Paw Print Press Proudly Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997 Itasca, Texas 76055 Vol. 2013 Issue #44 November 1, 2013 Homecoming 2013 Kaleigh Lightsey, daughter of Kevin (Class of ’85) and Karla Lightsey (Class of ’87) was crowned 2013 Homecoming Queen before a large crowd of students, parents and exes. Kaleigh, who was escorted by her father, was crowned by Charles Barnes and Yolie Casa Beavers from the honored Class of 1963. Presenting the flowers to the Queen and her court were Elizabeth Billingsley and Jackson Beavers. Lizzie is the daughter of Rebecca (Class of ’97) and Jason Billingsley. She is the granddaughter of Charles Barnes (Class of ’63) and Diane Sumner Barnes (Class of ’73). Jackson is the son of Brant and Brandi Beavers. He is the grandson of Yolie Casa Beavers (Class of ’63), and the late Thomas Beavers. The Royal Court was completed with Princesses Jessica Farquhar, escorted by her father, Tom Farquhar (Class of ’89) and Megan Spain, escorted by her sister, Ashley Spain (Class of 2013). Coordinating the half time crowning were Ex-Student Association Officers President Karon Farquhar, Vice President Elizabeth Cervantes, Treasurer Kelly Strona, and Secretary Samantha Wagner.

Page 2 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 106 N. Lamar - 254-687-2243 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 [email protected] www.fpcitasca.org Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 "In mission to and with the Presbyterian Children’s Home to Community Church of Itasca Warehouse Itasca spread the gospel of Jesus Christ." First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 Sundays - 9:30-10:00 Fellowship in Barton Hall First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 10 - 10:45 Sunday School 11 a.m. - Worship Service First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 Bible Study – Sunday at 4 p.m. House of Faith of Itasca 129 W. Main Street Tuesday & Thursday – 10 a.m. Exercise Class - Barton Hall Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 First Baptist Church of Itasca Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 107 S. Lamar St. St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 Sunday Worship Service - 10:45 a.m. rd 3 Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 Come hear the Word from BMA-approved Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m. Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m. Preachers and Missionaries Central Baptist Church Community Church of Itasca 400 E. Monroe St. website - itascacbc.org Community Church of Itasca invites you to join our service and fellowship Sunday mornings. Services are currently held at Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. The Warehouse. We invite you to join our family and grow in Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. Christ with us. Community Church Service – 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Youth 5:00 p.m. Potluck Lunch – 11:00 a.m. Mon., Wed. & Friday 8: a.m. Bible Study Wednesday Night Meal 6:30 p.m. House of Faith of Itasca Wednesday Night Youth & Children 7 p.m. 129 W. Main St, Itasca, TX Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church Pastor Philip Burch Everyone Welcome! 401 E. Main St, Itasca, TX 254-687-2475 Habitat for Humanity E-mail: [email protected] On Nov. 8th at half time at the Hillsboro High School Football Game a Re-Think Church drawing will be held for several items by Habitat For Humanity of Hill County. First prize is a 32” HD Flat Screen TV; 2nd Prize is a 10” Tablet Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors w/15 GB & WiFi; 3rd Prize is a Kindle Fire; and 4th Prize is a One Year Sunday School 9:30 a.m.-10:30 (All ages) Membership at Anytime Fitness in Hillsboro. A donation of $5.00 per Sunday Worship Service 10:50 a.m. ticket or $10.00 for three tickets is requested. Tickets are being sold at Itasca and Hillsboro home football games by Habitat members. You may Pastor Tom Wood Snacks 10:40 a.m. call 254-582-3070 to purchase tickets. Itasca Church of Christ 303 E. Monroe 254-687-2774 254-687-2858 TOT God’s plan for saving man Itasca United Methodist Church: Teaching Our Hear the word of God . . . Romans 10:17 Toddlers, "TOT" Pre-School program. Classes are held Believe . . . Hebrews 11:6 on Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for Repent . . . Acts 17:30 ages 1-4. Confess Matt. 10:32 For more information contact Samantha Willman at Baptism . . . Acts 2:38 [email protected] or Susan Bason @ Remain Faithful . . . Rev. 2:10 [email protected]. Sunday 9:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Invitation to Veterans Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m. Revitalization/IISD Assembly All citizens of Itasca and Veterans are urged Second Missionary Baptist Church to attend the Veterans Day assembly planned for 120 W. Marrion St. Itasca TX 76055 Monday, November 11, 2013 at 9:30 A.M. in the Rev. George Demmerritte Jr. (Pastor) Special Events Center. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Veterans, who plan to attend, please contact Betty Sumner at Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 p.m. 254-687-2204 or IHS at 254-687-2922 ext. 115 to RSVP. The students wish to acknowledge all the veteran attendees with a Youth Meeting Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. certificate and they will need names in order to make them. The IHS Student council will present the program honoring the men and women who have served in all branches of the Armed Forces. Page 3 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press 2013 Homecoming Parade

