Ashe County High School Fall addition 2014 Welcome to the Pack! Here at Ashe County High School, in the 2014-2015 school year, we welcomed great new staff members! We hope these new teachers felt welcomed during their arrival and that they will continue to enjoy being part of the Husky pack. We wanted to get to know these new staff members better, so we asked our new staff the following questions: 1) Where did you attend college? 2) How long have you been teaching? 3) What brought you to Ashe? 4) What activities do you enjoy when you’re not teaching? 5) What is your favorite quote? Their great responses are posted below! Enjoy getting to know your new faculty and staff. Amber Dillingham Ms. Dillingham attended Appalachian State University, where she graduated in 2012 with Bachelor in Art Education. Last year she taught at Cove Creek and Green Valley Elementary school. She loves living in the mountains and has lived in Watauga county for seven years. She student taught at Ashe County High School and loved her time spent here. She also has family in Ashe and Watauga. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, and working on her own personal artwork! Her favorite quote is, “Everything happens for a reason.” Holly Flynn Mrs. Flynn attended Appalachian State University. This is her first year teaching; but last semester, she completed student teaching with Rebecca Wells. When asked what broguht her to Ashe, she replied, “Initially the location brought me to Ashe; I was attending Appalachian and lived in Boone and wanted to student teach nearby. Once I learned about the school and community, I knew I wanted to stay. I love it here!” She also loves to write! Infact, she said, “It's my dream to have a book published someday.” Her favorite quote is: "A smooth sea doesn't make a skilled sailor." Zach Fulbright Mr. Fulbright attented UNC Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University, and the City University of New York! This is his second year teaching. He grew up here in Ashe, and graduated from ACHS is 2003. When he’s not teaching he likes to spend time outdoors. He also enjoys reading and writing. Katherine Greene Mrs. Greene graduated from Appalachian State University. This is her second year teaching. Mrs. Greene said “There is no place that can beat North Carolina mountains in autumn. My husband grew up in the area, and I fell in love with it during high school at Watauga. We have been aching to get back and couldn’t be happier having a home here again.” When she is not teaching, she is either creating art (currently ceramic sculptures), hiking, or indulging her favorite TV show obsessions. Her favorite quote is, “In order to love others, you must love yourself. In order to love yourself, you must realize you are loved.” Rebecca McNeill Rebecca Mcneill has a two year Associate Degree from Wilkes Community College and is currently attending Appalachain State University majoring in Child Development: Birth Through Kindergarten. She has been an Assistant Teacher for a total of 10 years; for the past seven years, she has been working as an EC Assistant Teacher at Ashe Developmental Day School. She was born born here, and said she values her friends and neighbors and enjoys living in the area. area. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, friends, also participating in church activities. Her favorite quote is: “What lies behind behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies withinus.” –us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson George Neil Mr. Neil attended University of North Carolina at Greensboro and this is his first year teaching! He tired of living in Greensboro and wanted to move back to a smaller community in the mountains. When he is not teaching, he is reading! He mostly enjoys science fiction, but also enjoys a good Clive Cussler novel. When he has time, he also enjoys writing science fiction! Mr. Neils’ favorite quote is, "Reminder: at your smallest, you are indistinguishable from a forest fire." (taken from podcast: Welcome to Night Vale) Kim Taylor Kim Taylor attended Appalachain State University and has been teaching for two years. The wonderful students and staff is what brought her to Ashe! She enjoys hiking when she is not teaching. Her favorite quote is from Les Brown- “It’s not over until I win.” Chalk Wetmore Master Sergeant Wetmore attended John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and Campbell University. He has been teaching for 2 months. “I came to Ashe because the job opportunity with JROTC happened as I retired from the Army, and Ashe County is close to my family home near Rich Mountian.” When he is not teaching, he enjoys going to thrift shops and antique stores with his wife, fishing on the Outer Banks, and working with the College and Singles ministry at Howard's Creek Church. His favorite quote is a bible verse, Joshua 24:15 "...