Volume I Issue VI
3rd Annual Beta nursing home visitation
By: Hannah Horton and Erin McFry
The annual Nursing Home visitation, sponsored by Cedar Bluff Beta club, resulted in uplifted spirits along with holiday cheer for the residents and students alike.
Beta club began visiting the nursing home during the holidays, in order to carol, play bingo and engage in conversations with the residents, three years ago.
Sponsors, Cathy Wilson and Jessica Walker, encourage participation in the event insisting that it not only benefits the residents but also the students involved.
Beta Club president, Julianne Wilson, states that “as a Beta club we truly enjoyed our time with the precious patients at the nursing home. From making stockings to playing Christmas Bingo, we are thankful for the opportunity to visit them during the holidays.” stated Wilson.
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Similarly, Harley Miller, a new Beta member, notes her first visit as “very enjoyable,”
further explaining that she was "glad [the trip] was so organized and everyone involved [displayed exceptional] cooperation." Miller ended by claiming she is excited to return next year.
Each year, numerous employees at the Nursing Home stress the importance of our visitation for the residents; moreover, constantly ensuring students how appreciative they are that the students would volunteer their time to participate in this trip.
Students Compete in the Annual Spelling
By: Kaetlyn Smallwood
On Friday, December 13, 2019, Cedar Bluff School’s annual spelling bee was held in the school’s library. Following the Scripps National Spelling Bee Rules, students, from fourth to eighth grade, were eligible to compete in the spelling bee and studied the official list of potential words.
This year, with guardians and some staff watching, twelve students spelled the words given by the pronouncer, Assistant Principal Jeff Walls, in front of two judges: Laura Brown, the school’s Library Media Specialist, and Connie Brannon, the school’s ISS and Attendance Clerk.
Bexon Neyman won first place, winning a trophy and a $25.00 Walmart Gift Card.
Meanwhile, Aubrey Crane won second place and received a $15.00 Gift Card from Walmart.
Monica Taylor, the third place winner, earned a $10.00 Walmart Gift Card.
Pam Burgess, a fourth grade teacher and Cedar Bluff’s spelling bee sponsor, states that the students benefit from participating in multiple ways.
“Learning to spell a variety of words is, of course, one benefit of student participation. Other things like learning to perform in front of people and preparing for an event are also of great benefit to the students who participate.”
In the future, Mrs. Burgess hopes to have even more students compete.
Cedar Bluff Students and Staff Give the Gift of Life
By: Natalie Teat and Emma Bishop
Cedar Bluff School recently hosted a blood drive that allowed teachers and students the opportunity to donate blood and be a part of a good cause in helping others.
As stated by BNL Blood Drives, one out of every 10 people entering a hospital needs blood. Just one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three lives.
The average adult has 10 pints of blood in his or her body.
There were twenty-four people who registered to donate and thirteen of them were first-time donors. Out of the twenty-four donors, at least four of them donated plasma, which makes even a greater difference.
According to FCCLA sponsor Kelsey Higgins, “We use Blood Assurance because it benefits our local hospitals, such as the Centre, Rome, and Chattanooga hospitals.
The donation process takes four steps: medical history, quick physical, donation, and snacks. The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. The entire process, from when one signs in to the time one leaves, takes only 45 minutes--45 minutes to save lives.
FCCLA members assisted donors throughout the entire donation process. They escorted donors to and from class, helped in the recovery room, and assisted the Blood Assurance team on the bus.
Donating blood is a great opportunity to save lives and for students to earn the “Cord of Courage.”
“Students who are interested in donating a certain amount of blood throughout their high school career will be awarded the cord to wear on graduation night,” said Higgins.
According to Higgins, The Blood Drive involves much work, but it is always worth it for students to experience donating, along with others serving. It was a time when the entire chapter and school family volunteered to save lives.