Page 4 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Senior Spotlight- Senior Spotlight Jessica Enzor Reporter Peyton Cordell Haley Johnston Photographer Ema Payne Reporter Jennifer Murray Artist Garrett Arellano Photographer Ema Payne Jessica Renee Enzor, “Shecka”, Artist Garrett Arellano Care free, happy and random all entered this world on August 27, 1996 to parents Johann Enzor and Tamica describe Haley Renee Johnston’s Martinez in Dallas, Texas. She has personality. She is seventeen years four younger siblings: Chloe- 3, An- old, the daughter of Dennis and Jill, sister of Jessica drea- 5, Julie- 13, and Jacob- 15. (18) and Rebecca (20). Haley is known by many as “They’re hilarious; there’s never a dull moment around Ley. She was born on March 2, 1996 in Cleburne, them,” Jessica said. Texas. Haley has attended school at Itasca since pre-k, The “humorous, gorgeous, and blunt” seventeen-year and when she is not in school, she enjoys the simple old has attended Itasca ISD since the beginning of this se- things in life, such as staying home and sleeping. mester. She said, “I don’t really like the small school feel- “Lunch is my favorite subject.” Haley said. “But ing. Everyone knows everything.” my favorite teachers are Mrs. Enger and Mr. Anxiously awaiting graduation, Jessi- ca will attend the College of Northeast Maenner. “My pet peeves would have to be when peo- Texas where she plans to receive her ple ask stupid questions,” said Johnston. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. She is Haley could not pick out her most embarrassing extremely eager to begin achieving her moment. “I have too many to just pick one.” said goals for the future. Johnston. One of her favorite memories was when she When Jessica is not planning for the became best friends with Gabby Bell. future, she loves to play softball, soccer, Haley’s goals for the future are to have a successful and video games. She also enjoys drawing and writing mu- life. In ten years, she can see herself sic. finished with college and having a Her number one pet peeve is “when people ask questions family. that are completely obvious.” When asked who has made a huge difference in her life, “My role model would have to be she replies with, “the Presbyterian Children’s Home.” my dad.” “I have always looked up Jessica would like to leave this advice to her underclassmen to him, and when I am at home he as she prepares to exit IHS, “Not every friend stays.” and my sisters and Sophia, my niece, always know how to entertain me, it Senior Spotlight- is never dull. At the end of the year, Megan Spain she is looking forward to graduation and prom. Reporter Peyton Cordell Haley leaves behind simple advice for her under- Photographer Ema Payne Artist Garrett Arellano classmen. “Enjoy the time you have in school because With this senior’s fashion state- after this, you enter the real world.” ment, you will definitely know when she steps into the room. Meet the Teacher: “Loud, funny, and fashionable” are the words to describe 17-year-old Megan Renee Spain. She Haley Shipman was born on July 3, 1996 to parents Michelle and Daniel Reporter/Photographer- Jennifer Murray Itasca third grade welcomes Haley Spain, along with her older sister Ashley. Shipman, and her husband, Jered, and The Spain family has made Itasca their home. Megan children, Brecken and Bodie. She enjoys likes living in a small town; “it feels like home; you know the idea of still living in a small town, everybody,” she said. Outside of school, Megan attends “The people are really welcoming.” Central Baptist Church of Itasca. Shipman came from Crescent, Iowa where she grew up In the future, Megan plans to attend college where she attending Abraham Lincoln High School. After graduating, will receive a business degree. Although she went to Oklahoma State and West Texas A&M. During she is anxious to graduate, she will miss her college years, she obtained a Bachelors of Arts, as well “walking down the halls and seeing eve- as, a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been teaching ryone, everyday.” for nine years and does so by the motto “hope for success Her memories are the ones she made inside and outside of the class room”. with Ashley. Along with her most em- Shipman became a teacher after she was involved in her barrassing memory; “chugging root beer local church and found a love for children. It was her floats at a pep rally this year.” dream to inspire young children and be a positive role

