Tag Archive for MCHS

MCHS Earns “A”

December 21, 2012 Education, Front Page Comments Off

From Doug Brown, Madison County Superintendent of Schools:

Colleagues:

The preliminary 2012 school grades have been released and Madison County High School has earned a preliminary ‘A’ grade!!! The school grades are listed on the DOE website. I must stress that the high school grades are preliminary, but the grades are now displayed on the website for public consumption.

This school grade is testimony to (1) the establishment of high expectations (2) ‘buy in’ to those expectations by students, teachers, parents, and administrators, (3) hard work, dedication, and commitment by all involved and (4) leadership at the school level by the principal, AP’s, and curriculum coaches.

My hat is off to principal Ben Killingsworth, former superintendent Lou Miller, and the entire MCHS faculty and staff for this AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! This is the first time that the high school has earned an A grade, but it will not be the last. The bar is set! BTW, MCHS is the only ‘A’ high school in the six-county region (Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor). Let’s celebrate!!!

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MCHS Fine Arts Department Announces Kaleidoscope 2012

April 26, 2012 Uncategorized Comments Off

Madison County High School would like to announce their 2012 Kaleidoscope Program presented by the Fine Arts Department of Madison County High School on Tuesday evening May 1st. The Kaleidoscope program is a combination of spectacular sights and sounds presented by the students in the MCHS Bands and the MCHS Art Club.
The art club, under the direction of Mr. Donn Smith will presenting over fifty recent student works in drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography. Artists represented include Ashley Arnold, Brittany Bailey, Savannah Bailey, Abigail Blanton, Lacey Clayton, Samantha Davis, Loki Eikeland, Daniella Floyd, Chris Gay, Karl Grosskopf, Jordan Hayling, Lonna Holmes, Jared Kinsey, Dalton Lee, Ryan Leslein, Cabri Lewis, Elizabeth Parsons, Grace Parsons, Taylor Sever, Ashleigh Singletary, Torry Stephenson, Amber Wilson, and Sage Wood.
After the art show enjoy a musical experience like none other while the Cowboy Nights, Cowboy Thunder, Concert Band, Cowboy Colors, various soloists and the Vaquero Guard present a musical year in review.
Kaleidoscope is free to the public. The art show opens in the MCHS cafeteria at 6:30 and the concert begins at 7:00pm in the MCHS gymnasium.

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Baseball Tournament Set For This Weekend

August 17, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Community Baseball League will be played Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, in Madison.
The weekend tournament will wrap up the Community Baseball League’s season as all teams gather to play a double elimination tournament.
The games will be play at Cantey Field at North Florida Community College and at the Madison County High School baseball field.
The first game begins at NFCC at 10:30 a.m. Madison’s first game will be played at the high school at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday’s games begin at 2 p.m. at MCHS with a final game to follow at 4:30 p.m. with a possible 7 p.m. game, according to the tournament results.
Most players in the tournament range from 18-25 years old and others are as old as 40 years young.
Adult baseball has been active in North Florida and South Georgia for over five years.
The League will help support the local Second Harvest Food Bank and other organizations and individuals in need.

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MCHS Vaquero Guard Teaches Fans “The Games Cowboys Play”

August 16, 2011 Education Comments Off
Blake Webb practices for the show during the full band camp while Kristi Ferrell shouts the counts.

Blake Webb practices for the show during the full band camp while Kristi Ferrell shouts the counts.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

It’s almost here …football season. This not only means that the Madison County High School Cowboys are gearing up for their games, but also that the MCHS Vaquero Guard is preparing and perfecting their show for the season. The band can be heard during every game, both home and away, supporting the Cowboys, playing their hearts out and showing off their talents.

This year’s show is entitled “The Games Cowboys Play.” The songs included in the show are “Bounty Hunter,” “Pinball Wizard,” “Mario Brothers” and “Zelda.”  The band will play this show during each game’s halftime, except homecoming, where they will play a special show to honor the homecoming court.

This year, eight officers will lead the band. They are: Alana Ellison, Executive Officer; Kristi Ferrell, Drum Major; Cullen Gudz, Brass Captain; Lyric Davis, Woodwind Captain; Tommy Langford and, Tamarick Bruton, Drum Captain; Joshua Stafford, Equipment Officer; and Jacob Robinson, Uniform Officer.

The Vaquero Guard has held three camps this summer. From August 1-3, they had their Leadership Camp. From August 4-5 they had Vaquerito Camp (new members camp), August 8-12, they had their full band camp.

Aside from their weekly football performances, the band will also be competing in several competitions. On October 8, they will compete in Chiefland. Also, on October 29, they will compete in Tallahassee.

