ODESSA HIGH SCHOOL, ODESSA, MISSOURI

Thursday, December 19 , 2013

By Marley ShacklesN e h e m i a h C a m p b e l l ,

OHS senior, has been stage manager for school plays and musicals for all four years of high school.

It is Campbell’s job to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Besides back-stage crew manager, he is active in the OHS Band of Distinction, StuCo, Math Relays, Speech and Debate, church activities, and according to Campbell, “anything geeky.”

Campbel l en joys back-stage crew so much that he plans to major in technical theatre at UCM. When he leaves for college, Haley Dye, sophomore, will be taking over the role as stage manager. According to Campbell, Ryon

Nehemiah Campbell to major in technical theatre

Nehemiah Campbell, senior, plans to major in technical theatre after graduat-ing. Campbell has been stage manager for OHS performances before.

By Angela BoutrossOHS Green Team and Angie Sallee, OHS

Librarian, and her son Drew, second grader at McQuerry, have teamed up to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Organization.

Green Team is a recycling club that has also evolved into students helping the community. Kelsey Smith, OHS Spanish teacher, is the sponsor of Green Team. She has sponsored the club for the last two of four years that the club has been active at OHS.

The club has approximately 40 members, and its officers include: sophomores, Hannah Williams, vice president; Morgan Williams, president; Lauren Dowell, secretary; and Garrett Fiegenbaum, treasurer.

“We’ve grown a lot, and it just goes to show that students are willing to help out others,” said Smith.

One of the club’s current projects includes collecting pop tabs and old keys for the Ronald McDonald House Organization. This is in support of Sallee’s nephew, Logan, who recently suffered cardiac arrest at a cross

Recycling not only community service for OHS Green Team

country meet and is now staying at the Ronald McDonald House while attending rehab.

The keys and pop tabs are taken to Wabash Iron and Metal where they are melted down and recycled for money. Local sponsors match all the money that the school earns. The group is also going to sell pop tab jewelry during February for Valentine’s Day to raise additional money.

“It is more about uniting the community for a cause than the amount of money we raise,” said Sallee.

Sallee noted that small things add up to make a big difference. Through this campaign, Sallee hopes that others will become more aware of the tremendous work of the Ronald McDonald House Organization and even consider volunteering with the organization.

“The community is invited to drop off pop tabs and keys at McQuerry or the OHS office,” said Sallee.

Lauren Dowell, sophomore, helps Green Team with re-cycling during BEST. She is the club’s secretary.

By Emily ReynoldsStudents and s ta f f a t

McQuerry participated in the Hoops For Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association November 1 through November 12 to raise money for people with cardiovascular diseases.

This fundraiser took place during the students’ basketball unit in P.E. classes. Students raised money by asking family and friends for donations. When students turned in a donation of $5 or more, they received a red camouflage duck key chain and a similar duck

McQuerry raises funds for Hoops For Heart

Randall, senior, and Hanna Huston, freshman, have been instrumental in helping him in his role.

Campbell’s favorite part of being stage manager is being able to help out and being able to ensure that things run smoothly. According to Sarah Esser, OHS speech and debate teacher, Campbell not only enjoys his job, but he is talented.

“He is reliable, a natural leader, and he is respected by everyone,” Esser said.

C a m p b e l l ’ s f a v o r i t e productions have been Once Upon a Mattress, which was his sophomore year, and Beauty and the Beast, this year’s production.

with their name on it to put on the wall.

Faculty participated by purchasing duck key chains and T-shirts. This year, McQuerry success fu l ly ra ised over $2,394.

Matt Klamm, McQuerry P. E. teacher, has organized the event for the past eight years and plans to participate again next year.

Klamm said, “We want to help raise money and awareness of cardiovascular diseases.”

Writers

Aubrey BanhartAngela Boutross

Haley DyeKylin Grubb

Hannah Gurney Benjamin Holbert Emily ReynoldsMarley Shackles Zachary Smith

Hannah WilliamsMorgan Williams

Ramey BuxtonEditor

Kris PoisalJournalism Advisor

The GrowlerStaff

THE GROWLERAround R-7 Schools

Page 2

Long-time OMS teachers’ experience benefi ts studentsBy Alison BrownLou Atkinson, Valerie Ritter, Evelyn

Morgan, Eric Poggemeier and Paula Hawk, OMS teachers, have all worked in the Odessa R-7 school district for more than 20 years.

