Talent show, awards featured on final day

The 2006-2007 school year came to a close at South Middle School, with the half-day featuring the annual Talent Show and Awards Assembly.
Among the awards presented:

Student of the Year
Sixth Grade- Olivia Hampton, Drew Welch; honorable mention- Thea Voutiritsas, Elaina Warren, Abby Bass, Alexis Woods, Victoria Baker, Storm Whittington, Karrissa Dowell, Clayton Brown, Austin Finn, Ethan Warstler, Ben Story, Hunter Mills, Kevin Justus, Sakota Smith

Seventh grade- Mariah Sanders, Logan Perry; honorable mention- Molly Baker, Tozia Burris, Shalea Purdy, Taylor Camden, Sarah Kessler, Raycie Thompson, Mary Jean Miller, Marcus Clark, Matt Cruzan, Gareth Evans, DeSean Triplett, Wade Mathis

Eighth grade- Savanah Sweeton, Nathan Morris; honorable mention- Victoria Smith, Mollie Sanders, Breanna Baker, Blanca Castaneda, Samantha Weaver, Faith Mowry, Kelsey Pace, Grant Evans, Sylan Prauser, Dustin Hill, James Hill

Top AR Point Earners- Calvin Alumbaugh, sixth grade, 638.9 points; Samantha Rice, seventh grade, 269.2 points; Hunter Bailey, eighth grade, 500.8 points. Students earning over 100 points- Aaron Daum, Felisha Derrick, Danielle Doerr, Austin Fenn, Kelsey Gould, Olivia Hampton, Alex Hill, Curt Nollner, Tori Thompson, Elaina Warren, Emily Yarbrough, Abby Bass, Erin Johnson, Damon Monasco, Alex Asher, Laila Douglas, Caroline Dutton, Isaiah Hicks, Anna Johnson, Hunter Mills, Blake Price, Thomas Richins, Gabe Sachetta, Dakota Smith, Thea Voutititsas, Molly Baker, Mylissa Asher, Ethan Carder, Ysabeau Carroll, Nikki Carter, Lane Hampton, Dusty Hill, Kylie Hurrell, Alex Johnson, Dylan King, Matt Lemieux, Rachel Richins, Mollie Sanders, Catherine Stewart, Daniel Story, Merisha Anderson, Jonathan Ballard, Lindsey Beall, Tanner Crawford, Matthew Cruzan, Zachary Dorris, Gareth Evans, Brittany Frisbie, Brandon Holman, Andrew Ideker, Alex Kangethe, Alex Karns, Amanda Kennedy, Sarah Kessler, Tera Knight, Luke Lenhart, Wade Mathis, Sarah Matthews, Mary Jean Miller, Ian Mitchell, Travis Morris, Holly O'Dell, Shalea Purdy, Mariah Sanders, Dalton Smith, Shawn Spicer, Nathan Stripling, Isaiah Stout, Raycie Thompson, Greggory VanLoon, Casee Wheeler

LAB Students
This year, LAB (Library Advisory Board) students donated more than 100 service hours and more than $1,000 to the Joplin community. Those organizations that were supported included the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States, Joplin R-8 School Bond, and the Carol Miller Basketball Benefit Fundraiser.
Eighth graders- Breanna Baker, Christen Cool, Becky Cooper, Leah Forkner, Christy Hernandez, Kane McCaslin, Amanda Needham, Cindy Pham, Dylan Prauser, Cassey Schulze, Tim Scroggins, Victoria Smith
Seventh graders- Molly Baker, Shane Ellis, Gareth Evans, Brittany Frisbie, Jordan Hamilton, Brandon Holman, Lauren Layne, Richie Lyons, Choe Potts, Shalea Purdy, Shawn Spicer, Bayley Strella

Winners in SMS Essay and Short Story Contests

Essay Contest- 1. Victoria Smith, 2. Taylor Tressler, 3. Faith Mowry, 4. Demi White, 5. Breanna Martin, 6. Jordan Chambers, 7. Raycee Thompson, 8. Dylan Prauser, 9. Colten Hawkins, 10. Rachelle Hughbank
Short Story Contest- 1. Rachel Richins, 2. Tim Scroggins, 3. Hannah Doerge, 4. Brian Geier, 5. Dylan Prauser, 6. Christy Hernandez, 7. Christen Cool, 8. Matt Lemieux, 9. Laila Douglas, 10. Victoria Nolan

Top Journalism Club members- Dylan Prauser, Savanah Sweeton

Top Eighth Grade Communication Awards students- Dylan Prauser, Ashlee Stephens

Top Eighth Grade Writers- Faith Mowry, Victoria Smith

Students who will have poems published in Teacher's Selection: Anthology of Eighth Grade Poetry- Becky Cooper, Jaclyn Wright

Conservation Poster Winners
Grand prize- Mollie Sanders; First place- Thomas Richins, sixth grade; Mariah Sanders, seventh grade; Tiffany Douglas, eighth grade; runners-up- Bethany Patterson, sixth grade; Nathan Stripling, seventh grade; Cindy Pham, eighth grade.

