JA Writers - Nov/Dec 2009

JA Writers
2nd Edition November/December 2009
Written by Kim Russell
Soldier Adoption is as easy as one,
two, three. It does wonders for a
soldiers’ morale and can offer a
personal feeling of satisfaction to
those who adopt. It isn’t just at
Christmas that soldiers need our
help; the support of our troops
is a continuous endeavor. Let’s
take politics out of the picture for
a moment and not worry about
whether or not you think the war is
a just cause. We still have AmeriMs, Kim Russell enjoys the dozen roses her adopted soldier sent. She keeps six at work & six at home.
cans, mostly young Americans,
whatever they can afford or want.
off land. For the price of a soft drink,
fighting for our freedom and they
Now, take a moment and imagyou can send a letter to a soldier. It’s
should always count for something.
ine being in Iraq or Afghanistan,
that simple-give up one soft drink
America is a free country due to
it is the middle of winter, you are
per week and replace it with a stamp.
hard working soldiers who spend
freezing, you have on all of your
I personally have adopted some
time away from their families and
gear, (helmet, Kevlar vest, fatigues,
soldiers and am lucky enough to
friends to defend our country. Have
boots & other essentials,) plus you
hear from one of them on a regular
you ever stopped to think why you
are carrying a weapon. Essentially
basis. He’s stationed in Iraq. We
are able to get an education? Why
you are carryingan extra hundred
have bonded as much as strangers
you have choices to work or go to
pounds or more. You are out for a
can, and he has confided in me that
college? Why you have choices
day at a time and you can’t put on
I am a safe outlet for him to vent.
on what you do in your life? It is
any extra clothing, can’t build a
I am a neutral outlet whom he can
because you’re free and you live
fire, don’t have a warm bed. Even
tell things that he couldn’t tell his
in a country that is willing to fight
though you’re tired, you absolutely
loved ones. A neutral vent can keep
for that freedom. So why not pay
can’t take off anything because
someone from bottling things up,
back some of those hard working
what you have is all necessary for
having Post Traumatic Stress Disorsoldiers by helping one of them.
survival. Now imagine you have
der or other psychological problems
Adopt a US Soldier is a non-profit
been doing this for five days. When
down the road when they return
organization that was founded by
you finally get to return to the
home. Recently, I was blessed by
an army mother whose son was
outpost, you’re extremely tired, and
this soldier. He sent me roses, just
deployed to Iraq in 2006. The
all you want to do is take a shower
to say “thank you.” Can you believe
members of this organization just
and sleep. As you stagger and
that? It was one of the most amazing
fill out an application online at
stumble in carrying all that weight
things that has ever happened to me
www.adoptaussoldier.org. The
and ready to drop, someone calls
and something I’ll never ever forget.
amount of time and money spent
out, “You have mail!” AutomatiSome soldiers you may never hear
on a soldier is strictly up to (you)
cally, you drop everything you’re
from, known as silent soldiers may
the supporter. Supporters are under
doing. It’s as if, by magic, you
be in combat.They may not have acno obligation to send care packhave somehow forgotten how tired
cess to a computer or may not have
ages and may just send letters.
you are. You just want to find a
time to respond; but that doesn’t
Since most soldiers have limited
secluded area and travel back home
mean they are not grateful for the
or no computer access, a card
through the words of someone you
letters. It’s about ENCOURAGEor letter sent weekly, even from
might not even know and or may
MENT for them, not for you. Yes,
a complete stranger helps their
never meet. Think about it-it is lifeI send care packages to my solmorale and makes them feel that
changing!
diers, but it is not required. It’s an
they are not forgotten in some far
individual supporter’s choice to do
Page 1
It’s All About
Prevention
Written by JA Writer
Twice a week Ms. Karen Neal spends her days
at the elementary school. She teaches boys on
one day and girls the other. Instead of working
on their physical health through exercise with
Ms. Baker in P.E., they work on physical, social,
and emotional health with Neal. “Prevention” is
the key in Neal’s groups. On November 11 they
discussed smoking. They compared it with over
eating, drugs, and alcohol. All have those things
in common: they are poor coping skills, addictive,
and hard to quit. Neal uses many different teaching skills in her groups. They see movies, hear
information, and discuss topics. All ages love the
color sheets she brings pertaining to the topic of
the day.