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Remembrance Of Things Past: Evelyn Chancy

August 11, 2011 History Comments Off
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By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Evelyn Chancy holds more experience working at the high school than almost any other teacher. She has dedicated nearly three-quarters of her life to Madison High Schools and has seen many changes occur over the years.

In total Chancy has worked for the Madison County School system for 42 years. She was there when the high school was located across town and named Madison High School, and she made the move with them 32 years ago to the current Madison County High School.

Chancy explained how she became a staff member at the high school, “When I graduated high school and went to college, I got offered to be a work study with the guidance counselor at the time, Lucille Cherry. After my work-study was done, they offered me a job. And I have been here ever since.”

When she first began working at the Madison High School, Chancy was the school secretary. Her job included being the bookkeeper and receptionist. She explained that she basically did a little of everything. Now her title is Principal’s Secretary, a title given to her by Lou Miller when she was principal. Her job now includes doing payroll and a little bit of everything else.

When she first started at the High School, the principal was Mac Primm. She has since seen eight principals come through. She recalls when they first made the move to the new high school thinking, “Wow! It’s so big.” Madison County High School is now 32 years old.

Big changes have occurred since she first began. The biggest, she would explain, is probably technology. “When I first started, we did everything by hand, “ she said. As for the students, Chancy believes that they have changed a lot since then. “They are a lot more outspoken now.”

Evelyn Chancy is married to Marion Chancy and they have two children; Jim Chancy and Cathy Brown. They also have seven grandchildren.

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Madison County Cowboys Attend FCA Camp

August 9, 2011 Sports Comments Off
cowboys

The Madison County Cowboy football team and coaches just returned from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Team Camp Three.  Coach Coe wanted to say thank you to all who gave their hard earned money to send the team to FCA camp.

The annual camp is hosted by Marianna High School and the teams are housed at the Blue Spring Assembly in Marianna. The Cowboys joined Pace High School of Pensacola area and Branford High from Suwannee County for Camp Three. Jefferson County, Marianna High School and Frankie Carroll’s Pelham, Georgia, team made up Camp One. Taylor County, Chipley, Wakulla and Jay made up Camp Two.

The camp began at 10 a.m. each day with team practices and live competition, runs for two hours each morning and afternoon. The players are in “shells,” which is everything but lower pads. The players love it because they have been doing passing leagues in shorts and are anxious for some live contact.   The coaches love this 11 on 11 live format because kick-off is only four weeks away for most and they get a good look against live competition.

The FCA staff loves it because we have the privilege of sharing the message of Christ with the all the teams.  The coaches are challenged in their personal faith and encouraged to be a positive influence for their communities. Statistically, eight out of 10 teenagers in America do not attend any church, but 100% of their team attended team camp.

From July 22-31, 515 coaches and athletes attended these three camps and 172 athletes made personal commitments for Christ. “There seemed to be a real hunger for direction and truth in the lives of the students and coaches this year. There is so much instability in our culture, students are looking for foundational truth and relationships they can build their lives on,” said Steve McHargue, FCA Area Representative.

Many thanks to everyone who gave to make this summer camp season a record success.

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Get Your Cowboy Cards And Season Tickets Today

July 28, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off
Members of the Madison County High School football team were selling their cards in McDonald’s Wednesday afternoon and thinking about upcoming football camp for the next three weekends. They’ll be selling their cards in a “blitz” until August 11. Front row, left to right: Jason Hayling, #16, WR; D.J. McKnight, #8, starting QB; second row, Neal Brown, #19, WR; Trent Robinson, #20, CB; third row, Tommie Young, #9, FB; back row, Gerard Brown, #55, LG.

Members of the Madison County High School football team were selling their cards in McDonald’s Wednesday afternoon and thinking about upcoming football camp for the next three weekends. They’ll be selling their cards in a “blitz” until August 11. Front row, left to right: Jason Hayling, #16, WR; D.J. McKnight, #8, starting QB; second row, Neal Brown, #19, WR; Trent Robinson, #20, CB; third row, Tommie Young, #9, FB; back row, Gerard Brown, #55, LG.

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.

It may still be in the summer, where everyone suffers from heat exhaustion and high electric bills from running the air conditioning too much, but it’s never too early to start dreaming about football. The Madison County High School Cowboys are selling are selling their famous football cards, offering bargains at Madison businesses and businesses in Valdosta, Ga.

Season tickets for the Cowboys’ football games are also available by calling Lee Anne Hall at (850) 464-0321.

Most of the offers are for 10 percent off at restaurants locally and in Valdosta, Ga. There are a few other businesses participating. Local patrons featured on the card include: Denny’s, Burger King, Madison Sporting Goods, Rainbow Garden, Waffle House, Subway, Hungry Howie’s, Pizza Hut, O’Neal’s, Madison Florist, Rancho Grande, El Carrisal, Madison Sports Grill and T.T.’s Cakes and More.

