Highlights June 2022

More than 420 Pattonville High School seniors celebrated earning their diplomas during graduation on May 26. Shown above, senior Ty Procter, standing center, cheers during the ceremony. He is shown with Valent Orta, left, and Camryn Peebles. At left, Angel Hale, front left, and Jenna Hall, front right, show off their diplomas. They are followed by, from front to back, Dominic Gregory, teacher Sarah Hollstrom, Macy Hanford and Tyler Hannebique. Below, Elizabeth Burton poses for a photo with high school principal Teisha Ashford.

From the Superintendent

Last missive from a lifelong Pirate

As I write my last column as superintendent before I retire, I can’t help but think about all the wonderful memories I have of this great school district. After growing up in Bridgeton and attending Pattonville schools from kindergarten until graduation, having the opportunity to return to the community that helped shape who I am as a person is something I’ll always cherish.

I’ve served in three different positions during my time in Pattonville and each one is special to me in its own way. As principal of Briar Crest Elementary School, I had the opportunity to become connected with a school community. I’ll never forget the bond that I formed with the students, families and staff. As the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, I was able to lead new teaching and learning initiatives throughout the school district.

I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Having the privilege to serve as superintendent the past four years was the highlight of my professional career. I thoroughly enjoyed working closely with our board of education on the many important issues that came our way. I’m thankful for the wonderful Pattonville staff who come to work each day to support our students as they journey through their young lives. I’m also proud of the amazing students who call Pattonville home.

There are so many reasons Pattonville is an incredible place, but to me, at the top of the list is the people. Our families, community members, staff and students. A collection of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make certain Pattonville and the communities it serves remain strong and get better each year. Pattonville will forever be a part of who I am.

PHS named national distinguished school

Pattonville High School has been recognized as a 20212022 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of just 191 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW (Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of pre-K through 12th grade students and teachers in more than 12,200 schools across the U.S. This is the second straight year Pattonville has received this award.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs.

To be eligible for the designation, Pattonville High School had to meet the following criteria in the 2020-2021 school year:

• Had at least 25% of students participate in PLTW high school courses, or of those who participated during the 2020-2021 school year, at least 33% take two or more PLTW courses during their tenure at the school;

• Offer and have students enrolled in at least three PLTW high school courses;

• Had strategies and procedures in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty and gender and can support such claims with relevant data.

“We are honored to recognize Pattonville High School for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience despite the last two years having been some of the most challenging in recent history for students and educators across the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. David Dimmett, interim president and CEO of PLTW. “Pattonville High School should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.”

On June 14, the Pattonville Board of Education approved the hiring of three people for administrative positions in the district. They will begin their new roles in the 2022-2023 school year.

Taylor Koenig has been selected as the administrative intern at Willow Brook Elementary School. Koenig is an elementary administrative intern in the Rockwood School District. Prior to that, she was an elementary teacher at Remington Traditional School in Pattonville starting in 2016. Koenig has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from Maryville University. She will begin her new role on July 1.

Elizabeth Strain will join Parkwood Elementary School as the administrative intern. Strain has served as Wentzville School District’s school support interventionist since 2019. She started in Wentzville in 2015 as a special education teacher at Heritage Intermediate School. Strain has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in cross categorical special education, both from Southeast Missouri State University. She also earned her master’s degree in education leadership from Maryville University this spring and is currently enrolled in Maryville’s educational leadership doctoral program. She will begin her new role on July 1.

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Pattonville School District has provided free meals for all students through the funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been extended multiple times by Congress. That funding is now set to expire, which means free meals will no longer be available to all Pattonville students in the 2022-2023 school year. Families who meet the criteria for free/reduced meals will be required to reapply starting July 2022 when the income guidelines change. For more information or to download forms to apply, visit Pattonville’s meal service eligibility website at https://bit.ly/PSDMeals or contact food services by email at psdcafe@psdr3.org.

Candice Wayne has been selected as the director of human resources effective July 5. Wayne is the human resources manager at the School District of University City and previously served as the human resources coordinator performance manager and human resources generalist. Prior to that, Wayne worked as a senior human resources representative at Magellan Health Services and at the Hazelwood School District as a recruitment and talent development specialist, human resources assistant and elementary teacher. She started her career as an elementary school teacher at Christ the King Catholic School. Wayne has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a master’s degree in human resource management from Webster University.

Important information about re-enrollment

Parents/guardians of students returning to the Pattonville School District in August will receive an email on July 5 notifying them that online registration is available. The email will provide step-by-step instructions for completing the registration process. Without this completed, a student will not receive a schedule or be added to a class list, depending on their grade level. Parents/guardians are asked to take a few moments to complete their online registration to ensure their child is ready for the first day of school. The deadline to complete online registration is Aug. 8 for middle and high schools and Aug. 12 for elementary schools and Remington Traditional School. The first day of school for the 2022-2023 school year is Monday, Aug. 22.

Dr. Tim Pecoraro Superintendent Follow on Twitter: @PattonvilleSupt

Three administrators named for upcoming school year

Eligible families encouraged to sign up for free/reduced meals

Candice Wayne Elizabeth Strain Taylor Koenig

Pattonville senior Rozella House gives a presentation about her research on UV light as part of her final biomedical science class.

Pattonville High School recognizes Top 10 seniors in Class of 2022

Pattonville High School recognized its Top 10 seniors based on grade point averages after seven semesters of high school. These students had grade point averages (GPAs) that fell between a 4.6 and a 4.75 on a weighted scale. The Top 10 seniors in the Class of 2022, their declared majors and the universities they will attend are:

1. Justin Bowers, computer science, University of Missouri-Columbia;

2. Keilah Wilkes, biological engineering, University of Hawai’i at Manoa in Honolulu;

3. Loudin Cato, double major in biology and French with a minor in bioinformatics, University of Florida;

4. Dominique Bradshaw, environmental engineering, Washington University in St. Louis;

5. Lauren Marsala, environmental studies, Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont;

6. Savannah Sowell, secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics, Missouri Baptist University;

7. Alondra Mendez, secondary education with a focus in math, University of Missouri-St. Louis;

8. Lindsey Meyer, major in civil engineering and play soccer, Trine University in Angola, Indiana; and

9. Tied for ninth - Lilly Buehrle, double major in biology and psychology on the premed track, Washington University in St. Louis; and Alison Skelton, major in French teacher education and minor in teaching English to speaker of other languages and teaching family and consumer sciences, Illinois State

PHS honors top senior, departmental excellence during Senior Awards Night

Members of the Class of 2022 were recognized during Senior Awards Night before graduation. Pattonville High School senior Matthew Reese was named the Outstanding Senior for the Class of 2022. The Outstanding Senior is chosen each year from teacher nominations.

