Taylor Jarrell will graduate Friday from Dexter High School. At the DHS Awards Assembly on Monday, Taylor received the Faculty Spirit Award. (Photo and story by Annabeth Miller, ShowMe Times Editor)

The Top Ten

the basics

Name: Taylor Jarrell
Age: 18
Hometown: Dexter

the questions

1. What's school spirit?
School spirit is the underlying passion for your school to be the best it can possibly be. More than just cheering at the football games, but to root on your school to be one of the best in the state in all categories!

2. What defines a Bearcat?
When I think of a Bearcat, three words come to mind: Pride, Courage, and Discipline!

3. What were some of of your activities as a Bearcat?
Choir, (Chamber Choir, Honors Choir, Show Choir) Band (Varsity Band, Jazz Band) Football, basketball

4. What makes a Bearcat special?
What makes a Bearcat special is because they never lose their pride. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

5. Plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Missouri State University in Springfield to study vocal music and extend my knowledge of music.

6. When I grow up I want to be?
Hopefully after college I can get a job teaching music.

7. Who's your hero?
I really don't have one single hero. Many people have helped me and pushed me to be my all. So to single one or two out would be impossible.

8. What's your favorite word?
Integrity

9. What's the best thing about DHS?
Being with all your friends!!!

10. What's words of wisdom to you have for younger Bearcats?
My only words of wisdom I have for younger Bearcats is whatever you do, do it to your best ability and with integrity!!!


Bearcat Spirit runs in the family. Taylor's mother Nancy writes: "I will have to really agree with this. I was not raised in Dexter. I was raised in Corning, AR and I was a Bobcat. I thought I would always be a Bobcat. However, the Bearcat pride is so strong here and you feel such a part of the Bearcat family that I am now truly a Bearcat and will always be a Bearcat. Even though all my children have grown and now are all graduated (after Friday), I know that I will still support the schools and sports programs. I am excited for my grandchild to start school. I love the schools here and the town we live in and am proud to be a Bearcat!"

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - There’s some good news today on the employment picture in the ShowMe State. Missouri’s unemployment rate continued to edge down in April, according to data released this week by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Missouri’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent, down by two-tenths of a point from the March figure on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Since January of this year, Missouri’s unemployment rate has now fallen by seven-tenths of a point.

In comparison, the U.S. seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate is currently 9.0 percent.

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment added another 2,500 jobs in April, with the most significant growth in construction, manufacturing and retail trade. Construction continues to show signs of traction following severe job losses over the past few years. Manufacturing has also been growing for several months; in April the industry employed nearly 250,000 Missourians, an increase of 7,700 jobs, or 3.2 percent, over the past year.

A ShowMe News Report

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., - A Bell City student has been awarded a newly endowed scholarship at Southeast Missouri State Univesity.

Tiffani Stone of Bell City is the recipient of the Homer and Emma Atkinson Scholarship recently endowed through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. Stone is a social work major at Southeast.

The Foundation received a $10,000 gift from Naomi Atkinson Newman to establish the scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming senior majoring in social work with a minimum 2.0 grade point average who has overcome great odds to complete a degree. The Department of Social Work Scholarship Committee selected the recipient.

Stone says she chose to major in social work because of a social worker she had as a child. She added that she was grateful for Newman’s generosity and the faculty members who nominated her.

“I had the same social worker throughout my time in foster homes. She stayed with me until I was adopted before she retired. I want to be that person for others,” Stone said. “Mrs. Newman’s generous gift will not only help me complete my education but it also proves people have acknowledged the work I put into my schooling. It may have been a hard road for me to get where I’m at today, but I’d do it all over again if I had to.”

Newman made this contribution to the Foundation to honor her father and mother, Homer and Emma Atkinson, who valued education greatly. They were unable to finance Newman’s education but taught her by example a strong work ethic.

Newman says she is grateful to be able to offer a student in a situation similar to hers the opportunity to continue his or her education.

“I am pleased I can help someone earn a college degree because of my contribution,” Newman said.

