Meet The Principals Preparing For The ACT : What’ your favorite hobby? ​ ​ By: Deklan Whitaker By: Dakota Wilson and Mary Grace Shiers A:Either Drawing or Hunting ​ ​ ​ And Jack Herring With multiple ACTs right around the corner, the students of Q: Where did you attend High School? ​ ​ ​ The students and faculty are proud Saltillo High School are anxious for the opportunity to raise A: Ocean Springs ​ ​ ​ ​ to have two new principals this year their scores. However, many students do not know how to Now, Mr. Gardener: ​ ​ ​ ​ at Saltillo High School, Mr. Dye and properly study for the ACT. For this reason, we consulted Q:What is your favorite College? ​ ​ ​ ​ Mr. Gardner. Both men are doing a students, parents, teachers, and counselors from our school A:Mississippi State University ​ ​ ​ ​ terrific job at our school and we felt and community who have all taken the ACT in order to Q:What is your favorite sport? ​ ​ ​ like they should be recognized at a orderfind the best study method. This is what they said: A:”I’ a lover of all sports but if I had to ​ ​ ​ personal level. We compiled eight 1. Mrs. Creel recommends looking up get2college on choose it would be basketball” ​ ​ ​ ​ questions involving who they are in Facebook and watch their tips and tricks. Q:What is your favorite pro sports team? ​ ​ order for everyone to get to know 2. Mrs. Berry, who made a twenty-four, when asked A:There was a three-way tie between these 3 ​ ​ them better. First we have what she recommends while studying, says “being teams: Boston Celtics, Miami Dolphins, and ​ ​ ​ Mr. Dye’s responses: free of distractions. Put the phones down!!!” the St. Louis Cardinals. He said “Choosing ​ ​ Q: What is your favorite College? 3. Ginny Turner, who made a twenty-four, says out of those is like choosing a favorite kid.” ​ ​ A: Mississippi State University she studied by using her old school notes and Q: Who are your family members? ​ ​ Q:What is your favorite sport? stayed focused. A: Married for sixteen years, he stated, “She is ​ ​ A: Basketball 4. Greta Wade, who made a thirty-four, recommends my best friend… well I mean she has to be to ​ ​ Q: What is your favorite professional trying out different study methods and figuring out deal with me everyday.” He also has two kids ​ ​ Sports team? what feels best for you. (both girls), Claire, 9, and Lottie, 6. ​ ​ A: Atlanta Braves 5. Jetta Mitchell(a parent), with a twenty-seven, says Q: What is your favorite song? ​ ​ Q: Who are your family members? that she used the ACT prep guides and definitely A: Wanted Dead or Alive- Jon Bon Jovi, but ​ ​ A: Carmen (wife), Campbell (son), recommends studying and staying calm. his favorite artist is Conway Twitty. ​ ​ ​ and Cella Kay (daughter) 6. Brendon Block, with a twenty-nine, says he didn’ Q: If you had to eat one meal for the rest of ​ ​ Q: What is your favorite song? study much, that he just used his apps and stayed your life what would it be? ​ ​ A: The Devil Went Down to Georgia focused. A: Ribeye Steak(medium), Garlic Mashed ​ ​ - The Charlie Daniels Band When you begin to study for the ACT, we hope you Potatoes and asparagus. “Specific enough?”, ​ ​ Q: If you had to eat one meal for the keep these recommendations in mind in order to he said. ​ ​ rest of your life, what would it be? better your score in all categories. Q: What’s your favorite hobby? ​ ​ A: Fried shrimp, his Mama’s A: Golf ​ ​ homemade fries, and hushpuppies Q: Where did you attend High School? ​ ​ A: Baldwyn

