g
mexico high school
the growl
vol. 90 • issue 6 May, 11, 2016 online: mhsgrowl.com
639 N. Wade, Mexico, MO 573-581-4296 x. 2726
HAIL TO THEE, CLASS OF 2016 senior tribute edition
The Growl Seniors Say Farewell
To the babies, the underclassmen, and those being left behind: I’m not gonna lie. I’m excited to leave you. Don’t get me wrong - I’ll miss you. I’ll miss you and your smiles and the mixture of struggles and laughter that we have shared. I’ll miss you - but I’m glad to be going. I’m sad to be leaving, but I’m happy to be moving on. They say high school is “the best days of your life.” I know a lot of you shake your head or roll your eyes or let a huge sigh when adults throw that phrase at you. You think you’d rather be anywhere than high school, that surely things will be better as soon as you can get out of here. But you see, time is what you make of it. If you decide that you are going to hate every minute of your time here at MHS, you probably will. But if you decide to put your best effort into high school, to find joy in every day, to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, to, as Thoreau put it, “suck out all the marrow of life,” you will find yourself living a different story. If you decide to make your life a life worth living, it surely will be. As for me, these have been the best days of my life. And I fully intend to make the next few years the best days of my life. So yes, I am sad to be leaving high school, to be leaving all of you, but I am ecstatic to see what my future holds. Life is what you make of it - high school is what you make of it. Make it beautiful. Michaela Grubb
Green tea is green tea if it’s just green tea. Jacob Jaeger I’ve been at MHS for four years now, but it’s time to say goodbye. Goodbye to all the friends, teachers, and memories that I’ve had here. I can’t wait to see what everyone becomes, including myself. Allison Smiley If you are reading this, it means I am now finishing up my last year of education in Mexico Public Schools. It also means it’s time to “say goodbye,” but I refuse. I will NOT say goodbye to a place that has raised me; a place that has been my home for 18 years. I don’t understand how anyone can just say “goodbye.” That being said, I will say “see you later.” I may leave for a while, but I always know who taught me how to live. Home is where the heart is, and Mexico will always be home. Haley Barnes These last four years at Mexico High School have been good. I was on the football team, as the kicker and also as a linebacker. I was on the wrestling team with a great group of boys who are like brothers to me. Good luck to the boys on the team and next year’s wrestlers! I have learned a lot at Mexico High School, I have learned to enjoy the little things even if it doesn’t seem like it’s a lot. Blake James
Denial “I’m not going to be a senior next year, that’s not even possible.” Every junior says this at least once, including myself. The idea that you are getting ready to start your last year of high school is hard to believe. It takes a long time for it to sink in, and the first human instinct is to deny it. Sadness High school, as much as you hate to believe it, is going to be one of the best times of your life. Four years of sporting events, dances, relationships and finding yourself really leaves an impact on you. When the realization hits you that your last year is coming up and you have to say goodbye, it’s like hitting a brick wall. Anger Usually you take this stage out on your teachers and parents. You are beginning to realize that you are not going to have an authority figure telling you what to do, you are going to BE the authority figure. Fear Though you won’t admit it, the thought of becoming a senior terrifies you - at least it does me. The expectations of everyone around you are getting higher, and you are starting to realize that all the little stuff that happened was actually the big stuff; you took it for granted. Acceptance Sooner or later you get over the sadness, anger, and fear, and you accept the inevitable; senior year is here. Your older friends are gone to college, you’re playing your last season of high school sports, and you’re making the most out of the last nine months in the place you’ve called home for the last four years.
The Five Stages of Becoming a Senior by MaKenzie Resa
g
mexico high school
the growl
The Growl is produced monthly and is a school-sponsored stand-alone publication. The Growl is a free publication produced by the students of Mexico High School journalism class. For information on advertising in The Growl contact 573.581.4296 x. 2726. Editor Michaela Grubb Staff Haley Barnes Payton Bledsoe Cember Glynnell Jacob Jaeger Blake James Aubrey Long MaKenzie Resa Allison Smiley Adviser Ms. Jami Williams
Senior members of The Growl staff are, from left: Michaela Grubb, Haley Barnes, Jacob Jaeger, Blake James and Allison Smiley.