Front-Joseph Herrers, Middle-Enrique Guerrero, Andy Butler, Dalton Babb, Back Bryan Hawkins, Joe
Simpson, & Tucson Evens - 5th grade boys
Written by YAB member
They did it again. On December 4, the Youth Advisory Board
(YAB) put on another puppet show for the 1st and 2nd graders.
At this rate they’ll be professionals by the end of the year. It
was Stewart Simpson’s final performance. This time Rayvonna
Campillo and Amelia Osife joined Simpson, Mariss Smith,
and Elisa Reyes in performing. Again, it focused on preventing violence and controlling anger by talking things out rather
than fighting. It zoned in on handling verbal insults from other
students. They demonstrated through doing short puppet skits
to get the point across. In one skit, a kid was saying he was
smarter than another. The verbally abusive kid was teasing the
other and trying to say the second was dumb. This kind of
situation happens in school and needs to be addressed. Next,
the students traced their hands and were asked to write down
good things they can do with their hands besides hitting. Raina Sparks passes out sparkling cranberry juice to the 1st & 2nd graders.
Written by David Sanchez
Registered and Licensed Dietician Raina
Sparks MS, brought a festive and nutritious
Brittney
snack for the elementary students in early
Harjo (2nd)
December. It was cranberry dark chocolate
Muscogee
traces her
oatmeal cookies and sparkling cranberry
hand.
juice. The students enjoyed the snack and
learned about foods that are healthy and
taste good, too. Sparks educates the students about physical health as well as nutritional health. By stressing the importance
Photo by Hayley With Horn
of exercising and healthy eating.
Page 2
It’s All About
Health
Written by David Sanchez
Jones Academy had their fall health fair for the elementary
students on December 8, 2009. Representatives from Choctaw Nation Health Services provided classroom activities
and interactive demonstrations in an effort to promote
healthy lifestyles. Agencies such as McAlester Indian
Dental Clinic, the CARES Program, Behavioral Health and
the Windhorse Recovery Center offered presentations on
good dental hygiene practices, peer and social team building, and the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Jennifer
Epps worked with three students at a time so that they each
could have an active part in the demonstrations. They wore
gloves, checked for cavities, filled teeth, and sealed them.
Don’t worry! Epps used a model set of teeth for the kids to
work on. Nathan Calloway had the students put on drunk
goggles and then attempt to walk a straight line while
Stephanie Kirkes had them throw a ball toward a target.
The targets represented consequences of drinking and driving. Wrecking your car, killing a passenger, killing self, and
paralyzing self were some of the target consequences that
the students hit. Carissa Day and Tommy Hames also used
the goggles to show how hard it is to control your motor
skills while impaired. While wearing the goggles students
tried to throw a ball into a bucket, which wasn’t easy
and was impossible for many. Chad Goggans and Sandy
Stroud had many different team-building activities. They
showed the kids that communication and getting along with
others is important and can be fun. The student Health Fair
organizer, Raina Sparks MS, RD/LD expressed that the
students really seemed to enjoy themselves as they learned
valuable lessons about healthy lifestyles.
Photo by David Sanchez
Chad Goggans leads the 1st & 2nd graders in a teambuilding exercise.
Photo by Mariss Smith -Chris Lopez (2nd) Choctaw fills a tooth while classmates watch.
Bryan Hawkins (5th) Pawnee tries to walk a straight line with drunk goggles on.
Photo by Mariss Smith - Mya Harjo (1st) Creek fills a tooth.
Page 3
5th graders
combine
Community
Service
&
Poetry
Photo by Stewart Simpson
Araceli Ortiz (Kiowa), Enrique Guerrero (Choctaw), Dalton Babb (Cherokee)
Mariella Chatkehoodle (Kiowa) & Joe Simpson (Mississippi Choctaw)
visit with residents at Beare Manor Nursing Home.
