Category Archives: News

May 10, 2013 · 1:52 pm

By: Miranda Rester Editor For the first time in a number of years, the Warriors had a competitive, head-to-head election day. Since competitors weren’t allowed to campaign with posters or speeches, the student body resorted to social media to earn votes. “We haven’t had an intense election since 2011,” Morgan Guess, junior, said. “It’s easier to get the student body interested in the elections when they feel like they can actively participate.” After days of “Vote for me!” tweets, most of the student body officers for the 2013-2014 school year have been elected: Vice President – John Carter Sanner, up-coming senior; Reporter – Taylor Parsons, up-coming junior; Secretary – Olivia Kent, up-coming senior; Treasurer- Andrew Glaze, up-coming senior; and Elections Commissioner – Ashley Bryant, up-coming senior. Hannah Drake, up-coming senior, was originally elected for Student Body President, but due to complications with the ballots, the student body will revote for President on May 14. Obstacles occurred when some teachers didn’t receive or distribute ballots, and Field Bennett’s name was mistyped as “Fred Bennett.” Bennett, fellow up-coming senior, is the only other student who ran for the position of Student Body President. Although an announcement was made to clarify that the name on the ballot should be changed to “Field,” this typo created confusion among many students, which may or may not have affected the outcome of the votes. “I definitely understand why there needs to be revote; I just would have preferred that we had sorted this all out before the first vote,” Drake said. Drake and Bennett will still not be allowed to make speeches or hang campaign posters around the school, so students suspect that social networking sites will remain an election hub until May 14. “No matter how the revote comes out, I think the student body will be in good hands,” Bennett said.

By:  Miranda Rester

Editor

For the first time in a number of years, the Warriors had a competitive, head-to-head election day. Since competitors weren’t allowed to campaign with posters or speeches, the student body resorted to social media to earn votes. “We haven’t had an intense election since 2011,” Morgan Guess, junior, said. “It’s easier to get the student body interested in the elections when they feel like they can actively participate.”

After days of “Vote for me!” tweets, most of the student body officers for the 2013-2014 school year have been elected: Vice President – John Carter Sanner, up-coming senior; Reporter -  Taylor Parsons, up-coming junior; Secretary – Olivia Kent, up-coming senior; Treasurer- Andrew Glaze, up-coming senior; and Elections Commissioner – Ashley Bryant, up-coming senior.

Hannah Drake, up-coming senior, was originally elected for Student Body President, but due to complications with the ballots, the student body will revote for President on May 14. Obstacles occurred when some teachers didn’t receive or distribute ballots, and Field Bennett’s name was mistyped as “Fred Bennett.”

Bennett, fellow up-coming senior, is the only other student who ran for the position of Student Body President. Although an announcement was made to clarify that the name on the ballot should be changed to “Field,” this typo created confusion among many students, which may or may not have affected the outcome of the votes. “I definitely understand why there needs to be revote; I just would have preferred that we had sorted this all out before the first vote,” Drake said.

Drake and Bennett will still not be allowed to make speeches or hang campaign posters around the school, so students suspect that social networking sites will remain an election hub until May 14. “No matter how the revote comes out, I think the student body will be in good hands,”  Bennett said.

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· 1:51 pm

Senior Recognition marks bittersweet end

By:  Katie Williams

Staff Reporter

On Sunday, May 5, 2013, Senior Recognition Day was held at Temple Baptist Church. The OGHS class of 2013 has had an extremely successful year. Ninety-one percent of all seniors took the ACT, averaging a score of 22. Forty seniors had a score of 29 or higher. Of the class of 2013, 48 percent will be attending a four-year university in the fall of 2013. Fourty-nine percent will attend a community or junior college. Two percent of the class is enlisted in the miliary, and one percent will be going into the workforce.

To date, the class of 2013 has been awarded 15.5 million dollars in scholarships, but scholarships are still being awarded.

John Addison Ford received the 2013 Harry Breland Athletic Scholarship. The recipient is decided based on athletic performance during high school. 2013 is the first year of this scholarship’s existence. Colton McMurry was the recipient of the Johnie McMurry Memorial Scholarship, which is named for McMurry’s great uncle. Representatives from all major state universities were present to present scholarships to all OGHS students attending those schools.

