Awards Night for D.C.H.S. Band

May 14, 2023
By: Bill Conger

Awards were handed out at the annual DCHS Fighting Tiger Band banquet Saturday (May 6) for leadership, servanthood, rookie, for most improved, other recognitions.

Band Director Don Whitt presented Gavin Conger with the top award of the night, the John Phillip Sousa award. The John Philip Sousa Band Award recognizes those young musicians displaying superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other qualities of conduct which school instrumental music programs strive to impart. The Sousa award is the most prestigious nationwide prize in the school band field.

Whitt presented the Louis Armstrong award to Serenity Burgess. It’s considered the “top senior jazz award” or highest level interscholastic award given to students at high schools in the United States. It is given in recognition of “outstanding musical achievement and an incredible dedication to the program.”

Trophies were handed out to the school’s award-winning color guard program: Color Guard-Superstar Award-Olivia Diego, Color Guard Perseverance Award-Jamey Bradshaw, Color Guard Servant Leader-Lauren Clark, Color Guard Star Performer-Elizabeth Mosley, Crissy White, Cameron Smith, Hannah Swoape, Bairon Hernandez, and Yoana Hernandez, Color Guard-Best Rookie-Kara Inglis, Color Guard-Most Improved-Gracelynn McKeown, and Color Guard Leadership Award-Ashton McClain.

The Excellence in Section Leadership went to Gavin Conger, Isaac Sasser, and Serenity Patterson-Percussion; Gage Cote-Woodwinds, Owen Warren-Low Brass, Amy Nokes-flute, Ayden Jones and Jaden Wildes-Trumpet, Aaron Maples and Olivia Diego-Clarinet, Marvin “B.J.” Mosley-Saxophone, and Eli Martin-Color Guard, and Serenity Burgess-Drum Major/Field Commander. Burgess also received an award for receiving Superior Ratings. “Mechanical Genius” awards went to Gage Cote, Nathan Hall, Isaac Sasser, and Owen Warren.

The Rising Star awards were presented to Lily Waggoner, flute, Alex Avalos, alto sax, Adriana Lubig, French horn, Cameron Ramsey, tenor sax, and J.D. Thomas, percussion while Upcoming Superstar-Percussion went to Karly Vickers.

Receiving the Star Performer soloist awards were Jaden Wildes, Cadence Orcutt, Karson Smallwood, Gavin Conger, Katie Inglis, Alexis Stanley, Nate Hall, Marvin “B.J.” Mosley, Ayden Jones, Grace McKeown, and Elizabeth Mosley. Most Improved was presented to DaKota Boring and Oscar Beltran Resendiz. Rising Star Rookie trophies were presented to Cassidy Orcutt and Audrey Colwell, clarinet, and Sarah Nokes, bass clarinet. Daniel Stiffler received Servant Leader and Briston Henderson was handed the MVP Award. The “Going Beyond the Call” Servant Leadership awards were presented to Lilly Waggoner, Amy Nokes, Katie Inglis, and Serenity Burgess.

Medals were given to all members of the marching band for going to the band’s first state championship in 8 years. The band placed 13th out of 30 bands in Tennessee.

May 13, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Starting a new journey!

DCHS Graduation

Friday evening 163 members of the DCHS Class of 2023 gathered during the graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement of earning a high school diploma. Today they begin a new journey in life to attain other individual goals as young adults.

In his commencement address, Valedictorian Robert Wheeler encouraged his classmates to keep their goals in sight and not detour as they continue down the road of life. Wheeler said that’s a lesson he learned from one of his high school teachers.

“I was studying for the ACT last spring and going through a rough patch. I was getting really discouraged and wanted to quit but Mr. John Pryor’s words helped me get through this period of hardship and I think they are applicable to everyone at some point in time during their life,” said Wheeler.

“Mr. Pryor said to me it’s a long road, and there are going to be many places to stop and get off, but you just gotta keep going until you get there. I want to thank Mr. Pryor for these inspiring words. I have thought about them many times and I firmly believe I would not be up here on this stage tonight without them,” Wheeler continued.