The high school also honored several seniors with Outstanding Senior Departmental Awards and other special recognitions. Each department recognizes one student who has shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. This year’s departmental award winners are: Charley Bennight, art, mathematics and social studies; Lana Berry, theater; Justin Bowers, English language arts and technology and engineering; Delani DeCarlo, health sciences; Bryant Ewing, speech and debate; Alyssa Koller, band; Isaiah LoParco, physical education; Elly Lu, orchestra; Lindsey Meyer, modern language (German); Yassine Ndiaye, English learner; Brennan Pritchett, skilled technical sciences; Hannah Radican, vocal music; Katie Ridings, Echo yearbook; Kalista Roades, community service; Alison Skelton, modern language (French); Jessie Stark, modern language (Spanish); Meredith Stroud, family and consumer science; Malik Taylor, business; Orney Walker IV, production technology arts (Pirate TV); and Keilah Wilkes, science.

The following students were also recognized with special awards: Anthony King, Thomas Frick Service Award; Wilkes, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete; and Bowers and Meyer, Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Award of Excellence.

Special community scholarships were presented to recipients on stage followed by students being recognized with academic and achievement awards.

View a photo gallery from Senior Awards Night at bit.ly/SeniorAwardsNight22.

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University.

The Top 10 seniors in the Pattonville Class of 2022 are, from left, Justin Bowers, Keilah Wilkes, Loudin Cato, Dominique Bradshaw, Lauren Marsala, Savannah Sowell, Alondra Mendez, Lindsey Meyer, Lilly Buehrle and Alison Skelton.

Shown are the students who earned departmental awards during the 2022 Pattonville High School Senior Awards Night.

Matthew Reese was named the 2022 Outstanding Senior.

BRAGGING WRITES - ATHLETICS

Honors,

Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Award of Excellence

Pattonville seniors

Justin Bowers and Lindsey Meyer were selected to receive the Award of Excellence from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). The award recognizes athletes for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity.

College signings

The following Pattonville student-athletes recently made a commitment to play a sport at the next level:

Alliah Allen, Lindenwood University, cheer; Justin Coleman, Labette Community College, basketball; Haley Edmonds, Missouri Baptist University, volleyball; Ronnell Johnson Jr., Fayetteville State University, basketball; Wyatt Martin, Maryville University, swim; Matthew Reese, Culver-Stockton College, volleyball; Lauren Turner, Lindenwood University, cheer; and Amaya Washington, Jackson State University, cheer.

Baseball honors

The following students were named all-conference first team: Charles Burns as pitcher, Mason Lee as infielder and Nicolas Neal as utility player. Named all-conference second team are Tyler Floyd as utility player, Keegan Fowler as infielder and Jackson Podmore as catcher. Tyler Pinkley received the Sportsmanship Award. The team was coached by Rob Simpson with the assistance of Victor Fink.

Bowling honors

Two Pattonville students recently competed in the 2022 state bowling MOUSBC Pepsi Youth Championships. Junior Charles Burns placed first in the U18 boys division and freshman Donald Simpkins placed fifth in the U15 boys division. The Missouri United States Bowling Congress (MOUSBC) promotes communication and fraternization between organized bowlers and proprietors in the State of Missouri, as well as a connection to the national organization. Additionally, junior DonMonique Simpkins placed second in the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) Jr. Evansville U18 Girls Central Regional tournament in Indiana.

Boys golf honors

Patrick Clifford was named all-conference first team. Lukas Cates and Jeff McKinney were named all-conference second team. Thomas Clifford and Brennan Shipman were named all-conference honorable mention. The team was coached by Scott Hutson with the assistance of David Gross.

Lacrosse honors

Senior

Helen Bae was named all-state and all-conference first team for midfield. This is the first time a player from Pattonville has been named all state. Additionally, Charlotte Taylor was named allconference first team for midfield. Players named all-conference second team are Hallie Friedrich for defense and Chloe Kerwin for attack. Named all-conference honorable mention are Jessica Bae for attack and Selena Riede for defense. The team was coached by David DiPasquale and Hannah Cooper.

Boys tennis honors

Loudin Cato and Beckett Grabner were named all-conference first team. The team was coached by Jeff Gross with the assistance of Shaun Patrick.

Girls soccer honors

Kate Germano was named all-conference first team. Named all-conference second team were Julia Blankenship, Mattie Ohlsen and Allison Schrumpf. Players named all-conference honorable mention were Britini Benedict and Lindsey Meyer. The team was coached by Tomi Benney and Marcus Christian.

Girls track honors

The girls track team placed fourth at the MSHSAA state championships and had two individuals win state titles. The team competed in six events and collected 44 total team points. At state, A’Laji Bradley placed first and set a school record in the 400 meter dash and third in state in the 100 meter dash — tying the school record — and the 200 meter dash. Camryn Hubbard placed first and broke her own school record in the 800 meter. In addition to their state accomplishments, Bradley and Hubbard were named all-metro first team. Placing third in state in the 4x400 meter relay were Bradley, Hubbard, Gabby Hurd and Keilah Wilkes. Placing third in the 4x800 meter relay and breaking the school record set in 1982 by .01 seconds was Jam Blair, Hubbard, Hurd and Wilkes. Additional students who competed at the state competition were Riesen Riley and Rebecca Simpkins. The team was coached by Corey Lewis with the assistance of Margaret Hall, Matt McClellan and Stefan Seals.

Boys volleyball honors

Three players were named Academic AllState. They were Justin Bowers, Loudin Cato and Matthew Reese. Reese was also named alldistrict first team. Players named all-conference first team were Bowers and Reese. Isaiah White was named all-conference honorable mention. Valent Orta earned the Sportsmanship Award. The team was coached by Jenell Franken and Alexa Kramer.

Water polo honors

Isaiah LoParco and Miles Moeller were named allconference first team. Daniel Mamrenko was named all-conference second team. Michael Steinbecker was named all-conference third team. The team was coached by Tom Crockett with the assistance of Gabe Faron.

Justin Bowers

Alliah Allen

Haley Edmonds

Wyatt Martin

Lauren Turner

Justin Coleman Johnson Jr.

Matthew Reese Washington

Lindsey Meyer

Charles Burns

Donald Simpkins

DonMonique Simpkins

Members of the high school lacrosse were named to all-state and all-conference teams. Players include, from left, Chloe Kerwin, Jessica Bae and Helen Bae.