Perfect Attendance:
Sixth Grade- Haley Bowers, Caleb Garton, Alex Hill, Taylor Parker, Charrles Smith and Shane Striegel
Seventh Grade- Tolby Clemons, Sarah Kessler, Jacob Lyons, Bayley Strella and DeSean Triplett
Eighth Grade- Shanna Striegel

Peer Tutors
Andrew Ideker, Mary Jean Miller, Victoria Smith, Kylie Hurrell, Savanah Sweeton, Jackie Bogarin, Amanda Kennedy, Blake Lamb, Hannah Doerge, Holly O’Dell, Cindy Pham, Rachael Foster, Katie Wood, Gina Casada, Wade Mathis, Shawn Spicer, Sarah Kessler, Sydney Long, Bayley Strella, Steven Denmark, James Hill, Taylor Mulik, Chloe Potts, Taylor Camden, Breanne Diles, Mariah Sanders, Jordan Chambers, Thea Voutiritsas, Brittney Hudson, Alex Karns, and Tamera Wirick

Powell, Chairez leaving; Wallace moves to new post

By CHRISTEN COOL
Room 210 Staff Writer
Another year has come and gone just like that. We all take a step up on life, including two teachers who are leaving South Middle School- Ms. Yonika Powell, the computer teacher, and Miss Maribel Chairez, the seventh grade math teacher.
Ms. Powell has been at South for three years. She says she is going home and looking for another teaching job. If she does not land a teaching job, she will seek a different kind of work.
"My favorite memories at South are the smartboard story and playing basketball with the students, " she said. "What I am going to miss the most is the lunch bunch, the students, other teachers, coaching and the special class."

Ms. Chairez has also been at South for three years. She is going to teach eighth grade math at Harrisonville Middle School. She says her favorite memories were winning the seventh grade teacher of the year. "Knowing that the kids loved me makes me feel loved," she said. Ms. Chairez said she was going to miss the funny looking staff. "Everyone gets along. It's hard finding good people to work with." She added, "I am going to miss all of the students."

Ms. Powell and Ms. Chairez both said they are going to miss fighting over the 12 parking spaces in front and their BFFS from school.

Along with those two teachers leaving, we have another teacher coming to South, who is already familiar with the students. In fact, she works downstairs in the office. Mrs. Jennifer Wallace is going to be a new sixth grade block teacher, replacing Mrs. Joyce Hale, who will replace Mr. Mark Russell, who is retiring as sixth grade science teacher.

This will be not be Mrs. Wallace's first teaching experience. She taught second grade for one year and fifth grade for two years. She says she has always wanted to be a teacher.
She said she loves to teach. In school, she liked math because you can have right and wrong answers. She loves reading and history. "When you're a teacher, you see you're helping other people," Mrs. Wallace said.

Memories from a group of our former eighth graders

Thanks to Shaynee Johnson for sharing these photos with Room 210 News. Shaynee, Tamera Wirick, Breanna Martin, Alicia Shofner, Cassey Schulze, and Makenzie Freeman, spent their last day as South Middle School students today and will be moving on to Joplin High School next year. Best of luck to the girls and their classmates (including J. T. Taylor, who guest stars in one of the photos).

Spreading sunshine

Kelley Leach, who spent her last day as a South Middle School eighth grader today, is a person who cares about others and is willing to devote her time to helping good causes.
In the accompanying photo, Kelley is shown in her clown regalia ready to help the folks at the Oak Meadows Apartments with a little humor and a little face painting.
Kelley served Room 210 News and the South Middle School Journalism Club as sports editor. Her contributions helped make the 2006-2007 school year a successful one for the club.

Money presented to essay, short story contest winners

Winners in the South Middle School essay and short story contests received $120 in prize money last week. This is the fourth year the writing contests have been held. The first place winner in each contest received $20.