Atkinson has taught in Odessa for 34 years. He said that he was hired on the same day that he was interviewed over thirty years ago. According to Atkinson, his favorite part of teaching middle school students is their continuous energy. He does not yet know when he plans to retire.

“If I retired, I’d probably get another job, and I don’t know what I’d do other than teach. I respect all my colleagues, and the administration is wonderful,” said Atkinson.

“Atkinson continually fi nds applicable ways of teaching technology to today’s youth,” said Sherry Billings, OMS principal.

Ritter has worked in the district for 31 years and was hired on the same day of her interview as well. She noted that her favorite part of teaching middle school is that there is never a dull moment, and

every day is different. She also said that she is not in any hurry to retire, but she plans on retiring sometime within the next ten years.

Billings said that she was pleased that 98 percent of Ritter’s students scored proficient or advanced on the End of Course Exams last school year.

“It’s like there’s a family here, and if I retired, I’d miss my family,” said Ritter.

Morgan has been in the district for 26 1/2 years. She started teaching high school English mid-year when she was fi rst hired. She next taught seventh grade Communication Arts until a librarian position opened where she has remained. She said that her favorite part about working at OMS is getting to know so many students throughout the years. Morgan has even been nationally recognized for her anti-bullying curriculum. She does not know when she will retire.

“She is the best librarian I’ve ever seen,” said Billings.

Poggemeier has taught English for 23 years. He plans to retire in approximately fi ve years but said that he has no desire to get out quickly. His favorite part of working

at OMS is being around the students. “I enjoy working with students and trying

to make a contribution to their skills in English as well as their lives. I hope people know that I care, and I do my best every single day,” said Poggemeier.

Billings noted that she was pleased that Poggemeier’s students score high on the English section of the MAP test annually.

Hawk has taught for 21 years and has been the Gifted Educator for 15 years. Hawk said that she loves watching kids learn and grow. She plans to retire in approximately nine years. Her favorite part of working at OMS is the children. Hawk was excited that one of her students recently won the Top Missouri Junior Project and was the seventh place national fi nalist at the 2013 National History Day competition.

“Mrs. Hawk is a divergent thinker, herself,” said Billings.

Billings said that they all work hard to have a nurturing environment at OMS. “If there’s one thing that children should learn while being a child, it’s that they will not lose the support of the people they knew and loved as a child. We’ll still be there as they grow,” said Billings.

By Hannah WilliamsJaime Halverson Sanz,

OHS junior, is visiting from Spain. Halverson arrived in America on July 22 to visit his family, the Cozarts.

Howard and Laura Cozart are enjoying their nephew’s visit . Laura Cozart is an interpreter for the Odessa R-VII school district.

Gabe Cozart is a senior at OHS. Elizabeth Cozart graduated from OHS in 2012 and is attending Simpson College in Iowa. Halverson sa id , “ I wanted to learn

Halverson Sanz visiting from Spainmore about my family, and I wanted to learn more about the American culture.”

Halverson has enjoyed his time here so far. He enjoys the fact that Americans can drive when they are 16, since the driving age in Spain is 18. He also noted that Americans seem to have an abundance of patriotism.

Halverson noted a few differences between Spain and the United States.

“There are only six classes in one day in Spain, and each class is one hour. There is also less of a social aspect in school. Plus, everything is bigger here in America, supersized,” he said.

H i s f a v o r i t e c l a s s i s A d v a n c e d P h y s i c s w i t h Zachary Meler because, he said, Meler is “awesome.”

Al though Halverson i s enjoying his time visiting the United States, he will

be returning to Spain on June 1.

Halverson said that he misses his friends and enjoys chatting with them on the computer. Even though he misses home, Halverson says that he plans on having as much fun as he can.

Jamie Halverson Sanz, junior, is enjoying vis-iting family in Odessa and attend-ing OHS, which is different from his home in Spain.

By Angela Boutross & Hannah WilliamsPatrick Jones, fi fth grade teacher, and his class enjoy having an

unusual class pet—a tarantula.Jones said that the key to having a class pet is having one that

is easy and fun to take care of. A tarantula fi t the description because a tarantula cage only needs to be cleaned once or twice a year, and it only needs to be fed approximately once a month. Jones said that his class is happy to catch meals of grasshoppers during recess for their tarantula.

Jones said that his fi rst tarantula was a wild one that was actually caught in Missouri. A student brought it to his classroom. The spiders he has now, though, he bought for his students’ enjoyment.

