yearbook 2009

Healthy trends set today Are you smarter than a Columbia Public Schools student? The best and the brightest

healthy trends set today Healthy eating Schools tackle nutrition on many fronts

nergy in. Energy out. That’s the goal of the guidelines to ensure the best for Columbia’s district’s expansive breakfast and lunch students. There are guidelines from the U.S. program. Department of Education that combine ideas from E Known as Nutrition Services, the food the American Heart Association, the American service program feeds thousands of students a day Cancer Association and the School Nutrition offering breakfast, lunch and, for some, afternoon Association. These guidelines reflect the U.S. dietary snacks. guidelines that will be upgraded soon, Fullum says. Here are just a few facts from Laina Fullum, A key guideline is that of the U.S. Department Nutrition Services director. Each year the district: of Agriculture, which dictates that one-third of n Serves 1.8 million lunches Recommended Daily Allowances must be provided n Prepares 527,000 breakfasts for lunch and one-fourth Recommended Daily n Hands out 2.5 million cartons of milk and more Allowances for breakfast. than 391,000 cartons of juice Nutrition Services monitors many nutrients such n Sells $1 million of a la carte items as Vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, fiber, cholesterol n Processes 6,300 free or reduced-price lunch and sodium. applicants a year or 35 percent of all lunches To meet requirements, Nutrition Services provides compared to 32 percent a year ago a salad bar daily as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. n Uses 85,800 packages of bread annually Whole grain breads, too, are served, the purpose n Gives students 800,000 bags of baked chips or being to increase the intake of fiber. 10,000 cases A big factor in the meals served is the amount of n Spends $2.5 million on food in a budget of fat. Only 30 percent of calories can come from fat Nutritious treat. $5.8 million which covers labor, supplies and and then only 10 percent from saturated fat. “We’re Summer school student Mary Logue enjoys other factors starting to watch trans fats,” says Fullum. “Not all an ice cream treat served by the Nutrition What is most amazing is that the entire operation vendors have that information, so it’s going to be Services Department for its calcium content. is self-sustaining. No expenses are paid from the hard for us to track it until it’s mandatory for them to district’s general operating funds, says Fullum. “We have that on their labels.” pay all our bills, buy all of our own food out of our For the freshest fruits and vegetables, Fullum is budget. It doesn’t come from general revenue at all.” increasing her effort to purchase locally produced The most important thing is to identify children fruits and vegetables. Known as the Farm to School Nutrition, education and hands-on who may qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. program, the effort is to “increase using local foods. experiences all work together. Doing so helps the child and helps the district It tastes better because it’s local,” she adds. “It hasn’t because many grants are based on the number of had to travel thousands of miles to get to you.” We’re hoping that will be free or reduced-price lunches. Added to the daily food items for every age of the model for lifetime choices. By identifying qualifying students, the district student is a nutrition education program. Nearly received $400,000 more in funding because the free 250 nutrition education classes are held each year Laina Fullum, Nutrition Services director and reduced-price lunch rate went from 32 percent “because it goes hand-in-hand with eating healthy.” to 35 percent. While helping the district’s funding is The one-hour classes are for all grade levels and are important, “feeding kids is the important thing,” she age-appropriate and hands-on. says. “They have to eat to be able to think.” Nutrition, education and hands-on experiences all The district is constantly fine-tuning menus to give work together, Fullum says. “We’re hoping that will be students the most nutritious meals possible. the model for lifetime choices.” Nutrition Services follows many nutrition