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." By: Jessi E. Sharon Campbell Mrs. Campbell attended Emory and Henry College. This makes her 29th year teaching! She lived in Virginia all her life, but moved to Boone just a little over 18 months ago to come here to teach. In her free time, Mrs. Campbell enjoys “fishing, camping, canoeing, and listening to some good ole fashion bluegrass.” Her favorite quote is one her father told her, “Micah 6:8 Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Nathan Colvard Mr. Colvard attended Appalachian State University. This is his first year teaching at Ashe County High School. He was born and raised here and says it is his dream teaching here. In his free time, Mr. Colvard enjoys, “Spending time with family and friends, reading books, and watching sports on TV.” Mr. Colvard’s favorite quote is, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Zack Holden Mr.Holden attended Appalachian State University. This is his first year teaching. He has lived in the mountains all his life, and says that he wouldn’t ever leave! When asked what he enjoyed doing in his free time, he replied with “playing guitar, riding my motorcycle, and flying anything that has a remote control.” Mr. Holden’s favorite quote is, “A person only lives for an instant, but in history they live for a lifetime.” Robin Roberts Mrs. Roberts attended Colorado State University and Liberty University. She has been an assistant for 16 years, but this is her first year in her own classroom. She is a native of Ashe County. In her free time, Mrs. Roberts enjoys, “hiking, camping, spending time with family and friends. Mr. Roberts favorite quote is “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.” -George Washington Mike Windish Mr. Windish attended NC State , ECU, Reformed Theological SeminaryCharlotte. This is his twentieth year teaching! He has not always lived in Ashe County, but now that he does, he loves it. In his free time, Mr. Windish enjoys spending time with family and being on the baseball field. Mr. Windish’s favorite quote is, “If I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants.” –Sir Issac Newton Brittany Wood Ms. Wood attended Appalachian State University. This is her first year being a teacher. Brittany says that while she was in school, she fell in love with being in the moutains, and is not ready to leave! In her free time she likes to spend time with family and friends, as well as coaching. Ms. Woods favorite quote is “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” - Abraham Lincoln By: Brianna N BETA INDUCTION EVERY YEAR AN EXCLUSIVE GROUP OF JUNIORS, AND SOMETIMES SENIORS, ARE INDUCTED INTO BETA CLUB. TO QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN BETA, STUDENTS MUST HAVE A WEIGHTED GPA OF OVER 3.5, NO GRADE BELOW A C, AND MUST HAVE TWO HONORS COURSES WITHIN NINTH AND TENTH GRADE. MEMBERS MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE HONORS COURSES IN THEIR ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH GRADE YEARS. THE STUDENTS IN BETA CLUB ARE HELD TO THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS. THEY MUST NEVER HAVE A DOCUMENTED INFRACTION OF CHEATING, BULLYING, OR ANY OTHER DISCIPLINE PROBLEM RESULTING IN OSS. THIS YEAR 50 STUDENTS WERE INDUCTED ON SEPTEMBER 5. OUR BETA CLUB HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. ACHS IS BLESSED WITH SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF DEDICATED STUDENTS. INDUCTION INTO THE BETA CLUB IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR WHICH STUDENTS SHOULD STRIVE. OUR BETA CLUB IS TRAVELLED TO REGIONALS ON OCTOBER 25. OUR MEMBERS COMPETED SUCCESSFULLY AGAINST OTHER SCHOOLS IN ACADEMIC TESTS: ALEX SPENCER CAME IN 1ST PLACE IN SCIENCE, ELIJAH DEJONGE CAME IN 2ND PLACE IN MATH, EMILY LONG CAME IN 3RD PLACE IN SPELLING. “THE GOAL OF THE ACHS BETA CLUB IS TO EXEMPLIFY THE NATIONAL BETA CLUB MOTTO ‘LET US LEAD BY SERVING OTHERS’. WE STRIVE TO DO THIS THROUGH VARIOUS PROJECTS SUCH AS OPENING CAR DOORS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ARTS COUNCIL, SERVING OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM, MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS AS WELL AS PROVIDING NECESSITIES FOR THE STUDENTS OF ASHE COUNTY.” – KEANA TRIPLETT, SPONSOR BRANDON BLEVINS LIGHTS A CANDLE DURING THE CEREMONY. BY: ANNA V. School Spirit Day 1.1 Character Day Camo Day WHO’S GOT SPIRIT ? Pink Day 1 HUSKIES DO! Wednesday night the junior and senior girls as well as a few lucky guys came out and continued their support for breast cancer by participating in the Powder Puff game. The flag football game concluded with a win for the senior girls, but such a feat could not have occurred without the undying support from the male cheerleaders of the night. Decade Day This past