Written by JA Writer
The 5th grade class combined poetry and community
service on November 19. They went to the local nursing
home and recited poems to the elderly. Taking time to
visit nursing homes is something most adults don’t think
about doing; therefore, most young people don’t either.
This busy world we live in today has caused people to
forget some important things. Everyone is so involved
with working and everyday tasks that there’s no time for
others. People need to stop for a moment and remember that people in the nursing homes are human beings
with feelings. They have a lot of valuable knowledge to
share about our history; people can learn a lot from them.
Many are forgotten and missing contact from people.
Visiting the nursing home gave Jones Academy 5th graders a life lesson that many adults need to learn. Pictures
are worth a thousand words: look at the joy in the faces
of both the students and the nursing home residents.
Photo by 5th grader
Jacinda Butler (Muscogee) & Jennifer Yeager (Choctaw) sit and visit.
Written by JA Writer
Poetry is a written form of communication that tell
a story or give information in a different way. Many
times poems rhyme or have word patterns that make
them fun to read aloud. Understanding poems is the
key to liking them; people don’t like what they don’t
understand. Mr. Sirmans has made it a priority to get
students in his class to fall in love with poetry by
exposing them to poems and explaining the meanings
of them. After understanding the meanings of these
poems he adds another important skill to the mixmemorizing them. The students then take it a step further and recite the poems to others. This helps students
in communication skills. It’s important that people
learn to speak clearly and expressively. A good communicator will get the job every time. Last, but not
least, sharing poems with those who need company is
a great community service.
Page 4
5th graders
combine
Recycling
History
&
Math
Written by JA writer
Many on campus may have noticed something hanging from a
tree in front of the administration building. If you look closely
you’ll find that they are gourds with symbols carved in them.
One in particular has a Thunderbird carved in it, which in one
translation means “Ultimate Happiness.” Mr. Sirmans’ 5th
grade class is responsible for this décor. They combined recycling, language, and history. By carving symbols into a natural resource, they learned that Native Americans in the past
communicated through the use of symbols rather than traditional writing with the alphabet that we use today. They also
learned that the meanings of some of the symbols varied some
from tribe to tribe; however, the underlying meanings were
similar. The symbols revealed what was important to them,
their thoughts and beliefs. Look up Native American Symbols
on the internet to learn more.
Tucson Evans (Mississippi Choctaw), Enrique Guerrero (Choctaw) & Mariella Chatkehoodle
(Kiowa) show the recycled gourds they hung on a tree outside the Administration building.
Photo by Stewart Simpson
Joseph Herrera (Choctaw) & Joe Simpson (Miss Choctaw)
gathering peacans.
Photo by 5th grader
Andy Butler (Muscogee) gathering pecans.
Written by JA Writer
Many things happen in fall: leaves change colors, the weather gets colder, football season ends, basketball season
starts, Halloween and Thanksgiving Day occur. Leaves fall
from the trees and are raked and used as garden mulch or
in a compost pile (recycling). Leaves aren’t the only things
that fall from trees are gathered and used. If you haven’t
guessed, I’m talking about pecans, which provide food for
people and animals. They can also be a source of extra income. The shells of this good source of protein can also be
added to a compost pile. Native Americans used pecans as
a food source long before other settlers arrived. The 5th
graders learned about this natural resource and then went
to gather some. After picking up pecans, the students had
a little math lesson. They weighed them, compared and
charted the individual amounts they gathered, and found
the mean, medium, and mode of the results. Many people use
pecans to cook, which entails measuring. Others use them
as a source of income. This involves weighing, measuring, and
calculating costs. Like the 5th graders at Jones Academy,
we can gather them, learn from them, and enjoy them.
Page 5
Fall Brings Changes
in leaves, weather, sports, food choices, natural rescources, clothes, & many more
What’s another thing that can change? Hair. You can cut it, color it, curl it, or straighten it
Hair style can change from day to day, year to year, generation to generation.