Columbia Public Schools 1 highlights New curriculum this fall

Hickman and Rock Bridge high schools Health education keeps up with the times have been ranked among the top 1500 high schools in the country by hange is coming to the district’s health curriculum. “We’re going to be focusing on what it is to be a healthy Newsweek. The publication ranks This fall new curriculum will be introduced to person in today’s society and to help them with that.” schools based on the number of secondary-level students. The new focus on health is a result of many trends among Advanced Placement, International The change is primarily for ninth-grade students students today. While health currently is taught in the middle- Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge C tests taken by all students at a school who must take a health class to graduate. grade physical education curriculum, beginning this fall a in 2008 divided by the number In addition to new curriculum for ninth graders, a separate separate health class will be taught. of graduating seniors. Hickman health class will be offered to middle level grades—sixth, “We know that kids at this level are not getting the health ranked 1,296 and Rock Bridge ranked seventh and eighth grades. Currently the information is education they need and deserve,” says Torres. “We have 1,201 out of more than 27,000 high shared in science classes, but the new approach would offer a obesity, we have sexual activity. Students make poor choices schools nationwide. specific health class for the middle grades. with drugs and safety.” Now “we’re going to focus on these “There’s a lot of change on the way, but it’s positive things,” she adds. The curriculum will also focus on body student Jessy change,” says Sara Torres, secondary health coordinator. The systems—how they interact. Hwang was selected a Presidential new curriculum is the result of a great deal of community Research shows that middle Scholar. A total of seven district input, Torres says. “Health research is constantly changing school students need this students were nominated for and improving,” she says. “It’s necessary for our teachers information, Torres says. “They the award. Hickman High School candidates include: Vellore Adithi, to know the latest health information. By working with the need to know how to take care Benjamin Atkins, Ashok Cutkosky, Lucy community on developing the curriculum, we have grown our of themselves and make those Fang, Jessy Hwang and Abby Sun. The capacity to teach our students.” healthy choices. Rock Bridge High School candidate is She says the focus on the new secondary curriculum will be “We’re going to give them the Paul Schnase. Of the 2,600 candidates healthy lifestyles. “That’s going to be the focus—what­­ it really tools to help them do that.” named nationwide, 141 will be named means to live a healthy lifestyle.” “One thing with health is, Presidential Scholars and will travel to She gives the example of learning more than what nutrients it’s constantly changing,” she Washington, D.C. for recognition. are, but “how do you make a healthy meal on a budget? And adds. And keeping up with the what are some good exercises you can do throughout your change are the district’s efforts National Merit Scholarship finalists life?” to teach health to elementary students. At the elementary from Hickman High School are: Vellore Another major component of the course will be safety level, health topics begin in kindergarten and go all the way Adithi, Eric Allen, Benjamin Atkins, Jonathan Chang, Constance Cho, Ashok —“what does it mean to be Internet safe in the world they through fifth grade. Cutkosky, Lucy Feng, Sarah Fritsche, live in?” Safety also is important when it comes to caring for “I really think it is important information for kids to know,” Benjamin Hoffman, Jessica Hwang, children since many of the students often care for younger says Patty Cornell, elementary health coordinator. For grades Joseph Langworthy, Emma Myers, siblings or begin babysitting. kindergarten through second, the physical education teacher Christopher Novosel, Jordan Occena, A final aspect of the new secondary-level curriculum will be teaches health once a week. The classroom teacher teaches Gina Pai, Abby Sun, Katherine Van healthy relationships and human sexuality. Instead of focusing health for third through fifth grades. Second-grade curriculum, Dooren and Charlotte Wesley. Finalists only on diseases, the course will focus on how a student can known as the Organ Trail, “gives a good base for fourth grade from Rock Bridge High School are: have a healthy relationship. when they get into the body systems and put it all together.” Allen Greenlief, Shati Lodhi, David Lopez, Lisa Mao, Sangita Sharma and Brady Still. Learning to give Columbia Public Schools has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement Donated shoes travel for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers around the world Association of the United States and young Jamaican boy or girl is walking in brand new flip- Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive flops, thanks to the efforts of Jefferson Junior High School annual financial report. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the students. area of governmental accounting and A The students collected more than 350 pairs of shoes as financial reporting. part of the Soles4Souls program. The shoes were collected at Jefferson Junior High, shipped to a Nashville, Tennessee suburb and then sent to Riley Widhalm, a Gentry Middle School several countries around the world. student, has been awarded a $1,000 The students began the project early this spring and shipped the shoes scholarship to attend a math, science or to Soles4Souls near the end of the school year. technology camp or to save for college. Social Studies teacher Paul Krenzel came up with the idea and health Gentry Middle School also received a Soles4Souls. Jefferson Junior High teacher Teresa Gooch and school nurses helped with the effort. matching grant. School Teacher Paul Krenzel checks the final Krenzel says the donations included “running shoes, casual shoes, hunting boots, women’s high heels, flats and sandals, beach shoes­— Rock Bridge High School student load of shoes to be sent to Soles4Souls, an Jessica Cui is the recipient of the organization giving free shoes to those in pretty much any kind you can imagine. Many of them look barely worn.” He adds the parents, too, got involved and brought donated shoes Missouri DECA Lester B. Kesterson the United States and overseas. The students Scholarship for 2009. Jessica is the from co-workers. donated about 350 pairs of shoes to the president of the Rock Bridge DECA “Word scattered and it webbed out,” he says. chapter. organization.