Members of the girls track team competed and placed at the state meet. They include, from left, Riesen Riley, A’Laji Bradley and Camryn Hubbard.

Members of volleyball team earned honors. They include, from left, Matthew Reese, Justin Bowers and Isaiah White.

Water polo players named to all-conference teams include Isaiah LoParco, left, and Michael Steinbecker.

Beckett Grabner

Our Learners

WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fifth grade camp provides chance for new experiences, new learning, new friends

After a two-year hiatus, fifth graders were thrilled for the return of camp this year. For decades, fifth graders at Pattonville have attended overnight camp where they can meet fellow students, have new experiences and enjoy the great outdoors.

During the four-day camp, students live in cabins, eat camp food and participate in outdoor activities. Most activities are based on promoting team building with additional educational themes. This year, students participated in a climbing tower, ropes course, fishing, campfire building, archery, nature walks and arts and crafts. They also experienced science-themed activities like stream biology, erosion and engineering. And the fun didn’t end when the sun went down. At night, activities included scavenger hunts, campfire songs and Action Auction, a camp version of a talent show.

“Camp was amazing,” said fifth grader Omolola Ogunmola. “The best part was the fun activities. My favorite was stream biology. In that activity, I got to collect wildlife in a stream. There were many tadpoles, and it was awesome to find wildlife on my own.”

The schedule was jam-packed with activities so the campers always had something to do. Everyone was up at 7 a.m. for breakfast. Then students headed to their two morning activities. Everyone regrouped for lunch and down time before three more afternoon activities. Dinner followed, with night activities that lasted until about 9:30 p.m.

“Students are busy, and the days are packed,” said fifth grade teacher Erin Kostos. “Students stay with their club all day but at each station they are partnered with a different club so it gives all the campers a chance

ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

to meet students from other schools and see their friends from their school throughout the week.”

One of the most unique things about camp is that it allows campers to meet students from other elementary schools in the district. Two schools attend camp at the same time, and students from each school share cabins and attend activities together. This gives them a chance to meet people they will go to school with in sixth grade.

“Making new friends made camp fun,” said fifth grader Chloe Jones. “I like that we got to know kids that we are going to middle school with.”

For some students, this is their first opportunity to go camping or spend an extended time outdoors.

“For many, this is the first time they are not only sleeping away from home, but going somewhere without their parents or a family member,” Kostos said. “This is a chance for them to develop independence. Camp gives them a chance to explore who they are in a new environment with new people. That is such an important thing for them to learn as they make the big transition to middle school.”

The fifth graders also get to meet high school students who serve as counselors.

“Camp creates a great opportunity for our younger students to see what their future in Pattonville could be,” Kostos said. “The high school students that were chosen as counselors have made an impact in the lives of these fifth graders. By the end of the week, the students look up to them and see them as role models and friends. Fifth grade camp is one more thing that makes going to school in Pattonville unique and special.”

Fifth grade musical reminiscent of students’ recent camp experience

J

ust days after returning from fifth grade camp, Rose Acres Elementary School fifth graders made another trek into the wilderness to visit “Camp Runamuck.” At least in their musical imaginations. Fifth grade comes with many traditions at Rose Acres, including a real camp experience, a Missouri history field trip to Jefferson City and a fifth grade musical. This year’s musical was called “Summer Camp” and explored familiar territory such as making new friends and learning new skills while away from home at camp. Music teacher Emily Doherty picked the musical written by John Jacobson and Mac Huff and published by Hal Leonard for that very reason.

“I think there’s something special that happens when the kids are placed in an environment outside of their comfort zone,” Doherty said. “They learn so much about themselves and what they’re truly capable of. Some of these students have never been camping before and didn’t realize how much

the elements would affect them, but when they find out that almost everyone is hot, sweaty, sunburnt, wet from the creek, afraid of heights, scared of spiders, etc., I think it brings them closer.”

The COVID-19 pandemic put the musical tradition on hiatus for two years, but students jumped right into performing during the last month of school. They premiered the performance with their classmates before repeating the musical in the evening for their families.

“I love giving students the opportunity to express themselves in both musical and theatrical ways,” Doherty said. “Some students truly come alive when they are playing a character and getting to speak into a microphone. Most of the students love the songs so much that they even sang them on the bus to camp and at different activities. I always try to choose a musical that will have a fun theme but also provide a bit of a challenge, and ‘Summer Camp’ does just that.”

Willow Brook Elementary School fifth graders Mila Camenzind, left, and McKenna Hunter pause for a photo while fishing during Pattonville’s fifth grade camp.

Rose Acres Elementary School students stage a campfire storytelling experience during their fifth grade musical. Shown seated are, from left, Sofia Lammert, Malachi Ball, Evan Seely and Malik Kirk. Laila Caver is shown standing behind the group.

PATTONVILLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Water play provides sensory exploration for new learning opportunities

Though it might look like students in the Shark class at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center were just splashing around, water play can help improve children’s balance and strength.

“Sensory exploration is a time to let our friends try new experiences,” said Kelsey Naglich, an early childhood occupational therapist. “The more opportunities we can give them, the better, and also, it’s a lot of fun.”

Students that qualify for direct occupational therapy demonstrate weaknesses in sensory processing skills or fine motor skills. Early childhood also has full-time physical therapists that work with children demonstrating delays in their gross motor skills.

Not every student in Marjorie Justice’s class has direct therapy needs, but she likes that the whole class gets to participate in these activities together.

“One of our goals at early childhood is to work on that social piece,” Justice said. “We

want our friends to participate fully with their peers in the classroom.”

Playing in water is like playing in a brand new playground where even the simplest activities like touching and walking are a whole new sensory experience.

“Children also investigate wood, dirt, paint and other materials,” Naglich said. “We work on touching and working with different textures and being able to tolerate different types of movements like your head going upside down.”

Justice sees how the skills gained during this time transfer to the classroom.

“If we’re doing an art activity, instead of being scared, maybe they are more willing to participate in activities that their friends are doing,” Justice said. “It definitely helps them participate more and gives them that calming feeling that their little bodies need.”

HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Club aims to foster future educators

Educators Rising is a national organization that inspires students to become future educators and leaders. Pirate Academy teacher Maegan Bowersox will launch a new chapter of the club at Holman Middle School next school year. She hopes that with the district’s Grow Your Own Teacher Program, potential educators will get their start in education at the middle school level and return to Pattonville after they earn their college degree.