The Madison County High School Cowboys football players are busy this week selling the cards in front of local businesses. People can get their cards from any of the Cowboy players or coaches. The players and coaches appreciate your support of the team in their quest for a state championship.

Cowboy cards are available through Aug. 11.

The Madison County High School football schedule is as follows:

  • Madison County High School at Colquitt County, Ga. on Aug. 26 in the Kickoff Classic
  • Home against Suwannee High School on Sept. 2
  • At Jefferson County Middle/High School on Sept. 9
  • Home against Trinity Christian Academy on Sept. 16.
  • At Taylor County High School on Sept. 23
  • Home against Providence School on Sept. 30
  • Home against Pine Forest High School on Oct. 7
  • Home against Pensacola Catholic High School on Oct. 21
  • At GHS on Oct. 28
  • At Florida High School on Nov. 4

Please go out and show your support for the team. Go, Cowboys!

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Delta Kappa Gamma Holds Quarterly Meeting At Honey Lake

July 26, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off
Photo submitted Delta Kappa Gamma members enjoyed visiting Honey Lake Plantation.

Photo submitted Delta Kappa Gamma members enjoyed visiting Honey Lake Plantation.

The local Gamma Theta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society held its last quarterly meeting of the 2010-2011 school year on Tuesday, May 28.  Thirty-five of the women educator members toured Honey Lake Plantation, a local resort and spa premier destination, in Greenville, Florida.  Ted Ensminger, Honey Lake Director of Sales, showed the local educators the Honey Lake lodge, the Five Pines cottages, the salon, spa, fitness center and pool, the Lakeside Pavilion, the stables and the magnificent church, complete with antique stained glass windows, overlooking the beautiful 80-acre spring-fed Honey Lake.

Gamma Theta had an extremely successful year. In April, they initiated the following six new members:  Missy Cherry (Pinetta Elementary School), Kim Gurley and Delores Mabardy (Lee Elementary School), Martha Register (retired educator), Leigh Ann Browning (Madison Academy), and Shannon Curtis (Madison County Central School).  MCCS Teacher of the Year Celeste Fleming, a former member of the Beta Rho chapter in Louisiana, transferred her membership to join the Gamma Theta group, and Laverne Rutherford, another retired teacher, rejoined the chapter. The Gamma Theta Madison chapter now boasts over 50 members and continues to lead the entire state in chapter growth and membership status.

In February, Gamma Theta sponsored a table at the Golden Apple Awards Banquet, sponsored by the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education. The Gamma Theta members in attendance were proud to recognize two of their very own as outstanding Teachers of the Year for Madison County public schools.  Gamma Theta member Susan Maultsby was recognized as Lee Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, and Celeste Fleming was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Madison County Central School (6-8).

At the Madison County High School Baccalaureate and Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 31, Derita Pinkard, Gamma Theta chapter treasurer, awarded Summer Merritt, MCHS senior, with a $500 scholarship to attend the college of her choice.  Every year, Gamma Theta awards monetary scholarships to outstanding females in Madison County who declare the field of education as their college major. Summer plans to attend North Florida Community College to begin her quest to obtain a degree in English education. Summer stated, “This scholarship will help me…make a difference in the lives of students. With this scholarship I can further my education to inspire students. With this scholarship, I can attain the correct training and truly make a difference in how students view English.” Mrs. Rhonda Moore, MCHS English teacher, said, “Summer is diligent and focused and finds joy in learning. She exhibits this through her work ethic and dedication to her responsibilities. I find her to be a most refreshing and inspirational student.” Robin Hill, assistant principal, added, “Summer has demonstrated that she can overcome anything that would prevent her from attaining her dreams.  Summer wants to be a teacher because she has experienced support and encouragement from her teachers. Because of those truly caring teachers and counselors, Summer has found a positive direction for her life.”

In October, the Gamma Theta ladies donated over one hundred books to the MOMS clinic in Madison.  Dr. Julie Schnindler, local physician, was delighted to accept the books to distribute to her clients and their children. Gamma Theta recognizes the importance of reading and wanted to place books in the hands of mothers and their babies in the hopes of instilling a love for reading at a very young age.

The chapter also recognized the need for education in older adults as well, and because of that, the Gamma Theta educators donated school supplies to the Adult Education department of the Madison County District School Board.

Sharon French, adult education teacher and Gamma Theta member, gratefully accepted the materials on behalf of all the instructors and students.

