KEEPI N G THE S TUDE NTS OF RHEA COU NTY HIGH SCH O OL I NFORMED SI N CE 1996
GRADUATION EDITION
The Eagle's Nest MEET THE 2009 GRADUATES! PAGES 4–7
2009 CLASS PLAYLIST PAGE 6
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 1
ADVICE FROM FORMER GRADS PAGE 3
Congrats, Class of ‘09!
Remembering friends and looking forward As I look crashing down upon me. back over my Finally, there has been my senior year. high school Senior year has given me the opportunity career and my to look back on my previous three years days at Rhea of high school and understand, appreciCounty High ate, and be thankful for them. School, so In spite of all the stress, late hours of many memo- studying, worry, hard assignments, and ries flood papers I have written, I would not trade into my head. my days at RCHS for anything. It is Some of these through these trying times and stressful m e m o r i e s assignments that I have grown stronger By ADAM RODDY are good and and more confident in my own academic 2009 VALEDICTORIAN some are bad, abilities. but they all I owe a lot to RCHS, but first and forehave none- most I owe the forging of friendships to theless played a role in determining the our school. I know for a fact that my high man who I have become today. school experience would have not been I remember, at the benearly as enjoyable if it ginning of my freshman wasn’t for my friends. year, being amazed at how Not only are they In spite of all the stress, tall the seniors seemed to simply always there for late hours of studying, be. Then there are all of me, but also they supthe football games where I port me, raise me up, worry, hard assignments, played with the band and and hold me accountand papers, I would not cheered the team on. able. The reason for my trade my days at RCHS tThere have been happiness and most of Cross Country meets and my pleasant memories at for anything. Tennis matches that have RCHS is because of these allowed me to compete friends. and push myself, while I have some of my the clubs and organizations I have been in- friends who have been with me all of the volved in let me discover new passions and way since my days at Frazier Elementary hobbies. School. These friends of mine have been I remember how stressed out I became a part of my life throughout my entire during my junior year when it appeared as see RODDY page 2 though a mountain of assignments came
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Looking back as we head to the future W o w ! Where have the last four years gone? It seems like just the other day we were freshman being herded into the little theater to listen to Mr. Levengood welcome us to the high
first all-nighters out of necessity from procrastinating on homework. We have all made new friends. Freshman year three schools came together: Dayton City, Rhea Central, and Spring City. We have all met people with common interests and built friendships that will last forever. We have also developed friendships with our teachers. Though sometimes they may get mad at us or assign us hours upon hours of homework, we have come By PRESTON HARRIS to love all of our teachers. It is to them 2009 CLASS PRESIDENT that we should give thanks for tolerating us and helping prepare us for life after school. high school. Over the last four years we have made To the upcoming seniors, make the great memories and shared new experi- most of the time that you have. Now it ences. is your turn to step up Since we have come to to the plate and be the the high school, we have leaders this high school Don’t look at graduaseen many changes. Our needs. Never waste a tion as the beginning of freshman year was the day—because in one year first year of the Freshman you too will walk across the end, but as the end of Academy. Second semesthe stage and receive a the beginning. ter of our junior year, the diploma. school began the oneAs we go our separate hour lunch program. The ways, let us not forget carpet in the hallways was removed and an the good times or the hard times we have outside fence and gates were put up. shared together over the last four years. We have shared many new experiences Let us never forget to keep God first, together. We learned to drive, had our first to pick our brothers up when they are loves, played intramural sports, got our first down, and go out and make a difference jobs, and experienced the prom. in the world. We experienced Mr. Messimer’s Most Don’t look at graduation as the beginWonderful Time of the Day (some more ning of the end, but as the end of the beextensively than others!) and pulled our ginning.
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The Eagle’s Nest • Graduation Edition • May 2009
photo by alex brown
Mr. Hudson in his natural habitat. After 20 years at Rhea County High School, Mr. Hudson will be leaving to pursue various species of fish, and that elusive par on the back nine.
