The SHS Phoenix Football Red and Black scrimmage teams met for battle in front of full stands. The SHS Student Government sponsored the event with all donations for the SHS Memory Walk.  The band, cheerleaders, chorus, and others participated for a fun-filled event. Thanks to all who made this possible.  If you would like information on how to make a donation to the SHS Memory Walk fund, please call SHS 706-602-0320. 

FES students lined the halls, cheering and clapping, as SHS Seniors performed their annual Senior Parade at Fairmount Elementary. Among FES staff, there are five mothers of SHS graduating seniors. The proud mamas include Principal Kimm Smith, Special Education teacher Jamie Mullinax, Afterschool Program director Pennie Hobgood, Kindergarten teacher Sharon Sheriff and PreK paraprofessional, Carla Young.

The FES Drama focus group worked very hard on their play "Greatest Americans of the 20^th Century", beginning in January. This week they were ready to show it off for everyone! Every student in the school was able to come and enjoy the play and parents attended as well. Kudos to director John Rampy, who is also our computer teacher and the students who participated.

Sonoraville High School's Josh Nicholson signs to attend and run track for Brewton Parker College.

First Row:  Coach Sara Little; Dad- Jeff Nicholson; Josh Nicholson; Coach Greg McDaris.  Back Row:  Brent Mashburn; Mark Waters

Sonoraville High School's Madison Fowler signs to attend and work as a Track Manager for Brenau University.

First Row:  Coach Sara Little; Madison Fowler; Mother - Amanda Fowler; Coach Greg McDaris

Back Row:  Mark Waters; Brent Mashburn; Brother - Brock Fowler

Kristi Vaughn was recently named to the Junior Volleyball Association's "2013 JVA Watch List."  Vaughn, a Sonoraville High School junior, was one of only three Georgia players to receive the award.  These awards recognize JVA club players across the country for outstanding achievement on the volleyball court.

As an organization committed to the growth and development of junior volleyball, the JVA values the achievement of JVA players. "We are proud of the values put forth by our member clubs and are happy to be able to give them this opportunity to publicly recognize their most outstanding athletes" states JVA Executive Director Jenny Hahn. This is the first year the JVA has featured this particular award.  Eligible players are competing in age divisions 15-18 this club season.  Vaughn has competed for the North Georgia Rage Volleyball Club for three years and helped lead Sonoraville to Georgia's "Super Six" this past season.

This year's JVA Watch List features 120 female athletes representing 44 clubs.  Honorees are automatically eligible for the JVA All-National Team , announced in June.  For more information about the JVA, visit www.jvaonline.org

The Sonoraville High School Foreign Language Department held their biannual Foreign Language Festival last week.  The festival is held to celebrate a semester of learning about foreign language and cultures.  The festival was held over a period of four days and students in Michael Arial's, Jose Gomez', Kristen McGuire's, and Jackie Palazzolo's classes participated in several events.  The events ranged from arts and crafts to cooking and eating foods from around the globe.  The culminating event of the festival was held at the Sonoraville Recreation Department.  SHS students performed, watched, and participated in dances and singing songs.  Pictured is the Latina dance group who danced in memory of Jacqueline Ramirez.  Pictured from left to right are:  Daniela Aguilar, Thalia Torres, Veronica Perez, Maria Gonzalez, Brenda Avalos, April Meza, and Maggie Rendon.

Congratulations to Sonoraville High School juniors, Carrie Cheeks and Andrew Slaton, GHSA AAA Track and Field State Champions!  Carrie won her second straight state championship in the girls high jump.  Andrew won two state championships in the 100m and the 110m hurdles.  Congratulations to both of these athletes on this great accomplishment.  Below are pictures of their state championship rings.

Mrs. Christy's class participated in a Community Based Instruction Trip to Simply Southern.  We want to thank our Circle of Friends for participating with us and Deputy Shelley for making sure we got there safely!

The Kindergarten classes at SES recently celebrated their writing accomplishments with friends and family. The students shared their latest nonfiction writing pieces in which they researched and wrote about an animal of their choice. The students were very excited to show off all their hard work! 

Ashworth Middle School students love their cafeteria and janitorial staff! Last week,  the AMS Student Council honored the staff with a cake to show each one how much they are appreciated for all of their hard work, dedication, and the kindness they show every student and faculty member each day. Pictured are Darlene Wilson, Krista Ledford, and Amelia Smith of the Cafeteria Staff and Olivia Fleming and Rainey Fitch of the Student Council.

Tolbert Elementary would like to thank Greenscapes for donating rubber mulch for their playground. Ashworth Middle School students spent their community helper day spreading it out for Tolbert.

SHS Phoenix Track team member, Carrie Cheeks, won her second consecutive state championship in the high jump! Be sure to congratulate her when you see her.

Other SHS Phoenix Track & Field results: Heather Ortiz, 5th Place in Pole Vault & Gabby Romine, 4th place in Pole Vault

Photo: (l to r) Bridgett Oliver (Calhoun Women's Club President), Payton Smith (recipient), Susan Smith (mother of recipient), Natasha Beemon (nominating teacher)

Payton Smith received her award for the Calhoun Women's Club Youth of the Month. Please congratulate Payton on this achievement. See her nomination below:

"Payton Smith is a senior here at Sonoraville and she embraces the qualities of a student and athlete leader. Payton is an honor student who is actively involved in Youth Leadership. She is also a three year member of the Sonoraville soccer team and four year member of the basketball team.  I have taught Payton for two academic semesters in social studies - U.S. History and World History. She was a model student in the classroom and worked hard to complete the courses while helping others in the class. I am also the assistant coach for girls basketball. Payton consistently led the team statistically, but most important, emotionally. She was always there to support and encourage her teammates.  I have watched her grow into a responsible and hard-working teenager. Payton recently received a basketball scholarship to play at Reinhardt University. She maintains a standard of excellence on the court, field and classroom. Her growth and leadership deserve to be recognized."

Star 94 and Georgia United Credit Union Name

Lisa Smith of Calhoun

Top Five "Teachers Make a Difference" Award Winner

Sonoraville High School Teacher Is First Named as Top Five "Teachers Make a Difference" Award Winner from Star94 Radio and Georgia United Credit Union:

Dr. Amy Parker, CTAE Director; Vonda Bledsoe, Georgia United Dalton Branch Manager; Principal Bruce Potts; Business Education Teacher Lisa Smith; and Casey Tate, Star94 Program Director

Calhoun, GA  (May 6, 2013) Congratulations to Lisa Smith, Business Education Teacher at Sonoraville High School in Calhoun (Gordon County), chosen as one of Georgia United Credit Union & Star94 Radio's Top Five "Teachers Make a Difference" Award Winners.

As part of Georgia United and Star94's commitment to stronger schools and stronger communities, this educational credit union and metro Atlanta radio station teamed up again this year - to reward teachers who make a difference in the lives of students and their parents.

More than 400 of you submitted a nomination in recognition of a teacher who has made a difference in your life.  From those responses, we selected our Top Five winners, each of whom will be recognized with a reception and lunch at their school (thanks to our friends at Jimmy John's) the week of May 6-10. Each Top Five teacher will also receive a $500 cash prize and a $250 prize for their school; one Grand Prize winner will also be awarded a $2,000 scholarship towards his or her Continuing Education studies. 

SHS Phoenix Guys State Track Meet Results

Andrew Slaton State Champ in 100m and 110m Hurdles!!!!!
The following is a link to the GHSA Boys Track State Championships this past weekend where Andrew Slaton won the State Championship in the 100m and the 110m hurdles.  If you go to the 1:29:00 mark on the video you can watch the 100m finals and at 2:01:00 you can see the finals of the 110m hurdles.  Be sure to congratulate Andrew on this amazing accomplishment.

http://www.playonsports.com/channels/track-and-field/events/57979

Other Results: 

Andrew Slaton - 4^th in triple jump

Josh Mattila - 11^th in Pole Vault

Kelby Withrow - did not place

Tyler Harris - 13^th in Shot and 12^th in Disc

4x100 relay (Nate Thornton, Zac Hebard, Logan Sutton, Andrew Slaton)  10^th

This year SHS had two young ladies honored as Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-State Selections for basketball.  Senior, Payton Smith, and junior, Carrie Cheeks, were both named to the North All-State team for AAA.  This is a huge honor, and it's really exciting to have 2 players named to the team.  Please congratulate these girls!