model. Haley lives by the saying “live each day to the full- est.” Welcome to Itasca Shipman family. Page 5 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Pres Friday Night Lights Wampus Cats VS Gators Homecoming Match Up Reporter Adam Youngblood

The Dallas Gateway Gators winning the coin toss and electing to receive initiated the 2013 Itasca Wampus Cat homecoming game. The Itasca defense, including #63 Ben Maddox, #5 Taylor Minyard, and #56 Dylan Schuman, made a strategic stop turning the ball over to Itasca. #33 Gabriel Macias ran the ball 18 yards making the first quarter a promising one for Itasca. #5 Taylor Minyard completed two passes to #33 Gabriel Macias and #4 Jack Daniels for the first down. Passing again, Minyard threw an interception, and turned the ball over to Dallas Gateway. #33 Gabriel Macias made a shoestring tackle with #54 Casey Carranza assisting. #33 Wayne Arellano, #20 Nick Jackson and #56 Dylan Schuman also fought to stop the Gators. The Itasca offense worked simultaneously Senior Spotlight- to receive multiple first downs, but was unfortunately stopped before they reached the end zone. Itasca Walter Montgomery ended the half tied 0-0. Reporter/ Photographer Aleigha Rodriguez In the third quarter, recognizable talent emerged “Out going, funny, and handsome;” from both varsity teams. #5 Taylor Minyard passed is how 18 year old Walter Ray Marz the ball to #22 Wayne Arellano in order to get the first Montgomery describes himself. down. The Cats fumbled and were unable to recover Walter, the son of Melissa and Carl, the ball. #57 Scott Williams made a shoestring tackle, was born on May 27, 1995 at Walls but could not stop the Gators from scoring the first 8 Hospital in Cleburne, Texas. He also has a 23 year points of the game. Itasca ended the third quarter old sister, Chelsea. with #3 Michaelas Caufield making an interception. “My favorite past time is playing Xbox, riding my Itasca gained yardage in the fourth quarter with #4 skateboard and my bike, hanging with friends and Jack Daniels running the ball 15 yards for the first watching movies,” Walter said. down. #5 Taylor Minyard threw a touchdown pass to From getting tickets for #33 Gabriel Macias. The homecoming game was running in the hall, to his most concluded with the Dallas Gateway regrettably embarrassing moment of winning 48-8. Next week, on November 1st, the varsity getting pantsed in front of his takes on Kerens in Kerens at 7:30 p.m. Come show teacher (who was a girl), and his the players your support. fellow class mates, Walter will miss high school. He is hoping to graduate early this year and further his education in college. He aspires to become an ENR and make new friends and experiences. Ten years from now, Walter sees himself buying a house, owning a Cadillac, and having a beautiful wife Page 6 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Melvin’s Musings Notice of Public Meeting Dr. Melvin Curry Class of 1952 In medicine, you have To Discuss cases that you never Itasca Independent School District’s dreamed would come up or State Financial Accountability Rating had ever seen before. I re- The Itasca Independent School District will hold member I was working a public meeting at 7:00 p.m., November 11, 2013 Christmas day during that during the regular board meeting in the Library year. A man brought his at 123 N College to present the Itasca Independ- teenage daughter in. He said she stepped on a ent School District’s School FIRST (Financial toothpick in the rug and was stuck in her foot. I Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating. thought easy, just antibiotics, soaking etc. I th looked and could see just the end of it even with IHS Band Earns 19 the skin between the big and second toe. I asked the man how much did he think was stuck in Division I Rating The Itasca Wampus Cat band received their there. He said about half of a toothpick. I thought th simply pull it out. I took forceps and tried to slip 19 consecutive Division I rating at the Region 8 it out. It was swollen and wedged in there. I still Marching contest on October 23, 2013. Marching to selections from Carme, the Itasca High school believe it was not as long as he said. I had to th deaden it and cut around