2 Columbia Public Schools

Exercise is the greatest benefit highlights

Increasing numbers join Walking School Bus Hickman High School students Elizabeth Choe and Ashok Cutkoksy hat’s gold, has 1,000 legs and transports students as they walk to school in the morning. No afternoon walk is have been named semifinalists to school? sponsored. While many parents participate, it’s not necessary in the 2009 Intel Science Talent Search. Semifinalists were chosen from The Walking School Bus. for a parent to take on the task, Tonnies says. among 1608 entrants representing W The clever name represents a coordinated effort Along the route are pickup points where children join in. 495 high schools from across the to get students to walk to school if streets are safe and The routes are all within a one-mile radius of the school. country. Each of the 300 students sidewalks are available. The benefits of the program are many, says Ian Thomas, named semifinalists receive a $1,000 The program is partnered with PedNet, Columbia’s effort to executive director of PedNet. award for their outstanding research. encourage walking and biking throughout the community. “We try to use the Walking School Bus because of the fact Additionally, to recognize excellence in The Walking School Bus will be in place at 10 schools this parents really want their kids to walk to school for all the teaching and school support of student fall. Those schools are: Blue Ridge, Derby Ridge, Fairview, great reasons of health and exercise, being ready to learn and research, every school will receive an Grant, Lee, Parkade, Ridgeway, Russell Boulevard, Shepard pay attention when they start class and creating a healthier award of $1,000 for each semifinalist Boulevard and West Boulevard elementary schools. Columbia environment around the school.” named in the talent search. Independent School also participates. “We have families calling and writing about what a great Nicole Schroeder, a fourth-grade “There’s lots of interest that’s generating out there,” says program it is, “ says Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent for student at Mill Creek Elementary, Margy Tonnies, Safe Routes to School coordinator. She adds elementary education. “We have parents trying to find ways to has been accepted into the People to that several neighborhood organizations have come forward do it on their own when there isn’t a Walking School Bus route People Ambassador Program. to launch a Walking School Bus in their neighborhood. for their children.” Key to the program is a screened adult to accompany a Jensen adds that the greatest benefit of the program is Derby Ridge, Mill Creek and Rock group of children, wearing gold Walking School bus tee-shirts, health for the children. Bridge elementary schools and Gentry There are many social benefits as well, Tonnies says. Middle School and West Junior High We know that kids need to be “They’re getting more time to be with friends. I think that’s School have been recognized by the more active than they currently are. one of the greatest benefits to come out of it. They always say Missouri Department of Elementary The fact they’re walking to school it’s like recess before school.” and Secondary Education for their With 480 students participating this school year, Thomas successful implementation of “positive gives them physical activity, behavior support,” a comprehensive expects to see more involved. One major factor is the which can only add to their health. approach to improving students’ partnership with the entire school district through the behavior and academic performance. Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent Partners In Education program. The program will partner with for elementary education the physical education department. Columbia Public Schools took away eight awards from the Missouri School Public Relations Association annual publications contest recently. The Students, staff go green! district’s Web site; Quarterly Report Eco Schoolhouse spurs ideas at Grant Elementary newsletter; Yearbook annual report; internal employee Web site InsideCPS; hundred-year-old school building met 21st-century than 150 individuals were involved with building the structure. and U Matter substance abuse prevention campaign, U Matter poster technology this year. Grant Elementary School “I think what’s amazed me is all the community members series, U Matter parent brochure and added a state-of-the-art classroom to its campus. who became involved in it and changed their lives because U Matter Web site were all recognized. A The classroom is the Eco Schoolhouse and of it,” says Borduin. “They would work on Friday nights and meets the stringent requirements of LEED, a national energy Saturdays. All of it was volunteer.” The 2008 edition of Hickman Review efficiency certification. The classroom also “became a ripple effect,” Borduin says. was recently rated “Excellent” by the The one-room schoolhouse replaced a mobile classroom “We said we needed to live the values of going green.” National Council of Teachers of English. damaged by fire and was the concept of Nick Peckham of To do so, the staff spent Peckham & Wright Architects. The architectural firm wanted a day in the community First Student transportation was to make a contribution to the community in recognition of exploring how they could go recognized by the Missouri State its 30th anniversary. green at the school. Highway Patrol for achieving more In use this school year, the schoolhouse has served many As a school, they switched than 90 percent for 10 consecutive years on its transportation inspections. purposes, says Grant principal Beverly Borduin. to green cleaning products and “It’s a beautiful classroom to teach and learn in,” she says. started using biodegradable The Missouri Department of “It’s a great learning environment and it’s a learning tool lunch trays. They also started Elementary and Secondary Education because the children know a lot about all of the concepts a much more intense recycling released the list of Highest Performing behind going green. Just by using the classroom daily, the program “which we’re still Schools on the MAP Assessment for students learn about their floor, which is made from a improving on,” Borduin says. 2008. Columbia Public Schools had renewable resource, solar panels, structural insulated panels The school also has reduced four schools earn this designation in manufactured in a high-tech Missouri factory, and the fact paper use and communicates 2008 for Communication Arts in a the structure captures and uses all of its rainwater on site.” Going green. electronically as much as specific grade level. Those schools The building also provides a very quiet environment, Grant Elementary School’s possible. are Fairview Elementary School, Mill keeping out street noise from the heavily traveled Broadway. “Everything that we do Creek Elementary School, Ridgeway Eco Schoolhouse demonstrates Elementary School, and Rock Bridge The building also demonstrated how community effort starts to be a ripple effect in the school’s commitment High School. could accomplish a great deal. The $250,000 structure was terms of who it affects,” she to the environment. paid for from donations of time, materials and money. More says.

