NATIONAL FFA PRESIDENT MAKES A STOP IN WINSTON

The Winston FFA Chapter along with National President Taylor McNeel
and Northwest District Supervisor Mr. Keith Dietzchold.

On Friday, September 2nd, The Winston FFA Chapter had the honor of hosting Taylor McNeel, the National FFA President, to speak to students during an assembly.  Ms. McNeel is from Vilona, Arkansas and was elected to National office during the 2015-2016 National Convention. 

Ms. McNeel's visit to Winston actually began on Thursday evening as she attended the "Back to School BBQ" that our chapter holds every year.  The evening event featured food and fellowship shared by our chapter members, their families, and Ms. McNeel. 

On Friday Ms. McNeel addressed the members of our FFA Chapter, as well as Winston 7th and 8th grade students and visiting students from the Jamesport FFA Chapter, about reflections on her FFA career, challenges she has faced in life, and her philosophy of living a life to serve.  "I recently read Bob Goff's "Love Does", she said, "and learned about living 'palms up'.  Palms up means taking what is provided and passing it along to others."

Today, Ms. McNeel is an agricultural business major with a minor in Spanish at Southern Arkansas University. After her year in office, she plans to study abroad to continue her Spanish studies and aim for a career in lobbying for agriculture trade associations or working on policy for elected officials.

 

"I am excited this year to learn about the different types of agriculture across the country. This year will provide an opportunity to talk with FFA members, consumers, and the public about FFA, agriculture education, and agriculture."  It was an honor to host such an intelligent, articulate, and upstanding young person who serves as a role model for our students.  Activities such as this are yet another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WARNING! EXCELLENCE CAN BE HABIT FORMING!

     Excellence In All We Do!  It is the motto here at Winston High School, and I am proud to say that we have continued achieving at a high level.  For the fourth year in a row, Winston High School was awarded the HDC Conference All Activities Championship.  This award grants points based on how a school finishes in Boys and Girls Softball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Track, and Varsity Academic Team.

     Winning this award for the fourth year in a row is a testament to all of the hard-work and sacrifices made by our athletes, parents, and coaches.  Being successful doesn't happen by accident, it takes a willingness to sacrifice personal time and goals for the sake of the program.  Our students and coaches have represented Winston with excellence, class, and pride.  Congratulations to everyone that had a hand in the championship.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA, WORKING THROUGH THE SUMMER

Logan Caldwell (Post Driver), Shelby Mason (Horse Shoe Star),
Drew Neth (Boot Jack)

The school year may be just starting, but many members of our FFA Chapter have been hard at work all summer long.  5 of our students exhibited projects at various fairs at the local, district, and state levels. 

Sam Uthe and
Elizabeth O'Dell
(Showed Rabbits)    

Congratulations to these students for all of their hard work and dedication to their individual projects, and their achievements in the National FFA Organization.  This is just another example of how our FFA Chapter is helping to make sure:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

I LOVE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

   

 Several years ago (circa 1995) I made a decision.  I decided that I would abandon my plans to pursue a career in journalism and transition to education.  It was really a simple decision.  The economics didn't matter (neither occupation pays very well) and my family was supportive.  So I decided that I would leave the University of Missouri after two years and move to a cheaper school (CMSU) to finish my degree in education.

    I can't say that there were not hiccups.  My first two years in the classroom were adventurous and full of failures.  However, I had students who I enjoyed, coworkers who were supportive, and administrators who were VERY patient.  By my 3rd and 4th years I had begun to "hit my stride".  Things came easier, I really enjoyed teaching, and I was decent at it.

    Now, as I look back, I can't believe that this is my 19th year as an educator.  After 12 years in the classroom and now my 7th as an administrator, I feel like I have seen just about everything.  I have become one of those "grizzled veterans" I remember from my early educational career.  However, there is one thing that hasn't changed for me...I still love the first day of school!

    I still toss and turn the night before the first day.  I still wake up before my alarm because I don't want to oversleep.  I still get butterflies as I pull into the parking lot on that morning.  So why do I still feel this way after 19 years?  Because every first day is a clean slate.  It is a fresh start.  Everyone is happy and visiting.  It is a time of excitement.  

    Last year I introduced our motto:  "Excellence In All We Do", this year we will continue that pursuit.  We had a very good year last year. Attendance was up, discipline was down, the sports teams did very well, we saw a renaissance in some clubs such as FCCLA and NHS, FFA had its most successful year in recent history, Our band received a 1 rating, many organizations such as our Art Club undertook community service projects, our whole school began giving back to local communities, all in all it was an excellent year! 

    It is important now for us to keep striving for greatness.  We cannot rest on our accomplishments of last year, we must choose to build on them.  I am excited to see where we can lead this school next.  We have a lot of great things happening.  We will move into a new building next year, our enrollment has increased for the second year in a row, we are producing intelligent, compassionate, and productive citizens every year.  Winston High School must continue to be a leader in our conference, our area, and our State.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!