Blonde
dark brown
Black
Written By Hayley WithHorn
Why do some people change their hair color? Some do it to look completely different and others
just simply want a change. Now as for me, I’ve changed my hair color a lot in my life, I have had
blonde, red, light brown, dark brown and black hair. Why this many? Well, just because! I’m a person that loves to shock people. I love to change my look a lot; it’s just plain fun. Recently, I went
from platinum blonde to black like overnight The next day people were like OMG! I love to get a
reaction. Now, even though hair dye might be fun to do, there are some bad things about it as well.
I used to have super thick hair and it was almost down to my knees! Then I made the mistake of
bleaching it and now my hair is up to my shoulders. It’s thinner with a lot of dead ends. You know,
it’s your choice. Everyone makes their own decisions. So, if you want to dye your hair, do it. Try
something new, but just don’t do it every month like I do! Hair color is really fun, so go ahead and
have a little fun. You never know-you might just look really good with a color other than your natural color. Oh! Speaking of natural-make sure it is a natural color that you choose or you may not be
able to attend school.
Hams Arrive
Choctaw Nation knows everyone likes to eat well and
spend money. So each year they give employees what
they like, food and cash. All who are employed by the
Nation get a ham for Thanksgiving. Jones Academy’s
hams were distributed on November 16. These hams are
huge and are always good. About the time employees
have finished the hams another bonus comes along. Yes!
Employees get extra money each year for Christmas.
This comes at a time when many are financially strapped
and could use some extra cash to buy Christmas presents. On behalf of all Jones Academy employees and
their families we offer our thanks to Choctaw Nation.
Brad Spears and Dwayne Sanders get an early start cooking
the steak for Jones Academy’s Thanksgiving Dinner.
Page 6
Thanksgiving Dinner
Written by Hayley With Horn
There was cooking, eating,
people laughing and pretty
much having a really great
time at the Thanksgiving
Feast Jones Academy. It
was held before the kids
departed to their hometowns. The cafeteria really
set the mood-quite festive,
if I do say so myself! There
were streamers hanging high
above from the ceiling with
golden turkeys dangling from
them. There were scads of
things! Confetti leaves were
spread across the tables
with miniature candle sticks
in the middle of them. Balloons and Thanksgivingthemed pictures were along
the wall. Besides the décor,
the food was the real jawdropper as well as a mouth
waterer. There were things
like steak, fish, chicken, and
shrimp served. You name it,
all the desserts you could
eat! It was simply amazing!
Thanksgiving isn’t all about
the food though. It’s about
enjoying the ones around
you, and being thankful for
what you have in your life.
Now I don’t know about you,
but I really enjoyed the
dinner they put together!
The staff did a great job,
but most of all we thank the
cooks for putting together
that wonderful Thanksgiving Feast and Brad Spears
for cooking those amazing
steaks! Mmmm…. I can already taste next year!
Photo by Kathy Luker - Chrissy
Photo by Kathy Luker - Louise
O’Daniel & Stephanie
Irvin are working really hard.
Baker & Christa
Fry are in charge of the whipped cream. Fry
would love to squirt it on someone.
Photo by David Sanchez
Mr. Robert Smith, Patti, Scott, & Rhonda Dugan Photo by Kathy Luker - Karen Neal took over the whip ped
serve dinner with a smile.
cream job. Fry & Baker had too much fun with it.
Photo by David Sanchez
Inez Sitter with Sharon Rogers. Sitter worked 65 years at Jones Academy.
Page 7
Thanksgiving Feast
Photo by David Sanchez - Desma Valdez (3rd)
Kickapoo with her grandmother.
Photo by David Sanchez - Nichalle (10th) & Tristian (11th) Evans
with their mom Tamara Ben
Photo by David Sanchez - Alisha Picone (8th)
Choctaw with her mother Sherry Picone.
Photo by David Sanchez - Gabrielle Benavidez
(5th) with her mom Patricia.
Photo by David Sanchez Business Technician
Shalon Roe with daughter Breia.
Photo by Kathy Luker - Richard Pedro (9th)
Cheyenne/Arapaho & Saul Martinez (7th)
Miss. Choctw/Pima clean their plates.
Photo by David Sanchez - Suzette Roberts with
her daughter Lucinda (10th) Choctaw.
Photo by David Sanchez - Mr. Sirmans’ girls
Landri, Amanda, & Adisyn.