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Some people just inspire and motivate others naturally – with their enthusiasm, loving spirit, unselfishness and zest for life.

Tommy Blankenship was such an individual. When he would enter the choir room at Dexter High School, it was almost as if a special light would shine. He was enthusiastic, caring, willing to go an extra mile or two to accomplish a task. Tommy was a natural leader who inspired other by his own zest and participation.

When Blankenship passed away unexpectedly in 2000, Dexter High School Choir Director MaryRuth Boone wanted a way for his light to continue to shine and inspire new generations of choir students. So that year she established the Tommy Blankenship Memorial Choir Award to recognize the student who best exemplified the spirit shown by young Blankenship.

At the close of Tuesday night’s DHS Choirs Pop Concert Boone presented for the 11th time the “Blankenship Award” – this spring to a young lady who has been active in choir, who has a genuine love of music and enthusiasm for choir and her peers – Jessica Lesley.

Lesley will graduate later this month from DHS and has plans to continue her music studies in the fall at Southeast Missouri State University. She was named to Missouri All-State Choir and All-District Choir, she participated in district and state music contests, the Show Choir, small ensembles and solos. and this weekend will participate in a statewide vocal music competition in Springfield.

“Jessica has the same loving, giving spirit and the enthusiasm and love of choir as Tommy,” Boone said. Jessica is the daughter of Dawn Dowdy and Jeff Lesley. Boone said Jessica will go the extra mile to lend a hand to a choir member, always shares a smile, and has been dedicated and participated in the success of the choral music program.

Boone explained that Jessica’s enthusiasm for Pop Concert shined in recent weeks as the choirs prepared for the two-night extravaganza. She said Jessica worked tirelessly on decorations, helped with organization, encouraged fellow students, helped with the Senior Show video, participated in small ensembles and prepared solos. She was an encourager and role model.

“Jessica is a young lady who comes to class everyday with a smile. She is a sensitive individual with a kind, loving and giving heart,” Boone said. “She demonstrates that wonderful, giving and enthusiastic spirit as Tommy.”

Photo Above: DHS Choir Senior Jessica Lesley was awarded the Tommy Blankenship Memorial Choir Award by DHS Choir Director MaryRuth Boone at the conclusion of Tuesday night's Pop Concert.

Guidance For Handling Flood Damage To Homes, Cars and Crops

Jefferson City, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Insurance has made information about insurance claims for flood damage available on its website. The online resources include details for how flood damage is covered, depending on whether it affects homes, cars or crops.

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies don't cover flood damage. To be covered, consumers need a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. Policies have a 30-day waiting period before they're effective.

Consumers with coverage should contact the agent who sold them their flood insurance policy, or the National Flood Insurance Program at http://www.floodsmart.gov or 888-379-9531.

While liability auto insurance policies won't cover flood damage, comprehensive coverage may. Consumers with damage should contact their auto insurance agent to file a claim.

Flood damage to crops is covered by some types of crop insurance. These policies are sold by private insurance companies, but regulated by the federal Risk Management Agency. Most policies require claims to be filed within 72 hours of discovering damage.

Farmers with crop damage should contact their crop insurance agent as soon as possible. They can also contact the Risk Management Agency at http://www.rma.usda.gov or call 202-690-2803.

"As with any kind of property damage, filing a claim quickly is vital," said Missouri Insurance Director John M. Huff. "While the flood and crop insurance programs are administered by the federal government, your local insurance agent should be able to help you navigate the claims process."

Huff says when it comes time to make repairs to their homes, consumers should watch for unscrupulous contractors. He offers this guidance:

· Be suspicious of door-to-door repair offers
· Don't let contractors inspect your property without you. Some unscrupulous companies will cause more damage to drive up repair bills.
· Work with companies known to you or recommended by someone you trust.
· Don't pay a repair company until your insurance claim has been processed.
· Don't pay the full cost of repairs until the work is done.

Consumers can file complaints or ask general questions about insurance by contacting the Missouri Department of Insurance at http://www.insurance.mo.gov or calling the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390.

About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration

The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.