Elementary Red Ribbon Week
By: Riley Crowe
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Cedar Bluff Elementary students participated this fall in the national prevention week known as Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug campaign in America and always is in the last full week of October. Red Ribbon Week serves as an opportunity for communities to take a stand against drug abuse and educate on its destruction.
The National Family Partnerships is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by a group of concerned parents who created Red Ribbon Week. NFP’s main goal is to be leaders in the key role of drug prevention.
On average, around four million underage children admit to illegal possession of prescription drugs. For kids between ages twelve and seventeen, 10.6% admit to using drugs.
Jessica Walker, Cedar Bluff’s elementary counselor, planned and coordinated the week. Mrs. Walker believes “it is an ideal way for students to unite and take a visible stand against drugs and to show personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through dress-up days October 21-25.”
Cedar Bluff PTO helped fund the daily items students received.
Classes dressed up for each day’s theme and participated in a poster contest, along with a classroom door contest. Karen Bishop’s third grade class won the door contest this year.
According to Walker, “We hope our students will take a stand against the use of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.”
She encourages students to “realize they have the power to say no and make good choices.”
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Monday: “I believe in ME! Happy, Healthy, & Drug-Free! -- students wore their favorite outfit.
Tuesday: “Follow Your Dreams, be Drug-Free.” -- students dressed in their future career choice.
Wednesday: “Together against bullying. United for kindness, acceptance, inclusion!” --students wore orange for National Unity Day.
Thursday: “Friends don’t let friends, bully or do drugs.” -- students dressed like someone (twin day)
Friday: “Our School Chooses to be Drug-Free!” -- students wore red
Seniors get a jumpstart on their future
By: Natalie Teat and Riley Crowe
“I Applied to College Week” is a program that Cedar Bluff School has participated in for the past few years to help and encourage seniors to become mindful of collegiate opportunities, including the free college application event known as “Cash for College Week.”
Andreanna Davis, Cedar Bluff High School guidance counselor, believes it promotes a positive outlook for the student themselves, and impacts the school overall. “We started participating in this initiative to create a college-going culture and to bring awareness to our students and community that college is possible for everyone,” said Davis.
Davis, along with Elementary Counselor Jessica Walker, have worked tirelessly this fall as sponsors of the program.
Currently, approximately 90% of Cedar Bluff seniors have applied to at least one college, while about 50% of seniors have completed and submitted FAFSA applications thus far.
“Cash for College Week” has gained more support from colleges willing to participate and waive the admission application fee. Davis claims “over 60% of Cedar Bluff students qualify for some type of Pell Grant.” Pell Grants are monies for college that does not need to be paid back; presently, the maximum amount is $6,195.
Though program emphasizes one particular week, the event lasts longer than that. Last year the Alabama Possible program awarded Cedar Bluff with the Best Hustle Award. Davis states, “We received this award because we had at least 10% or more increase in students who completed FAFSA from the previous year.”
Students were also given the opportunity to visit a couple of college campuses. Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State welcomed Cedar Bluff students for campus tours and visits to various departments.
Remember, students who need help completing FAFSA, please feel free to contact Mrs. Davis or Mrs. Walker. If any seniors have any questions about college applications, see Mrs. Davis or Mrs. Walker for assistance.
To learn more about scholarships, visit Mrs. Davis’s website, bit.ly/cb.scholarships, for any information. She makes frequent updates to the site and encourages students and parents to visit the site often.
The Tigers are the winners from the start
By: Josalynn Garrett
The inaugural Cedar Bluff Scholars Bowl Team took home a victory in the high school competition November 14.
This was the second annual Cherokee County Scholars Bowl. Cedar Bluff entered middle and high school teams.
Alicia Mahan, middle school English teacher and scholars bowl team sponsor, was elated with the teams’ first performances. “None of us knew exactly what to expect from the competition. I am so glad that everyone seemed to enjoy it. The competition was intense.”
