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You've got eMule!
Vol. 12 No. 23
Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from Poplar Bluff Schools. Click here to view the photos from our recent Change of Command ceremony. Special congrats to incoming commander of the Pvt. Billie Gene Kanell JROTC Battalion, Cadet Sgt. Maj. Keira Willis!
| PBHS named National Banner School by Special Olympics |  | |
Poplar Bluff High School is one of five schools in Missouri to receive a national award for cultivating a climate where students with and without intellectual disabilities feel welcomed, both in practice and spirit.
PBHS was named a Special Olympics Unified Champions National Banner School during a school-wide assembly held on Tuesday, May 7, in the gymnasium featuring government officials and leaders from the organization.
“That is the definition of elite company,” said Ben Johnson, Unified Champion Schools manager for Special Olympics Missouri. He noted that PBHS tied for third out of over 550 school districts state-wide, due to the “phenomenal student leadership” who are “very much intentional about including all students.”
R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman further put the accolade in perspective, pointing out that there are 806 all-time total Banner Schools across the country, 205 of which are members of the current class. Of the range of emotions a school administrator experiences throughout the year, the superintendent said that the greatest feeling is a sense of pride.
“Today, I am beaming with pride because of our students and your accomplishment,” Cornman continued. “This emotion of pride comes from knowing that you have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion for those with special needs by meeting the 10 rigorous standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from both the Special Olympics and the greater educational community.”
To be considered, a school must participate in Unified Sports, combining an approximately equal number of regular and special education students; extend its inclusive youth leadership to clubs; practice whole school engagement during awareness and education activities; and develop a sustainability plan for fundraising that supersedes any individual involved.
“It reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, compassion and the spirit of unity that defines the very essence of Poplar Bluff High School,” stated Dr. Valerie Ivy, PBHS principal. PBHS launched a Unified Champions club last school year that practices and competes in cornhole, basketball and track, with plans in the future to include bocce ball, flag football and soccer.
“Our community started this with the Buddy Ball program, and our Unified Champions program here at Poplar Bluff High School is proud to extend this to other sports as well during the school year,” added special education instructor Miranda Huddleston, club co-adviser. She explained what the concept means in general terms: “Playing sports with anyone who wants to be included.”
For decades, the district has hosted the SOMO spring games over which PBHS staffs certified coaches, with other employees in the pipeline to be trained. Participating student-athletes are provided free physicals from volunteers in the medical community in order to play, and they receive a district-wide send-off and are rooted on by a cheering section during the event. Student Council hosts multiple fundraisers to supply prizes and activities in the adjacent Victory Village. An annual letter banquet is held afterward, and the seniors receive banners purchased by the Mules Booster Club.
The students additionally operate a school store, inclusively, providing customer service and managing the inventory for a practical arts credit toward graduation. Student Council, which similarly includes unified leadership roles, hosted a school-wide “spread the word to end the word” (R-word) campaign to spread awareness, designing bracelets and stickers to circulate.
“This recognition underscores the hard work and commitment of our students, staff and community in fostering an environment of inclusivity and support,” said communication arts teacher Jennie Randolph, Unified Champions club co-adviser. She pointed out that it is not the work of a single group but rather a campus-wide effort.
Also during the assembly, Emma Thomas, Unified Champion Schools senior manager, delivered a plaque commemorating PBHS as an ESPN Honor Roll school. “You should be incredibly proud of the important work you continue to do to make our world a more inclusive place,” an accompanying letter signed by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro states.
“We must make everyone understand that inclusion will never be an illusion,” said PBHS junior Maison Dennis, incoming Unified Champions co-president. He spoke about how he fondly remembers competing in Special Olympics as an elementary student, and last month he had the honor of singing the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies.
A proclamation delivered by Mayor Shane Cornman on behalf of the City of Poplar Bluff reads in part: "Whereas Poplar Bluff High School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff; and whereas Poplar Bluff High School has created a climate of acceptance where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in and feel a part of all sports, activities, opportunities and functions."
Above: PBHS unified student leaders, teachers and administration pose with the National Banner and other prestigious awards at the conclusion of the assembly on Tuesday, May 7, in the gymnasium.
Below: With the assistance of PBHS senior Noah Shirrell, incoming Unified Champions co-president Maison Dennis addresses the student body, stating that he will ensure progress continues during the National Banner assembly.
|  | Parker Hicks earns statewide Missouri Citizenship Award |  | |
Poplar Bluff High School senior Parker Hicks was selected among 15 students across the state to receive the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship, the first time a student has earned the honor locally in seven years, according to recent memory.
Students are chosen for the State Board of Education’s Missouri Citizenship Award based on academic achievement in civics and government courses, performance in civics and government-related extracurricular activities, and exemplary community service, according to an announcement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Before even beginning Parker's essay, I was instantly impressed by his application," read a comment from the review committee representing DESE, MSBE, the Missouri Bar Advisory Committee on Citizenship Education, Missouri Council for the Social Studies and the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. “…He clearly uses a local inspiration that is amazing to read about.”
