Four Technical Career Center students have qualified to compete in the National SkillsUSA competition this summer.

 

Placing first and earning scholarships among 19 students who competed in the state competition held last month at the State Technical College of Missouri in Linn were: Isaac Branson in collision repair, Natasha Duelley in nail care, Sheila Wallace in barbering and Amber Whitworth in cosmetology.

"For them to be capable of competing on the national level, on that scale, after you prepare all the instruction and put in the time, means a lot to us,” said building trades instructor Jody Cochran, the lead SkillsUSA adviser. “Big corporations and top-notch companies are gonna be on hand signing kids to go to work, conducting live interviews.”

 

The 55th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference is slated to take place Monday through Friday, June 24-28, in Louisville, Ky. The Poplar Bluff SkillsUSA chapter has been fundraising, including raffling a four-wheeler, in order to participate.

 

SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations, and for further education.

 

Competing at SkillsUSA Missouri were (in alphabetical order) Isaac Branson, Millie Cato, Jacob Clifford, Natasha Duelley, Cole Emmons, Jalen Hicks, Mariah Mitchell, Austin Pullum, Alicia Reed, Michael Simpson, Elizabeth Snyder, Glen Thurman, Kayce Towner, Hannah Tutor, Sheila Wallace, Dale Wert, Amber Whitworth and Kayla Zachary. Not pictured was Britney Howery. Chaperone teachers included Susan Chronister, Jody Cochran and Alex Nicolini.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

 

Poplar Bluff High School senior Cara Bubanovich has been awarded the Class of 1971 Scholarship, valued at $1,000.

 

Bubanovich was recently accepted into Missouri State University, where she plans to pursue a nursing degree, and one day receive her doctorate in nurse anesthesia.

 

Taking advantage of dual credit options at PBHS, Bubanovich completed a full course load through Three Rivers College, while managing to remain active in multiple clubs along with participating on the Competitive Cheer Squad.

 

Pictured presenting Cara Bubanovich the Class of 1971 Scholarship on Thursday, May 2, is R-I Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill (left) and John Scott, school board president.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

 

Poplar Bluff High School junior Elizabeth Shirrell has been named commander of the Pvt. Billie Kanell JROTC Battalion for the upcoming school year.

 

JROTC instructor Maj. Gregory Crites promoted Shirrell to succeed Cadet Lt. Col. Skylar Zitnak during the annual Change of Command ceremony held Friday, May 10, in the auxiliary gym.

 

“The senior Army instructor has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, fidelity and abilities of Elizabeth Shirrell,” announced PBHS senior Josh Wicker, battalion operations officer. “In view of this special trust and confidence and demonstrated potential, she is hereby promoted to the rank of cadet lieutenant colonial effective 10 May 2019.”

 

Prior to the passing of the organizational colors, a total of 20 awards were presented to student leaders who have excelled in academics, discipline, physical fitness and public service. Freshman Pvt. Jacob Crawford was named cadet of the year, and the best company honor went to Bravo Company commanded by Cadet Capt. Michael Russell.

 

Among the event’s distinguished guests included R-I Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill, PBHS Principal Mike Owen, Terry Temples on behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eddy Justice representing the Sons of the American Revolution, Gary Scheel of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and U.S. Army Recruiting Command Sgt. 1st Class Jack Taylor.

 

As part of tradition, Elizabeth Shirrell’s mother Amy joins Maj. Gregory Crites in the Change of Command ceremony.

 

Pictured: Maj. Gregory Crites applauds this school year’s JROTC cadets following a successful event featuring friends of family of the students.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

 

Most recent Missouri State Board of Education member, Mary Schrag of the 8th Congressional District, along with Kimberly Bailey of the greater Kansas City area, toured Poplar Bluff Schools on Wednesday, May 8, before participating in a luncheon with area superintendents.

 

Since Schrag received her appointment by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in March, she has met with 75 superintendents prior to her Poplar Bluff visit, she reported. She is the owner and chief executive operator of Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic in West Plains. Bailey, who was appointed to the MSBE in August, is a licensed marriage counselor in the northwest portion of the state.

 

“The purpose of the visit was to allow us to take a deep dive into the current issues facing public education, and share what we as practitioners see on the horizon,” R-I Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill explained. “They were engaged and authentic about their work.”

 

Pictured: Mary Schrag, who represents the region as an MSBE member, introduces herself to area superintendents during a luncheon of the Missouri Association of School Administrators hosted last week in the Administrative Building.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District