December 10, 2015

Odessa High School, Odessa, Missouri Brenna Dowell Becomes World Champion Ryan Robinson Takes Over As By Kinly Grubb explained they would go in Brenna Dowell, 2014 OHS and do their routines on each Varsity Boys Coach graduate, received a team event and then they were By Eli Munsterman for the season is “together, gold medal at the World finished. Ryan Robinson’s first year we attack.” He plans to competition held October “There was a lot of pressure as varsity boys basketball implement a run and 23-November 1 in Glasgow, with the practices, but it coach started with long gun offense to “maximize Scotland where Dowell prepared us well,” Dowell days. His mornings began possessions and put competed with the 2015 USA said. “I trained all around, with practice at 6 a.m., and maximum pressure on World Artistic but I competed in vault, bars the days didn’t end until teams’ endurance and team. and floor.” well after dark, when his communication.” “Having a gold medal sort Dowell was one of seven assistant football coaching “Our goal is to create of defines your gymnastics. girls chosen to compete at duties were over. mismatches in transition It’s cool to say, ‘Brenna Worlds. While Team USA While Robinson enjoyed and create open shots,” Dowell World Champion’,” took first place, China came the football team’s success, Robinson said. Dowell said. in second, and Great Britain he will enjoy getting down He said that he has been Dowell posted a 15.1 placed third. Brenna Dowell, 2014 to the business of coaching blessed to have been around on vault, 11.333 on bars “At the banquet after the OHS graduate, received a one sport. some great coaches in his and a 13.966 on floor in meet, we hung out with the gold medal at the USA World Robinson grew up in life and has taken what qualifications. During her British boys and girls. It was Artistic Gymnastics team Roscoe, Illinois and went Odessa basketball has been floor routine, the music fun to talk to them and hang competition held in Scotland. to Hononegah High School. doing and made some minor started off wrong and she out with them,” Dowell said. She is currently taking a few From there he went to changes and adjustments to walked off the floor. Then, While Dowell met a lot online classes at Johnson Truman State University to better utilize spacing. she walked back on and of people, she knew the County Community College play basketball and earn a “I enjoy watching kids take performed her floor routine girls because she has been but indicated that she is bachelor’s degree in history the techniques we teach to no music which was quite competing with them for mainly taking this year off and master’s degree in social and become better players. memorable for her. years. of school, so she can focus on studies. It’s especially gratifying Dowell trains at GAGE gymnastics. “I’ve done that routine Robinson has been to watch kids exceed Center in Blue Springs, and “Once gymnastics is over, coaching basketball for eight expectations or what they so many times that I Al and Armine Fong are her I look forward to being a years. He was a volunteer thought they were capable just knew how to do coaches. Some highlights normal person and getting coach at Hononegah High of,” Robinson said. it.”...Brenna Dowell, of her career include: 2013 a job,” Dowell said. She is School for two years, a JV/ Robinson expects Jesolo Trophy Third Place on majoring in business but does World Champion. varsity assistant coach Josiah Bennett to be a Bars and All Around, First not know what type of job she at Schuyler County High leader for the team as a “I’ve done that routine so Place Team (Sr. Division) hopes to get in the future. School for one year, and the returning letterman and many times that I just knew 2012 Mexican Open All Dowell’s younger sister, JV/varsity coach at Odessa All-Conference/All-District how to do it,” Dowell said Around, Vault, Bars and Floor Lauren, a current OHS senior, for four years before getting selection. He anticipates about her unique experience. Champion (Sr. Division) and supported her sister during the head coaching job. a team full of leaders to “Vault was great! I scored the 2011 Jesolo Trophy Second the competition and traveled Robinson says he loves varying degrees though, highest I have ever scored on Place Bars (Jr. Division). to Scotland with her family coaching. and says that only time will that vault. On floor, I hit my Dowell can’t even remember to encourage her sister. “Coaching allows me to tell who will step up and routine, and got my double a time when she didn’t “If there was a scale of stay involved in the game become a leader. front pike named after me. participate in gymnastics. proudness, I would break the and pass along what I’ve Chris Herring, OMS P. E. I had a rough bar routine “I started classes when I scale, and it still wouldn’t be learned over the years,” teacher, will be the head JV though.” was 18 months, so I have been enough,” Lauren said. “Seeing Robinson said. “I also like coach and assistant varsity, Dowell said that at Worlds, participating for 18 years,” her succeed in something the strategy involved in and Jesse Stewart, OHS the practices were shorter she said. she’s worked hard at her basketball and seeing every history teacher, will be the than she was used to, but Last year was Brenna’s whole life, inspires me to player develop.” head freshman coach and they were more intense. She freshman year at the work hard too,” Lauren said. . Robinson’s team motto assistant varsity. December 