“We have all been traveling this road together through high school and to this point we had a common destination of graduation. We did not get off this road. We made it here and the journey has been a lot of fun. We have individually achieved goals, celebrated each others’ successes, and made a lot of memories. I am very grateful for my time here and that we have shared this road together. This is where our journeys will start taking us in different directions. My hope is each of us will be intentional and thoughtful about the roads we choose and make sure we choose roads that will help us become the people we want to be and make this world a better place,” said Wheeler.

“Tonight we celebrate reaching this graduation destination together. Tomorrow we start down our new roads. They lead to college for some of us, trade school for others, and some will go ahead and enter the workforce. It really doesn’t matter what we choose, as long as we know it is the path we are suppose to take. It could be a long path to get where we want to go, but we must remember not to get off that road until we get to where we want to be. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride, do what you can to make others’ lives better and, make memories. Congratulations to each of my fellow graduates,” Wheeler concluded.

At the beginning of his speech, Wheeler remembered a fellow classmate, Tyler Williams who passed away in March, 2022 when he was a junior.

There was one vacant chair with only a framed photo of Tyler among his classmates on the football field. And during the awarding of diplomas, black and gold balloons were released when Tyler’s name was called.

The theme of Class President Liam Wallace’s address was also about “the journey.”

“We should step back and remember our journey through high school together. As you move on to bigger and better things in life you should look back at high school and try to remember the good times. Don’t let yourself get stuck on any regrets. Keep your eyes to the future and only remember the times you enjoyed,” said Wallace.

“I look into this crowd of my peers and see so many people who don’t let others decide the trajectory of their dreams. Class of ‘23, continue to be single minded in your approach to your dreams, while also being open minded in your approach to life itself. Have no fear of failure. Reach for your success every single day from this point on. The sun won’t stop coming up, so don’t waste time waiting for an opportunity, create an opportunity,” Wallace added.

Wallace closed by quoting Kanye West saying “If you have the opportunity to play this game of life you need to appreciate every moment. A lot of people don’t appreciate the moment until it’s passed”.

Principal Bruce Curtis, completing his second year as head of DCHS, was complimentary of the senior class.

“Congratulations Class of 2023. Seniors, it has been a privilege getting to know you these last two years and be part of your lives. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed the last two years as much as I have. It is my hope that each of you have learned that if you are willing to put forth the effort, you can accomplish anything in life,” said Curtis. “To the parents, grandparents, and guardians of the senior class, you have raised some of the best young ladies and young men that I have ever had the privilege of working with. They are kind, fun loving and respectful young adults. You should be very proud,” said Curtis.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps also congratulated the class and thanked the parents and faculty.

“Congratulations class. As you start out on a new journey, I am reminded of something my dad told me many years ago about character. He said character is not what you do when somebody is watching. Its what you do when no one is watching. Many of you will leave home for the first time in your lives and you will start a new life on your own. Just remember what character means and that there is always somebody watching. Parents, thank you for supporting our students. Faculty, thank you for setting the foundation for them to start their next endeavor. Parents, I am also reminded of a quote from Dr. Seuss many years ago. Dr. Seuss said don’t cry because its over. Smile because it happened. You have done a wonderful job raising your kids and we thank you for your support in helping us set them forth on their next adventure,” said Director Cripps.

Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Robert Wheeler and Jacklyn Kleparek while the Citizenship Award was presented to Dixie Hill.

The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the senior class with strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community and exemplary moral character.

The Citizenship Award is given to a student in the senior class who exemplifies strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community.

The program began with an invocation by FCA member Isaac Brown, a performance by the DCHS Choir and band, followed by an address to the Class by President Wallace and Valedictorian Wheeler, recognition of students who have earned honors and service awards, including Distinction and Top Rank, and presentation of the prestigious White Rose and Citizenship awards. Diplomas were then presented to the graduates by Principal Bruce Curtis, Assistant Principal Jenny Norris, and Director of Schools Patrick Cripps followed by the benediction from FCA member Kiley Martin to close out the commencement.

