RRHS Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Mrs. Megan Patrick for earning Teacher of the Year at Rural Retreat High School! Most of the students and staff here know Mrs. Patrick as the ninth grade English teacher and as our very own newspaper editor also a thoughtful and caring friend. Lots of teachers here at Rural Retreat nominated Mrs. Patrick for teacher of the year including, Mrs. Hilary Newby. "I nominated Mrs. Patrick because of her genuine concern for her students and their learning, and her innovative and inspiring methods, but mostly because she makes me want to be a better teacher." -some words from Mrs. Newby.      
Mrs. Patrick was astonished when she found out she had won the Teacher of the Year Award! It's something she has always dreamed of.  She is so grateful to all the staff and students here at Rural Retreat High School; she truly loves her job here. 

- Kaylee Patrick

Agriculture Flower Sale

Here are some beautiful pictures of the flowers and plants in the greenhouse. The sale is over by the end of May and the times are from 9am - 3pm on weekdays and from 9am - 2pm on Saturdays-- so get your plants before they're gone.

 - Kaylee Patrick

                                                                                                              

Another Nepal Earthquake

Sadly, dozens were killed yet again by another earthquake in Nepal. Many people are suffering loss of family, homes, and much more. These people have to close their eyes scared at night, and wake up in the morning even more scared of what could happen..

After April 25, another earthquake hit Nepal on Tuesday, May 12. Even a region of China has been destroyed by falling rocks. Although Tuesday's earthquake was small, it was still deadly, not just for Nepal, but places around them. Right now their only hope is the Islamic Relief .. Just look what Islamic Relief’s head of mission in Nepal Akmal Shareef had to say.

You can donate money here: Nepal

- Kierra Gertz

Funding Shortages in Iran's fight against ISIS

On Sunday, a senior Iranian official told Parliament the armed forces need a much larger budget to continue fighting ISIS, whose influence is growing across the region, reports Al Arabiya News. "We have to face a new threat in the region. Terrorist groups are close to our borders," said General Ahmad Reza to the media. Iran's army and elite Revolutionary Guards must be strengthened to be able to "buy tanks, transport vehicles and to over haul our helicopters," he also stated. 

Thankfully, with the fiscal year ending in 2016, the defense budget will increase by 30 percent to reach the equivalent of 10 billion dollars. Plus, the armed forces will receive 1.2 billion dollars. 

-Thomas Brown 

How-to: Ombre Nails

Ombre Nails-- according to the Posh Knot:

1: Paint your nail a solid color.

2: Choose two other colors that are similar to the solid color you chose.

3: Put the colors on a make up sponge, and dab lightly on your nail.

4: Use a clear-coat afterwards.

- Kierra Gertz

DIY: Mosaic Shelf with Recycled CD's

This is a simple and easy DIY I did over the summer while I was decorating my new room. I hope you like it!

1. Gather up a bunch of old CD's or DVD'S you don't use anymore. 
2. Crush them into tiny pieces with a hammer. 
3. Take your shelf and glue the pieces on a piece of furniture. (This doesn't have to be a shelf; it can be anything.)

- Kierra Gertz

Highlight Hair with Kool Aid!

Ever tired of trying to find a cheaper hair dye? Here's a solution to that, and it's under $5! All you need is conditioner and your color choice of Kool Aid. 

(Disclaimer: this works better in lighter hair colors.) 

1. Put a little bit of conditioner in a cup.
2. Then add the Kool Aid, and mix them together.
3. Lather a piece of hair in the mixture. 
4. Wrap the piece of hair with the aluminum foil. 
5. Leave overnight and wash it out in the next morning. 

- Kierra Gertz 

Review: Marina and the Diamonds's Froot

                                                                           "Froot"

The welsh singer, Marina Diamadis, AKA Marina and The Diamonds, released her newest album Froot on March the 13th of 2015. She names it fruit simply because she liked how it looked when the two O's connect. Marina said without writing her last albums, The Family Jules and Electra Heart, she wouldn't have felt liked a changed and more experienced person enough to write her new album Froot.  I personally love this album; it gives me a powerful feeling. 

- Kierra Gertz

Troye Sivan releases new EP: TRXYE

TRXYE is the third EP that Australian songwriter/singer/YouTuber Troye Sivan released on August 15th, 2014. It was and is by far the most successful EP he has dropped. It features "Happy Little Pill," "Touch," "Fun," "Gasoline,"& "The Fault In Our Stars (MMXIV). "  The EP debuted at number 5 in the United States.

-Brooklynne Mullins

Feature: YouTuber Kathleen Lights

Kathleen Lights is an adorable YouTuber in her 20's. She is married to Dani, who is in the military. She has two dogs named Porter and Cornelius. She comes from Miami but moves around a lot with Dani being in the military.

