The Pvt. Billie Gene Kanell JROTC Battalion held its annual Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, May 13, at Poplar Bluff High School, marking the completion of “another productive year,” according to Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick, Army instructor.

Among about 50 students recognized for outstanding cadet performances, sophomore Pfc. Logan Davis was named the 2021 Cadet of the Year for demonstrating the best subject knowledge, drill and ceremony, and appearance. Charlie Company received the 2021 Best Company honor for the group’s performance in academics, community service, physical fitness, appearance, and drill and ceremony.

Incoming commander Dustin Ramsey, a junior, stated that his goal for next year would be to refocus on “cadet leadership” over the program.

“You can and you will,” outgoing cadet Lt. Col. Alyssa Brown said earlier, noting that the JROTC has made improvements each year. She advised her successors: “Work hard,” “use the knowledge that has been given to you” and “be the best that you can be.”

Above: Following the passing of the colors, Dustin Ramsey (right) is promoted to cadet lieutenant colonel while Alyssa Brown’s rank is procedurally removed. Lt. Col. Scott Kulla (center), senior Army instructor, is also pictured as retired instructor, Maj. Gregory Crites (seated) looks on.

Below: Commander of the Pvt. Billie Gene Kanell JROTC Battalion, Dustin Ramsey, delivers his remarks.

Click here to see photos of all of our award recipients from the ceremony in our running album, and be sure to hit ‘Share!’

Poplar Bluff High School senior Lauren Robertson has been awarded the Class of 1971, Dr. Michael D. Laseter Memorial and Mary Lynn Wolpers scholarships, valued at $3,500 total.

The $1,500 Wolpers Scholarship is designated for a student entering a four-year university or technical school; the $1,000 Laseter Scholarship is limited to a senior planning to major in the medical field; and the $1,000 Class of ’71 Scholarship is reserved for a student attending any post-secondary or technical school.

Lauren has been accepted into the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine’s six-year baccalaureate/doctor of medicine program. “I know the value put into your education will be reflected in the value you receive from it,” stated Lauren, noting that while the program is accelerated, she is prepared to continue her education for several years beyond medical school, factoring in a residency and fellowships, should she choose to specialize.

“I genuinely believe that education is the most important thing a person can pursue in their life because no matter what circumstances a person may find themselves in, they can never lose their education,” she wrote in her series of essays. She added: “I absolutely love learning and could not imagine being happy in a job where I am not growing every day…”

Specialties Lauren is interested in include research and development, obstetrics and gynecology, transplant surgery and blood transfusions, plus she has a desire to improve communication between members of the public and the scientific community, she continued. She would like to one day serve rural areas such as her hometown, and be a part of the solution in providing “more accessible and affordable health care to all people,” while giving patients their “quality of life back,” and ultimately be “remembered for the possible difference I made in someone’s life.”

In addition to the aforementioned scholarships under the Poplar Bluff School Foundation umbrella, Lauren recently earned the $1,000 regional John T. Belcher Scholarship through the Missouri School Boards’ Association and FutureBuilders Foundation. At PBHS, she has been an active member of the Academic Team, Math Club, Beta Club, Drama Club and Choir.

Above: Emily Wolpers presents Lauren Robertson with the Mary Lynn Wolpers Scholarship.

Below: Donna Laseter presents Lauren Robertson with the Michael D. Laseter Memorial Scholarship; and alumnus Matt Richardson presents Ms. Robertson the PBHS Class of 1971 Scholarship.

Poplar Bluff High School senior Brandon Smith was awarded the $1,000 Poplar Bluff School Foundation Scholarship, reserved for a past or present graduate entering the field of education.

Brandon, who has volunteered to give food and clothing to people in need at the Bread Shed and through church, plans to major in English education at Three Rivers College, where he will stay in Poplar Bluff for his undergraduate degree through an articulation agreement with a university, or else transfer to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau after completing his associate.

“I love helping people learn new things, not just about English or math, but also about themselves,” stated Brandon, noting that he plans to continue his graduate studies after becoming an educator.

“My ultimate goal is to become a teacher that inspires, entertains and touches the aspiring minds of young learners,” Brandon wrote in his application. “Education is the key to the future, and I believe I can show people how far it has taken me by becoming a teacher.”

Established in 2001, the Foundation Scholarship has produced several teachers within the Poplar Bluff school system over the years.

Above: On behalf of the Poplar Bluff School Foundation, R-I Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill presents Brandon Smith with the not-for-profit’s annual scholarship.

The Mules Booster Club has named Emilee Cheek and JaDarius Pigg the April Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

JaDarius, a senior track runner, is ranked No. 1 in Missouri for the 110-meter high hurdle, and seventh in the state for the 300-meter hurdle. He was a state qualifier in 2019. He also long jumps and is on the 4x400 relay team, plus plays basketball. In the classroom, he maintains an 11.37 grade point average.

“J.D. is very involved in other school activities,” commented Mark Barousse, his coach. He has “become a trusted leader on the track team.”

Emilee, a junior track runner, was named All-District in 2021 in the 4x100 and 4x200 relay, and the 100 and 200-meter dash; All-Conference in 2021 in the 4x200, 4x100, 100 and 200; made All-Conference in 2019 in the 4x100, 4x200 and 200; and was named All-District in 2019 in the 4x100, 4x200 and the 100. In addition, she was the Poplar Bluff Invitational champion in the 100-meter dash this year. In the classroom, she maintains a 10.821 GPA.

“Emilee has become an amazing team leader and a fine role model on the track,” said Beth Lewis, her coach. “Emilee shows up every day with the best attitude and work ethic. She’s a great addition to the team.”

Above: Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor presents the AOM awards to JaDarius Pigg and Emilee Cheek on Thursday, May 13.

On Tuesday, May 11, the DAR continued its series with an article about PBHS Teacher of the Year, Pamela Davis.

On Wednesday, May 12, KWOC reported about our District TOY, Cathy Burnett.

On Thursday, May 13, the DAR wrote a feature about Middle School TOY Kris Sittig.

On Friday, May 14, the DAR covered our JROTC Change of Command ceremony.

On Saturday, May 15, the DAR published a photo of a PBJHS visit to the Poplar Bluff Museum.