In April, two members attended the Delta Kappa Gamma state convention held at the Orlando Airport Marriott in Orlando, Florida.  Frances Sanders, former Gamma Theta president (1974-1976), and Susanne Griffin, current Gamma Theta president (2008-2012), enjoyed two days of meetings, workshops, and banquets.  Throughout the weekend, several Gamma Theta members were recognized for their achievements. Members Lucile Cherry, Mildred Bruner, and Glen Baker (deceased) were honored for fifty years of active membership in the society. Susanne Griffin and Carolyn Edwards were recognized for their entries in the Betty Thornton Arts and Crafts Exhibit, and Susanne Griffin was also recognized in the Celebration Banquet’s Presentation of Presidents and for receiving the Mu State Past President’s scholarship of $2,500 and an International Scholarship of $6,000. In addition, Griffin was also asked to serve on the statewide scholarship committee for the next biennium. The final activity of the weekend was the Ceremony of Remembrance memorial service.  This touching candlelight service honored all the Delta Kappa Gamma members who passed away during the last biennium. Glen Baker was named as a Gamma Theta member in District II during this remembrance ceremony. “Sissy” passed away in October 2010 and had been an active member for fifty years.

At the close of the last meeting of the year, President Griffin recognized six Gamma Theta “sisters” who are retiring this year. Joyce Bosscher, Doris Murdoch, Carroll Ryals, and Joe Ann Wiggins, retired from Madison County Central School, Kathy McCollum retired from Lee Elementary School, and Monteze Walker retired from Madison County Central School. The rest of the Gamma Theta membership applauds their service to the “ministry” of education and wishes them many happy, relaxing days of well-deserved retirement.

The Gamma Theta officers who are leading the chapter for the 2010-2012 biennium are Susanne Griffin, president; Dianne Phillips, 1st vice president; Joyce Bosscher, 2nd vice president; Derita Pinkard, treasurer; Mariann Hutto, recording secretary; Debbie Christ, corresponding secretary;  and Carroll Ryals, parliamentarian.

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MCHS FCCLA Shines Bright in California

July 21, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off
Madison delegates who attended the convention were (L to R) Christian Griffin, Abigail Blanton, Kasey Odom, Alaina Pickels, Jordan Hughes and Kassidy Stallings.

Madison delegates who attended the convention were (L to R) Christian Griffin, Abigail Blanton, Kasey Odom, Alaina Pickels, Jordan Hughes and Kassidy Stallings.

Submitted by Robin Smith

Seven of the brightest stars in California this past week were not Hollywood’s elite, but seven students from the Madison County High School FCCLA chapter.   The members, their advisor and chaperone attended the Family, Careers  and Community Leaders of America National Convention in Anaheim, California, July 9th through the 14th.

Keeley Smith represented Florida as the State Vice-President of Recreation.  She attended sessions and workshops on information related to the national projects, leadership development, and organizational policies.   She was also selected by the state association to serve as one of the three voting delegates from the state of Florida.  This put her in the position of helping select the 2011-12 national officers and determine the results of a bylaw change affecting the determination for membership.

Additionally six youth competed in the organization’s STAR events.  STAR stands for Students Taking Action for Recognition.  These events are very competitive on the district and state level, with students vying for the right to represent their state on the national level.   Madison was very well represented with one of the largest delegations per chapter size present.   The students who competed all received gold medals.  They are:

Entrepreneurship:
Christian GriffinKassidy Stallings
Fashion Construction:
Jordan Hughes
Focus on Children:
Kasey OdomAlaina Pickels
Life Events Planning:
Abigail Blanton

In order to receive a gold medal each of the students had to receive a score of 90 or above.  Jordan Hughes, who was judged on the construction and display of her garment along with a presentation, received a perfect score of 100.

In addition to competing, students attended sessions, workshops and exhibits.  Students also learned about the new National Projects for the upcoming year.  FCCLA has joined with the following organizations to Share Your Strength, March of Dimes and Soles for Souls.   Chapters will be working in the upcoming year to find ways to support,  educate and promote these organizations and their cause.

The closing session was highlighted by the honoring of a past member Alisha Dixon Hyslop with the Alumni Achievement Award.  This award is given annually to one alumni member who has gone on to excel in representing the values and goals of the organization.

Alisha graduated from Madison County High and was a member of FCCLA from the 6th to 12th grade, serving as chapter president and also as the president of the state association.    She currently lives in Tampa, Florida and is involved in public policies for the Association of Career and Technical Education.

The chapter members would like to thank their parents, the Madison County School Board, Madison County High School administrators, Johnson and Johnson, Daylight Spa, Rancho Grande, Madison County Community Bank, the Mail Room, Browning and Sons, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Jimbob Printing and the Madison County community, for their support.

