HI- Y brings Christmas to children in Mexico

By: Hannah Gandee

  Christmas time is drawing near and people are buying presents all over the world, but not everyone can afford Christmas. This year HI- Y is helping bring presents to children in Mexico.

  Sophomore Abigail Wilson brought this idea to the club in order to help out her church with their annual project.

  “This project was all donation based and it is a great opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life,” said Wilson.

  The club brought in items such as toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and other necessities to place in the bags. These items will then be shipped to Mexico to be received by the waiting children.

  Junior Hunter Burdette said, “These kids don’t have a lot, so it’s nice to help and give them Christmas presents.”

     These bags were made and sent out November 9 and number a grand total of four bags to make four children very happy. The bags have traveled from the high school to the church, where they will then be sent all the way to Mexico.

  “It’s awesome to think that these presents are going to kids across the world and we can help make their day a little happier,” said sophomore Bethany Johnson. These bags will hopefully be at their final destination by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The return of the Adopt-A-Family volleyball tournament

By: Kindra Sarver

  The annual Adopt-a-Family volleyball tournament will take place on December 21. This event is a time when students are dismissed from class to watch, or play, competitive volleyball. The only way it can take place is if we have enough teams to participate, ten teams being the minimum.

  Senior Anthony Jarvis said, “This volleyball tournament is something I have looked forward to every year.”

  Teams must consist of 6-9 players. The only students not able to participate are ones in ISS that day. Groups are able to create their own school appropriate team name. Crazy matching outfits have been a popular choice every year. Last year we saw warp suits, neon colors, and superhero themed outfits.

  In order to partake in this event, whether it be playing or watching, you must pay $1 or bring a canned food items. The proceeds go to the Adopt-A-Family foundation.

  This is a great opportunity for clubs to advertise themselves. Encourage your club to gather a team and partake in the tournament.

  Referees and line judges will be players of Ripley High’s volleyball team. The rules will be standard volleyball guidelines.

   Senior Cassidy Craddock said, “Refing the game can be very stressful and intense. It is still fun, but some players really get into the game. I referee because the volleyball rules are not just common knowledge. If you play you know all the rules, so it is convenient for the players to line judge and referee.”

Hogwarts canned food drive

By: Ashtun Welling

  

   Hogwarts club has been collecting food for people in need for Thanksgiving break. They have been collecting food for the whole month of November.

  “It’s a competitive helpful way to give back to the community,” said Senior Bronwynn Cox.

  The food is being collected in adviser Nikki Atkinson’s room. The local food pantry will receive the donations because they need it the most.

“It is competitive for the house members to see who can rack up the most points in canned food,” said Junior Brianna Rhodes.   

  They will not be having a food drive for Christmas because Main Street usually does this one. So far the turnout hasn’t been the best. The turnout for the food drive wasn’t a desirable one. Even if you didn’t donate food to the school, you could do your part by giving food to pantries yourself. Every little bit helps, you could make the difference between a child going hungry. Some food pantry options are Calvary, UMC, St. Johns, and No Hunger Food pantry in Ravenswood.

The return of Blue and White Night

By: Kindra Sarver

  As fall sports come to an end, winter sports are preparing for their season. The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams are continuing the newer tradition of Blue and White Night; this event gives the entire community a chance to get a sneak peek of both high school teams. In addition to showcasing the high school teams, Ripley Middle School’s basketball programs will be making an appearance. A fun evening of games, silent auctions, and food can be anticipated.

  Senior Eli Casto said, “I look forward to the three-point shoot-out, which I have participated in the past two years.”

  Games will take place, such as musical chairs, dribble relay, three-legged race, knock-out, and a three-point shooting contest. Members of the 6^th Man are encouraged to participate in every game except the three-point shooting contest, which will be for selected members of the teams.

 Girl’s coach John Kennedy said, “The 6th Man’s goal this year is to be more involved in every aspect.”

 While all the fun and games are occurring, a silent auction will be held. The prizes have yet to be announced. The silent auction will be held in the lobby.

 Taking into consideration that the event will begin at 7 p.m. and is intended to last until midnight, food will be provided. Your Family Restaurant from Kenna will be catering and is preparing spaghetti, salad, and hot rolls.

  Tickets for the event will be sold by the teams for $15. If you are a student, however, you may buy a 6th Man shirt for $10 which is your ticket into the event. The shirt is also a ticket to get into every home game free.

  Sophomore Jaelyn Hunt said, “The 6th Man never fails to get the entire crowd to cheer along, which makes playing even more enjoyable.”

   All of the money received will help fund the teams as they represent Ripley High School’s basketball program in the upcoming season. This community event will be held November 18 in the Ripley High gymnasium.

Ripley marching band destroys competitors at states

By: Katie Bailey

  October 15, the Ripley High band attended two marching festivals which were the last of band director Sherry Poole’s career. The first competition took place on the Sissonville field where 16 bands competed, Ripley in the highest class that competed. The second competition that they performed for was at Laidley Field in Charleston, where they also competed against 29 bands and were placed in the highest class.

  In the Cavalcade marching competition (Sissonville), the band racked up winnings, receiving first place trophies in general effect, marching, musical effect, color guard, drum major, percussion, band, and patriot.

  The state competition (Charleston), had the band students most excited. In the previous year, the band got 2nd runner-up in the state. This year they practiced harder than ever over the summer and in after-school practices which turned out for the better, bumping them up to 1st runner-up. The band received six trophies which currently tower over the lockers in front of the office in the band room.

  “It was hard to believe that this was my last band competition,” said Poole. “It didn’t really bother me Saturday because I wasn’t thinking about it. I’m so proud that my students did so well and I wouldn’t change a thing about their performance.”

  After the state competition, West Virginia University marching band played their pre-game show for the audience, bringing the high school bands alumni back. They strived to inspire young band-letes to continue music into college and to never stop something that you love.

  Alyssa Bumpus,  Ripley High alumni said, “It was truly a privilege to perform for an audience that included the Ripley Viking Marching Band and other bands across the state.”