The middle school team placed fourth. The nine middle school team members are Steven Akes, Harley Miller, Bugzey (Caitlin) Helmey, Owen Wester, Isaac Hamilton, Jacob Chambers, Stormee Anderson, Caley Bruce.
The six high school team members include Jack Stallings, Jack Horton, Leighton Rainer, Josalynn Garrett, Mark Sawyer, and Reese Patterson.
The high school team only lost one game, their first, in the five preliminary rounds in their march toward their victory, losing initially to Cherokee County High School, 80-220. The next game, though, the Tigers turned the tide, defeating Sand Rock High School, 210-90. The next two games were also won, leading to the bracket or championship rounds.
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The championship game came down to Cedar Bluff and Cherokee County once more, with the Tigers winning, 130-120.
“I was extremely nervous about participating, fearing that we were going to get beat badly,” said Jack Stallings. “However, once the scholars bowl began, I realized how fun it was!”
Stallings was recognized as an all-tournament winner.
Along with Stallings, three others achieved all-tournament status: high school student Josalynn Garrett and middle school students Steven Akes and Jacob Chambers.
The middle school team members had a good showing their first time to compete, winning in the practice rounds and the first bracket round before losing.
“I am so proud of how all our students represented our school,” said Mahan.
All team members enjoyed the experience. This leads to larger horizons for the Scholars Bowl Team, such as a district tournament later in the school year.
Cedar Bluff welcomes sro Jordan Kelley
By: Kaetlyn Smallwood and Katie Ochoa
Over the past two years, Cedar Bluff School’s security has grown immensely. The school has gained multiple resources: a glass wall at the front office, changing of the locks to all doors, car tags for students and faculty, changing the car drop off location, a new Ident-A-Kid System, which checks IDS and also takes pictures of visitors, and most importantly, now, a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) Jordan Kelley.
According to Sergeant Kelley, he came to Cedar Bluff upon a recommendation from Sheriff Jeff Shaver. He has worked in law enforcement for over ten years and has three years of prior experience as an SRO.
Sgt. Kelley began his duties on Monday, November 18, 2019 where he quickly learned about the friendly and welcoming environment at the school.
“It’s like being a part of a family,” stated Kelley.
The initiative to finally place SROs in Cherokee County has been a long process. However, it was finally realized through a partnering effort by the Sheriff’s Office, Board of Education, and the Cherokee County Commission. Currently, there are two full-time Student Resource Officers: Deputy Kacey West, who works at Cherokee County High School, and Cedar Bluff’s Sergeant Kelley.
WABC 33/40 recently filmed a story at Cedar Bluff concerning SRO Kelley and the resource office implementation.
Sergeant Kelley describes his duties as an SRO in three aspects. These aspects include being an impromptu counselor/mentor and teacher, as well as a law officer.
He assists the staff and students in any way, affirming his commitment to the safety and educational health of the students.
“I look forward to interacting with and getting to know the students and faculty members as a regular part of the Cedar Bluff family.”
"A life well-lived"
By: Manuel Lugo
Recently, in honor of beloved Cedar Bluff supporter Candace Flynt’s passing, students and faculty wore purple, which was Candace’s favorite color. Candace expressed her love by supporting every sport from Football to Baseball, so the students decided to come together and show their love and support for her family in their time of need.
Candace was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and fought a long battle with the disease for ten years. After the loss of such a magnificent woman, our community was struck with heartbreak and tears. Students came together as a community and held a candlelight vigil in her honor, while they listened to music followed by a moment of silence. This service showed how Candace touched the lives of so many people.
The cheerleaders also worked together to create a special, beautiful run-through sign that read “We’ll Fight for Flynt” and encouraged the students to wear purple to the game and for the football players to play the game in her honor.
As a community we shared the pain upon hearing the news when Candace entered her forever home in Heaven after such a courageous battle.
The community of Cherokee County also expressed their love and condolences through social media, flowers, and other ways of support for the family.
