GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
General Billy Mitchell Returns to Mitchell High School
William "Billy" Mitchell became an untiring advocate for air power between the two
world wars. His name remains synonymous with military aviation during the 1920s.
The son of a wealthy United States senator from Wisconsin, Mitchell was born
in Nice, France, on Dec. 29, 1879, while his parents were on vacation. He grew
up in Milwaukee and attended Racine College and Columbian University (now
The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.). Before graduation,
however, he enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Infantry in 1899 as a private to fight
in the Spanish American War. Because of his father's status, Mitchell quickly
received a comission, but the war ended before he could get into the fight. Nevertheless, he stayed in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served in Cuba and the
Philippines during the Philippine Insurrection. Sent to Alaska in 1901, Mitchell
distinguished himself by successfully laying a telegraph line through some of the
most remote parts of that territory. While stationed in Alaska, Mitchell studied
Otto Lilienthal's glider experiments, and he wrote an article in 1906 predicting
that wars would soon be fought in the air and under the sea.
Mitchell JROTC Program hosted General "Billy" Mitchell who gave a
special presentation on his life to the Mitchell student ssbody. General Mitchell was played by Attorney "Skip" Morgan, Colonel, USAF,
retired.
After attending the Army Staff College, Mitchell became the only Signal Corps
officer on the Army General Staff in 1913. Since Army aviation was assigned to
the Signal Corps, Mitchell became familiar with the early military aviators. Made
the deputy commander of the aviation section in 1916, he took private flying
lessons at the age of 38.
With the growing possibility of war, Mitchell went to France to study the production of military aircraft, and he arrived just after the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917. Mitchell met with many Allied air commanders, but Sir Hugh Trenchard, the Royal Air Force commander who
advocated using independent air power as an offensive weapon, had the greatest impact.
Promoted to brigadier general and put in command of all American aerial combat units in France, Mitchell put Trenchard's ideas into practice during the
battle of St. Mihiel in September 1918. Commanding 1,481 American and Allied airplanes, Mitchell won complete aerial superiority and devastated German ground forces. For his wartime efforts, Mitchell received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal and several foreign decorations, but his brash methods and unwillingness to work within the chain of command had alienated his superiors.
After the Armistice, Mitchell returned to the United States expecting to command the Army Air Service, but instead, he became the deputy chief under
Maj. Gen. Charles Menoher. Nevertheless, Mitchell steadfastly advocated the creation of an independent air force, and he promoted the small Army Air
Service with border patrols, forest fire patrols, aerial mapping missions and any other activity that demonstrated the value of aviation. When these efforts
failed to bring about the changes he sought, Mitchell became increasingly vocal in his arguments, and he publicly attacked superiors in the Army, Navy and
even the White House.
Mitchell's agitation eventually brought about the famous series of airplane versus battleship tests from 1921-1923, when his Martin MB-2 bombers proved
the vulnerability of warships to air attack by sinking the captured German battleship Ostfriesland. Afterward, Mitchell made an inspection tour of the Pacific
and the Far East, after which he made his famous prediction that the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor on a Sunday morning.
Returning to the United States in early 1925, Mitchell reverted to his permanent rank of colonel -- a common practice at the time but many people saw it
as a punishment. When he was assigned to a post in San Antonio, Texas, Mitchell refused to remain quiet. After the Navy dirigible USS Shenandoah
crashed in a violent storm killing 14, Mitchell accused the Army and Navy leadership of incompetence and "almost treasonable administration of the national defense." Court-martialed and convicted of insubordination, he was suspended from active duty for five years without pay. Instead of accepting this
punishment, Mitchell chose to resign in February 1926. As a private citizen, Mitchell continued his campaign for an independent air force, but on Feb. 19,
1936, he died from heart problems and influenza. In 1946 Congress posthumously awarded Mitchell a special Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition for his "outstanding pioneer service and foresight" in the field of American military aviation.
Billy Mitchell the Prophet
During World War II, some of Billy Mitchell's warning came through, none more so than his famous prediction of war with Japan. In an official report
submitted after his trip around the Pacific Ocean in 1924, Mitchell warned that Japan's expansionism would lead to conflict with the United States, and he
foretold how a war would start. He stated that the war would begin with a surprise attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in conjunction with
an assault on the Philippines. http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=739
Attack will be launched as follows:
Bombardment, attack to be made on Ford Island (in Pearl Harbor) at 7:30 a.m. ... Attack to be made on Clark Field (Philippines) at 10:40 a.m.
On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor at 7:55 a.m. and Clark Field just hours later.
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
DIAMOND AWARD WINNER
With inspiration from longtime educator Jack Kinney, this program provides much needed moral support for the best educators (as judged by the students themselves) in several District 11 schools. The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs recognizes
a Teacher every year. The Winner this year at Mitchell High School is Mr. Todd Dicamillo, Performing Arts Teacher and
Department Chair. Congratulations Todd!