Mr. Hudson to finally get out of high school By ALEX BROWN ALEXB@RCHSEAGLESNEST.ORG
After nearly twenty years, Rhea County High School bids adieu to Mr. Hudson. Since 1990, George Hudson has been a familiar face in the Social Studies Department. God has gifted this mentor with the patience and humor to inspire hundreds of students. Whether picking the banjo during homecoming week or stumping a clueless Junior with riddles, he always seemed to be one of the kids. Known for his Christian attitude, loyalty to the Atlanta Braves, and side-splitting wit, Mr. Hudson has decided to retire after decades in the business. During his time at RCHS, Mr. Hudson has taught a variety of different history classes, and one other— He is “The Donald” of real estate, the Henry Ford of Ford Motors, the Colonel Sanders of KFC, if you will, when it comes to The Eagles Nest newspaper. In 1992, only two short years after he began his teaching position at RCHS, he built the paper from scratch—or, rather, from cut-out articles, paste, and grid
RODDY from Page 1
school career. I won’t forget taking the trash out during lunch, or all the recesses where the girls chased the boys, or the Fall festivals. These are some of my earliest memories, but they will stay with me forever. Next, I have the friends I’ve made at Rhea Central. They helped teach me the meaning of ‘Jacket Pride! So many memories that were made and our middle
paper. I happened to catch up with Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, eating lunch and shooting the breeze, and he willingly answered a few questions: First off—Um, do you have a pen? Yep, there’s one on my desk. Mr. Hudson is seated at a wooden table in the left corner of his classroom, eating a boiled egg. Mrs. Hudson has been happily conversing with him from a student desk in the third row. Let’s see, umm... background information. Where you’re from, high school, college, prison record? (Joking!) Well, I was born in Hamilton County and went to McMinn High School. Then I got my degree from UTC and earned my masters from LSU. Here come the expected questions: What subjects did you teach? What subjects were your favorite to teach? Geography, U.S. History, Bible, World History, Black History, and Dual-Enrollment courses: U.S. and World History. Favorites? Well, I like U.S. History— and Bible, too. I’m sure you knew this topic was bound to come up...the Eagles Nest.
You started it, right? What were the first editions like? I was the adviser. It was the first newspaper. Started from nothing. We actually ran the paper off on the copy machine and stapled it, no pictures. Wow, the paper has come a long way since then. So, I have to ask—was it sometimes hectic in newspaper class? Getting all those teenagers to make their deadlines? Starting the paper? Oh yeah, very hectic. Getting started was tough. But I enjoyed it very much. It was a good break from teaching regular classes. It’s always been a good group of kids. The paper kept getting better until we are what we are today. Are you looking forward to retirement? I am. Mrs. Hudson chimes in: “He’s been counting down the days!” She smiles, and nods her head toward the dry erase board where “17 days” is recorded. I’m sure you have much planned for your retirement. Could you share a few of them? I’m going to do some adjunct teaching at UTC. and Chattanooga State, and travel.
school days set us up for who we would become during our high school years. We’re all growing up now and we have traded our ‘jacket wings so we could learn to soar like eagles. The bond we have made, ‘jackets, will never fade, however. Then, there are all of the friends I have made in high school. This is where the lasting relationships are forged. I thank God for the friends he has given me while at high school, and I have no idea what I will do once
we all go our separate ways. I especially do not know what I will do without the Seven Boys always being together. I am going to miss the Thursday “Office” nights, our code words, our manversations, and simply being together. You guys mean more to me than you will ever know. RCHS means the world to me and it has given so much to me as well. I hope that I can use what I’ve learned here to represent our school well out in the world. I have a few pieces of advice I
FILE photoS by RCHS AERIE STAFF
TOP: Mr. Hudson is well known for his pickin’ and grinnin’—occasionally he even does both at the same time! ABOVE: Mr. Hudson shepherded The Eagle’s Nest through cut’n’paste and fileson-floppy-disk eras, and up to the age of the Internet and digital production. Here, he works with Justin Grasham, a member of the 2002-03 staff.
“And play golf, right?” Mrs. Hudson adds with a laugh. Play golf, right. You...golf? I can’t imagine... So do you plan on keeping up with any of the teachers here? I have established some good friendships. I plan to eat breakfast, play golf, and fish with a few of them. I, myself, have a countdown to graduation. Are you going to miss this year’s senior class? Remember who you’re talking to here.
