Serving Pickerington Since 1964
The School Bell
Spring 2011 Issue 3
[ SPECIAL EDITION ]
Unsung Heroes Revealed pg. 10
Student Columns pg. 4
Superintendent pg. 2
THIS ISSUE When the end of a school year finally comes near, it’s like getting to the end of your favorite book—the last chapter is so exciting! The end of a school year has that same feeling. The conclusion signals that learning opportunities were limitless, and another year of learning is on the horizon.
A Pickerington Local School District Publication
Global
Infusion
2011 Unsung Heroes Revealed Pickerington Schools celebrates those working behind the scenes to keep the District in excellent working condition.
The Pickerington Local Schools community will see a 5.5 mill levy on the August 2, 2011, ballot that will generate $5.9 million for the daily operations of the District. The levy will cost an additional $168.44 per year or $14.04 a month per $100,000 of home value. The levy will sustain the daily operations of the District as well as address class sizes, expand the newly implemented Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) classes at the 7-12 level and restore some of the District’s intervention services.
My Life at PLSD PHS Central Senior Class president Adelaide Appiah and PHS North Student Council President Logan Griffith give final thoughts on their PLSD experience.
District Places a 5.5 Mill Levy on August 2011 Ballot
B
eginning with the 2011-12 school year, Global Integration Teams will work together with staff in the District’s K-6 buildings to incorporate art, music, technology, physical education/wellness and media services into the daily classroom instruction. The Global Integration Team is part of the Pickerington Local Schools’ vision for 21st century learning. Each team will work collaboratively with building staff to develop dynamic, real-world learning experiences to further the academic achievement of each student.
WE ARE PICKERINGTON:
There are five teams, comprised of teachers with expertise in art, music, technology, physical education/wellness and media. Each team will work with classroom teachers to strengthen student understanding of essential knowledge and skill development in the areas of reading, math, science
and social studies. Activities will be structured to enhance the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical and innovative thinking. These learning experiences will allow students to use a variety of technology applications to gather, process and analyze information. Technology will also be used to encourage students to create unique representations of their learning.
This model is meant to more accurately reflect the work environment that our students will be expected to perform in as they move on to college and careers. The Global Integration Team incorporates many of the ideas developed by the District’s 21st Century Community Advisory Committee. This advisory group is made up of community members representing business, health care, higher education, and government. During intense work sessions, the Advisory Committee developed a five-year plan for moving the school district forward into the challenges of the 21st century.
Community Volunteers Give MORE to Students By Melissa Woodward PLSD Educator It’s 8:35 on a Wednesday morning at Tussing Elementary School (TES). While most students are entering their classrooms, a select handful of fourth grade students are already engaged in an active reading lesson. It is because they are members of Project MORE (Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence). To the students and mentors at TES, Project MORE means individualized lessons and oneto-one attention from trained and dedicated adult volunteers. Fourth grade students and mentors have
Using education to impact the local, national and global community!
Community continued on pg. 4
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
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More Learning is on the Horizon
Karen Mantia, Ed.D. Superintendent of PLSD
W
hen the end of a school year finally comes near, it’s like getting to the end of your favorite book—the last chapter is so exciting!
The end of a school year has that same excitement. The conclusion signals that learning opportunities were limitless, and another year of learning is on the horizon. Regardless of the grade level, every student takes a step closer to entering the world, and a society in which they will one day live and work. While the District has faced its own share of challenges, our focus has never strayed from the number one job—educating all students to exit the District prepared. This is the type of solid foundation on which this system was built. During the summer, keep in contact with us by visiting the District website at www. pickerington.k12.oh.us to stay informed about course modifications, advancements, student achievements, 21st century skills and programming, financial information and plans for the upcoming school year. As for the staff and administration, we’ll continue planning and updating our teaching strategies, and work to ensure that we are ready to deliver the best education to our students. It’s a pretty big deal, and we’ll be sure to make the entrance of the 2011-2012 school year as exciting as the conclusion of this one. Have a happy and safe summer. Sincerely, Karen Mantia, Ed.D.
A year in review
Pickerington 2010-2011 District Highlights The District earned the “Excellent” rating for academic achievement on the state report card for the 2009-2010 school year.
Students and staff of Pickerington Local Schools participated in the opening ceremonies and other supporting activities for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Wall was brought to Pickerington through the efforts of the American Legion Post 283.
