FCCLA MEMBERS ATTEND REGIONAL MEETING

A group of Winston High School students were among more than 500 regional members, advisers, and guests of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for the Region 2 meeting held in Liberty, Missouri, on October 28th.  The theme for this year's meeting was "Next Generation".  At the meeting students learned how to become better leaders in their schools and communities.  The highlight of this year's meeting was the motivational words by speaker Kevin Laue.  Mr. Laue covered many motivational topics including the importance of having goals and dreams, the power of positive thinking, what it takes to be a leader, and striving for excellence.

The Winston chapter of FCCLA will continue to work with other chapters and advisers throughout the state to encourage others to discover their strengths, motivate students to target career goals, and initiate a plan to ignite youth leadership in our community.

FCCLA is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps students become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and social issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.  FCCLA has over 200,000 members and 5,500 chapters from 50 state associations.  Since its founding in 1945, FCCLA has involved more than ten million youth.  FCCLA is unique in that all of its programs are planned and run by student members.  Additionally, it is the only career and technical in-school student organization that features the family as its central focus.  Locally, we feel that by encouraging our students to participate in local, regional, state, and national activities we will help our students become strong leaders in their families, schools, careers, and communities.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

JUNIOR HIGH TEAMS EARN SPLITS IN GAMES

Fresh off of their strong showings in the Winston Junior High Tournament, both the boys and girls squads were right back in action on Monday and Tuesday nights.  Monday's games would be a tough double header with the Pattonsburg Panthers.

The Lady Redbirds had their hands full with an athletic Pattonsburg team.  The Lady Redbirds jumped out to an early lead only to watch the Lady Panthers claw their way back in the game.  This was a scenario that played out throughout the game.  Winston would stretch out the lead and Pattonsburg would close the gap.  In the end, however, the Lady Redbirds took home the victory over their conference rival.  On the boys side, the game was a rematch of the tournament championship game.  In that game, Pattonsburg hit a last second shot to defeat the Redbirds.  This game, too, was a hotly contested affair.  The Redbirds kept the score close for most of the game, but in the end Pattonsburg proved to be too deep for the Redbirds.  The boys dropped their second consecutive game to the Panthers.

On Tuesday night, the Redbirds welcomed the Osborn Wildcats.  The girls game was decided early as the Lady Redbirds came out flat and could never really right the ship.  The Osborn Lady Wildcats were able to defeat the Lady Redbirds and deal them their first defeat on the season.  In the boys contest, Osborn scored the games first two points.  The Redbirds quickly erased that lead and never looked back.  The Redbirds cruised to victory over the Wildcats.

The Lady Redbirds now stand at 4-1 on the season while the boys find themselves at 3-2.  Both squads resume action next Monday with games at Maysville.  It's a Great Day to be a Redbird!

BOTH JUNIOR HIGH TEAMS WITH STRONG SHOWINGS IN TOURNAMENT

The 2015 Winston Junior High Basketball Tournament saw large crowds, close contests, and strong performances by both Redbird teams.  The tournament was held the week of October 19th through the 23rd.  In addition to our Redbirds, teams from Pattonsburg, East Harrison, North Harrison, Tri-County, Stewartsville, and Osborn all took part.

Both our boys and girls teams came into the tournament as the #2 seed.  After first round wins against North Harrison and second round victories over Stewartsville, both squads found themselves in the the championship game on Friday night.

In the championship game, our girls controlled the game from start to finish.  The Lady Redbirds finished with a comfortable victory over The Lady Mustangs of Tri-County to claim the tournament title.  In the boys championship game, the Redbirds faced the #1 seed Pattonsburg.  The game was hard-fought and a back and forth affair.  With 2 seconds on the clock and trailing by 1, a Pattonsburg guard heaved a last second shot that banked in to give the Panthers a 32-30 victory over our Redbirds.  Our boys fought hard but came up just short of a championship taking the second place trophy.

Overall, it was a great week of entertaining basketball.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible.  It takes a lot of people to put on a successful tournament.  I am proud of the efforts of our players, coaches, staff, and parents this week.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

LEWIS NAMED TO TEAM USA

Winston High School Junior Craig Lewis has been selected as one of two alternates to the National "19 and Under" Young Men's Fastpitch Team.  Team USA is composed of young men from all over the United States who will compete for our country in the World Tournament that will be held in Midland, Michigan in July of 2016.  At only 16 years of age, Craig is the youngest member of Team USA.  Being selected as one of only two alternates means that Craig will travel and train with the team over the next several months so if a spot should open up on the 17 man roster for any reason, he will be ready.


Craig's birthday would make him eligible for the next World Tournament also which will be held in 2018.  This year's tournament is special, however, because it is the first time that the games will be held on American soil since 1985.