This year’s senior class is very—(He begins, then hesitates for almost two seconds, concentrating)—I’ve really enjoyed them the most. That is why I’m taking them to the Braves game again this year. Last question of the day—the high school—are you going to miss it? I’ll miss the high school—(he looks serious, then begins to chuckle)—for a day or two. Classic Hudson.
would like to give to anyone who still has time left in the halls of our school. First, set goals and achieve them. When I walked into RCHS my freshmen year, I told myself I was going to be the Valedictorian. Now I am. Second, become a part of a club or join an athletic team. I owe so much of my character to the numerous sports and clubs that I have participated in. Third, find good friends. The best part of my high school career has been the friends I have made.
So Seniors, our time is over. It has been my honor to serve as your Vice President and to be your Valedictorian. We’ve laughed together, cried together, stressed out together, and now we are graduating together. You all mean so much to me and I am beyond proud to say that I am a member of the Class of 2009. Thank you so much—don’t forget the time you have spent at Rhea County High School, and don’t forget the time we have spent together.
Grad to Grad Graduates from past years at RCHS chime in with some sage advice for this year’s gang. (Oh—undergrads, you can listen too.) 5 tips to help you survive college: 1. “Closed Class” does not mean you can’t get in with a closed class form... I promise!
Stephanie Wimberley
05
Don’t be afraid of figuring out who you are. Question everything. Don’t be afraid of change and growth. Take lots of pictures. Work hard and have a good time. When all is said and done, you’ll have a tougher skin, loads of great memories and lifelong friends.
2. Scope out your class locations before you’ve already missed the first week.... 3. Do not take 8 am classes! Your sleeping habits will only get worse through out college life, and Monday mornings are killer!
Tim Galloway
97
4. Try new things, Go Greek! *only if you’re the type* 5. Try to come home at least once a semester. After a few years away, Rhea County can actually be a vacation from your new real world.
Advice that might make your college experience (and life) a bit more enjoyable and meaningful: 1. Understand the words you know and look up the ones you don’t. Use a dictionary!
Charli Byrd
04
1. Get a planner. 2. Actually use it. Most of all though, make the most of your college experience. Don’t hold back. Get out there and meet people even if you have to step out of your comfort zone.
William Garrison
08 1. Make sure that you at least consider new people, culture, music, sports, subjects and mind-sets to get to know. College is a whole different ball game, ladies and gentlemen.
2. Read biographies of people you find interesting. 3. Learning is a privilege no matter the context. Take it seriously and don’t study just to past the test because you’ll soon forget what you crammed for. 4. Do something outside of your experiences up to this point. If you get the chance, study abroad or go on a mission trip. 5. Support your friends’ endeavors as much as possible. The favor might be returned to you when you need it most.
Jared Roddy
06
Top five things would-be graduates should know (in no particular order): 1. Procrastination and working well under pressure are two different things. 2. It is possible to maintain a healthy physique eating only ramen noodles and oatmeal cream pies.
Lon Eldridge
04
2. Expect to hear about 38 references to the Scopes Trial if you are in any field of science. So make sure you know a little bit about it so you don’t sound like a complete failure in matters concerning your home town’s history. 3. Just because you see guys in blazers and girls in dresses pretty much every night doesn’t mean that you need to go out and pledge for a fraternity/sorority. So don’t feel pressured. 4. Don’t come back to Rhea every weekend; make a legitimate effort to make your new school your own. And coming home to mommy and daddy for laundry and cash every weekend will not give you the feeling of independence that you should gain in college, one that is necessary in my opinion for a good college experience.
5. Facebook = The Antistudy.
5. Have a pre-made answer to the question, “Rhea County? where is that?” because you will encounter that one about 2,389 times at least by the end of your junior year. (Oh yeah, I’m still keeping count.)
Find a way to keep balance between your body, mind, and soul.
6. And finally, don’t be afraid to switch majors a few times. The average college student changes majors 3-5 times. So don’t worry, no one in their right mind will expect you to know what you want to do with your life at the age of 18.
3. The ill effects of economics class will wear off. Just give it time. 4. FAFSA: Flippin’ Awful Form that Students Abhor.
Body: There are ways to NOT gain that Freshman 15 lbs! Don’t fall into the trap of eating too much junk and not getting any exercise.
