The Poplar Bluff Middle School campus was lined with more than 1,000 cheering students as 25-30 vehicles entered the annual Veterans Day Parade held Thursday, Nov. 11, along Victory Lane. 

Student groups participated across the district, including over 100 PBHS JROTC cadets, the Sho-Me Marching Band, Junior High Pom Squad, and Middle School Safety Patrol plus the Honor Choir.

“I like that students are part of the celebration, instead of just spectators; they are participants,” said Dr. Josh Teeter, Middle School principal. “If you don’t make it a big deal, it’s not a big deal.”

The Middle School, formerly the 5th & 6th Grade Center, has a rich tradition of hosting a Veterans Day Assembly dating back to 1997. In response to the pandemic, the parade concept was instituted last year in place of an indoor program, and the looser format has worked well for the grade span.

Teeter noted that since students have not yet covered the military conflicts in American history, a more “reverent” event is better suited for older students. He says there is a place for a “somber, more solemn” observance, and he appreciates both tones, but allowing younger students to be outside and “hoot and holler” adds another dimension to all of the ceremonies that take place throughout the community.

The annual event is organized by the Middle School Counseling Department, who reach out to the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, the VFW and the American Legion, as well as local veterans with family ties to the student body. “It’s definitely a community effort, and we just like to be a part of it,” Teeter continued.

Participating organizations this year included the Marine Corps League, Three Rivers Shrine Club, Poplar Bluff Police and Fire departments, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and classic car enthusiasts in coordination with Hefner Furniture. State Rep. Hardy Billington of Poplar Bluff also joined the parade, having served in the Army National Guard.

The event kicked off with the Honor Choir, directed by vocal music teacher Tim Fain, performing “In Service Of Our Country” via Facebook Live so school patrons can also be a part of the special occasion.

Above: U.S. Navy veteran Robert Thacker, who fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf during World War II, is escorted through the Veterans Day Parade at the Poplar Bluff Middle School.

Below: A longstanding tradition of the Middle School, the campus community came together last week to thank servicemen and women in observance of Veterans Day.

Click here to view 100 photos from the event added to our running Veterans Day album, and be sure to Like, Comment or Share!

A Mark Twain School sophomore was a guest of honor at the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Jefferson City along with approximately 65 students across Missouri.

Jude Stewart was selected to attend a reception as part of the fourth annual First Lady’s Essay contest through the JAG-Missouri program—Jobs for America’s Graduates—for his winning entry.

“I am so proud of each of these students and know they can succeed at anything they want to through JAG,” posted First Lady Teresa Parson after delivering a short speech to the students alongside Gov. Mike Parson. “Each of them represented their schools so well!”

The governor added on his Facebook page: “We believe in the young people of Missouri and the positive impact that JAG has on our youth.”

Teresa Parson serves as a board member for JAG-Missouri, a project-based learning program with career exploration opportunities available for students including those enrolled at Mark Twain. In light of the bicentennial year of Missouri’s statehood, this year’s essay topic question was: What has contributed to making Missouri great over the past 200 years?

Jude’s essay entitled “Missouri Is Great!” touched variously on historical figures including Lewis and Clark, George Washington Carver and Laura Ingalls Wilder; landmarks and attractions including the St. Louis Arch, and Mingo National Wildlife Habitat; and other entertainment such as the World’s Fair, and sporting events and dining. He also talked about the Show-Me State mentality, and how Missourians tend to come together during crises. 

“…We also are willing to help those in need. One of the ways is the food bank and distributing the food at places like the Bread Shed and the soup kitchen,” Jude wrote. He and his schoolmates have been volunteering to combat food insecurity in Poplar Bluff by regularly serving at the Bread Shed, along with helping to pack boxes at the SEMO Food Bank in Sikeston. 

For representing the district, Jude received a commemorative coin containing an official state seal and had a chance to tour the People’s House as well as the Missouri Capitol. He was accompanied by JAG specialist Darla Nunn and, by personal request, teacher Shelly Roby from Mark Twain.