REACH CLUB

Lily Hill and Amanda Johnson

Everyone has felt left out at some point in their life. We all seek acceptance from our peers. Students with disabilities ​ ​ feel the same way, but our student body can partner with them and help make our school a little brighter! The REACH Club is a Saltillo High school club that we’ve had for two years. It intertwines all students together and helps include everyone. But what is REACH really? We asked Mrs. Marla Adams to explain it better. “It is an inclusive group of students with disabilities and without that work as a team and play different sports. It gives everyone an opportunity to use their gifts, and also find their gifts.” REACH Club wants to bring awareness to the community regarding people with disabilities, but it also makes every student feel welcomed! “They know more people outside the walls of their classroom. People give them high fives, they’re known, and they get encouragement from the student body.” Mrs. Adams said. There is an opportunity at SHS to involve everyone in a fun, encouraging way. Who could say no to that? Success At Saltillo High Madison Jones and Magdalene Valentine Saltillo High School has a steady flow of successful above average students, “involved” teachers,and athletic clubs. One of our exceptional students is Sarah Kate Johnson, a regular soloist for Saltillo band and a two time Lionsband participant. (Lions band is a prestigious ensemble that only accepts the best instrumental players across the state) Sarah Kate’s work ethic can be described as focused and consistent. When asked about the steps she took to set herself apart from others she replied, “I would practice for an hour and a half focusing on one thing”. She said this emphasizing consistency as a prominent trait to achieving greatness. Another one of Saltillo’s successful students is Emma Morrison. Her participation in FBLA has given her the opportunity to serve as an officer. After winning several local competitions, she qualified for nationals, which only two other students from Saltillo did. When asked for tips in accelerating, Emma suggested, “ find something you enjoy and work at it regardless of if you think you are good at it or not”. This illustrates one of Emma’s many habits towards her triumphs; she humbly accepts her strengths and uses them to her advantage. When thinking of Saltillo High’s successful programs, cross country always comes to mind. The coach, Charles Covington, started the program over 30 years ago and has since earned 20 state titles,however the first 6 years were not as glorious, due to not winning a single race. This experience helped to shape his mentality leading him to say “the things that disappoint you aren’t the most important, we are blessed whether we win or lose” in response to “how do you deal with disappointment?”. With this example of perspective, Coach Covington, has led many of his athletes through successful seasons despite having a slow start all of those years ago. Mrs.Reynolds is another example of Saltillo’s exceptional performances. She has acquired national board certification and her masters in curriculum and instruction. These accomplishments were not by accident and were achieved by intentional discipline. When asked which disciplines lead to the most success she answered with, “ a priority in organization and your schedule”. Mrs.Reynolds understands that controlling as much as you can is the key to performing your best not just academically, but in life. Saltillo is excelling in many areas,and implementing this advice could lead to more above average performances.

Clubs At Saltillo High School By: Kayden Wylie and Lexie Sullivan Saltillo High School has made it very easy for the student body to be involved in some of the important things around them. A very good way to get involved is to join a club. Joining a club can be a hard or stressful decision, but we are here to break down some of them for you! We interviewed several sponsors for a variety of clubs that our school represents. Our goal with this newsletter is to open the eyes of the students and staff to realize the true impact these clubs have on the community as well as within the walls of the school itself. BETA FBLA Anchor ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