Tenika Dye
97
Mind: Manage your time well, keep up with your assignment, try to not procrastinate. This will help you keep your sanity. Soul: If you consider yourself a Christian, now is when you make your faith your own. You are an adult now and responsible for your life, not your parents. If being involved with a church is important to you don’t put off finding a church or campus ministry to be involved in. I promise it is worth it! On the flip side, if you don’t consider yourself religious now is the time to determine what you believe, ask questions, Seek God...you might be surprised with what you discover. Most campus have several campus ministries, be open minded and check them out.
Rachel Hathaway
05
Remember who you are now, because a lot is going to change over the next few years. Take it all in stride and remember that everything happens for a reason. Things may not end up the way you want them to right now, but in the end, it’ll all work out for the best, though at times it may be hard to see that.
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Don’t forget about your hometown friends. As everyone goes their separate ways, it will be harder to stay in touch, and you’ll be tempted to not even try. But those relationships are far too valuable to ignore. Put in the effort (especially using Facebook, email, and the like), and you’ll definitely enjoy the rewards.
Get involved with organizations and student activities as soon as you can. It helps you transition smoother and you make friends you keep your whole life! Finally, major in something you enjoy!! Ultimately, you have to live with yourself and if you are in a job you hate then college is a waste. Follow your dreams and attempt things bigger than yourself regardless of what your family and friends say. Travel and see as much of the world as you can because there will always be home to come back to.
Julian Bryson Set goals and never lose sight of them. Keep your cool and stay focused no matter what happens. Don’t be afraid to do something that has never been done before. Question everything (out loud) and trust yourself.
W. Andrew Harrison
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But wait! There’s more!
Check out the rest at the Eagle’s Nest web site:
http://www.rchseaglesnest.org/print-issues/13-1/
Think about balance. If you go to college, your class work will be extremely important, but don’t let it keep you from being involved in other ways. Religious organizations, Student Government, the newspaper, professional organizations— these are the places where your best memories will happen. Of course, if you spend all your time doing things other than class work, you’ll lose the one thing that gave you the opportunity to be there in the first place.
Class of 2009 Sharlene Leilani Akina
“Live every day like it’s your last—you never know if there will be a tomorrow.”
Elizabeth Ann Anderson
“I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” —Psalm 9:2
Christopher David Armstrong
“Time is the greatest teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.”
Katie Lee Arnold
Danielle Renee Doolittle
Rachael Elaine Harwood
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” —Robert Louis Stevenon
“Success is counted sweetest by those who ne’er succeed.” —Emily Dickinson
Brandi Leigh Durham
Ashley Le’Shay Haston
“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.”
“[...] Because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we’re not all still friends.” —Anonymous
Jimmy Dean Dyer
Faith Anne Hedrick
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and he shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh reveiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” —Matthew 7:7-8
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, an then vanisheth away.” —James 4:14
Mallory Brooke Dyer
Joseph Micheal Hendon
“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” —Oprah Winfrey
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” —Steve Prefontaine
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, but live as if you’ll die today.” —James Dean
Laura Nicole Ballard
Macy Rae-Ann Elder
Megan Nicole Hickman
Emilie Joanne Belisle
Patrick Larry Ezell
Darla Jo Hickman
Jarrod Anthony Benton
Gerald Thomas Fisher
Cody Steven Hill
Crystal Lee Bowman
Katie Nicole Freels
Bradley Nicholas Hill
Cristen Alexandria Brown
Adrianna Adrienne Frizzell
Matthew Coty Hixson
“Believe that life is good, and that belief will help create the fact.”
“Life’s a dance.”
Alaina Nicole Cashman
Michael Dewayne Gates
Scotty Dewayne Holloway
Amanda Nichole Cashman
“Don’t give up; continue to chase your dreams no matter what you may have to overcome.”
“The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.” —JRR Tolkien
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”
“Pancakes and Nintendo; the greatest things in life!”
“Sometimes I wish that I was the weather, you’d bring me up in the conversation forever. And when it rained, I’d be the talk of the day.” —John Mayer
“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”
“Even a broken clock is right twice a day; don’t doubt yourself.”
“Let your conscience be your guide.”
“Don’t live your life how others want you to—live your life the way you want to.”