The Treasurer’s Office received the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award from the Auditor of State Mary Taylor’s office for fiscal accountability. Fewer than five percent of all Ohio government agencies are eligible for this award.
Fairfield, Pickerington and Violet elementary schools began
The School Bell The School Bell is a community newszine dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of the Pickerington Local School District. Its staff is comprised of District staff and students. For more information about the School Bell, contact: The Communications Department, Pickerington Local Schools, 90 East Street, Pickerington, Ohio, 43147 Phone: 614-833-2110 www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
2010-2011 School Bell Staff Editor: Lee Cole
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renovations as part of the Classroom Facilities Maintenance Renovation program. No funds from the District’s general fund were used in the updates to these facilities.
Copy Editors: Vicki Baptist, Diana Myers
Jennifer Russell was named principal of Heritage Elementary School
Photographers/Artist: Lee Cole, Lauren Shiman, Ewart Da-Souza
beginning with the 2011-12 school year. Mrs. Russell will succeed current principal, Dave Toopes, who is retiring at the close of this current school year.
Once again, the Ohio Department of Education has identified the PLSD transportation program as one of the most efficient large bus fleets in
Production Team: Lee Cole
Contributing Writers: Leah Allmandinger, Adelaide Appiah, Lee Cole, Kaylynn Fulton, Logan Griffith, Leatha Lee
Contributing Writers: Karen Mantia, Sandy Miegel, Heather Wilson, Melissa Woodward PLSD Board of Education: Lisa Reade, president; Clay Lopez, vice president; Lee Gray, Cathy Olshefski, Lori Sanders, members Superintendent: Karen Mantia, Ed.D. Treasurer: Dan Griscom
3 May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
A year in review
Pickerington 2010-2011 the state. The Ohio Department of Education report provides each Ohio school district with a target number of transportation-eligible students that should be riding each school bus. Pickerington’s 62 bus routes makes it the 23rd largest fleet of assigned buses in the state.
The staff at Pickerington ES joined forces with representatives from
years as head coach, Pickerington won six state championships and was runnerup twice. In 1999, USA Today selected Pickerington High School as its national champion and Butcher as coach of the year.
Autism Speaks and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) to conduct programming to help District families put the autism puzzle together.
Student Achievements
Debra Skarsten, a math teacher at Lakeview JHS, was one of 110 exceptional teachers from around the United States selected by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State and IREX (International Research and Exchanges Board) to participate in a two-way exchange program that provides professional development opportunities to secondary school teachers from around the world. Skarsten traveled to Morocco for two weeks in March, 2011.
The District K-8 Counseling staff offered free programs to parents of K-8 students and residents. The unique after school activities were created by the District’s K-8 school counselors to give parents the tools to help their children navigate through 21st century issues and roadblocks.
Tussing Principal Jeannette Henson was inducted into the Sandusky High School Athletic Hall of Fame, class of 2011.
Doug Forrest, science teacher at PHS North was named the local winner of the “Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher” contest. Forrest was nominated by District students. Pickerington High School North Lady Panthers Coach Dave Butcher was named the Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Coach of the Year. Under Butcher’s leadership, the Pickerington girls basketball program has enjoyed sustained success having won 23 straight district championships. Fifteen of those championships occurred at Pickerington High School (before the split) and eight at PHS North. In his first 25
PHS Central Student Leadership Council, which is a combination of the National Honor Society, Renaissance program, Student Council, Sunny Side Up, Youth Connections and Key Club, planned the Second Annual iRun for Jonah 5K Walk/Run on May 15, to benefit children with chronic illnesses.
As the “National Letter of intent” season came to a close, Pickerington Local School has added to the list of student athletes pursuing sports and education at the collegiate level. That brings the total to 47 student athletes for the 2010-2011 school year.
Senior forward Kavunaa Edwards of PHS North received an All-Metro 1st team honor. All-Metro special mention honors include Jasmine Henshaw and Marley Hill, PHS Central; and Shelby Olszewski, PHS North.
Opening C
eremony V ietnam Tra
veling Mem
orial Wall
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
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Reflecting on My PLSD Education
From pg. 1
Community Gives to Project MORE “The goal of Project MORE is to offer 1:1 volunteer reading mentoring programs for children with disabilities that are effective, affordable, replicable and sustainable. We want to introduce new schools to the value of Project MORE and provide schools the opportunity to take ownership of the project after the first year,” stated the Project MORE website, www.ohioprojectmore.org.