The following students have met requirements to be considered for top Rank. To be considered for top Rank, students must take at least 10 honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses and students must have a 21 or higher ACT composite score or 1060 SAT total score.

The DCHS Class of 2023 Top Rank students are as follows:

Robert S. Wheeler, Amelia R. Atnip, Sheridan M. O’Conner, Isaac H. Brown, Layla L. Walker, Morgan R. Walker, Zoe P. Cripps, Alyzandra C. Griffith, Katherine D. Gassaway, Brett A. Walker, Noah A. Evans, Chandler J. Johnson, Aniston J. Farler, Ryder C. Miller, Cameron D. Miller, Stetson L. Agee, Halayna J. Newby, Jacklyn R. Kleparek, Kelbi D. Young, Emma G. Martin, Connor H. Vance, Emma G. Johnson, Darrah E. Ramsey, Madison E. Martin, Christian T. Hendrixson, Aaron D. Gottlied, Teshia J. Goff, Alyssa G. Pugh, Matthew N. Nokes, Colby D. Barnes, Nolan W. Gottlied, Elizabeth G. Vaughn, Emma C. Hancock, Bryan C. Cook, Logan L. Starkey, Jenna E. Wright, Connor J. Paladino, William A. Wallace, Brayden S. Shehane, Cooper D. Brown, Malcolm A. Gora, Lane E. Goss, Kaleb C. Wildes, and William H. Cantrell.

The following students are being recognized for “Distinction” as having met the requirement for Tennessee State Distinction by having a B average and meeting at least one of the following: Earned a nationally recognized industry certification, Participated in at least one of the Governor’s Schools, Participated in one of the state’s All State Musical Organizations, Been selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist, Attained a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total SAT score of 1420 or higher, Attained a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement (AP) exams, Earned 12 or more semester hours of postsecondary (dual enrollment credit):

Stetson Agee, Samuel Allen, Andrea Arellano, Amelia Atnip, Cameron Bailey, Colby Barnes, Zackary Birmingham, Cooper Brown, Isaac Brown, Serenity Burgess, William Hunter Cantrell, Shan-Chih Chen, Tiana Clark, Fernando Clavel, Alexis Clay, Gavin Conger, Bryan Carter Cook, Zoe Cripps, Luke Driver, Noah Evans, Aniston Farler, Mersadies Fountain, Elizabeth Gaines, Katherine Gassaway, Teshia Goff, Lane Goss, Nolan Gottlied, Aaron Gottlied, Alyzandra C. Griffith, Emma Hancock, Christian Hendrixson, Chandler Johnson, Emma Johnson, Skyler Jose, Jacklyn Kleparek, Chloe Lockwood, Hannah Lohorn, Jamison Marlar, Eli Martin, Emma Martin, Madison Martin, Yair De Jesus Mata Garcia, Mario Matias, Sayla McBroom, Aleaha Miller, Cameron Miller, Ryder Miller, Blake Morton, Bailey Mullican, Joshua Musick, Ailish Munoz, Halayna Newby, Matthew Nokes, Sheridan O’Conner, Kristen Oakley, Connor Paladino, Hannah Patterson, Katie Patterson, Alyssa Pugh, Elishah Ramos, Darrah Ramsey, Brendyn Richey, McKenzie Sanders, Isaac Sasser, Raven Savage, Brayden Shehane, Brandon Silva, Logan Starkey, Hannah Swoape, Aiden Thompson, Anthony Tittle, Andrew Tramel, Hannah Trapp, Connor Vance, Elizabeth Vaughn, Brett Walker, Layla Walker, Morgan Walker, William Wallace, Carlee West, Robert Wheeler, Kaleb Wildes, Haley Williams, Katherine Williams, Jenna Wright, Kelbi Young, and Jonathan Zavala.