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
“When you enter the world you cried an the world rejoice. Live your life so when you leave the world, the world cries and you rejoice.” —Indian Proverb
“You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”
“Take your protein pills and put your helmets on.”
“Live life like you were racing in a drag race, no fear.”
“I wash my hands of you all, my slate is clean and I’ll be smiling all the way to the bank.” —The Acacia Strain
“You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”
Samantha Danielle Gossett
“Life isn’t about waiting out the storm; it’s about dancing in the rain.”
Starr LaFaye Houston
“Live in this moment, for this moment is your life.”
William Carl Colbaugh
William Condon Graham
Scott Edward Howard
Ashley Renee Cowgill
Jessica Renea Hamby
Jessica Ann Humberd
Andy Allan Danniels
Preston Dale Harris
Whitney Danielle Hunt
“When your life seems like your world is crashing down and no one cares, remember there’s always going to be at least two people that care... Me and God.”—Wilbur
“Love shouldn’t be a fight, it should be the only thing you fight for.”
“In life there are only two things a man has to fear: God... and a woman.”
“It may be 2 days, it may be 2 weeks, it may be 2 months, it may even be 2 years, but one day you will regret making the worst mistake of your life, and you will realize that I was the best thing that ever happened to you.” —Coach Ruehling
“Learn from yesterday, life for today, hope for tomorrow.”
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14
“Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” —Langston Hughes
“The strong never quit.”
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” —Anatole France
“Are these wall squats supposed to be like, good for you legs or something?”
The Eagle’s Nest • Graduation Edition • May 2009
Courtney Lea Hutton
“As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools.”
Holly Danielle James “Enjoy the ride.”
Randall Brent Janow
“No eye has see, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” —Isajah 64:4
Jonathan David Johnson
“I ain’t asking nobody for nothing if I can’t get it on my own! —CDB
Meaghan Ashleigh Jones
“There’s a good reason hey call these ceremonies “commencement exercises.” Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.” —Orrin Hatch
Crystal Ann Jones
Stefani Maree Linderman
Christian Tyler Montgomery
Justin Chaz Lundy
LaShana Jewl Morgan
Emelisa Madrigal
Justin Scott Nation
“Choices are under your control; consequences are not.”
“What’s more important than the mistakes you make is what you learn from them.”
“It’s going to be ok...”
Brianna Estelle Maginness
“Got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you got and remember what you had.”
Cody Tim Massey
“As long as I can compete, I won’t quit.”
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“Short term sacrifice helps you fulfill your long term goals.” —Unknown
“The myth is that storms have to do with punishment, that they are God’s response to sin or His disappointment in us as His children. May I suggest [...] that we are flowers the Father has planted and desired to grow. No matter how painful or inconvenient, it is necessary for the flower’s beauty.” —Kirk Franklin
“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but powerful beyond all measure.”
Rochelle Denise Nordyke
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” —John F. Kennedy
Alisha Renee Norris
“Making many friends and laughing all the time is the best thing about Rhea County High.”
Catron Zae Matthews
Kevin Marshall O’Rear
“All our dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” —Walt Disney
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” —Ghandi
Kelly Erin May
Anna Marie Ottinger
“Live is good. Horses make it better.”
“Having too much fun today to think about tomorrow.”
Randall Lewis McCampbell
Joshua Lyndon Pippin
“I do not wish to be everything to everyone, but I wish to be something to someone.” —Albert Einstein
“POW!” —Stepbrothers
Mikki Deven McCuiston
Jacqueline Rae Powell
“When your dreams turn to dust, it’s time to vacuum.”
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” —Ghandi
Logan Jeffery McDaniel
Morgan Shea Price
“I am the best and always will be.”
“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.” —”The Diary of Anne Frank”
Nolan Ryan McMurry
Matthew Larry Price
“I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) on redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology.” —Thomas Jefferson
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” —Epictetus
Tyler Shane McRae
Alivia Taylor Reed
“Never take your friends, family, loved ones, or your life for granted because you never know when you might lose them. Live to the fullest and love your friends, family, and loved ones until you can’t love them anymore.”
“Go big or go home.”