We would especially like to thank Mrs. Monteze Walker, the chapter’s adviser, who recently retired, for her support and her talented gifts over the past 30 years.   It has been her advisement and guidance that has help this chapter become one of the most successful chapters in the state of Florida.

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MCHS Cheerleaders Need Your Help

June 21, 2011 Around Madison, Sports Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Though school is out, the junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders at Madison County High School are working hard. They are spending the summer trying to raise enough money to attend an NCA (National Cheerleader Association) summer camp. The camp will be held at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
The girls need the community’s help to make this possible. They will be hosting two fundraisers during the break from school. One will be a smoked meat sale by Johnston’s Meat Market of Monticello. The other will be a chicken and rice dinner sale.
For the smoked meat sale, by Johnston’s Meat Market of Monticello, the cost is $25.00. Those who wish to help the girls by participating in this fundraiser can pick from either a Boston butt, picnic ham, turkey breast or sausage. The meats are smoked on a rotisserie for 4-5 hours and are extremely tender and flavorful. The meats can feed between 10 and 15 people. The meats will be available June 24, between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Madison County Courthouse. They will be packed and tagged and ready to go.
The chicken and rice dinners will be on sale for $6.00. Each plate includes chicken and rice, green beans, bread and butter pickles, bread, dessert and a drink. The day of the fundraiser is July 8. The meals will be ready from 11 am until 2 pm at the Madison County Courthouse. The cheerleaders are also offering to deliver the meals if needed.
To place an order or for questions, contact any MCHS cheerleader or Ruth Ann Latner at 973-4650.

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Madison County High School Band Holds Annual Banquet

June 9, 2011 Education Comments Off
New band officers were elected for the upcoming year. From left to right: Kristi Ferrell (drum major), Joshua Stafford (equipment officer), Lyric Davis (woodwind captain) and Alana Ellison (executive officer).

New band officers were elected for the upcoming year. From left to right: Kristi Ferrell (drum major), Joshua Stafford (equipment officer), Lyric Davis (woodwind captain) and Alana Ellison (executive officer).

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Next year’s band members and senior band members were recognized at the annual band banquet Thursday, May 26.
Alana Ellison was chosen executive officer for the band for 2011-2012.
For the third year in a row, Kristi Ferrell was chosen the band’s drum major.
Jonathan Cooks was recognized as Most Improved in the band for the past school year.

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Meister And Cortez, 2011 MCHS Graduates, To Join Marines

May 26, 2011 Around Madison, Education, Sports 2 comments

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
While some graduates of the class of 2011 have no clue what their future may hold, others have a well thought out plan as to what they want their lives to bring. Some students will go to a university and get degrees before entering the workforce, others will go straight into the workforce and there are a few proud students who will enter the military to serve their country.
Eric Cortez and Jonathan Meister are two of those brave students who will spend the next several years of their life serving their country as Marines. Jonathan is the son of Brad and Jeannie Meister; he has a sister named Jessica. Eric is the son of Nancy Torralbas and Rony Cortez; he has a brother, Casey Wiggins, and a sister, Aylin Torralbas. Both boys are 18 years old and will be graduating from Madison County High School on June 3.
Jonathan has already begun his Marines career. He has already taken and passed his ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and has begun his training. He does workouts at the YMCA in Valdosta several times a week to prepare for basic training. Jonathan also meets with his recruiter and other future Marines from surrounding counties to do IST (Initial Strength Test) Training.

Jonathan Meister (left) and Eric Cortez (right) will represent Madison as Marines following their graduation.

Eric has laid out his future plans to join the Marines and hopes to be able to enlist at the end of this month or early June. He still has to pass his ASVAB test but has also begun his training to prepare for basic training. Eric has spent the last several months preparing his self to become a Marine.
Both boys will have to go through basic training camp before being able to serve fulltime in the Marines. Jonathan leaves for basic training on August 8. Eric hopes to leave for basic training in November at the latest. Basic training is a 13-week program that will test the boy’s physical and mental strength. They will be taught how to handle official military situations. They will also be trained to become stronger, faster and how to become better Marines.
While in basic training, they will have little contact with the outside world. They will be able to write letters, but phone calls will be few and far between. When asked what they will miss most, both boys said their friends and their family. Eric told this reporter, “I’ll definitely miss my family, my friends and my dog.”
When asked what made him decide to join the Marines, Jonathan stated, “I always wanted to be in the military. I want to help my country and travel the world. You never know what the next day will bring, but you know it is always going to be something new and exciting.”
Eric’s response to that question was, “I have always wanted to serve. I just want to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to know that I served my country well and that I did it with pride and honor.”
At first, the boys planned to join the Air Force together on the buddy system. However, due to Jonathan’s eyesight he was unable to serve for the Air Force. So Jonathan and Eric then decided to join the Marines. The fact that Jonathan passed the ASVAB test before Eric also meant that he would qualify to join the Marines before Eric, so they were unable to join together.
“We are just two small town kids trying to make a difference by going into the service. We are just trying to make our friends, family and community proud,” said Eric.