Ten students were National Merit Finalists. The class of 2013 valedictorian is Nicholas Stevenson, and the salutatorian is Mallory Jennings. Wisam Buti is the sole Distinguished Scholar of this graduating class, and John Baxter was this year’s Star Student.

One of the most anticipated moments of the senior recognition ceremony was the senior slide show. Every year, the yearbook staff puts together this slide show, made up of baby pictures and other pictures and videos throughout the seniors’ school years. Another special part of this year’s recognition ceremony was piano music provided by John Baxter.

Every year, the senior class provides the school with a senior gift. The Class of 2013 presented a senior gift of patio furniture to OGHS.

The vast amount of scholarship money awarded to these seniors shows their great legacy that was started in the very hallways of Oak Grove High School.

 

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· 1:49 pm

Oak Grove High School named #2 high school in Mississippi, top 8% in nation

By: Katie Williams

Staff Reporter

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Oak Grove High School as the second best high school in Mississippi. Out of 21,000 eligible high schools surveyed, OGHS placed in the top eighth percentile. Numerically, Oak Grove received a national ranking of 1,750.

High schools from 49 states and the District of Columbia were considered for the 2013 national rankings.

According to the U.S. News and World Report website, the report was based on “overall student performance on state-mandated assessments, as well as how effectively schools educated African American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students.” Student performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams was then used to determine the degree to which school prepare students for college level work.

U.S. News and World Report noted that the OGHS student body is comprised of 50 percent male and 50 percent female. The minority enrollment is 38 percent, and 41 percent of students are considered “economically disadvantaged.” Twenty nine percent of OGHS’s students are enrolled in an AP class.

To be eligible for a state and national ranking, schools must earn a gold or silver medal. Only four schools in Mississippi earned this prestigious honor. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but it starts with the parents and community,” Dr. Ben Burnett, Lamar County School District superintendent, told The Lamar Times. “Of course, the students have to perform well, too. It’s definitely a team effort, and everyone deserves a pat on the back.”

The report also stated that “schools were ranked within each state and on a national scale, so families can see how well their public schools stacked up against rival public schools within the community and nationwide.” In the national rankings, 500 schools earned gold medals, 1,790 schools received silver medals, and 2,515 schools were awarded bronze medals.

Pass Christian High School ranked first in Mississippi, and Petal High School ranked third.

Information about all high school rankings can be found on the U.S. News and World Report website.

Information courtesy of The Lamar Times.

 

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· 1:48 pm

Warrior Forensics brings home seventh state title

By: Olivia Diaz

Staff Reporter

On Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at Hattiesburg High school, the Oak Grove Forensics team won a state championship once again and reclaimed its title. OG team members faced other students in debate rounds and were given individual awards and state awards. The full competition and awards ceremony lasted from Friday afternoon to Saturday night.

Each competition consists of a series of rounds from which six finalists are announced, and then awards are given out. Team awards, as well as individual awards, are issued.

In four individual events, sophomore Kenneth Eaton and senior Rachel Hummel each won one award, and senior Mary Ryan Karnes won two.

“I think that winning the state championship is a huge encouragement for our team,” Karnes said.

The forensics team had won six years in a row, from 2006-2011. But last year, they won second place and lost by three points. They were driven and determined to continue their winning legacy this year. With that determination, they won by three points.

“Our team typically tries to do its best at everything,” freshman Lucy Pruitt says. “We knew what a big deal this tournament was to everyone.”

Auditions were held this month for future members. The head coach of the team, Mr. Shane Cole, feels that his group this year did great and is confident about next year. “The team did a really amazing job,” Cole said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

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· 1:47 pm

New ACT-based curriculum ousts state testing

By:  Lucy Pruitt and Elizabeth Lee

Staff Reporters

Recently, the Lamar County School District made the decision to be one of five school districts in the state to pilot the Excellence for All grant program. The grant, worth $50,000, was awarded to the district from the Mississippi Department of Education to revamp the core curriculum and implement more rigorous classes. As a result of the new programs, changes will come for coursework, tests, and possibly the way the state measures the districts’ performances. Another result of the program will be no state testing for students at the end of each semester; however, subject exams will be put in place. Tess Smith, Principal of Sumrall High School, is heading up the implementation of the new program. “Students will no longer take the Subject Area Tests (SATs), but instead will take a test at the end of each course,” Smith said. “The only state test students will continue to take is U.S. History.”

