HHS FBLA members excel in competition

On January 30, 29 members of Haywood High School’s Future Business Leaders of America organization participated in FBLA Regional Competition held on the campus of Union University in Jackson. Ten students placed first through fifth in their events.

Members are: LaKeithia Caldwell, Raven McKinnie, Marisa Franklin, Andrea Taylor, Willeta Pirtle, Trista Rivers, Candace Brown, Kierra Woods, Kelsey Currie, Kristen Reed, Jessica Thomas, Kanesha Bond, Rickela Reed, Lauren Jones, Haley Chrisman, Mitchell Turner, Bryce Holmes, Monica Austin, and Veronica Kinnon. Sponsors for the organization are Beth Cathey, Karen Irick, and Jane Wicker.

 

HHS announces N.S.D.A.R winners

Margaret Dyer, committee chairperson with the local David Craig Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, announced three N.S.D.A.R. essay winners recently. First place went to Martha Jane Jameson, second place to Breanne Sills, and third place to Holland Aguyo. Also pictured with the winners is Haywood High American history teacher John Thomas, who is a nominee for National History Teacher of the Year recognition. The topic for the essay was “Five perils that Challenged Christopher Columbus.”

Tomcats close in tournament
Story and photos contributed by Xavier Cole

All-District Tomcats

Max Battle and Darrius Pickens were named to the regular season All-District team. Head coaches in the district selected members of the team, based on athlete play during the regular season.

All-Tournament Tomcats

Jamarcus Comage and Harold Watson were named to the District 14-AA All-Tournament team. Head coaches in the district selected members of this team, based on athlete play throughout the tournament played at Fayette Ware.

The Haywood High Tomcats closed their season after regional tournament action. The Tomcats closed the district tournament and moved on to the regional tournament.

The Tomcats closed the district tournament against Fayette Ware February 24. The Tomcats were defeated 66-65, making Haywood the number four seed from District 14. Tomcat leading scorers were Jamarcus Comage (23), Kenya Clark (12), and Maurice Bynum (12). Other Haywood scorers were Harold Watson (9), Max Battle (4), Jabari McNeal (4), and Tyler Boyd (1). Tomcat leaders were Kenya Clark with eight rebounds, Max Battle with four forced turnovers, Jamarcus Comage with five steals, and the Comage brothers, Jamarcus and Cordarrell, each had two assists. Haywood went 7 of 12 (58 percent) from the free-throw line and had 17 defensive rebounds, 14 forced turnovers, nine steals, eight offensive rebounds, and seven assists.

Following the championship game between Covington and Northside, the awards ceremony was held. Haywood came home with a total of four awards. Darrius Pickens and Max Battle were the Haywood representatives for the regular season All-District team. Haywood representatives for the All-Tournament team were Jamarcus Comage and Harold Watson. Next up for the Tomcats were the Choctaws of Dyer County High.

Friday the Tomcats traveled to Dyer County for the first round of the Region 7-AA tournament. The Tomcats were defeated 59-57. Tomcat leading scorers were Darrius Pickens (18) and Max Battle (17). Other Haywood scorers were Harold Watson (7), Jamarcus Comage (7), Khiry Turner (3), Maurice Bynum (3), and Tyler Boyd (2). Tomcat leaders were Max Battle with 12 rebounds and two steals, Jamarcus Comage with five forced turnovers, Khiry Turner with five assists, and Tyler Boyd with four blocked shots. Haywood went 4 of 6 (67 percent) from the free-throw line and had 26 defensive rebounds, 17 forced turnovers, 14 assists, 11 offensive rebounds, seven steals, and six blocked shots.

The Tomcats closed the season with a record of 9-18.
 

HHS actors delight crowds with “Bye Bye Birdie”

Trey McAdams as Albert Peterson gets the girl, (Lauren Perry as Rosie Alvarez) in the end when he decides she is more important than his career.

Teen idol Conrad Birdie, played by John Evans, wows the group and makes the girls swoon with his moves and singing.

The Macafees, (from left) Randolf (played by Taylor Dedmon), Doris (played by Martha Jane Jameson), Harry (played by Alex Galbraith), and Kim (played by Lindsey Yoder), sing to the crowd about the upcoming event in their home featuring Conrad Birdie.