Candace was not only a wonderful woman and mother, but she touched so many lives. She helped people in times of need, even during her own battle with cancer because she knew God's plan.
Candace will always be with our community and school.
In the words of journalist Willie Geist, she represents to us all “a life well-lived.”
Fields of Faith
By: Hannah Horton
The annual Fields of Faith, held at The ROC, Centre, was once again a successful student-led worship experience, filled with devotions, music, and testimonials involving students and adults from across the county.
Cedar Bluff FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes] has held the responsibility of organizing the event for seven years. Coach Jonathan McWhorter, advisor of the FCA, heavily encourages student involvement.
“Katrina Mintz approached me with interest in starting Fields of Faith for Cherokee County and urged that she would take care of the organization details; however, after Katrina passed on the responsibility to FCA and SGA, students did extremely well planning it and have continued to do so including this year.”
Fields of Faith is an event held in October that enables students in the county to gather, share testimonies and worship. Although Fields of Faith is traditionally held on the hostess schools football field, one year unexpected rain caused the event to be moved to the ROC in Centre; therefore, it is now permanently at the ROC in case of future weather conflicts.
Senior Alexis Smith illustrated the commitment involved: “Honestly, it was more of a calling. I didn’t really expect to be as involved as I was. [Previously] I’d always helped but never like this, I just felt like God was telling me to get involved and I knew that I had to do it, so I did and I couldn’t be happier.”
The organization of Fields of Faith is far from miniscule. Smith revealed the expansive details of preparing for the event.
“The main and most important step is prayer. The event isn’t about any one single person, it’s about Him; therefore, [it is essential] to talk with Him and ask for His will to be done. You need to book a [venue], organize and order t-shirts, find speakers, singers and volunteers; moreover, media exposure is important to reach the community and inform them about the event.”
Elementary counselor Jessica Walker aided the students in several ways leading up to the event thorough organizing t-shirt orders, schedule outlining, and promotional materials.
The night began with worship from Randy Rainey and the First Baptist Church Praise Band. Cedar Bluff and Cherokee County seniors Jack Horton, Hannah Cosby, Samuel Cosby, and Audrey Wester presented the introductions, welcomed the hundreds of attendees, and gave door prizes.
Then, students from across the county shared their testimonies. Spring Garden senior Macy Reedy, who shared how God was working in her life as she struggles with the loss of her boyfriend, Colby Slayton. Next, Anna Smith captivated the audience in an acoustic performance of “Holy Spirit” by Francesa Battestelli and “Different” by Micah Tyler, each a testimony of her faith. Furthermore, Cedar Bluff Senior Kyla O’Neal explained how God aided her through the temporary displacement from her home.
“Prior to being here tonight I was worried about giving my testimony, but I knew God would use my story to help others understand what a relationship with Him could do for them as well.” O’neal stated.
Finally, Guest Speaker Karmen Smith, Fort Payne, shared an inspiring and challenging message. She began with a poem written by her adopted 13 year old son titled “I am Stupid and Dumb.” Karmen introduced herself, providing an insight into her life leading up to that night. Furthermore, reflecting on memories and hard times, she expressed how far she had come in her relationship with God and the pits she fell into while reaching this point. In the end as she focused back on the poem, she noted that regardless of what we think about ourselves, God has told us who and what we are in His Word. According to Smith, such is the message realized in by her son and is also the message that can be realized in all who will listen to God.
The 7th annual Cherokee County Fields of Faith was an extreme success. Cedar Bluff students and faculty appreciate the opportunity to sponsor the yearly area-wide event.
The Skinny Title
Weiss lake improvement association:
junior board
By: Emma Bishop
The Junior Board involves two students from each school in the county, preferably one junior and one senior. Two of Cedar Bluff’s own students, Manuel Lugo and Emma Bishop, were selected to be apart of this to help improve the community.
The Junior Board originated from Weiss Lake Improvement and started last year with two students from Cherokee County High School.