Adelaide Appiah, PHSC Senior Class President
J
ust recently in my Advanced Placement English Class, we read Meditation 17 by John Donne. We came across a common theme: No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
The mentors are not required to have a background in education. In fact, out of the 18 mentors who have participated in TES’s Project MORE this year, only 2 are retired teachers while 4 others are current PLSD employees. The remaining mentors are residents in the community.
After a class discussion about this piece, I realize that this excerpt from Meditation 17 is a perfect reflection on my experience in Pickerington Schools. The last six years at Pickerington Schools have been an incredible experience and I cannot fathom that I will be graduating in June. If I could rewind time I would do everything all over again; I am so blessed to have grown up in and attended high school in such a wonderful community. A community that you cannot be isolated in. A community that works together as a family. Most importantly, it is a community filled with many opportunities and gives every student a chance to shine. My start at Pickerington Schools was rocky, but once I opened up to the many opportunities offered to me, I was rewarded and recognized for my hard work; as a result, I felt that I was in the know and that I did matter. Academically, socially and emotionally, Pickerington Schools have prepared me for the journey of life and has helped me obtain a path that will lead me to eternal success. In reference to Meditation 17, I am not an island of myself, I am a piece of Pickerington Schools, I am a part of this main that will remain forever in my heart.
a special thirty-minute appointment before the school day begins, four days each week. They are not just working on reading skills, but also building confidence. Mentoring sessions began on January 5, and will continue this year until May 27. As of April 21, these mentors have donated 7,410 minutes or 124 mentor hours. As coordinator, Woodward believes this program has the potential to expand to additional grade levels and buildings, if enough mentors are available to be trained and willing to dedicate one morning a week to make a difference in the life of a child.
A year in review
Pickerington 2010-2011 The PHS Central Girls Junior Varsity Soccer team raised money, bought uniforms and equipment for the East High School girls soccer team of the Columbus City School District. The teams met during a match last fall. The game was full of unexpected, life-changing surprises that led to lasting friendships and cross-district team building. Nine PLSD students advanced to the Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. They are Haley Tennant, photography; Ashley Hull and Ian Houser, painting; and Natalie Volosin, sculpture (Top 25 artist) from PHS North; and Grant Holcomb, Cara Richardson and Nate Wise, photography; and Kara Wellman, and Annie Nicolson-Burley, art from PHS Central.
Joining Forces, Pickerington’s Panther and Tiger Lacrosse teams and their coaches collected food and raised money for the PCMA Food Pantry to raise awareness about poverty and giving back to those in need.
Five District Students Create a Buzz at Regional Spelling Bee by finishing in the top 10 at the Lancaster regional spelling bee. Four-time champ Nick Rushlow, Lakeview JHS, advanced to the Scripps National Contest in Washington D.C, June 1-2. Jacob Schmeltzer, Ridgeview JHS and Vincent Quach, Tussing ES came in 2nd; Matthew Salo, Toll Gate MS, 7th place; and Aisha Suhaiba, Ridgeview JHS, 9th place.
Melissa Woodward, reading intervention specialist, was introduced to the program by school and district administrators in 2010, and immediately accepted the challenge to pilot the program for the district and serve as the Project MORE coordinator at TES. The Project MORE team Tussing mentors are Jay Barnes, Mary Sue Bartos, Lee Cole, Regina Culver, Heather Dansby, Denise Fortenbacher, Jeannette Henson, Sheri Kreinbihl, Mike Magerko, Ellen Marrison, Paula Mathews, Robin Robins, Brooke Stanley, Kimberly Thrush, Yinghua Wang, Aubrey Williams, Blythe Wood, and Linda Woodward.
Toll Gate ES mathletes rank tenth in world math competition. Fourth grade students at TGES participated in the international “World Math Day” competition and placed 10th worldwide and third nationally in the eight to ten age group. The students spent an entire school day, forgoing recess, to participate in the online mental math competition playing math games against students from all over the world. Students at Heritage ES made a special delivery to seniors at PHS Central. The students made small cardboard sailboats that contained a social message on the sail including, “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose,” and “Be Smart.” The students also filled the sailboats with lifesaver candies to coincide with the prom theme of Sail Away.