10, 2015 Odessa CCC Prepare for John Carmody Presented With Bulldog Award Moberly, Missouri, as an Holiday Program On Dec. 10 only child. He graduated from Moberly High School By Alec Munson Teachers and students in 1974. After graduating Odessa R-VII Child started preparing for this high school, Carmody Care Center (CCC) at event on November 16, and entered Pre-Med at the McQuerry Elementary will practiced for approximately encouragement of his be presenting the annual a month. The participating father. He attended Mizzou Holiday Program at 4 students range in age from for one year and Notre p.m. December 10 in the one to five. Dame for three years McQuerry gym. The program The following teachers receiving his bachelor’s will include a number of helped prepare for the event: degree in math in 1978. He Christmas-themed songs Emily Stocklaufer, Brittney worked as a legal intern and Christmas-themed Reed, Raegan Smith, and taught College Algebra poems. Danielle Patton, Kandis as a teaching assistant. “Parents, grandparents Bass, Sandra Beauchamp, Carmody puts his and family are encouraged Joy Redhage, Michelle John Carmody, OHS substitute teacher, received the teaching experience to use to come and support their Silvers and Shelley Conn. Bulldog Award for his service to OHS and its students. as he tutors students after young ones at this holiday After the program, all in By Sarah Shelton & a moment’s notice. He school in mathematics program,” Wendy Reynolds, attendance will be served McKenzie Wixon is able to not just fill in, and helps students with CCC/SOAR Director for the refreshments and will enjoy John Carmody was but instruct our higher projects. He enjoys tutoring school district, said. a visit from Santa. recently awarded the level classrooms which Bulldog Award at an OHS makes a big difference students and said that it is faculty meeting for being to those classroom a way that he believes he an excellent substitute teachers and students,” can give back because he teacher. Tammy Kleoppel, district has been blessed by others The Bulldog Award, an Substitute Coordinator, throughout his life. award for excellence, among said. With the holidays coming other awards, are given to “Mr. Carmody knows up, the Christmas Lighting faculty/staff members each math! I know that when Ceremony is also something From: The Growler Staff month to be passed off to I have to be gone and I that Carmody looks forward the next month’s winners. have Mr. Carmody as a to each year. The visit from Apple Gooey Butter Cake “He is always willing to sub my classes can proceed Santa is a favorite for Cake Carmody as well as hearing 1 white cake mix help out, fill in, and even go as normal.” said Annie 1 egg above and beyond to help Austin, OHS math teacher. the choir perform. 6 tablespoons butter, melted a teacher or student. An “He does an excellent job The Lighting Ceremony, 2 tablespoons water according to Carmody, Apple Filling example of this is when he explaining problems to 3 granny smith apples, peeled, cored is subbing in our building, students, and I love how is what truly starts his and chopped into very small pieces Seth Bayless he often goes out to ACE he always shows them the Christmas season. ½ cup brown sugar “It’s a special night,” Makena Dye 1 tsp of cinnamon to tutor students in the work behind the answer.” Topping alternative school while Besides helping at Carmody said, regarding Sara Fossett 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, the Monday night before room temperature he is on his plan period.” OHS, Carmody is also Kinly Grubb 1 teaspoon vanilla Buffie McConville, OHS involved with the city and Thanksgiving. Mikaylee Hobson 3 cups powdered sugar plus more Principal, said. “He is a its improvement. He has Eggnog, Midnight Mass, for sprinkling on the finished cake cookies, family and having Alec Munson ½ cup butter, room temperature one in a million, and I love served as an alderman Directions: him!” since 1998 and most enjoys the lights on the Christmas Eli Munsterman Preheat the oven to 350° Carmody moved to his interactions with the tree before Thanksgiving With a mixer, mix the cake mix, egg, are other holiday traditions Sarah Pierce butter, and water Odessa in 1983 and started board, the mayor and Sydney Shackles Pat into a lightly greased pan. substitute teaching for citizens. that Carmody enjoys. Mix the apples with the brown “Christmas Spirit means sugar and cinnamon. Arrange over the OHS in 2000 and is seen His hobbies include Sarah Shelton everybody coming together, Jordan Singer cake mixture. frequently in the building. watching his favorite Use a mixer to beat cream cheese Administrators, teachers team, the St. and realizing we’re all in and butter until smooth, add eggs and this together,” Carmody McKenzie Wixon vanilla. and students value his Louis Cardinals, and Bianca Woodward Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a presence. photography. He can often said. time, and beat until smooth. Writers “Mr. Carmody is be seen at school events Carmody shares a recipe Pour over the apple mixture and out of his mother’s old spread with a butter knife. dependable and always with his camera. Let the cake cool completly prepared for my call at Carmody grew up in recipe box that reminds Sprinkle with powdered sugar. him of the holidays. December 10, 2015 OHS Inducts 27 to National Honor Society By Sydney Shackles secretary, Ryder Jiron, vice with good character. inductee, said. Bellmyer, Abigail Bertz, Twenty-seven National