Columbia Public Schools 3 highlights Are you than a Columbia Area Career Center culinary smarter arts’ students Ben Truesdell and Margaret Hughes placed first in the Skills USA State competition and will Columbia Public Schools go on to national competition in June. Truesdell also took first in the LeCordon Bleu’s Future Chef of America contest winning a $10,000 award. student? West Junior High School and Hickman Mathematics Social Studies High School placed eighth in the Allyson has exactly $51 to buy notebooks and pencils for the Under Federalism, how is power divided? state Science Olympiad competition math league competition. Packages of notebooks cost $5 each, a. Between the House and the Senate in their respective categories. and packages of pencils cost $4 each. She wants the number b. Among the three branches of the national Jefferson Junior High School placed of packages of pencils to be three times the number of government seventeenth and Smithton Middle packages of notebooks. How many packages of notebooks c. Between the state governments and the national School placed eighteenth. West Junior and pencils can she buy for $51? government High School took first place in the a. 2 packages f notebooks and 6 packages of pencils d. Between the legislative and executive branches Science Crime Busters, Bio Processes b. 3 packages of notebooks and 9 packages of pencils Lab and Airjectory events. The school placed fourth in Pentathalon and c. 4 packages of notebooks and 12 packages of pencils Language Arts Biology Blitz. Hickman High School’s d. 5 packages of notebooks and 15 packages of pencils In which sentence are all common and proper nouns written Fossil group received second place and correctly? the team received fifth place rankings Science a. On the fourth of July, a celebration took place at in the Chemistry Lab, Dynamic Planet Objective: Analyze the motion of an object based on Peace Park. and Health Sciences categories. Newton’s Three Laws. b. First, mayor Hindman recited a poem by Shakespeare. A sheet of paper can be withdrawn from under a container of c. Then the Mayor introduced the choir from Hickman The Hickman High School Marching milk without toppling it if the paper is jerked quickly. High School. Band placed first in their division at the This best demonstrates that: d. Their songs were about the history of the United Lee’s Summit Marching Festival. The a. The milk carton has no acceleration. States. marching band was also the highest b. There is an action-reaction pair of forces. scoring band of the day out of 19 bands from Missouri and Kansas. In addition, c. Gravity tends to hold the milk carton secure. Which words correctly complete this sentence? the band was awarded outstanding d. The milk carton has inertia. We shared Emma’s tent with ______and Ann, woodwind section, outstanding brass e. None of the above. but it collapsed on our friends and _____. section, outstanding soloist – flute, a. she . . . us Stephanie Thomas, outstanding music b. her . . . us and outstanding color guard in their c. her . . . we

division. b d, Arts: Language c Studies: Social d Science: b Mathematics: d. she . . . we

Chief Academic Officer Sally Beth Lyon has been elected to serve as a research practitioner council co-convener for the Minority Student Achievement Network. The Minority Student Achievement Network is a national coalition of multiracial, suburban-urban school districts that study achievement gaps that exist in their districts.

John Deken, a Hickman High School social studies teacher, is the recipient of the prestigious James Madison Fellowship in Washington, D.C. The fellowship pays tuition, fees and books for selected fellows earning Master’s degrees in American history.