“A lot of our students are already teaching each other in our programs,” Bowersox said. “They’re natural leaders and already getting experience of teaching, coaching and mentoring their peers.”

On May 12, current high school students and Educators Rising sponsor Janet Kuhn visited Holman and spoke to students who are interested in joining the club. They talked about club activities and courses like College Credit Education and Teaching Internship that allows high schoolers to intern with district personnel and apply the knowledge and skills learned in the class.

Eighth grader Hadley Skouby said one teacher has made such an impact on her that she is considering a career in education.

BRIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kindergartners count down with letters

As a fun way of celebrating the last weeks of school, kindergartners at Bridgeway Elementary School did an end-of-the-year ABC countdown. Kindergarten teachers Amanda Brodbeck, Megan Hayes and Nisa Peters began the countdown with letter A on April 19 and finished with Z on May 24.

“Students were encouraged to participate in each day’s activities,” Brodbeck said. “On some days, there were items they had to bring from home or something special they had to wear. Other days, we provided the supplies for them, such as bubbles for B day, chalk for C day and Oreos for O day.”

For S, all students wore star sunglasses and played with shaving cream at their desks.

“Each day we get surprises and today, I got these,” Zakerya Zaky said, pointing to his new sunglasses. “Playing with shaving cream was the best because I was allowed to make a mess in class.”

The activity was messy, but educational. Peyton Dawson practiced writing letters, drew pictures and played tic-tac-toe with a partner using a finger in the shaving cream.

“Today is S, so that means we have T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z left,” Dawson said. “That’s just seven more days until I’m in first grade.”

Brodbeck said it was a fantastic school year and this was a fun way to celebrate it coming to an end.

“We’re able to do something fun every day with our friends and get excited to zoom (Z day) home for a fun summer.”

“I had a really, really great teacher from third to fifth grade because I was in the gifted program,” Skouby said. “She was just awesome and I am still in contact with her and I want to do something like that with kids in the future and maybe be a gifted teacher.”

Bowersox said the club would be great for students even if they don’t want to be a teacher. “These are transferable skills,” she said. “They’re learning essential skills for success in any career and getting them to explore teaching before getting to college.”

Occupational therapists Alaina Brooks, back left, and Kelsey Naglich watch as preschoolers enjoy water play. Students shown are, from left, Logan Norfleet, Connor Myler and Carter Haron.

Bridgeway Elementary School kindergartner Zoe Swedlund shares a laugh with teacher Amanda Brodbeck after a quick game of tic-tac-toe using shaving cream on “S” day.

Pattonville High School teacher and Educators Rising sponsor Janet Kuhn, left, talks to Holman Middle School students about starting a middle school club.

Shown are, from left, Madelyn Curry, Shakira Burns and Clay Gunter.

PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Parade of Flags, yearly display celebrates wide diversity of elementary school

The Parade of Flags celebrates the diversity at Parkwood Elementary School with a parade of flagbearing students and staff. More than 30 nations were represented in this year’s event.

“It’s a symbolic representation of who makes up our school,” English learner (EL) teacher Tonya Ferretti said. “We have such a diverse population here at Parkwood.”

About 75 students and two staff members representing 32 different countries participated in the parade held at the conclusion of the school’s final assembly.

“Every student or staff member that is either from that country or has a parent from that country got to participate in the parade,” Ferretti said. “Several students are proficient in English as well as their native language and don’t need EL services at all, so when we do the Parade of Flags, it’s for everyone regardless of their language needs.”

The flags that are used in the parade are hung throughout the school year in the main lobby.

“It makes them feel proud to be seen,” Ferretti said. “They’re proud of the diversity that they bring to Parkwood and I think that’s a real culture here, too.”

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

They only use flags that represent students and staff that are currently attending school.

“Every year, we take down the flags, have our parade and then fold them and keep them away until the fall when school starts back up,” Ferretti said.

At that time, Ferretti and EL specialist Jessica Gerst will look at the list of about 450 students at Parkwood and check to see if any students or their parents are from another country.

“It’s really exciting to have all of these different countries represented in our school,” Gerst said. “The students learn so much from each other and we learn so much from them about their cultures through our dayto-day interactions in the classrooms.”

Eighth grade students solidify science learning with tasty lab experiment

What do you get when you mix a cup of milk, two tablespoons of sugar and a quarter teaspoon of vanilla with a bag full of ice and salt? Eighth graders at Remington Traditional School learned about different states of matter throughout the course of the year and recently conducted an experiment to determine the answer.

“You take all of these liquid ingredients, but with the force of shaking it in a bag, you can feel it start to turn into a solid,” eighth grade teacher Ben Johnston said. “You get to have these conversations afterward like, ‘OK, what just happened here?’ because you can literally feel it in your hands turning into ice cream. I think that’s cool.”

Eighth grade teacher Diane Langston provided all the supplies to make plain vanilla ice cream, but encouraged students to create new flavors by mixing in their own ingredients.

Students added Pop Rocks, dill pickles or cinnamon to make their final products. Gabriella Serra came up with a creative idea using a favorite treat.

“I wanted to make an ice cream that tastes like cotton candy, and because I’m lactose intolerant, I used almond milk instead,” she said. “It was horrible though,

because it was way too sweet.”

Moussa Abraheem thought his beets ice cream turned out pretty good.

“I wanted to put some sort of fruit or vegetable in it and was thinking what type would give me a sweet taste,” he said.

As this is a science assignment, students had to consider what they would do differently if they tried the experiment again.

“I would try to crush up the beets more because there were a lot of chunks in there,” Abraheem said.

Langston added a presentation element to the activity by asking students to create a magazine advertisement for their ice cream.

“I asked them to create something to describe their product that could be used in a publication,” she said. “They got really creative with it and it added more writing to the science part of the lesson.”

Johnston said the students love doing the unit because the learning happens in their own hands.

“The coolest part about it is they get to eat the end product,” he said. “It legitimately tastes like ice cream and they made it.”

Remington Traditional School eighth graders compare the ice cream they made as part of a science lab. They are Moussa Abraheem, left, and Dylan Jamison. Teachers Diane Langston, left rear, and Ben Johnston are also shown.

Above, Ibrahim Kabbara and Yousof Kabbara carry the flag of Lebanon during Parkwood Elementary School’s Parade of Flags. At left, Ryan Eberts, right, smiles as he holds the flag of Tanzania. He is followed by Natalie Nawik with Thailand’s flag.