The Haywood High School Drama Department provided crowds last week a delightful and energetic production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Under the direction of Allyson Byrum, HHS drama teacher, 45 cast members, plus a stage crew extraordinaire, wowed students on Wednesday and Thursday and a packed house Friday night at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center at College Hill.

Leading performers in the play were Trey McAdams as Albert Peterson, Lauren Perry as Rosie Alvarez, John Evans as Conrad Birdie, Anna Baumheckel as Mae Peterson, Lindsey Yoder as Kim Macafee, Alex Galbraith as Harry Macafee, Martha Jane Jameson as Doris Macafee, Taylor Dedmon as Randolf Macafee, Mickey Nixon as the Mayor, and Clifton Smith as Hugo Peabody.

Featured songs in the play were “We love you Conrad,” “Put on a Happy Face,” and “A Lot of Living to Do.” HHS Choir director Michelle Tillman provided music for the play, along with her band, Aaron Diebold on drums, Hunter Burroughs on guitar, and Andrew Pearson on bass.
 

Lady Tomcats place second in district tournament
Story and photos contributed by Xavier Cole

Three Haywood Lady Cats, Kendra Jones, Jamie Shutes and Trista Rivers, are all smiles after being selected to the District 14AA All-Tournament team.

Haywood High Lady Cats coach Zandra Jones was honored as the District 14AA Coach of the Year.

The 2008-2009 Haywood High School Lady Cats show off their trophies after finishing the season in second place tournament action.

The Haywood High Lady Tomcats faired well in the District 14-AA tournament. The Lady Tomcats completed tournament action, earning second in the district and had three players tapped as All-Tournament team members.

Haywood played the Wildcats of Fayette Ware Friday, February 20. The Tomcats were victorious 56-54 on a last second lay-up. The Kendra Jones lay-up was set up by a Trista Rivers pass down the court. Lady Tomcat leading scorer was Jamie Shutes (10). Other Haywood scorers were Kelsey Moore (9), Trista Rivers (9), Kendra Jones (8), Shaterica Tyus (7), Candace Brown (5), Tiffany King (4), Chelsey Owens (2) and Ida Parrish (2). Leading Lady Cats were Kelsey Moore, Jamie Shutes and Tiffany King with five rebounds each, Trista Rivers and Shaterica Tyus collected three steals, and Shaterica Tyus had four assists. The Lady Tomcats went 10 of 18 (56 percent) from the free-throw line and had 16 defensive rebounds, 13 steals, 13 assists, and nine offensive rebounds.

Monday night in the championship game, Haywood played the Northside Lady Indians. The Tomcats were defeated 52-41. Tomcat leading scorers were Shaterica Tyus (12) and Kendra Jones (11). Other Haywood scorers were Jamie Shutes (6), Kelsey Moore (4), Trinity Jackson (3), Tiffany King (2), Candace Brown (2), and Trista Rivers (1). Leading Lady Cats were Tiffany King with seven rebounds and Jamie Shutes had three steals. Haywood went 4 of 14 (29 percent) from the free-throw line and had 10 offensive rebounds, 18 defensive rebounds, six steals, and seven assists.

Haywood received several awards following the game. Haywood had four representatives named to the regular season All-District team: Kelsey Moore, Jamie Shutes, Shaterica Tyus, and Kendra Jones (MVP). Coach Zandra Jones was named 2009 District 14-AA Coach of the Year. Three Lady Cats were named to the All-Tournament team: Kendra Jones, Trista Rivers, and Jamie Shutes. Haywood was also presented the award for being second in the district.

Region play
The Lady Tomcats were hosts to Obion County at Haywood High on Thursday, February 27, in the first round of the regional tournament. They came out on the losing end of that game, but ended a successful season with a 16-10 record.
 

HHS Basketball Homecoming Royalty

Photo by Xavier Cole

The 2009 Haywood High School Basketball Royalty was announced during Homecoming in February. Kelsey Moore was selected homecoming queen and Bryce Holmes was selected king.
 