Bailee Jo Messimer
Kevin Russell Revis
Casey Allen Lemons
Anthony Michael Miles
Adam Gage Roddy
Kasie Lee Levesque
Ryan Lynn Montgomery
Lindsay Michelle Roden
“Don’t be afraid to live, but be afraid of the unlived life.”
Kelsey Dawn Lacombe
“For I know the plans that I have for you, ‘Sayeth the Lord,’ Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Cody Ryan LaDuke
“Live your life to the fullest, or one day it will be empty.”
Kelly Alexander Lane
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6
Lindsay Renae Langford “Live your life to the fullest.”
Ashley Nicole Lanier
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” —Dr. Suess
Robert Arthur Lawson
“To love those who love you is human. To hate those who love you is demonic. To love those who hate you is divine.” —Aristotle
Denica Amber Leffew
“Everything happens for a reason. It’s part of God’s plan.”
“If you ain’t living on the edge you’re taking up too much space.”
“Live your life for today, not tomorrow.”
“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
“If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.”
“God is good, all the time.”
“We don’t stop having fun because we grow old. We grow old because we stop having fun.” —Anonymous
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, selfdiscipline, and effort.” —Jesse Owens
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The Eagle’s Nest • Graduation Edition • May 2009 Matthew Jordan Sachs
Robert Logan Spurlin
Emily Faith Wilson
Brittny Nichole Simmons
Brandon Eugene Steele
Charlie Danielle Wooden
Jerri Lynn Smith
Mikel Alexander Thomas
David Blayne Woody
“And if you listen very hard the tune will come to you at last. When all is one and one is all to be a rock and not to roll.”
“I’m the best and always will be.”
“Ich habe ein paar reizende Kokosnüsse, da stehen sie in einer Reihe.”
Bobby Earl Smith
Ariel Nichole Toomey
“To love those who love you is human. To hate those who love you is demonic. To love those who hate you is divine.” —Aristotle
Maria Lachelle Wright
“Nothing runs like a Deer.”
Brittany Nicole Smith
Michael Joshua Trammell
“Hoohah!” —Cody Ryan LaDuke
“Never judge a person by their appearance, but judge them by the actions they take.”
Sara Elizabeth Yawn
Morgan Lee Smith
Jennifer Paige Wampler
Jessica Dawn Yearwood
Taylor Brooke Smith
Nicholas Allen Welch
Tyler Dwight Zimmerman
Arron Lee Smith
Victor Ryan Welch
Kristian Nikole Sneed
Christopher Eugene Weyler
Sarah Kathleen Spivey
Samantha Wilkes
“Even the President of The United States must sometimes have to stand naked.” —Bob Dylan
“Live life day by day because it is too short to live in the past.”
“Live every day as your last.”
“Like shutup stupid!”...”Wall squats!” —Brooke Smith and Mr. Austin
“Live your laugh.”
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die tomorrow.”
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalms 37:4
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” —Gandhi
“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Don’t take life too seriously; nobody makes it out alive anyway.”
“Play every game like it’s your last, ‘cause one day it will be.”
“Stand for something or fall for anything.”
“It is my belief... that the truth is generally preferable to lies.” —Albus Dumbledore
“Dream big. Be happy. Never compromise on the things that really matter to you. This is our life, make it what you want it to be.”
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
“I quit.”
“...do not be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, but be rooted and built up in Christ...” —Colossians 2:8
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5 (NIV)
“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship you really haven’t learned anything.” —Muhammad Ali
“Live, laugh, love, and remember where you have been.”
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I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself.
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Marlene Dietrich,
German-American actress & singer (1901—1992)
Members of the Class of 2009 submitted songs that summed up or otherwise reminded them of their time in high school. Some of the top selections are listed here— Say Goodbye Skillet (2009 class song)
We Rode in Trucks Luke Bryan
Don’t Blink Kenny Chesney
The Climb Miley Cyrus
Who Am I Casting Crowns
Poker Face Lady Gaga
Hanging by a Moment Lifehouse
Live Like You Were Dying Tim McGraw
Where I’m From Jason Michael Carroll
Stop Crying Your Heart Out Oasis
In the End Linkin Park
I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack
The Real Nevertheless
Seize the Day Avenged Sevenfold
Listen to these songs & more online!