president, Katie LeBlanc, “While being inducted Odessa’s group is named Alli Bertz, Kirstin Clark, Honor Society inductees took recording secretary, Brian into the National Honor the Georges’ Chapter after Erika Cowan, Caitlin Dillon, the oath on November 12 at Uhrlaub, Zach Smith, Hannah Society is an award for your two charter members, Megan Eagan, Sara Fossett, Odessa High School stating Williams, Morgan Williams character to this point, it is George Melcher and George Cassadee Griffith, Sylvia “I assume a responsibility of and Garrett Fiegenbaum. also an opportunity for you Creel. OHS first introduced Gwodz, Gabby Holmes, Hanna leadership and example, and Colton Howard and Emily to continue setting standards, National Honor Society in the Huston, Morgan Kleoppel, will endeavor to serve without Johnson served as candle goals, and to continue on the Spring of 1935. After the 2015 Jacob Moore, Garrett Peek, thought of personal glory, my lighters, and Hannah Gurney, road to success,” Prewett ceremony, 1,661 members will Elizabeth Port, Breanna Ray, school, my community, my historian, photographed the said. have been inducted at OHS. Emily Reynolds, Hannah country and my world.” event. “It was an honor to be able The 2015 inductees, Scott, Marley Shackles, Angela Boutross, senior Jill Prewett, OHS to receive acknowledgment for inducted for their excellence Emma Shutt, Kaysie Wachs, NHS president, was the emcee Communication Arts teacher, the hard work and dedication in scholarship, leadership, Tyrel Wagner, Jacob Weber, for the event. Other NHS was the speaker for the throughout my high school character and service were: Kamryn Williams and seniors who had speaking ceremony. She congratulated career by being inducted into Brent Alumbaugh, Trevor Madison Wulfekotter. parts were: Haley Dye, the inductees and spoke about the National Honor Society,” treasurer, Lauren Dowell, the importance of living a life Marley Shackles, senior Kindergartners Visit Science City By Mikaylee Hobson & favorite exhibits were The sitting there staring at him,” Bianca Woodward Science of Energy, the Nature Bickel said. Kindergarteners strain and Center and Every Last Drop. Every Last Drop focused grasp the rope as they pull The Science of Energy on the extraordinary water with all their might trying explored people’s relationship molecule that can feel to help their tug-of-war team to energy including human so ordinary. The exhibit win. The first team to ring energy. Students learned explored water and people’s the bell wins; however, they where energy comes from relationship with it. The are not just playing at recess, with a focus on renewable interactive center covers they are on their first school sources like wind and solar the properties of water, how field trip. power. people use water, and why Kindergarteners visited The Nature Center, which people should conserve. was recently renovated, This was a favorite with the McQuerry kindergarteners participate in hands- Science City, on October 29 on exhibits during their Science City field trip. at Union Station in Kansas allowed visitors to observe kindergarteners according to City. animals and compare their Bickel. “They really liked the The field trip allowed characteristics, behaviors waterpark because it made students to experience the and habitats while exploring the biggest mess. The students Don’t forget world of science first-hand the animal kingdom. The also enjoyed seeing how dams through fun and engaging outspoken Sulfur-Crested affect streams,” Bickel said. exhibits and programs. Cockatoo was a student The main goals of the trip “Our main goal was to get favorite. were to engage the students to order your their brains thinking,” Megan “There was a whole new with the curriculum and for Bickel, kindergarten teacher, section with live animals. One students to be able to refer said. of my students said, ‘I want back to what they learned at a chameleon!’ because of the Science City. 2015-2016 Among the students’ chameleon that was just “Science City was a good opportunity for the kindergarteners to play with Wyatt Music different manipulatives that Yearbooks! 111 N. 3rd St. Odessa MO 64076 we can’t offer in the classroom. See Mrs. Poisal in Rm. 5 816-916-1652 The parent volunteers did a Hours: 10am-9pm M-F good job of explaining why they were playing with different with Questions or to place Music Sales items and helped make it an Guitar sales educational experience for an Order! Gutar and Bass Lessons everyone,” Bickel said. 4 December 10, 2015 OUE Is Top Hoops For Heart School For 7 Years Straight By Sara Fossett participate each year in honor of my cousin, Logan, and OUE has participated in raising money at OUE, and Grandpa Larry,” said Sallee. Hoops for Heart for over 12 the student to raise the most Sallee met his goal by years and is still continuing money is rewarded with the dropping off $1,274 topping strong coming in as the gym being named after him or his total of $1,111 from last top school in Missouri for her for one year. year by $163. By having the the past seven years. This The gym is currently named most online donations, with year’s competition ended on Affolter Arena after Brittany $750, he was able to serve as November 19. Affolter, fifth-grader during P. E. teacher for a day. “At age 19, I had open heart the 2014-15 school year. Drew All students who help surgery,” Kristi Bieri, OUE PE Sallee, currently a fourth- raise money are invited to a teacher, said. So, it is easy to see grader at OUE, came in basketball