HHS teams place at state Academic Decathlon contest

For the 24th consecutive year, Haywood High School placed among the top scorers at the Tennessee Academic Decathlon State Competition. At Austin Peay State University in Clarksville on February 21, HHS entered two teams in competition, and the Purple Team placed fifth, with the White Team placing sixth in over-all standings. Our team won a record of 17 medals, two scholarships, one plaque, and one trophy. The following students won awards:

• Kenya Clark Bronze Medal in Interview

• Andrea Smith Silver Medal in Interview

• Alan Olmedo Gold Medal in Language and Literature

• Hunter Burroughs Gold Medal in Super Quiz
  Gold Medal in Mathmetics
  Silver Medal in Economics
  Bronze Medal in Music
  Bronze Medal in Art
  Hunter was also the third-highest scorer over-all

• Taylor Dedmon Gold Medal in Essay Writing
  Bronze Medal in Language and Literature

• Violet Chavez Gold Medal in Language and Literature
  Silver Medal in Music
  Bronze Medal in Interview

• Chris Rich Gold Medal in Language and Literature
  Bronze Medal in Mathematics

• La’Keithia Caldwell Gold Medal in Mathematics

• Andrew Pearson Bronze Medal in Super Quiz
  Andrew was also the highest scorer on his team

ther team members included: Mikail Phillips, Bianca Cole, Alston Owen, Al Hardaway, Andrew Cole, Audrey Pattat, Nick Bostic, and Ronesha Wilkins.

Ronesha Wilkins and Hunter Burroughs each won a $1000 scholarship to the colleges of their choice, for being the highest scoring seniors on each team.

“The team members and coaches are especially appreciative of the strong support from everyone at HHS and from the community,” Coach George Norville said. “This was a tremendous victory for our school and our system.” Glynn Bridgewater is also a coach for the team.

In the coveted Super Quiz competition, the Haywood Purple Team placed fourth, and the Haywood White team placed sixth.

The over-all theme for this year’s contest was Latin America, with an emphasis on Mexico.

The final rankings were: 1) Madison Academic Magnet High School, Jackson; 2) Chester County High School, Henderson; 3) Obion County Central High School Blue Team, Troy; 4) North Side High School, Jackson; 5) Haywood High School Purple Team; and 6) Haywood High School White Team.

Madison Academic Magnet High School will represent Tennessee at the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition, which will be held in Memphis in April.

HHS students and coaches are already planning for the 2010 competition, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Tennessee Academic Decathlon. This competition was founded at Haywood High School in 1985, and has since spread across the state as a rigorous academic contest for high school students.
 

Leadership class visits schools

Haywood County Education Day, held on February 12, is in conjunction with the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Program. The leadership class began their day by viewing the Principals' Exhibition in the back corridor of the Haywood Board of Education office, followed by greetings from members of the District Senior Staff and school overviews led by each HCS principal.

The Leadership Class then visited Sunny Hill, East Side, HHS Business and Career and Tech Departments, Whiteville Technology Center Brownsville Site, and the Haywood County Academic and Justice Academy. Lastly, the class spent time in discussion with School Superintendent, Marlon King. Leadership Board member hosts fo the day were Yvette Blue, Asst. Principal, East Side and Janet Ward, Account Manager, Lasco Fittings. Leadership Board Chairman, Jo Matherne was also in attendance.

The Leadership Class is pictured here with HHS Principal Robert Mitchell and Career and Technical Center Principal Rhonda Thompson.

HHS Mock Trial teams win top honors

Twenty-three Haywood High School students won first and second place at the District 2 High School Mock Trial Competition held in Jackson on February 14. This concluded a busy week of dress rehearsals and competition for the students.

Students received the materials for this year’s case in November and have been working diligently to prepare for the regional competition. In this year’s mock trial materials, the criminal case centers on an alleged aggravated robbery committed by the defendant Jessie Chandler. Three prosecution witnesses testify that the defendant committed the felony and three defense witnesses rebut these allegations.

The students performed the case in public for the first time during their annual “Mock Trial Day” at the Haywood County Courthouse for Mr. Randy Jetton’s Honors American History classes. In the morning session, Judge J. Roland Reid presided over the trial between the Prosecution team from Haywood-Purple and the Defense team from Haywood-White in the “Little Courtroom”. In the afternoon, Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hale presided over the trial between the Prosecution team from Haywood-White and the Defense team from Haywood-Purple in the Main Courtroom. Judge Reid and Ms. Hale critiqued the performance of all student lawyers and witnesses and this information was used to better prepare for Saturday’s competition.