Hear these and the rest on the submissions on the EN web site:
http://www.rchseaglesnest.org/print-issues/13-1/
The Eagle’s Nest • Graduation Edition • May 2009
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Top row: Kelley Catherine Adams • Travis Aaron Akina • Samantha Lynn Alexander • Jonathan Andrew Armstrong • Cynthia Michelle Ayala • Eric Christopher Bailey • William Scott Bare • Joshua Douglas Barnwell • Timothy Michael Belcher • Kassey Nicole Binkley • Thomas Paul Bloodsworth • Brian Shane Boles • Casie Taylor Bowers • Adam Anthony Brown • Elizabeth Paige Brown • Samuel Jeffrey Bruehl Second row: Donald Ray Burton • Nicholas Tyler Cagle • Joshua Lucas Calbaugh • William Andrew Carnes • Kendra Leighane Carr • Lindsey Michelle Catlett • Jesse Stephen Cawood • Tiffany Nicole Clark • Colton Drake Clingan • Lauren Olivia Collins • Destiny Dawn Congioloso • Timothy Wayne Cook • Christopher Anthony Cook • Chelsea Danielle Coulter • Joann Cox Third row: Christopher Aaron Cranfill • Holly Marie Creesman • Kasey Ann Curtin • Joshua Daniel Davis • Nicholas Aaron Denton • Victoria Caroline Dewitt • Ian Ray Dixon • Jordan Lee Dodd • Timothy Adam Dodson • Jessica Janelle Douglas • Kelcie Brishae Dyer • Ashley Elizabeth Ellis • James Andrew Fisher • Jesse McCaslin Garcia Fourth row: Kayla Rachelle Garza • Christina Hope Gentry • Tyler Reeve Gentry • Ashley Nicole Godoy • Cameron Howard Goins • Sara Nicole Goode • Christopher James Goss • Matthew Chase Green • Brittni Danielle Hale • James Franklin Hall • Haleigh Jordan Hall • Charles Patrick Harmon • Kristen Lashae Harmon • Cody Dwayne Harris • Sarah Dawn Heath • Jennifer Nicole Heath Fifth row: Dakota Ryan Henderson • Carmela Hernandez • Kailyn Alexis Hickey • Justin Allen Hickey • Felicia Danielle Hickman • Allyson Carrie Higgins • Brandie Jean Hood • Christian Elyse Horton •
Lauren Danielle Hubbard • Sharla Marie Hughs • Nicole Lauren Hutchison • Miranda Marie Irvine • Jacqueline Eve Jenkins • Nathan Eugene Jiles • Eric Isaac Johnson
Sixth row: Joseph Allen Jones • Robert Lenoir Jones • Carli Renee Jones • Jennifer Ann Keener • Nicholas Paul Kesler • Matthew Joseph Keylon • Timothy Ryan Keylon • Roselle Denise King • Nina Nicole
Lambeth • Marcus Tyler Latham • Jacob Michael Lawson • Larry Paul Lennen • Jessica Marie Leonard • Justin Andrew Linger • Georgia Marie Loden
Seventh row: Nelso Lopez • Alisha Brooke McCampbell • John Michael Colton McClendon • Casey Dean McDaniel • Jessica Ann Miller • Sarah Nicole Minton • Lacey Nicole Mitchell • Jacob Lee Moffet • Amanda Dawn Nolan • Carl Theodore Olsen • Laura Caroline Owensby • Ervin Amilcar Palacios • Soreida Bautista Pascual • Andrew Trent Patton • Bradley Paige Peak Eighth row: Tiffany Regina Peddicord • Justin Emel Prevo • Matthew Bradley Puckett • Joshua Allen Moser • Aneja Raiteri • Clinton Cody Reed • Joshua Edward Rhody • Kent Hugh Roach • Samantha
Jean Roark • Carlos Eduardo-Gomez Rodriguez • Brittany Paige Rogers • Sophia Sanchez • Makayla Anne Schafer • Jennifer Maria Scroggins
Ninth row: Lauren Michelle Smith • Samantha Corinna Smith • Ashley Nichole Smith • Julius Xavier Smith • Kayla Danielle Smith • Stephanie Marie Standridge • Ronald Justin Stracner • Jacob Greggory Swafford • Cameron Delight Swafford • Catherine Ann Swiney • Bryan Casey Thompson • Bruce Lee Thompson • Kesha Lane Thornsbury • Sarah Elaine Thurman • Lauren Nichole Tindall Tenth row: Christian Isaac Travis • Avery Alan Travis • Froylan Antonio Turcios • Stormy Beth Upchurch • Damion Eugene Upchurch • Joshua Kyle Walker • Stephen Grant Webb • Jeremy Ryan Welch •