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Cowboy Nights Light Up 39ers Club

May 24, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off
The Cowboy Nights give their final performance for the school year at the 39ers Club. Left to right: Back to camera, director Jeff Hill. Percussion section (far corner), Aaron Pitt, Jay Wallace, Tamarick Bruton and Tommy Langford. Back row (trumpets): Jorge Tojiero, Lindsay Pinkard, Zet Primm, Blake Webb, Michael McCool and Hunter Elliot. Middle row (trombones): Joshua Stafford, Ryan Quiros, Cullen Gudz and Tyler Belinski. Front row (saxophones): Dylan Welch, Jacob Robinson, Kristi Ferrell, Lyric Davis and Toby Fox.

The Cowboy Nights give their final performance for the school year at the 39ers Club. Left to right: Back to camera, director Jeff Hill. Percussion section (far corner), Aaron Pitt, Jay Wallace, Tamarick Bruton and Tommy Langford. Back row (trumpets): Jorge Tojiero, Lindsay Pinkard, Zet Primm, Blake Webb, Michael McCool and Hunter Elliot. Middle row (trombones): Joshua Stafford, Ryan Quiros, Cullen Gudz and Tyler Belinski. Front row (saxophones): Dylan Welch, Jacob Robinson, Kristi Ferrell, Lyric Davis and Toby Fox.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.

At the final meeting of the 39ers Club (before their summer break), the Cowboy Nights Jazz Band of Madison County High School, under the direction of Jeff Hill, gave their final performance of the school year, filling the room with the smooth sounds of bossa nova and the lively beat of Latin numbers, along with selections from other musical genres, including Swing, Big Band, and even a contemporary number, Taylor Swift’s “You Belong to Me.”
Jan Ledsome and Thelma Dehart had dressed the stage and set the mood with music-note-themed table decorations for the concert, and director Hill had words of high praise for the high school students who formed the ensemble.  “I took the best of all the other musical groups and formed this group,” he said.  “I teach what I call ‘my select.’  They’re diligent, they’re dedicated, they’re hard-working and they play with real emotion.”
The band treated the Club members to “The Girl From Ipanema,” a popular, worldwide hit from the early sixties, and the Latin beat of “Baja,” as Hill took time between numbers to talk about the group and introduce individual members.  On percussion: Abigail Blanton (piano), Tommy Langford and Tamarick Bruton (drums), Aaron Pitt (lead rhythm guitar) and Jay Wallace (acoustic).  Trumpets: Jorge Tojiero, Lindsey Pinkard, Zet Primm, Blake Webb, Michael McCool and Hunter Elliot.  Trombones: Joshua Stafford, Ryan Quiros, Cullen Gudz and Tyler Belinski.  Saxophones: Dylan Welch, Jacob Robinson, Kristi Ferrell, Lyric Davis and Toby Fox.
Hill also talked about the importance of musical education in a young person’s life, urging those present to support the music education programs in the local schools.  “Music completes the person,” he said.  “Music is wonderful.”
On the bittersweet side, he added that this was the last time these particular young people would be playing together as a group.  Four of the band members, Zet Primm, Aaron Pitt, Ryan Quiros and Hunter Elliot, are graduating seniors who won’t be returning in the fall, but will be heading off to college and other new pursuits.  Club member John Hopwood then spoke briefly to the four, urging them not to give up their instruments once they left school and moved into professional life, even though the tendency was for most people to do just that.  “Keep playing,” he said.  “Don’t give up your talent.”
The band serenaded the 39ers with a final selection, a Big Band number “from your era,” Hill grinned.”
“Who are you calling old?” asked an audience member amid general laughter.  “There’s no one here over 39 years of age.”
“Ahh, Glenn Miller,” sighed another as the band played “String of Pearls.”
After the band concluded to loud applause and everyone meandered out to the parking lot, perhaps the sky seemed a little bluer and the heart not quite so heavy, as they considered the wonder that is music and wondered where on earth we’d be without it.

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MCHS Senior Becomes Nationally Honored Artist

May 24, 2011 Education Comments Off
Brandon Pursley is seen above showing off his artwork.

By Kristin Finney

Brandon Pursley is seen above showing off his artwork.

