OCTOBER ISSUE
MADISON S.PALMER HIGH SCHOOL
PALMER PRESS
Spirits Are High For Homecoming Week
BY MADISON TAYLOR
There is a sweet essence surrounding the Dragon' s Lair,
and it's only going to be around for one week. This passion
driving crowd pleaser is known as “Spirit Week,” a Palmer
tradition, where the week of Homecoming is filled with
thematic costume days and numerous activities.
Monday started off with Super hero/villain day and the
students of Madison S Palmer showed off their Marvel
and D.C. Comics duds. Palmer students creatively
committed to costumes ranging from Catwoman to
Superman to Goku from Dragonball Z. Spirit Week
continued on Tuesday with the student body nerding out
for Nerd Day. Students and teachers alike dressed up for
the occasion.
Wednesday, students stunned as they were dress as their favorite celebrity for Celebrity Day. Wednesday is also the
highly anticipated Coronation dance. The Homecoming Committee has been busy all week perfecting everything
for Wednesday night. The highly anticipated dance is in the Gym, Wednesday night at MSPHS Gym for $3.00.
Homecoming weeks wraps up with Career & College Day on Thursday and finishes with Spirit Day on Friday. Each
day teachers are submitting their votes for the best dressed student, and the winners will receive a special prize.
Blood Drive Seeks to Set New Record BY TERIYAH WILLIAMS // STAFF WRITER
On October 11th, 2016, students, teachers, faculty and
community members, will be participating in this
year’s Fall Blood Drive, donating a least one pint of
blood and helping others. Students such as Ta’Nya
Sacks, Cameron Wilborn, and Brandon Morgan will be
participating. ACT Prep teacher, Ms. Peggs, has been
donating for the last 11 years and plans on donating
this year. Peggs said, “It feels great knowing I’m
helping others.”
Ms. Key, the Blood Drive organizer, shared that there
will be another Blood Drive in the Spring as well.
Seniors who donate both in the Fall and Spring Drive
will be awarded a red cord to wear at graduation. “I’m
donating because I know that I’m helping someone
else, plus I get to wear a blood donor cord at
graduation,” say Senior Kevon Cooper. Ms. Key also
expressed hopes for a big turnout, “With every pint of
blood, we’re helping save at least three lives and
hopefully this year, the students show up to support!”
The Blood Drive is open to all students who are at
least 16 years old. However, there are some
exemptions: donors who got a tattoo in the past six
months or recently had a baby may not donate, but a
community member may donate in their place. !1
OCTOBER ISSUE
MADISON S.PALMER HIGH SCHOOL
News
Mr. & Ms. Palmer Aim For A More
Inclusive School Year
BY KIMBERLY BAILEY // STAFF WRITER
A Palmer tradition is to elect two seniors to be Mr. and Ms. Palmer,
respectively. The title is not only to represent their senior class, but the entire
student body. This 2016 - 2017 school year, Demarcus Rucker and LaChania
Veal, were elected to be Mr. and Ms. Palmer, a high title they aim to live up
to during their last year here at Palmer.
Newly elected Mr. Madison S. Palmer Demarcus Rucker hopes to unify not
only his senior class but the entire student body this year. Rucker hopes to
lead his school in the right direction and keep everyone on task. He
recognized the honor of being Mr. Palmer, saying “This is large
responsibility, it’s more than just being “king of the school” and I really hope
to leave the school behind with a positive impact.”
From football to powerlifting
to track, Rucker has been
deeply involved in extra
curricular activities since he
started here four years ago.
In a couple of months, he’ll
start applying to college and
he plans to major in criminal
justice. Although he’s excited
to be a senior, Rucker
express that “[He] will truly
miss this school, friends,
classmates and teachers.”
“I may be short, but don’t let
that fool you,” playfully says
current elect Ms. Madison S.
Palmer, LaChina Veal. It’s hard to tell that Veal initially felt intimidated by
the responsibility the title holds: she’s cool, calm and collected. “I feel
extremely confident representing my school,” she says. Veal expressed that
she wants the Student Council to represent not just a few people, but the
entire school. “I want everyone’s voice to be heard, no matter who they hang
out with,” says Veal. Aside from Student Council, Veal is involved in various
school sports; she plays volleyball, basketball, and runs track.
Letter from the
Editors
Dear Student Body,
Welcome back to the new school
year! We’re really excited about
leading the Palmer Press as
Editors. We already enjoy reading
and writing, so being apart of the
newspaper is a good way for us to
spend our time.
On September 22, our news team
traveled to Ole Miss for the
annual Mississippi Scholastic
Press Association Workshop to
enhance our writing skills for this
year's new school paper.
