Poplar Bluff, Missouri - A new group of student leaders has emerged at the Poplar Bluff Middle School this year with the relocation of the campus on Victory Lane.
A total of 25 sixth graders make up the Safety Patrol, an organization committed to directing walkers through Bacon Park before and after school.
“We never had walkers before, so we had to design an exit strategy,” said Principal Dr. Brad Owings, referring to the previous location of the school on Oak Grove Road. “It’s another way for students to show responsibility and leadership, and be role models.”
The teams of students work in shifts, from 6:50-7:20 in the morning and 2:20-2:45 p.m., lining the trail on the hill behind the school to the city park. Several students man a station, and there is one roamer with a cell phone in case of an emergency.
The students wear safety vests and are supplied with gear such as flashlights and hand warmers for the changing conditions. Following each shift, the Patrol debriefs with teacher sponsors, Kathy Pattillo and Kelly Lawson. They also meet as a group monthly, and have had guests including school Safety Resource Officer Kenny Carpenter.
“The students take the job very seriously, and it is an honor,” said Pattillo, noting that the group has a waiting list. Lawson added: “These are skills that can carry them through life.”
Shown in the photo: Lanie Robertson mans her station in the forefront, while Safety Patrol members line the asphalt trail behind her.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - The 2017 Winter Sports Senior Night was held on Friday, February 10th at the Bearcat Event Center.
Angel Maze is the daughter of Amanda Davison.
She has been a member of the honors choir for four years, chamber choir as a junior, women's choir as a senior, cross country team as a sophomore, DHS musical for four years, and also a member of the Kicking' Cats for three seasons.
She is an active member of DECA, Student Council, and is on the Executive Board for the Sr. Beta Club.
Her future plans are to attend Three Rivers College and then transfer to a four-year university to major in Music Education.
Dexter, Missouri - The 2017 Winter Sports Senior Night was held on Friday, February 10th at the Bearcat Event Center.
Jackie is the daughter of Jerry and Karen Kiger.
She has been a member of the rack team her freshman, sophomore, and juniors years, a football cheerleader for four years and a member of the Kickin' Cats Dance Team all four years of high school.
She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of America, DECA where she serves as the treasurer. She is also active in Student Council, Sr. Beta, and the National Honor Society.
Her future plans are to attend Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau and major in early childhood and elementary education.
Dexter, Missouri - The 2017 Winter Sports Senior Night was held on Friday, February 10th at the Bearcat Event Center.
Taryn is the daughter of David and Jodi Fortner.
She has been a member of the cross country team as a junior and the Kickin' Cats Dance Team as a senior.
She is also an active member of the Sr. Beta Club, Foreign Language Club, FCCLA, Teans Against Smoking Coalition, and the National Honor Society.
She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau and study media communications and Spanish.
Dexter, Missouri - The 2017 Winter Sports Senior Night was held on Friday, February 10th at the Bearcat Event Center.
Haley Cornet is the daughter of Chris and Nancy Cornett.
She has been a member of the softball team her sophomore, junior and senior years, cheerleading her freshman year and a member of the Kickin' Cats Dance Team her junior and senior years.
Haley is an active member of Student Council (STUCO), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCCLA, Sr. Beta, and National Honor Society.
Her future plans are to attend Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau and major in pre-engineering. She then plans to finish at Missouri S & T earning a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering.