Craig is the son of Eric and Deanna Lewis and is a stand-out student and athlete for the Redbirds.  I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job representing our school and community to the rest of the world.  Students like Craig are the biggest reason, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

          Team USA 19 and Under Roster

SOPHOMORES ATTEND MY SUCCESS EVENT

On October 14th, our sophomore class attended The My Success Event.  This is a career exploration event for sophomores from around the Northwest Missouri area.  The purpose of this event is to provide students with a better understanding of the  career paths available to them and for them to get an idea which path they may like to begin exploring further.

Prior to attending the event, Ms. McDaniel taught a classroom lesson on career choices.  Students also took an interest inventor through Missouri Connections in order to determine which career path was most compatible with their interests.

During the event, students start at the career area that they have identified and learn about some of the jobs available to them on that path.  As the event continues, however, students are allowed to explore other areas and other career choices.  Several local companies attend the event and offer students a chance to discuss with current professionals what their daily jobs are like as well as what education and qualifications they would need to start working in that field.  Additionally, there are several "hands-on" activities for the students to experience.

Events such as this offer students a "head start" on a career.  Once a student identifies an area they are interested in they can begin gearing their education toward attaining those goals.  Offering our students the guidance and opportunities to be successful in their careers is just one more reason why, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON FFA INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

On Wednesday, October 14th, six members of the Winston FFA Chapter attended the Area 2 Association Greenhand Initiation Ceremony.  The ceremony was held at Gallatin High School.  At the ceremony, Steven Youtsey, Shelby Mason, Ross Nelson, Brooke Heldenbrand, Tyler Turner, and Cy Uthe were all inducted as 1st year members.  In addition to the initiation ceremony, FFA members were able to hear Adam Kirby, President of Missouri FFA, speak about the many opportunities available to them through the FFA.  Congratulations to the newest members of our FFA Chapter, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

ANIMAL SCIENCE CLASS BUILDS DIGESTIVE MODELS

The Animal Science class has been learning about the various types of digestive systems found in different types of livestock.  In order to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of animal digestive systems, across differing species, the class created 3D models of systems in various animals using clay. Pictured L to R are Dalton Youtsey (pig), Gillian Heldenbrand (horse), and Saxton Pliley (dog) with their models of monogastric digestive systems.  By building these models students were able to gain a deeper knowledge of the systems proving that in the classroom or out, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

SEVERAL REDBIRDS EARN POSTSEASON HONORS

Recognition has begun to roll in for the Winston Redbirds Boys and Girls softball teams.  The HDC All-Conference teams have been announced and both lists contain numerous Redbirds.

On the girls team this year, seniors Renae Brice and Skylar Hall are 1st Team Honorees.  They are joined on the team by freshman Sophie Pliley who earned Honorable Mention honors.

The boys team contains 5 Redbirds as seniors Kristchon Hisel and Ty Uthe are joined by juniors Craig Lewis and Saxton Pliley as well as freshman Jake Lewis as unanimous members of the 1st Team.  Additionally, Coach Eric Lewis was named as the HDC Boy's Fastpitch Coach of the Year.

The NWMO Boy's Fastpitch All-State Team has also been announced.  On that squad Kristchon Hisel, Ty Uthe, Craig Lewis, and Jake Lewis were named to the the 1st Team and Saxton Pliley was named as Honorable Mention.

Congratulations to all of the honorees.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA SPONSORS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Students wait to Donate.

Students & Community members donate

Did you know that every donated unit of whole blood can save up to 3 lives?  Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to make a real difference in someone's life.  It is virtually painless, quick, safe, and simple to do (plus you usually get free cookies afterwards!).

Our Fearless Leader giving blood

This year the FFA sponsored a fall blood drive in the Gymnasium on October 13th.  The drive was coordinated through the American Red Cross and ran from 2:00pm - 6:00pm.  During that time students of Winston High School, faculty members, and members of the Winston community all lined up to donate.  As a result of the drive, 18 units of whole blood were collected.  That is enough blood to potentially save over 50 lives.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON STUDENTS SHINE AT VISUAL ARTS FAIR

On Thursday, October 8th, Ms. Wilmes' Advanced Art class attended the Missouri Western State University Visual Arts Fair.  This is an annual event that is held each fall on the campus of MWSU.  The Fair features art displays and "hands-on" art related activities for high school students across the area.  In addition to the displays and activities, students are allowed to enter their artwork into the fair.  This year there were over 600 entries from high schools of all sizes from the surrounding area.  Each year, the art department of MWSU recognizes the top 20% of all entries with a "Ribbon for Artistic Excellence."  I am very proud to announce that 3 of our students received this honor.  Josie McFee, Kristchon Hisel, and Garrett Campbell all received recognition for their artwork.  Great job representing our school and community and letting everyone know that It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

GIRL'S SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

When the final out was recorded on Wednesday night, hearts sank for the Lady Redbirds.  The Lady Redbirds came out on the wrong end of a 16-0 score versus the Lady Wildkats from King City.  It brought a season of ups and downs for our ladies to a close.  There were come from behind wins, dominating pitching performances, crushing defeats, and close calls this year.  Through it all, our ladies kept working hard and improved throughout the season.  In the end, the high school softball career of 6 seniors draws to a close and we can't thank those girls enough for what they have meant to our school and our softball program.  The Lady Redbirds end their season at 7-13, but we couldn't be more proud of the way they played the game.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The faculty of Winston High School has selected its Students of the Month for October.  This is an award that is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School to recognize students who show excellence in academics, character, and attitude.  The winners for October  are Ross Nelson and Reagan Harrison.  Congratulations on this achievement, you are a big reason why It is a Great Day to be a Redbird! 