(Photo: The winners in the SMS Essay Contest, from left, Faith Mowry, third place, Victoria Smith, first place, and Taylor Tressler, second place)

Faculty basketball team defeats eighth graders

The South Middle School faculty basketball team beat the eighth grade team today in the second annual contest.
The event also featured teachers acting as cheerleaders for their basketball team, with eighth grade cheerleaders receiving their final opportunity to cheer at the middle school level.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

By SAVANAH SWEETON
Room 210 Staff Writer
Have you ever looked back on the years of elementary and middle school and looked at how much everyone's changed?
Everyone has changed a huge amount! No matter whether it be the way they look, act, who they hang out with or how much they've matured. The end of the year is here and for some of us, we're moving on to a different school. But for some there will be new faces at the school.
Go get a yearbook from years past, sit down and take a look at how much everyone's changed because there might be a chance you might not ever see them again.

A farewell to eighth grade

By CHRISTEN COOL
Room 210 Staff Writer
For a few years, we shared a few tears, a few laughs, a couple of jokes, a handful of fights.

For a few years, we stayed side to side. We were and are still unbreakable. What we all share is something to be proud of.

For a few years, we all played a couple of games, whether it be spiking the volleyball, shooting some hoops, a "nice" game of football, a run around the track. a few comes on and "yeah,we are betters" or even a wrestling match to see who's stronger. We all shared the wins and losses along the way.

For a few years, we began as friends. Some of us ended as enemies, but we all loved each other at one time.

For a few years we fought, whether it be with each other or with one of the teachers. We always got through it all.

For a few years, we had our jokes and laughs, with or at each other, but now it's all about to end.

For just one year, we are on top of the food chain and we are high-powered eighth graders. Now we have to step down and let next year's eighth graders have their fun.

For a few years, we shared the memories, a few tears, a few jokes, a couple of fights, but we all made it through. Do you want to know why?

Because we are the Eagles of 2011 and we soar high.

To all the Eagles in the past, present, and future.

Mrs. Hale to teach sixth grade science

By ANGELA WALLANDER and
TIFFANY DOUGLAS
Room 210 Staff Writers
Mr. Mark Russell's final day as sixth grade science teacher at South Middle School will be Thursday, May 24. Who will fill his shoes?
Mrs. Joyce Hale will move from sixth grade block to the sixth grade science position. "I don't believe I will be able to fill his shoes 'galoshes,' but I'll do my best," Mrs. Hale said.
Mrs. Hale has a great passion for science and is very excited about her new placement. Her first job was teaching fifth and sixth grade at different schools.
Everyone is going to miss our old weatherman, but we have the next best person to take over.

Final CA Olympics held

Eighth graders in Mr. Randy Turner's communication arts class said goodbye to two class staples- the Cup O'Nickels and CA Olympics Tuesday as first through fifth hours competed in writing games.
The winning team each hour played for the Cup o'Nickels with each member of the first-place team receiving a shiny nickel.
CA Olympics were played three times during the school year to give students a welcome break from the regular grind, but still allow them to practice their writing skills.

(Photos: Student-written skits included Victoria Smith as an American Idol contestant performing in front of judges Faith Mowry and Katie Wood in the top photo, and doctors Layne Hampton, Dusty Hill, and Dylan Smith operating on a reluctant Tim Scroggins in the bottom photo.)

Yearbooks handed out to South students

After a long and anxious wait, SMS students received their yearbooks at the beginning of sixth hour Tuesday.
The students spent sixth and seventh hours signing the books, and will have the opportunity to do so today during TA and first through fifth hours. The second annual faculty-eighth grade basketball game will be held during sixth and seventh hours.

(Photo: Eighth graders Rachael Foster and Tamera Wirick continued their signing and examination of the yearbook after school Tuesday.)

Wolfshorndls prepare to welcome new arrival

By DYLAN PRAUSER
Room 210 Staff Writer
A different kind of baby shower was held Tuesday morning in the South Middle School Library.
South faculty held the event for Seth and Laura Wolfshorndl, who have a baby coming their way. Unlike most expectant parents, the Wolfshorndls already know exactly what their little girl, Grace Savannah Wolfshorndl, will look like...since the shower was to celebrate the completion of adoption proceedings and the upcoming arrival of the newest member of the SMS art teacher's family.