• 2 • OP-ED
The Growl • May 11, 2016
The Growl also produces a weekly online edition through its own website at www.mhsgrowl.com. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration of Mexico High School, other members of the staff, or the faculty adviser to the newspaper. The Growl is supported on a monthly basis by advertising sales.
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Senior year - (n): is a huge year for everyone. The seniors are leaving to start their lives, the underclassman are losing their older friends, and the whole atmosphere is a mixture of joy and sadness. Taking on the world alone is scary, and while it’s good to be looking forward, what lies behind matters just as much. Every senior has that moment that defines who they want to be, and what they want to do, in the future. Every moment is similar and unique at the same time; they all happen, but they all happen in a different way.
defining
senior year moment of your
by MaKenzie Resa
Taylor Alexander (n): It will be graduation day because I have known what I want to do for long time.
Bethany James - (n): We had to order all of our graduation stuff, and it really hit me that I was going to be leaving soon.
Ethan Musgrove - (n): April 16 was exactly one month until graduation day, and on that day it hit me that I was going to be in high school for just one more month.
Sadie Patton (n): We went to a nursing home and I realized that nursing is what I want to do with my life.
JW Turner (n): I haven’t had my defining moment yet. I think it will probably be the day that I leave and say goodbye to this place.
2753 South Clark St. • Mexico 573.581.8668
Precision Eyecare
Robert Reynolds - (n): When you realize there isn’t anything already planned, there’s a panic and you start trying to pull a plan together. I’m just now starting to figure out what I may do after I graduate.
2015-16 yearbooks WILL BE DISTRIBUTED in Room 106 at MHS beginning the second week of the 2016-17 school year.
North side of the Square • Mexico 573.581.7064
May 11, 2016 • The Growl
FEATURES
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Little Miss Smarty Pants by Michaela Grubb
The fact that her senior index is going to require another page added to the yearbook should be indicative of how involved in high school she is. Class of 2016 valedictorian Rachel Owings has left no stone unturned at Mexico High School, except maybe one... and you’ll find out about that in a minute. The Growl wanted to provide a snapshot of this amazing young woman. In her high school career alone she has started a not-forprofit business, been elected student body president, been crowned
Q: Scariest thing you’ve ever done? A: Ride in a car driven by my brother. Q:What did you want to be when you were little? A: Six feet tall Q: Favorite kind of carb? A: Bagels are so good. So is pasta. But I love bread stuff like muffins. And OMG potatoes in various forms. But pasta. Q: Your idea of the ultimate pet? A: Gretchen, my dog. Q: It’s the Zombie apocalypse... What’s your weapon of choice? A: I’m bad at weapons. Can’t shoot. No guns. I’m weak. No swords. I want an armored tower and a catapult. Q: If you were on The Voice, who would you pick for your coach? A: Well, Adam Levine is kind of attractive, but I don’t really know. Q: You’re kind of a fashion warrior... What are your favorite two prints to mix? A: All of them. Q: So then, where is your favorite place to shop? A: Sale racks. Q: You are going to the inaugural ball… who designs your gown? A: Naeem Khan Q: What is one thing you didn’t do in high school that you wish you would have? A: Academic bowl is my one regret.
$2 off any oil change valid until 6/30/16
Call or e-check-in! 573.581.2890 • 800.224.2890 millertire@gmail.com www.millertiremissouri.com
Miller tire of mexico • 4 • FEATURES
The Growl • May 11,
Homecoming queen, escorted the young man who would be crowned Mr. Bulldog, been nominated as a Prom queen candidate, travelled to the state competition for speech and theatre, and managed to remain humble, sweet and genuine. A young lady like that deserves more than just the routine “secret to my success” interview, she deserves an eye-opening, soul-searching swan dive into who she really is... but that should be saved for later... Below is what The Growl deemed necessary information.