The following students have met the requirements for graduating with Tennessee State Honors by meeting all of the ACT or SAT subject area readiness benchmarks. The ACT benchmarks are as follows: English – 18, Reading – 22, Math – 22, and Science 23. The SAT benchmarks are as follows: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – 480 Math – 530:

Stetson Agee, Ryder Miller, Amelia Atnip, Halayna Newby, Cameron Bailey, Matthew Nokes, Jordan Blackwell, Sheridan O’Conner, Isaac Brown, Darrah Ramsey, William Hunter Cantrell, Brendyn Richey, Tiana Clark, Logan Starkey, Zoe Cripps, Conner Vance, Noah Evans, Brett Walker, Malcolm Gora, William Wallace, Lane Goss, Robert Wheeler, Connor Paladino, Nolan Gottlied, Kaleb Wildes, Alyzandra Griffith, Jenna Wright, Christian Hendrixson, Kelbi Young, Chandler Johnson, and Cameron Miller.

The following students have met all requirements for becoming a Tennessee Scholar. The Tennessee Scholars program encourages students to take a more rigorous and challenging course of study in high school. Students graduating as Tennessee Scholars have to maintain good academic, disciplinary, and attendance standards as well as volunteer in the community. Tennessee Scholars also choose to take rigorous courses beyond what is required to graduate:

Zoe Cripps, Noah Evans, Katherine Gassaway, Aaron Gottlied, Nolan Gottlied, Alyzandra Griffith, Jacklyn Kleparek, Hannah Lohorn, Aleaha Miller, Bailey Mullican, Ailish Munoz, Sheridan O’Conner, Darrah Ramsey, McKenzie Sanders, Brayden Shehane, Hannah Swoape, Brett Walker, and Robert Wheeler.

The following students are Senior Service Award recipients. These seniors have earned this award by volunteering at least 10 hours of their time during each year of high school:

Serenity Burgess, Zoe Cripps, Noah Evans, Aniston Farler, Katherine Gassaway, Aaron Gottlied, Nolan Gottlied, Alyzandra Griffith, Jacklyn Kleparek, Hannah Lohorn, Bailey Mullican, Sheridan O’Conner, Darrah Ramsey, McKenzie Sanders, Brayden Shehane, Brett Walker, Morgan Walker, and Robert Wheeler.

Members of the DCHS Class of 2023 are as follows:

Danna Regina Acosta Guzman, Stetson Lane Agee, Mariela Aguilar Estrada, Samuel Elijah Allen, Cristal Alvarez Tinajero, Andrea Arellano, Jackson Riley Arnold, Amelia Rose Atnip, April Areona Atnip, Christian Avalos Godinez,

Cameron Michael Bailey, Jase Glendon Bain, Colby Davis Barnes, Alexandrea Bella Beneke, Haven Samantha Betancourt, Zackary Parker Birmingham, Jordan Alexander Blackwell, Cooper Dunham Brown, Isaac Hartwell Brown, Serenity Faith Burgess, Jadin Zeus Burke,

Sayla Yvonne Cantrell, William Hunter Cantrell, Aviannca Nikole Chalfant, Shan-Chih Chen, Andrew Wayne Christian, Lauren Michelle Clark, Fernando Solomon Clavel, Alexis Nicole Clay, William Gavin Conger, Destiny Kay Conners, Bryan Carter Cook, Christopher James Cox, Zoe Potter Cripps, Landon James Crips,
Luke Preston Driver,

Rebecca Lynn Eastes, John Schuylar Ellis, Tessa Roshelle Ervin, Tyler Cleveland Estes, Hayden Andrew Evans, Noah Alexander Evans,

Aniston Jane Farler, Conner Jaylee Farmer, Makyra Christine Farris, Mersadies Kadley Fountain, Lily Jade Frederick, Lakeisha K. Fullilove,

Elizabeth Carlene Gaines, Rylee Grace Garmer, Katherine Dell Gassaway, Allison Faith Gay, Austin Matthew Glenn, Teshia Jo Goff, Malcolm Alexander Gora, Lane Elijah Goss, Aaron David Gottlied, Nolan Wood Gottlied, Alyzandra Claire Griffith,

Morgan Mackenzie Hale, Emma Caroline Hancock, Draven Damion Harner, Christian Tyler Hendrixson, Estrella Ruby Hernandez Alfaro, Dixie Mai Hill,