Photo by David Sanchez
Glenda Redfeather (7th) Ogala Sioux
Photo by David Sanchez - BJ Nunn (8th), with
sister Felicia Nunn and mom Mindy Duty.
Photo by David Sanchez - Transportation Clerk
Jeannie Eggenberg with her daughter Cyreana
Photo by Kathy Luker
Kendale Willie (6th) Choctaw &
John Twobulls (6th) Ogala Sioux enjoy dinner.
Page 8
Thanksgiving Feast
Photo by David Sanchez - Tracy Lewis (12th) Choc/Miss. Choctaw &
Photo by Kathy Luker - front Liliana Bernal (6th), Jazlyn Bernal (3rd) &
Christen Voice (12th) Muscogee Creek enjoy their last Thanksgiving dinner as Angelica Chalepah (4th) enjoy eating and visiting together.
students at Jones Academy.
BonVoyage!
Written by JA Staff
There’s a lot more to going home and coming back to Jones
Academy than just packing. Behind the scenes Rhonda Dugan is
the one who makes it all happen. She starts the process by making
flight arrangements for out of state students. Jones furnishes four
round trips a school year, which means eight times a year Dugan
has the stressful job of coordinating everyone’s flights. She attempts to get them all on the same day within four hours of each
other. To top this off, Dugan tries to use the same Tulsa airport
for all departures and returns. In a perfect world this all happens,
but in Rhonda’s world it doesn’t. Sometimes flights get cancelled
or delayed, which means students and staff members are waiting
at the airport long past the “perfect” four hours. Also, there are
some of those imperfect days that just don’t have the flight you
need available. When this happens, Dugan’s perfect plans of the
same day same airport have to change. She needs to start these
arrangements a month ahead of time in order to get the best deal
Photo by dorm staff - Liliana Bernal (6th) Kiowa
financially. Some flights fill up quickly and need to be booked a
calling her family about pick up arranagements.
month in advance. Can you imagine Christmas break when she
barely has three weeks? But Dugan has been at Jones Academy for
fourteen years and is a pro. Oh and Jones doesn’t get reimbursed
for any tickets that are not used. If a student misses a flight, Jones
loses the money invested for the ticket. At this point, the students’
families are financially responsible for getting the student back
Jones. Sometimes things happen and students can’t make their
flights. In these cases, if contact is made before departure time,
the airports will usually allow flight changes. Jones then pays a
$150.00 to $200.00 changing fee and the difference in the ticket
price. Though there may be some bumps in the road, the students
at Jones are well worth the trip. During those extra hours at the
airport or time traveling on the road, students and staff can bond
with each other. There are some great memories formed during
Photo by Kathy Luker - Dakota (Tiny) Estrada (11th) Choctaw &
Tyler Mitch (9th) Miss. Choctaw relax after packing.
some imperfect times.
Page 9
Id’s
Photo by Counseling Staff - Tyler Mitch (9th)
Written by Hayley With Horn
The day before going home it’s all
about energy and excitement. Everyone is rushing around, matrons and
students alike. All of the matrons are
rushing and telling us to clean our
rooms. Students are rushing to pack
and clean. It’s chaos and the sound of
going home! Almost everyone gets
excited when this time comes around
except for a few who would rather
stay at Jones Academy. When it’s
time to leave, Jones sure isn’t boring.
Besides the packing and cleaning,
there’s the bag-checking. We usually
decide to stay up until 1 o’clock in
the morning and wait for the bus to
leave for the airport instead of going to sleep. This may not be the best
decision, but with all the excitement
it’s the thing most students do. The
two hour drive to the airport is loud
with voices until everyone gives in to
their exhaustion and falls asleep. By
the time we get there we are tired...
very tired. Then we have to somehow
muster up the energy to check in to
our gates and get rid of our bags at
the airport. After check-in procedures
are done, we go upstairs to the food
places. We wake up a little bit and
the excitement of going home arises
again. Then before you know it, it’s
Sharon Rogers is another staff member helps make it happen. Recently,
The US Department of Homeland Security has made more rules for the
Transportation Security Administration to follow. Now, pictures ID’s
have to have a person’s legal name on them, not a nickname. These
picture ID’s are required in order to fly. So our Jones kids who are flying
are not going anywhere without one. This is where Rogers comes into the
picture. She is responsible for making the students’ picture ID’s. Since
the majority don’t have drivers license this means many need an ID.
