Prophetstown

A reason to cheer loud and proud

Students and community welcome back a return to traditions

The pandemic changed how schools operate academically, but also reduced the opportunities that students had to build school community and pride. With the return to a more conventional schedule and school year, Prophetstown students were eager to re-establish traditions that they had missed during the previous year and a half and show up to support one another with renewed enthusiasm. Whether during the day or after school, in the classroom or from the sidelines, they have demonstrated that the school community is a vital piece of their experience.

TRADITIONS cont’d to page 31

TRADITIONS cont’d from page 30

Student Council

Student Council had missed the opportunity for homecoming activities last year, so knew that this year would bring increased participation. Through their planning, the Student Council was adamant about creating opportunities where everyone was recognized and able to participate. The week of competitions, dress-up days, pep assemblies, a homecoming parade, and the dance may not have been drastically different from those in the past, but felt more significant this year, especially to seniors. Homecoming activities were led by Student Council officers President Brinley Tucker, Vice President Madison Grennan, Secretary Tinley Wetzell, liaison Ryan Roman; and Head of Digital Arts Jaiden Oleson.

At Prophetstown, the parade showcased true skills in float-building and was a source of community pride. This year, the downtown was lined with community members of all ages who had missed the tradition as much as the students.

Student section — Panther pride

With the number of spectators limited last year for athletic events, our students missed cheering on one another from the sidelines. This year, they have not taken the opportunity for granted. Student sections for both volleyball and football are packed with students coordinating for the night’s theme and cheering in unison. As senior Dominique Robinson reflected on the student section for football: “We realized how much we missed cheering on the Panthers over the past year. As a senior, I wanted to make this year’s student section the best it could be. No matter the circumstances throughout the season, I believed in those boys. I saw something in this team. Everybody in the student section is so proud of these boys and will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

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TRADITIONS cont’d from page 31

However, it is clear that the students in the stands are also here for one another, and not just the team. At volleyball, there is jostling to make sure that seniors have the floor to teach the traditions to underclassmen, especially the unified counting each time the team scores. Their positive energy has increased the number of students involved each week.

B.L.I.N.D.

While B.L.I.N.D. is not new for Prophetstown, last year impacted the program by limiting how much the leaders could interact with their peers. Tegan Miller, faculty sponsor for the activity, is excited about this year’s opportunities. She and the B.L.I.N.D leaders of 2021-22 are working hard to make sure freshmen get to have new experiences as they begin their high school journey.

Ms. Miller explains: “B.L.I.N.D is a leadership program that promotes acceptance and builds relationships with students from surrounding high schools. Prophetstown High School joined four other high schools in 2018 with the B.L.I.N.D program: Newman, Rock Falls, Morrison, and Fulton. Every year, all five schools join together with a B.L.I.N.D Retreat in September for all freshmen to build relationships and break down stereotypes. Last year, with the pandemic, we were not able to do much with the program; however, this year, we have come back full force. Not only have the freshmen participated in the September B.L.I.N.D Retreat, but now we have incorporated monthly activities with leaders and freshmen to continue to build these connections and relationships through the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.”

This year, B.L.I.N.D has nine Junior/Senior leaders: Lexi Miniel, Liz Hinton, Mira Reneau, Ally Wisely, Charitee Burger-Owen, Naudia Ritemon, Kerie Battaglia, Corey Barnes, and Connor Poff.

Ms. Miller has recognized that, similar to our other student activities, participation of those involved is impressive. “This group of young men and women are phenomenal to work with. I want to give them a shout out for all their hard work that they put into this program. This program wouldn’t be as successful as it is without them!”

32 Pride 2021/22