Parkwood Elementary School students, from left, Madison Jurilla and Milan Camenzind, teacher Regina Wright, and student Sophia Youngclaus join together to carry the flag of the Philippines during the school’s Parade of Flags.

PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school concert choir gives students the chance to learn, succeed, belong

The Pattonville Heights Middle School Concert Choir recently competed at the Six Flags St. Louis Music in the Parks Festival hosted by St. Charles High School. During the competition, the seventh and eighth grade choir placed fourth in the middle school mixed choir IA division with an Excellent rating. They performed two pieces: “Shoshone Love Song” by Roger Emerson and “Keeps Your Lamps” arranged by Victor C. Johnson. The competitions are not just an opportunity to perform and win awards, but also a continued learning opportunity.

“These festival competitions are a great way for the students to hear some other choirs and see how they compare to them,” vocal music teacher Kurtis Heinrich said. “Most importantly, the judges of the festivals give the groups feedback on the parts of the performance that are done really well and also provide a few things to think about as we continue to work on the music and prepare music in the future. This gives the students a chance to hear comments from other choral professionals in the area on how they can continue their musical journey.”

After performing at St. Charles, the students still enjoyed a dose of roller coasters. The participants traveled to the theme park to celebrate on the rides and take part in an evening awards ceremony in the Old Glory Amphitheater in Six Flags.

In addition to their performance accolades, the team also received the Esprit De Corps Award for showing the highest level of dignity, respect, responsibility and accountability. The award is voted on by the music directors at the host school and parents who volunteered at the festival. Judges take into account the time that the students step off the bus to when they perform to when they return to the bus.

“I’m so very proud Heights Concert Choir was selected as the winner of this award because it shows our students’ level of dedication to how they represent and carry themselves and Pattonville in public,” Heinrich said. “The students in choir love to have fun and know how to enjoy themselves but they also know when it’s time to focus and put the best version of themselves out for the world to see. I think this competition was special for the students because they were recognized for the hard work and dedication they put in on their music as well as the focus they bring to showing respect at all times. It’s one thing for me as their teacher to say how great of a job they are doing, but it means so much more coming from people who don’t know them beyond just that first look and listen.”

A few weeks after their award-winning presentations, students performed for their

DRUMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

friends and family at an after-school concert. They sang the two songs they performed at St. Charles, as well as the crowd favorite “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the movie “Encanto.” During practice the day before, students in one of Heinrich’s classes hugged each other when the song ended.

“One thing I love about the Heights choir program is how welcoming all the students are,” Heinrich said. “It’s a place where everyone who joins is able to find ‘their people’ and feel like they belong. It doesn’t matter when we get on stage together who has been in choir for three years and who has only been in there for three months. The students truly come together as one.”

Elementary students celebrate with school’s first Asian Pacific American Heritage Month assembly

The sweet tones of a second grade class singing colors in Hawaiian filled the multipurpose room at Drummond Elementary School. They sang that ‘ula ‘ula is red, oma’oma’o is green and poni and polo are purple and blue, respectively. The students in Dempsey Fogarty’s class were singing a Hawaiian colors song as part of the school’s first Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month assembly.

The assembly was organized by the multicultural committee, including English learner teacher Mary Sosman, and included special live presentations from students. The assembly started with a brief video introduction to APA month. Sosman explained that Drummond has 19 students from 14 different countries in Asia who speak nine languages. As she named them, students in Fogarty’s class walked on stage with a picture of each country’s flag.

To get to know more about those countries and the Drummond students who come from them, Sosman compiled a video of some of those students introducing themselves, sharing where their family is from - including a picture of it on the map - what language they speak and how to say “hello” in that language. Without prompting, the students in the audience frequently tried to repeat the word or phrase they were introduced to.

The assembly continued with Brenda Kelch’s kindergarten class singing a Hawaiian song, “Aloha Kakahiaka,” which means “good morning to you.” The songs were chosen as a way to introduce students to new cultural experiences in a format that they enjoy.

The final treat of the assembly, though, was a performance by sisters who attend Drummond. Second grader Mesa Baczynski and fifth grader Moe Baczynski performed the Soran Bushi Dance, a dance from Hokkaido, the northern part of Japan. The dance represents the ocean waves and how fishermen catch fish with a net.

“Asia is on the other side of the world and not everyone knows about it, but my performance made people recognize Asian people and their culture,” Mesa Baczynski said. “I felt happy that I learned this dance and performed it by myself with my sister.”

Her sister Moe said, “My mom got a call about the assembly and she encour-

aged us to do it so she taught us the dance and we did it. I liked being the only ones performing a dance because it made me feel special, but I wish there had been more people to dance with us because it is typically a group dance.”

With the growing number of APA students at Drummond, the multicultural committee wanted another way to celebrate the diversity at the school. In addition to the assembly, students also conducted research projects, read books and completed projects in art, music and PE. Sosman said the committee plans to continue doing the assembly in future years, especially because there are several students that weren’t able to perform this year but are planning on participating next year.

Pattonville Heights Middle School seventh grader Nava Shai Douglas sings while choir teacher Kurtis Heinrich directs in the background.

Drummond Elementary School second grader Mesa Baczynski, left, and her sister, fifth grader Moe Baczynski, perform a dance from a region in Japan as part of their school’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month assembly.

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

DISTRICT-WIDE

MLK Essay-Poster Contest

Students from Pattonville School District participated in the Missouri National Education Association’s (MNEA)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. PosterEssay Contest. The theme for this year was “Fulfilling Dr. King’s dream: reading to lead and transform.” The following students placed in the competition. Bridgeway Elementary School first grader Claire Marquand placed first in the kindergarten and first grade category. Rose Acres Elementary School third grader Pearl Krieger placed first and third grader Andrew Meyer Tuter placed second in the second and third grade category. Rose Acres fifth grader Aliyah Brown placed second in the fourth and fifth grade category. Remington Traditional School seventh grader Lakshita Raja placed first and sixth grader Makenzie Van Doren placed third in the six through eighth grade category. Pattonville High School senior Charley Bennight placed first in the 9th through 12th grade category.

BRIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

At the St. Louis Science Fair, Brandon Jewett earned a blue ribbon and Kevin Kelley earned a red ribbon.

ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

The following students earned a blue ribbon: Naila Ashford; Aliyah Brown, who also earned the MOST 529 Award; Levi Dukes, who also earned the American Statistical Association (St. Louis) Excellence in the Application of Statistical Methods Certificate and the East Central District/Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc. Award; DJ Hopson; Pearl Krieger; Talia Masin, who also earned the Bayer Top Young Scientist Award; Josiane Mbu; Donald McCullough; Jackson McCullough; Andrew Meyer Tuter; Adelaide Pagel; Eva Pulley; Will Purnell, who also earned the Bayer Outstanding Scientist Award; John Quinn; Liam Wilson; Raelyn Wilson and Evelyn Yakel. Sam Guthrie earned a red ribbon.

WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

Third grader Caroline Rowe earned a blue ribbon at St. Louis Science Fair.

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

Seventh grader Gabby Cruz earned a blue ribbon at St. Louis Science Fair.

Band honors

HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

Sixth grader Sophia Lewis earned a red ribbon at St. Louis Science Fair.

Newspaper contest

The Holman Newspaper Club placed first in the American Scholastic Press Association’s Scholastic Newspaper Review and Contest. Only three middle schools in the country earned first place recognition this year. The students who are part of the newspaper are: editor Esme

Hurlbut and members Phoebe Candelaria, Christina Chirwa, Markus Istephan Center, Justin Kellner, Samantha Lee and Kady Ohlsen. The club was sponsored by Glenn Changar.

PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greater St. Louis Science Fair

Earning a blue ribbon at St. Louis Science Fair were: Madeline Cremer, Tristan Jenkins, Vrusha Upadhyaya and Barrett Weber, who also earned the Magic House Award. The following students earned a red ribbon: Catherine Howard, Wyatt Paulson, Peyton Rumph, Jackson Rumph, Akayla Williams and Aiden Young.

Seven students from band earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. They are Colin Darrah for saxophone solo, Hebron Ephrem for saxophone trio, Taylor Flores for tenor saxophone solo and saxophone trio, Gruxton Hartley for saxophone trio, Dylan Jamison for drum solo, Drew Koller for saxophone solo and Tyler Manker for trumpet solo. The band was directed by Andrew Smith.

Band honors

Band students participated in the Solo and Ensemble Festival. The following students earned a 1 rating: Kimora Watson, Alexander Willingham and Connor Wilson for alto saxophone solo; Olivia Monroe for clarinet solo; Nathan Weiss for clarinet solo; Noah Winkler for French horn solo; Josh Bean and Blake Meriwether for mallet solo; Xavier Mejia and Edgar Toledo Avalos for trombone solo; Jacob Langston for trumpet solo; Trenton Morell for tuba solo; Jaden Jenner and Peyton McElroy for brass duet; Matthew Duong and Noah Suvansri

for snare drum duet; and Kai Lewis, Izabelle Munguia Smith and Mackenzie Smith for brass trio. The students were coached by teachers Adam Hall and Steve White.

Remington Traditional School seventh grader Lakshita Raja, left, and Rose Acres Elementary School fifth grader Aliyah Brown placed in the MNEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster-Essay Contest.

The Holman Middle School Newspaper Club placed first in the American Scholastic Press Association’s Scholastic Newspaper Review and Contest. Members of the club include Christina Chirwa, left, and Justin Kellner.

Students from Holman Middle School’s band earned superior ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. They include, from left, front row, Kimora Watson, Alexander Willingham and Trenton Morell and, back row, Noah Winkler, Nathan Weiss and Xavier Mejia.

Remington Traditional School band students who earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival include Drew Koller, left, and Gruxton Hartley.

Students from Rose Acres Elementary School who earned a ribbon in the St. Louis Science Fair are from left, front row, Aliyah Brown, Levi Dukes and Evelyn Yakel and, back row, Talia Masin, Naila Ashford, Josiane Mbu and Will Purnell.

Parkwood Elementary School students who earned a ribbon in the St. Louis Science Fair are from left, front row, Wyatt Paulson, Peyton Rumph and Barrett Weber and, back row, Vrusha Upadhyaya, Tristan Jenkins and Jackson Rumph.

Kevin Kelley

Caroline Rowe

Sophia Lewis

Gabby Cruz

Brandon Jewett

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

Urban Scholars Program

Choir honors

The following students were selected to the 5th/6th Grade

Honors

Choir and were part of the choir that earned a 1 rating at the Large Group and Six Flags music festivals: Mikayla Meekie, Chantel Nguyen, Khadime Seck, Havyn Smith, Chloe Tate and Alexa Weilmuenster. At the Solo and Ensemble Festival, three students earned a 1 rating. They are Robye Bozeman Nettles for choir solo and Dylan Blassingame and Olivia Monroe for choir duet. The Holman choir earned a 1 rating at the Large Group Festival. The students who participated were Blassingame, Morgan Booth, Bozeman Nettles, Phoebe Candelaria, Ian Dalton, Y’ne Dixon, Jada Duncan, Riley Dye, Ava Flores, Chloe Jaboor, Meekie, Mackenzie Miller, Monroe, Nguyen, Kenya Porter, Madison Prine, Seck, Smith, Chloe Stokes, Tate, Hannah Wansing, Promise Weaver and Weilmuenster. The choir was directed by Larry Knobel.

PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Band honors

Students in the band earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. They were: Zoe Click for bassoon solo; Mahki Cooney, Shi Gadson and Lily Moreno Munoz for clarinet solo; Ulisses Perez-Sanchez for flute solo; Evan Spell for mallet solo; Henry Lohman for saxophone solo; Tori Stewart for saxophone solo and trio; Iyanna Johnson and Noah VanHoosier for trumpet solo; Kaylee Dyer and Jeremiah Skarin for saxophone duet and saxophone trio; David Adekunle and Mikehale Ferrer for woodwind duet; and Ronnell Boatner, Trannelle Boatner, Tyler Hubert, Eureka Kibombi and Henry Urbina for brass quintet. The band was directed by Abby Hall and Liz Pace.

Choir honors

The following students earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Ensemble Festival: Christi Dyer, Emily Erickson Karanja and Sabrina Jackson. The choir was directed by Kurtis Heinrich.

Orchestra honors

Senior Bryant Ewing was selected to the Urban Scholars Program at Marquette University. The program seeks first-generation college students who show academic promise and commitment to enhancing their community through intentional action and involvement. The program includes a full-ride scholarship for the recipient’s four-year undergraduate program.

World of 7 Billion contest

Junior Devin Scharer earned the Best in State award in the World of 7 Billion video contest. Her video, “Zoning in our Cities,” explored population growth. Entries were required to speak to the challenges of population growth in the area of agriculture and food, ocean health or urbanization. The world-wide video contest received more than 2,600 entries from 48 countries and 45 states. Scharer’s video was published on the World of 7 Billion website.