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Brandon Pursley has been bestowed an honor that many artists can only dream of. His work is being published on the cover of a national magazine. The magazine that will feature his artwork is for the United States Department of Labor, Office of Disabilities.
Brandon is a senior at Madison County High School and a member of the High School/High Tech club. It is through this club that Brandon got the opportunity to compete for this prestigious honor. Brandon said of his artwork, “It took me one night to draw the final draft. But I did five rough drafts before that.”
Artwork is not only a passion of Brandon’s; he hopes to make it a career. He told this reporter, “I want to be a graphic designer or something like that. I would really like to work for Disney.”
Not only will Brandon’s work be featured on the cover of the magazine, Brandon also got a monetary award; a check for $500.
The magazine featuring Brandon’s drawing will be released in Fall 2011.

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End Of The Year Wrap Up: MCHS

May 24, 2011 Education Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Madison County High School has spent the last nine months preparing their students for the next chapter of their lives. While the graduating class of 2011 has learned all that the school has to offer, the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014 have a little while left. MCHS is the final steppingstone for many of Madison’s teenagers as they transition from childhood into adulthood.
MCHS has spent this year attempting to keep their students on the right path and leading them in a positive direction towards the future. There have been several sports teams represent MCHS proudly this year, whether its football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball or softball.
There was a Talent Show at MCHS on May 20, where students got to show off their wide array of skills. There have been field days and field trips that allowed students to forget testing for a while and focus on fun. There have been several club meetings and banquets throughout the year. The upperclassmen got to participate in the prom, which was themed “P.S. I Love You.” They also recently has a field day to honor the class who had the least absences and referrals; the sophomore class won the field day.
The MCHS Varsity Cowboys had their annual Maroon and Silver game on May 19 and will have their kick off Spring Game on May 27.
The staff at MCHS has also stayed busy trying to help as many of the seniors as possible to be able to walk across that stage on June 3. They have been teaching students day in and day out, how to succeed not only in the classroom but also in life.
Evelyn Chancy, who has been a longtime staff member at MCHS and is currently the schools secretary stated, “All in all it has been a good year.”
The class of 2011 will be graduating on June 3 at 8 p.m. at Boothill Stadium. The entire community is invited to join in this celebration.

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Video: MCHS Band Plays “Girl from Ipanema”

May 17, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

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Madison County High’s Class Of ’81 “Original Cowboys” Planning Reunion

May 3, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
They call themselves “The Original Cowboys,” that Class of 1981, that was the first to graduate from Madison County High School after it re-opened in its present location and changed its mascot from “cougar” to “cowboy.”
And one of those Original Cowboys, Jesse Solomon, went on to become a Dallas Cowboy.  Solomon played football for both Madison High and Florida State University, and from 1986 to 1994, he also played for several NFL teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins.
Now, he is busy organizing a 30-Year Class Reunion for his fellow MCHS alumni for the weekend of June 10,11 and 12.
It’s a fun-filled weekend with something for everyone.  Friday, June 10, two busloads full of the first 100 classmates to register, will leave Madison County for Jacksonville, where they will embark on a casino/dinner cruise.  The deadline to register for the cruise is June 1, and those who are interested should register soon.  Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saturday is Family Day, with a cookout and softball games, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Madison County High School.  That evening there will be a dinner at the Divine Events off the Valdosta Highway (Hwy 145).
Sunday will round off the weekend with church services at the MCHS auditorium, led by Tom Page and several classmates who have gone into the ministry since graduation.
For more information, about the activities, or registering for the cruise, contact Jesse Solomon at (850) 408 2342.

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Health Fair at Madison County High School Athletic Field

May 3, 2011 Education, Health Comments Off
That perennial favorite, the tug-of-war challenge, has two teams struggling to pull each other into the wading pool.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison school children from all over the county spent the day at Madison County High School’s athletic field for the school health fair, participating in fun, competitive activities, and listening to guest speakers talking about the importance of staying fit and healthy.
The health fair, organized by the Junior Auxiliary of Madison, was an undertaking that took “months and months of planning” to get it to all to come together, said J.A. member Cathy Rogers, who headed up the event.  “Our national focus is ‘Healthy Children, Healthy Village,’ and all our members are required to participate.”
Among the many J.A. members on the field that day, Elizabeth Waring was in charge of the tug-of-war, Janie Barnes ran the obstacle course, Toni Norris oversaw the team-leapfrog and centipede games, to name just few.
In addition to the J.A. members, Rogers added that “several wonderful friends” were also helping out.

That perennial favorite, the tug-of-war challenge, has two teams struggling to pull each other into the wading pool.

