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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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Memorial fund supplies basketball shoes to students in need
Two student-athletes were recently provided free Nike sneakers through a memorial fund designated for Mules Basketball program participants in need at Poplar Bluff High School.
The Gene Keith Memorial Basketball Shoe Fund has been quietly supplying sneakers to Girls and Boys Basketball players since its establishment in 2016.
"It's definitely helped us-just to have somebody we can ask and depend on-to have those funds available," said Boys Basketball Coach Will Durden, noting that oftentimes assistance comes out of pocket. "It takes the load off the coaching staff, and it's just nice to have that support. It's been good."
Named in honor of R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith's late father, the charity operates under the Poplar Bluff School Foundation. In addition to receiving contributions from supporters in the community, the fund allows the Keith family to make annual donations in Gene's memory.
"The thought process was doing something for the kids, and we talked about football, but basketball helped pay for his [Gene's] college education," Kent explained. "The other thing behind it was mom [Josephine] wanted to keep Poplar Bluff money here and give back to the school because they offered me the opportunity to come here to work."
Kent previously served as assistant football coach at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, but was looking to locate closer to his parent's home in Arkansas when his father's health unfortunately began to decline. In particular, Kent was looking for job openings in Missouri since he obtained a teaching certification from Southwest Baptist University, where he played football as an undergraduate.
Gene received his higher education at Frank Phillips College in his hometown in Texas and then transferred to West Texas State University, on respective basketball scholarships, before serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and later leading a career in law enforcement.
The school year the memorial was established under past superintendent Chris Hon, Kent had spent $700 out of his fundraising account on basketball sneakers for student-athletes who did not have the means to buy the athletic gear. The district has another nonprofit, known as Sole Providers, that supplies school shoes for students without, but the basketball sneakers are specially designed to grip the hardwood court.
When students cannot afford a pair, they can discretely notify the coaching staff. To make a donation to the 'Gene Keith Memorial Basketball Shoe Fund,' checks may be sent to the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. For more information, call 573-785-7751.
Above: A fund that provides sneakers to Boys and Girls Basketball players in need has been established in honor of R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith's father Gene, pictured at West Texas State University.
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PBHS students raise $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise
A class at Poplar Bluff High School has raised a projected $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise through a student-led enterprise that has quickly gained popularity across campus.
Pam Davis' business students started making hot cocoa bombs for the campus community as a way to fundraise to provide Christmas presents for Butler County children in need under AmeriCorps, a long-standing district partner.
"They have worked very hard," said Davis while overseeing CoCo Express on Friday, Dec. 11. "So many students have now gained an interest in business."
Three students have been inspired to enroll in entrepreneurship, another semester-long elective, while one senior said he plans to study business in college, according to a quick poll of her business management class.
Davis said she got the idea of the classroom activity from Pinterest. The chocolate bombs contain cocoa and marshmallows, and some include coffee or caramel, designed to fuse once hot milk or water is poured over the chocolate coated shell. The students have been selling the sweets for $5 to classmates during lunch or to staff via an online order form.
The class came up with a business name, held a logo competition, purchased ingredients and packaging supplies, and conducted a product review with teachers prior to Thanksgiving, then began dividing responsibilities to turn out the finished product for an hour each school day.
The plan is to use the proceeds to shop for presents to help fulfill wish lists as Project Christmas Promise wraps up over the next week. As for the future, the "possibilities are super endless," commented Davis, noting that the concept may evolve to lemonade bombs in the springtime, or perhaps the students will sell products in a future school spirit store.
As of late last week, 971 children from 358 families were being served by Project Christmas Promise, with 375 still needing to be "adopted," according to AmeriCorps Director Becky Winters. The nonprofit began the service operation in 2008, identifying needs through area schools, and coordinating donations from organizations and individuals in the community.
To adopt a child or make a donation, contact Winters at beckywinters@pb.k12.mo.us.
Above: Students in Pam Davis' business management elective make hot chocolate bombs during second hour every day.
Below: Three Rivers President Dr. Wes Payne presents the annual Project Christmas Promise donation, on behalf of the community college, to AmeriCorps members (left to right) Allison Knowlton, Harrison Warren, Shelby Cochran, Chloe Sisk and Adora Terry. "It's our favorite thing to do all year," noted Janine Heath, Payne's executive assistant.
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November Athletes of the Month named
The Mules Booster Club has named Hunter Pierce and Jaden Deaton of Poplar Bluff High School the November Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Jaden, a senior cross country runner, was named All-Conference all four years of his high school career, most recently winning the championship. He was also district champion in 2019 and 2020, and finished 22nd in the MSHSSA All-State, Class 4 championship in 2019, and placed 14th in the All-State, Class 5 tournament in 2020. He holds the Cape Central Invitational course record with a time of 15:53. In the classroom, he maintains a 10.971 grade point average.
"Jaden is a rare find. His dedication to the sport is like no other," said Beth Lewis, his coach. "It has been a pleasure to work with him the past four years and watch him develop into the athlete he is today."
Hunter, a senior cheerleader, has lettered for the past three years, and is expected to do so again this year. As a freshman, she received the most hardworking award through cheer, her sophomore year - most improved, and during her junior year she had the 'best jumps,' plus was named All-American. She helped lead her squad to a first place regional championship title in ninth grade, and first place at the UCA Bootheel Classic in 10th, landing a bid to nationals, where the team advanced to sectionals. In the classroom, she has maintained a 10.2 GPA, lettering academically during her sophomore year.
"Hunter embodies all the qualities of a great cheerleader. She has the best heart and always wants what is best for her team," said Kim Smith, cheer coach. "Hunter is such an amazing role model and we are so excited to see what her future holds!"
Above: Presenting the AOM awards to Hunter Pierce and Jaden Deaton on Thursday, Dec. 10, is Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor.
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Bonus: Golden retriever joins PBJHS staff
Meet Durango, 16-month-old golden retriever, who serves as a certified therapy dog under handler Jenn Nicolini at Junior High.
Having recently completed obedience training through the Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education & Services program in Kansas, Durango is set to make his introduction at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Dec. 17, in the Administrative Building.
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School Board
Filing for the Board of Education opens during business hours on Tuesday, Dec. 15, and runs through Tuesday, Jan. 19, in the Administrative Building, with the exception of holidays.
Christmas Break
School will be dismissed for students from Monday, Dec. 21 to Friday, Jan. 1. School will resume on Monday, Jan. 4. Happy Holidays!
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On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2021 inductees which includes the Poplar Bluff Boys Golf program.
KFVS12 reported about the annual canned food drive of PBJHS to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
The ShowMe Times also reported about our record collection of canned goods.
The DAR reported about our art recycling contest winners at Oak Grove Elementary.
On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the ShowMe Times reported about the recent U.S. Army STEM trailer visit to PBHS.
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