Throughout the day, we attended
various sessions that taught us
how to create attentive headlines
and have proper interview
etiquette. We had a great time
and we can’t wait to apply our
newly learned skills to the Palmer
Press.
We really hope you enjoy the
newspaper, and if you have any
suggestions, story ideas, tips or
whatever, just let us know! We
want this to be the best paper
ever!
— Aysha Wheeler, Co-Editor inChief, and Madison Taylor, CoEditor in-Chief
“I want to be a positive role model to everyone and keep everyone feeling
happy, but I also want to stay true to myself,” says Ms. Veal.
Miss Palmer expressed that this being her last year is bittersweet, “ like
everything is happening all at once,” she says, “I feel like I’m going to miss
everything, from school lunch, to my siblings, to my teachers who have
helped me through the last four years and my coaches, who have always
motivated me to do better,” says Veal. Ms. Palmer plans to finish her training
with the army, enroll into college and enter a ROTC Program and obtain a
nursing degree and work at Jackson Medical Center.
!2
OCTOBER ISSUE
Meet The New
Dragons
MADISON S.PALMER HIGH SCHOOL
Features
Mr. Atkins: New Principal, New Style
BY JAYLEN POWELL // STAFF WRITER
One may say that last year, Madison
Shannon Palmer High School was not all it
was expected to be. Today, the school district
is now rated “F”. This year, however, Palmer
has a new principal and the new changes are
already apparent, just talk a walk down the
hallways.
Mr. Maddox, English III Teacher
Favorite Book: To Kill A Mocking Bird
First Celebrity Crush: Emma Watson
Mr. Sheffield, English IV Teacher
Ole Miss Graduate & Army Reserve
Officer.
Mr. Myrick, Biology I Teacher
First Celebrity Crush: Jennifer
Aniston
Spirit Animal: Wild Dog
“We aim to provide a strong sense of
stability, structure and accountability,” says
Assistant Principal Tametrice Strickland,
Mr. Atkins’ right-hand man.
Madison Shannon Palmer’s new principal,
Mr. Walter Atkins, a Palmer graduate
himself, exclaims that he has a lot in store for
this school year. “When I was first told of
Mr Atkins’
my job opportunities, my family was
Favorites
excited, but I saw it as a task and a duty I
Favorite Book: No Disrespect by
have to complete,” says Mr. Atkins.
Sister Souljah
Although we’re only two months into
school, its clear that Mr. Atkins
First Celebrity Crush: Anita Baker
intentions for the school are greater in
every possible aspect. He wants to
Favorite Candy: Hershey Kisses
prepare the students for the future both
academically and mentally and feels the
Spirit Animal: Lion
school has made major progress, since his
first observation visit. In order to even the
playing field between academic scholars and
athletes, Mr. Atkins states that he is trying to put as many clubs as possible
in the school. This will allow every student to have the same prospects.
Palmer’s current principal also approves of students voicing their opinions
in a respectful manner. He feels opinions matter when you are trying to
reach a solution. “Having a dialogue can put the focus on a solution rather
than a problem,” says Atkins.
Madison S. Palmer has a new
outlook: a new principal, new rules,
new look, and new expectations.
With a indefatigable principal,
Palmer standards are destined to
increase.
Mr. Shurr, Mathematics Teachers
Favorite Book: The Stranger by Albert
Camus
Favorite Candy: White Hershey
Mrs. Key, Librarian
Favorite Book: Their Eyes Were
Watching God by Zora Neale
Hurston
First Celebrity Crush: LL Cool J
Mr. Atkins is pushing the students
of Madison Shannon Palmer High to
do their best and get prepared for
the real world of work. Mr Atkins,
himself, believes, this school year
and many more are expected to
improve.
!3
OCTOBER ISSUE
MADISON S.PALMER HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTS
New Volleyball Season Serves Up Excitement AT MSPHS BY KENNEDY WRIGHT // STAFF WRITER
The volleyball season kicked off in early August, and
the team hasn’t stopped yet. Many would doubt this
year’s Volleyball team, but that doesn’t stop their drive
to push forward to a successful finish.
“Hard work
beats talent
when talent
can’t beat hard
work,” says
Madison S.
Palmer’s head
volleyball
coach, Ms.
Anna Suggs.
Throughout
the Delta,
volleyball has
increasing
become a
more popular
sport offered
at the High
School level, and soon after her arrival to MSPHS, Ms.
Suggs started the school’s first volleyball team.
Although Suggs only had just a few players to start
with, she didn't stop there. She continued to push her
players to their limits and beyond.