Parker’s essay referenced in the excerpt—highlighted by DESE Director of Fine Arts Dr. Kendra Franks—was about his mentor Dave Elledge, a member of the Poplar Bluff Board of Education. Parker details how for nearly a decade he has attended the Bluff Church, originally co-founded by Elledge in an effort to reach a sector of the faith-based community otherwise “untapped,” the teenager explains.
Elledge, who would go on to be named the Daily American Republic’s 2020 Difference Maker of the Year, additionally helped found Buddy Ball through the Parks Department, providing sports opportunities for those with mental and physical disabilities, along with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit chapter that has supplied over 550 beds for children in need, the essay continues.
Being a leader “is about what you do that is good when no one is looking,” writes Parker, “a quality I have consistently observed in Mr. Elledge.” He concludes: “Dave Elledge stands as an inspiration for effective citizenship, emphasizing the transformative impact that an individual can have on a community.”
In addition to running cross country and working as an intern at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, Parker serves on numerous student organizations, including holding leadership positions with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Honor Society and Mule Barn pep club. He volunteers for the Bread Shed food pantry, Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign, highway clean-up committee through the Interact Club and as an ambassador for incoming freshmen, to name several listed on the application submitted by Dr. Stephanie Lovette, PBHS social studies teacher.
“He truly dedicates himself to each one, bringing enthusiasm and commitment to every activity,” Lovette stated, adding that Parker’s involvement as vice president of Missouri Boys State last year “underscores his keen interest in civic engagement.” His impact “doesn’t stop at the school gates,” she goes on to say.
“Parker truly loves his community and country and is willing to put forth any effort needed to ensure that he improves our community,” Lovette continued. “…His drive to lead and help his community is inspiring and gives me hope for the younger generation.”
During the surprise ceremony featuring family, friends, colleagues and educators, Parker said in an impromptu speech that he wishes for God to have the glory. “He’s the one who does all good through me. He’s the reason I have these values instilled in me,” Parker said, deflecting praise for his organization and time management skills, joking that he is “still working on that.” Parker proceeded to acknowledge Elledge, who was in attendance, noting that he is “blessed to have [Elledge] at church. He’s such a role model.”
Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship has been awarded since the 1990/91 school year as a provision under Senate Bill 198, which pertains to teaching federal and state constitutions and U.S. history in public and private schools. In rarefied air, Hamiz Mirza of the PBHS Class of 2017 received the honor, before which 2013 PBHS valedictorian Austin McWilliams won it, according to district records.
Above: Parker Hicks poses with his award alongside role model Dave Elledge during a surprise celebration arranged on Tuesday, May 7, at PBHS.
Below: PBHS senior Parker Hicks delivers an acceptance speech in front of family, friends, colleagues and education officials.
|  | TCC awarded $10K Explore the Trades grant for HVAC-R program |  | |
The HVAC-R program of the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has secured its second five-figure competitive grant this year in a continued effort to align the training facility with modern industry standards.
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration program was one of only a dozen chosen nationwide to be awarded the $10,000 ‘Explore the Trades Skills Lab, Built By Ferguson’ equipment grant to add an air quality zoning system to the classroom, the nonprofit announced Wednesday, May 1.
“I would like to set up a zoning system in the shop to show the students the importance of level loading conditioned space, how HIPAA filters help air quality [and] change air pressure, how zoning can be more efficient if used property, and the list can go on,” Parker wrote in part in his successful proposal. “The main goal would be to educate the students on the benefits of air quality and control.”
For the past three years, Explore the Trades has delivered plumbing and HVAC equipment to 26 schools across the United States, impacting over 2,000 students, according to a press release issued by the organization in collaboration with Ferguson, one of the leading distributors of HVAC equipment in North America. The TCC is one of two grant recipients in Missouri, with the other school system being located in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
“We are proud to partner with Explore the Trades and thrilled to see our shared vision of building a sustainable skilled trades pipeline come to life,” stated Melissa Hazelwood, director of social impact at Ferguson. “With the recent surge of interest in trades careers and the substantial investment in our country’s infrastructure, the need for skilled tradespeople has never been more apparent. Through our concerted effort, we are not just providing students with tools, we are laying the foundation for lifelong careers.”
Earlier in the school year, Parker was awarded a $15,000 SkillsUSA Classroom Enhancement/Community Service Grant, which was largely used to purchase handheld and power tools from Lowe’s Home Improvement, the grant underwriter. Some of the equipment had not been upgraded since Parker was a student in the program over a decade ago, he noted.
“I’m retrofitting my class and trying to make it better than it was by applying to as many grants as I can,” Parker explained. In addition to the two heat pump systems previously installed in the shop space, Nortek recently donated several new self-contained units, valued at $35,000, for students to practice servicing.
