The 17-year-old has placed first in his class each year for reading the most teacher-approved literary works, resultantly winning thousands in bank cards in addition to the scholarship. When Soeter was a freshman, he generously donated $500 back to the PBHS library so the school can replace some of its titles in the Charlie Classics collection. At the time, he declared that it was a goal of his to complete the challenge.
Reflecting on all the books, Soeter said: "It changed the way I think, broadening my outlook of the world and the way I understand it for the better." He added that he has enjoyed the select pieces of literature because they contain morals that he later contemplates. His favorite title of late was "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov.
Having gotten a jumpstart on reading prior to starting high school, Soeter reviewed his first book with a voluntary program mentor in June of 2011. Students can begin working toward the scholarship in Junior High.
Soeter has been accepted into Rice University in Houston, Texas. His predecessor in the contest, Fathom Hefner, attends the University of Mississippi in Oxford, according to Stacey Scobey, who is the president of the Designing Women Foundation, and also a past scholarship recipient.
The Charlie Classics program, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, was originally founded by writer/producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and has been sustained by individual donors and local businesses in recent years, most notably U.S. Bank.
Photo and article provided by Tim Krakowiak.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Schools will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its ambitious $50 million buildings plan, four years in the making. Because of the accelerated deadline on a $1 million FEMA grant, construction is set to kick-off at the Junior High where—in addition to a multi-purpose safe room—nine classrooms will be added, along with other renovations for improved safety and security.
Just less than one year ago, voters approved an 80-cent operating levy measure so the school system can expand facilities across campus, impacting grades 1-12, in order to meet the growth of the community. Construction is slated to begin on the anchor projects—the new high school and middle school—as soon as school dismisses for the summer on May 15. The smaller-scale elementary projects will follow, with a completion date on all construction anticipated at the start of the 2016/17 school year.
The Poplar Bluff School Board of Education, R-I Administration, Long-Range Planning Committee, Citizens’ Advisory Counsel, Committee for Our Kids’ Future, Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, project architect Dille & Traxel and general contractor Zoellner Construction.The groundbreaking was scheduled for March 6th; however due to snow it has been moved to 8:00 a.m. Friday, March 20th.
The ceremony will begin with coffee in the Poplar Bluff Junior High cafeteria, 550 N. Westwood Blvd. The official groundbreaking will follow at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the northwest corner behind the facility. Public parking will be out front.
The Poplar Bluff R-I Public School District is comprised of approximately 5,300 students, 400 professional staff and 300 support staff, and has an operational budget in excess of $45 million. Our goal, in partnership with parents and community, is to educate all students to their potential, and to inspire them to be lifelong learners who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be productive members in our changing world.
Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for Poplar Bluff Public Schools.
The cheerleaders ended up placing eighth out of 14 teams in the preliminary round of the Large Varsity Division II, missing out by a single place for advancement to the semi-finals. To watch the performance, visit: http://goo.gl/GraV2b.
Pictured accepting the check from Business Development Specialist Davine Conover [center] of Ozark Federal Credit Union on Wednesday, Feb. 4, are PBHS senior cheerleaders [from left] Jamie Hobbs, Mallory Dye, Leeza Edmundson and Rachael Taylor.
Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-1 School District.
Dr. Eric Blaich used to take a robotics class at PBHS under the instruction of retired teacher Bill Reeves, and the dentist is interested in supporting the program’s reinstatement, he said.
Robotics Club members Diego Rivetti and Chang Chi accept a check from Dr. Eric Blaich while accompanied by science teachers Patti McCoy and Kathy Miller on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Kanell Boulevard facility.
Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator at Poplar Bluff R-1 School District.
So far Ethan’s record for solving the Rubik’s Cube is 24 seconds, he says, and even more impressively, his SINGS (Serving the Individual Needs of Gifted Students) teacher Patty Reed just peaked his curiosity in the puzzle a few months ago.
“This experience hasn’t just taught Ethan about solving the Rubik’s Cube, he has learned that he is capable of doing something very amazing,” Reed stated. “I’m anxious to see what problem he chooses to tackle next.”
Reed recalled how in September she had left out a classroom set of Rubik’s Cubes that her older students had used. When the fourth grade class had noticed the box, several students grew excited, so she allowed them to give it a try. After about a half-hour, all but three students remained interested, and Reed sent them each home with a set of instructions.
“For some reason, the Rubik’s Cube just clicked with Ethan,” said Reed, noting that the boy came into class the following week with his own cube. “Within a short time, he had memorized the steps, which is no small task.”
Shown in the photo: Gifted student Ethan Hudlow sets his timer in preparation to demonstrate how fast he can solve his favorite Rubik’s Cube in his collection, the standard 3x3x3 model.
Photo and article provided by Tim Krakowiak.