Now, on their second year, she has over a handful of
players and three managers. Her strong code of ethics,
cutthroat attitude, and hard-work has remarkably
paid off with her team this year. Since last season, the
team has made some very remarkable improvements
that can be seen in practice and in the game. “The
team has better communication and is better at
passing and hitting the ball. The season looks great so
far,” says Coach Suggs.
Volleyball star Senior Isha Williams expressed her
hopes for the team for this season as well. “We have
been growing mentally and physically and hopefully,
we can finish the
season strong.” Isha
also hopes that the
team will stay a
‘team’ even after the
season will end.
Team manager,
Charlsity Weathly,
is the glue that
holds the team
together. She keeps
their spirits high
both in practice and
game time and
reminds them what
a team actually
means. Since her
start as manager
this year, Charlsity
has helped the team with their improvements,
providing them with the mental and physical support.
As Ms. Suggs continues to guide the team, Isha and
the seniors continues to lead, and Charlsity continues
to manage, and provide the team with valuable
encouragement.
Fans are ready to see their hard work finally pay off,
and with the steady improvements of the team,
hopefully they will come out with a win before the
season has a chance to close.
Lady Dragons Finish With a Home Run
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2016 Softball Schedule
(8/16) — O’Bannon — L
(8/18) — Rosa Fort — W
(8/23) — O’Bannon — L
(8/25) — Humpreheys County — L
(8/30) — Coffeeville — L
(9/1) — Rosa Fort — L
(9/6) — Coffeeville — L
(9/8) — Charleston — L
(9/15) — Humpreheys County — L
(9/20) — Charleston — L
(9/27) — Ray Brooks — L
!4
OCTOBER 5, 2016
OCTOBER ISSUE
PALMER PRESS
Sports
Dragon Football is Fired Up
BY DANIELLE LLOYD // STAFF WRITER You walk into the Field House on Friday afternoon
and you’re barley able to hear yourself speak, but
that’s just what the Dragons need to focus. “We listen
to music together as a way to mentally prepare for the
game. We need to get fired up and music puts us in
that zone,” said senior Reginald Ragland. Whatever is
their warmup routine, its working; the dragons have
had a competitive season so far, winning four of the
seven games.
This season, the Dragons have several new coaches
and players. Mr. Maddox and Mr. Myrick, both
experienced players, are new coaches. Many of the
players expressed how the new opportunities have
contributed to the team’s success. “The new coaches
show us better techniques,” says Junior TJ Sacks.
Senior Kevon Cooper spoke about the sense of team
unity this season, “There’s new chemistry, it feels like
a bond this year.”
Balancing school with daily practice is a true test of
time management, but Ragland said it’s just part of
the responsibility of being apart of the team. “I don’t
find it difficult,” said Ragland, “do your school work
during school, and football after school.”
This week, the Dragons are preparing for one of their
most important games: MSPHS Homecoming game
against Holly Springs. As tiresome as practice may be,
it’s all just for team improvement. “Practice is work, I
don’t really like it”, said Sacks, “but practice makes
perfect.” We’ll see just how perfect our Dragons are
this Friday night. “We’re going to beat Holly Spring!
We’re gonna blow them out, but be sure to be there to
support,” says Cooper. DRAGON FOOTBALL
Russell Furr and his fellow teammates practicing
for Friday’s Game.
4 Wins
3 Loses
5 GAMES LEFT:
• Holly Springs
• Independence • Charleston • Water Valley
• Tallahatchie
Pump Up Songs:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dragons studying film in preparation for
Friday’s Game against Holly Springs.
we get turnt up — Mr. Hotspot
no problems — chance the rapper
What you goin’ do — lil John
We ready — Pastor troy
!5
OCTOBER 5, 2016
OCTOBER ISSUE
PALMER PRESS
Homecoming Special
Mr. & Ms. Class Representatives
Class Representatives Eager to Lead 2016 - 2017
Zameon
Crawford, Mr.
Senior
“I’m proud to be
selected as Mr.
Senior, and I
want to make a
big impact.My
goal this year is
to make sure
every senior
graduates.”
Yazmine Harper,
Ms. Senior
“I want to lead
this school
beyond a cheer.”
Korear
Weatherspoon,
Miss Junior
Treyvarious
Collins, Mr.
Junior
“My goals this year
is to keep a positive
attitude and make
sure my class is
heard!”
Danielle Lloyd,
Miss
Sophomore
Deandre
Thomas, Mr.
Sophomore
J’miyah Smith,
Miss Freshman
“I am so
honored to
represent my
amazing class. I
can’t wait to
lead and
represent them
both in the
classroom and on
student council.”
“We are what
we are, and
what we aren't
will never be.”