“They came out and they helped us at a number of different events一it worked so well that we thought let’s go ahead and spread it all throughout all the high schools in the county and we wanted them to have a say in what Weiss Lake Improvement does,” stated Bob Pickerel, who is the administrator of the Junior Board.
As a result of this, the Junior Board became the interface between the community and Weiss Lake Improvement, particularly in relation to the schools.
The purpose of the Junior Board is to develop new ideas for Weiss Lake Improvement, as well as to enlarge the clean campus program for every high school in the county, as well as any other projects that the students see as beneficial to the Weiss Lake Improvement Association
“We are asking them to get involved whenever they can,” Pickerel said.
The students gain leadership and community service experience. In addition, the organization awards $1,000 scholarships to two of the Junior Board members each year.
According to Pickerel, “Most everything we do, as a nonprofit organization, is to serve the community and to make sure that the lake’s environment is kept at a high level.”
The Hardwork of Donald and Becky sanders is recognized through the dedication of the cedar bluff concession stand
By: Dannah Johnson
For more than 35 years, the one mainstay on Friday nights at Tiger football games have been Donald and Becky Sanders. Long before a game’s kickoff, Donald and Becky were filling the air with smells of hotdogs and hamburgers grilling, buttery popcorn popping, and savory nachos and cheese being prepared. This past year Donald and Becky retired from their long- standing posts, and the Cedar Bluff family showed them how much they are truly loved in a memorable dedication ceremony.
The Cedar Bluff Booster Club dedicated the concession stand at Bruce Field to Donald and Becky Sanders, for their hard work and dedication for the booster club and for their years of invaluable service to Cedar Bluff School. Mr. Rusty Thrasher presented the couple with the award. The ceremony included the official naming of the concession stand after the couple.
The Sanders duo began working in the booster club and, subsequently, the concession stand when Jimmy Dean was principle. “Jimmy Dean encouraged us to start working in the concession stand, ” said Mrs. Sanders.
Working the concession stand was intricate and tremendous work. When asked what the biggest challenges were to run the concession stand, Mr. Sanders responded
“The busywork, the work of keeping our orders for our food, cooking, stocking, and keeping our stand clean.”
Keeping their fans and visitors happy was their main priority, and they did so week in and week out with laughter and smiles. They just did not prepare food, they were an iconic pair whom people loved seeing and talking with between quarters, at half-time, and all times in between.
Though there were a few challenges to running the concession stand, the couple continued to make many great memories. According to Mrs. Sanders, “When Donald was working [at the Co-op], it would often just be me and my parents, Christine Mize and Horace Mize, working the concession stand.. My parents would help us on the visitor’s side. We would have to carry our ice and water and pour our Cokes out of two liter bottles.”
What few may not know is that preparing for a ballgame’s concessions back was often an all-day and all-family affair. Mrs. Sanders continued, “My daddy would cook and wrap the hotdogs at home and put them in coolers to keep them hot for the game.”
During most of their years, the Sanders clan ran two concessions, one on each side of the field, which was double toil, but also, to them, double joy. “I loved working the visitor’s side. They were always very nice, too. They said our hotdogs were the best hotdogs they had ever eaten.”
Donald and Beck prided themselves on making the best for everyone and making everyone feel appreciated for their patronage.
Along with working in the booster club and running the concession stand, the couple did various tasks throughout their years to help better Cedar Bluff School, such as being highly involved in bringing lighting to the Cedar Bluff softball field.
Mrs. Sanders said, “Many nights Donald would be on the phone asking the people of Cedar Bluff to buy a light. He did not stop until he sold enough to light that softball field.”
Mrs. and Mr. Sanders recalls having parties for softball, football, and cheerleaders while their daughter, Anna Sanders (now a teacher at Cedar Bluff), was in high school at Cedar Bluff. According to Mrs. Sanders, “Anna and the other cheerleaders would get ready at our house before the game on Friday, and after the game 15 to 20 people from Anna’s class would be on my porch when we got home.”
