Go Big Red: DCHS Weekly Message

Week 13: Firsts

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Decatur County Community High School

605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749

November 13, 2022 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)

Follow us on Twitter at @DCHSREDDEVILS or

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Oberlin294/

Decatur community,

This past weekend will be one that I will not soon forget, a busy one that will keep this week's message brief and to the point.

Year 26 in education is filled with many firsts, all due to making the move to Oberlin. First sporting events, first activities, first encounters, all coming with the change of scenery.

Nine of my family members traveled across the state to see Seussical the Musical, and they were definitely not disappointed. Like so many other things this year, it was the first experience in the new environment, a bittersweet moment that saw my first-born perform for the last time.

With 9 houseguests (a first) and multiple performances, it was a busy weekend but well worth it.

SHOUTOUTS

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Shoutout to Mrs. Carrie Morford. Being new to the school this year, my meetings and associations occur one at a time, and Mrs. Morford is always there supporting and participating in every committee or event that we have. This past Thursday she served the Scholars' Bowl students and the workers lasagna and cake after the event. Big thank you!

Shoutout to a Scholars' Bowl team that went 5-2 this past week in the annual home invitational, both losses against opponents in higher divisions. Led by Coach Wendy Scott, the team of Bryant Addleman, Ana Freeman, Cheyanna Hale, Jack Holloway, Emma Holloway, and Olivia Williby has the potential to be a team to be reckoned with in the 1A Division I Class.

Shoutout to every person throughout the community that showed up and supported our students by attending the musical. There have been so many practices, most of which never even started until 7:00 in the evening, to get prepared for this performance. The community showed up and packed the house, and the kids did not disappoint. Thanks to every person who made all of that work meaningful to our students.

Shoutout to the junior class for organizing the "Soup Supper" before the performance. It came together quickly, and there was quite a turnout. When I looked at the table full of crock pots, almost every one was empty by the end, a great estimate on the part of the junior class and the contributors.

Shoutout to seniors Breyana Gehring and Gabbie Vontz. Both were chosen to be a part of the Northwest Kansas All-Star games at the Colby Event Center this past weekend.

Shoutout to over 30 colleges, universities, tech schools, and trade schools that showed up for our College/Career Fair this past Wednesday. For those students that are focused and thinking about their future, it was an opportunity to make connections and learn information that could greatly impact their futures.

Things You Should Know

A Seussical to Remember

This week is just about Seussical. Though the performance is over, there are so many things that genuinely stood out.

1. Mrs. Tally really loves this show and loves her job. The beauty of high standards are the high results you get, and this was an outstanding performance. She is also a great pianist that smoothly moves between songs.

2. The costumes were amazing. To the students, staff, and parents that chipped in, they were great. I looked at several schools that had put on the performance before, and ours were top notch.

3. Great support. I already gave a shoutout, but I have to emphasize again, there were not many empty seats. (I am writing this on Sunday morning, so I suppose I can't speak to Sunday).

4. Mrs. Springer's art class worked very hard on decorations. One thing that stood out was the variety of decorations and colorings that had to be made to make it all come together. I walked into her 8th hour class a few times over the past month and saw how busy and hard at work they were.

5. My small nephews, (4 and 6) were both in town for the performance, and their eyes were glued to the characters and the scenery. They both commented frequently and were entertained. There are fewer critics more harsh than young children, and the cast and crew passed with flying colors.

6. The performances were stellar and fit the personalities of the kids. I have only been the principal for three months, but I am swiftly learning the personalities of each of the students. Mrs. Tally did an amazing job of casting the characters.

There are other things that I could point out. The point is that it will forever be a positive memory for me, my first musical here in Oberlin.

Below are just a handful of the pictures that were taken that are on our Facebook page.

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The Whole Cast

A large group of students ranging from grades 7-12 were a part of the cast and crew.

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The Cat in the Hat

Senior Bryant Addleman, also a birthday boy this weekend, shined on stage as the iconic Cat in the Hat.

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The Bird Girls

Michaela Wasson,

Olivia Williby

Kelsey sheats

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Seniors Shine

Avery Witt, Bryant Addleman, Gavin Seller, Olivia Williby, and Emma Holloway

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The Sour Kangaroo

Senior Avery Witt as the Sour Kangaroo

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Mayzie La Bird

Senior Olivia Williby as Mayzie La Bird

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General Genghis Khan Schmidt

Senior Gavin Seller as General Genghis Khan Schmidt

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The Whos

The cast full of Whos

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Gertrude

Senior Emma Holloway as Gertrude.

GO BIG RED

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Parents,

Cherish every one of these memories. First steps, first words, first days of school. They are all emblazoned in our minds, but, as I am quickly coming to learn, the feeling of those firsts inevitably become lasts.

Until next week,

Jeremy Holloway

Go Big Red!