WINSTON SENIOR RECEIVES RESOLUTION

Jordan with his Grandmother and Coach A

Jordan & Mr. Eggleston

On Tuesday, October 6th, Winston senior Jordan Leonard received a Courtesy Resolution presented by State Representative J. Eggleston of the 2nd District.  The award was presented to Jordan in front of the student body of Winston High School.  The resolution congratulated Jordan for his tremendous accomplishments in Track and Field.

Representative Eggleston spoke about how it is important to recognize great things and how everyone has the ability to accomplish greatness.  After recognizing Jordan with the resolution, Mr. Eggleston posed for many pictures with Jordan and his family.

Jordan with his family

It is important for us to take the time to recognize when one of our own does something great.  We are all a part of the Winston Redbirds and the accomplishments of one reflects on us all.  Congratulations to Jordan and his family.  He is an outstanding young man and one big reason why, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

REDBIRDS WRAP UP SEASON WITH SECOND PLACE FINISH

This was not the way the season was supposed to end.  All season long, the Winston Redbirds had stared every challenger in the face and refused to blink.  As the players warmed up for the start of the championship game of the Missouri Boy's Fastpitch Championship on Saturday, the Redbirds had defeated all challengers and were a mere 7 innings away from winning a State Championship.

The day had seen 2 dominating performances by the Redbirds.  In the opening round of the tournament, the Redbirds had made quick work of the eighth seeded Newtown-Harris Tigers defeating them 14-0.  The Tigers never threatened and never had more than 1 base runner in an inning.  At the plate, the Redbirds were patient and used a combination of walks and timely hits to roll up 14 runs.

The second round game would see the Redbirds face the East Harrison Bobcats.  The Redbirds again overwhelmed their opponent and at the end of the fourth, they had a commanding 15-0 victory.  The Redbird pitching was characteristically dominant and the Redbird bats strung together line-drives and extra-base hits to deliver the knock-out blow to the Bobcats.

In the championship game the Redbirds would face a familiar foe in the Jefferson Eagles.  This would be the fourth match-up of the top 2 squads in the state.  In the previous 3 games, the Redbirds had always emerged victorious.  Despite this success, the Redbirds knew they were in for a challenge.  Jefferson brought a very good team into the game (their only losses on the season coming at the hands of the Redbirds).  The Eagles also are the most decorated program in the history of the championship tournament having won the title an impressive 10 times.  The game was a pitchers duel in every sense of the word.  The Eagles mounted only one scoring threat with their only extra base hit of the contest scoring their lone run.  However, the Redbirds could never mount an offensive charge, as Jefferson's pitching was up to the challenge.  The 2 teams flashed some very impressive defense and dominating pitching.  In the end, when the dust settled, the Eagles stood victorious winning their 11th state title 1-0 over our Redbirds.

While the season ended differently than we all hoped, I could not be more proud of our Redbirds.  They fought all season and all game long.  They refused to go down without a fight and they left everything they had on the field.  I know that everyone is disappointed by the outcome but I am here to tell you that our Redbirds represented themselves, their families, their school, and their community in the best way.  I am proud of all of our student-athletes and coaches.  Despite the loss, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

A+ PROGRAM BUILDS CONNECTIONS THROUGHOUT SCHOOL

As an elementary student, I remember thinking that high school kids were so cool.  They were so big, wore such cool clothes, played sports that had the whole community talking, and seemed like minor celebrities.  I would have given just about anything to be noticed by a high school kid when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade.  Here at Winston High School, we have a program that insures that happens regularly.

The A+ Program is a state funded program that awards graduating seniors with 2 years of tuition at a junior college or qualifying technical school in the state if they meet certain standards of behavior, attendance, and mentoring.  The students at Winston have been busy holding Thursday night tutoring sessions for our middle school and elementary students.  The sessions occur after school on Thursdays and give the younger students a chance to learn from our high school students.  The primary focus is on academics, but the connections made can also help teach important social and life lessons to the younger students.

This is truly a win-win program.  Younger students get help in academics, and older students earn college tuition.  One added benefit is the learning that occurs among our high school students.  By being positive role models for the younger students they learn a lot about themselves and who they want to become.  The A+ Program is another reason why, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!