Here is the roster for all of this year's All-state selections:

http://r2rmedia.com/2013%20AllStateBasketball

If you weren't already aware, Carrie was also named Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2^nd team all-state and Chattanooga Times Free Press All-Area for this season.

The SHS Phoenix Baseball team play in the State Play-off Round 1 Series tonight, May 3. 

4:30 Game 1 vs Franklin County.

7:30 Game 2 vs Franklin County.

In a year full of state tournament qualifiers throughout the Phoenix Nation, it's only fitting that the baseball team add themselves to the list.

SOCCER : First it was the Phoenix Tennis teams making history last week by qualifying for their first ever State Playoff appearance. Well, you can add our Phoenix Boys Soccer team to that list. Despite Tuesday's 3-2 loss at Cartersville, Coach Palazzolo's team is headed to the AAA State Playoffs Friday, May 3^rd , as the #4 seed from Region 5-AAA, traveling to North Oconee, the #1 seed from Region 8-AAA. The Phoenix finished the regular season at 10-6 overall and 8-6 in the region. Congrats to the Phoenix!!

SHS students were treated to a BMX demonstration as an incentive from fundraising to support the school's Memory Walk. 

Before the show, the officers of SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, spoke to the student body about thinking of the consequences before getting behind the wheel and driving recklessly or while impaired. Leslie DePerro spoke to the students about how her son's injuries from a wreck 10 years ago have had a tremendous impact on many lives and the consequences from poor decisions.

If you would like more information on making a donation to the SHS Memory Walk Fund, please call the school at 706-602-0320.

SHS celebrated the Phoenix Spring Sports that are headed to state-playoffs with one of their famous pep rally hall walks. 

The Phoenix Boys Soccer Team plays in North Oconee at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 3rd.

The Phoenix Baseball Team plays in Franklin County on Friday, May 3rd at 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM.  

The Phoenix Boys Golf Team is headed to state. TBA.

The Phoenix Boys Track & Field qualifiers head to their competition on Thursday, May 2nd in Athens.  The Phoenix Girls Track & Field qualifiers head to their competition next week.

The Boys AAA State Track Meet is Wednesday in Athens, GA. The Girls State Track Meet is Wednesday, May 8th down in Albany.

The following Phoenix are headed to state:

Girls

Carrie Cheeks(High Jump), Gabby Romine(Pole Vault), Heather Ortiz(PV & 800m),Jordan Baumgardener(Disc)

Guys

Tyler Harris(Shot & Disc),Kel Withrow(Pole Vault), Josh Mattila(Pole Vault), Andrew Slaton(Triple Jump), Nate Tornton, Andrew Slaton, Logan Sutton, Zac Hebard (Robby Thornton - alt) in 4x100m Relay, Andrew Slaton(100m & 110m Hurdles)

The Boys AAA State Track Meet is this Wednesday in Jefferson, GA. The Girls State Track Meet is Wednesday, May 8th down in Albany.

The AMS Landscaping Club recently received a generous donation from the Hill House Garden Club to plant a perennial bed at the front of Ashworth Middle School. Students worked to strip sod and to prepare, plant, and mulch the bed. The mission of the AMS Landscaping Club is to beautify our school grounds while learning more about landscaping and plants. AMS appreciates the continued support of the Hill House Garden Club!

The CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) students from Gordon Central received a visit from Shea Wilson from Ashton Staffing. The students filled out job applications and got an initial interview. There is a great need for CNAs in Gordon and Whitfield County. Mrs. Wilson said that some of them may get an called for an interview by the end of the week. In this photo, are l to r Catlin Townsend, Jessica Padgett, Angel Petitjean, Shea Wilson, Ashton Staffing, Kimberly San Juan, Deisy Najarro, and Tiffani West. Not pictured: Kaylee Lajpop

A big congrats goes out to Tammy Fuller and the GCHS Cafeteria staff for scoring a perfect 100% on a recent inspection. 

Way to go Ladies!!

The AMS Landscape Club recently visited Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw. The students learned about raised bed gardening, bonsai gardening and southern conifers and enjoyed the gardens in Spring bloom and many sculptures. The trip was made possible by a fundraiser the students completed in the Fall.

(Pictured left to right: Mason Dockrey, Shelby Wilson, Ashlyn Brandon, Angel Fraire, Rainey Fitch, Stephanie Silva, Nathania Cortes, Maria Zuniga, Samantha Guardado, Gisselle Beltran)

  The following SES teachers received a "Phoenix On Fire" Award on April 23, 2013. Shelley Allen, lead ESS teacher, was acknowledged for consistently using effective questioning strategies with 4^th grade math students. Meagan Blalock and Abby Holt, 5^th grade teachers, were acknowledged for the thorough instructional design of their math co-teaching lessons. Nikki Hampton, K-5 ESOL teacher, was acknowledged for the differentiation strategies she uses with her students.

Congratulations to Brooke Childs and Gabe Smith! These two SES students were honored for their participation in DUKE University's Talent Identification Program (TIP). To participate in this program students must be in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade and have scored at the 95th percentile or above on a standardized achievement aptitude or mental ability test. We are very proud of both of you!

Dustin Curtis of Sonoraville High School was recognized as the Calhoun Woman's Club Youth of the Month for the month of April. Dustin is pictured with Lisa Smith, his nominating teacher and FBLA adviser and the Education Committee Member, Julie Peden of Calhoun Woman's Club. Dustin has taken an active role in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for the last three years and is currently serving as the President for Sonoraville High School FBLA. He is a pathway completer for the Small Business Development Pathway.  He also passed the End-of-Pathway Exam in this area.  Dustin also qualified as a National Financial Capability Challenge Contest winner.  He is a first place FBLA state winner in Management Information Systems and will be competing on the national level in Anaheim, California this summer. He plans to attend West Georgia College and major in Marketing and Management.

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger) congratulates an excited Avery Beason on the selection of her pencil drawing, "Homecoming Kiss," top, as the winner of the 14th state district submission for the 2013 Congressional Art Competition. (Christopher Smith/The Daily Citizen) (1 of 1)

April 23, 2013

Student art heading to Washington

By Christopher Smith christophersmith@daltoncitizen.com

The Dalton Daily Citizen

Right now, it's resting on a wall in the Dalton office of U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger).

In May, Avery Beason's artwork will be hung in a tunnel connecting the oldest congressional office in America and the U.S. Capitol Building, both in Washington, D.C.

Graves said walking the tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol is "a truly neat thing and a great place for art" when he announced Beason of Sonoraville High School in Calhoun as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition Monday night. Beason represents the 14th state district, which covers most of northwest Georgia including Whitfield County.

A panel of judges from the Creative Arts Guild made the selection. The announcement ceremony was held at the Dalton State College Derrell C. Roberts Library.

"The tunnel houses artwork from every congressional district in every state," Graves said. "Avery's artwork will be displayed where thousands upon thousands of visitors will see it every day as they go through this tunnel."

That idea makes graduating from high school seem less overwhelming, said Beason who beat out 42 submissions and five finalists. The finalist included Callee Manna and Hannah Harper of Darlington School in Rome, Eva Ramirez of North Murray High School and Morgan Johnson of the Georgia Cyber Academy, an online public school.

"It was really exciting to hear my name called," she said. "I was nervous because all of the finalists were really good. I've never won something like this. It's exciting to know so many people will see my work."

"Homecoming Kiss" is a pencil recreation of a photo showing Beason kissing her mother on the check during a homecoming dance two years ago, Beason said.

