Beeping machines and hospitals are not things most 13-year-old have to deal with, but middle school student Louis Martinez faces these things with strength and bravery. Louis was diagnosed with a brain tumor 7 months ago. When the news hit our community, we did what he has been doing since he found out; we became “Louis Strong.” “When I found out, I was obviously sad,” Louis said. “I was born with it-we just never knew. My condition doesn’t really affect me besides not being able to play football. I’m just being happy and being who I was before all of this happened.” The community is helping out Louis and his family by selling blue (Louis’ favorite color) tee-shirts and bracelets saying “#LouisStrong.” The money raised will go to the Martinez family so they can go to Boston for a test to look further into his condition.
“I’ve gone through other treatments,” Louis said, “but I’m excited and waiting for my test. I don’t think too much about it, just do my usual thing. I do feel thankful from all of the support. I think we’ll raise a lot of money.” Louis is learning a lot about the community of Elysian Fields and who we are. We’re a family, and Louis is a part of it. He’s getting a lot of support, and with our help, he’ll be one step closer to Boston. “I’m gonna survive,” Louis said. #LouisStrong
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On Tuesday, September 13th, the EF and Waskom teams battled for a win on the volleyball court. All three EF teams came out on top.
“I think I did pretty well,” junior Nikayla Tatum said. “I’m glad I hit the ball hard.” Senior Jade Barge had an awesome night full of great hits as well. “I was hitting hard and swinging well,” Jade said. “I only had one error.” Even with wins, the teams feels there is always room for improvement. “We could have done better in the first game,” Kaylee Honeycutt said about the freshman team. Junior Faith Harris has similar views about the varsity. “In the first two games, we kept up our momentum, but we fell apart a little in the third game,” Faith said. “We still pulled it together and came out with a win.” After this first go-round, freshmen, j.v., and varsity teams will surely be prepared to face-off with the Wildcats again, and they plan on “caging the cats!” By: F. Harris
Homecoming is just around the corner. The homecoming court will hit the field before the game begins on October 21st. The freshmen duchess is Miss Kylie Hopkins. The two sophomore duchesses are Makenna Lewis and Chesley Swilley. The three junior duchesses are Bri Chandler, Alex Paulk, and Cheyenne Earl. The five senior duchesses are Hope Bagley, Jade Barge, Sarah Findley, Kathryn Harris, and Chloe White. The Football Sweetheart is K’Esha Draper. The 2016 EF Band Sweetheart is Shantanell Stephens, and the Band Beau Casey McMullen. The 2016 Homecoming Queen will be selected from the five senior candidates and announced before the homecoming game. By: H. Horton
Class officer entries are due Tuesday the 27th, and presentation of entries and voting will be held the following week, the 3rd through the 6th. This year, those running for a position as a class officer are required to make a one minute video speech for the president position and a power point presentation for every other position. “I want to be an officer because I enjoyed being treasurer last year,” sophomore Quindon Bowers said. Many people wonder what it takes to be a class officer. “I think it takes heart and motivation to be a class officer,” senior Caitlyn Martin said. ”You have to be willing to be very responsible with your position and always take things seriously.” The races can be competitive, but the students run with class. “I think that I have some good competition,” freshman Mary Grace Roos said. “May the best win, but I will encourage others to vote for me.” Some students have other key strategies to win over their peers. “My plan to win is to tell the truth and hope everybody makes the correct choice when voting for the class of 2018 class president,” junior Bri Chandler said. Some have worked hard throughout high school to earn their position as class officer. "I plan to win by showing people that I have leadership skills through the activities that I am already a part of and by going and talking to people about their thoughts and opinions on the future of our class and how I could make our future brighter by being class officer," Caitlyn Martin. Others have special reasons for running. “Once being elected, I want to help lead the sophomores to being the most memorable class at EFHS,” sophomore Chesley Swilley said. “I feel that I have what it takes to get the job done.” By: H.Horton
Hey you! Do you want to be a good person and help out your community? Come join student council today with Mrs. Ware, and make a difference! Student council is a group of students who strive to better the community, and anyone is welcome. They met on Wednesday, September 14th to discuss potential projects for this school year. “Last year, we helped out homeless shelters by doing a coat drive,” senior Sarah Findley said. Student council helps out the community in many different ways. “We donate our time and put forth effort for those who need it,” junior Annabelle Ellis said. There are many reasons students enjoy being a member of student council. “We get to serve people in need, and I love the the Thanksgiving food drive,” senior Christy Braden said. Those who have been involved the last few years believe there are many reasons to join. “It is fun to help out the community and be a part of something bigger,” senior Sarah Findley said. By: A.Simmons
If you walk down the hall of the elementary and hear the sounds of learning and great teaching, you might be nearing the first grade classrooms. Amidst all of the education, Layla Adkins has developed a subject which she loves to learn. “I like math," Layla said. "We’ve been adding!" Besides the math, there are plenty of other great things about first grade, according to Kenzie Dean from Mrs. Ellis’s class. “I have a good teacher,” Kenzie said. “She’s sweet. I also have great friends.” It’s not just the students who enjoy being in 1st grade; the teachers, including Mrs. Simmons, are excited about the school year as well. “Our class works as a team and takes care of each other,” Simmons said. By: A. Simmons