Bryce Palmer, fi fth-grader in Jones’ classroom, said, “I love having a class pet. Spiders are awesome.”

Creepy-crawly class pet entertains fi fth-graders

THE GROWLERStudent Teachers

page 3

By Morgan WilliamsOHS has a new face in the

science department this fall as Cathey Holland completes her student teaching with Heather Meler, OHS science teacher.

Meler teaches anatomy, biology and chemistry classes, and Holland hopes to do the same.

Ever since high school, Holland knew she wanted to become a teacher. In previous jobs, she has worked in laboratories, and now she is excited about the opportunity to become a teacher.

She is currently attending UCM. Her undergraduate degree is in biology and laboratory science. She recently returned to get her master of Arts in Teaching.

Holland said that she enjoys student teaching. “You have to be very organized,” noted Holland.

Science student teacher Holland has undergrad degree in biology

By Hannah GurneyAmanda Lee, UCM master’s

student, is currently student teaching with Kris Poisal, freshman English teacher. Poisal has taught in the district for 22 years.

Lee grew up in Buckner and graduated from Fort Osage High School in 2007. Lee graduated with her bachelor’s in English in May of 2012 from UCM. She will graduate with a master of Arts in Teaching in December of 2013. Lee hopes to find a second semester opening if possible.

Her family consists of five brothers, a sister-in-law, two nieces, her dad, Vance, and her mom, Dawn, and step dad, Rodney Boland. Three of her

Student teacher Lee likes freshman English classes

Amanda Lee, UCM student teacher, is teaching freshman English Language Arts classes at OHS with Kris Poisal, English/ Journalism teacher.

Cathey Holland, UCM student teacher, has worked in laboratories, and now sheis excited about the oppurtunity to become a teacher.

Malloy enjoys student teaching in Odessa

By Zachary SmithBenjamin Ethan Malloy is

currently student teaching with Lynette Williams, OHS history teacher, helping with the government classes.

“I really enjoy teaching at Odessa. I’m learning with the students,” said Malloy regarding his student teaching experience.

He grew up in Lee’s Summit after leaving El Segundo, California at a young age. Malloy has a younger brother and younger sister.

Malloy is working to major in social studies at UCM. Once the current semester is over, he hopes to be a substitute teacher for the upcoming semester. Then, next school year, he hopes to become a full-time

After student teaching and graduating from UCM, Holland plans to get a job teaching high school biology.

Benjamin Malloy, UCM student teacher, is teaching government classes at OHS. He hopes to substitute teach second semester.

By Aubrey BanhartK i n d e r g a r t e n c l a s s e s

attended a field trip to Science City in Union Station on November 7 and 8 with half of the classes attending each day.

The kids watched the play How I Became a Pirate written by David Shannon and explored the exhibits in Science City.

Seeing a variety of animals, touring a small model train and exploring music and motion exhibits were a few activities

Kindergartners enjoy Science City field trip

social studies teacher in a rural district.

“I feel like I can make more of a difference in kid’s lives in a rural district,” said Malloy.

that the students enjoyed. For some of the students, they were even experiencing the tall buildings and atmosphere of Kansas City for the first time.

Staci Duncan, kindergarten teacher, replied, “The field trip was great because the kids got to see and experience new things.”

Teachers have been preparing for this trip since last summer, making reservations, etc., and preparations for next year are already in the works.

five brothers live in Oak Grove along with her mom and step dad. Another brother lives in St. Louis along with his wife and two daughters. The last of Lee’s brothers is stationed on a Naval base located in Groton, Connecticut.

Lee is currently dating James Lamison of Independence. The couple has been dating for over a year and enjoys traveling and chiefs games. In Lee’s free time she also enjoys reading, fishing and spending time with friends and family.

“Mrs. Poisal has helped me to prepare for a teaching career and has taught me a lot. Teaching was always something I enjoyed doing, and I chose to teach because I have always been passionate about literature,” said Lee.

She enjoys working with the students and watching them progress. After student teaching, she plans on starting a career as a high school English teacher, buying her first house and traveling.

“Achieving your dreams takes hard work, dedication and faith in yourself. Once you accomplish your dream, think of a new one and constantly challenge yourself,” said Lee.

HappyHolidays from

the Growler Staff

THE GROWLER Dinner and a Movie

Page 4

By Ben HolbertThe movie adaptation of

Ender’s Game was a decent movie with decent effects, but a lot of important information was left out.

