Novice Notions
Girls In Research Graduation
For the past three years I have participated in a program called Girls in Research sponsored by the University of Kentucky. The goal of this program was to introduce girls in Eastern Kentucky to classes and careers in science, math and technology. Several times I have written about the classes I have attended and the interesting things I have got to do. I just recently completed the program. 
The SMS Pep Rally for Testing
By the time most of you read this article, one week of CATS testing in our local schools, including Sebastian Middle School will be over with. This is a time that students and teacher alike dread and look forward to. We dread the two weeks that we test because we know that the test will be challenging and we will have to work hard to do our best. We look forward to it because it means that the end of school is almost here. We spend lots of time getting ready for the test, so it is a pretty big deal.
Girls In Research
Several times I have written about a program that I am involved in that is sponsored by the University of Kentucky called Girls in Research. This program was started to give girls a chance to experience scientific classes and careers. There are about 30 girls from all over eastern Kentucky that were chosen for this program. During the past three summers I have lived on campus and stayed a week in a dorm at UK. I have participated in scientific activities and classes. For the past three school years, I attended five Saturday sessions at various places throughout the year. I started this program when I was in 6th grade. This is a three year program, and this is my last year.
In Memory of Jesse
The thunder woke me up early last Friday morning. I could tell that the storm from the night before had been a bad one, but I never imagined the storm that was yet to come. I walked into school that wet, dreary morning, and I could tell something was wrong. I walked up the bleacher steps, and my friend, Alexia, told me what had happened.
Academic Boosters Awards Night
On Monday, March 31, the Academic Boosters of Breathitt County celebrated the 21On Monday, March 31, the Academic Boosters of Breathitt County celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Academic Achievement Awards. For the past three years, since I was in 6th grade, I have participated in this event.
The program was held in the Lees College gym and was schedule to begin at 7:00 p.m. I arrived at Lees about 6:30 and went upstairs to register. They are well organized. You get a name tag with a number on it. Then you go downstairs and find the seat that matches your number.
Easter Traditions
Last Sunday, many families practiced their annual rituals in celebration of Easter. Easter is a special day for my family and we have traditions of our own that we observe each year.
Our first tradition is attending church. Even though we always attend church on Sunday, Easter Sunday is always a special day. Then we all usually meet at my Aunt Lisa’s house after church. This is the first time most of our family had met together since Christmas. It’s my mom’s side of the family, and her three sisters and their kids are usually there. I really love them.
Ladycats Heading to State
As most of you know, the Breathitt Ladycats are headed to the Girls State Basketball Tournament in Bowling Green for a second year in a row. I’m pretty excited for the girls.
This past Sunday was the big day, the regional championship. The snowfall had caused the game to be rescheduled from Saturday, which resulted in the unusual Sunday game. After church, my family and I packed up and went to Powell County to watch the Ladycats take on Knott County.
SMS at Competition
I have recently told you about a competition the cheerleading squad at SMS would be competing in. That competition was held last Saturday, and it was as exciting as I had hoped.
Last Friday was the 55th Boys’ District Champ-ionship, Breathitt versus Jackson, and there was no way I was going to miss it, especially since my cousin Gentry was going to be playing for the Tigers. The rest of my squad went down to Lexington, where the competition was held, right after school to check into our hotel rooms and go to the mall.
Caleb and His New School
As mo-st of you know, I have a five-year-old nephew named Caleb. About a month ago, he had to switch preschools when his father, Wallace changed jobs. It has been a big transition to say the least.
He started out last year at Owsley County Elementary. He loved his teachers and classmates. He was beginning to learn a lot, too.
Final Preparation
I have previously mentioned that the cheerleading squad at SMS has been getting ready for competition. It’s getting close, a week from Saturday. We are diligently working to get everything perfect for competition.
Last Saturday, the Blue cheerleading squad from Breathitt was in Bowling Green for the state cheerleading competition, so we got to go to their gym and use their mats to practice on. That’s a good practice time for us, because the floor at the competition is on a matted floor, too. It is also much safer to practice the tumbling and stunts we do on this surface.
