Band lauded by School Board

Several high school band students spoke to School Board members following a video presentation of the band’s performance after the football game against Prairie Grove. The students enumerated the band’s accomplishments and awards earned this season.

“As one of the leaders in the band, I walked in with one of my goals for others to give us more respect and be a really good first

“We have something special going on.”

Kevin Hume Band director

division band,” Hayden Christenson, student, said. “Nothing shows more respect than our student body being very energetic and engaged watching us perform.”

In order to allow the mini cheer squad to perform at half-time during the Oct. 13 ballgame, the band agreed to perform after the game. Many of the fans and the football team stayed to watch and cheer the performance.

“All my friends are band directors,” Blackhawks band director Kevin Hume said. “This gesture is huge! They are blown away by this. It’s not this way everywhere! Right now, we have something special going on.

“Our kids come early and stay late. Some of these kids work incredibly hard,” he said adding that they continue to work to improve.

Superintendent Rick Neal and board members lauded the band and band leaders.

Athletic director Kevin Ramey praised the volleyball and cross country teams for excellent competitiveness and completion of successful seasons.

Bonnie Fullmer, testing and accountability director, reported that students from the Pea Ridge Academy are working with The Ridge Community Church to prepare Thanksgiving baskets and will be working with First Baptist Church on the Christmas angels.

“We talk a lot about things we’re doing to help our kids and families to have basic needs met,” Fullmer said, referencing Bright Futures. “We’re helping our students learn it’s not just a hand out, but it’s a hand up. We’ve had several different discussions about that. Our students are really understanding.”

Fullmer told of a seventhgrade student who used to be a recipient of the Lunch Buddies program who is now volunteering her time to be a Lunch Buddy to a younger student.

“That’s what it’s all about!

“We’re helping these students when they need extra support and extra help. Then, they’re turning around and offering that to other students.”

Board member Jeff Neil commended the culinary program which has provided food for several events. “They do a phenomenal job!”

In other business, the board approved:

• Hired Micaela Easterling, Middle School teacher;

• Transferred Lincoln Carlton from half-time teacher, half-time instructional aide to full-time teacher, English and history PRHS; and

• Out-of-state trip for PRMBA, plastic and metal manufacturing, to Missouri Welding Institute, Nevada, Mo., Tues., Nov. 28.