PHS MEDIA NEWS

During the week of November 4, the Lost River Career Cooperative robotics class will be hosting a fundraiser during all lunches.

“We’re holding a fundraiser to raise money to enter robotics competitions and to purchase parts for robots. We’ll be selling stickers, dog tags, custom engraved cups and car stickers,” said robotics teacher Mable Zehr.

Custom engraving starts at five dollars, increasing with the difficulty of the design requested.

Anyone with questions should contact Zehr at mzehr@lrcc.k12.in.us.

Story by Chandler Hinton

 

Math teacher Aaron Key and his wife, Karson Stands Key, recently welcomed their little girl, Kamryn Grace Key, into the world. On October 10, 2019 at 12:01 a.m., these PHS alumni welcomed a huge change to their family. 

“There’s no feeling like it. Now I have this baby girl that I’m responsible for. I just want to be the best dad and give her the best life possible. I can already tell I’m going to be protective of her,” said Aaron. 

The Keys have experienced many changes because of their new addition, but they are looking forward to watching their newborn grow.

“Having Kamryn has been the biggest change and adjustment in my life. Karson has been great and is a fantastic mom. We are enjoying every second of this new adventure together. We wouldn’t change a thing about her, she is perfect,” said Aaron.

Story by Kinley Block

For the 2019-2020 Veterans Day Program on November 11, Chris Lindley’s AP U.S. history class will be organizing and participating in the event, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for over a decade.

Aside from all the tradition the program holds, Lindley and his class have decided to add a new piece this year.

“Tentatively, we are looking to do the Missing Man table ceremony as part of this year’s program. This was developed to honor POWs and MIAs, but a veteran approached me with it this summer believing it would be a touching addition,” said Lindley. 

As usual, the band and choir will perform, the colors will be presented and “Taps” will be played at the conclusion of the program. AP U.S. History students will read selected pieces and introduce veterans and military guests.

This year’s guest speaker is Officer Doug Soltwedel.

“He will be challenging our students by honoring our veterans, who and what they are and what they’ve done for us as an example to our student body,” said Lindley. 

Students and staff are encouraged to share pictures of the veterans in their lives this coming week. These will be displayed for Veterans Day.

Story by Gracie Walls

The Hagan Scholarship is now open for submitting applications. The Hagan Scholarship Foundation is a nationwide scholarship that provides up to $6,000 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have at least a 3.75 GPA, score 24 or higher on the ACT and score 1,150 or higher on the SAT. They also must have worked a minimum of 240 hours in the past 12 months, completed the FAFSA in 2019 and must not have been convicted of a felony. The scholarship is a need based scholarship, which prioritizes students who are in need of financial aid.

If students meet all of the eligibility requirements, they need to apply before the deadline on November 15, 2019.

Story by Kaden Lewellyn

Early last week, Paoli High School JAG students had the opportunity to meet with K-9 Officer Ryan Smith and his police dog, Finn. JAG students learned about the K-9 unit and the work that is necessary for it.

“Finn is absolutely an asset to our small town and keeping us safe. I love that we have him here working hard and doing good for our community,” said JAG teacher Katie Cook.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is having a sweatshirt fundraiser to raise funds to keep up with Finn’s needs. The PHS JAG classes have decided to participate in this fundraiser and help sell the sweatshirts. Sweatshirts come in military green, gray and black and sizes from small up to 4 XL are available for $25. 

If anyone is interested in purchasing a sweatshirt to support Finn, contact a JAG student or Cook to place an order. All orders are due by November 1. For more information, contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Story by Avery Owens

On October 25, members of the PHS media staff went to Indiana University Southeast to attend the Southern Indiana Student Press Association Fall Convention. The students took part in workshop classes taught by professional journalists, such as leadership meetings, story idea classes, writing classes and more. Student work was showcased in competition there as well.

The Paoli staff won a total of 35 awards, including News Organization of the Year and Yearbook of the Year. Senior Addison Wells was the winner of the Journalism Scholarship. 

“It’s always a great trip that I hope rejuvenates our students to take pride in their work and strive to compete for years to come,” said Journalism Adviser Heather Nichols.

Story by Haley Owens

The PSAT will be held October 30 in the lower gym in the morning for all sophomores. Juniors who would like to take it again are allowed but have to pay a fee. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT and helps students prepare and gives them an opportunity to see what the SAT will be like. 

“It’s important because it will show students that they can take it and go to college. They won’t be as nervous and it really helps them in a great way,” said Guidance Counselor Brandi Kerley.

Juniors who take the PSAT and get a high enough score can receive the National Merit Scholarship, providing them with $2,500 towards their freshman year of college. Taking the PSAT does not affect class grades.

To prepare for the PSAT, study guides are available in the guidance office and find other ways to become prepared. 

Story by Ruby Chesnut