The first club we interviewed is Beta Club. Another club we got to interview was The last club we are covering is Anchor. ​ To join Beta, you must be invited by having FBLA. FBLA stands for Future Business Anchor Club is an international youth ​ an A in all core classes. To stay in the club, Leaders of America. For this club, we organization that provides female teenagers you must be involved and represent the four interviewed Ms. Dory Kisner. This club is across the nation with an opportunity to ​ main pillars of Beta. The four main pillars for those who are looking to pursue a career serve their community. Anchor stands for; include character, academics, service, and running a business and gives several Altruism, Noble, Purpose, Citizenship, Honor, leadership. Generally, there are about 220 opportunities to prepare for that. Currently, Open-Mindedness, and Responsibility. people enrolled in Beta throughout grades there are 35 members of this club. When According to the Anchor Club Organization, 9-12. The Beta sponsor, Kayla Dillinger, is asked what the clubs biggest accomplishment this club consists of “dedicated volunteer very excited about the year ahead of her and since it was created has been, Ms. Kisner service programs and leadership-building says “I would really like to focus on character responded with, “having students to compete opportunities.” Each year teachers nominate development throughout the year… we have in a national competition this past summer.” students who they see go above and beyond to many volunteer opportunities set!” When In the future, Ms. Kisner would want to help others in their school. The club’s focus asked what Beta’s biggest accomplishment “continue sending students to national this year is to encourage and support youth was she said, “Our participation and service competitions, as well as promotion different community service projects. Anchor’s motto is to Verona elementary. We established a bond projects to help the community.” The club is “we are building community leaders of with those students… and I am so proud of mostly known for its constant involvement with tomorrow…enabling them to be more every our Saltillo students for their efforts in this.” the public, which prepares students to deal with day.” Anchor has worked with special needs Beta is all about soaring above and beyond the outside world. When asked in what ways students at gMA, SPS, and SES. Some other the expectations and that is exactly what is FBLA has impacted the community, Ms. Kisner things they have done is work with the expected if you join this club. In the future, responded with the following, “In the past, FBLA Challenger League, help with food drives, Beta is striving towards using each person’s has supported the community by participating in clothes drives, and meals on wheels. If you Talent to impact the world around them. This the following activities: Red Cross Comfort Kits, are interested in becoming a big part of your year Mrs. Dillinger is focusing on sharpening March of Dimes Support, and Angel Tree.” These community then Anchor Club is for you! leadership skills so they can have many are just a handful of the many activities FBLA volunteer opportunities in the future. She participates in. In summary, FBLA is a club for hopes that you will join Beta and become a those concerned with helping and bettering the crucial part of our school’s goal to help community. If this is your calling, then join FBLA. our community. One thing all these clubs have in common is the hope to better our community. When you join Beta, Anchor, FBLA, or any of the clubs our school promotes, you will without a doubt have the opportunity to impact the world in amazing ways. You will also have the opportunity to impact the students and teachers working alongside you in these clubs. This gives you the chance to grow closer to your peers and build long-lasting relationships. Only good things can be produced when you join a club, so if you haven’t already, join one or all of the awesome clubs we have discussed above! New Perspectives By Rachel Spencer and Lydia McKissick Saltillo High School has gained many new students in the 2019-2020 school year. We wanted to know the views of our school from new students and what it has been like adapting to our close community. Seven different newcomers were asked a series of questions: What is your favorite part of Saltillo High? Do you like Saltillo better than your old school? If there was one thing you could change about SHS, what would it be? Interviewees answered thoroughly and brought new ideas and perspectives to the table. First, we asked three freshmen what their favorite part is about Saltillo High School. So far, for Drew King, Erin Morgan, and Emma Osbourne, extra curricular activities are the highlight of being a highschooler at Saltillo. Getting to participate in high school level activities are significantly more exciting than the activities had been in middle school. We then asked them if they liked Saltillo High better than Guntown middle. They all agreed that they do, but they had different reasons for this. Erin Morgan says, “It’s a lot less stressful than middle school was, and it’s cleaner,” Emma Osbourne agreed to this, but also added, “We have less classes in a day, so I’m not as stressed with school work.” The last thing we asked them about was how they would improve SHS. We had very different answers from all three students. Drew King said, “With crutches, stairs are a challenge. Walking up and down the stairs many times a day is exhausting.” On another note, Erin Morgan stated that the school could do better as far as cracking down on discipline. Her viewpoint on this was, “A lot of people do and get away with things that they should be getting in trouble for.” Lastly, Emma Osbourne disagrees with Saltillos break situation. “I personally love high school but if I could change one thing, I would change break because there’s way too many people,” said Emma. Overall, the freshmen that we interviewed have enjoyed their experience so far, but agree that improvements can be made. We also interviewed new students that moved from different schools, as well as one that was homeschooled. For them, the staff is the highlight of Saltillo. Each agreed that the teachers and administration are outstanding. Jordan Baxter, who was homeschooled, says, “My favorite part would be the teachers and how much they really care about your education.” This statement has been largely agreed to by not only new students, but also returning. For our next question, we asked if they liked Saltillo better than their previous schooling situation. Mary Grace Shires, who attended Pillow Academy in Greenwood, MS, enjoys that we do not have to wear uniforms, therefore we can express our individuality. “My old school had uniforms, so I like getting to express myself through my style every day.” Shane Tampos, who recently moved to the United States from the Philippines, says that she likes Saltillo because of the welcoming attitudes and the smooth transition that she has had. The new Saltillo High School students have gotten an outstanding first impression of the school and all of the people in it. Jordan Baxter’s states, “I can’t think of anything I would change about the school, I love it!” Mary Grace Shires and Shane Tampos agree with Jordan’s statement. Overall, Saltillo exhibits a good morale to all of the newcomers. By interviewing these students, we learned that they are impressed by the level of commitment and interest teachers have shown thus far. Although there were some complaints made, the positives by far outweigh the negatives. Saltillo High Library and Media Center By Lee Ellen Cherry Saltillo High School Library not only has a new look this year, but we also have a new librarian, Deana Jackson. She’s not a stranger to most, because she previously taught English II. she has made some excellent changes to our library media center since she started. I wanted to find out more about these changes, so I decided to interview Mrs. Jackson. In our discussion, it became obvious that she loves being the librarian. Mrs, Jackson says there are parts of being a teacher that she misses, but the library has kept her busy so far. She looks forward to seeing more students use the library, and she is excited for what the future holds. While there have been many cosmetic changes, there are also a lot of behind the scenes activities taking place. Stay tuned for some exciting events in the near future. Hint: One event involves snacks and reservations, another involves a competition, and lets not forget Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math options. Mrs. Jackson’s passion is helping students find the perfect book. Her philosophy as a teacher was always that “reading something is better than nothing.” She adds, “Even if I can only motivate students to come read magazines, I have moved towards success.” As the librarian, it is obvious that she has the very same excitement that she did as a teacher. I hope that students will see our library grow and use it to help them prepare for the future. She told me that her vision is for our library to grow and help the entire school; her goal is to be a resource for students and teachers. Being a student at SHS I find that our new librarian and the changes she has made to the library will benefit the students and teachers alike.