it. Finally, I was able to Wampus Cat band received 6 out of 20 bands. pull it out. It was indeed half of a toothpick stuck Due to inclement weather, Itasca was unable to all the way into the foot. There was danger of in- perform, and sadly, will not advance to the State fection, there is nothing as dirty as a used tooth- Marching contest in San Antonio, Texas. The top pick in a dirty rug. I guess it turned out okay. 4 rankings from the preliminaries were invited to The girl was upset about it. It was not boring the State Marching contest. The Itasca Wampus work. That same day another one came in with a Cats held their head high despite the contest re- thread sticking out of the end of the toe. It had a sults. The pride of Itasca high will march on- needle imbedded into the toe with just thread ward! hanging out. Itasca ISD Picture Dates I really liked OB. Most of the staff would let us participate in the delivery. The Chief of Obstet- Tuesday 11/19 rics, who had the majority of the patients, would Individual & Group Cheerleaders JH&HS let us observe. Some of the interns were upset be- Re-takes-PreK-12 & Staff cause of this and did not want to work with him. I Marching Band-Individual & Group was always there ready to watch, ask questions, 2013 MS/JV Football Schedule and learn anything possible about surgical repair. November 7: Cross Roads*(Away) 5:00 & 7:30 One day, about half way through the year, he P.M. came in and sat down on a stool. He said, “It is all yours”. I was able to do an actual delivery and 2013 Varsity Football Schedule repair. He said, “to write orders and take care of November: 1 Kerens* (Away) 7:30 P.M. her”. For the remainder of the year, I delivered November 8: Cross Roads* (Home) 7:30 all of his patients when I was there. One time, he (Senior Night) was a patient in the hospital himself, and I gave him some surgical scrubs and called when it was 2013 Cross Country Schedule time. He came in sat until the baby was delivered. November 2: Regional Meet at Vandergriff Park Some of the nurses kept count of my deliveries, in Arlington and at the end of the year, I had one hundred. November 9 State Meet at Old Setter’s Park, They give me a key chain and engraved were the Round Rock words “100 deliveries”. I still have it.

Page 7 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Recent Deaths Sawyer, Minnie-- Graveside services for Minnie Sawyer, 98, of Cleburne and former long- time resident of Itasca were Tuesday, October 22, 2013 in the Itasca Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the giver’s choice of children’s home or church. Minnie passed away Satur- day, October 19, 2013 in Cleburne. She was born August 9, 1915 in Hill County to George Homer and Fannie L. Puckett Simmons. Minnie married Isaac “Ike” Sawyer on October 11, 1941 in Fort Worth, Texas. Shortly thereafter he was sent overseas for 2 ½ years in the war. His service brought her great pride. They were blessed with 61 years of marriage. She was a dedicated homemaker in every sense of the word. Her family was her life. Creating a home filled with love was her greatest accomplishment. Her recipes are being used by younger generations today. She was a talented at crocheting and as a seamstress. She was an avid reader, but especially her Bible. She was on her 42nd time of reading it at the time of her death. “Mamaw Minnie” as her grandchildren called her was loved by everyone. Her loving nature and giving spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Alline Sullins; infant sister, Ruth Simmons; and an infant granddaughter. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Ike Randall Sawyer and wife, Margaret, Sharon Sawyer Urban and husband, Ray, and George Stokely Sawyer and wife, Kaori; 7 Grandchildren, Caleb Sawyer, Nathan Urban, Nancie Sawyer, Shilo Urban, Will Sawyer, Mark Sawyer and Jake Sawyer; 8 Great Grandchildren, Andrew, Han- nah, Eden, Lucas, Sarah Jane, Ethan, Samuel and Isaac Sawyer; numerous generations of nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. We, her children, would like to extend a special thank you to our spouses, Ray, Margaret and Kaori, who loved and cared for Minnie well above and beyond any expectations. You brought a special joy and light into her life.