In an e-mail to faculty members, Mr. Wolfshorndl said:

In case you haven't heard, we are on the verge of getting to go get Grace. Any day the orphanage will be calling us and telling us to buy tickets. We should be over there in a few weeks. If you want to follow our progress (and see a ton of pictures) you can go to gracesavannah.blogspot.com and check out our blog for Grace.

(Photos- Grace Savannah Wolfshorndl; her soon-to-be parents at Tuesday morning's shower)

Second annual teacher-eighth grade basketball game set for today

SMS eighth graders will receive a long-awaited opportunity to take out their frustrations on their teachers today when they play them in the second annual teacher-eighth grade basketball game.
The game is scheduled to take place in the auditorium during sixth and seventh hours.

Everything set for talent show

The final dress rehearsal for the South Middle School Talent Show was held after school Tuesday in the school auditorium.
The talent show is scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday and last until the end of school at 11:30 a.m.

(Photos: From top: Eighth graders Hannah Doerge and Jaclyn Wright practice their duet; the teachers work on their dance routine in Mrs. Barbara Rooker's classroom, seventh grader Sarah Stephens rehearses her number.)

Klinginsmith leaves for Wentzville position

By KANE MCCASLIN
Room 210 Staff Writer
Mr. Gregg Klinginsmith, assistant principal, has been hired as director of math curriculum in the Wentzville School District and will leave South Middle School after one year.
Mr. Klinginsmith looks back at his year at South with fondness. "I have enjoyed myself. The kids and the teachers are friendly and always have a smile on."
The job of a vice principal ranges from detention and ISS to lunch duty and teacher evaluation. He does every job except fixing the kitchen sink. And we all know one trip to his office and he will remember your name for life. It's safe to say the vice principal is everyone's friend whether you choose it or not.
Mr. K. first got into educating hoping to make a difference. The love for the game of school has helped him reach his goal and dream. He chose middle school, he said, because that is when kids start making the life-changing decisions and he hopes to make a difference in their lives.

Changes coming at South

By KEN ZHANG
Room 210 Staff Writer

As this school year draws to a close, the new 2007-2008 school year will begin with some of the same old faces and several new ones. Next year at South, Mrs. Joyce Hale will move from her sixth grade block class to a sixth and seventh grade science position. Mrs. Jennifer Wallace, secretary, will teach the sixth grade block class.

Ms. Yonika Powell, multi-media teacher, is leaving and will be replaced by Mr. Will Hedrick. Ms. Sheri Medlock, eighth grade reading teacher, will teach English in Russia next year. Her replacement is Andrea Taylor.

Also, Miss Maribel Chairez, seventh grade math teacher, is leaving to teach in Kansas City, and will be replaced by Areke Workis. Eighth grade math teacher Mrs. Valerie Doerr is retiring with Mr. Brian Neugebaur taking her place.

First Journalism Club PSA scheduled to air Tuesday

The first of three public service announcements taped recently by members of the South Middle School Journalism Club will air at 8:58 p.m. Tuesday on Fox 14, producer Darren Dishman said.
Dishman said he was not sure which of the messages will be on at that time. The three messages will air throughout the summer as part of Fox 14's "Think About It" campaign. This is the second time the Journalism Club has participated in this project.

Quiz Bowl team defeats faculty

The South Middle School Quiz Bowl team defeated the faculty 260 to 180 in an exhibition match held during TA Wednesday.
The student team, consisting of Dylan Prauser, Kane McCaslin, Savanah Sweeton, Lainie Nicolas, Kylie Hurrell, Mollie Sanders, Ken Zhang, Sarah Kessler, and Alex Kangethe, took a 130 to 110 halftime lead over the first teacher team, which consisted of departing South instructors Mr. Mark Russell, Ms. Maribel Chairez, Ms. Sheri Medlock, Ms. Yonika Powell, and Mrs. Valerie Doerr.
The student team outscored the faculty second unit, consisting of Mr. Rocky Biggers, Mrs. KarenSue Hensley, Mrs. Angel Mense, and Mr. Mike Wallace 130 to 70 for the win.
The Quiz Bowl team will complete its 2006-2007 season with an after-school session Monday, in which sixth and seventh graders who would like to participate to see if they might be interested in being a part of next year's quiz bowl team, will have a chance to play. Refreshments will be served.

Times set for summer volleyball, basketball camps

It's already time to be thinking of summer sports camps.
Information on two such camps has been released. The Joplin High School Volleyball Summer Camp for freshmen is scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. June 11-15.