Teacher Shoutouts

By: Erin Hamblin and Mckenzie Jones Teachers affect our lives in ways most students can not understand until we are older.Teachers are underappreciated and often get a bad reputation from students. Many do not realize the stress teachers implement upon their students is not to overwhelm them, but to push them towards success. Teachers offer care and support to students, in a way that will make them into something great. Without teachers, we could never reach our full potential. Supportive teachers mean the world to those they inspire. Listed below are some teachers who have personally impacted students.We would like to thank those mentioned, and many more unmentioned that continue to influence students everyday. ● “Coach Cates, he gives us a speech everyday, whether it be serious or if it is just to make us laugh” Cadence White (9th) ● “Ms.Mask, I’ve had Ms.Mask for a science teacher in 6th and 8th grade so we kinda go back. I showed her my (musical) beats in 6th grade and she really liked them, she’s really supportive and such a good teacher.” Issac Escabedo (9th) ● “Coach Reader has impacted me because, he not only teaches the material, but he also tries to make the lessons and studying into a game. He makes the subject entertaining while also making sure you understand the material.” Lydia Valentine(10th) ● “Mrs.Ford defended me even on the first day of school and supported me. She taught me how to be myself.” Cannon Narmour(10th) ● “Mr.Hill has impacted me the most because he taught me to not care about other people and just be the best you can. He taught that your best isn’t enough and that you should strive for perfection.” Gavin Gittleson(11th) ● “Ms.Block has probably been the most impactful on me. She makes her class enjoyable and cares for each and everyone of her students. She wants the best for us. Her love for her job also influenced my plans for my future because now I want to be an english teacher just like her.” Anna Passmore(11th) ● “Robin Hill has been my teacher for seven years, has helped me improve my self discipline and responsibility. He also taught me the importance of teamwork and family even during hard times.” JoDee Sandberg(12th) “He really loves and cares about his students. He is also really good at teaching and actually enjoys his job.” Tyler Meeks(12th) Break and Homeroom By Greta Wade This year at Saltillo High School, we have experienced possibly the most drastic change in recent history. Sure, we’ve gotten a new principal, a new vice principal, we’ve added a volleyball team- but this tops it all. We have changed the very structure of break and homeroom. This article explores how SHS students feel about this change. The first major difference this year is that break is twice as long! This is lovely, but it also means that all students (of all grades) have break at the same time. For most students, it seems that the positive outweighs the negative. Gavin Gittleson says, “I do like having a longer break… I do not however like how crowded it is. Overall though, I do like the change.” The other difference is that homeroom now meets only when necessary. This has also been a plus for many students. Kadin Hendrix says, “I kinda like the no homeroom everyday because most of the time it was pointless.” Tyler Gifford notes that more time out of homeroom and at break means more time with friends. For some students, this change has not gone over well. Particularly, some older students don’t like sharing their break with the underclassmen. Erin Claire Dunn says she feels that, “There are too many people in the commons at one time.” Kadin Hendrix also said, “I hate that there are so many kids in one place. I wish there were a more structured way to do it.” Overall, however, this change has been well received by SHS students. Tyler Gifford says,”It’s way better now that we can go into the hallways.” Camille Wade got to the heart of the matter- “I like it because it means break’s longer.” And in the end, that’s what it’s all about.