Brandon Michael Whitby • Benjamin Wayne Williams • Holly Sue Williams • Chandra Adair Wooden • David Blayne Woody • Devon Russell Wright • Michelle Nicole Wright • Amber Danielle Yates
Not pictured: Mateo Velasco Bautista • Steven Lee Boles • Thomas Joseph Burton • William Harrison Burwick • Annie Loraine Creller • Carlos Cruz • Randy Edward Dodd • Amber Virginia Downs • Ronald
Joseph England • Elyssa Jill Evans • Ryan Tyler Evitt • Benaiah David Fitsimmons • Christina Marie Franks • Scott Serkan Freeman • Brittany Nicole Harmon • Charles Luis Johnson • Jacklyn Danielle King • Phat Quang Le • Amy Michelle Lee • Cordell Dean Leonard • Corey Jason Lofty • Jorge Lopez • Daniel Lopez • Casey Ryan Lovelady • Allyssa India Jane Mathias • Nathan Allen McElhaney • Brandon Lewis Morris • Carrington Bridgett Negron • Brianna Christine Newman • Brandon Michael Opperman • Kodi Lee Parker • Brandon Lynn Reed • Romero Sanchez Santiago • Brandi Nicole Schrimal • Christopher Scott Sharp • Thomas Martell Shaw • Bobby Ray Sherrill • Clayton Levi Smith • Kayla Paige Smith • Thomas James Smith • James Franklin Smith • Ashley Faye Swift • Cody Emmitt Thurman • Jessica Kayla Williamson • Sean Douglas Yoder
Just for Fun 18. Tests required for graduation 19. 2008-09 Homecoming Queen 20. Teachers must occasionally log out of this 21. Nickname for new portable classrooms 23. Undefeated Spring sport (4,6) 25. Dreaded Federal Aid forms 29. Senior water activity in school creek 31. Organization for future health professionals 35. 2009 prom theme was a ____, ____, night 36. Senior Mister winner 39. This year’s new wrestling coach 40. Title of this year’s marching band show 41. Fowl reason RCHS dismissed early (7,6) 43. Senior class valedictorian 45. Class flower (5,4) 46. The à la carte guy’s name 47. Retiring Superintendent 48. Vocational teachers, he needs your numbers
DOWN
Class of 2009 crossword Clues for this crossword are inspired by general RCHS life and activities, as well as by specific events and trivia from the 2008–09 school year. The answers for clues that refer to someone’s name are last name only.
ACROSS 1. Traditional Senior Night author (2,5) 5. Senior class president 6. 2009 Prom King 7. Call letters of prom host 8. Senior class valedictorian 10. Attendance guru 12. Signed to play football at Cumberland University 13. Signed to MTSU for football 14. The main character of the Spring play (4,5) 16. 2009 Prom Queen 17. Lunchtime sticks
1. Popular intramural sport 2. Cheerfully cleans up after sloppy students 3. Teacher famous for snow dances 4. 2009 class color, besides black 5. Retiring history teacher 7. Mr. Austin’s favorite class activity (4,6) 9. Drummer for The Faculty 11. 2009 Salutatorian 15. Destination for Band trip 18. Attendance guru 22. Teacher who’s a bear to debate 23. Not a color, according to Mr. Wilkey 24. Student signed to play basketball for Bryan 25. Christian athlete group 26. Toss-up trivia mistress 27. Reason for a “non-traditional” school day 28. Student signed to play football at UTK 30. Type of “learning lab” installed at RCHS 32. Class song band 33. Place where the stolen hall passes ended up fall semester 34. Field’s stolen stuffed animal 37. RCHS football nemesis 38. According to Channel 3, RCHS is this kind of school 42. Toliver’s favorite animal 44. Won the Old Spice Player of the year contest
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