The September Students of the Month are seniors Byron Vickers and Sarah Findley. Sarah Findley is involved in softball, FCA, NHS, and student council. Her favorite class is forensic science, and her favorite show is Criminal Minds. Her future plans include playing softball at Faulkner State University while working toward a degree in criminal justice. Sarah likes to go on adventures including geocaching, mountain climbing, and hiking. She believe the best way to become student of the month is to work hard and to be a good role model. Byron Vickers is involved in UIL math and science. His favorite classes are chemistry, accounting, government, and calculus. His favorite show is Spongebob. Outside of school, Byron likes to swim, jump, sail, play and listen to music, and make things. By: F. Harris
A new smiling face can be seen walking down the high school halls, and that smile belongs to Mrs. Laurie White. She moved up from 4th to 10th grade this year, and the students claim she is “goofy and dedicated.” This seems to be a great combination. “I am so happy that I made the transition to the high school. I love teaching older kids, and all the people I work alongside are wonderful,” Mrs. White said. Mrs. White says the transition from babies to big kids was smooth, but a change that big can be difficult. “It’s like starting over after 20 years of teaching,” White said. “Much of what I teach is similar to what I taught before, but I am having to gather some new materials and adapt to the new grade level. It can be overwhelming at times.” She enjoys teaching the older kids because she feels she can easily connect with and understand them. “ I love teaching older students,” White said. “ We can have wonderful conversations, and I am getting a better understanding of what is going on in their lives.” Though it’s early in the year, Mrs. White brags on her students. “For the most part, the students are very well-behaved and work hard.” White stated. “I haven’t had many problems with students not getting their work done. I have high expectations, and most live up to what is expected.” By: Harleigh Whitehead
Cheering, twirling, music, and chanting. These are a few components that complete a high school pep rally. Every pep rally is different and unique! Many students have voiced their opinions on what they feel would make the pep rallies extra special this year. “I would like to see someone hitting someone in the face with pie,” Junior Makayla Fitzgerald said. “I would like to also see a blackout pep rally, and the drumline should play more.” Some students have similar thoughts. “I would like to see a blackout pep rally as well, and [I like] where they play film of the previous game before,” sophomore Haley Horton said. One student had many ideas that she felt would complete the pep rally. “ I would like to see a lot more interaction with the crowd, and I want the crowd to get hyped too,” junior Annabelle Ellis said. “ The pep rallies need to be longer, more energetic and show different activities.” The next pep rally will take place at 2:35 in the gym before the Homecoming Game on October 7. By: Kelsie Marcantel
In the past two weeks, cancer has struck close to home. Mother, gym teacher, friend, and valued member of the Elysian Fields community, Jayme Hammontree, has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The cross country team acknowledges her condition and will soon be running for her cause. Our community was shocked and heartbroken to hear that Hammontree was diagnosed with breast cancer. In honor of her and her battle with cancer, the cross country team will be managing a 5k run on Saturday, November 19. “We’re setting up a 5k run open to everyone in recognition of her condition,” junior cross country runner Trey Penn said. “It’s important to us because she was our coach. All money is going to the Hammontrees, and we’re expecting up to 200 people. There’s also a mile fun run for the kids. Mrs. Hammontree and her diagnoses are a huge motivation and inspiration for our team, making us run harder. I’m really excited and happy to help. I don’t like her in this situation, especially since she’s such a great person. I’m working harder than ever for her cause.” Trey isn’t the only one excited for the opportunity to help the Hammontrees. The whole cross country team is affected by this run and the meaning and cause behind it. “She was my coach in cross country for several years.” junior cross country runner Chris Morris said, “ I also know her through church. When we would go to D-Now, she was there to cook us breakfast. Through our cross country family, I’ve gotten to know her well. I have respect for her, and I care for her. This run is a chance to show that and do a good deed to help and support her and her family.” The cross country team feels strongly about the run and the Hammontrees. The want everyone to remember the reason for the run, Jayme Hammontree, and how she is bravely facing this battle. “I’m getting through with my strong faith in God,” Hammontree said, “and I’m comforted by His word. I’m relying on Him to get me through this time. I’m also very blessed by the community who send me letters, texts, emails, and call me for encouragement and support. I’ll be starting chemo on Friday, September 23, and I’m about as ready as I can be. I’ll be missing work, but I’ll be doing my best to just do what I do.” Hammontree feels honored by the run and what her former team has put together for this cause. “The cross country team is a very special group, and I’ve been with them for 4 years,” Hammontree said. “ I believe the run will go perfectly because they’re working hard and have the community behind them to support them and me.” |
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