Besides helping our students to go further physically, picture ID’s help
further their education. Mr. David Sanchez is responsible for organizing and transporting students to take their ACT examines. One thing he
knows is that students definitely have to have their picture ID’s or they
aren’t allowed to take the ACT examine. Also, he’s learned that you have
to get there early or the room may be full, it’s first come first service. So
Sanchez doesn’t have time to waste on testing day. So students have your
ID’s ready and get ready to fly.
Home At Last
Photo by With Horn family member - Hayley With Horn and her dad Scott enjoy spending
time together over Thanksgiving break. They cut down a tree.
time to board our flights and leave one another. We exchange hugs and
saygood-bye. Although we are sad to separate and will miss each other, we
can’t wait to get home. As for me, when I got home I felt such peace and
relief seeing my dad. This made me the happiest I’ve been in a long time.
Towards the end of the week we realize we have to leave again. It’s time to
go pack, go to the airport, check in luggage, and board our plane all over
again. Back to Jones we go. In some ways I didn’t want to come back, but
in others ways I missed it at Jones. Nonetheless, when we return to Jones
we go through the same familiar routine and are very tired once again.
Once I’m settled back in I do know one thing for sure I’m ready to go to be
d!!
Page 10
There’s nothing like decorating
to get you in the
Christmas Spirit!
Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Bailey used many hands to create a couple of
their Christmas decorations. In fact, these projects required a hand
from every student in the elementary school. Each one traced and cut
out multiple copies of their hands. Bailey and Baker overlapped the
hands to form a Christmas tree on the wall. The second project required
teamwork. First, the students traced and cut out their hand prints. The
second step required cooperation from the teachers, who were nice
enough to allow the students to take a few minutes from class to have
their pictures taken. Finally, students pasted their hands around their
pictures to form a Christmas wreath. The students all loved this project
and were excited to take them home.
Photo by Hayley With Horn - Mariella Chatkehoodle
(5th) Kiowa cuts out her handprints.
The 5th grade has got it all
together. What have they
got together, you may ask?
Their story-reading. They
gathered pictures from each
story they’ve read this year
and put them into an art
book. When they go home
the students plan to give
their books to their families. This project has two
purposes: one is to review
stories they’ve read, and
the other is to share what
they’ve learned with others.
Plus the project was a little
fun!
Photo by Hayley With Horn - Samantha Lopez (3rd) Choctaw &
Destiny Davis (3rd) Choctaw are working hard on their Christmas
wreath’s
Photo by Hayley With Horn - Jennifer Yeager (5th)
Choctaw shows one of her story pictures.
Photo by Kathy Luker - Jazlynn Bernal (3rd) Kiowa
Lena Goodbear (3rd) Cheyenne/Arapaho &
Andres Lujano (4th) Kiowa
Christmas is a time
when children are
getting to color, cut,
paste, and create more.
This is probably one of
the reasons they like
this holiday so much.
These projects’ get
them in the Christmas
Spirit and let them
have a little fun. Their
creations are usually
displayed along the hall
and classroom for all
to see. The teachers
get into the action of
decorating, too. Christmas is a good excuse
for them to be kids
again. Best of all, after
all is said and done, the
students get to take
their artwork home for
their families to enjoy. Many parents and
grandparents cherish
the creative projects
that students make
themselves.
Page 11
The Jones Academy Elementary
School students performed their
first annual Christmas play on December 15. Mrs. Crissi Baker and
Mrs. Sheila Bailey directed the
play. They held play rehearsals
after school and made decorations for the play. Ms. Karen Neal
made some of the decorations
with the help of students and
staff members. The elementary
gym was transformed into a town
with a mailbox, snow, and snowmen. It was absolutely stunning
scenery and looked as if it were
a professional play. The play
centered on a mailman who was Photo by Mariss Smith - Ms. BJ Morgan is one of
angry about having extra mail to the many off-duty employees that came to watch
play. Shown: Jacinda & Andy Butler (Creek) &
deliver at Christmas time. It also the
Araceli Ortiz (Kiowa),
referred to how other cultures
Elementary’s 1st
Annual
Christmas Play
Photo by Mariss Smith - Dakotah Voice (6th)
hands Mr. Robert Smith a program.
