Red Devil Ready:DCHS WeeKly Message

Week 13: The Biggest Holiday Gathering of the Year

Decatur County Community High School

605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749

November 10, 2024 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)

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Decatur Community,

Thursday here at DCHS we will have the 2nd Annual Senior Citizens' Meal, the biggest holiday gathering that I will be a part of all year. With over 150 total seniors, students, and staff in the DCHS cafeteria, last year's event was an event that stood out as extremely unique. During this time, the DCHS Singers sing, the DCHS Band plays, students greet and serve, elementary students have created placemats, and the art classes have created table settings. It's an impressive group effort that puts USD 294 students on display and gives thanks to those that paved the way for this amazing town.

It's not too late to sign up, so spread the word!

The elementary school will host the Veteran's Day Concert. I always feel a need to address this holiday that has always been so tightly tied to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

As a history teacher, I have always been fascinated by the origins of our holidays. I won't go too deep here, but a few facts that you may or may not have known:

1. It was November 11th, 1918 when both sides fighting in World War I decided to call for an armistice or cease fire. It was signed at 5:45 am in a railroad car in France with an agreement to stop fighting by 11:00 am.

2. The day was originally known as Armistice Day.

3. Over time, many groups changed the name. Many countries celebrate this day, and most now call it Remembrance Day.

4. The United States changed the name to Veterans' Day in 1954 under President Dwight Eisenhower.

5. The number 11 is very significant with Veterans' Day, and the armistice became official on the 11th hour in France. France is 7 hours ahead of us. That means that it was 10:45 pm on November 10th here in Kansas when they signed the agreement and that famous 11th hour would have been 4:00am in the morning here.

Most holidays are far more broad in their celebration, spanning the entire day. Veterans' Day is a rare holiday that connects so much to not only a day, but also a moment in time.

For you early risers, maybe note that moment Monday morning at 4:00am with a slight sign of respect for all of our Veterans and what they have done for our country.

SHOUTOUTS

Shoutout to all of the students that auditioned for and made the District Honor Choir. Here are some words from Mrs. Johnson.

"DCHS had a wonderful group of hardworking students audition for NWKMEA District Honor Choir. This process is complex and difficult, but a wonderful learning experience for the students. Our students represented DCHS well!"

Here is a list of the HS Students selected for District Honor Choir:

Raelyn Bailey

Harley Barnes

Annabelle Bird

Cameo Counter

Shaylynn Diaz

Keely Huff

Jordon Ruzicka

Kelsey Sheats

Devyn Stagemeyer

Shoutout to Junior Brylee Minnick for being named 2nd Team All-League for volleyball. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be back with honors again next year.

Shoutout to senior Jenna Fortin for being named 1st Team All-League Libero. It's a great honor to be recognized during your senior year as the top in the league. Jenna has been a leader in each sport she has been a part of since the day I walked in the building, and I am happy that she still has basketball to go.

I would thank each of our girls for not only being leaders on the court, but also for the leadership they show as students.

Shoutout to all of the students that have been working so hard on the musical. The last week of practice has been intense, and it will continue throughout this week until Sunday's final performance.

Shoutout to all of the staff that has been involved with the musical as well. The set is big and looks great right now, and there are always so many pieces that need to try and fall into place. I know it will pay off with a great performance.

Things You Should Know

Senior Citizens' Thansgiving Meal Coming November 14th

On Thursday, November 14th, we will have our second Senior Citizens' Thanksgiving. This event will be open to any senior citizen. Doors will open at 10:30 with a small program beginning at 10:45 in the cafeteria. Lunch will be served at 11:00. We have already started getting our first reservations.

Can we get more than the 114 that attended last year?

A golf cart will be available to allow for easy access to and from the entrance to the parking lot.

Coats will be hung by students upon arrival.

MENU: Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and more!

Parents and students, please spread the word. We would really like to get a head count so that we can be prepared.

Please reach out to the DCHS office at 1-785-475-2231 or by direct email to jholloway@usd294.org to let us know that you will be attending.

Addams Family Musical This Week!

This year's musical will be the Addams' Family. The cast and crew have been spending the past few months getting prepared for the show that has always been a popular high school musical in the state of Kansas. Here are some dates to plan for and a synopsis of the The Addams' Family Musical.

Dates:

Friday, November 15 @ 7:30

Saturday, November 16 @ 7:30

Sunday, November 17 @ 2:30

Synopsis: In its typical creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky fashion, the ghoulish Addams family is visiting the graveyard for an annual gathering of all family members, living dead, and undecided, to celebrate what it is to be an Addams. However, the family encounters an unforeseen obstacle when Wednesday decides to introduce her new “normal” boyfriend Lucas to the family. In protest, Uncle Fester enlists the help of the Addams’ ancestors to call an end to the young budding romance. As Wednesday admits that she is falling in love, Morticia, Gomez, and Pugsley worry about her changing ways. As the families of Wednesday and Lucas come together for dinner one fateful evening, chaos ensues and the two families find themselves admitting deep secrets and coming together in ways they never would have imagined. The Addams Family Broadway Musical tells the story of love and friendship through adversity, with a comical and macabre yet poignant spin.

Red Devil Ready

Although this week is offiicially Winter Moratorium, it's still an activity filled week, all taking place at home. Our JH and HS Scholars Bowl teams kick off their seasons on Tuesday. Our JH basketball teams are in action on Thursday, not long after our Senior Meal. Finally, the weekend is full of Addams Family opportunities!

Until next week,

Jeremy Holloway

Go Big Red!