Decatur County Community High School
605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749
November 12, 2023 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)
Follow us on Twitter at @DCHSREDDEVILS or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Oberlin294/
Decatur Community,
This past week saw the continuation of great traditions here in Oberlin. After kicking the month off with Halloween Clean-Up, we followed it up with the Veterans Day Program and the musical South Pacific. Our students and community were on display and did not disappoint.
This week, we will start a new tradition, The Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Lunch. With over 80 local seniors currently signed up, it is lining up to be everything I hoped it would be.
My mother was one of 14 kids, and I was one of the oldest grandkids. My grandparents were a huge part of my life as a kid, as I spent countless hours at their house as a small child. My grandfather was a bit of a scrooge if I am being honest, but I had a special relationship with him. He ran a movie theater called The Crest in Wichita, KS when I was a kid, and whether I was living in Wichita or just visiting for the summer, he would take me with him to see the movies, many of them before they were ever released. I remember first seeing E.T. and my personal favorite ever at The Crest, Hoosiers. There were plenty that weren't that great as well, but, wow, those memories!
In high school, even after he had retired, I would go stay the night at his house often. My grandmother had passed when I was in middle school, and, sadly, he lived in that big old house all alone, few visitors (consequences of being a scrooge your whole life I guess). I learned so much about my grandpa, his childhood, his family, and my grandmother, things that not even my aunts and uncles knew. I invested in him, and he invested in me.
There are so many experiences and so much wisdom to be shared by our senior citizens.
I can't wait for Thursday!
This week I have lots of Veterans Day and Musical Shoutouts.
Shoutout to each veteran that came to the DCHS Veterans Day Program this past Friday. There were 17 veterans in attendance, and it is just a great experience to be able to honor the group. Among the 17, were representatives of the army, navy, air force, and marines. Only the coast guard was absent of any present members. (See the sign in sheet below)
Shoutout to NHS sponsor Jacinta Carter and the National Honor Society for putting on the assembly. Each of the 8 members that were present spoke during the assembly. Thank you to Shakira Cook, Ana Freeman, Jenna Fortin, Makaydyn Ketterl, Taylor Ketterl, Kamryn Oien, Michaela Wasson, and Maci Weigel.
Shoutout to Mr. Persinger and the band for their performance during the program, and a particular big shoutout to Mr. Persinger and his outstanding rendition of Taps to end it.
Shoutout to Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Tally, the choir, and the DCHS Singers for singing the national anthem and other songs as well.
Shoutout to head of maintenance Jess Allen. Not only did Jess lead the way getting things ready and set up for the program, he spent countless hours at the school this past week working on the wrestling room renovations. Soon I will need to show some before and after shots. Jess has been a huge part of the progress.
Shoutout to the entire student body for the tremendous respect and consideration that they showed during the program. You couldn't have asked for a better student crowd.
Shoutout to 7th grade student Wyatt Scott. Wyatt was the man behind the scenes that had to know exactly how to setup the tribute video that was included during the program. It's a lot harder than it looks, but his mom has done it for years, so it's just in the Scott blood.
Shoutout once again to English teacher Jacinta Carter. Mrs. Carter and her students have been reading several books in class this year, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how many students actually have their nose in a book. My own son has been talking about books more than he ever has, and he is not alone.
Shoutout to Mr. Gehring and his student-referees. Obviously we started this class this year, and it has been a learning experience. I was watching in the gym this last week while Gehring was out there with his students. A few of them were running the scoreboard just like a real game. Two of them were the actual refs in the game. Gehring was out there on the court talking to the refs as they called the game, making sure that they understood. This year we have already had students referee our junior high volleyball games and shadow during our junior high football games. One of our students is earning his certification in wrestling, and several will earn their certifications in baseball/softball this spring. It continues to be a great learning experience for out students. (see pictures)
Shoutout to PE teacher Brandon Hardwick. There is not a game to ref if Mr. Hardwick doesn't adapt his lessons to make sure that his class is ready to participate. This team-teaching is essential for these types of things to be maximized. I commend him for his flexibility, always willing to adapt to whatever is necessary.
Shoutout to Mrs. Jenny Tally for all of her hard work directing the musical. What I love so much about Mrs. Tally is that she has high expectations and works so hard to make everything just right. There are countless hours that go into a musical, and there are so many factors that truly have to fall into place for things to work out just right.
Shoutout to all of the staff, cast, and crew that were part of South Pacific. Students and staff show up to school before 8:00 every day. Many of these students work or play sports after school. Now, on top of that, they have musical practice. It's a lot of commitment for each one of them, and they each depend on one another to make their final product. It takes a special mindset to commit to something like that, and it's a blessing to all of the rest of us that get to enjoy their final performance.
Shoutout to all of the volunteers that made the soups and desserts this past Saturday for the Post-Prom Soup Supper prior to the musical. There was chili, taco soup, chicken noodle, vegetable beef, and potato soup. There was cheesecake, gourmet cupcakes, pumpkin dump cake, brownies, and more. Mrs. Witt just needs to open up a restaurant of some kind.
Shoutout to JH history and Psychology Ms. Janee Davis. Ms. Davis is a young teacher in age only. She is a veteran in performance and as modern a teacher as you will ever see in a classroom. The dialogue she has with her students as she teaches, has fun, or disciplines is top notch veteran stuff. This past week, her Psychology class was using Goose Chase, kind of a scavenger hunt type software as they meandered the building. The students had fun, moved throughout the building with known expectations, and learned in the process. (Just look at the picture of her and her 8th grade "Things" from Halloween)
Shoutout to Raelyn Bailey, Harley Barnes, Cameo Counter, Cheyanna Hale, Keely Huff, Addison Mathews, Kelsey Sheats and Allyson Simpson for being selected for the KMEA Highschool Honor Choir!
DCHS Senior Citizens' Thanksgiving Lunch
UPDATE: We have over 80 people signed up.
On Thursday, November 16th, we will have our first Senior Citizens' Thanksgiving Lunch. This event will be open to any senior citizen. Doors will open at 10:30 with a small program beginning at 10:45 in the cafeteria. Lunch will be served at 11:00.
A golf cart will be available to allow for easy access to and from the entrance to the parking lot.
Coats will be hung by students upon arrival.
MENU: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cheesy green beans, roll, pumpkin pie, and Homemade Ice Cream made by DCHS students (pumpkin or vanilla).
Decatur County Community Junior/Senior High School
Email: jholloway@usd294.org
Website: https://www.usd294.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/DCHS
Location: 605 East Commercial Street, Oberlin, KS, USA
Phone: 785-475-2231
Twitter: @DCHSREDDEVILS