"I drew it for my mom's birthday," she said. "She really liked this picture."

Beason said she plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta campus this fall to study graphic design. Graves said when she gets out of college she should "continue to chase her dreams."

Keith Beason, Avery Beason's father, agrees.

"Every child is unique and you want to nurture their natural abilities," he said. "Then you figure out - obviously - at the end of this you need a job. But her responsibility at this point is to develop her talent and take it to the collegiate level. It's not like you can't find a job in art and keep following your muse. There's people who say you can't get a job in art. That's a myth. That's just not true."

That's an important thing to keep in mind when federal budget cuts continue to hit art and art education, said Graves. The U.S. Department of Education website reported 4 million elementary school students nationwide go without art classes, while sequestration has reduced federal art grants by 5 percent.

"Really it's in each local community's best interest to make sure there are avenues available to students with artistic talents," he said. "It's clear that good education is still available locally and that a lot of good instructors are helping students in our district just by the art we see (in this competition)."

Graves added that would-be artists should be self-sufficient and not depend heavily on the government to jump start their careers through grants.

"If you wait for the federal government to support you the federal government will let you down," he said. "Despite what's going on to the national budget, these students press on after their dreams and that's encouraging."

SHS held one of their traditional hall pep rally walks to send the girls tennis team off with a BANG!!

  SHS wishes the following Lady Phoenix Tennis players the best today as they compete against Franklin County at home:

 Coach Billie Abney 

The SHS Men's Phoenix Track & Field Team placed 2nd at Regionals.  The following SHS Track & Field Team Members will advance to Sectionals:

GIRLS GOING TO SECTIONALS

Carrie Cheeks - High Jump 1^st place in Region

Jordan Baumgardener - Disc  4^th in Region

Gabby Romine - Pole Vault  2^nd in Region

Heather Ortiz - Pole Vault - 4^th in Region

Heather Ortiz; Maris Irick; Kenzie Walraven; Adei Attoh - 4x100m Relay  3^rd in Region

Heather Ortiz - 1600m  4^th in Region

Adei Attoh  - 100m 3^rd in Region

Heather Ortiz - 800m  2^nd in Region

Kenzie Walraven - 200m 4^th in Region

GUYS GOING TO SECTIONALS

Nathan Thornton - Long Region 4^th in Region

Andrew Slaton - Triple Jump 2^nd in Region

Tyler Harris - Shot  2^nd in Region

Tyler Harris - Disc  2^nd in Region

Josh Mattila - Pole Vault - 2^nd in region

Kel Withrow - Pole Vault - 3^rd in Region

Nate Thornton; Zac Hebard; Logan Sutton; Andrew Slaton - 4x100m Relay  1^st in Region

Andrew Slaton - 100m 1^st in Region

Andrew Slaton - 110m Hurdles - 1^st in Region

Josh Nicholson - 800m 3^rd in Region

Fred Spruell - 800m 4^th Region

Zac Hebard - 200m  2^nd in Region

Nate Thornton; Logan Sutton; Zac Hebard; Robby Johnston - 4x400m Relay  2^nd in Region

Women - Team Rankings - 16 Events Scored
1) Catersville High School 141

2) Gordon Central High Schoo 110

3) LFO High School 100

4) Sonoraville High School 76

5) Coahulla Creek High School 60

6) Ringgold High School 58

7) Adairsville High School 56

8) North Murray High School 21

Men - Team Rankings - 16 Events Scored

1) Catersville High School 120

2) Sonoraville High School 116

3) Gordon Central High School 110

4) North Murray High School 62

5) LFO High School 61

6) Adairsville High School 54

7) Coahulla Creek High School 53

8) Ringgold High School 47

Today the SHS Varsity Baseball Team went down to SMS to eat lunch with all SMS Baseball players.  The players enjoyed pizza and were able to spend some time together to get to know each other.  It was a great atmosphere that brought current and future SHS Phoenix together in the spirit of making connections. Mr. Bowen, SMS Principal, stated "it was great to look into the media center from the cafeteria and see Phoenix Baseball 6-12 connecting. Times like this will go along way to building the future."

The SHS Boys Tennis Team headed to Morgan County High School today for the state play-offs after a walk-through pep rally

Mrs. Gaither's 4th grade class raised the most money at SES during Jump Rope For Heart. Her students got to duct tape (stick) her to the wall!

  Congratulations to Sonoraville Elementary School for having the top overall fundraiser nights and raising the most money at Chick-Fil-A!

March right over to Chick-fil-A

for GC JROTC Spirit Night!

Monday, April 22

5-8

SHS FBLA SPIRIT NIGHT

Thursday 4/18/13 5PM - 8PM

Please support the SHS Future Business Leaders of America by eating at

Simply Southern restaurant sometime between 5 PM and 8 PM on Thursday

We are raising funds to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference and Competition this summer in CA

(Dustin Curtis, Leighanna Edwards and Landon Holmes qualified and will compete in CA-

we are trying to bring home national awards!)

You can also support with carry-out orders : (706) 624-4442

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Sonoraville and the SHS business classes were able to visit Georgia Highlands College in Cartersville, Georgia on Friday, April 12, 2013. While on the tour, the students were able to see firsthand, the college, and visit various areas and activities that are offered to college students. The participating students also had the opportunity to ask questions about admissions, scholarships, majors, and other college related questions.  Many students were unaware of this option as a post-secondary school.

On Friday, April 12, 2013, the Sonoraville High School's Entrepreneurial Ventures class and FBLA members toured The World of Coca Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. On the tour, each student explored Coca Cola's history, got to meet their "cheerleader", Wendy, and meet the Coca Cola Polar Bear.  We then started our self guided tour, in which students toured seven different exhibits. The most popular was the tasting of the different sodas from around the world. The trip was both fun and informal for all who attended! 

Pictured left to right:  Cassidy Howington, Lisa Smith, Leighanna Edwards, the Coca Cola Polar Bear, Makenna Burger, and Natalie Parker

Both the SHS boys and girls tennis teams qualified for State tennis play for the first time.

The boys defeated Adairsville 4-1 while the girls won a nail-bitter 3-2.   

The girls team upset the number 2 seed to advance to the region finals against Cartersville. Erin Schueman, Avery Beason and Morgan Whittinghill were the winners in the semi final match. Erin pulled out the match by winning in three very long sets. Just as the day before in Morgan Whittinghill's match, Erin's physical conditioning allowed her to finally blow past her opponent.

In the final match, Cartersville won 5-0. 

SHS girls will host their first round match at SHS the first of next week.

The boys team barely lost their semi-final match to Cartersville 3-2. Winners were Tyler Bowers, and doubles team of Carl Trantham and Taylor Logan.

 In the play off for 3rd and 4th between SHS and Coahulla Creek, the boys finally defeated CC. Winners were Matt Edgar, Tyler Bowers, and the doubles team of David Nguyen and Dylan Cronan.

Both  the boys and girls teams are playing very well and are expected that both teams will have a chance to advance in the state play offs. SHS is VERY proud of our players !

Friday, April 12, the Lady Phoenix soccer team traveled to the Boys and Girls Club of Gordon County and put on a free soccer clinic for the kids. 

SHS senior pitcher, 1^st baseman, and outfielder Thomas Worsham signed to attend and play baseball at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga.  The Scots are in the transition phase of moving to compete at the NCAA Division III level.  We wish Thomas good luck in this next phase of his life. 

Front (L to R): David Worsham (father), Thomas Worsham, LaRana Worsham (mother)

Back (L to R): Brent Mashburn (AD), Deron Walraven (Head Coach), Chad Hayes (Asst. Coach)

Senior Baseball Team Members

Front (L to R): David Worsham, Thomas Worsham, LaRana Worsham

Back:  (L to R):   Matthew Sollicito, Chris Baker

Thomas and his parents with SHS Phoenix Baseball Team.

