^{Written by}

^{Beth Farrah, SMT Writer}

Essex, Missouri – The Richland High School students have been relaxing over Thanksigiving break so that they can prepare for the last three weeks of school before the first semester is over. The high school Beta Club sponsor and club members recently hosted a leadership conference that took place in the high school gym the Tuesday before break. The students enjoyed all of the activities and are looking forward to having another one soon. Following the leadership activities, the JV and Varsity Rebel basketball players showcased their skills on Tuesday night as they celebrate the beginning to their 2013-2014 season that officially started tonight at the Oran Tournament where they will be facing Chaffee.

Now that December is here, there are a few important dates you might need to mark on your calendar!

-          Members of the senior class that signed up for the ACT on December 14^th (to be taken at Dexter), the ACT prep classes will begin on December 2^nd and will go through December 13^th. They will alternate morning and afternoon classes to avoid conflict with the morning college courses.

-          The Vo-Tech field trip to Poplar Bluff is scheduled for the sophomore class on Wednesday, December 4^th. Make sure all permission slips are turned in by tomorrow morning if you wish to attend.

-          Seniors: the Elks Scholarship will be due this Friday, so be sure to turn it into Mrs. Hampton before the deadline.

-          Christmas break will begin on December 20^th with early release on that Friday at noon. We will return to school on January 6^th for the second semester.

As the second quarter draws to an end, there are some students that are to receive special recognition for good grades and great attendance. The December Student of the Month is yet to be announced for the high school, but will be announced hopefully by next week.

The students with perfect attendance are: Charlie Atchison, Nick Azure, Laura Brown, Natalie Clark, Jordan Condict, Brandon Ervin, Joe Foster, Travis Grubbs, Anthony Heitman, Drew Hickson, Dawsey Horton, Harlie Leeper, Draven Pettigo, Paige Pinkley, Devin Stoker, Sara Tackett, Josh Thornton, Riley Thornton, Kayla Uhles, Andrew Walley, and Breana Williamson.

The Principal Scholars (students with straight A’s): Kate Wyman, Kayla Uhles, Dustin Robbins, Ashley Lane, Elizabeth Farrah, and Gerlynn Grossius.

The Rebels are studying hard for their upcoming finals and are gathering their Rebel Pride for the upcoming basketball games!