party after school. why this cause is important to second. Along with raising money Drew Sallee, fourth-grader at OUE, turns in the Bieri and other students and Drew’s goal this year was for the American Heart money he collected for Hoops for Heart in honor of his to take over the title of top Association, Hoops for Heart staff who have known someone cousin, Logan, and his Grandpa Larry. Kristi Bieri, OUE also gives back to the top with a heart condition. fundraiser, and to help reach PE teacher, organized the event. The American Heart his goal he began fundraising school. The school receives a Association fights heart disease in February selling treats at US Game Certificate used to JV Wrestlers Prepare For Season and stroke through their Hoops the Hoops for Heart basketball purchase new equipment for By Sarah Pierce coaching staff and is looking for Heart and Jump Rope for game. He has also sold holiday the gym and/or playground. Two athletes square off forward to a season of success Heart programs. They promote candy treats and has consigned “It’s special, competing in a ring on the mats. Both and building unity throughout healthy habits, staying active toys and games to raise money against big schools,” Bieri said. have spent countless hours the program. He says the way and supporting research and for the cause. “It puts Odessa on the map.” challenging not only their to gain support for the sport education. “My goal this year was to be physical endurance, but their is to put a product on the mat Approximately 100 students the top fundraiser at OUE in mental toughness as well. that people can respect and One will lose, but he is not a want to support. loser. The other athlete only Ben Grubb, 2001 OHS wrestled better today. graduate, will be joining the Kirk Gross, head wrestling assistant coaches this year. “This is Odessa” coach, is optimistic about the Grubb frequently subs at By Makena Dye skills using manual functions Birdsong said. 2015-16 wrestling season. He OHS and OMS. He attended Students in Andrea Bird- as well as editing in the RAW After lunch, the student’s says that although many of the CMSU (currently UCM) in song’s Graphic Design course format in Photoshop. final destination was the old JV wrestlers lack experience, Warrensburg and finished at OHS participated in a walk- The trip began at the Odes- Upper Elementary Building. they make up for it by being playing football at the ing field trip November 6, set sa Fire Station and then con- “The third floor is pretty creepy eager to learn and exercising University of St. Mary’s in on documenting life in Odessa tinued up the Dryden Street now with all of the lockers a strong work ethic. Leavenworth, Kansas. through the camera lens. hill where students received gone and the photos and other Gross says he is focusing His degree is in Graphic Design students an unexpected opportunity to things that used to be in them more this season on unifying interdisciplinary studies walked through seven and a photograph within the fences that got left behind,” Justus the team and fostering a with a focus in business and half miles of different loca- and the buildings of the Odes- Pabst, sophomore, said. family atmosphere. He is management. He and his wife, tions, subjects and experienc- sa Power Station. Upon the conclusion of the encouraging the wrestlers Belinda, have two young sons, es, documenting them through “The old generator was my project in the spring, the class to push each other and help Shem and Nicholas. photos as part of a year-long favorite – being able to get up will present their portfolios to make each other better. “I enjoy seeing kids grow project called “This is Odessa.” close and really see it,” Lucas Buffie McConville, OHS prin- When asked who the team’s and become passionate about According to Birdsong, “This Wilson, sophomore, said. cipal, for her to select various toughest opponent would be, something. It is easy at this is Odessa” is a year-long photo The class continued on to works to be printed and then Gross did not give another age to focus their energy in portfolio project with the goal take photographs in Dyer Park hung throughout the school team. a positive way,” Grubb said of not only teaching students as well as on an impromptu and district. “Your biggest opponent about coaching. to better use their photogra- tour through City Hall cour- “Our goal at the high school is always yourself because “Coach Grubb is a phy skills but to also make tesy of the City Hall staff and this year has been to bring back you’ve got to get over that great wrestler and football their town and their high Mayor Adam Couch. spirit, what it means to be a mental hurdle of ‘I can do this. player. He is very enthusiastic school experience something “It’s pretty cool what hap- Bulldog and what it means to I’m mentally tough enough to and hardworking. He will be to appreciate and to remem- pens when you just explain be a part of this town. That’s get through this, and I know an asset to our team,” said ber in a different light. what your students are doing the goal of “This is Odessa” - it’s going to make me better,” Gross. The project was developed as and other people pitch in their - to make it personal to each Gross said. The first home dual for JV a way for students to further experiences and open up all of the students in my class,” Gross says he has a great wrestling is January 5 in the practice their photography kinds of new opportunities,” Birdsong said. group of athletes and a good OHS wood gym.