Mr. Sanders helped plant the football field grass. In addition to the booster club the couple also worked in PTA and actually started the efforts that led to Cedar Bluff having an elementary gym.
Icons of the Cedar Bluff School family and the epitome of what it means to truly be involved in a school, Donald and Becky Sanders now enjoy viewing the games from the stands instead of the rectangular windows of the concession stand. And instead of being the servers, other volunteers now get the privilege of serving up hotdogs to Becky and Donald.
Cedar Bluff students
wear blue in honor of
Colby slayton
By: Hannah Horton
In preparation for the game against Spring Garden, Cedar Bluff students set aside rivalry as many wore blue in honor and support of late Spring Garden Senior Colby Slayton.
Early May of this year students across the county experienced heartbreak for their fellow Senior class members at Spring Garden upon hearing the news of Colby Slayton’s passing. Although a student of Spring Garden, Colby previously attended elementary and middle school at Centre and played sports with numerous students in the county, making lasting friendships in the process.
In honor of Colby’s life, Spring Garden planned a balloon release ceremony before their first home game of the season against the Tigers.
In respect of this difficult time, Cedar Bluff Senior Hannah Horton proposed that students wear blue Friday not only during school but also in the student section at the game.
“I knew Colby during elementary and middle school as we both attended Centre. I also know his girlfriend through a Youth Leadership program; therefore, upon hearing of Spring Garden’s planned ceremony to honor Colby, I thought it would be a kind gesture for our students to join them in showing honor to Colby’s life as well,” Horton stated.
Students, teachers, and parents noticed Horton’s social media post promoting “Blue Day.” Spring Garden Teacher Misty Roberts shared the promotional post on Facebook, expressing her disbelief at the hearts of Cedar Bluff students.
“I have a whole new level of respect for Cedar Bluff. Amazing!” Roberts posted.
Many Cedar Bluff students, staff, and community members of Cedar Bluff joined in the tribute by wearing blue throughout the day and at the game.
Moreover, during the Cedar Bluff pep rally, as the captains of the Tiger football team spoke concerning the Spring Garden game, several mentioned the importance of showing respect for Spring Garden while simultaneously cheering on our school.
Trey Stitts expressed that “tonight will be one of the hardest games of the season” but that he knew our students would be there to not only support the Tigers but also our fellow classmates.
Classmates, faculty, parents, players and cheerleaders from Spring Garden and Cedar Bluff gathered around the school emblem at the fifty yard line as memorial songs played. Spring Garden dedicated the game to Colby:
“Words cannot fully express all that Colby meant to our school and community. Colby’s jersey, number 5, symbolizes goodness, favor and strength, because of the way he competed and in the way he touched the lives of his classmates, teammates, coaches, teachers, friends and even those who he may not have known personally... Colby represented our school well and he excelled as a football and baseball player. We will all remember Colby’s trademark saying: “I got this!” He will forever be in our hearts…In the spirit of Colby Slayton, I know, we got this!”
It became obvious that each side fought in the spirit of beloved Colby Slayton, exclaiming #doitfor5, resulting in a final score of 12 - 14 in the Tiger’s favor. Although the Tigers won through points, knowing how, on this night, Colby’s memory bound together the Spring Garden and Cedar Bluff communities, in that regard, both won.
Spring Garden Class of 2020 walk one lap around the football field before joining the community on center field.
In the midst of heartbreak, bonds strengthen. Class of 2020
Cedar Bluff and Spring Garden players, students and parents gathered around center field to participate in the memorial balloon release.
Cedar Bluff's Pre-K Program is a Vital Part of Early learning
By: Riley Crowe and Kaetlyn Smallwood
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Cedar Bluff School’s Pre-K was inaugurated last year as a regular part of its opportunities and continues to be an exciting and educational program for the youngest Cedar Bluff Tigers.