week, October 13th-17th, Ashe County High School students gathered their inner husky pride to go all out for spirit week. Monday the halls were not only filled with the aura of learning but with portrayals of character favorites amongst the student body. With ranges from AMC’s The Walking Dead to a childhood favorite Scooby-Doo and gang, character day was a success. Tuesday allowed the country spirit of Ashe County to be displayed without shame via camo day. Wednesday not only paid homage to a classic among the student body, Mean Girls, but allowed everyone to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on pink day. A blast from the past occurred on Thursday as a result of students breaking out their bell-bottoms and tie dye for decade day. The real husky spirit shone through on Friday with School Spirit day. Students came decked out in purple and silver in support of their favorite team the day of their homecoming game against the East Wilkes Cardinals. 1.1.1 By: Arianna V. Powder Puff This year’s homecoming was definitely one to remember! Our ferocious football team had an impressive win over North Wilkes, slaying them 48-14. This win continued their undefeated season. At the always impressive halftime show, Miss Maggie W. was announced to be this year’s homecoming queen! With tears in her eyes and a bright smile on her face, she was crowned by last year’s queen, Hailey Richardson. Congratulations to Mr. Fulbright and the band students as well as Col. Marsh and the JROTC cadets for a beautiful ceremony. After the game everyone celebrated the win at the homecoming dance! Good food, bright lights, popular music and great friends made for an exciting night! During the festivities, to top the night off, Mr. Thomas S. was crowned the 2014 Homecoming King! By: Anna V. Thomas S. and Maggie W. are all smiles at the Homecoming Dance. Hailey Richardson crowned our new Homecoming Queen. On Wednesday, September 24th Ashe County High Scholl’s CRU Club (Campus Crusade for Christ) led students in prayer. Students met in front of the school at 7:15am for a complimentary breakfast. Soon after, the congregation was broken up into smaller groups; each one included a CRU prayer leader. In their small groups students formed a circle, held hands, and each person said a prayer. When all of the small groups finished everyone formed one large circle and joined hands once again. A microphone was then passed to each Prayer Leader whom summed up what was said in their small groups. By: Arianna V. CUTTING THROUGH SCIENCE Maggie B. & Olivia Amber M. & Haley P. During Mrs. Jenkins Health Science I class, her students get the hands on experience of dissecting a whole animal one organ at a time. To further their knowledge, the students are given the opportunity to explore the organ and identify the major vessels. In this dissection, her students received a heart to explore. The students enjoy dissection because it’s a valuable learning opportunity in which they gain a better understanding of how each body system works, and this will help them in their impending health care careers. Cassandra C. Emily B. & Katie H. Gabe B. & Skyler M. Chills and Thrills ACHS loves Halloween! Mrs. Gardner’s adaptive PE class dances to Thriller in the commons at morning break. Students and staff dress up for the annual student council costume contest. The happy winners! Ms. Wood’s US History students painted pumpkins representing different historical events. HONORING PERFECT VALOR On Monday, November 10, Ashe County Schools held their annual Veteran’s Day assembly at Ashe County High School. During this time students and staff gathered in the gymnasium along with local veterans to honor those who have served and those we have lost. The high school chorus sang several patriotic ballads. Some of our staff also joined in for some songs. Master Sergeant Wetmore, our special guest speaker, gave students a wonderful insight into the mind of a veteran that they see every day. His speech included a touching story about a veteran and a friend of his who said the worst part of being a veteran was being forgotten. This served as a much needed reminder for how we need to honor those who have fought for our country more than just the one day per year set aside by the government. Overall, this year’s Veterans Day assembly was one to be remembered, not only for the touching things that were said, but for the lessons learned. The Ashe County High School Joint Choir entertained students and guests with wonderful renditions of classic patriotic ballads. Cadet Major Matt C. Commander of the ACHS Drill Team, entertained the crowd with his solo rifle spinning routine. Local veterans from all branches of the military gathered at the high school to be honored. Seven JROTC members joined forces to participate in the classic twenty-one gun salute. By: Arianna V.