Expanding Opportunities to Connect in Middle School

A new addition came to the Middle School this year: interest groups. USJ prides itself on meeting the needs of students, and interest groups allow for that by guiding students to explore interests beyond the classroom.

“We knew that there should be more leadership opportunities for Middle School students, so interest groups are how we decided to make that happen,” says Middle School Director Margaret Livingston.

The following clubs were implemented:

Agriculture Club

The Agriculture Club explores the importance of agriculture in our community and everyday lives. Topics researched include gardening, bees, crops, dairy, and meat.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly during break or lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. Brauss

Art Club

The Art Club gives creative students who would enjoy having more opportunities to explore different disciplines of art. This group updated the hallway bulletin board, made props for plays, created fun projects, and designed greeting cards to be sold for a fundraiser.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. McPeake

Book Club

The purpose of Book Club is to promote a lifelong interest in literature by reading a variety of books and discussing them in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants in Book Club collectively select a book to read and meet one month later to have a meaningful discussion about the book’s plot, characters, pace, etc., and to share their opinions and favorite parts.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. Vivio

French Conversation Club

This group practiced casual French conversation surrounding the topics that most interested the students.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly

Madame Barton

Board games encourage teamwork and healthy competition, sharpen strategy and thinking skills, strengthen friendships, encourage new friendships, reduce stress, and create laughter. Some games to be played include Trouble, Chess, Checkers, Jinga, Tetris, and Sorry.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during

Sponsors: Mrs. Vargason and Mrs. Davis

Guitar Club

This club is for students who share an interest in acoustic guitar or similar instrument (ukulele, banjo, mandolin, etc.). This is a great opportunity to meet and also get to know fellow musicians. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, play music, make friends, and have fun.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break

Sponsors: Mr. Hight

Living Out Loud

This club discussed Biblical truths in order to learn to be faithful and become a person of character. Students engaged in devotions related to character, consistency, and courage. The aspects of a strong prayer life will be used to encourage and lift one another up.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break

Sponsors: Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Morris, Mr. Hight

Multicultural Club

The Multicultural Club gives students the opportunity to meet, learn, and share ideas about diversity. The goal is to have a student club that has various cultures, lifestyles, and opinions. This USJ club is for any students who wants to expand their world view.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break Sponsor: Coach Jones

Rippin’ Lips Fishing Club

The mission for RLFC is to encourage mutual respect, personal integrity, and lifelong learning. Their purpose is to strive for sportsmanship and conservation while emphasizing the skills and knowledge needed to be successful anglers. They engaged in hands-on training and experience while facilitating the development of young anglers. They also had opportunities to expand fishing skills. Meeting time(s): Monthly at break and lunch

Sponsors: Coach King, Coach Pledger, and Coach Nelson

Spirit Club

This group creates and designs shirts, sweatshirts, posters, etc. to show student support. The purpose is to inspire individuality through their designs. This allows students to showcase their talents and create easily accessible shirts for all Middle School students. The end goal is to show students that their voices matter.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly during break

Sponsors: Mrs. Engles

Naval Commanding Officer Justin Allen

Encourages Middle School Students

Commander Justin Allen came to speak to USJ Middle Schoolers during their assembly on October 25th. A Humboldt High School graduate, he gave a comprehensive presentation about his deployment and being a Top Gun pilot.

“I had heard Commander Allen speak at the Boys and Girls Club Bird and Burger event in Humboldt, and I thought his message would be a great one for our campus,” says 8th grade science teacher Sherri Brauss.

Commander Allen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics from the United States Naval Academy in May 2000. Designated a Naval Aviator in February 2003, Commander Allen reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA, for fleet replacement training in the F/A-18C Hornet. His first operational assignment began in January 2004 with the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105 at NAS Oceana, VA, where he deployed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

In January 2007, Commander Allen attended the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Upon completion of the syllabus, he was assigned to Strike Fighter Weapons School, NAS Oceana, VA as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor.

In November 2009, he returned to the fleet with his assignment as the Training Officer for the “Warparty” of VFA-87. While attached to the squadron, he embarked on the maiden deployment of USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of the multiple efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR, including Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Commander Allen joined the “Checkmates” of VFA-211 for his department head tour in October 2011. As a “Checkmate” he served as the Safety Officer, Administration Officer, and Operations Officer. In 2012, he deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), for the “Final Ride” in support of multiple efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR, including Operation NEW DAWN and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In February 2014, Commander Allen reported to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a Fire Support Officer. While assigned, he directly supported Naval Special Warfare Joint Terminal Attack Controller training, while developing and testing new tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment for the fire support mission. He reported to VFA-143 as Executive Officer on 24 May 2018.

Commander Allen has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and has logged over 600 carrier arrested landings.

His decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Air Medal (3 Strike/ Flight awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other unit and campaign awards.

Commander Allen is married to Tracy Leigh Allen, and they have two awesome sons, Gage and Porter.

Commander Allen encouraged students to strive to be at least 1% better each day. He also suggested they never be content with who they are right now, but to be happy with who they can be tomorrow, next month, and next year.