Zachary Student Media Takes to Boston! 

Attending the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association conference in Boston, Massachusetts, Zachary Student Media, led by advisers Mrs. McClinton and Mrs. Lee, embarked on their first national conference. Months before the trip, student journalists raised funds by selling the World’s Finest Chocolate and accepting donations. In the early hours of November 1, 11 sleepy yet excited students set flight towards Boston, enduring a full day of travel. The next day, they visited astonishing attractions throughout Boston, from the Massachusetts State House to the Boston Tea Party Museum. After a fun-filled day of excursions, it was time to get to business. The goal for days three and four was to learn as much as possible to apply to our program and be able to compete on the national level. Each Student Media member attended sessions at the luxurious Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay. 

The Corral Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Remi Quibodeaux (12), reflects on her new-found knowledge and where she wants her staff to be.

 “I love to see the dedication and it makes me want to give more for the team. I feel like we can get to the height of the other schools,” Quibodeaux (12) said.  

First-year WZHS reporter Mackenzie Patterson (10), flying solo, represented her staff at the conference. 

“I wanted to go to Boston to better learn how to write a script and how [to] figure out how to make a broadcast,” Patterson (10) said.  

Mackenzie Thompson (12), business manager for Student Media, shares her excitement for her future in media. 

“I want to make an impact not for attention but for myself to be proud of and for others to enjoy,” Thompson (12) said. 

The Co-founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hoofprint Online, Maddy Snyder (11), states the conference’s impact on her leadership. 

“I want to change the way we present stories to our readers to make them more interesting and I also want to emphasize team bonding,” Snyder (11) said. 

This experience was a lesson and realization for everyone. Some decided journalism was their future, while others realized it wasn’t. One fact is true: everyone experienced many firsts they’ll treasure forever! 

Red, White, Blue, and Tender-Hearted Tunes

On Friday, November 10, the Band of Blue, Choir, and JROTC performed at the annual Flag Raising Ceremony at the Regional Veterans Park, sponsored by the Bank of Zachary and co-hosted by Lane Regional Medical Center. Lt. Colonel Darren Spears served as the master of ceremonies, with remarks offered by Retired Army Colonel Robert Reisz. Although cloudy and rainy, the event was memorable and didn’t stop the show from going on! 

Special guests from Boy Scout Troop 46 and Cub Scout Pack 46 provided the flag under the direction of Lt. Colonel Spears. Under Ms. Fountain’s direction, the choir performed melodious and soulful songs and hymns. The band, under the direction of Jason Venable, performed “America, the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee (America),” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” 

We salute our veterans for their tireless, determined efforts to keep our nation and families secure and prosperous.

 Talented Thespians Go to Texas!

The theatre department travelled to Grapevine, TX to attend the annual Texas Thespian festival at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Participating in various competitions against schools around the nation, these talented thespians put their best acting skills to the test!

For Alexis Daigle (11) this trip was far different from any other one she’s been on.

“I really understand why everyone loves theatre so much. You really get to bond and get closer with new people,” Daigle (11) said.

Although stressful because it was her first time, Daigle (11) is grateful for the things she learned and the fun she had.

However, for some, this was their last ride with Troupe 6648. Ma’at Firven (12) was one who embarked on her final trip with her favorite troupe.

“It really is bittersweet..there’s special energy that is unique to our troupe. I’m so lucky and grateful for Mrs. Masterson and Mrs. Feirabend,” Firven (12) said.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Troupe 6648 pose at the convention center during competition day!

Little Farmers of America 

FFA hosted the eighth annual Farm to School event for Zachary Early Learning Center preschoolers. The children participated in interactive projects such as creating kale smoothies, cucumber sandwiches, and pumpkin pie in a cup. Receiving a grant for a farm-to-school program, AG teacher, Mrs. Brumbaugh started this event to encourage healthy eating to children.  

“These kids are learning about vegetables and trying ones that should taste nasty to them, such as a kale smoothie. Most of these kids have never had kale, nonetheless a kale smoothie,” Brumbaugh said. 

To ensure everything went smoothly, AG Leadership did a mock trial with AG 3 students roleplaying as the kids.

“I would say this year was better than last year because personally I think I did better with the kids, especially since they were paying attention,” Lauren Latino (12) said.  

 

Pleasing everyone can be challenging; some kids didn’t appreciate the cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, especially the spice level of the salsa. However, it was someone’s cup of tea.

“One of the best things is watching the kids eat something they may not enjoy, and seeing them love it, like the kale smoothie. How cool is it to sneak such a healthy vegetable into something they enjoy?” Brumbaugh said. 

 

Seeing the kids’ smiles and the enjoyment on their faces made Ms. B and the AG students grateful and honored for what they did. They are beyond ecstatic for next year’s Farm to School!

Food, Fun, and Friends!

Inviting and gathering clubs around campus, from FFA to French Club, Key Club held the annual Clubsgiving on November 16. Planned by Sponsor Nicole Redmond, President Zion Ramsey (11), and Co-President Dominic Young (11), the trio had days to plan the gathering. However, they managed to throw the biggest Clubsgiving event yet! From devouring Raising Cane’s tailgate platters to line dancing in Fresh Pickings, Clubsgiving was the perfect way to enter the Thanksgiving break. Plus, who would pass up an opportunity for free food?  

Noah Carter (11) was one who partook in the freebies. 

“I came here with friends, and I wanted free food,” Carter (11) said. 

 

As a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons member, Carter explains what D&D is. 

“It’s kind of like writing a book with other people each person is a character. [Although] its more complex than that,” Carter (11) said. 

 

Ms. Redmond explains the reason for Clubsgiving and what it means for students.  

“[Clubsgiving] is tradition at this point. We spend so much time with people we go to school and in extracurriculars so they’re like family,” Redmond said.