Makayla Holmes was selected to serve as Georgia Junior Beef Ambassador for 2013. Makayla will represent Georgia at the national competition later this year. As Georgia's Junior Beef Ambassador Makayla will promote Georgia Agriculture throughout the state with a focus on the beef industry. Makayla will be conducting taste tests periodically throughout the summer at the FarmCity market that will be held in downtown Calhoun on Mondays.

Makayla Holmes was also  awarded first place in the Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Sweepstakes program, Junior division at the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention recently held in Perry, Georgia. Makayla was awarded $250.00 and the title of sweepstakes champ. Makayla is a member of the Red Carpet Cattlewomen's organization and is the daughter of Keith and Charlotte Holmes. She is a freshman at Sonoraville High School where she is an active member and officer of the Sonoraville High FFA Chapter. Makayla exhibits goats and cattle and is a member of Gordon County 4H.  

The National Beef Ambassador Program works with youth in states across the country. These Beef Ambassadors educate consumers in their respective areas about beef and beef production. Additionally, five of these young adults are chosen to represent the National Beef Ambassador Team and educate consumers on a national level through a competition.
This program is essential because today's youth are bombarded with anti-beef messages that often find their way into schools. Beef Ambassadors located across the nation go into classrooms, daycares, after school programs and attend youth organization activities where they make presentations about their personal experiences with beef and the beef industry, including industry messages on nutrition, animal welfare, environment and other key topics.
National Beef Ambassadors increase consumer reach through their attendance at promotional events during consumer expos, health fairs and in-store demonstrations. Across our nation Beef Ambassadors share personal experiences, product samples and key beef messaging on nutrition, recipes, preparation, animal welfare, environment and other key issues.

The American National CattleWomen, Inc., is one of the longest-standing cattle women organizations, established in 1952 as a national, nonprofit organization. It is a voice for women who share a passion for the U.S. beef industry, promoting and supporting the industry while encouraging women involved in beef and related agribusiness.

The National Beef Ambassador Program is funded in part by The Beef Checkoff Program ( www.MyBeefCheckoff.com ). The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

The Phoenix Boys Golf Team traveled to Indian Trace on Monday for the 5-AAA region tournament and came away very pleased with their results.  This year, the rules for qualifying for the state golf tournament were different from years past and teams had to shoot a qualifying score just to make it out of region.  The score set by GHSA was 340 as a team score for any team finishing 2^nd or worse to advance, with the region champion automatically advanced to the next round.

  The Phoenix brought home the runner-up trophy for region 5-AAA by shooting a team score of 337.  Individuals scoring for the Phoenix were Gunter Jordan with a 78, Tanner Sanderson 85,  Caleb Chambers 87 and Chase Coots 87.  Alex Hitchcock shot an 91 and Trey Sutton an 93.  The Phoenix will travel to Cateechee Golf Course in Hartwell, Ga on Monday May 6^th where sectionals will take place.  No other team from region 5-AAA made it to sectionals except the Phoenix and Tigers of Ringgold. 

The team scores for Region 5-AAA came in as follows: Ringgold- 319, Sonoraville 337, Cartersville- 350, Coahulla Creek- 376, North Murray- 378, Gordon Central- 379, Adairsville- 432 and LFO- 491. 

Phoenix and Fenders 2013

Saturday, APRIL 13th

Tiny Miss will begin @ 5 P.M. followed by Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Ashworth Middle School.

Tiny Miss (0-3)

Little Miss (Pre-k-1st)

Junior Miss (2nd-5th)

Miss Ashworth (6th-8th)

Concessions will be available. Admission: $5 for adults/$3 for students. Children under 5 years old FREE. Registration forms are available at BES, RBE, WLS, TES, AMS, & GCHS. For questions, please contact Laura Beth Crow @ 706-629-7391 ext. 4876.

C oncessions will be available. Admission: $5 for adults/$3 for students. Children under 5 years old FREE. Registration forms are available at BES, RBE, WLS, TES, AMS, & GCHS. For questions, please contact Laura Beth Crow @ 706-629-7391 ext. 4876.

  Sonoraville Elementary wears purple to support our military families.

 Kathryn Worley was notified today by the Georgia Council of Teachers and Mathematics (GCTM) that she has been selected as a GCTM Summer Academy Facilitator. Kathryn is scheduled to facilitate at the GCTM summer academy held at SHS.

Congratulations Kathryn!

Congratulations to our TES Students of the Month for the character word Honesty.

Gibson to showcase talent at State FFA Convention

Sonoraville High School FFA member Ben Gibson has been selected to showcase his talent at the 85th Georgia FFA Convention in Macon, Georgia on April 25-27, 2013. Ben was one of thirty students selected from across the state to perform during the convention. Ben will be performing on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 1:30 during the FFA career show. He will be singing "Every Storm" by Gary Allan and "The only way I know" by Jason Aldean. Ben is a Senior at Sonoraville High School and is currently a candidate for State FFA Officer. Ben currently serves as Area I FFA President and is a Sonoraville High School FFA Officer. Ben has competed in numerous career development events at the local, area, state and national levels. These include Job Interview, Agriscience, Proficiency, Horticulture and Wildlife. This past October Ben represented Georgia FFA as a National Delegate at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ben is currently employed by Carney Farms. Ben is the son of Michael and Martha Gibson of Ryo, Georgia.

The SHS boys and girls golf teams traveled to Dade County on Tuesday and came away with two wins.  Gunter Jordan shot a 41, Alex Hitchcock a 43, Tanner Sanderson a 44 and Trey Sutton a 46.  Also playing for the Phoenix were Caleb Chambers with a 52 and Chase Coots with a 51.  The Phoenix won by a slim margin a of 3 strokes, 174-177.

Tanner Sanderson 

Makenna Burger shot a 52, Ashley Holcomb a 55 and Julia McKinney shot a 56 to give the Lady Phoenix Golf team a convincing win, 163-199.

 Makenna Burger

The teams travel to Indian Trace this afternoon to take on Murray County.

Region Tournaments begin next week.  The Boys play Monday on Monday Indian Trace in Murray County and the Girls play Tuesday here in Calhoun at the Elks Club. 

Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition
2012-2013 Gordon County System winners from SHS

Picture from left to right: Sara Boothe 11^th grade; Leslie Duvall 10^th grade; Ashley Long 12^th grade

Three Sonoraville High School students are among the system winners announced for the 2012-2013 Young Georgia Authors (YGA) writing competition. The purpose of this writing competition is to encourage students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, to provide a context to celebrate their writing successes, and to recognize student achievement in arts and academics. The entries from these writers will go on to the next level of the competition.

10^th grade: Leslie Duvall

11^th grade: Sara Boothe

12^th grade: Ashley Young

ABOUT YGA
The Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition (YGA) is a state-wide writing competition that celebrates the creative and academic efforts of students in grades K through 12 in any genre of writing, including poetry, short stories, journalism, research, literary analysis, argument, and more. Georgia school systems who participate are invited to submit one winning entry per grade level

The SHS girls and boys Tennis Teams beat undefeated Rockmart Tuesday night!  The SHS girls won 3-2. Winners were Erin Schueman, Morgan Whittinghill, and doubles team Joria Brooks and Alexandria Hunt.

SHS boys beat an undefeated Rockmart 4-1!  Winners were Tyler Bowers, Drew Harper, doubles team Dylan Cronan and David Nguyen, and doubles team Carl Trantham and Taylor Logan.

We are scheduled to play Cass on Thursday; however, inclement weather on Thursday may force play into Friday.

Region play begins on Monday.

Sonoraville High and Gordon Central

Agriculture Students Win GJCA Sweepstakes Program at

2013 Georgia Cattlemen's Convention

Makayla Holmes was awarded first place in the Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Sweepstakes program, Junior division at the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention recently held in Perry, Georgia. Makayla was awarded $250.00 and the title of sweepstakes champ. Makayla is a member of the Red Carpet Cattlewomen's organization and is the daughter of Keith and Charlotte Holmes. She is a freshman at Sonoraville High School where she is an active member and officer of the Sonoraville High FFA Chapter. Makayla exhibits goats and cattle and is a member of Gordon County 4H.