College Prep Program

Orchestra honors

The following students earned ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival: Ash Burroughs and Maxwell Fetter for cello solo; Mia Baczynski and William Truong for string duet; and Macie Bowersox, Chelsey Felder, Aubrey Holdren, Danson Moxley and Arrianna Watson for string quintet. Additionally, the orchestra participated in the Large Group Festival and earned a 1 rating. The students who participated in the competition were: Ethan Arana, Baczynski, Kendyl Blair, Dylan Blassingame, Bowersox, Burroughs, Genevieve Caffey, Caleb Correa, Noah Cox, Mya Cruz, Ariana Doss, Elias El-Ghazal, Ethan Fajardo, Fetter, Leah Gantz, Kaylee Gooden, Jaydn Harvick, Madelyn Kirton, Elaine Lu, Jobe McCarron, Ari Moore, Zayden Patel, Jackson Powell, Alexis Schmid, Naomi Trinh, Truong, Nathaniel Wilfong and Sydney Kai Woodrome. The orchestra was directed by Irena Goren-Scheer.

Three students earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Ensemble Festival for string trio. They were Tristan Curry, Sydney Mihal and Eleanor VanEngelen. They were directed by Lindsay Diesing and Carlye Feeney.

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Eagle Scout

Senior Michael Allen achieved Eagle Scout rank. To receive the rank of Eagle Scout, members must earn at least 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership, perform community service and complete an Eagle Scout project. For his project, Allen resurfaced a portion of the Rose Acres Elementary School blacktop and created a large 1 to 100 numbers grid for students to play math and STEM games during recess. Allen is a member of Scouts of America Troop 525 in Bridgeton at Arlington Church.

Freshman Bryan Manjarrez was selected to Washington University’s College Prep Program. The program is a no-cost, three-year immersive learning experience that serves to prepare first-generation college students for college life and beyond. Participation includes year-round academic and enrichment support including a summer academy experience that combines college preparation workshops, undergraduate coursework for credit and activities centered on personal awareness and development. Throughout the academic year, participants are invited to attend university cultural events and meet with university experts to navigate the college application process.

International art contest

Two students submitted artwork to an international art contest hosted by the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Senior Lauren Keller’s piece titled “Bones of the Past” placed second and junior Anthony Cruz’s piece “Reach” placed third. Their art will be featured on the museum’s website and recognized during the grand reopening of the museum in late summer 2022. This year’s theme was based on the quote “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world” by Anne Frank. They were in Marcia Mueller’s Painting 2 class.

Students from Holman Middle School’s orchestra earned superior ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival and earned a 1 rating at the Large Group Festival. They include, from left, front row, William Truong, Macie Bowersox, Mya Cruz, Aubrey Holdren and Nathaniel Wilfong and, back row, Elaine Lu, Chelsey Felder, Arrianna Watson, Elias El-Ghazal and Zayden Patel.

Students from Pattonville Heights Middle School’s band earned superior ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. They include, from left, front row, David Adekunle, Mikehale Ferrer, Tyler Hubert, Eureka Kibombi, Zoe Click and Mahki Cooney and, back row, teacher Liz Pace, Jeremiah Skarin, Kaylee Dyer, Noah VanHoosier, Evan Spell and Lily Moreno Munoz.

Michael Allen

Devin Scharer

Bryan Manjarrez

Lauren Keller Anthony Cruz

Bryant Ewing

The Pattonville Heights Middle School choir includes, from left, Christi Dyer, Sabrina Jackson and Emily Erickson Karanja.

Holman Middle School choir students received multiple recognitions this year. Those students include, from left, Chantel Nguyen, Hannah Wansing and Robye Bozeman Nettles.

Members of he Pattonville Heights Middle School orchestra earned a 1 rating at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. They include Sydney Mihal, left, and Eleanor VanEngelen.

Garden tour

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

Pattonville High School junior Ryan Cutrell’s garden was chosen to be one of the 10 sites on the 2022 St. Louis Native Plant Tour. The tour took place in June and is produced annually by St. Louis Audubon Society and the Wild Ones St. Louis Chapter. This self-guided, educational tour included a wide variety of habitats, native landscaping styles and yard sizes. Cutrell’s yard received certified Gold Status by St. Louis Audubon Society Bring Conservation Home and is a 2020 Wild Ones Landscape Challenge Winner. It includes native plant biodiversity and includes vegetable garden, rain barrels, compost bins, bird and bat houses, bird baths and solitary bee houses. Cutrell works part time in the native greenhouses at Greenscape Gardens and is a Certified Tree Keeper, participates with the Shaw Institute Field Training, MANTIS and community honeysuckle removal and is an active member of Wild Ones, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Open Space Council and St. Louis Audubon.

Band honors

Two students were selected to the AllNational Marching and Concert bands. Max McFarland was selected for trumpet and Sydney Suvansri was selected for clarinet. Additionally, the following students earned medals at the State Music Festival and an Exemplary rating at the district Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Hayden Langston earned a gold medal for baritone horn solo, a silver medal for trombone quartet and a bronze medal for trombone solo. Patrick Ferguson earned a gold medal for trumpet trio and a silver medal for trumpet solo. Alyssa Koller earned a gold medal for clarinet solo. Alyssa Moses earned a gold medal for flute solo. Additionally, Peter McCullough and McFarland earned a gold medal for trumpet trio. Tyler Hannebique, Daniel Mamrenko, Keegan Spell and Tashon Washington earned a gold medal for percussion quartet. The following students earned silver medals. Holly Jones earned silver medals in flute solo and flute trio. Tyren Thompson earned silver medals for trombone solo and trombone trio. Ashley Bly earned a silver medal for French horn solo. Savannah Branson earned a silver medal for keyboard mallet. Additionally, Rozella House and Nora Scharer earned a silver medal for flute trio. The following students earned a silver medal for trombone trio: Emily Derhake and Gabby Hurd. The following students earned a silver medal for saxophone quartet: Kyle Manker, Ethan Massey, Adam Reddy and Isabelle Usry. The following students earned a silver medal for trombone quartet: Charles Burns, Jack Caesar and Isaac Reddy. They were directed by Denny McFarland, Laura Livesay and Anna White.

