PHS MEDIA NEWS

This year, Spanish teacher Crystal Shellenberger will be sponsoring Spanish Club. The Spanish Club is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who are taking Spanish classes. 

“This is my first year so I’m hoping to meet at least once a grading period,” said Shellenberger.

In September, the club had a discussion about Hispanic Heritage Month. They also shared a popular dessert called ‘Tres Leches,’ which means ‘three milks’ in English. 

“I hope students in the club have ideas they’d like to explore. I’m excited about the possibilities,” said Shellenberger.

Story by Ruby Chesnut

Tri-Hi-Y is a service club where students do service projects that help people in the local community and around the world.

At this point in time, the club is working on making hats for cancer patients and orphaned infants in Africa. They are also helping nutrition and finance teacher Debbie Andry’s sewing club with pillowcases for kids in the hospital. Tri-Hi-Y is also making Halloween cards to deliver to Paoli Health and Living residents. These projects involve everyone in the club and students who want to lend a helping hand. Tri-Hi-Y is always looking for new members and everyone is welcome to join.

“We would love to have more people involved. You can be part of whatever projects you want as your time allows,” said Club Sponsor Maria Wishart. 

Students interested in helping with these projects can email Wishart at wishartm@paoli.k12.in.us or attend the Wednesday homeroom meetings in Wishart’s classroom.

Story by Amanda Bowles

High school student council elections were held on August 21 for the 2019-2020 school year.

This year’s members include: freshmen Wyatt Blankenship, River Fleming, Clara Henderson, Mackenzie Neal and Ashleigh Garcia; sophomores Katie Amonette, Rylie Atkins, Autumn Garrett, Corinne Magner, Marcus McGuire, Tinsley Moffatt and Karyas Slaten; juniors Briannah Andis, Trey Cranfield, Haley Owens, Tara Robbins and Alyssa Warren and seniors Kinley Block, Hobie Bobbitt, Harley Bush, Aron Busick, Madison Cunningham, Jalyn Engleking, Sarah Kanz, EB Kerby, Kyla Lee, Sierra Manship, Maddy McDonald, Avery Owens, Lauren Rutherford, Lexi Stroud and Erica Workman.

“I think the overall elections went very well, I am grateful to have a lot of great people this year,” said Student Council Coordinator Neil Dittmer. 

If students were not elected for student council by their homeroom, they had the opportunity to apply for an at large position. In order to do this, students had to have ten student signatures and one teacher or guardian signature.

PHS student council organizes many activities to do throughout the school year. For fall homecoming, student council members hosted a post-football game event after the Orange Bowl on September 6. Students could race in the inflatable obstacle course and play spike ball, corn hole or nine square. There was also pizza provided to eat.

“I am excited for this year and all the fun things that we’ll be helping out with and hosting, especially Macho Man Volleyball and Powder Puff Football,” said Fleming.

Story by Corinne Magner

After fall break, Paoli’s archery season will be back up and running. Any student in grades 4 through 12 are eligible to be on the team. Agriculture teacher Kyle Woolston will be the head coach again this year, and he is looking to fill the assistant and volunteer coaching positions.

There will be packets available to the students prior to the start of the season. This packet will include all of the necessary information needed for the season, including information about expectations and rules. No archery experience is required to participate. 

Woolston’s goal for the year is for each archer to improve their personal skills. By doing this, it will increase individual scores and lead to a higher team score. This season, he also has hopes of qualifying for the State and National Tournaments again.

“We are looking forward to a great season in which students try their best, which in turn will foster success,” said Woolston.

Story by Haley Owens

On September 15, newly selected National Honor Society members were inducted into NHS. NHS is a nationwide organization that recognizes and congratulates students’ achievements in academics.

The Paoli chapter of NHS is lead by Sponsor Melissa Higgins. This year, the officers are senior President EB Kerby, junior Vice Presidents Haley Owens and Paige Gehl, junior and senior Secretaries Lili Seals and Lexi Stroud and senior and junior Public Relations Officers Madison Cunningham and Alyssa Warren. There were 20 new members inducted into NHS; sophomores Rylie Atkins, Taylor Becht,  Amanda Bowles, Laykin Busick, Angie Ceja, Kylee Charles, Haley Cox, Aidan Dooley, Hallie Graves, Michael Hannon, Caleb Jones, Corinne Magner, Kacey McBride, Kinsey McBride, Emma McCrary, Marcus McGuire, Tinsley Moffatt, Makiya Russelburg, Hayley Taylor and Gracie Walls.

To be eligible to apply for this club, students had to have a 3.5 GPA or higher and fill out an application form. The faculty council then reviewed their application to determine acceptance.

The help of many people is required in order for the NHS Induction Ceremony to be a success. Choir Director B.J. Crowder is one who made a considerable impact. 

“Thank you to all that helped make the ceremony a success – especially Mr. Crowder for helping with the sound and lights,” said Higgins. 

During the induction, a few students had pieces they read on stage. The section over character was read by senior Aron Busick, scholarship by senior Lauren Rutherford, leadership by senior Jalyn Engleking, service by senior Avery Owens and the pledge by junior Paige Gehl.

“I overall think induction went very well this year. Speakers for both NHS and NJHS did an excellent job during the ceremony,” said Higgins.

Story by Corinne Magner

Last May, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) received a grant from the Orange County Community Foundation for $945. This grant covered the cost of a program called ‘Fix It’. On Friday, September 13, SADD will put on the presentation in the auditorium for students in grades 7-12. SADD Sponsor Summer Hudelson has high hopes for the program. 

“I hope students will be encouraged and understand everyone has setbacks in life, but they can overcome them,” said Hudelson.

High school students will be attending the program at 1 p.m. and the junior high at 2 p.m. Incredible stories of strength are woven together with music and sports action on three giant screens to create a fun and inspirational message of empowerment.

Story by Elizabeth Workman