The large oval track at the athletic field was divided into over a dozen stations, each one devoted to a different team activity.  Teachers lead their teams around the track from one activity tent to another, so that each child had a chance to participate in everything from tug-of-war, to skipping rope, to potato sack races.  In spite of the heat and humidity, the children were having fun and laughing, especially the ones playing tug-of-war, where the “losing” team ended up in a wading pool full of water.  “Give me a hug,” said one girl to a dripping wet friend, “so I can get wet too!”
All over the field, groups of children covered the ground like grasshoppers in constant motion, playing games, competing on teams and experiencing the fun being outside, moving around, and seeing that an active lifestyle could be enjoyable as well as healthy, benefiting them both now…and in their future as adults.

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Former Cowboy Head Football Coach Takes Job In Georgia

April 19, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off
Frankie Carroll

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Frankie Carroll

Former Madison County Head Football Coach Frankie Carroll is headed to Pelham, Ga., to assume duties as the school’s new head football coach.
“This door was opened by the Lord,” Carroll said. “I had been praying to the Lord, for a long time, for a chance like this.”
While Carroll was the head coach at MCHS, the team amassed an amazing win-loss record. The Cowboys went to the state championship three times with Carroll as head coach and won one title.
When Carroll was an assistant coach at the high school, the team went to two state titles games and won one of them. Randy McPherson was the head Cowboy coach at the time.
McPherson was one of the driving forces in getting Carroll the job at Pelham. Now the head coach at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., McPherson suggested Carroll for the job to the school’s principal.
The Pelham principal called Carroll and offered him the job. The school board made it official on Thursday evening, April 7.
Carroll said that the Pelham team looks just like the Madison team, although their record doesn’t show it. The Hornets went 0-10 last year and have hardly won any games since 2002.
“The main difference between the teams,” Carroll said, “is that the Cowboys knew they could win and Pelham just isn’t sure.”
Carroll said that he wanted to instill that confidence in the Hornets.
After stepping down as the Cowboys’ head coach two years ago, Carroll has kept busy driving the school bus and working with the ESE program at Madison County Central School.
Carroll is a graduate of Greenville High School, where he played defensive back for the Pirates. The Pirates won a couple of Suwannee Valley conference titles during the time he was in high school.
Prior to becoming the Cowboys’ head coach, Carroll was the Cowboys’ JV coach and coached the defensive ends on varsity.
Carroll and his wife, Della, have a son, Jeremy, and a daughter, Rebecca Wambolt. They also have two grandchildren, Ashton and Lexi Carroll.
“Della and I would like to thank all the people of Madison County for supporting me over the years,” Carroll said.

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MCHS Prom 2011 Set For May 7

April 12, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
It’s that time of year again…Prom! Girls will be purchasing lovely gowns, boys will be renting their tuxes and parents will be spending big bucks to ensure that their children have a great time. Madison County High School has set the date for prom as May 7 from 8 p.m.-12 midnight.
Tickets are now on sale for $30. As always each senior will be given his or her personal ticket for free. Students taking dates that do not attend MCHS must have their dates approved through the school; forms are available in the front office.
The Junior class has chosen the theme for this year to be “P.S. I Love You.”  The color scheme will be red, white and black.
For the whole night, a DJ will be spinning off the latest hits and, of course, some of the best dance classics. There will be refreshments and finger foods served during the entire event.
Students attending the prom are sure to have a great time making new memories and dancing the night away. However, the fun of prom begins long before 8 p.m. Girls will begin getting their hair done early in the morning, and many will get their nails done during the week before. Once their hair is ready, they will begin work on their make-up, followed by making sure that their dress is perfect and every accessory is sparkling.
After getting ready, there will be hundreds of pictures taken. Many students gather in the park next to the Court House to take photos with their friends and loved ones. Anyone riding by the park on May 7 is sure to see plenty of beautifully dressed teenagers smiling for the cameras.
By the time the students bid farewell to their families, they are more than ready to be done taking pictures and ready to begin their evening. Some will go to Valdosta or Tallahassee to eat before prom. Others may eat large dinners at home or even at local restaurants.
When the prom-goers finally arrive at the high school, school administrators will welcome them as they take their tickets. Mr. Radel will then take pictures of each group or couple before leading them into the doors.
Upon entering the gym, the students will be amazed at the transformation from drab gym to prom paradise.
Students will be able to dance the night away on the huge dance floor. There will also be plenty of tables to sit at when dancers need a break. The gym will be covered in the theme colors: red, white and black. There will be a ton of decorations and gossamer surrounding the gym.
For students planning to attend parties after, remember to stay safe and never ride with anyone who is drinking and driving. Underage drinking is not only dangerous; it is illegal. There are plenty of ways to have a great night without drinking.
Greene Publishing, Inc. would like to wish all of the students a happy and memorable prom!

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