Gibson Priest was awarded first place in the Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Sweepstakes program, Senior division at the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention recently held in Perry, Georgia. Gibson was awarded $1,000, the use of the 20ft Eby trailer for one year and the title of sweepstakes champion for the fifth year in a row. Gibson is a member of the Red Carpet Cattlemen's organization and is the son of Randy and Donna Priest. Gibson is a senior and active member of Gordon Central FFA Chapter. Gibson exhibits cattle, pigs, goats and lambs and is an active member of Gordon County 4H.

Kevin Edwards and Lori Edwards were awarded third place in the Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Sweepstakes program, Senior division at the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention recently held in Perry, Georgia. This is the first time in history that there has been tie for the sweepstakes program. Kevin and Lori were awarded $750 each. Kevin and Lori are members of the Red Carpet Cattlemen's and are the twins of Todd and Amy Edwards. Both Lori and Kevin are sophomores at Sonoraville High School and  active FFA members and officers in the Sonoraville High FFA. Kevin and Lori exhibits pigs and cattle and are active members of Gordon County 4H.

The Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Sweepstakes program awards participants for their accomplishments and involvement in all facets of the beef industry. To be eligible, one must be a GJCA member and a Georgia resident who does not turn 22 before the completion of the contest. Participants accumulate points between March 1 of this year and Feb 28 of the following year. Points for each year are based on the following 10 areas of competition: Beef Ambassador Contest, Showmanship, GCA Convention, GJCA Field Day, Livestock Show Attendance, Cattlemen's Meetings, Georgia Beef Industry Events, Public Speaking Opportunities, Beef Industry Volunteer Opportunities, Beef Industry Scholarship Challenge and Georgia Cattlemen's Association Summer Conference. Winners in the Senior Division receive the following awards: 1st place $1000 cash, 2nd Place $750 cash, 3rd Place $500 Cash. Winners in the Junior Division receive the following awards: 1st place $250 cash, 2nd place $150 cash, 3rd place $100 cash.

Sonoraville High's Dynamic Duo

Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Marketing Champions

Kevin Edwards and Lori Edwards won the Georgia Junior Cattlemen's Association Team Marketing Competition at the Georgia Cattlemen's Convention recently held in Perry, Georgia. The competition encourages team participation while promoting the importance of communication skills, marketing techniques and an understanding of performance and pedigree information. Kevin and Lori were required to create a fictitious farm that specializes in producing seedstock bulls. The duo had to develop a visual aid, a promotional flyer and business cards. They completed a 10 minute marketing presentation about their Angus bull, Hover Dam.

During the presentation they were required to include specific information including pedigree, statistics and a set price for the bull. Lori and Kevin were awarded $300 and the contest was sponsored by Merial Pharmaceutical.

 Kevin and Lori are members of the Red Carpet Cattlemen's and are the twins of Todd and Amy Edwards. Both Lori and Kevin are sophomores at Sonoraville High School and  active FFA members and officers in the Sonoraville High FFA. Kevin and Lori exhibit pigs and cattle and are active members of Gordon County 4H.

The Gordon County Youth Leadership Class of 2013 graduated Tuesday, April 9 at a ceremony held at Georgia Northwestern Technical College's new facility. The Youth Leadership class is selected from applications by Juniors and Seniors from the four area high schools (Calhoun High, Georgia Cumberland Academy, Gordon Central High & Sonoraville High). The students participate in a variety of activities as they learn more about leadership opportunities. Jonathan Purser, Calhoun Chick-fil-A, was the speaker at the graduation ceremony. The Gordon County Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Youth Leadership Program. The following students graduated from the Gordon County Youth Leadership Program. 

Students with 100% attendance to all Youth Leadership activities were given the opportunity to apply for scholarship funds. The 2013 recipients of scholarships are Savannah Jones-SHS, $1,000; Sam Anderson-GCHS, $500; and Molly Pierson-CHS, $500.

The Youth Leadership Committee consists of Judy Bailey-Chair, Cawood Cornelius, Larry Deaton, Jeff DeFoor, Billie Jean Erwin, Randy Gallman, Brandi Hayes, Renee Hughes, Charley Little, Gay Little, Shannon Rainwater, Matt Robbins, Deborah Theus and Rob Thompson.

Group photo from the visit to the Georgia Capitol with state representatives and senators.

Tolbert Elementary hosted a pizza party on April 10 ^th for the school's Young Georgia Author grade level winners. During the party, the authors shared their writings with each other and discussed goals for the future. Several plan to be professional writers when they grow up! The students were then presented with a bound journal and a special certificate. The faculty and students of Tolbert Elementary are very proud of these amazing young authors and encourage them to keep on writing! Students are Madilyn Payne, Griffin Carpenter, Savannah Clark, Breanna Morris, Nena Marcus, and Becca Lambert.

  Paige Britt was just notified by the Georgia Council of Teachers and Mathematics (GCTM) that she has been selected as a GCTM Summer Academy Facilitator. Paige is scheduled to facilitate all four GCTM summer academies offered throughout the state. Way to Represent Britt!!!!

Congratulations Becky Hulsey! Becky was selected to serve on a K-5 team to work on revising the state common core units.

Way to go Becky!!

Photo: Front row L to R:  Truett McConnell Assistant Coach Meagan Price, Roger Gentry (father), Jennilee Gentry, Kelly Gentry (mother), SHS Head Coach Stephanie Caudell.

Back row L to R: SHS Assistant Coach Cody Townsend,  Principal Bruce Potts, Athletic Director Brent Mashburn, SHS Assistant Coach Natasha Beemon.

Lady Phoenix senior basketball player Jennilee Gentry signed a scholarship letter to play basketball and further her education at Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, GA.  Jennilee celebrated this accomplishment with her family and friends at SHS on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.

Photo: Jennilee with her SHS Lady Phoenix teammates.

Brooke Childs won 1^st place in the Dance Choreography intermediate division at the Georgia PTA Reflections Ceremony held at the Woodruff Arts Center on March 24, 2013. Brooke's entry will now advance to the National PTA.

Congratulations Brooke!

Kaynan Burns placed 2nd in the Georgia Special Artists Visual Arts at the Georgia PTA Reflections Ceremony held at the Woodruff Arts Center on March 24, 2013.

Congratulations Kaynan.

Recently Gordon Central senior Timothy Hubbard was featured in The Purple Circle, a magazine that symbolizes the upper echelon in the livestock show arena. Within the article, he describes where his love for livestock and passion for agriculture comes from, and he relives, in first person perspective, many of his experiences, stories, and successes.

Way to go Timothy! 

Click here to read the full article!

The SHS PTSA wants to congratulate the following list of teachers/staff who are being awarded $50 Mini-Grants for Spring 2013.  We appreciate all efforts and dedication shown by our great educators, and hope these Mini-Grants make your efforts a little easier to achieve your goals for SHS students!

SHS PTSA President Scott Brisendine has presented over $1400 in grants to SHS Faculty this year.  

The Spring Semester awards go to:

  Educator   Grant Will Assist in this Area

  Lisa Smith Business Education/Leadership

Susan Burgess Environmental Science

Michael Farley  American Government

Natasha Beemon American History

Cynthia Lay American History

Sara Clark  Agriculture Education

Trish Williams Agriculture Education

Heather Roberts  American Government

Kim Clements Gifted/Talented Program

Christa Bowen Gifted/Talented Program

Marcus Palazzolo  Community Projects

Priscilla Powers   Student Counseling

Andrea Walraven   American Government

Paul Ross Math Instruction Material

Again, congratulations, and thank you for all that you do to enrich Sonoraville High School!