Pep Rally Location By Ainsley Ryan and Madison Hall Saltillo High School is a place where our student body feels most comfortable with each other. On our home football game days, we all gather in front of the school for a pep rally. The pep rallies are to hype up our students and the football team. A big topic going around the school is that nobody can see during the pep rallies. So why not move it to the football field where everyone can see and enjoy? We decided to ask around the school to get some opinions from teachers and students. Why the front of the school? Pep rallies in front of the school save much time and effort for many. The time it would take to get everyone to the field would take much longer than piling everyone in the front. It saves time that we could be in class. Why the football field? The football field would be a better choice in some people’s opinions because everyone will have a seat where they will be able to see what is actually going on. Yes, it may take longer to get the whole school to the field, but in the end, we will have more people involved and spirited. What does the student body and teachers have to say? We asked four teachers, “Do you think there will be more school spirit at the field vs. the front of the school and why?” ● Coach Haygood: “Yes, because people will be able to see.” ● Mrs. Box: “Yes: People can see what is going on and could be sorted into classes which can increase spirit also.” ● Mrs. Janice Fleming: “The football field because students can sit by their classes and there would be more class participation if everyone could see what was going on.” ● Mrs. Reynolds: “The football field because students can see better, sit with their class, and the primary can come over.” We asked a student from each grade, “Would you feel more involved if pep rallies were on the field and why?” ● Jade Kuykendall 12th grade: “Yes because I will be able to see.” ● Will Jolly 11th grade: “Yea because there is not enough room in front of the school.” ● Kaitlyn Greenwood 10th grade: “Yes because you can’t see when they are in front of the school.” ● Kyle McGee 9th grade: “Yes because it is the football field and it is big.”

Saltillo High School Band By: Wanda Lyles Saltillo high school band has been around for years. They go to state championships in pearl every year and always get about sixth place in championships. To get to state championships, you have to make all ones at Tupelo high schools competition. I asked the student body “Do you believe that band is under appreciated?why?” I revived various responses and here’s just a few of those. 1)Katelyn Haycraft “no, because they always get their competitions announced but no one listens to them but they get their share.” 2)Lauren McMahon “yes, we go watch the football players and support the cheer team why can’t they come support on of our competitions” 3)Neely Rial ”the band is very under appreciated I mean yea they make announcements about us but does anyone besides band parents come watch us nope not really.” 4)Alex Scheer ”yes because I haven’t heard much about the band this year.” 5)Shelby Baswell ”no, I always hear a congratulations announcement when the band places at a competition” That was four different opinions on whether the band is under appreciated or not. The student body should look at how the band feels when the cheerleaders or football team gets praised. If they just got a little appreciate they would be thrilled.