Noah Taylor, a PHS Central senior and math wizard, participated in the American Mathematical Society’s American Mathematics Competition earning the highest score in the state of Ohio. Taylor also participated in the “Who Wants to Be a Mathematician” game show. For his outstanding performance, he was awarded a cash prize and the PHS Central math department was awarded $1000.00. Diley MS Students Honored by National Author Dick Houston, president of EleFence International and the author of “Bulu: African Wonder Dog” for their efforts in raising awareness about the plight of African elephants. The students raised over $600 and inspired Houston and EleFence to create the “Kids Crusade for the Elephants” campaign. In honor of their efforts, Diley MS will be the first school in the country
By Leatha Lee PLSD Educator
Technology use in the classroom provides a purposeful way to impart meaningful content to students. Computers and other technologies support advanced learning and helps students actualize their full potential.
Logan Griffith, PHSN Student Council President
Research shows that technology boosts learning by improving: (1) active engagement; (2) participation in groups; (3) frequent interaction and feedback, and (4) connections to real-world experts. The integration of technology allows for differentiated and boundless learning.
M
artin Luther King, Jr. said, “Intelligence plus character--is the goal of true education.” In Pickerington Local Schools, that was certainly the main goal throughout my years.
Glogs are a tool that can excite and engage our students. Glogs can best be described as interactive web “posters.” However, they are so much more. Glogs can include text, audio, video, images, graphics, drawings, links, original video clips, original audio clips, and data.
Every year we engaged in learning facts and information. We also spent time developing our character, attitude and morals as the future generation.
The use of technology prepares students for life and careers outside the classroom and allows students and teachers to present information in ways students understand and expect. Pickerington Local School’s staff strives to employ technology throughout the curriculum, as technology continues to be woven through the careers for the 21st century. For example, in one class, the objective is to learn about world biomes. Biomes are communities, classified according to the predominant vegetation and organisms specific to that particular environment.
Technology is embedded throughout the project. The students have researched by using the computers, worked online, and practiced technology skills.
The students are put into pairs to research a biome. After the research is conducted, the students create glogs to make audiovisual presentations to their classmates. Each pair of students conducts their work in their own unique manner. Along the way, they help each other, critique each other’s glogs, and discuss which biome elements are important enough to be included in their glog.
Since the glogs are interactive, the presenters are able to include video clips, links, audio clips, etc., for the class to hear and see. By the end of the presentations, different world biomes will have been introduced and explained to each student. The site the students use to make glogs is http://edu.glogster.com/.
to receive “The EleFence Pioneer School” designation. For more information on the EleFence program, visit http://www.elefence.org/
heart, which is displayed in the school hallways. This provides a great visual for the number of books the students donated.
The Lakeview and Ridgeview JHS orchestras and bands combined
PHS Central Team Tiger advanced to the State Mock Trial Competition
to earn 48 Superior, 12 Excellent and 13 Good ratings during the Ohio Music Education Association’s Spring Solo and Ensemble contest at Canal Winchester High School.
held in March at the Franklin County Courthouse in Columbus. Team Tiger and Team Panther competed in the regional competition at the Fairfield County Courthouse, Lancaster, Ohio. During that competition, Team Tiger members Michael Morris and Michelle Fugate won best attorney, and Casey Ortega and Chelsea Appiah won best witness awards. The mock trial competition gives students the opportunity to learn about the legal process from professionals in the field in a courtroom setting.
On Saturday, February 5, 2011, the PHS North Band competed in the 2011 Ohio Music Education Solo & Ensemble contest. The PHS North Band had a record 145 performances with 79 Superior (I) ratings and 56 Excellent (II) ratings. An astounding 93% of the band’s total performances received either a superior or excellent rating.
The PHS Central Band competed in the 2011 Ohio Music Education Solo & Ensemble contest collecting 58 Superior (I) ratings and 7 Excellent (II) ratings. The group had a total of 74 entries.
Fairfield ES donated 2,700 books to charity by throwing pies in the principal’s face. In March, the District participated in a book drive to benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As an extra incentive, Principal Ruth Stickel told students that if the school donated at least 1,000 books the class that brought in the most books could throw a pie in her face. The students donated over 2,700 books. Therefore, the pies were not only being tossed at Stickel, but several other teachers who joined the pie challenge. For each book donated, students wrote the title on a paper
PHS Central sophomore Maddie Martin does it again. The sophomore swimmer won the 100-yard butterfly in the 2010 Division I state swimming meet and set a state, tournament and pool record with a time of 53.34! Going into the Spring season PHS North sports teams have won 8 Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) Championships. The Girls Soccer team was the State runner up and Girls basketball team landed in the final four. The PHS Central teams racked up 4 OCC titles in football, cheerleading, girl’s tennis and wrestling. The football tigers were also the regional runner-ups and won the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series.