Scott Brisendine

President

SHS PTSA

Kaynan Burns placed 2nd in the Georgia Special Artists Visual Arts at the Georgia PTA Reflections Ceremony held at the Woodruff Arts Center on March 24, 2013.

Congratulations Kaynan.

Sonoraville High School students recently competed in a "March Madness Door Decorating Contest."  The contest is part of Sonoraville's Added Value Education program.  The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness of colleges across the country.  The winner of the contest and a trip to Papa's Pizza was Mrs. Kim Clements' class with Indiana.

Sonoraville's Tori Ralston (seated, second from left) signed a scholarship on Wednesday to play soccer at Tennessee Temple University (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

Ralston has been a varsity starter for the Lady Phoenix Soccer Team for the last 2 seasons in goal and on defense.  She looks forward to furthering her education and playing soccer at a Christian university.   

Also attending the signing were Tori's family and teammates.

Photo (Back-l to r): Bruce Potts, SHS Principal; Shawn Prather; Tonya Prather; Jake Prather; Leah Prather; Landon Ralston; Matthew Ralston; Reba Crump; Terry Crump; Kristen McGuire, SHS Soccer Coach.  (Front-l to r): Mitch Ralston, father; Tori; Emmanuel Awotula, TN Temple Soccer Coach; Nikki Ralston, mother.

Mrs. Kelli De Guire, English teacher at SHS, has been accepted as one of 32 participants into the Mercer University 2013 Great Books Summer Seminar. Mrs. De Guire was chosen from a group of over 60 Georgia professional educators to participate in two weeks of classes centered around the topic of "Citizenship and the Culture of Freedom." The ultimate purpose of the Summer Seminars is to model for high school teachers how the Great Books texts and distinctive discussion-based pedagogy might be employed to enrich the academic experience of students. It is a unique opportunity to read classic texts, learn about the Great Books method, and meet teachers from around the country who share the same interests.

Gordon County Schools had a great weekend at the Skills USA state level competition!  We fielded students trained in Automotive/Motorcycle Technology here at GCHS  and Construction.

In Motorcycle Technology we had a 1^st place finisher and National Qualifier, Sly Lumpkin (SHS), and a 3^rd Place finisher , Matt Schmit (GC)!  This contest was highly contested with around 20 state qualifying competitors, and only 40 out of 500 points separated the top 3!

First place finisher and National Qualifier, Sly Lumpkin (SHS), and Third Place finisher , Matt Schmit (GC)

 Motorcycle Technology 1^st place finisher and National Qualifier, Sly Lumpkin (SHS) 

 Sly Lumpkin in action

Our Engine Team that consisted of Leader Austin Hopkins, Daniel Totherow, Zach Hightower, Kayla Dean, Chad Townsend, and Eduardo Santos Captured 6^th place out of 14 teams.  This competition doesn't just field GA teams, they were from several other states as well.  3 of the teams ahead of us were national top 5 finishers from last year.  This ranks GC's team as 27^th out of 112 total teams from across the nation.

Rosa Brookshire (SHS) competed in Auto Collision Repair, held at Alan Vigil Ford and fell just outside the podium while competing against 12 other region winners.

Dustin Payne (SHS) competed in Power Equipment Technology.

These students served our schools and our county well!  Congratulate them if you see them in the halls!  And, as always, the students and I appreciate all the support we get from GC and SHS!

Friday, March 22 the Ponce de León Chapter of the Spanish Honors Society at Sonoraville High School held their 5^th annual induction.  31 new members were inducted to carry on a tradition of excellence in foreign language learning.  These new inductees brought the total membership for the Ponce de León Chapter to 116 students in 5 years.  In order to be offered an invitation to unite with the honors society, students had to take a minimum of 3 Spanish classes and maintain at least a 90 average. 

Pictured back row (left to right) are:  Jose Gomez (Spanish teacher), John Sasser, Zane Clifton, Bree Edwards, Samantha Young, Madison Fowler, Savannah Jones, and Cassidy Magil.  Also pictured in the back are Madison Kirby and Brandi Adams.

Pictured middle row (left to right) are:  Kristen McGuire (Spanish teacher), Michael Ariail (Spanish teacher), Logan Wilkins, Erin Schueman, Payton Smith, Lindsey Foster, Danielle Dinning, Hunter Starkey, Hannah Green, Judith Palmerin, Veronica Perez, Mackenzie Smith, and Justin McLendon.

Pictured front row (left to right) are:  Jackie Palazzolo (Spanish teacher), Melissa Wyatt, Leah Wehunt, Joria Brooks, Kenia Rosillo, Leah Brisendine, and Kim Cabrera.

Not pictured are:  India Langford, Alejandro Martinez, Madison Smith, and Callie Walraven

On Friday, March 22, the Georgia Department of Education announced the finalists for the 2013 Governor's Honors Program.  In a highly selective process involving students from across the state, two Sonoraville High School students were chosen as finalists.  Sarah Chance, a sophomore, was nominated by Dr. Sara Clark and was chosen as a finalist in the agriscience area of environmental science.  Chance Rush, a junior, was nominated by Mrs. Samantha Watson and was chosen as a finalist in the area of biology.  Both students will attend the 4-week summer GHP program at Valdosta State University from June 23 to July 20. 

Photo (l to r): Stephanie Caudell, SHS Counselor; Samantha Watson, SHS Teacher; Chance Rush, SHS Junior; Sarah Chance, SHS Sophomore; Sara Clark, SHS Teacher; Bruce Potts, SHS Principal.

The Gordon Central Warrior Soccer teams would like to thank Waffle House store 88 on Red Bud Road for helping them with a successful fundraiser Saturday morning. Waffle House employees set up in the mall area at Gordon Central High School, and served more than 175 waffle breakfasts.  Waffle House demonstrated how they support the students of Gordon Central by donating their time and materials in this successful endeavor.  The Warriors Soccer players and coaches would also like to thanks the GC teachers, students, and staff who contributed to the event. GC United!

Gordon Central had a great weekend at the Skills USA state level competition!  Students competed in Automotive/Motorcycle Technology and Construction.

In Motorcycle Technology Gordon County came home with first place finisher and National Qualifier, Sly Lumpkin from SHS, and a 3^rd Place finisher , Matt Schmit from GC!  This contest was highly contested with around 20 state qualifying competitors, with only 40 out of 500 points separating the top 3.

The GC Engine Team, that consisted of leader Austin Hopkins, Daniel Totherow, Zach Hightower, Kayla Dean, Chad Townsend, and Eduardo Santos, captured 6^th place out of 14 teams with teams fielded from several other states.  

Overall, GC's team ranked 27^th out of 112 total teams from across the nation.

Many other students fielded competition in various events; we are proud of them all!

• Jake Tow (GC) competed in Masonry and did well but just barely missed the podium.
• Kyle Whaley (GC) competed in a tough and technical Paint and Body competition that was held at Alan Vigil Ford.
• Rosa Brookshire (SHS) competed in Auto Collision Repair, also held at Alan Vigil Ford, and fell just outside the podium while competing against 12 other region winners.
• Dustin Payne (SHS) competed in Power Equipment Technology.

These students served our schools and our county well! 

SHS Business Students Fall Semester Stock Market Game Winners for Gordon County Schools recognized in Calhoun on March 20 and will be recognized May 7 in Atlanta

Photo (l to r) Dr. Susan Remillard, Dr. Amy Parker, Dewayne Bowen, Kenny Hilton, Josh Nicholson, and Lisa Smith

(unable to attend Landon Ratcliff and Michael Covert)

Every business day, the elements of our economy- like supply and demand, scarcity and surplus- play out in the stock market.  Equity markets show how different parts of America's huge economy function in predictable, cause-and-effect ways.  Georgia's third- through twelfth-grade students see economics work in the Stock Market Game, a program that uses equity markets to show economics in action.  