“I want to help
lead everyone
in the right
direction while
maintaining a
positive
attitude.”
Marvin
Sanders, Mr.
Freshman
“I am going
to have pride
in my grade
level, while
staying
humble and
keeping
everyone
positive!”
Masquerade Ball: 2016 Homecoming Queen Candidates
Ukyra Owten
Ta’Nya Sacks
“I believe I should
be Homecoming
Queen because I am
outgoing person,
and I believe in
living in the
moment my senior
year with my best
friends.”
“It would be an
honor to be
Homecoming
Queen. I am
great leader
and a dedicated
athlete. Plus, I
am all about
being true and
loyal— two
traits all
Dragons should
have.”
!6
OCTOBER 5, 2016
OCTOBER ISSUE
PALMER PRESS
Homecoming Special
Dragons in the Spirit for Spirit Week
Spirit Days
Monday: Superhero
Tuesday: Nerd
Wednesday: Celebrity
Thursday: College & Carrer
Friday: Dragon Spirit
!7
OCTOBER 5, 2016
OCTOBER ISSUE
PALMER PRESS
Band
Palmer’s Band Gets in Formation
BY JESSICA HAYWOOD // STAFF WRITER
If anyone knows anything about Madison S. Palmer’s
Marching Band then they’ll know that we truly have
talented members and a devoted band director.
Band Director, Mr. Jason Jossell, easily shares why
and how music inspires him as well as his band
members.
The Lower Brass Lines Practice
The band has many accomplishments including a
particular strength that Mr. Jossell recognizes. When
asked the strengths of MS Palmer band? Assuringly
Jossell said “My Lower Brass.”
Mr. Jossell leads band practice
“Music is a universal language. Many different
cultures has different music styles and it connects to
many different people around the world in many
different ways,” says Jossell. “Some students just have
a natural zeal and talent for music, and band offers
great opportunities for a full-ride band scholarship ”
Mr. Jossell states that goals he look forward to
accomplishing are “playing more technical and
advanced pieces of music.” He wants to improve
reading skills to increase chances to receive more
scholarships. He also wants more band students to
sign up for the concert festival. Lastly, for
homecoming he says that there will be a “great
surprise” at Friday’s night game against Holy Springs.
Plus band offers students transferrable skills, like
building character, developing skills, such as social
skills and time management, and providing discipline.
With received support from the community and
school, the band director is very pleased with the
amount of help and concern.“The band has changed
tremendously regarding style,” says Jossell “and also
it has amazingly increased in the number of
members.”
Majorettes Keanna and Brianna Honeycutt !8
practice for Friday’s Halftime Show.
OCTOBER 5, 2016
OCTOBER ISSUE
PALMER PRESS
Back Page Special
Student Submissions
PALMER PRESS
NEWSPAPER STAFF
It seems the greatest but most unaccomplished task of our
generation is to graduate
Aysha Wheeler — Co Editor in Chief
But then there's the fact that with so much on our plates
and a full schedule we don't have time to contemplate
Madison Taylor — Co Editor in Chief
The stars are said to be the limit but first we have to let
our knowledge levitate
In a setting where kids are scared to be embarrassed so
they lock up and when asked a question they hesitate
For heavens sake
Kimberly Bailey — Staff
Erica King — Staff
Jessica Haygood — Staff
LaTonya Jackson — Staff
The only ones who can rewrite the pattern are us, don't
you think we need to set our record straight?
Look at all the shade and hate thrown at teenage females
just for who they date
Look at all the homeless and poor wishing they could start
over because they wouldn't give a chance to those who
were just trying to educate
A mind is a terrible thing to waste
Danielle Lloyd — Staff
Tatayanna Moore — Staff
Jaylen Powell — Staff
Tariah Williams — Staff
Then there's those who evade the staff and skip an entire
class just because they was late
Tekiah Simon — Staff
I myself can say that I take school for granted because I
had a mother who always made sure I ate
School should be important , even though it's hard, when
you walk across that stage and see all those smiling faces,
you'll be glad you didn't try to debate
You really did good, you did what everyone knew you
could.....graduate
--Jarrod Overturf, 11th Grade Student
REMINDER:
this SATURDAY (10/8) is the
last day to register to
VOTE
Advisors: Ms. Parr & Mrs. Key
Fall Playlist ::
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Too Good — Drake ft. Rihanna
Grass Ain’t Green — Chris Brown
Might not — belly
Cocoon — Migos
OOOUUU — Young m.a
Pick up the phone — Young thug
Finessin — Baby e
No Limit — Usher
No problem — chance the rapper
it goin’ down — young dolph
!9