Diamond Award Winner Todd Dicamillo
Todd receiving his award from the Rotary Club
Members during his first period class
DRAMA
Mitchell competed in the Pikes Peak Regional High School One Act Competition
at Palmer Ridge. They placed 3rd overall
and took home the Best Supporting Actor
Award for Nathaniel Bourn. The show
was performed and run by our Advanced
Drama class. Please congratulate them if
you have them in your classes (Daniella
Trujillo, Corbin Zebarth, Brandon Foster,
Elyssa Morales, Stephanie Chamorro, Nathaniel Bourn, Julia Winstead, Darrien Dencklau, Victoria Clarke, Jaylyn Johnson, Mikala
Hodges, and William Kirby).
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
GAMING CLUB
Gaming Club Lock-in a Hit!
The Gaming Club lock-in on February 15 saw a great turn-out with
everyone enjoying the night of Video Gaming, pizza, soda and snacks.
Students from Mitchell High School played all kinds of different
games on the 6 consoles that were going at the same time. Thanks to
Steve McGovern, Joan Bailey and the Custodial Staff for all their help
in making it a success!!
Gaming Club members playing MLB 2K13 at the lock-in
February 15.
Guys enjoying pizza and soda and GAMES at the Gaming
Club lock-in on February 15.
A girl dances to Dance Party at the Gaming Club lock-in
on February 15.
A group of boys having a great time at the Gaming Club
lock-in.
Gaming Club lock-in
March 15 - 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm in the Mitchell Cafeteria.
Everyone is welcome!
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
PBIS WINNERS
Cindy Conley for helping with WiDA
testing.
Grisselle Duval for helping with the Spanish Open House and all she does to communicate with our families.
Rihab Bishara for all her hard work with
our Special Education students and
treating them with respect and dignity.
Deb Halverson for her dedication helping
students become involved in the community and constantly writing detailed hall
passes.
Mark Dix for helping to clear the halls,
keeping our school safe, and for his entertaining personality.
Joeli Brill for her work with Special
Education students in Room 13.
Coach Downs, Coach Burr and Joseph Rodriguez for their courageous ski trip with Regular and Special Education students in this weather.
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
JROTC
The Mitchell High School JROTC Color Guard team presented the colors for the Air Force Association's Air Force Ball 2014 at the
Broadmoor Hotel on Valentine’s Day. The Color Guard Team also performed the POW/MIA ceremony for the honored guests.
Mitchell JROTC Cadets, Jacob, Hannah, and Nick Longstreth celebrate their brother, Brian King’s (center) graduation from basic
training at Lackland Air Force Base,Texas. Brian was a former JROTC cadet and 2012 Mitchell graduate.
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
SKI TRIP
Partners in PE snowboarding and ski trip to Ski Cooper in Leadville, Colorado. Students tried skiing and snowboarding for the first time while experienced students coached and helped them. It was a great day in the
mountains. The students fell several times but got back up with a smile and had a lot of fun.
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
GUITAR CLASS
Kory Osborn saw a need, and acted upon it! Our guitar room needed a way to conveniently store our guitars for easy access. He worked
diligently for several days designing and building a wooden cart that holds 15 guitars. Along with 3 other students: Anthony Chanes,
Ronnie Damiano- Moraga and Kacey Mc Pherson our storage problem was solved with this practical community building project. Thank
You! (and thank you Mr. Siegrist).
NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL
Mikala Hodges is the President of the Colorado Springs Youth NAACP Council Chapter 4702. The Youth NAACP Council was nominated and won the Hometown Hero's Award and will be recognized on Fox News and also will be honored on April 1 st Antlers Hilton
for their efforts and community service during the Black Forest Fire last year.
Mikala Hodges, President of the Colorado
Springs Youth NAACP Council Chapter 4702
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
HEALTH EDUCATION
Health Education classes thank Jamie Cushenbery, Social Worker
for the presentation on Signs of Suicide.
Our students have the acquired knowledge about suicide prevention, how to recognize suicide risks, and statistics related to suicide.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Daniella Trujillo was honored as one of 16 essay winners for Daughters of the American Revolution. She was
also awarded the 2013-2014 Good Citizens Award. Ms. Cheryl Rossoll was invited and attended the Tea with
Daniella and her parents as the school context who nominated her.
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
BOWLING
Coach Malloy and his Bowling Class
I have been teaching this class for 12 years at Mitchell and enjoy how the students interact with the community and represent Mitchell in a
positive manner!
AVP PROGRAM
Two Mitchell students from the AVP Program are going to state competition after placing in the District V Skills USA . State Competitions
will be at the Hotel Elegante’ and Pikes Peak Community College on April 9th—12th. Congratulations to the following Students!
Hector Flores-Ramirez
Chapter Display
1st
Computer Aided Drafting
Hector Flores-Ramirez
Technical Drafting
3rd
Computer Aided Drafting
Alysa Rice
Quiz Bowl
3rd
Criminal Justice
BAND PROGRAM
The following students went to Adams State “Top of the Nation” Honor Band.