Hickman High School’s Academic (Quiz Bowl) Team placed second in the Mizzou Fall Academic Tournament. The participating members were Ashok Cutkosky, Jessy Hwang, William Lee, Adithi Vellore, Ben Atkins, and Adam Sperber who placed fifth individually. Due to their performance, the team qualified for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship as well as the PACE National Scholastics Championship. 4 Columbia Public Schools Student facts Financial facts Measures of Achievement highlights Enrollment Total revenue...... (projected) $192 million Columbia’s students continue to meet or Preschool...... 563 Sources of revenue exceed expectations on formal standardized Journalism students from Rock Bridge Elementary...... 7,709 Local...... 51.2% tests of achievement. While the Missouri and Hickman high schools brought % Middle school...... 2,444 State...... 30.5 Assessment Program, or MAP, is the home several awards from the Junior high...... 2,536 Federal...... 6.11% most-often talked about set of tests, data Journalism Education Association (JEA) Senior high...... 3,993 Bonds...... $4.87 million National Scholastic Press Association Total 17,245 Other...... $ 1.18 million from numerous other measures show the Total expenditures...... $207.9 million achievements of our students. Here is a (NSPA) convention . Rock Bridge Special program enrollment sampling of the most recent test results for earned an NSPA best of show with a top 10 rating for a Channel 16 story. Adult education...... 4,548 Average expenditure per pupil...... $9,649 Columbia’s students. English Language Learners...... 570 Students eligible for free and ...... 33.3% Recipient of the award was station Gifted education...... 1,300 reduced-price lunch MAP performance KRBH-TV. Hickman High School % Parents As Teachers’ participants...... 4,140 Student attendance rate...... 93.5 The percentage of Columbia Public Schools students Maayan Feintuch, Nancy Special education...... 2,495 Volunteers...... 18,986 students scoring at the Proficient or O’Connell, Marie Schulte and Hannah Vocational education...... 1,984 Volunteer hours...... 369,321 Advanced level was higher than the state’s Babcock received and excellent rating Dollar value of service...... $7,478,750 for the story, Battle of the Bands in Projected enrollment percentage in communication arts at every the broadcast news story category. 18,480 How funds were used assessed grade but one and in mathematics An honorable mention was given to 17,776 at four grade levels.. Hickman students Nancy O’Connell, 17,245 For every dollar, 58 cents of 2008-09 funds was spent Explore Achievement Test Lauren Woelfel and Alex Turner for on instruction, instructional services & pupil services. Columbia students’ average scores their story on the Columbia Area Career Instructional support ...... 58.4% exceeded national averages on all assessed Capital projects...... 8.86% Center in the broadcast commercial/ Debt service...... 10.20% areas. PSA category. Community services...... 2.02% Plan Achievement Test 2008 2010 2012 Transportation...... 3.66% Hickman High School Senior Ashok 2009 2011 2013 Columbia students’ average scores % Food service...... 3.06 exceeded national averages on all assessed Cutkosky won a $20,000 scholarship Building administration...... 5.13% Staffing ratios areas. in the Siemens Competition in Students to all teachers ...... 12 to 1 District administration...... 1.16% Math, Science & Technology at New % American College Test (ACT) Students to administrators...... 216 to 1 Business, maintenance services ...... 7.25 York University. His project, titled Columbia students’ average ACT scores Students to classroom teachers ...... 