John Richard Iervolino,

Chandler Joseph Johnson, Emma Grace Johnson, Ean Wade Jones, Kailyn Alyse Jordan, Skyler Rae Jose, Jordan Rayne Judkins,

Tavia Logan Key, Jacklyn Rose Kleparek, Olivia Faith Knowles,

Christopher Lee Lewis, Chloe Chevelle Lockwood, Hannah Leigh Lohorn, Jessica Marie-Cyr Lyda,

Sadreanna Jesenia Magallanes, Jamison Spencer Marlar, Eli Jeremy Martin, Emma Grace Martin, Kiley Hope Martin, Madison Elizabeth Martin, Miguel Angel Mata Guzman, Yair De Jesus Mata Garcia, Mario Alberto Matias, Devon Jerome Maxwell, Sayla Marie McBroom, Aleaha Michelle Miller, Cameron David Miller, Ryder Cole Miller, Breanna Frances Millsap, Zachariah Caleb Morris, Blake Lavoy Morton, Bailey Lynn Mullican, Ailish Belen Munoz, Casandra Munoz Garcia, Samantha Jo Murphy, Joshua Bradly Musick,

Halayna Jade Newby, Isaac Andrew Newby, Matthew Neal Nokes,

Sheridan Marie O’Connor, Kristen A. Oakley, McKenzie Denise Oiler, Phillip Gage Olmstead, Jonathan Ortega Garcia, Jacqueline Alexandra Overstreet,

Braxton Kane Page, Connor Joseph Paladino, Hailey Jean-Elizabeth Palk, Hannah Grace Patterson, Katie Elizabeth Patterson, Berkley Allen Pedigo, Summer Haven Waters Pedigo, Alyssa Gail Pugh,

Kevin F. Quezada,

Adan Roel Ramirez, Ashtyn Elishah Ramos, Cristal Ramos, Darrah Elizabeth Ramsey, Shadie Simon Isaac Rankhorn, Brendyn Austin Richey,

McKenzie Faith Sanders, Isacc Sasser, William Kensley Saucier, Raven Savage, Cameron Austin Scruggs, Brayden Shawn Shehane, Brandon Alexander Silva, Johnny Landin Skinner, Logan Lewis Starkey, Hannah Elizabeth Swoape,

Kenlee Renae Taylor, Aiden Julius Thompson, Anthony William Tittle, Andrew Owens Tramel, Hannah Paige Trapp, Holden Craig Trapp, Sharon Marisol Trejo Bernardo, Braden Thomas Truelove, Kaden Ross Truelove,
Connor Hugh Vance, Elizabeth Grace Vaughn,

Brett Allen Walker, Layla Lynn Walker, Morgan Rhea Walker, William Alton Wallace, Carlee Elizabeth West, Robert Sullivan Wheeler, Kaleb Chase Wildes, Justin Elijah Wilkinson, Haley Reese Williams, Katherine Elizabeth Aline Williams, Tyler Nathaniel Williams (deceased), Ethan Cole Winchester, Mason Alexander Winter, Aniston Grace Wood, Jenna Elizabeth Wright, Kenneth Wesley Wright,

Kelbi Diana Young, and

Jonathan Zavala.

DCHS Graduation

May 12, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Simply Irresistible!

Aspen is a recent newcomer to the DeKalb Animal Shelter but because she is such a loveable and good natured dog a forever home may soon be in her future. You can make that happen!

Meet Aspen, the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”

“Aspen is a 5-month-old Lab Mix with beautiful hazel eyes. She is still new to the shelter and a little nervous, but she is super sweet. She came in with two other siblings. Aspen is learning leash manners. She will be spayed, vaccinated and micro-chipped before we let her go. She does need a little bit of training. If you are up to that and would like to adopt her, the adoption fee is $180. Aspen will do well with other dogs and kids,” said Shelter Director Emmaly Bennett.

“If you are interested in adopting Aspen please check out the adoptable pet’s link on our website to fill out an application at https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/ and we will call you to come in and meet her,” said Bennett.

The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 8 to 4 and Saturday from 8 to 12 at 186 Transfer Station Road. Phone 615-597-3647.

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