The Joplin High School Summer Basketball Camp for 7th through 9th graders will be held 12 noon to 2 p.m. June 4-7.

Short story finalists named

Finalists in the fourth annual South Middle School Short Story Contest were announced today, according to Mr. Randy Turner, contest coordinator.

Those making the top 10, in alphabetical order, were:

Christen Cool, Hannah Doerge, Laila Douglas, Brian Geier, Christy Hernandez, Matt Lemieux, Victoria Nolan, Dylan Prauser, Rachel Richins, Tim Scroggins.

The winners will be announced Thursday during TA

Peer Tutor picnic held Monday

The annual Peer Tutor Picnic was held Monday, a reward for students who spent much of the school year helping other students. The students were gone from second through fourth hours.

Those attending were:

Katie Wood, Rachel Foster, Gina Casada, Shawn Spicer, Savanah Sweeton, Sarah Kessler, Sydney Long, Bayley Strella, Steven Denmark, James Hill, Choloe Potts, Taylor Camden, Mariah Sanders, Breanne Diles, Jordan Chambers, Hannah Doerge, Brittany Hudson, Alex Karns, Cindy Pham, Tamera Wirick.

Faculty team set for Quiz Bowl-Faculty competition

The faculty team is set for the annual competition with the SMS Quiz Bowl team. The match will be held Wednesday during TA.

The contest will consist of two rounds of 25 questions, according to Mr. Randy Turner, quiz bowl sponsor.

Faculty members scheduled to play in the first round are: Mrs. Valerie Doerr, eighth grade math; Ms. Yonika Powell, multi-media; Ms. Sheri Medlock, eighth grade reading; and Mr. Mark Russell, sixth grade science.

Those competing in round two will be: Mr. Rocky Biggers, eighth grade social studies; Mrs. KarenSue Hensley, counselor; Mrs. Angela Mense, seventh grade reading, and Mr. Mike Wallace, eighth grade science.

Quiz Bowl team members include: Dylan Prauser, Kane McCaslin, Lainie Nicolas, Savanah Sweeton, Kylie Hurrell, Sarah Kessler, Alex Kangethe, Marina Dudley, and Ken Zhang.

Final honor roll trip held

The seventh grade honor roll trip, postponed May 3 due to rain, was held May 10 at Rangeline Miniature Golf. The students ate at Northpark Mall beforehand.
Students eligible for the trip included:

Molly Baker, Nathan Baker, Lindsey Beall, Emylee Brown, Tozia Burris, Taylor Camden, Jordan Chambers, Marcus Clark, Matthew Cruzan, Brittney DeMasters, Breanne Diles, Derek Dillon, Zachary Dorris, Dermott Evans, Taylor Fetterman, Tara Fleming, Brittany Frisbie, Devyn Hale, Gage Haskew, Icesus Holland, Brandon Holman, Amie Howard, Jacob Johnson, Alex Kangethe, Alex Karns, Sarah Kessler, Breanna Knapp, Tera Knight, Allie Lacey, Lauren Layne, Luke Lenhart, Sydney Long, Hunter Lynn, Jacob Lyons, Wade Mathis, Candace McGilluray, Mary Jean Miller, Brittany Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Victoria Mitchell, Anh Nguyen, Holly O'Dell, Olivyah Parker, Andrew Perry, Payton Pollock, Chloe Potts, Shalea Purdy, Blake Putnam, Gilbert Randolph, Samantha Rice, Andrew Roberts, Bryan Ross, Mariah Sanders, Adam Schilling, Daniel Scott, Beau Scroggins, Adrienna Self, Unyajit Sirichok, Adam Snearly, Shawn Spicer, Brett Stearnes, Isaiah Stout, Bayley Strella, Nathan Stripling, Jeffrey Terry, Kaycee Thompson, Latosha Treat, Brittany Utley, Greggory VanLoon, Kyle Vene, Casee Wheeler, Johnna Yeoman

Choir concert set for Thursday night

The South Middle School Vocal Music Department's concert, originally scheduled for Thursday, May 24, has been moved ahead a week to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17.
More information about the program can be found at this link.

Victoria Smith wins SMS Essay Contest

Victoria Smith captured first place in the fourth annual South Middle School Essay Contest.
"This is the closest contest we have had in the four years we have held the contest," said Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade communication arts teacher and contest sponsor. "Only two points separated our first place winner from the third place winner.
Taking second place was Taylor Tressler, who won the annual Joplin Elks Lodge Essay Contest during the fall semester. Faith Mowry finished third.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
Fourth, Breanna Martin; Fifth, Demi White; Sixth, Dylan Prauser; Seventh, Jordan Chambers, Eighth, Raycee Thompson; Ninth, Colten Hawkins; 10th, Rachelle Hughbank.