During the 2010-2011 basketball season the PHS North boys basketball team won 16 consecutive games.
Unsophisticated, immature and juvenile, I entered PHS North as a freshman to begin my journey evolving into an innovative, sociable, young woman. From sports to clubs made by students, Pickerington supplied me with the credentials necessary to find my identity. With these activities, I made lifelong friends, memories, and lessons that I will never forget. We have also been supplied with a superb education. I have been able to excel in the top classes available in the state. Behind every class and extracurricular, there is a staff member who nurtured my interest and knowledge. Any school can have athletic teams and classes; the real experience is due to the many people who grade the papers, give out tests and homework. They are the ones watching the sporting events and teaching life values. My experience in Pickerington Schools was exceptional. I believe teachers are to be thanked for providing us with the ability and confidence to go out in the world after twelve years to make our mark with the knowledge and rectitude we’ve been given.
5 May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Infusing Technology into the Classroom
My High School Experience
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
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Lights, Camera, Action! The cast of “The Christmas Carol” performs one of their songs during the fall musical.
OCC Champs! The competition cheer squad poses with their trophy after winning OCC’s.
The Jury Is In! Central’s theater department put on “Twelve Angry Men” for their spring play.
Objection! The Mock Trial team competed at the Mock Trial State Competition.
Master Mathematician! Senior Noah Taylor participated in the American Mathematics Competition and advanced on to the next level.
Pay it Forward! The girls JV soccer team raised money to purchase new equipment for the girls soccer team at East High School. All together they raised $1,500 that went toward buying matching jerseys for all the girls on the team and other equipment.
Seeing Double! Fourteen sets of PHSC senior twins were recognized by the graduating class. From left to right the twins include the Beckman Twins, Bl Crawford Twins, Smith Twins, Li Twins, Meyer Twins, Garrett
March to the Beat! The PHSC Band received honors at an OMEA competition. They collected 58 superior and 7 excellent ratings.
College Bound! A total of 25 PHSC seniors signed letters o
Central 2011
Best In Show! Juniors Cara Richardson and Nathan Wise, and senior Grant Holcomb advanced to the Ohio Governor’s Youth Exhibition for photography.
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Story of Our Lives
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Art Aces! Juniors Kara Wellman and Annie Nicholson-Burley advanced to Ohio Governor’s Youth Exhibition for art. ITK! Senior Noah Taylor, junior Ryan Knight, and seniors Ethan Stahlman and Josh Wiseman compete in an In-The-Know competition. ITK won the league for the first time ever, and had two of the top ten scorers in the league.
e Guiness Book of World Records as the largest number of twins in a single lake Twins, Pence Twins, Brinkman Twins, Goehring Twins, Holbrook Twins, tt Twins, Angeletti Twins, Hammond Twins, and Little Twins. Congrats! Senior Katie Stevens was named the 2010 Homecoming Queen. Katie was escorted by senior Trevor Roth.
Royalty! Seniors Andy Smith and Sarah Crowther are crowned King and Queen at the 2011 Prom.
Layout by Leah Allmandinger and Kaylynn Fulton
of intent to play various sports during their college career.
Still on Top! Sophomore Maddie Martin won her second consecutive state title in the 100 Butterfly at the 2010 State Swim Meet.
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
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Pickerington’s Un
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mere mortals, and transform once they enter the doors. Ready to assist students and staff alike, they are the heroes and heroines of the Pickerington Local School District that bring order, efficiency and joy to thousands in the community. They are the men and women who create endless opportunities for the Pickerington Local School District by building on a solid foundation of excellence. They are the 2011 unsung heroes of the Pickerington Local School District. Name: Cindy Morrison Building: Pickerington Elementary School Official Title: Head Cook Interesting Fact: Morrison works diligently to make sure that every child has a great lunch experience. By greeting every child with a smile and a hello as they enter the line, she ensures that everyone has a wonderful day. Serving over 500 students a day, Morrison has increased efficiencies by streamlining the lunch line process. Cindy Morrison - patient, kind and warm.