DIAZ Tex-Mex Restaurant 140 West Main St., Itasca, TX 254-687-9987 Carlos & Maria Diaz, Owners, New Hours Monday: 11A.M-8:00 P.M. Tuesday-Saturday; 11A.M.-9:00 P.M. Sunday: 8 A.M-3 P.M. Lunch Special $3.99 Dinner Special $7.99 Wednesday All You Can Eat Enchiladas from 5-7 P.M. $8.99

Hill County Paw Pals A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization facilitating the installa- tion of a county animal program and shelter—all donations are deductible for 2013 Federal Income Taxes 10th Annual County-Wide Garage Sale November 2nd and 3rd 8:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Sunday Outlets at Hillsboro (Suite #102) Please drop off your donations: Monday-Friday, October 28th — November 1st from 8am-8 pm For Information call: 254-580-0679 www.hcpawpals.org

Page 8 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Texas Rangers Broad- Itasca Middle School NJHS caster Eric Nadel to The National Junior Honor Society of Itasca Mid- dle School is sponsoring an Itasca Community Toys Speak at Hill College for Tots fundraiser in hopes of creating a magical ex- Taken from Hill College Website perience for some of our local community children. HILLSBORO The voice of the Tex- The fundraiser allows IISD employees and community as Rangers Eric Nadel will be on the members to participate by either a monetary and/or Hill College Hillsboro Campus at toy (new & unwrapped) donation. NJHS members are 7:30 p.m., November, 14, as part of required to participate in acts of service, whether the Alden J. Blanar Smith Speaker within the district or community. However, the type of Series. The series is free and open to the general pub- service chosen is at the discretion of the sponsor and lic. Nadel completed his 19th year as the lead voice on members. Itasca ISD is lucky to have students who the Texas Rangers radio broadcasts, his second season care about the needs of others. If you would like to on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and the Rangers ESPN Ra- show your support in our efforts, we will gladly accept dio Network. It marked his 35th year broadcasting and be truly thankful. We will be collecting donations Rangers baseball, the longest tenure of any announcer st beginning November 1 through December 13th. in the history of the franchise and the second longest Thank you for helping create a holiday season to re- continuous current stint with one team in the Ameri- member. can League to Kansas City's Denny Matthews (45th Checks can be made payable to: Itasca ISD Na- year in 2013). tional Junior Honor Society Donation mailings or A seven-time recipient (1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, drop offs may be mailed to Itasca ISD, c/o Kelly 2009, 2010, 2011) of the National Sportscasters and Tinklenberg, 123 N. College ST, Itasca, TX 76055 or Sportswriters Association Texas Sportscaster of the toys can be delivered to the Junior High Office. Year Award, and two-time winner of the Associated Press award for best play-by-play in Texas. Nadel is a graduate of Brown University, where he called foot- ball and hockey on the college radio station. He had minor league hockey play-by-play stints in Muskegon, MI, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Fort Worth, and was also the radio voice of the Dallas Diamonds of the Women's Professional Basketball League. A 1991 in- ductee in the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame, Nadel and his wife, Jeannie, reside in Dallas. Alden J. Blanar Smith began teaching at Hill Jun- ior College (in those days) in 1965 as a govern- ment/history instructor and retired in 2000 after 35 years in the classroom. Alden was active in the Texas Community College Teachers Association, was chosen as a National Institute for Staff & Organizational De- velopment (NISOD) recipient in 1994, was very active in The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Abbott, traveled to his beloved Czech Republic many times and presented many programs on the communist takeover of the Czech Republic. Alden received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and his master's degree from Midwestern State University but was certainly an Aggie through and through! Alden Smith was a beloved instructor at Hill College, and he passed away in November 2001. Paw Print Press Have a news story, human-interest story, or need to advertise your business or garage sale? Call 254-687-2922 ext 158 (leave a message) or email [email protected]. Page 9 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press