18 to 1 “Associated Primes of the Square of Property tax rate 4.7292 per $100 assessed valuation exceeded national averages on all assessed the Alexander Dual of Hypergraphs,” Racial composition Tax levy uses ...... $1.3592 operating fund areas. Approximately 70 percent of the beat four others to take first place White...... 68.0% ...... $2.5581 teachers fund district’s students take this college- Black...... 22.3% ...... $.8019 debt service fund in the individual category at the Asian...... 5.3% ...... $0.0100 capital fund admissions test each year. regional competition, winning a $3,000 Hispanic...... 4.0% Advanced Placement Exams (AP) scholarship and qualifying him for Other...... 0.4% The number of Columbia high-school the national competition in New York students taking AP exams continues to where he competed against five others College enrollment % % 58.4 8.86 grow. Each year, district students take over for the grand prize of $100,000. Consistently, 75% of the district’s 1,300 course exams with more than 85ø graduating seniors attend college. 10.20% Smithton Middle School student Missouri’s average is 66%. percent eligible for AP credit. Jenny Yao achieved a perfect score on State recognizes district’s % the American Mathematics Contest Staff facts 7.25 success 2.02% 8 (AMC 8) exam. She is one of about In 2008-09, the district met or exceeded 140 students from the United States Teachers 1.16% 3.66 % state accountability targets in 13 of 14 areas. to earn a perfect score on the exam Full-time equivalent (FTE)...... 1,254 % Average salary 5.13 Each year for the past five years, the school and one of four from Missouri. Columbia...... $49,867 3.06 % district has been recognized by the state for Smithton Middle School and West Missouri estimate...... $45,027 “Distinction in Performance.” Junior High School were named to the Education AMC 8 honor roll for the outstanding Bachelor’s...... 379 Where do our graduates go? Students surpass national performance of students who took the Master’s or Specialist ...... 858 averages exam. % Ph.D./Doctorate of Education...... 17 College...... 75 ACT Years of experience locally Employment...... 21.7% 23.8 Rock Bridge High School Principal 1-5 years...... 389 Post-secondary...... 2.0% 6-10 years...... 286 Military...... 1.1% 21.1 Kathy Ritter and Rock Bridge More than 10 years...... 579 Other...... 2% SAT verbal Elementary School Principal Mary Average years of experience ...... 13 627 Korth-Lloyd have been awarded Counselor Advocate of the Year Awards Administration 502 by the Mid-Missouri School Counselor Principals, assistant principals, Directors, SAT math Association. central office staff...... 76 639 Average salary 515 Columbia...... $87,914 Jefferson Junior High School’s Honors Explore Missouri estimate...... $80,208 Constitutional Studies class placed first Education 15.8 in three of the six unit presentations Master’s or Specialist...... 54 75% 21.7% 2.0% 1.1% .2% 14.9 in the Missouri We the People Ph.D./Doctorate of Education...... 22 PLAN competition sponsored by the Missouri Years of experience locally 18.8 Bar Association. Students presenting 1-5 years...... 1 17.5 Units II, III, and V earned the distinction 6-10 years...... 8 of best in state. West Junior High More than 10 years ...... 67 School’s students also placed first in Average years of experience...... 16 Columbia National three of the six unit presentations at Support staff the state We the People competition. Secretaries, aides, food service, ...... 645 Columbia Public Schools 5 Supervisors, custodians highlights the and the Teacher Karina Galve has been best brightest selected to participate in the 2009 Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica. Galve is one of 25 teachers selected from more than 400 Students shine for academics, involvement applications from across the United Class of ’09 recognized for excellence States to participate in the program.