Name: Floyd “Stretch” Baird Building: Ridgeview Junior High School Official Title: Custodian Interesting Fact: Always there with a helping hand, “Stretch” is there at the drop of a dime. When there is tension on the horizon, a leaking faucet, navigating students and staff through renovation mazes or simply lending a helping hand, Stretch is armed and ready to go. Baird is one half of Ridgeview’s Dynamic Duo.
Name: Kim Huffman Building: Lakeview Junior High School Official Title: Educational Assistant Interesting Fact: Huffman knows every student in her junior high school building by name. That’s over 800 students! She maintains a calm cool demeanor and treats each child as if they were her own.
Name: Kim Huffman continued... Never one to be bound by titles, Huffman often extends job duties to include serving as an all-around diplomat, greeting students and parents as they enter and exit the building, and helping in the lunchroom areas.
Name: Rita Persinger Building: Pickerington Elementary School Official Title: Custodian Interesting Fact: Persinger is an all-around Captain Americana. Never willing to take no for an answer, Persinger can and will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the students and staff of Pickerington Elementary have a wonderful, stress free day. She fixes everything, moves anything and has everything ready in an instant. Behind the scenes, Persinger keeps the building together.
Name: Mark Harper Building: Ridgeview Junior High School Official Title: Custodian Interesting Fact: Harper is the other half of Ridgeview’s Dynamic Duo. Always there with a helping hand, Harper is there at the drop of a dime - poof and he appears armed with the tools to alleviate any situation. Whether it is an icy ramp, power outage or the huge construction project, Harper is always prepared and ready to produce.
nsung Heroes
art by Ewart Da-Souza
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
They enter the building as
10 May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of Leaving a Legacy 1
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1.andJordan Tolford, Spencer Wetmore, Collin Janke perform the final scene of Guys and Dolls. Photo by Jim Kuebler
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Logan Griffith, Student Council President, displays a few of the many gifts purchased with the $5,800 raised during the annual 12 Days of Caring and Sharing event at North. Photo by Heather Wilson
3. Alaina Martini, Student Council P.R. Chair, counts the food items for
the Pickerington Food Pantry collected prior to Thanksgiving. Photo by Heather Wilson
It was the start of a new school for 488 freshmen - 2007. Four school years later, here we are as seniors, soon to be off to college or into a career field. What legacy would the class of 2011 leave behind? Many seniors excelled in academics. This year, 112 seniors received the honors diploma, 111 seniors received the merit award and 116 seniors received the president’s award. North had 296 students enrolled in advanced placement classes and 33 students enrolled in post-secondary programs at local universities, many of these students being seniors. In conjunction with academics, a combined total of 6,360+ hours of community service were completed by 106 National Honor Society members throughout the year. Out of the nearly 40 clubs within the school, many hosted fundraisers for charities or participated in community service activities. For example, Nellie’s Club held fundraisers for children with cancer through various bake sales throughout the year, and the Youth Connections club assisted with the MRDD prom in May. Many art awards were received by seniors this year. The regional, governor’s and OCC art show honors included four seniors. The band had 39 seniors this year, in which four were selected for all-state ensemble. The band was awarded 1’s at all five contests they attended. The orchestra had a total of 12 seniors. The chamber orchestra included four seniors and performed at various locations such as nursing homes and Barnes and Noble. Two seniors auditioned and qualified for the OMEA regional orchestra and the OU Athens Honors orchestra. Symphonic and chorale, women’s chorus, and the women’s elite choir qualified for the state contest and received a 1. Men’s chorus received a 2 at the competition. Theater performed two plays, in addition to a dinner theater. Athletics played a large part of many the seniors activities. Approximately 220 seniors participated in athletics this year. Last fall, North was presented the Ralph Young All-Sports Award that was earned for the 2009 season. During their four years at PHSN, the class of 2011, left a legacy in academics, arts, athletics, and community service. Through their collective efforts, each person became more than a number; each was a valuable addition to the school community.
Here in ‘07, Gone in ‘11
Homecoming Queen, Meredith Conkel, was crowned on October 1, 2010. Her escort was Tyler Gleeson. Photo by Taylor Anderson
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Pickerington High School North
May 2011 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
f 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011
Photo by Lifetouch
The seniors yell out the panther battle cry during a pep rally. The cheerleaders led the seniors in the “V-I-C-T-O-R-Y� chant. Photo by Taylor Anderson
Hunter Williams, prom queen, and her date Alex Thomas share a dance after being crowned. Prom was held at The Hilton in Downtown Columbus on May 7th.
Layout & Story by Heather Wilson