Faces of Rachel:
Top left: Owings begs her way out having to sing as part of her talent at the Homecoming assembly. Above: As Molly in the Fall production, Owings had plenty of line learning to do. Left: As a member of the 201516 Homecoming court, Owings was honored to be part of the festivities.
MHS memory “The last day of school Carnival. I raced Ms. McDole in the obstacle course and won!” -Caleb Claggett
“Junior year in theatre we had four perfomances, and we were so exhausted from that that we all took a nap backstage on the cheer mats.” -Maddie Strunk
favorite my
“Senior year Sadie because it was my first dance with a date.” -Blake Smith
“Going to home football games.” -Lauren Martincic
“When the Mexico softball team went to state because it was the first time they had ever been to state. -Morgan Hall
&
then NOW
2004
Gas: $1.74/gallon Milk: $3.23/gallon Movie: $6.21/ticket Bread: $1.20/loaf Popular Toy: Robosapien Popular Vid Game: Half-Life 2 Top Movies: The Notebook The Incredibles Mean Girls Top Songs: Yeah! by Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys This Love by Maroon 5
&&&& 2016
Clip this coupon for
$20 off
Gas: $2.28/gallon Milk: $3.52/gallon Movie: $8.61/ticket Bread: $2.32/loaf Popular Toy: Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Check-up Center Popular Vid Game: Battlefield 4 Top Movies: Star Wars: Episode VII Hardcord Henry The Witch Top Songs: Panda by Desiigner 7 Years by Lukas Graham One Dance by Drake
your next purchase!
201 E. Monroe, Mexico • Landmark Bldg. • 581.1350
May 11, 2016 • The Growl
FEATURES
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Words to Live By
Haley Barnes “Learn to be active learners, take ownership of your learning. Use technology for learning, not just twitter and snapchat. Use it to forward your learning.”
Payton Bledsoe Jacob Jaeger “Life is like mathematics. Celebrate when things are going well. Persevere when things are challenging. Constantly reflect and learn along the journey.”
Ms. Yount
“Remember where you came from because even the most humble beginnings can evolve into storybook endings and you can achieve greatness.”
Mr. Cortez
Mr. Louder
Unsolicited Advice from your
Grown-Ups
“Work ethic may not be what people look for on dating sites, but it is an attractive quality. Look for opportunity everywhere.”
Mr. Burgin
“Success comes not necessarily to the smartest people, but more to the people who are willing to work.”
Ms. Russell
“Set your goals, achieve those goals, and pave the road to success.”
Deb Fountain
Pickering Funeral Home 430 N. Western • Mexico, MO 573.581.3207 www.pickeringfh.com
•6•
FEATURES
The Growl • May
PERFECT FOR YOUR GRADUATION CELEBRATION! Mon-Thur: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: closed 573.581.5442 Call for a To-Go! Banquet room available!
1100 E. Liberty St. • Mexico, MO
REMEMEBER This... CAN I GO TO THE BATHROOM?
AND THOSE ARE JUST THE FIRST 278 REASONS
FINALLY WATCHES BRAVEHEART
Show Me Credit Union congratulates
“I DON’T KNOW... CAN YOU?” WHEN SOMEONE WALKS SLOW
IN FRONT OF YOU IN THE HALLWAY
NOT TO PLAY FETTY WAP IN CLASS..
WHEN YOUR FRIENDS CANCEL PLANS
AT THE LAST MINUTE
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meme - (n); mem: a humorous video, picture or piece of text that is copied (often with variations added) and spread rapidly by internet users. Here are some of our favorite pictures of teachers that we have turned into memes.
the Mexico High School Class of 2016
Our members are our family!
a fresh way to celebrate a life that is blooming...