The Excellence for All curriculum has been designed to coexist with the new Common Core standards and curriculum to prepare students for the Common Core assessments in 2014-2015, along with future ACT testing.

In order to focus high school students on college and career readiness, the district chose to switch to the ACT company’s Quality Core curriculum, which means students graduating from high school will already have acquired some college credits. This allows students who don’t plan on attending college to be more eligible for jobs right out of high school. Kim Benton, interim deputy state superintendent, stated, “This is an innovative program of study that’s designed to prepare students for college and career pathways that will allow them to succeed on a national and international level.” The coursework will provide several options for students of all levels. “Students in grades nine and ten can earn enough credits to exit high school early and go on to community college if they wish,” Benton said. “They can also stay in high school and pursue advanced coursework in 11th and 12th grades, taking college courses while still in school.” The flexibility and more specialized coursework will improve every student’s education by specifically targeting their weak areas and better preparing them for life after high school, whether in a community college, university, trade school, or elsewhere.

A common practice for students today is memorizing the curriculum only to pass the test. Soon after the test, all memory of the material is forgotten. In educational paths, this is not a habit that will help students become career and college ready. The Excellence for All program focuses on teaching the students and getting them prepared for college and for their future. The curriculum will essentially be taught the same way it is being taught now, but Lamar County School District teachers will receive a five-day training course, funded by the $50,000 grant, to help them get acquainted with the new program.

Grades 9 and 10 will undergo the changes next year, and grades 11 and 12 will implement the new courses beginning the 2014-2015 school year. Changes are being staggered to allow the upperclassmen to continue on the educational path they have been on without interrupting the system to which they are accustomed. Students, teachers, and parents are embracing the promising new course standards and learning methods that characterize the curriculum chosen for Excellence for All.

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April 12, 2013 · 12:30 pm

English awarded Golden Scepter

By: Taylor Parsons

Staff Reporter

“I was absolutely stunned. There are so many deserving people in the arts department, and I count myself as truly blessed to receive this award,” Lauren English, senior, said about her receiving the Golden Scepter.

The Golden Scepter is the award given to one senior every year who is especially gifted in the arts. English is a member of the drama department and has acted since her freshman year. She has diverse roles, including: Giant’s Wife in Jack and the Beanstalk, Raven and Sea Creature in Inuk, Chill the Vulture in Jungal Book, and Yukionna in In A Grove: Three Japanese Ghost Stories.

English received the Judges’ Choice Award at SETC for her portrayal of Yukionna. “Getting recognized by national judges was a huge honor for me,” English said. “So many actors deserve that same kind of recognition. I am very grateful.”

English has proven herself a chameleon in the world of drama and thanks Mrs. Allmon for pushing her to be better. “Being challenged by your director is the only way to grow as a performer,” English said, “Mrs. A is really to thank for all the success of our actors and our group as a whole. She gives us the motivation to really make the best show possible.”

For English, being chosen for the Golden Scepter shows her that her hard work and passion for theatre do not go unnoticed. “With actors especially, you don’t see the talent in yourself, so having teachers see that I am progressing is a huge honor,” English said. “God has blessed me with a wonderful director, friends to act with, and places to perform. All thanks goes to Him!”

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· 12:30 pm

Oak Grove Drama travels to Kentucky for SETC

By:  Nathan Maxwell

Staff Reporter

Oak Grove Drama has once again ended a successful competition season on a high note as they returned from SETC. The Oak Grove Drama cast and crew of In A Grove: Three Japanese Ghost Stories performed their show for the last time in Louisville, Kentucky, March 6-10. The cast and crew competed against almost 20 schools from 10 different states in the Southeastern region. After almost a clean sweep at their state competition, the cast and crew of In A Grove: Three Japanese Ghost Stories went on to win four more awards at the national competition.