Eight teams competed at the District 2 High School Mock Trial competition: Dyersburg, Covington, Milan, Jackson Southside, Sacred Heart #1, Sacred Heart #2, Haywood-Purple, and Haywood-White. Haywood-Purple competed against Covington and Jackson Southside. Haywood-White competed against Dyersburg and Sacred Heart #2. After three rounds of competition, both of Haywood’s teams were chosen to advance to the finals in the competition. In the final round, Haywood’s Purple team won by a mere four points to advance to the state competition.

Haywood won three of the four individual awards. Chris Rich was recognized as Best Prosecution Attorney, Violet Chavez was recognized as Best Prosecution Witness, and Constance Bonds was Recognized as Best Defense Witness. This is the sixth time in the past eight years that Haywood has won this competition and the third time in the past eight years that Haywood has won first and second place.

Haywood’s mock trial team will now compete in the 2009 Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition held in Nashville on March 13-14 at the historic Davidson County Courthouse. Tennessee’s 2009 state mock trial champion will be eligible to participate in the National High School Mock Trial Championship, which will be held May 6-10, 2009 in Atlanta.

Haywood’s championship Purple team consists of student lawyers Trey McAdams, Al Hardaway, Raven McKinnie, Hunter Burroughs, Alan Olmedo, and Lauren Perry. The witnesses are Kellee Lofton, Hunter Burroughs, Chakeya Bowen, Quincey Halliburton, Constance Bonds, and Fabiola Calderon. Haywood’s Runner-up White team consists of lawyers Chris Rich, Mickey Nixon, Ronesha Wilkins, Blace Correa, Seth Tillman, and Reeves Garrett. The witnesses were portrayed by Violet Chavez, Liz Olmedo, Kierra Woods, Demarcus Coney, Dalton Jones, and Breanne Sills.

“On behalf of both Mock Trial teams, I want to thank Michael Banks, Judge Reid, and District Attorney Gary Brown for their assistance both this year and past years in helping our teams be so successful at competition,” said HHS sponsor for the event Eddie Keel.

Cheryl Moses named HHS Teacher of the Year

 Cheryl Moses

The faculty at Haywood High School recently selected Mrs. Cheryl Moses as their Teacher of the Year. The veteran teacher has been in the classroom since 1969, and is in her 24th year at Haywood High, now teaching only Spanish classes.

A native of Memphis, Mrs. Moses said, “While a student at Central High School in Memphis, I decided that I wanted to become a high school English teacher because of the wonderful role models I had there.”

Mrs. Moses holds a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from the University of Tennessee-Martin. She also holds a M. Ed in curriculum and instruction from the University of Memphis, and a master’s +30 from the University of Memphis and Cumberland University.

She is a member of the NEA, TEA and the Haywood County Teacher Association and has served as the building representative since 2006. She is a member of the Association of Teachers of Foreign Language and of Alpha Delta Gamma Honorary Teacher Sorority, serving on the Scholarship Committee. She is also a member of Teachers in Mission. She was named to Who’s Who in Teaching in 2002 and 2006 and is recognized as Highly Qualified in English and Spanish.

Mrs. Moses serves on the Brownsville-Haywood County Arts Council, is a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society, has volunteered her services as a tutor at the Scott Street Center and the Boys and Girls Club, and has worked on Spanish Club Service Projects. She is also a member of First United Methodist Church, the Brownsville Historical Society and the Friends of the Library.

She is married to Bob Moses and has three daughters, all products of Haywood County Schools, one of which teaches in the system. They have four grandchildren, three of whom are also students in Haywood County Schools.

HHS Show Choir entertains at Academic Decathlon

The Haywood High School Show Choir is on a busy schedule this year entertaining throughout the community and at school events. In January they entertained for guests and team members at the Academic Decathlon Banquet, held in the HHS cafeteria. The choir, under the direction of Michelle Tillman, will go to Atlanta, Georgia, this year for competition, and will present their show “‘80s Rock.” At the banquet they performed “Too Much Heaven,” “Only Hope,” and the guys delighted the crowd with their song and dance routine to “Jailhouse Rock.” The choir is 41 members strong this year and are accompanied by band members Aaron Diebold, Hunter Burroughs, and Andrew Pearson.