Others placing in the top 20 were: Christen Cool, Zach Davis, Makenzie Freeman, Will Kessler, Mollie Sanders, Tim Scroggins, Braden Showers, Dylan King, Tori Mardis, and Ken Zhang.

The theme for this year's contest was "How I Can Make a Difference." The contest was judged by Joplin High School students who did well in the contest when they attended South.

Prize money will be awarded this week. The students will receive certificates during the annual Awards Assembly and Talent Show on the last day of school, Thursday, May 24.
The text of the top three entries is printed below:

PROBLEMS AT HOME
By Victoria Smith

All of the time people are saying "What can I do to make a difference?" Oh, I know- end world hunger, or stop the war, or go to Africa to help the people there.

It's really amazing how people feel like they have to travel all the way to Africa to make a difference, go all the way to Africa to stop hunger and to fight against life-threatening diseases, when so much of that is going on in our own United States, especially after Hurricane Katrina.

Watching "Idol Gives Back" the other night, sitting there, I was getting upset because they were raising all of that money to go to Africa and only a little to go to kids and other people here.

I know that the people over there are living in extreme poverty but it's not so easy over here either.

Everyone always thinks of America as a wealthy place and perfect, and the land of opportunity; sure that is true to a certain extent, but I also know the flip side. I know what it is like to be poor. I know what it is like to be homeless. I know what it is like to be at the bottom looking up, hoping, waiting, praying for a change in life, praying that things will get better.

So when you ask me what do I want to do to make a difference- I want to help kids who are going through what I went through to let them know that things will get better. I want to build facilities to get homeless people off the streets and out of trouble. I want to have enough money to donate towards fighting diseases, donate to places like Salvation Army and Soul's Harbor.

But for right now, I can just do volunteer work at nursing homes and places like the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club and helping with the Special Olympics. That's what I will do until I am able to reach my goals and do it right!

HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
By Taylor Tressler

How can I make a difference? That is probably the hardest question I have ever been asked. When I think of making a difference I think of Rosa Parks who stood up for what she believed in, or Robert Kennedy who fought and helped the less fortunate. Then I look at what I have done which isn't much compared to the people that did so much more.

So how can I make a difference? I could make a difference by donating money to the poor or serving food at the homeless shelter. I could run a marathon to fight cancer or go door-to-door selling little pieces of paper to raise money to help find a cure for a deadly disease. Or is there more than that? Isn't there something else I can do? I could do things that have never been done.

I could go to school every day until I become a doctor and help people stay alive and healthy. Or become a teacher and help kids achieve the goals they have for their lives.

Making a difference is a hard thing to do. To make a difference you have to lead a good life doing good for others. Not being afraid to show people your weaknesses. To make a difference you don't have to save a life, or find a cure, all you have to do is try your best to be you and do the things you want to do. Accomplish your goals and always try your best and you will have made a difference all on your own, by doing nothing but being you.

THE BRUTALITY OF WAR
By Faith Mowry
War is a brutal thing that splits countries apart and causes racial difficulties. Soldiers are brave to go fight in wars. I could make a difference in their lives by writing a simple letter showing my appreciation towards them; they don't always get the credit they deserve.

Although there are a lot of groups and charities that give to soldiers, it doesn't quite mean as much as it does when it comes from a single person the soldier is fighting for. It means a lot when a person says, "Thank you for leaving your family and your life here so I can stay safely with mine."

I could make a difference in a soldier's life by taking a few minutes out of my day to write to them, which isn't much when you think about all that they give up for you. I would write about my day, and how I am so happy to be able to be free an that when I sit at home I imagine my brother fighting in the war and that I hope we win soon so I can see him once again, so the worries can escape my head and life can be normal once again.

Life may be normal for that little five-year-old, but after that soldier gets done fighting, it changes dramatically.

A simple thank-you note may not sound like much, but it can make a big difference.

***
The text of other essays in the top 10 can be found at the original Room 210 website on the 2007 Essay Finalists Page.

Hounschell places at State History Day competition

South Middle School eighth grader Corey Hounschell placed fourth in the Junior Individual Documentaries category during the state History Day competition held recently at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Parker, Six qualify for state track meet

South Middle School alumni Taybor Parker and Taylor Six, both sophomores at Joplin High School, qualified for the Class 4 State Track Meet Saturday during competition in Springfield.

