| Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District to help start your week on the right hoof. |
Siddiqui top scholar in Missouri
Poplar Bluff High School senior Humza Siddiqui is being recognized among the 100 top scholars in the state from the graduating Class of 2017.
Qualifying students in the Missouri Scholars 100 Program must complete the "academic decathlon," which includes the following criteria: A score of at least 29 points on the ACT or 1900 on the SAT; cumulative GPA of at least 3.75; top 10 percent of class; at least one credit in advanced placement mathematics, science and English; at least two credits in a foreign language; no more than 20 absences throughout high school career; exemplary school citizen; serve as an officer of a student organization or earn a school letter; and participate in a significant community service project.
In addition to his achievements in the classroom, Siddiqui has volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, tennis camp through the Parks Department, the Boys and Girls Club, the Kindergarten Fall Festival on behalf of the Spanish Club, and has participated in trash pickup, bell ringing and gift-wrapping through the Beta Club, a student organization for which he serves as president.
Upon graduating, Siddiqui plans to study biomedical engineering at St. Louis University, Vanderbilt University or Washington University, then advance to medical school.
Siddiqui will be honored for his statewide achievement next month in Columbia during a luncheon sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.
Above: PBHS counselor Regina Williams, who nominated Humza Siddiqui for the Missouri Scholars 100 Program, congratulates the senior. In Williams' hand is also a certificate indicating Siddiqui has been named a National Merit Program finalist.
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Hicks nominated for Spirit of Sport award
Poplar Bluff High School freshman Savannah Hicks was Missouri's nomination for the National High School Spirit of Sport award for returning to the basketball court just six short weeks after open-heart surgery.
The executive director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association nominated the 15-year-old for the award because she exceeded expectations, overcame challenging circumstances and displayed exemplary sportsmanship.
"I visited with Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, executive director of MSHSAA, about Savannah Hicks and the obstacles she has overcome to return to the court/field," R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith announced. "I then forwarded (reporter) Ben Striker's
DAR article about Savannah for him to read. Dr. Urhahn was touched by what he heard and read."
Over the summer, medics discovered a heart murmur or an irregular heartbeat during sports physicals provided by volunteers for student athletes. Upon further testing, Savannah was diagnosed with atrial septal defect, which is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.
Savannah postponed treatment until completing varsity softball season. On Nov. 22, she received successful open-heart surgery at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. A week later, she attended a home basketball game to cheer on her junior varsity teammates. She proceeded to help keep a stat book until she received clearance from doctors to return to the court at the end of the year. On Jan. 2, she participated in practice. Four days later, she played in her first game of the season.
In addition to basketball and softball, Savannah has just learned that she made the girls soccer team. She is a member of the Mule Barn, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, active in her church youth group and in the top 10 percent of her class, according to her nomination form.
The national recipient of the award was a student athlete in Minnesota who, despite being born a paraplegic, plays football, sled hockey, wheelchair softball and track, according to a press release issued by the National Federation of State High School Associations. All 50 state associations, plus Washington, D.C., have the option of submitting a nominee to the selection committee each year, according to MSHSAA Communications Director Jason West.
Above: Savannah Hicks is shown during basketball practice a short time after receiving open-heart surgery.
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Famous Missourians Living Museum
Athletes, authors, educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs, explorers, Native Americans and outlaws were portrayed on Friday, March 25, at Oak Grove.
The famous Missourians living museum has been an annual tradition at the elementary school for well over a decade, this year for the first time on the third grade level with the transition of fourth grade to the Middle School configuration.
"It's a way to show how hard the kids have worked," third grade teacher Kristie Robinson said. "Listening and speaking is a life skill."
Robinson explained that the Missouri Learning Standards have changed to include a history component plus listening and speaking in the third grade. Oak Grove accomplishes the objective by having students research a famous statesmen, then create a poster board, dress as the individual and deliver a speech to the public during the culminating event. Students started the project in January.
Above: Malaki Black, portraying Jesse James, learns from classmate Harley Werkmeister about Molly Brown, a Titanic survivor born in Hannibal.
Below: Student Chloe Miller, representing astronaut Linda Godwin of Cape Girardeau, stands next to her homemade display.
Click
here to view our running photo album-going on five years strong-and be sure to 'like' your favorite costumes!
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Students at the Kindergarten Center have been learning about outer space through art projects, the result of which is a Star Wars theme that is presently adorning the halls of the school facility.
Art instructor Fawn Luecke has taught students about galaxies, planets, constellations and of course aliens using tissue paper, yarn and various other mediums, which staff hope to display until their Gravy with Grandparents event next week.
Above: Students (front to back) Jayden Million, Chloe Joiner, Kyra Sykes, Mayson McCraig, Will Sheridan, Dakota Collins and Danika Miller stand in front of an art display with instructor Fawn Luecke.
Below: (From left) Chloe Joiner, Danika Miller and Will Sheridan point out their extraterrestrial tinfoil artwork.
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School Board Forum
The annual school board forum, hosted by MNEA and MSTA, will take place on Tuesday, March 28, in the Middle School Library, at 1300 Victory Lane. Five candidates-incumbents Alana Robertson and John Scott, and newcomers Bill Dee, Jerrod Murphy and Gary Simmons-are vying for three three-year terms on the Board of Education. The public is invited to participate. Good luck to all.
Basketball Fundraiser
The Interact Club, PBHS' student Rotary Club, is hosting a three-on-three basketball tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the gymnasium. Cost is $75 per team, with all proceeds going toward a summer field trip for the club to tour Civil Rights landmarks. Teams could consist of up to four members. Participants must be 14 years of age or older. First place players will receive Beats headphones. To sign-up in advance, email club sponsor Stephen Patty at stephen
patty
@pb.k12.mo.us
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Spring Break
Spring break will run from Thursday through Monday, April 13-17. Class will resume for students on Tuesday, April 18. Happy Easter!
Foundation Golf Tourney
The Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation will host its 18th annual golf tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course. Lunch will be served at noon. All proceeds go to the non-profit organization, which funds student scholarships and innovative teacher projects. To enter a team in the four-person scramble, sponsor a hole or donate a prize, former superintendent Chris Hon by calling 573-718-0149. Hon has agreed to continue to organize the event to help raise money for the foundation.
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On Monday, March 20, the ShowMe Times reported about our Middle School
SRO, and WWII vet Cloyd Cook's recent history class
lecture.
On Tuesday, March 21,
the DAR recognized our PBHS Students of the Month, and reported a preview story about Mules Tennis.
The ShowMe Times
recognized our Athletes of the Month.
On Wednesday, March 22, the ShowMe Times ran a
photo about Southern Bank's furniture donation to the High School.
The DAR reported a preview story about Track and Field.
On Thursday, March 23, the DAR reported about incoming PBJHS Principal Candace Warren.
On Friday, March 24, the DAR highlighted Southern Bank's generous donation, and reported a Golf preview story.
The ShowMe Times ran a
photo about Sullivan University's recent presentation to TCC culinary arts students.
On Sunday, March 26, the DAR reported about district teacher of the year Gayla Fritts of PBHS, WWII vet Cloyd Cook's visit to PBHS, and featured O'Neal in its weekly Let's Talk segment.
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