At Sonoraville High School, Michael Covert, Kenny Hilton, Josh Nicholson, and Landon Ratcliff learned some economics.  Advised by their teacher Lisa Smith, they took a hypothetical start-up investment of $100,000 and in ten weeks turned it into a portfolio with a value of $105,106, making them the winner of the fall trading session of the Stock Market Game for the Gordon County Schools. 

  The winning Sonoraville High School team toured a local stock market broker's office Dewayne Bowen of Edward Jones (located in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center). The students were shown artifacts and given a history lesson of the stock market.  Students were congratulated by stock broker and Gordon County Board Member Dewayne Bowen, Dr. Susan Remillard, Gordon County Schools Superintendet and Dr. Amy Parker, CTAE Director and Career Academy CEO.  They were also treated to lunch at a nearby dinner for all of their efforts and accomplishments.  They are also invited to the annual Stock Market Game Awards Luncheon on May 7 at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta where more than 600 students, teachers, and parents will gather to recognize winning teams from across the state.  State School Superintendent John Barge will offer congratulations and the keynote speaker will be Geri Thomas, Georgia Markets President for Bank of America. 

  Students see how economics works

Teachers across Georgia use the Stock Market Game as an educational tool for helping students develop a solid understanding of private enterprise and the larger economic forces that affect everyone's financial circumstances.  More than 35,000 students in public and independent schools participate in the Stock Market Game in Georgia each year in fall and spring competitions.

Beginning with a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio, teams of up to five students use math, language, and skills they've learned in other classes to research publicly-traded companies on the Internet, read business news, and crunch numbers to figure out which businesses and industries are likely to do well in the current economy. 

After ten weeks, a statewide winner and runner up are selected, along with the winning team from each public school district, or geographic region in the case of independent schools.  It's not real money, but it teaches young Georgians real lessons without the financial pain many adult investors are feeling these days. 

Kenny Hilton, Josh Nicholson look on as Dewayne Bowen from Edward Jones gives stock tips.

Sonoraville High School Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, Brandi Hayes, and students, Tori Ralston and Carley Taylor, recently spoke to the Calhoun Kiwanis Club, The group spoke about the benefits of Work-Based Learning to students, employers, and the community. Tori Ralston participates in WBL as an intern at WJTH and Carley Taylor is an intern at Gordon Hospital. Anyone interested in participating in Work-Based Learning at Sonoraville High School can contact Brandi Hayes ( bhayes@gcbe.org ). Pictured are Carley Taylor, Brandi Hayes, and Tori Ralston with local club officers and a district officer.

On Friday, March 8, 2013, GCHS and SHS Work-Based Learning (WBL) students participated in the fourth annual Rising Professionals Seminar held at Meadowdale Baptist Church. Rising Professionals is a unique partnership between the schools and the Shaw Learning Academy. The goal of the Rising Professionals Seminar is to equip students with "soft skills" that will help them advance in their careers and education. Members from the Shaw Academy and Department of Labor officials conducted sessions on job acquisition skills, money management, appropriate use of social media, teamwork, and time management. Josh McClure, a representative of Southeast Restoration, conducted a whole group energizer with all students to begin the day. The students were then split into small groups for sessions. At the end of the day, the students came back together for lunch and to reflect on what they had learned. Approximately 100 students from the high schools participated. The Work-Based Leaning Coordinators from the local high schools who plan the activity include Judy Bailey, Gordon Central High School; and Brandi Hayes, Sonoraville High School. Pictured are the WBL students from Sonoraville High School.

Sonoraville High School juniors recently toured Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Calhoun and Dalton State College. The tour is part of Sonoraville's Added Value Education (SAVE) program to increase graduation and college going rates. The program is partially funded by the Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education (GACHE).

SHS Juniors at GNTC in Calhoun

Colby Smith of Ashworth Middle School competed in the State National Archery in the Schools (NASP) Tournament, held at Perry, Georgia on March 13, 2013. Colby qualified by being one of the top five male middle school archers in the Area contest held at Woodlawn Elementary.

GIRLS - ADAIRSVILLE - 52.5; CALHOUN - 62.5; ARMUCHEE - 65, SHS - 72

GUYS - ARMUCHEE - 25; CALHOUN - 40; SHS - 91; ADAIRSVILLE - 98

Girls

Maris Irick - 3^rd in long jump

Gabby Romine & Heather Ortiz tied 1^st place pole vault

Maria Crider - 1^st in Disc and 1^st in Shot

Jordan Baumgartner - 2^nd in Disc

Adei Attoh - 2^nd in 100m and 1^st in 200m

Kenzie Walraven 3^rd in 100m and 2^nd in 200m

Carrie Cheeks - 1^st in High Jump & 3^rd in 400m

Heather Ortiz - 3^rd in 1600m and 2^nd in 800m

Maris Irick - 3^rd 100m hurdles

4x100 relay team Adei Attoh; Maris Irick; Heather Ortiz; Kenzie Walraven - 1^st place

Guys

George Seddon 2^nd place 3200m & 3^rd in 1600m

Nate Thornton - 2^nd place long jump

Tyler Harris - 2^nd Disc and 1^st in Shot

Zac Hebard - 1^st 100m and 1^st in 200m

Logan Sutton 3^rd 100m

Matt Charles 2^nd 110m hurdles and 2^nd in 300m hurdles

Robby Johnston - 2^nd in 400m

Kel Withrow 1^st in Pole Vault

Josh Mattila - 2^nd in Pole Vault

Bridger White 3^rd in Pole vault

4x100 relay team of Zac Hebard; Robby Johnston; Nate Thornton and Logan Sutton - 1^st place

Josh Nicholson 1^st in 1600m and 1^st in 800m

4x400 relay team of Zac Hebard; Logan Sutton; Nate Thornton and Robby Johnston - 2^nd place 

SHS Future Business Leaders are Leaders by Design

Sonoraville High Future Business Leaders of America members are "Leaders by Design" according to this year theme by performing well in business subjects.  Twenty-seven members competed at our school by taking online test during the morning of March 13, 2012 competing with students all over the state of Georgia.  Fifteen students and one adviser (Lisa Smith) traveled to Atlanta March 15, 2013 through March 17, 2013 to perform final presentations for their competitions.  Results qualifying SHS FBLA for the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California  include:

3rd Place FBLA Chapter of the Year 2012-13

1st Place Management Information Systems Event-Dustin Curtis and Landon Holmes

2nd Place Database Management Systems-Landon Holmes

4th Place Healthcare Administration-Leighanna Edwards

4th Place Introduction to Technology Concepts-Tylor Cobb

8th Place-Banking and Financial Systems Event-Coby Sanford and Chris Collins

8th Place- Computer Problem Solving-Collin Stoner

9th Place - Technology Concepts- Landon Holmes

10th Place Healthcare Administration-Mikayla Whitfield

Future Business Leader Finalist-Maloy Owen

Global Business Team Event Finalist-Ethan Farist and Maloy Owen

Global Business Team Event Finalist-Drew Harper and Chris Irving

Maria Crider represented GA FBLA as Region 8 Vice-President

All students receiving "Future" "Business" "Leader" or "America" Levels were recognized-Leighanna Edwards was our America Level receiver

Gold Chapter of the Year

Superior Chapter of the Year

100 Member Club

100% Class Participation

Membership Achievement (achieved and exceeded last year's membership enrollment)

Membership Campaign(13 new members recruited in 2013)

Sweepstakes Winner (Region 8 Winner)

March of Dimes Supporter

State Project

Scrapbook Contributor

Conference Sponsor

Scholarship Contributor

SHS was also selected to host the 2013 FBLA Summer and Leadership Officer Training Session during the month of July.

 Students attending the leadership conference were as follows: 

Please congratulate Sonoraville High's Future Business Leaders as they continue to Set that Higher Standard and break additional records!

Madison Smith, SHS Senior, competed in the GHSA Region 5 AAA Literary Competition and placed 1^st in Girls Solo. She traveled to the State Literary competition on March 16^th and placed 4^th in the State. Congratulations to Madison Smith for her accomplishments!!