Congratulations to these students and senior class like the Class of ‘09 may come along in my career. There is such depth of the kids who’ve been their art teachers for being chosen as only once a decade. Their academic success and involved. They’re involved in their academic studies, doing winners in the contest for the Columbia community involvement made them stand out service, doing things athletically, things in music­—the whole Water and Light calendar for 2009: art A among many classes before them. spectrum. This class has excelled in every area.” specialists Diane Strotbeck and Julie “They’re stellar,” says Ann Landes, Hickman High School And students at both schools took every opportunity to be Chatman, Jefferson Junior High; Jody director of guidance. One statistic she cites is the number of active in the school and community. Spriggs and Fran Lakatos, Oakland, National Merit Scholars. This year there are 18 when typically The seniors “have taken advantage of every opportunity Jefferson Junior High. Mark Embry eight or 10 award winners are expected. Another key measure and made their experience at Hickman a productive one,” and Jennifer Wax, West Junior High. is the number of valedictorians. Both Hickman and Rock says Jeffers. He cites the class being involved in 10 or 12 Calendar student artwork winners Bridge high schools had seven valedictorians. national academic competitions and placing in each of them. were: Joey Harris, Richard Sapp, Brody Ruprecht, Austin Fernandes, Evan At Rock Bridge High School, the senior class is exceptional, Service activities, too, were important to the Class of ’09. Henderson, Rion Tapia, Mary Clare says Principal Kathy Ritter. Measures of success include an Jeffers mentioned courtwarming, homecoming and other Agnew, Jefferson Junior High; Marissa average ACT score of 25.6 when the national average is 22 and fundraising activities, which netted more than $10,000 for a Jackman, Brooke Cooley, Christiana a SAT average of 644 for the verbal portion, 647 for math and campaign against human trafficking. Prestiagiacomo, Hyelee Won, Megan 633 for writing – all scores well above the national average. For graduation, Jeffers says he normally would be asked Henley, West Junior High; Dakotah Ritter adds the senior class took part in 21 Advancement to say a few words about the graduates. For this class “I Meierotto, Oakland Junior High. Placement classes. And most of all the class is headed for could spend an hour talking about everything this class has two- or four-year colleges. A total of 78 percent of the seniors accomplished.” Congratulations to the following are attending a four-year college and nine percent a two-year Another facet of the school is the emphasis on community students and their directors for college. involvement. The organization Rock Bridge Reaches Out the honor of being chosen for the “We’re very fortunate,” she says. “We just have a lot of sends more than 250 students to the Central Missouri All-State Honors music ensembles. They performed during the Missouri bright kids and they push themselves to take tough classes.” Humane Society, the Central Missouri Food Bank, the Ronald Music Educators Association annual She adds, “what I really like is we have bright kids, but they McDonald House, nursing homes and many other places. conference in January. From Rock are students who are well rounded. Students leave here “There is a spirit of community in Columbia and this carries Bridge High School were state honor with a sense of, ‘I’m not just bright and capable; I have a over to Rock Bridge High School,” says Marilyn Toalson, gifted band members: Molly Chann, Dillon responsibility to help other people.’ The senior class also education teacher. “Being involved is indeed an important part Dains, Abby Fennewald, Rebecca believes ‘I appreciate diversity; I appreciate different ideas.’ of the Rock Bridge culture.” Gingrich, and Erin Jeter; state honor Our students talk about that.” And volunteering further strengthened the senior class, jazz band: Jason Matthews; and “We’ve had a great year athletically, too, which is just Ritter says. “This has been a very strong year,” she says. state honor orchestra: Kyle Pudenz another fun part of the school,” says Ritter. “They’re amazing kids. Confident. In my estimation, it’s been and Victoria Yu. From Hickman High At Hickman High School, Principal Mike Jeffers says, “this one of the best years yet.” School state honor band members class is probably the strongest class of seniors I’ve ever had were: Mary Kettlewell, Olivia Wikle, Larry Shim, Charlotte Wesley, Hannah Wiggere and Keegan Ruebling; state honor orchestra: Josh Yoon, John Pride of Rock Bridge. Taylor Hosmer-Quint and Elizabeth Choe. West Junior High School all-state Seven top scholars are the pride of Rock Bridge High School. band members were Carter Datz and The valedictorians are, from left, Jennifer Heman, Joellen Batal, Christian Ackmann. Timea Kosztin, Shannon Kelly, Jennifer Good, Ashley Kleiner and Whitney Hamilton. Congratulations to Hickman High School’s Academic Quiz Bowl Team for placing fourth out of 24 teams Diploma in hand. in the Bronco Classic Academic. The The 2009 class of participating members were Jessy Douglass High School Hwang, Pari Jafari, Abby Sun, Stephanie Won, and Eric Young. left graduation exercises at Columbia College U.S. News and World Report has with diplomas in hand. released its annual high school rankings report. Congratulations to Rock Bridge Top of the class. High School, which was awarded a silver medal ranking as one of the best Seven Hickman High School seniors earned the prestigious honor of high schools in the country by the valedictorian. They are, from left, Katherine Van Doren, Neil Smith, independent national evaluation. Abby Sun, Lamia Alafaireet, Jordan Occena, Jessy Hwang and Vellore Adithi.

