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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.
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Alumnae awarded $10K rootEd scholarships
A pair of Poplar Bluff High School graduates of the Class of 2020 were recently awarded the rootEd Undergraduate Scholarships, each valued at $10,000 per year, renewable up to 10 semesters toward a bachelor's degree.
Award recipient Nayeli Cerda is pursuing her law degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and Khelie Spence is majoring in health sciences with an emphasis on pre-dental at the University of Missouri in Columbia, according to PBHS counselor Sara Woodard.
"...Over the past two years, rootEd Alliance has provided dedicated support to students from rural areas and small towns across Missouri as they pursue their education beyond high school," wrote program representative Lisa MacDougall in an announcement dated Monday, Sept. 28. "This year, in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, rootEd will distribute over $275,000 in 'last-dollar' scholarships to 31 undergraduate and transfer students from rural Missouri, filling critical gaps in students' financial aid packages to help ensure they graduate debt-free."
Administered by the Scholarship Foundation, the rootEd Alliance program was launched in 2018 to improve postsecondary education opportunities for high school seniors from 14 specific Missouri communities, according to its website. The mission of the philanthropic endeavor is to "clear a path to a stronger future for students in rural America." The application for next year's rootEd Alliance Scholarship will open in January.
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Thirty registered during PBHS voter drive
The Poplar Bluff High School Social Studies Department recently held a voter registration drive, resulting in the submission of 30 application forms to the Butler County Courthouse last week.
Juniors, at least 17.5 years old, were given an opportunity to register in American government class and seniors during advisory beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, on National Voter Registration Day. Staff members-who may have recently relocated to Missouri, for instance-were also able to register through the school system.
The drive was initiated this year by Gail Rosmarin, social studies teacher. Coupled with hosting a mock election during the Missouri presidential primary, she said the department continues to teach students the importance of civic responsibility.
Rosmarin explained back in March that she can recall accompanying her parents to the polls when she was a child, and she does the same for her kindergarten son John - in order to familiarize him with the process. "It's just a matter of exposure," she said.
Above: American government student JD Pigg, who will be voting for the first time next month, helps register schoolmates on Tuesday, Sept. 22, during a visit to Paula Colvin's advisory class.
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Self-service station added to HS Giving Closet
A 'grab and go' station with free personal hygiene items and school supplies for students in need has been set up in the Poplar Bluff High School library this academic year as an extension of the Giving Closet.
The self-service display was created with donations in memory of former student Jarron T.L. Williams. "This is not only a memorial for my son, but for all those PBHS students who've left this earth far too soon," stated mother Tanya Williams who, with help from her friend Amber Christian, spearheaded the special project.
With contributions from family and community members, Christian and Tanya Williams purchased hundreds of items including travel soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, picks, feminine products, laundry detergent, paper, pens and pencils for students without. They intend to continue to work closely with Giving Closet staff to restock popular inventory.
Established during the 2016/17 school year, the PBHS Giving Closet-which contains clothing, toiletries, snacks and classroom supplies-is overseen by librarians Marci Priest and Cindy Webb, with help from student volunteers. For more information, click here. Junior High and the Middle School also manage similar operations.
Above: (Left to right) Marci Priest, Cindy Webb, Tanya Williams and Amber Christian pose beside the Giving Closet extension in the PBHS library underneath a memorial wall that reads, in part: "Your legacies will forever carry on."
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StuCo sells merch with hopes to open store
Poplar Bluff Student Council has set up a 'spirit table' at football games to raise funds for the student-led organization, and help spread Mule pride.
School memorabilia for sale includes phone wallets, cowbells, water bottles, pom-poms, maroon beaded necklaces and mule stickers, according to Olivia Kirkman, StuCo public relations coordinator. "...Eventually, our goal is to open a school store where these things will all be for sale as well," she explained.
Students have had a meeting with PBHS administration about launching the spirit store in the commons, and are working on coming up with a business plan that incorporates clothing from the Booster Club, reported StuCo treasurer Logan Massey, who is spearheading the special project in his leadership class.
"We are very excited about the prospect of our store," commented Jennie Randolph, StuCo advisor and leadership elective instructor. "It has been a project begun in the past many times, and we are making good progress."
To purchase items in the meantime, locate the spirit table at home football games, or contact Randolph at jennierandolph@pb.k12.mo.us.
Above: (From left) StuCo secretary Ella Skillman, PR coordinator Olivia Kirkman, president Emily Lovette and treasurer Logan Massey display merchandise sold at home football games.
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Virtual College Fair
PBHS, in partnership with the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling, is hosting a virtual college fair from 4-9 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 8. Click here to register to attend any of the 175+ free virtual sessions covering various college and career topics via the individual Zoom links.
Pink-Out Day
Our 10th annual Pink-Out Day takes place on Friday, Oct. 9, culminating with the Poplar Bluff Mules vs. Cape Central Tigers at 7 p.m. in Mules Stadium. All proceeds from official T-shirts support UCAN!
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On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the ShowMe Times reported about our Middle School Giving Closet; the collaboration with the Park Department to resurface our tennis courts; and our new ECH therapy dog.
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, KFVS12 shot a segment about our new PBMS Giving Closet.
KAIT8 also aired the Giving Closet piece.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, the ShowMe Times reported about a generous donation to PBJHS by Blaich Family Dentistry; and our free meal waiver for all students.
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