Saltillo Gifted Art By Kenzie Priest Gifted Art Honor Society (or GAHS) has been at Saltillo High School for many years yet most students don’t seem to know what it is. Every year the club only has about 15 to 20 members. There are so many students eligible to participate in it but they have too many questions that prevent them from joining. Here are those questions with answers: ● Who can join? As of now, it is only available for gifted art students in high school. ● What’s needed to join? All a student needs to join is $15. ● When and where? It’s in room 117 every Thursday from 3:15 to 4:30. Then students may leave or be picked up. Why should gifted art students join Gifted Art Honor Society? One member’s perspective is, “It is an outlet where I can let out my ideas and objectives towards my artistic skills” (Ellie Parker). Another member says,“It’s a great work environment and gives me time to practice my artistic skills outside of regular school hours.” (Audrey Patterson); while one member admits, ”GAHS has provided me with a great sense of community and has introduced me to new people I would have never met otherwise.” (Eddy Garcia). All in all, Gifted Art Honor Society provides members with more time on personal art pieces, connects the individual members, and is a place where gifted art students can express their creative thoughts in a setting filled with people who share a passion for art. Finally, Gifted Art Honor Society’s activities. GAHS gets involved around the school; one thing they do is raise money by painting faces at Saltillo’s home football games. Members just have to volunteer to paint and one girl said, “I like this because I can use it to write volunteer work” (Savanna Meeks). Gifted Art Honor Society members also put a lot of artwork designed during their meetings in the spring and fall art shows, which offer awards to their winners. For the club, there is also a field trip every year to art museums with amazing artwork that is sometimes “too unique to describe” as one member puts it. These exciting aspects are only the beginning with more plans being set in motion for the Gifted Art Honor Society club. All eligible are encouraged to join; it is a great way to improve artistic ability, make new friends, and get involved in fun art based activities!

Saltillo’s School Spirit Jeanette Scheer and Michelle Rankin Football is the most watched, and played, game in America, but what is the main reason for the sports hype? It’s the fans that go out of their way to devote their time to cheer on the many players in the high schools and colleges. The fans’ spirit inspires and energizes players to want and try to play their very best. Saltillo High School is an example of a school with fans who uses that spirit to help benefit the team. One of the ways these fans support the team is through student section themes. When Satillo’s first home game took place on September 6th, against Itawamba Agricultural High School, the student section theme was tye-dye. Thus, students showed up to both the school and the game in various assortments of tye-dye items. Students did the very same for the Saltillo vs. Booneville game on September 20th game decked out in U.S.A. themed clothes, but besides the excitement to support the team through the themes, provided ​ ​ to us by the schools cheer team, the student body also does so through other methods. They bring beach balls and pom poms, paint their faces, cheer with the band and colorguard, as well as go to pep rallies, and vigorously cheer for the football players on the field. When a majority of the student body is asked why they go to the football games, there is normally a mix of social interaction for supporting the team. “I love the atmosphere of a high school football game. I love cheering on my school. Hanging out with other people, you know, my peers” says Junior Audrey Patterson. Saltillo High Schools football games are, in a way, a mass social event that many consider a great experience. To the student’s it is a fun excuse to go and hang out with friends, and watch a “beloved” American sport. Students at Saltillo continuously support the football team, despite their past win record, and find school spirit an important factor in supporting the team. Freshmen Jalen Priest says, “It gets the team players hyped” when asked why he finds school spirit important, ​ but he wasn’t the only one who replied along those lines, “Because you have to keep your team motivated” stated Junior Seth Floyd. ​ Saltillo High School is filled with students who show their “Tiger Pride”. These two words mean different things to the many individual students at the school. Whether it takes meaning through dressing up, screaming out their lungs at the games, playing in the game, or not even caring. Tiger pride is Saltillo’s version of school spirit.