“Mr. Parker is a go-getter when it comes to seeking out grant opportunities like this one in order to meet the needs of the industry,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Cornman, TCC director. “I’m super excited for the students that they will be able to gain knowledge as he mentors them on this new state-of-the-art equipment.”
Above: TCC instructor Dan Parker, pictured in his shop, has brought in a total of $60,000 in upgrades to the HVAC-R program through grants and donations this school year.
| Top students of their disciplines earn awards from Marine Corps |  | |
The United States Marine Corps has honored four students of Poplar Bluff High School for outstanding achievement in the areas of academics, athletics and music.
Koryenna Williams and Cameron Settle were named distinguished athletes; Jacob Webster received the Semper Fidelis award for musical excellence; and Grace Neighbors earned the scholastic excellence award on Thursday, May 2, at PBHS.
“You exemplify the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment by having the determination and courage to hold yourself accountable,” stated Sgt. Efren Arias, recruiter for the region. “Our hope is simply to help inspire your guys’ peers, who may be looking up to you.”
According to coordinator Cindy Gaebler, who supplied information on each of the recipients, the students were selected by the Counseling Department in collaboration with athletic and band directors, following the criteria established by the Marine Corps.
Koryenna participated in track and field for three years, and qualified for state last year in relays. She additionally served as manager of the Mules Football team. She plans to attend Three Rivers College, where she will major in nursing. Cameron played basketball and baseball for all four years of his high school career, lettering as a junior and senior. A Top 30 graduate, he plans to attend Union University in Tennessee, where he will major in forensic science.
Grace has been involved with the Beta Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, Concert Choir and College Ambassadors. Also a Top 30 graduate, she plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she will major in digital storytelling. Jacob is a member of the Concert Band and the Sho-Me Band through which he serves as a junior marcher and baritone section leader. He also achieved academic excellence as a leader of JROTC and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Above: Grace Neighbors and Jacob Webster are presented awards from Sgt. Efren Arias of the United States Marine Corps on Thursday, May 2. Not present were Cameron Settle and Koryenna Williams.
| April Athletes of the Month named |  | |
The Mules Booster Club has named Ava Stotts and Lawson Barks of Poplar Bluff High School the April Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Lawson, a senior golfer, made All-Conference honors while placing third at the tournament this year. He also won medalist honors with a score of 69 (-3) to par at the Notre Dame Invitational at Dalhousie Country Club. Lawson was selected as team captain and has been very consistent all year with his scoring, according to his coaching staff, with a season-low round of 66 (-5) to par.
“Lawson is a dedicated and determined young man who is always willing to give a helping hand to his teammates,” said Tyler Davis, his coach. “He strives for excellence in everything he does on the course, and works diligently to achieve it. Lawson’s character is impeccable and he always is in good spirits and a joy to be around.”
Ava, a sophomore track runner, was the SEMO All-Conference champion in the 4x800 relay, placed second in the 4x400 and placed third in the 800, her coach reported, noting that the young student has worked hard to return to form after having to sit out most of the cross-country season due to injury.
“Ava has come back stronger and faster than ever,” said Elizabeth Lewis, her coach. “She has really taken a liking to mid-distance events and has helped score several points for the team throughout the season. She may be quiet, but she sure makes some noise on the track!”
Above: Ava Stotts and Lawson Barks are presented the AOM awards by Brian Taylor, Booster Club president, on Thursday, May 9, at PBHS.
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Graduation
The commencement ceremony for the PBHS Class of 2024 will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Black River Coliseum. Click here for more information.
Summer School
Summer school begins on Thursday, May 30, and runs through Thursday, June. 27. Click here for site information.
Free Sub Training
Kelly Education will provide free DESE-approved training for aspiring substitute teachers and paraprofessionals through June for eligible candidates interested in serving the Poplar Bluff School District. The training serves as a pathway for those with a high school diploma or equivalent to acquire their Missouri substitute certificate. To learn more, call 800-528-0049, ext. 2 or email EDSERecruiting@kellyservices.com or fill out the form here.
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On Monday, May 6, KWOC reported about the restoration of our greenhouse and addition of an outdoor classroom at the Middle School.
The DAR published a photo display from prom.
On Tuesday, May 7, the DAR reported about our National Banner School assembly; and our Class 4, District 1 championship in golf.
KWOC reported about our FFA spring plant sale.
On Wednesday, May 8, the DAR reported about Kennedy Zgaynor signing a National Letter of Intent to throw javelin for Southeast Missouri State University.
On Thursday, May 9, the DAR reported about Addison Shell earning the regional MSBA Scholarship.
On Friday, May 10, the DAR reported about our JROTC Change of Command ceremony.
On Saturday, May 11, the DAR reported about PBHS receiving a grant from the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council.
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