6 Columbia Public Schools VA magazine features student highlights Douglass senior excels on the court, in the classroom Hickman High School has placed first in Missouri and twelfth internationally randon Gleason has taken every advantage of his high school experience. The 4.0 grade point average Douglass in the annual Knowledge Master graduate not only scored well academically, he was a star on the Douglass Bulldogs basketball team. He also Open. Rock Bridge High School also parlayed his school years into work experience by being a part of the job program with the school’s Partner In placed third in the state and 24th internationally. West Junior High Education, the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. B School also placed first in the state and For his stellar school, work and athletic abilities, he was featured in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VAnguard 28th internationally in the junior high magazine. division. Gentry Middle School placed Now he’s headed to Florissant Valley Community College in St. Louis. 18th in the state in the middle school “I’m going to school academically,” he says. “And just walk on the basketball division. team.” Gleason speaks with confidence about his academic and athletic skills because of his success. In addition to earning top grades, he was the leading scorer Congratulations to the Columbia on the basketball team. Public Schools’ FFA members Brianne He also was well-respected for his work ethic as a medical supply aide in the VA’s Abramovitz, Laura Matera and sterile processing department. Cooper Martin who placed second in “In order for people to be operated on, it’s got to be sterile,” he says. “Clean. the National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event held We’re a big factor here.” in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team Brandon, who has a two-year-old son Caleb, has received strong support from competed against 37 other teams from his mother Cassandra Atkins and father Terrance Gleason. His sister, Kendra, who across the nation. graduated from Douglass High School last year, also has been a motivator for him. “I recommend the Partners In Education work program to every Douglass Congratulations to the Oakland student,” he says. “If you do well in the core classes, then you should have no Junior High School ninth grade girls’ Bright future. problem working in the job shadow classes.” basketball team for winning the Viking Beyond Florissant Valley, Gleason hopes to come to the University of Missouri- Classic 52-40 over Helias High School. Douglass High School senior Columbia and earn a business administration degree. He also hopes to walk on to The Eagles went 18-0 on the season Brandon Gleason is headed the Mizzou Tigers basketball team. for Oakland’s first undefeated ninth- for success having excelled With his education behind him, he next plans to open at least two barber shops. grade girls’ baskektball season. Team members include: Cheyenne Finney, academically and on the “It kind of sounds funny, I’ve got a head full of hair, but that’s what I want to do. I Cherelle Walker, Larynta Tillman, basketball court. want to have a barbershop here and there. I love them.” Taylor Houston, Patrice Sims, Shanice Clark, Jasmine Carter, Teesha Heath, Allison Tonyan, Bailey Turner, Haley Chapman, Aleshya Samuels, Lucy ACT scores. Hwang automatically was nominated because she Horne, Brianna Prince, and Airanna District’s 17th Presidential Scholar scored perfectly on both standardized tests. Prince. Head coach is Angie Roberts. Meet Jessy Hwang Throughout her high school career Hwang has involved She is assisted by Michele Winter. herself in numerous academic and extracurricular pursuits. t takes more than exceptional intelligence to She was elected attorney general and Supreme Court justice Congratulations to the following become a Presidential Scholar. For Jessy Hwang, in the Missouri Youth In Government program. She also was school district employees who were recognized by the Mid-Missouri a Hickman High School graduate, classmates, a member of the Math Team. She was active in the Columbia School Counselor Association for their teachers and parents all played a part in her Civic Orchestra, playing in the first violin section. And she I outstanding service to the profession becoming the sixteenth Presidential Scholar to graduate from played a key role in Hickman’s mock trial competitions, which of school counseling: Sarah Sadewhite, Hickman High School. competed nationally. Paxton Keeley Elementary School “My classmates and my friends here have been During her high school career she took 12 Advanced school counselor - Outstanding inspirational to me because there is so much talent here. Placement classes and studied Advanced Placement French Elementary Counselor of the Year; I’ve seen such amazing writers, and mathematicians and Literature on her own. Leslie Kersha, Rock Bridge High School public speakers and musicians. There’s so much talent in And she is a student well-prepared for Harvard this fall. “I school counselor - Outstanding High this student body – not just in academics, but also in all am so glad for this school. I’m so very happy that I’m here or School Counselor of the Year; Ann areas. That’s really inspired me to achieve at a higher level for that I was able to be here.” Landes, district secondary guidance and everything.” counselor coordinator, and Hickman director of guidance - Director/ For Hwang, her teachers were equally inspirational. Hwang Coordinator of the Year; Kathy Ritter, selected Dr. Deanna Wasman, her calculus teacher, as one of Number 17. Rock Bridge High School principal - her most influential teachers. As such, she will accompany Hickman High School Outstanding Counselor Advocate of the Hwang to Washington, D.C. to receive the Presidential Scholar student Jessy Hwang Year. Award. is the seventeenth The award recognizes one graduating boy and one girl from Paula Houk received the Missouri each state for the highest honor in the nation for high school Presidential Scholar Council For Exceptional Children’s State seniors. from Columbia Public Paraeducator of the Year award. Hickman High School has produced the greatest number Schools. It is one of Travis Gabel, a first year science teacher of Presidential Scholars in Missouri – sixteen. The 2007 winner the highest academic was from Rock Bridge High School for 17 total from Columbia at Jefferson Junior High School, was honors for high school nominated for the Lewis Award as Public Schools. seniors in the nation. “Most Outstanding First Year Teacher.” Students are initially nominated if they have high SAT and

Columbia Public Schools 7 Administration Building 1818 W. Worley Non-profit org. yearbook 2009 US postage Columbia Public Schools Columbia, MO 65203 PAID Columbia, MO Schools tackle nutrition on many fronts 1 Permit No. 13 2 Health education keeps up with the times Donated shoes travel around the world ECRWSS 3 Increasing numbers join Walking School Bus POSTAL CUSTOMER Eco Schoolhouse spurs ideas at Grant Elementary 4 Are you smarter than a Columbia Public Schools student? 5 2009 Statistics 6 Class of ‘09 recognized for excellence Pride of Rock Bridge, Diploma in hand, Top of the class 7 Douglass senior excels on the court, in the classroom Meet Jessy Hwang Board of Education

Yearbook is published by the Columbia Public School District President Jan Mees as a public service to the parents of school-age children and Vice President Dr. Tom Rose district residents. The Columbia Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, Members Karla DeSpain sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or Christine King use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, in its programs, activities, or with regard to employment. Michelle Pruitt The Columbia Board of Education is an equal opportunity Dr. Ines Segert employer. James Whitt Superintendent Dr. Chris Belcher yearbook 2009 Are you than a Columbia Public Schools smarter Columbia Public Schools

student?