The entire cast won Best Ensemble. Lauren English won Best Entrance/Exit, an award created especially for her by the judges. “I felt so honored,” English said. “It was one of the greatest moments in my theatre career.” In addition, sophomores Leia Swilley and Evan Woods both received All Star Cast for their roles in the show. Swilley said, “Winning All Star Cast at SETC was a huge honor, and I was so happy when they called my name.”

Director Suzanne Allmon said, “It was a wonderful experience to be able to represent Mississippi two years in a row. [The cast and crew] worked together and gave a wonderful performance, and I couldn’t have asked for more.” Now Oak Grove Drama students are preparing for their two shows, Just Add Zombies on April 11 and 12 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on May 3 and 9. Tickets can be purchased in Mrs. Allmon’s room.

 

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· 12:30 pm

Yearbook and newspaper staffs achieve at MSPA

By: Elizabeth Lee

 Staff Reporter

On March 28, the yearbook staff and The Warrior Beat newspaper staff headed to the University of Mississippi for the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association’s spring convention. The conference is held each year and helps to promote journalism at the high school level, and about 15 schools from across the state were represented at the convention.

Each school submits samples of writing, photos, and audio from their student-led newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and broadcasts to compete for writing, design, and photography awards. The two divisions of competition for every category are mail-in and carry-in; mail-in photography and writing entries are sent in weeks before the conference, and carry-in entries are limited to the work that was published after the deadline for mail-in. This year, continuing their traditions of excellence, The Warrior Beat newspaper staff received 22 awards, and the yearbook staff received 12 awards.

The convention began Thursday morning with a welcome from Dr. Will Norton, Dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at Ole Miss, and Beth Fitts, MSPA Director. The keynote speaker for 2013 was Bobby Hawthorne, author and former Director of Journalism for 30 years at the University of Texas at Austin. Hawthorne is a popular instructor and speaker at journalism workshops because of his knowledge of journalism and ability to keep younger audiences’ attention using humorous stories from his years of teaching. After Hawthorne concluded, attendees of the convention voted on MSPA officers for 2014. The winners were announced in the afternoon ceremony, and as in preceding years, out of the five who ran, the three winners were from Oxford High School.

Following the opening session, students who attended the conference participated in workshops designed to deepen their knowledge and improve their skills in journalism, photography, and editing. Every member of The Warrior Beat and the yearbook staff attended three classes that improved their skills, whatever their area of emphasis was. Emily Hope, senior, said, “The classes were so helpful. I think they’ll really help the staff with the yearbook next year.”

2012-2013 MSPA AWARDS

NEWSPAPER

Honorable Mention, TEAM Opinion Writing – Staff

3rd Place, TEAM Advertising Design – Staff

Honorable Mention, TEAM General Excellence – Staff

2nd Place, Individual Ad Design – Jordan Farrar

1st Place, Individual Page Design – Jordan Farrar

2nd Place, Individual Page Design – Jordan Farrar

3rd Place, Individual Page Design – Jordan Farrar

2nd Place, Individual Reviews – Mary Ryan Karnes

2nd Place, Entertainment Writing – Elizabeth Lee

1st Place, Cartoons – Aubrey Sanders

2nd Place, Cartoons – Aubrey Sanders

Honorable Mention, Depth Reporting – JoAnna Gunnufsen

1st Place, Feature Writing – Taylor Parsons

2nd Place, Sports Features – Kirk McCarty

3rd Place, Carry-In Front Page Design – Jordan Farrar

3rd Place, Carry-In Inside Page Design – Jordan Farrar

1st Place, Carry-In Nameplate Design – Jordan Farrar

1st Place, Carry-In Centerspread Design – Jordan Farrar

1st Place, Carry-In Ad Design – Jordan Farrar

2nd Place, Carry-In Ad Design – Jordan Farrar

2nd Place, Carry-In Best of Show – Staff

YEARBOOK

1st Place, Photography (2012 Yearbook)

1st Place, General Excellence (2012 Yearbook)

1st Place, Best Design (2012 Yearbook)

1st Place, Ad Design (2012 Yearbook)

2nd Place, Theme (2012 Yearbook)

