikle at ginny.shikle@dcsms.org.

Cooler days and nights don’t mean you have to give up enjoying your backyard.

8365 Center Hill Road Olive Branch, MS 38654 (901) 755-3207