Sherry’s Licensed Home Day Care Wreaths by 35+ years of experience Toddler learning program 5 days a week, free time Roxie throughout the day. Crafts, Music, Story time and more. For stylish Limited number of openings available All meals served, one of a kind wreaths Call Sherry 817-202-5695. Call Roxie at 254-498-2212

For Sale Meter and Circuit Box--$65.00 Pole is $25.00 Call 254-205-4931 Brittany Cockerham, Owner of Glitz & Glamour

Itasca Depot & Museum Schedule November 9 – Open 10:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M. December 7 - Open 10:00A.M. –1:00 P.M. City of Itasca Fire Chief needed for the Itasca Volunteer Fire De- partment. Anyone interested should call City Hall (254-687-2201) for an appointment with City Admin- Waco St. in Hillsboro proudly supports the Itasca istrator, Mark Gropp. Wampus Cats! Nolen’s Custom Gifts & Trophies Bring in this ad and receive $5.00 off your service. Come in and get your Itasca Wampus Cat gear to show Hours: Monday-Saturday 9-6. your support for the Itasca Football teams and Cheerlead- (254)205-3577 ing teams (Peewee thru High School). We have stadium seats, blankets, water bottles, jerseys, and t-shirts. We also Salon 110 & offer a wide variety of items that make great gifts for family members. Ask about our special football player or cheer- The Annex leader cutout with your child’s picture in it. “An upscale experience at small town prices.” Itasca Board of Revitalization Fall cleanup continues in November from the 3rd to Located at 110 S. Waco St. the 9th. Let’s get together and make Itasca really Downtown Hillsboro shine. We can do it if we all work together. Betty 254.580.0110 Sumner, President Board of Revitalization. 254-687- Also the Annex 2204. Located at 116 S. Waco St. For Sale 254.580.0114 Two kitchen electric stoves Paraprofessional Needed at IHS Dell home PC computer Itasca High School has an opening for a paraprofes- Call 254-266-0328 sional. Duties will include providing support services Habitat for Humanity and assisting teachers as needed. For online applica- News Release tion visit www.itascaisd.org. The Board of Habitat for Humanity of Hill County would like to thank the Itasca Branch of Citizens State Bank for their pledge of $1000 to Habitat for community develop- Red Ribbon ment. The next home to be constructed by Hill County Habitat will be in Itasca on a lot provided by the City of Week Itasca. With such gracious support from the community, progress is being made. Visit www.HFHhillcounty.org for November 18-22, 2013 more information on this project. Page 10 November 1, 2013 Paw Print Press Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

Wampus Cats of the Week The Middle School Teachers

Photographer Jennifer Murray (Row 1, l to r) Mae Nipp, Tammie Owens, Shelly Beaird. (Row 2, l to r) Kelly Tinklenberg, Erin Schu- macher, Rebecca Merrell. (Row 3, l to r) Amanda McCue, Tonya Heath, Jennifer Crosby. (Row 4, l to r) Robert Kidder, Clint Lockhart. (Row 5, l to r) Nancy Watson, Ronda James. Middle School teachers spend much of their day preparing and putting lessons together to educate the students in their care. The projects they create and the time it takes fill their days with organized chaos. In doing so, they are also preparing their students for the rigor of high school. They deserve much appreciation for all they do for the mid- dle school learners.