“Every child deserves a strong start to their educational experiences, claims Governor Kaye Ivey, a staunch supporter of pre-school learning. “Developmentally-appropriate policies will strengthen and support education from Pre-K through third grade.”
Students who are given the opportunity to attend a Pre-K program develop essential learning skills to build a stable foundation for kindergarten.
Coretta Hackett, former Head Start worker for over twenty plus years, now assist at the Cedar Bluff campus. According to Hackett, working with the youngest of students was a growing experience of her own that quickly became a passion.
“When I think about it, it started out as a date. You know how you go on one date, and then another, and you fall in love. It started out as a job [working with young children], and then I fell in love.”
According to Hackett, Pre-K “is a vital part of adapting, because children have already been through their separation anxieties. The children can step into kindergarten ready to sit down, and be able to follow 2-3 part directions, recognizing their names, and knowing all or most letters, their numbers up to 10, count to 30, and most basic self-help skills.”
Natalie Eckenroad, Cedar Bluff’s newest Pre-K teacher, recognizes how vital Pre-K, along with her role as teacher, is for today’s students.
“Having Pre-K demonstrates the importance of getting the students ready for school in every way possible.”
Ecknenroad loves to see children continue to explore and to learn as they prepare for kindergarten.
Hackett notes the effect of the pre-K experience upon students is immediately witnessed when students enter kindergarten.
“When children come in knowing their letters, numbers, recognizing their name, and some basic self-help skills, opening their milk, buttoning and snapping their clothes, it is very special to the kindergarten teacher.”
The Pre-K class often looks differently from other school classes, for the area is filled with games, toys, colorful carpets, and interactive activities.
Eckenroad said, “While from the outside it looks like the students are just playing, they are learning.”
According to Eckenroad, like other school courses, teachers follow state guidelines concerning objectives that students need to be taught by the end of the year.
In addition, teachers are concerned about the general welfare of the children. Therefore, they hold vision, dental, and physical screenings to help address potential issues and reduce distractions while students learn.
All in all, the Pre-K program is a core part of education and paves the way for student success.
From Cedar bluff to east high
Recently, Cedar Bluff students attended Theater Centre’s musical production of High School Musical in which three of our own Cedar Bluff students performed.
Josalynn Garrett played the role of Jamie, an earthworm enthusiast. Sherrydan Garrett was cast as one of the three cheerleaders who cheers on the East High Wildcats throughout the play, while Raven Cail played the flamboyant theatre student, Cathy.
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The inspiration behind the selection of this play was this generation of kids.
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Director Gary Davis states, “Since we had a great group, this play seemed like a great pick considering they grew up watching it.”
Josalynn claimed that being in a production that she grew up watching was surreal.
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“I have always had an interest in theater and this was a new opportunity to become involved.”
From the left: Gary Davis (play director) and Natalie Teat (reporter)
According to Josalyn, the characterizations were especially interesting. She said, “The aspect of what the original characters looked like changed over time.”
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Raven was equally thrilled about her participation in the production. However, she revealed that the dancing was the most challenging part.
“Since there are so many people on stage at once, you have to be in sync with everyone in order for the dance numbers to look perfect,” said Raven.
Beginning in May, students practiced two to four days per week, two to three hours per session, until the week of performance. Davis noted that “they [the cast] are real hard workers. They put in so much time and effort in order to bring the play to life.
Through the demands of practicing for the musical, Raven said she “gained the confidence and the ability to dance.”
Similarly, Sherrydan experienced those same struggles: “Trying to sing and dance at the same time, especially trying to hit the high notes while dancing, was one of the most difficult things I had to do.”
Overall, the girls represented Cedar Bluff with admirable pride and performance as they fervently worked to help bring the production to life.
According to Davis, students interested in auditioning for future productions, Theatre Centre produces a “youngster’s play” every year for all newcomers and encourages all that are interested to audition.
By: Natalie Teat & Russell Givens