Ahnika LeRoy
Sarah Hromas
Marcos Rosado
CSU Pueblo Honor Band – Bryana Owens
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
ACADEMIC LETTERS
2014 Academic Letters
(Sophomores)
(Juniors)
Brianna Biglow
Samuel Breeden
Elizabeth Burke
Sean Castillo
Skylar Chambers
Nicholas Courtright
Dawnielle Devenyns
Alexandrea French
Seraya Galvan
Jose Garcia
Luis Garcia-Ramirez
Da'Sean Gibson
Joe Michael Guevara
Jaime Hernandez Ramos
Saphyre Jiron
Jesse King
Rosser Laster
Hiwon Lee
Christiana Lieberman
Matthew Lucero
Dondrea Mackey
Jasmine Mason
Jared Mathis
Evan McGovern
Andrea Medranda
Yasmine Meredith
Colton Migas
Kyle Moore
Bryana Owens
Jessica Perea
Juanita Quiroz Navarro
Kierra Rivers
Raelynn Robertson
Inez Rosales
Nahomy Salcido Ibarra
Emily A. Smith
Michael Sullivan
Paul Sypert
Natalie Tiona
Sarah Trujillo
Carollynn Weibel
Joshua Widgren
Haley Wiedeman
Corbin Zebarth
Azeb Asad
Zachary Berner
Marcus Cheyney
Victoria Clarke
Kae'Vionna Cole
Megan Egan
Miguel Espinosa
Dallas Friel
Adriana Garcia Ponce
Christopher Kiefer
Travis Kyer
Ma Kaeliene Maclin
Alissa Mastronardi
Christine McElfresh
Kassandra Mercado
Daisy Morales
Savannah Nusser
Brian Thomas
Julissa Vasquez
(Seniors)
Amber Castle
Mark Cummings
Stephanie Hensley
Hyelin Hwang
Gerardo Jerez
Maria Luna Rios
Viridiana Montes Anchondo
Jennifer Pallares Vargas
Katelyn Peterson
Jennifer Scarantino
Benjamin Williams
Academic Bars
(Juniors)
Stephanie Chamorro
Autumn Chavira-Brollier
Kathryn Gardner
Adriana Gomez
Erica Grove
Greta Hawkins
Jamie Hotchkin
Jaylyn Johnson
Laveen Khoshnaw
T
Mariah Tipton
Saray Tovar
Hannah Tuck
MacKenzie Wirtz
Trista Kochis
Joshua Martinez-Maes
Jossilyn Painter
Joshua Paragola
Emmanuel Pascual Miranda
Josefine Rodriguez
Aileen Romero
Katherine Ross
Emily S. Smith
Gabriela Solano Serna
Daniel Stoudt
Jaclyn Woods
(Seniors)
Amethyst Brandin
Karen Cejudo Fierro
Jamien Folsom
William Kirby
Jonathan Lieberman
Daniel Mayabb
Vanessa Nanlohy
Eduardo Santana-Salgado
Jamelia Smith
Elizabeth Trujillo
Academic Lamp of Knowledge
Francisco Andrade Santillan
Samantha Barr
Brandon Butler
Morgan Cisna
Brittany Clark
Jamilex Diaz
Keragan Ettleman
Malanie Ganatta
Katie Gerlock
Sarah Hromas
Jeremy Kierney
Ahnika LeRoy
Tiffany Longest
Hannah Longstreth
Kayla Marquardt
Derek Meyer
Danica Miller
Akira Paino
Lindsey Perales
Christopher Ruch
John Stipak
Catherine Tiona
Daiana Tissera-Martino
Daniella Trujillo
Christin Woolley
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
SPORTS
The Boys Basketball team finished second in the
Metro League with a 9-3 record and made the State
Playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Abraam Arreguin-Almanza made State Wrestling
DRAMA
THE SPRING PLAY IS ALMOST HERE!
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GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
M I TC H E L L H I G H S C H O O L
FEBRUARY
ESL
Mr. Edwards’ Beginners’ U.S. History class last week reenacted the Sinking of the Lusitania, the very event that drew America into
World War I! Students stood at the front of the class, representing the U.S., Great Britain, and Germany. Another represented the
Lusitania, carrying both Americans and ammunition for Great Britain heading for Great Britain. Of course in the end, she was sunk by
still yet another student representing a German U-boat! The Great War was on!
8TH GRADE SPANISH OPEN HOUSE
February 11th was the first 8th Grade Spanish Open House! Organized by our ESL Community Liaison, Griselle Duval, and our newest
Assistant Principal, Clara Hoellerbauer, this latest outreach was aimed at Spanish-speaking families of 8th grade students who are geocoded to attend Mitchell next year. The same information given at the general 8 th Grade Open House was presented completely in Spanish, bridging a gap that families at Mitchell all too often face as they come from such an amazing diversity of backgrounds. Though a
small turn-out for its first year, three different middle schools that feed in the Mitchell student population were represented!
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