Wonneman's Flowers 573.581.5661 • 500 N. Washington
RIGHT ON THE
MHS Advanced Production
MONEY Strong roots. Endless possibilities.
Front: Becca Kristofferson; second: Jacob Jaeger, Seamus Levin; back: Dylan Goodman
These students are right on the money. As the recipients of one of the most prestigous broadcasting awards in the nation, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, seniors Dylan Goodman and Jacob Jaeger and sophomores Becca Kristofferson and Seamus Levin understand the value of investing in something meaningful. The hard work paid off. The students will travel to Washington D.C. on May 25, 2016, to accept the award. We congratulate the students of Mexico High School’s advanced production class.
May 11, 2016 • The Growl
FEATURES
•7•
the LAST word
might even see a fa- performed. Your efforts made lives and chose to give a piece mous musician we can my Twitter followers rise past of their lifework to you; the name a new recital hall a thousand! teachers, counselors, secreafter or a tech entrepreMost importantly, your en- taries, coaches, administraneur that builds a high thusiasm made my life and tors, lunch ladies, and custotech-learndial crews ing makat MHS Your enthusiasm made my life and the er space and HCC. lives of all the faculty and staff of MHS come from We gave and HCC extremely rich. your class. our best -Dr. Terry Robinson I rebecause member you were cheering worth our for many best efof your touchdowns, the lives of all the faculty and forts. volleyball spikes and staff of MHS and HCC exAlways treat yourself as CHEER ARMY rock- tremely RICH. valuable. Love is an action ing the house, best of However, the time for learn- and I hope you saw our colall was seeing your ing in a public school setting lective actions at MHS in class come together for has passed for you – we’ve your life. Best wishes as you the Dawg Pound and seen your senioritis and we depart, encouraged; you certhen POUNDING it! know you’re more than ready tainly encouraged us. I loved seeing your slam to go on to the next chapter dunks and three-pointers, of your life! admiring homeruns and Consider what you have races won, and highlighting learned from kindergarten projects you created as well until now and remember as speeches and plays you those that pushed into your
Farewell to the class of 2016. I’ve been waking up to work with you all and the faculty and staff that served you since 2012. As I reflect on your smiles, enthusiasm and just watching you grow up from your freshman to your senior year I get sad and joyful all at once. You see, educators come back to high school on purpose, we want to be with you – we take joy in seeing you grow up and find sadness when our time with you is over. We remember when you struggled and when you rose to the challenges of rigorous courses and extra-curricular events. We remember when we guided or chastised you some and then saw you shine! However, I’m still trying to get Michaela Grubb to wear shoes. A part of our adult souls are still in the high school of our own youths and our job was to encourage you during your high school years. Who knows, eventually Sam Lee might actually dunk the basketball after all my shout-outs in his direction and D’Milo Nunnelly might play for the Chiefs and James Norton for the Celtics; we
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Dr. Terry Robinson, Class of 1988 Mexico High School principal
Dr. Terry Robinson
VITAL INFO FOR GRADUATION
May 12 12:30-3:30 p.m. Practice in Gary Filbert May 13 8:30-noon Scholarship Assembly in Gary Filbert May 15 6 p.m. Baccalaureate in Emmons Hall May 16 8:30 a.m. Practice in Gary Filbert May 16 8 p.m. Commencement at Hawthorne Heights
FOR LAST MINUTE WEATHER INFO: follow us on Twitter @MexicoMoHS
Everything you need to make graduation a wonderful event and a beautiful memory! building materaial • paints • varnishes builders hardware • special plan service
120 East Liberty • Mexico 573.581.5656
103 N. Washington, Mexico, MO • 573.581.7400
Helping people is our business! Pat Farnen • Todd Yager 425 S. Jefferson St. • Mexico 573.581.5330 • www.arnoldfh.com
The Growl • May 11, 2016
LAST LOOK
Kirk Ekern, Agent
1122 E. Liberty • Mexico, MO 573.581.4111 • kirk.ekern.ndj9@statefarm.com