2nd Place, Copy (2012 Yearbook)

3rd Place, Cover (2012 Yearbook)

3rd Place, Art (2012 Yearbook)

1st Place, Division Page (2013 Yearbook)

1st Place, Title Page (2013 Yearbook)

PHOTOGRAPHY

2nd Place, Sports Photography, Hayley Higgason

2nd Place, News/Feature Photos, Caroline Pruitt

3rd Place, New/Feature Photos, Raven Jones

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· 12:30 pm

OG athletics adjust to tornado effects

By:  Mary Ryan Karnes 

Editor

In the wake of the February 10 tornado that brought devastating damage to Oak Grove High School, the surrounding area, and other parts of Hattiesburg, Oak Grove’s baseball and softball teams are continuing their seasons despite the harm done to their respective facilities. Although a new football field house as well as baseball batting facility is already being planned, the athletic department at Oak Grove is currently having to make do with battered stadiums and training equipment.

The baseball team, whose entire stadium was quickly destroyed during the tornado, has suffered the most damage out of all the athletic facilities at the school. Junior baseball (and football) player Kirk McCarty, although disappointed by the loss of such an important building, remains optimistic about the team’s season and morale. “We have to travel every game, and everyone is ready for a change,” McCarty said. “But it’s still baseball. It’s still the same game. We still have to play the same.” The team hopes to be fully settled back at its home field by next season, but they are playing at the University of Southern Mississippi and other host fields until that happens. “We’re ready to play on our home field with our home fans,” McCarty said.

The softball field suffered major damage to everything from the bleachers to the concession stand; however, thanks to speedy recovery efforts, the softball team is now back on its home field for the remainder of the season. Senior softball (and basketball) player Constance Quinn is glad to be back at Oak Grove, playing for and being cheered on by the Warriors. “Being a senior, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play on the softball field again,” Quinn said. “It’s really great to have it back.” Although the paint colors are slightly different and the scoreboard and bleachers have not been reinstalled yet, fans are still showing up to games to support the softball team.

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· 12:30 pm

Warriors Take a Bow Presents Peter Pan

By: Samantha Papp

Staff Reporter

On Thursday, March 21, the community-based classes of Oak Grove Primary School and Oak Grove High School performed their third-annual Warriors Take a Bow production at the Oak Grove Primary Performing Arts Center. The past two years’ productions were The Wizard of Oz and Snow White, and this year’s production was Peter Pan.

Community-based students took the lead roles in this play, including Allen Jones as Peter Pan, Amber Williams as Wendy, Gabbi Fincher as Michael, Ryan Hendley as Captain Hook, and Hanna Turnage as Tinkerbell.

Months of preparation were necessary for Peter Pan to come to life at Oak Grove. The community-based students spent weeks prior to the show learning their characters’ lines and practicing their scenes. Mrs. Stacey Todd and Mrs. Jennie Bounds both aided in costume designing. Mrs. Todd voyaged throughout Hattiesburg to find the perfect nightgown for Wendy, and Mrs. Bounds designed the Indian Chief costume for Spencer Teck. Mrs. Bounds also designed and painted scenery such as the lagoon backdrop for the play.

Numerous students and members of the Jr. Civitan Club pitched in to help the show go smoothly. Sophomore Leia Swilley was the narrator of the show, and junior Aubrey Sanders was the front of the house director. Some students acted as “buddies” to the main actors and actresses, learning each actor’s lines and standing on stage in case assistance was needed. Other students helped paint sets, change costumes, set up before the play, clean up after the play, sell tickets and DVDs, and hand out programs.

Prior to the main showing Thursday night, the community-based classes put on a free performance Thursday morning. This performance was a sort of “test run” according to Mrs. Todd, and community-based classes from all across the district were in attendance.

The show’s ending was “Breaking Free” from High School Musical  performed by Shay Glover as Princess Tiger Lilly.  “Harlem Shake” was the grand finale, and mascot Seymour from the University of Southern Mississippi swooped in for a surprise visit.

Glover’s excitement for her big finale was evident. “I got my own solo in the show,” Glover proudly said. “I couldn’t wait for my finale!”

 

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