Doris Lessenden

“The Lord is the strength of my life.” Psalm 27-1

The Academic-Athletic Awards Banquet was hosted by class mothers: 12th:- Glenda Stoker, Polly Gyurman, 11^th - Amanda Brown, Jennifer Schofield, 10^th - Meilan Lening, Beth Spady, 9^th- Sharon Wilson, Jessica Sierra, 8^th -Duff Haase and Mary Vasquez. The meat was donated to compliment the side dishes and desserts for the evening dinner.

Superintendent Glenn Smith greeted the guests, and Hadlie Rittgers offered the blessing prayer. Each high school educator listed awards for their classes, and coaches made sports comments about the season. 

Volleyball coach Chelsea Davis and her assistant, Jessica Millspaugh, played a short current song to spotlight a quality or memory of each player. LaDawn Britten, sponsor of National Honor Society and the art class instructor, made comments before the installation of new members. The NHS members are Lauren Spady, Emily Gyurman, Kaycee Ellenberger, Lauren Brown, Hatch Nelson, Ally Spady, and Mollie Kelley. This membership is decided by a faculty committee based on scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

Mary Vasquez, English educator and Student Council sponsor, listed outstanding students and assisted in the installation of student body officers 2018-2019 Emily Guyrman, Hadlie Rittgers, Joe Hasse, and Cade McDowell. The new officers will be Kaycee Ellenberger, Ally Spady, Cade McDowell, and Samantha Courkamp. 

The Hugh O’Brian Award delegates to Denver in June will be Mollie Kelley and Ally Spady. Emily Guyrman was awarded the prestigious DAR Good Citizen and the Zonta Girl awards, both of which were given at meetings in Lamar.

Coach Justin McLoud summarized the young golf team’s efforts and the generous donations from Bill and Linda Trosper through the years. McLoud commended Hadlie Rittgers, who golfs with the Cheyenne Wells team and is one of three girls who won a berth in the Colorado State Golf tournament.

The “All-Around Student” award plaque was given to Hadlie Rittgers. She also spoke to thank the faculty, their parents, and the community for all the support the seniors have had for the class of 2019 after each senior was given a ceramic eagle.

Coach Stephanie Bohlander was effervescent in highlighting the qualities of each track team member. She adds such sparkle and encouragement to each student, of whom 15 of 19 students participated in the Colorado state track meet last week. Coach Trey Eder also announced that Mariah Smith of the Class of 2018 broke a throwing record last year at State, of which we are proud of her and her record!

Mrs. Shannon Ellenberger summarized some accomplishments of the FBLA chapter. The 27 students who competed at the state meet was the largest group she has ever had go. This is the most students who have won the right to go to Nationals in San Antonio, Texas, in June. Those young winners are Hadlie Rittgers, Kaylee Wilson, Emily Gyurman and Mollie Kellie.

Basketball coach Marcus Gillmore pointed out that they had a very young team this year, with only one senior, Blake Stoker. He said this team never gave up and they just kept improving. He and other coaches thanked the men and women who assist them, some of whom are not paid. Thanks to Weston Meardon, Preston Meardon, Justin McLoud, Tyler Rouse, and other names I may have missed. This sentiment was also expressed by baseball Coach Chad Rouse, who was gratified by the good turnout of young players, and the addition of players from Kit Carson and Plainview schools, who fortified a team with wins to the end. Athletic Director Trey Eder announced that 23 of the Eads sports people have participated in three sports. Wow! I say they will be better future employees and students because of discipline and respect.

Hayden Uhland related a glowing play-by-move account of the wrestlers, which as preceded by Shea Johnson highlighting each cheerleader. Mr. Joe Wagner named outstanding scientists, and remarked about new equipment for the science department. Mrs. Sue Fox and Mrs. Dawn James related top students in the Social Studies department and Lamar Community College classes, as well as remarks about the Knowledge Bowl teams. Mrs. Mary Vasquez of the counseling and English department had many awards also. Ms. Lindsey Todd highlighted FFA programs and outstanding students. She expressed sincere appreciation for the wonderful students she has worked with and the supportive parents.

Eads senior citizens had their monthly dinner Wednesday. Gail Voss prepared bierocks from the finest beef as directed by Don McCoin, who paid for the beef. June 19, we will have chicken-fried steaks. Thursday, a delegation of senior citizens met with the architect, Belinda Zink. Since this has been a 15-year process, we hoped to get some answers. She said things are going well. It seems we must be patient.

Gloria Peck celebrated her 85^th birthday with her family and friends’ art the Eads Cobblestone Inn Saturday, May 18.

There was a baby shower for Micah Crawford for her son at the Cobblestone Inn Sunday afternoon.

Krissy Ray’s parents came from Arizona specially to watch her daughter, Dorian, graduate from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs last weekend. With all her duties, Krissy, still found time to type the Baccalaureate program Thursday morning for me and the Pastors!

I have more news about the local National Hospital Week activities and Hebrew class, but I have exceeded my word limit! Next week, Reader Friends.