Close Up Foundation Program in Washington - January 27, 2012

Fourteen students from Center High School attended the Close Up Foundation’s program during the week of Jan. 8-13. They were Simon Rojas, Ethan Xieu, Donald Schrimsher, Whitney Wheeler, Julie Wilkins, Magon Teske, Hannah Wendell, Ashlyn Johnson, Rachel Risinger, Emily Shoop, Casey McDonald, Jennie Johnson, Virginia Midkiff, and Marvy Sparks . The Close Up program gives students an inside view of the people, processes and places in our nation’s capitol and believes that all students deserve the chance to learn how to participate in our democracy. The students met with the staffs of Congressman Louie Gohmert and Senator Kaye Bailey Hutchinson who talked with them about some current issues being discussed in Congress. The staff of Rep. Gohmert arranged for the group to tour the Capitol and furnished them with tickets to the gallery of the House of Representatives. While on Capitol Hill the students also visited the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court Building. The group also participated in study visits to the major monuments that enabled them to connect history to the roles they play in our democracy today. On the final day of the program Rep. Gohmert’s office arranged for the students visited the White House and had a chance to visit other Smithsonian museums. The trip sponsors were Serica and Ronnie Wilkins.

SFA Interior Design Students visit Floral Design class - December 5, 2011
Submitted by Shana Brittain

On Friday Dec 2, 2012, 3 students from the SFA Interior Design Department visited the Floral Design Classes at Center High School. Loren Brown ( CHS graduate), Lane Taylor, Hsin Jou Hsiqo talked to students about careers in interior design and showed students projects and work from their classes at SFA.

Center Elementary G/T Students Attend Imagination Fair - October 31, 2011
Submitted by Jeanette Ashley

Center Elementary first, second, and third grade Gifted and Talented students attended Imagination Fair at SFA. Jiaan Powers, a professional storyteller, from Dallas, entertained the students with several stories. Mrs. Powers also gave hints on how to tell stories. After listening to Mrs. Powers the students were divided into small groups and each child told a short story. Blake Palmer, a third grade student, was selected to share his story with all the students. The afternoon exercise was a problem-solving activity where the students were asked to use their imaginations to design a device that would help younger children learn which shoe went on which foot and to create a commercial to sell this invention.

These inventions and the students recorded stories will be on display in the CES library during Open House on Nov. 1 and 2 for all to see.

Students attending were First graders: Emily Arcibar, Leah Brown, Maribel Cervantes, Carly Gray, Arista Lee, Jordan McSwain, Kadence Polley.

Second graders: Brayden Britt, Skylar Causey, Reyes Gonzalez, Yareli Hernandez, Lance Holloway, Chandler Jones, Yeraldy Rico, Seth Shamblin, Wyatt Stone, Allison Stuever, Ian Williams. Third graders: Maria Alvarado, Naquila Barnes, Hannah Brown, C.J. Goodwin, Aidan Hagler, Zackary Massey, Kristen Orsak, Blake Palmer, Devan Scruggs, Ella Shires, Andrew Valadez, Jack Callen Watlington.

Teachers: Jeanette Ashley and Betty Martin.

Roughrider Band Rated ‘Superior’ at Marching Contest - October 24, 2011
Submitted by Christina Smith

On Saturday, October 22 the Roughrider band traveled to Stephen F. Austin State University to participate in the UIL Region 21 Marching Contest. Bands are given 5-8 minutes to perform, bands who go longer or shorter than this time frame receive a deduction from their final rating. Three judges each score the band on a scale of 1-5; 1 means ‘superior’, 2 means ‘excellent’, 3 means ‘average’, 4 means ‘fair’, and 5 means ‘poor’. The band receives the rating 2 out of 3 judges give, in the event of a ‘rainbow’ or no agreement between judges the band receives the middle rating.

Judges for marching contest were Brandon Brewer, Dr. Jerry Payne, and Larry Ward.

The Roughrider band received a rating of 1 from all three judges- the highest rating a band can receive. Judges comments included “A fine overall performance in ALL aspects…..good color of tones within all sections…good ensemble sounds…this is an outstanding band…great marching…a very musical performance…”

The band will travel back to SFA to compete at the National Association of Military Marching Bands competition on Saturday, November 5th.

Center HS Chaparrals Attend Team Camp - October 20, 2011
Submitted by Lee Ann McGraw, Chaparral Director

This past June, the Center HS Chaparrals attended Team Camp - American Dance and Drill in Galveston, Texas. At camp they were awarded Best Overall Precision Super Sweepstakes, The Gussy Nell Team of the Day and The Gussy Nell Team of the Week. Also, Kayla Broomfield, Team Captain, received Outstanding Performance, Honorable Mention.

Congratulations Chaparrals on a job well done!

In July, after attending the Team Camp in Galveston, Texas, the CHS Chaps Officers Kayla Broomfield, Captain; Chakera Ingram, Lieutenant; and Jessica Soto, Lieutenant attended the UDA Officer Camp in Monroe, Louisiana, where they were awarded the Spirit Award for the day, placed 3rd in Home Routine, received a Superior Drill Down and a Superior for Final Performance.

Congratulations Chaparral Officers on a job well done!

Center Elementary Students enjoy story time with Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom - October 17, 2011

On Friday, October 14, 2011, the students in Mrs. Byndom’s and Mrs. Herndon’s first grade classes listened to stories read by Chief Byndom. This was in observance of Fire Prevention Week. The stories were titled: Firefighters A-Z and Firefighters. The students learned about fire safety and how firefighters help keep our community safe. After the stories the students were allowed to ask Chief Byndom questions. They were then extended an invitation to come and tour the fire station with their parents at a later time.

Center HS Chaparrals Win 2nd in Competition at Pineywoods Fair - October 17, 2011

Center High School Chaparrals recently participated in the Dance/Cheer Competition at Pineywoods Fair in Nacogdoches. They were awarded 2nd place in the High School Division I category for Dance. The Chaparrals have dazzled us with great performances this entire football season and we would like to congratulate them on their success.

Center FFA Projects at the Poultry Festival - October 6, 2011
Submitted by Shana Brittain

Center FFA has several projects at the Poultry Festival that we will be taking bids for a silent auction. There is a BBQ pit on a trailer, deer mineral feeder, picnic table, Adarondak chair, hay ring, deer stands, animal cages and other items - There is also a display of our metal art. Please go by and see the items and support Center FFA with your bid!

Center FFA Attends Pineywwods District FFA Meeting and Funday - September 21, 2011
Submitted by Shana Brittain

On Tuesday Sept 20, Center FFA attended the Pineywoods District Meeting and Funday. 7 Center FFA members attended along with about 200 other FFA members from all over the district. They worked on leadership skills and were treated to pizza. Members attending were - Jose Tello, Moises Arcibar, Adan Solis, Kamden Lucas, Alec Lucas,Tori Davis and Julie McSwain. FFA advisors attendeing were Jon Brandt and Shana Brittain.

CHS Graduates Pass Phlebotomy Certification - July 21, 2011

The following CHS graduates participated in the Phlebotomy course offered by Center High School in conjunction with Panola College. On July 12th, they were all successful in passing the AMT certification exam. We are proud to announce that they are now Registered Phlebotomy Technicians. The students are... (back left to right) Haven Holland, Cara Harless, Jessica Lee (front left to right) Britney Fairchild, Kaley Nichols, Sakendrick Calhoun