Photo by Mariss Smith
celebrate Christmas. In the
end, the angry mailman’s heart
was softened when he received
his own personal letter thanking
him for working so hard during
the Christmas Season. The students performed to a fairly large
audience. It consisted of many
Jones Academy staff members,
many of whom were off-duty.
Some of the students had family
who came to watch them. School
Board Member Suzanne Heard
was present. She also helped
Baker and Bailey with some of
the art projects. Rhonda Collins,
a teacher from Hartshorne Public Schools, transported the kindergarten classes of Mrs. Korie
Semeski and Alice Ann Spears
from Hartshorne.
Photo by Mariss Smith - Chris Lopez (2nd) Choctaw,
Hector Bernal (2nd) Kiowa & Kaylen Panteah (2nd) Zuni
say their lines.
Photo by Mariss Smith- Kaylen Panteah
(2nd) Zuni is mailing a package.
Page 12
Presentations &
Christmas Dinner
December 17 was a day everyone was
looking forward to at Jones Academy.
It brought good food, awards, and presents. First, Assistant Chief Gary Batton
presented a $3000.00 donation to Jones
Academy for the students. Second came
the dinner, which consisted of ham, sweet
potatoes, dressing, & delicious pies. As
some were eating and others were finishing up the service awards were presented
by the Assistant Chief Batton. The 5Year Service Award went to Christa Fry
(Teacher’s Aide.) The-10 Year Awardwas
given to Lylalyn Anderson (elementary
Photo by David Sanchez - Assistant Chief Gary Batton, Joy Culbreath Excutive
girl’s dorm staff,) Edna Heard (tutor,)
Education Director for the Choctaw Nation & Administrator Brad Spears wiith the
and Alice Ann Spears (tutor.) The 15-Year elementary students.
Award went to Jane Bishop (Administration), and the 20-Year Award to Robert
Prock Jr. (big boy’s dormitory staff.) The
65-Year Service Award went to Inez Sitter (Museum/Library.) Our administrator,
Brad Spears, called out the names for the
doors prizes. There were approximately
20 prizes given out at the adult’s dinner
and approximately 35 at the kid’s dinner.
The best part finally came when Santa arrived at the dorms after dinner! He came
with presents and passed them out to the
students.
Photo by David Sanchez - Shalon Roe hands out tickets to Bennie Simpson (8th)
Miss. Choctaw & Shane Black (10th) Cheyenne/Arapaho.
Photo by David Sanchez - Assistant Chief Gary Batton presents Inez
Sitter with a 65 year Service Award.
Photo by David Sanchez - Koty Duran rockin his LOCS glasses while eating. Page 13
Christmas Presents
Young
or
Old
Photo by dorm staff
Photo by dorm staff
Tristian (Buster) Tiger (8th) Choctaw
Nizhoni Martinez (11th) Choctaw/Navajo
Photo by dorm staff - Patsy Hedge (11th) Creek
Photo by dorm staff - Gabriela Bernal (4th) Kiowa
everyone
can
Photo by dorm staff - Hector Bernal (2nd) Kiowa
Photo by dorm staff - Ronnie Leach (12th) Cherokee
Page 14
Christmas Presents
Boy
or
Girl
Photo by dorm staff - Dakota (Tiny) Estrada (11th) Choctaw
Photo by dorm staff - Dewayne Terry (11th) Choctaw
Photo by dorm staff - Melina Tuskha (1st) Choctaw
Photo by dorm staff - Jeffrey Yeager (6th) Choctaw
enjoy
Christmas
Photo by dorm staff - Maranda Rosiere (12th) Choctaw
Photo by dorm staff - Deshawn Suetopka-Garcia (6th) Choctaw
Page 15