NHS Animal Fair

by Kendra Schooley

10/20/11

What happens when you put FFA chapter together with various barn animals? You get the FFA Animal Fair. On Friday, October 14, members of the FFA brought farm animals to the school to teach younger children about animals that the general public could find on the farm. This year the Neoga FFA made some changes to “Farm Day.” First, they changed the name to Animal Fair. They also moved it outside, which resulted in a cleaner environment. In addition, everyone who brought an animal had to make a educational poster. When Ms. Walker was asked about The Animal Fair she responded, “Overall it went excellent, and lots of teachers gave compliments. The fresh air was nice for the animals and the kids.” Furthermore, Junior Lauren Hoene added, “There’s nothing like chasing sheep to the railroad tracks!”

Adults with Disabilities Picnic

by Mike Snyder

10/20/2011

Since 2003, Neoga High School students have volunteered to serve at a picnic and hayride for adults with disabilities. The event, hosted by Mike and Jean Snyder, took place on Saturday, October 8^th, with over 90 residents of area group homes attending. In addition, 18 staff members and 20 volunteers, including several NHS students representing the AFS and FCCLA clubs, dedicated their time. Students participating included: Cayla Baker, Kassandra Baker, Shelby baker, Sophia Baker, Allie Keck, Taylor Rich, Alex Robert, Cassidy Strohl, and Gracie Upton Also assisting was NHS staff member Mrs. Erin Eddinger, her husband Sam Eddinger, and their children Allie and Chase. Retired NHS staff member Pat Andres assisted with the hayride, food preparation, activities, and clean-up. The participation of all those involved is essential to continuing the success of this annual event, and is greatly appreciated.

“Bottled up”

An original poem by Lauren Becker

Bottled up inside

Are the words I never said

The feelings that I hide

The lines you never read

You see it in my eyes

Read it on my face

Trapped inside are lies

Of the past I can’t replace

With memories that linger

Won’t seem to go away

Why can’t I be happier

Today’s a brand new day

Yesterday’s are over

Even thought the hurting’s not

Nothing lasts forever

I must cherish what I’ve got

Don’t take my love for granted

for soon it will be gone

all you ever wanted,

of the love you thought you won

the hurt I’m feeling now

won’t disappear overnight

but someday, somehow

everything will turn out alright

no more wishing for the past

it wasn’t meant to be

it didn’t seem to last

so I have to set him free

Neoga Students Pay Respect to Fallen Solider

Kendra Schooley

9/30/11

Recently the Neoga Jr-Sr High and the Neoga Middle School paid their respect to a fallen solider. Sgt. Timothy Sayne was killed by an improvised explosive device while on duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan. On Monday, September 19^th, the students of the middle, junior, and senior high schools, lined the east side of Route 45.

The Neoga Middle School principal, Seth James, issued the following statement: "I didn't question for a second having our kids view Sgt. Sayne's processional. Once we realized it was coming through Neoga, we just had to work out the logistics of getting everyone up town, on time. I felt like we could send an important message to Sgt. Sayne's family. We wanted them to know that we were paying attention. We wanted to honor him, and let them know we were grieving with them. For our students, I believe they now have a real connection with what the flag flying at half-staff means; that a life was lost defending our country. I think the passing of Sgt. Sayne's processional will be something that all of us will always remember."

Infant Death Awareness Month

by Kendra Schooley

8/30/11

September was “Infant Death Awareness Month”, in which SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), stillbirths, and other SIUD (sudden infant unknown deaths) are recognized. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year old. Since 1983, SIDS is at an all time low. However, it’s still the cause of 2500 deaths every year. SIDS normally occurs within the second to fourth months of life. Stillbirths occur when the infant dies in the uterus. Stillbirths are found in one in every hundred pregnancies. The majority of stillbirths happen before labor, however there are occurrences during labor and delivery. Neoga’s Family and Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Sheri Schafer, covers this issue in her classes. When asked about the importance of this issue, she responded, “Education about infant care has reduced the number of SIDS deaths. For example, it is now recommended to lay the infant on their back, not the belly. Also, no extra bedding should be left in the crib.”