Distinguished website

The Pattonville High School PattonvilleTODAY website received Distinguished Site recognition from School Newspapers Online (SNO). Of 532 participating schools, only 62 schools have received this honor. The PattonvilleTODAY editors-in-chief were juniors Ava Hooper Bearskin and Matthew Jacobi. Additional editors were Elise Banks, Peyton Gregory, Christian Movick, Katie Ridings, Mackenzie Rosenthal, Bailey Shields and Rebecca Simpkins. Staff members were Abigail Evers, Hayden Gust, Lilyanna Norman and Jaida Phillips. The SNO distinguished sites recognition program gives news staff six standards that will help their publications excel online. If a site earns all six badges during the application period, it will be awarded the honor of being a SNO Distinguished Site for the calendar year. Those badges are Multimedia, Audience Engagement, Continuous Coverage, Story Page Excellence, Site Excellence and Best of SNO. The Pattonville High School journalism teacher was Dr. Anne Boyd.

Choir honors

The following students earned medals at the State Music Festival and earned an Exemplary rating at the district Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Da’Shon Dunn earned a gold medal for vocal solo and a silver medal for vocal ensemble. The following students earned a gold medal for vocal solo: Savannah Branson, Kenedi Jenkins, Jahlil Johnson and Hannah Radican. The following students earned a silver medal for vocal solo: Ja’nya Cruise, Patrick Ferguson, Ruth McCarron, Omolara Ogunmola and Honey Waweru. The following students earned a silver medal for vocal ensemble: Jon-Michael Brown II, Mark Kendrick, Paul Palermo, Kaleb Spiker, Isaiah White and Javan Williams. The choir was directed by Tracy Baker and Melynda Lamb.

Orchestra honors

The following students earned medals at the State Music Festival and earned an Exemplary rating at the district Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Harrison Killion, Logan Monroe, Wendy Mwaniki and Omolara Ogunmola earned a gold medal for string quartet. Norina Shao and Aaron Wolz earned a silver medal for violin solo. The following students also earned a bronze medal: Isaac Blassingame viola solo; Meagan Holder for violin solo; Anna Kasprzyk for string bass solo; Jacob Zarosa for violin solo; and Elly Lu, Monroe, and Shao for string trio. Additionally, Jasmine Gordon and Jahlil Johnson earned an Exemplary rating at the district Solo and Small Ensemble Festival for string duet. They were directed by Paul Rueschhoff.

Members of the high school orchestra participated in the State Music Festival and district Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students who earned recognition include, from left, Omolara Ogunmola, Harrison Killion and Jasmine Gordon.

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Safety competition

Pattonville bus drivers Jim Dickerson, Regina Dunmire and Greg Zemblidge placed second as a team at the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation Regional Safety Competition. In the individual division, Zemblidge finished second overall and Dickerson earned third place.

ALUMNI SUCCESS Graduates in the news

Dr. Tim Pecoraro, Class of 1989 -

During the board of education meeting on June 14, Pecoraro was presented with a plaque inducting him to Pattonville High School’s Wall of Fame. Pecoraro was honored for his dedication and service to Pattonville. Pecoraro will retire as superintendent on June 30. Dr. Tim Pecoraro

Ryan Cutrell

Members of the high school band earned recognition at the State Music Festival. They include Keegan Spell and Alyssa Koller.

Members of the transportation department placed second at the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation Regional Safety Competition. They are, from left, Regina Dunmire, Jim Dickerson and Greg Zemblidge.

The PattonvilleTODAY website received a Distinguished Site recognition from School Newspapers Online (SNO). Abigail Evers, left, is a member of the staff and is shown with teacher Dr. Anne Boyd.

Members of the high school choir earned medals at the State Music Festival. They include, top photo, Jon-Michael Brown II, left, and Isaiah White and, bottom photo, Omolara Ogunmola, left, and Ja’nya Cruise.

PATTONVILLE CLASS OF 2022

“But the point remains, no matter how many times the adults in our lives may repeat it, no matter how cliche’ it may sound, this moment right here, right now, it’s once-in-a lifetime. Because folks, let’s be real, it took nothing short of a Herculean effort to arrive here... In a few short moments, the culmination of it all will begin. Our caps will fly high into the sky and cascade downwards symbolically embodying the myriad of memories we’ve cultivated both together and apart. I’m so thankful to feel this moment, to experience this moment, because I know it’s an exceptional privilege to make it here.”

-From a speech by Bryant

• 423 students graduated in the Class of 2022

• 88% plan on continuing their education at four-year universities, two-year colleges or career/technical/apprenticeship programs

• Five students have enlisted in the military

• 153 earned the honors of summa, magna or cum laude (3.5 weighted GPA or greater)

• 74 earned A+ status, which makes them eligible for paid tuition to any Missouri community college or career education school

• 52 students earned industry-recognized credentials or certifications such as certified nurse assistant, 911 dispatching, education fundamentals, early childhood education, automotive service excellence, Boeing Pre-Employment Training and ServSafe certification

• Seniors earned $8.2 million in scholarships

• 12 qualified to receive Missouri’s Bright Flight Scholarship based on a qualifying score on the ACT

• Seniors completed more than 5,000 hours of community service during high school

• 20 earned community service honor cords for volunteering 150 hours or more

• Top 3 seniors for service hours: Kalista Roades (570 hours), Deandre Westbrook III (544 hours) and Amaya Washington (520)

About Our Graduates View more

To see photos and videos from graduation, visit bit.ly/PattonvilleGraduation22.

IN THEIR WORDS ... Excerpts from the Class of 2022’s senior graduation speeches

“Ihope that you have come to understand that there is not a single person in the world who is more, or who is less, important than you, more or less worthy of opportunity, of kindness or of help, the same way that you have received all those things here in this school. And that as we leave here, and as we move past this pandemic, I hope that you find yourself excited to become someone who will make the world a better place, the same way others have worked so hard to make it a better place for you.”

-From a speech by Adrienne Mansdoerfer

Pattonville senior Drake Balch raises his arms in triumph after receiving his diploma during the 2022 commencement ceremony.

Ewing

Members of the Pattonville High School Class of 2022 celebrate as they move their tassels to signify they have officially graduated.

Senior Trevar Dethrow gives a passing high five to teacher Beth Moritz after receiving his diploma.

Senior Mckenzie Seagraves shows her excitement after receiving her diploma during the 2022 graduation ceremonies.

Senior Lauren Barton raises her diploma in celebration as she walks across the stage.

Senior Elly Lu accepts her diploma from school board president Dr. Brian Gray.

Alexa Robles, left, and Michael Rodriguez Mendez stand after receiving their diplomas.

Tania Peebles, center, gives thanks to her family during graduation. Also shown are, from left, Cecilia Pluma Pluma and Roberto Perez.