Sam Anderson, a junior at Gordon Central High School, was among 1,200-2,000 students selected from around the nation and world-wide to attend the United States Air Force Academy's Summer Seminar program in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar program in Annapolis, Maryland. Selection is extremely competitive, with only the top students being offered a slot in these prestigious programs. Summer Seminar teaches prospective applicants about life at the Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training are key elements in developing our nation's leaders. They will also participate in daily physical training involving group runs and conditioning exercises. They will experience first-hand what the Academies have to offer through their exceptional academic, athletic, extracurricular activities and leadership training programs. Sam is the son of Grant and Elizabeth Anderson. 

Colter Mirtes, a freshman at Gordon Central, recently spent the day in the Georgia Senate Chamber working as a page for Senator Bethel.  GC is so proud of Colter's leadership; we know he is gaining valuable experiences!  Way to go!

SHS results from the Region 5 AA Literary competition last Friday.

Sonoraville placed 2^nd in Region (a first time event!). We had a great day with SHS students placing in every event. Here's the results!

Boys Extemp. Speaking-4^th place: Randy Wilson

Girls Extemp. Speaking-2^nd place: Miranda Northrup

Boys Dramatic Interpretation-3^rd place: Kaleb Harkins

Girls Dramatic Interpretation-2^nd place: Tiffany Nesbitt

Boys Essay-2^nd place: Michael West

Girls Essay-4^th place: Leah Brisendine

Boys Solo-3^rd place: Dylan Cronan

Girls Solo-1^st place: Madison Smith (going to State competition March 16^th!)

Girls Trio-2^nd place: Madison Smith, Joria Brooks, Marci Maddalena

Boys Quartet-2^nd place: Dylan Cronan, Zeke Waters, Kaleb Harkins, David Brisendine

Way to RISE UP PHOENIX!! Congrats to all!

Sonoraville High School Senior, Coby Sanford, is the recipient of the Jordan Pass-Wanda Westmoreland Scholarship for 2013. The scholarship is $1000.00 and is open to  graduating seniors who have lost an immediate relative or close friend to suicide. 

Photo (L to R): Donald & Sylvia Mulkey, grandparents; Bruce Potts, SHS Principal; Russell Pass, Scholarship Fund; Coby Sanford, SHS Senior; Jeff & Tammy Sanford, parents; Trace Vaughn, SHS Graduation Coach; Donald & Sylvia Mulkey, grandparents.

Sonoraville High School PTSA State Reflections Winners are Kristen Wright and Chasity Young.  They will be honored on Sunday, March 24^th at a celebration at the Woodruff Arts Center, Rich Auditorium.

Photo (l to r): Chasity Young & Kristen Wright

Sonoraville Elementary recognized the 2013 SES Young Georgia Authors Competition Winners this week.  These students will represent SES at the county competition.  Congratulations to all the winners!

Pictured:  (Back row)  Mason Ruff, 2nd grade; Averi Walraven, 5th grade;  Luke White, 3rd grade; (Front row)  Kaycee Charleston, 1st grade, Ella Kate Walraven, Kindergarten; Keslei Craddock, 4th grade.

Gordon County Regional Winner of the Stock Market Game--SHS Business Students

The following business students and FBLA members at Sonoraville High competed in the Fall Stock Market in their Legal Environment of Business Class and won for our Region during the months of October-December. The team had an ending portfolio balance of $105,107. 

Photo (l to r):Michael Covert, Kenny Hilton, Josh Nicholson, Landon Ratcliff

We will attend the May 7, 2013 banquet in Atlanta to be recognized.  "We are very excited since this was our first time to participate and we were declared the regional winners for the fall. I am also planning a tour of a local stock broker's office this semester to see if any of these business students wish to pursue this as their career" said Lisa Smith (business teacher and FBLA adviser). Congratulations to these students!

The Tornado Benefit rally bicycle ride is Sat. Mar. 9th. The ride is posted on Active.com.  Adairsville High and Sonoraville High are putting on a bicycle ride to benefit the tornado victims of Gordon County and Adairsville City. For more information contact Jackie Palazzolo 404-291-0439, Marcus Palazzolo 404-291-0439 or Ray Reece 770-773-0960.  Registration on Active.com

Sponsored by:

Adairsville High School

Sonoraville High School

Cherokee Cycles

The Velo Vineyard

City Ballet

Toilets Galore

Beta Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma

Below is the Active.com link for the Tornado Benefit rally...

http://www.active.com/cycling/calhoun-ga/tornado-benefit-rally-bicycle-ride-2013

Students and their families had a great time dancing at the FES PTA Winter Dance. Click on this link to see a slide show of all the fun. Thanks PTA!

Sonoraville High FFA and Gordon Central High FFA

Receive the FFA   - " Food For All"  Grant

Nationwide Grant Provides Funding for Food Production, Service-Learning

INDIANAPOLIS -

The Sonoraville High School and Gordon Central High School FFA chapters in Calhoun, Georgia have been awarded $2,500 each as part of the FFA - Food for All Program.  The nationwide program provides grant money to local FFA chapters to support year-long service-learning projects focused on developing and implementing sustainable hunger relief projects.

The Sonoraville High FFA plans to help fight hunger by growing 500lbs of fresh produce (lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, strawberries, squash and cucumbers) which will be donated to the Sonoraville High School cafeteria by November, 2013, to be served in conjunction with regular school meals.  A total of 900 plants will also be grown by FFA members consisting of cabbage, tomatoes and peppers and donated to the Glory Community Garden.  FFA members will volunteer their time to deliver and transplant these vegetable plants into the garden plot.

Gordon Central High School FFA plans to fight hunger through a plan called "Warrior Sausage" which is designed to assist not only FFA members, but others in our local community.  This project is designed to expand the existing Gordon Central High School FFA Hog Operation to students who normally may not have the opportunity to raise a hog for their Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project.  Three chapter hogs will be purchased through this program affording students the opportunity to learn about swine, as well as, the Pork Quality Assurance Program.  Students will learn the process of daily care and feeding of swine.  Gordon Central High School FFA members will donate 510lbs of fresh sausage to the VAC or local Food Bank by November,2013.

Sonoraville FFA Advisor is Dr. Sara Clark. Gordon Central FFA Advisor is Mrs. Melissa Hubbard. Gordon County Young Farmers Instruction is Mrs. Trish Williams.

The Sonoraville High School Basketball Programs and players were recognized at the Northwest Georgia Tip-Off Club Banquet recently. The Tip-Off Club is comprised of over 20 schools from the northwest Georgia area.  The Lady Phoenix of Sonoraville, who finished their season with a 27-2 record, as Region Champions and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the state tournament were recognized as the December Team of the Month. The team was also recognized as a Team of the Year for the 2012-2013 season. Several players were recognized for their hard work throughout the season. For the Lady Phoenix, Jennilee Gentry was the SHS December Player of the Month and Payton Smith was the January Player of the Month. Carrie Cheeks was named the SHS Player of the Year.  For the Phoenix, Chris Baker was the December Player of the Month and Alex Cheeks was the January Player of the Month.  Jackson Murray was named the Player of the Year for the SHS boys.

Pictured (l to r): Alex Cheeks, Payton Smith, Jackson Murray, and Carrie Cheeks

Students in Mrs. Fox's 7th grade classes have recently been studying the characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes. All  students had several choices of projects from a Think-Tac-Toe project sheet. One option for the advanced students was to research and prepare a recipe from one of the biomes that they studied. Shown are Logan Swaim, who prepared fried plantains, and Emory Dunn, who prepared cashew nut brittle, both from the from the tropical rainforest. Alex Naymick prepared Thiacri Senegalais from the African grasslands. Their class enjoyed learning about the connections between theses foods and the biomes that they came from.

The SHS JROTC would like to thank all those that supported the charity run this weekend. It was a great success. From the generous donations provided to the participants and volunteers who braved the frigid temperature to champion this event. It would not have been possible without your help!