Parker and Six were half of a 3200 relay team that qualified by finishing fourth.

Program set for final choir concert

The information has not been received about the time for it yet, since it was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 24, which is now the last day of school, but the program is set for the annual South Middle School Spring Concert, which this year is titled "Let the Music Ring."

The sixth grade will sing six numbers, followed by nine songs from the Concert Choir, including soloists Hannah Doerge, Mariah Sanders, Mollie Sanders, Katie Wood, Britteny DeKruif, and J. T. Taylor.

The show choir, the Southern Belles, will sing four numbers. The concert is under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers.

Sixth Grade Choir members are: Torri Ackerson, Jodi Anderson, Haley Bowers, Clayton Brown, Lexi Brown, Ethan Bryan, Courtney Burns, Hannah Cady, Tracie Cottrill, Shaney Delzell, Felisha Derrick, Calisha England, Eliza Fausto, Allison Hankins, Shelby Ingram, Mason Johnson, Carson Jones, Morgan Jones, Kevin Justus, Shani Knight, Dominique Mitchell, Ghenessa Moore, Jade Moore, Hailey Oxford, Bethani Patterson, Stefon Rich, Krystal Schulze, Jordan Shumaker, Taylor Shutte, C. D. Smith, Clay Sweeton, Kaylee Tressler, Storm Whittington, Tiffany Williams.

COncert Choir members are: Andrea Alexander, Cierra Asher, Jacqueline Bogarin, Tozia Burris, Cameron Bryan, Taylor Camden, Amber Cantu, Nikki Carter, Gina Casada, Jordan Chambers, Tolby Clemons, Christen Cool, Cecil Cornish, Tanner Crawford, Takada Davis, Ashley Dean, Hannah Doerge, Ariana Budley, Shane Ellis, Rachel Etheridige, Tara Fleming, Rachael Foster, Leah Forkner, Makenzie Freeman, Jared Fuller, Christina Gates, Justene Gowing, Paige Harmon, Alexis Hawk, Colten Hawkins, Jamie Hartje, Lacy Heiskell, Ashley Henson, Christy Hernandez, Joe Huddleston, Rebecca Huff, Rachelle Hughbank, Andrew Ideker, Alex Johnson, Shaynee Johnson, Selene Jordan, Alex Karns, Katie Kemmery, Tera Knight, Lauren Layne, Kelley Leach, Grant Lewis, Loryn Ligon, Tessa Luper, Breanna Martin, Sarah Matthews, Adriana Maturino, Tori Mitchell, Amber Morris, Holly O'Dell, Nayelli Ortiz, Kelsey Pace, Sarah Painter, Cindy Pham, Katie Phelps, MacKenzy Pierce, Tymber Pope, Dylan Prauser, Cady Reddell, Samantha Rice, Rachel Richins, Hannah Rosario, Jesse Rowe, Abby Sadler, Mariah Sanders, Mollie Sanders, Adam Schilling, Cassey Schulze, Adrienne Self, Kaylee Sexton, Shelby Shumaker, Alicia Shofner, Angela Sliger, Hailey Smith, Sydney Snider, Shanna Striegel, Kaitlin Sullivan, J. T. Taylor, Taylor Tressler, Emily Tripoli, Hannah Ward, Samantha Warren, Sarah Wells, Ashley Whittington, Kendra Wilson, Tamera Wirick, Katie Wood, Shandera Workman, Jaclyn Wright, Nichole Yeoman.

Members of the Southern Belles are: Taylor Camden, Jordan Chambers, Hannah Doerge, Christy Hernandez, Tera Knight, Lauren Layne, Tori Mitchell, Cindy Pham, Tymber Pope, Mariah Sanders, Mollie Sanders, Shelby Shumaker, Taylor Tressler, Kendra Wilson, Katie Wood, Jaclyn Wright, Nichole Yeoman.

The concert date will be posted early this week.

Top teachers chosen at South Middle School

Four South Middle School teachers were selected as Teacher of the Year during a student vote sponsored by Student Council last week. One teacher was selected from the core teachers for each grade, and one teacher of non-core subjects.
Those chosen were: Mr. Mike Wallace, eighth grade science; Ms. Maribel Chairez, seventh grade math; Ms. Lara Stamper, sixth grade science; and Ms. Julie Yonkers, choral music.