The actors performed their roles very well Asa Butterfield was given the role of Ender Wiggins. Butterfield was able to effectively show that Ender was a hero while still just a child. With Harrison Ford as Colonel Graff, there was a certain sense of authority and command apparent and to be expected from Colonel Graff. Hailee Steinfeld was cast as Petra Arkanian and did a good job of showing the friendship that Petra and Ender shared in the novel.

The special effects and CGI in the movie were on-par with

Movie Review: Ender’s Game not true to book

how computer effects should be in this day and age. The way that the “Mind Game” was portrayed was similar to what I had imagined that it would look like from the descriptions in the book. The way that the “Formics,” which are the life forms that young Ender is supposed to be fighting, was very believable and looked similar to ants as the novel had described them.

Where I feel the movie seems to suffer is following the plot that the novel had established. There were many discrepancies in how the story was presented. Just one example was in the shuttle blasting off from Earth at the beginning of the movie. This part of the movie introduced a character named Bean. In the novel, Ender does

By Kylin GrubbOHS students and staff

helped provide Thanksgiving meals for loca l fami l ies through their annual BEST service project food drive. The project helps students reach out to others and show compassion.

Al l f ood co l l ec ted was d o n a t e d t o t h e O d e s s a Community Service Center. The center ensures that everyone gets the opportunity to enjoy thanksgiving dinner by dispersing meal donations to local families.

BEST classes had the goal of filling at least two food bags. Food bags included a box of stuffing, instant potatoes, turkey gravy, corn, cranberry sauce, green beans,

Holiday food drive brings in 45 bags of holiday-ready food

Kelsey Smith, OHS Spanish teacher, enjoys cooking for her new husband. He especially likes her Baked Potato Buffalo Casserole.

By Haley DyeKelsey Smith, OHS Spanish

teacher, enjoys teaching and cooking. Smith has taught for two years at OHS and is recently married, so now she has more motivation to cook.

She graduated co l l ege from Northwest Missouri State Univers i ty with a bachelorof science degree in Elementary Education and Spanish Education.

S m i t h s a i d , “ I l o v e teaching! I don’t think I could do anything else.”

Smith shares recipeSmith is also a volleyball

and basketball coach and s p o n s o r s G r e e n Te a m , Spanish Club and FCA. All her coaching and sponsoring school activities keeps her busy and doesn’t allow for too much time to cook.

A recipe Smith particularly loves is Baked Potato Buffalo Casserole. She first prepared the meal for her husband. She chose this recipe because her husband loves hot food, and they both can agree on it.

Baked Potato Buffalo Casserole

8 potatoes cubed2 lb chicken cubed1/3 cup olive oil1 ½ tsp salt1 Tbs pepper2 Tbs garlic powder6 Tbs hot sauceCrushed red pepper to taste2 cups Mexican cheese mix1 cup bacon bits1 cup diced green onions

Preheat oven to 500°F. In a large mixing bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Add cubed potatoes and stir to coat. Scoop potatoes in a 9X13 baking dish coated with cooking spray, leaving behind as much olive oil and hot sauce as possible, bake for 45-50 minutes. Stir every 10-15 minutes. Cook until crispy brown on outside, while potatoes are cooking, add cubed chicken to the bowl with left over olive oil/hot sauce mixture and stir to coat. Once potatoes are fully cooked, remove from oven and bring down oven temperature to 400°F. Top potatoes with raw marinated chicken. Mix together cheese, bacon bits and green onion. Put mixture on top of the raw chicken and place in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. Serve with extra hot sauce and ranch dressing.

not meet Bean until much later. One other example is the amount of time that is used in the movie versus what is used in the novel. In the film, it seemed that all of this happened in a matter of months while in the novel, there were many years in which Ender was trained at Battle School.

I would rate this movie a 7 out of 10. While the movie had a few good actors for their roles and special effects that were on-par with many movies of the same genre, the amount of detail that was left out from the original story was a real detriment to this movie. If viewers were going to see this movie, I would recommend going in the morning when movie tickets are just a little bit cheaper.

macaroni and cheese, a cake mix and frosting, egg noodles, chicken broth, evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup and a reusable tote/grocery bag. Students filled 45 bags by November 20 to be donated.

“It is amazing that even those students who probably really need it for their own family find a way to still give to others,” said Terry Stever, OHS history teacher.

Stever’s junior BEST class filled the most bags this year donating 11. Her class has filled the most bags of any class for the last three years in a row.

Candy will be given to each BEST class that donated at least one complete bag.