“Jude was very excited to attend and really enjoyed the day. It was fun and truly a cool opportunity,” reported Nunn, noting that the experience was a first for a student of Mark Twain School.

Above: Jude Stewart of Mark Twain School poses with Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson during a reception held Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the Governor’s Mansion.

Below: Jude Stewart (front, left) joins Missouri essay contest winners through the JAG program as special guests of Gov. Mike Parson and the First Lady, pictured in the forefront.

Approximately 850 people were served during the Community Thanksgiving held Friday, Nov. 12, at Poplar Bluff High School.

A longstanding partnership between Chartwells and the Poplar Bluff School District, the event was reinstated after skipping last year due to the pandemic. Guests received full-course meals prepared by the food service supplier, and entertainment was provided by the Junior and Senior High Jazz Band, directed by music instructor Stephen Winters.

“It’s a chance for folks to come together and see the people behind the school district,” said Dixie Harden, food service director. “We’re just a part of the community on this night.”

Army JROTC instructor Marc Roderick echoed Harden’s sentiment, noting that the cadets who volunteer to help organize the event are instructed to “interact” with the patrons and be a "touchpoint," since "this is our community." The event is a service-learning project for the JROTC students, which entails planning and reflecting on the operation, from directing traffic to cleaning the facility afterward.

The PBHS Student Council hosted a craft activity station for children during the dinner service, accepting donations to supply Christmas presents for families of the Haven House. The Iron Mules Robotics Club also assisted with the event for the first time, helping to pass out beverages. Elementary students made special placemats for the tabletops in art class.

“This can be a very rough time of year for some, and this sort of gives people in need something to look forward to and hang onto,” Harden continued. “To a lot of people, it’s just a meal, but many times we don’t look at the long-term effects these little things we do for others have on people.”

A total of 300 pounds of turkey roast was cooked for the event, as food service employees divided duties across cafeteria kitchens, preparing sides that included mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, dinner rolls and dessert.

Above: On behalf of the Board of Education, vice president Ken Davis enjoys a meal with guests at the district’s annual Community Thanksgiving.

Below: JROTC cadets of PBHS begin to break into a dance as they enjoy their Friday evening at the Community Thanksgiving, sponsored by Chartwells.

The Mules Booster Club has named Zhoe Bumpus and Kannon Carr of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Kannon, a senior football player, has the second-most passing yards of the season at 2,722 with 5,392 for his career: the third all-time highest, according to the Daily American Republic. His passing play percentage is 60.8 with 146 completions out of 240 attempts, 20 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He additionally ran 231 yards with 48 carries plus 7 touchdowns, and a single punt for 37 yards. In the classroom, he is a straight-A student, according to his coach, David Sievers.

Kannon “has grown into a leader,” Sievers stated. A “three-and-a-half-year starter,” the coach added, Kannon is a “very intelligent player.”

Zhoe, a senior volleyball player, has had 137 digs and 35 aces during the recent volleyball season. She has maintained a 7.9 out of 11.0-grade point average, according to her coach, Aimie Parkin.

“I have been Zhoe’s coach since her sophomore year. Seeing her growth as a player has been amazing, but seeing her growth as a person has been even better,” Parkin said. “Zhoe is a hard worker and truly wants what is best for the team. She would pick her teammates up when they were down and encourage everyone to be their best.”

Above: Kannon Carr and Zhoe Bumpus were presented the AOM awards by Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, KWOC reported about our U.S. News Best Elementary Schools.

The DAR advanced our Veterans Day activities planned across campus.

On Wednesday, Nov. 10, the DAR reported about the Educational Talent Search donation to our STEM program; and advanced our annual Community Thanksgiving.

KWOC also advanced our Community Thanksgiving.

On Thursday, Nov. 11, KWOC helped promote our Veterans Day Parade at the Middle School.

The DAR reported about our Veterans Day Parade.

On Friday, Nov. 12, the DAR reported about our favorable elementary school rankings by U.S. News & World Report; and posted a photo gallery from our Community Thanksgiving event.

KWOC reported about the United States of Readers program that Lake Road Elementary was selected to be a part of.