(Photos from top: The winning teachers and a few others performed an impromptu and scary dance number at the conclusion of the assembly, which was a part of Teachers Week; Mr. Mike Wallace, Ms. Maribel Chairez, Ms. Julie Yonkers, Ms. Lara Stamper. Photos by Dylan Prauser)

Communication arts students do mock job interviews

Students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes made resumes and went through mock job interviews this week as part of the annual jobs unit. (Photo: Tessa Luper demonstrates her sales ability during a mock interview with Mr. Turner. Photo by Grant Evans)

Journalism Club tapes public service messages

The South Middle School Journalism Club taped three public service messages, which will air over the summer months on Fox 14.
The messages, involving freedom of the press and reading promotion, were read by Christy Hernandez, Savanah Sweeton, and Kane McCaslin, with other Journalism Club members finishing by saying "Think About It' the slogan of Fox 14's campaign.
This is the second year the club has participated in the campaign.

(Photos: From top, Christy Hernandez, Savanah Sweeton, Kane McCaslin, in group shot, front row, from left Alex Kangethe, Dylan Prauser, Tori Mardis, Savanah Sweeton; second row, Lainie Nicolas, Ken Zhang, Sarah Kessler, Christen Cool, Kane McCaslin; back, Kelley Leach)

Orchestra students to perform at elementary schools

Nine SMS orchestra students will perform at Joplin elementary schools today and Friday, under the direction of Ms. Linda Kay Hailey
Students scheduled to perform are:
Alex Kangethe, Emylee Brown, Amie Howard, Anh Nguyen, Bayley Strella, Sydney Long, Allison White, Logan Terry, and Faith Mowry.

Sixth graders take honor roll field trip

Top performing sixth grade students at South Middle School took the fourth quarter honor roll field trip Wednesday.
The students ate at Northpark Mall, then played miniature golf.
Students eligible for the trip were:

Torri Ackerson, John Alumbaugh, Jodi Anderson, Victoria Baker, Sierra Bartholomew, Abigail Bass, Austin Boyd, Lisa Bromley, Alexis Brown, Charlee Brown, Nathan Brummer, Casey Burkhart, Darieus Burkhart, Hannah Cady, Tracie Cottrill, Ronald Darby, Aaron Daum, Brittney Davis, Shaney Delzell, Danielle Doerr, Laila Douglas, Karissa Dowell, Preston Eafrati, Calisha England, Judith Fausto, Austin Fenn, Sandra Gallegos, Elizabeth Gordon, Emily Goucher, Kelsey Gould, Olivia Hampton, Allison Hankins, Hannah Hare, Christopher Harpole, Joshua Harris, Taylor Harris, Shanice Hailey, Elisabeth Heimberg, Tanner Hermitage, Alex Hill, Esteban Hinojosa, Brittany Hudson, Ricky Hutchison, Taylor Jobs, Erin Johnson, Carson Jones, Morgan Jones, Kevin Justus, Brandon Laub, Nicholas Laub, Kylie Lewsader, Elisha Mansour, Tianna McCarthy, Dominique Michael, Stephen Miller, Hunter Mills, Damien Mitchell, Damon Monasco, Robert Munalem, Alexander Musgrave, Tyler Nonemaker, Morgan Osburn, Taylor Parker, Bethani Patterson, Spencer Peterson, Blake Price, Dakota Reasoner, Stefon Rich, Thomas Richins, Alexandra Ritter, Gabriel Sachetta, Krystal Schulze, Jordan Schumacher, Bryson Sexton, Taylor Shutte, Dakota Smith, Benjamin Story, Lauren Temple, Logan Terry, Victoria Thompson, Theodora Voutiritsas, Elaina Warren, Ethan Warstler, Andrew Welch, Allison White, Storm Whittington, Tiffany Williams, Emilee Wills, Alexis Woods, Emily Yarbrough, Taylor Yates

The seventh grade field trip is scheduled for today. The sixth and seventh grade trips were originally scheduled for last week, but were postponed due to the weather.

School closing date is officially May 24

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education voted Tuesday to make the final day of school Thursday, May 24.
Initially, the closing date had been pushed back to Thursday, May 31, due to seven days missed because of inclement weather. Last week, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed a bill forgiving school days missed during the January ice storm, enabling the Joplin R-8 School District to trim four days off the schedule.
South Middle School will end with a half-day, which will include the annual talent show and awards assembly.