Poplar Bluff, MO - The final touches of a facelift have been placed on the Poplar Bluff Junior High gymnasium, the very oldest building in the district, with its construction dating back to 1937.
Custom window coverings reading P-B-J-H-S M-U-L-E-S across the top of the facility were installed on Wednesday, Sept. 2, by Southeast Signs & Graphics.
Work over the course of several months through a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant and matching district funds has included a fresh coat of paint, new basketball hoops, wall-mounted padding, scoreboards and an entire bathroom renovation in the gym lobby featuring updated flooring, countertops, commodes and sinks.
“With your support, this project will foster growth, pride and quality improvement at our school for years to come,” wrote instructional coach Keri Jameson in the grant application approved last year by the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “We have an extraordinary vision for what we can do with our building; we only need the funds to make it happen!”
The gym is the entry point of the school for students each day. The building is also utilized for basketball and volleyball games, by travel sports, youth leagues as well as the Poplar Bluff Parks Department. The restroom facilities are additionally opened up to the public during football games at the adjacent Morrow Stadium.
“Candace [Warren, principal], has been very proactive in making improvements in her building and I value that, and knew there was a need,” explained Dr. Amy Jackson, R-I assistant superintendent of business. “In conjunction with maintenance and our custodial staff, we were able to make these renovations within the current approved budget, without having to pass an amendment.”
Once other high priority projects such as roof replacements are completed across campus as the district cautiously navigates the current economic crisis, noted Jackson, she looks forward to revisiting the long-range plan with committee members and perhaps directing more renovation work at the historic building.
“Out of anything, I am most proud of what we were able to accomplish here with help from Dr. Jackson and the Maintenance Department,” Warren stated. “She promised and she delivered, giving the space a contemporary look and new energy. It had good bones, and now basically looks like a brand-new facility.”
Pictured: The PBJHS gymnasium is pictured last week with new banners, paint and basketball hoops as part of an overall remodel.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats held their annual Fall Homecoming Queen Coronation on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Charles Bland Stadium.
Myah Al-balwi (center) was crowned the 2020 Fall Homecoming Queen at Dexter High School.
Pictured from left is First Alternate Chloe Thurman, Al-balwi and Second Alternate Triston Pulam
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats held their annual Fall Homecoming Queen Coronation on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Charles Bland Stadium.
Ten Candidates walked down the track hoping to become the next Homecoming Queen. Each candidate will have a special article.
The retiring 2019 Homecoming Queen is Rachel Lin.
Rachel is a junior at DHS and the daughter of Min Lin.
She is a member of Student council, HOSA, Pep Club, Senior Beta Club, FCCLA, Art Club, athletic leadership council, and Rotary Interact.
Rachel also serves as the Vice President of FBLA. She is in the top ten percent of her class and a member of the varsity football and basketball cheer squads and varsity track and field.
After high school, Rachel plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field.
Rachel is escorted by Camden Riley. Camden is a junior at DHS and the son of Andy & Natalie Riley.
Camden describes Rachel as smart, athletic, and kind.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats held their annual Fall Homecoming Queen Coronation on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Charles Bland Stadium.
Ten Candidates walked down the track hoping to become the next Homecoming Queen. Each candidate will have a special article.
Myah Al-balawi is a senior at DHS and was nominated by the girls tennis team.
She is the daughter of Amanda and Clifford Allen.
Myah is involved in Drama, speech and debate, girls tennis, pep club, Skills USA Industrial arts club, scholar bowl, and school musicals. She also sings in chamber choir, honors choir, women's choir, and concert choir.
After high school, Myah plans to attend a 4 year university, major in political science and become a lawyer.
Myah is escorted tonight by Caleb Coons. Caleb is a senior at DHS and the son of Joshua and Holly Coons.
When asked to describe Myah, Caleb said she is the smartest, most beautiful, and courageous person he has ever met.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats held their annual Fall Homecoming Queen Coronation on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Charles Bland Stadium.
Ten Candidates walked down the track hoping to become the next Homecoming Queen. Each candidate will have a special article.
Bailey Chamberlain is a senior at DHS and was nominated by the girls volleyball team.
She is the daughter of Kris and Amie Chamberlain.
Bailey plays Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Basketball and she is a member of HOSA, Sr. Beta Club, National Honor Society, Pep Club, and FCA.
After high school, Bailey plans to continue her volleyball career and attend a four year university.
Bailey is escorted tonight by Ryan Collier. Ryan is a senior at DHS and the son of Russ and Suzanne Collier.
When asked to describe Bailey, Ryan said she is beautiful, smart, and caring.