Her channel is based around beauty, consisting of many makeup tutorials and reviews. She just came out with a collaboration with Color Pop. She released a quad of eye shadows; two are matte, one is metallic, and the other is a pigmented shadow.  All her videos are fun to watch because she never stops going. In some videos she opens up (like in her serious Kat Chats). She struggles with anxiety and she share her experiences with it and tells us about the way she has coped with it. 

She just started a serious of videos called My Makeup Stash. In the series she focuses on one type of makeup (such as bronzer)  and talks about all of them she owns. They are great to watch if you are looking for one type of makeup product because she talks about many drugstore and high-end products. 

Creative: Summer

Free hours

Free minutes 

Time for Us 

Time for Friends 

Time for Me 

No more hoops 

No more test 

No more schedule 

It's all me 

It's all time

It's all fun  

A whole  Summer 

A whole three months 

All no worries 

-Haley Vannatter

The Apathetic Monster

   People of the world, it's not your fault- it was just out to get you. "What is it?" you may me asking. Well, it is the evil and persistent Apathetic Monster. This creature can and will get you, no matter how safe you think you are. It has only one purpose in life, to make you do nothing.  The monster has no true physical form; rather, it takes the shape of other things, like your TV, bed, and even your cell phone. Many people have been trapped by the creature. You can tell you've been caught when your body and mind lack the will to do anything. Don't treat it, for this beast is intimidating, but it can't actually hurt you. In fact, all one has to escape its grasp is to find some motivation to carry out an objective. So, once you find yourself out of his hands, just remember to remain calm and access the situation.     

Ramadi has fallen

  On Sunday the city of Ramadi had fallen to an Islamic state group; Iraqi forces were forced to abandon their posts and the provincial capital despite support from U.S. airstrikes. Bodies were scattered on the street as officials reported that the militants carried out mass killings of Iraq security and civilians. "Ramadi has fallen" said a spokesperson for the Anbar province. 
   The attack  began with four bombings targeted at police officers killing at least 10 and wounding 15 others. Soon after fighting occurred between the police and the Islamic militants, later the  extremists sized Malaab after the police withdrew. 
  Defeat stricken the Prime Minister Haider al- Abadi ordered forces not to abandon their posts across the region,fearing that if they did the whole desert area could be taken over.   
  

-Thomas Brown 

Academic Awards 2015

2014/2015 RRHS Academic Awards Recipients

Student	Awards and Honors
1.       Addair, Isaiah		Science MACC; Outstanding achievement in 2nd semester advanced English 11; Dual-Enrollment Pre-Calculus, Highest Average; Excellence in Chemistry, Highest Average 2014/2015
2.       Addair, JT		Rotary Club Foregin Language Award: French; Governor’s School
3.       Akers, Austin		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
4.       Akers, Madison		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Power Point and Word
5.       Arnold, Xavia		Highest average in individual development
6.       Bear, Cameron		English MACC; Highest Average in Dual Credit Pre-Calculus
7.       Bear, Cassidy		Duo Interpretation, Forensics; Governor’s School; Early College Scholars; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
8.       Belcher, Katy		Highest Average in French I
9.       Brown, Kevin		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Impromptu Speaking, Forensics; US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award; Early College Scholar; All-Around MACC Captain, Science MACC captain, VHSL Scholastic Bowl Team Member
10.   Brown, Thomas		All-Around MACC; Social Studies MACC
11.   Burkett, Trenton		Highest Average in Marketing; Excellence in Anatomy and Physiology, highest average,2014/2015; Early College Scholar; Math MACC captain; VHSL Scholastic Bowl Team member
12.   Caldwell, Sara		Most outstanding member of the yearbook staff
13.   Cassell, Corydon		Highest Average in Algebra Functions & Data Analysis
14.   Caudill, Anna		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
15.   Caudill, Lilly		Forensics Poetry Interpretation; Governor’s School; Early College Scholar; English MACC; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
16.   Chandler, Gregory “Ryan”		Marketing Credential
17.   Church, Tiffany		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
18.   Cline, Montanna		Highest Average in 2nd Semester English 11
19.   Cober, Catherine		Best Editorialist in Newspaper
20.   Collins, Lauren		Most outstanding student in digital photography; Marketing Credential; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Highest Average in Office Administration; WCC Educational Foundation Board Scholarship
21.   Cook, Emily		All-Around MACC; Social Studies MACC; VHSL Scholastic Bowl
22.   Cook, Mitchell		All-Around MACC; Social Studies MACC, VHSL Scholastic Bowl
23.   Copenhaver, Kaitlyn		Cheryl Lavender Award for Best Chorus Student
24.   Crewey, Nate		Outstanding Performance in world history
25.   Crigger, Colin		Best Writer in Advanced English 9; Outstanding Achievement in World History
26.   Crigger, Dylan		Wythe County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence Award of Distinction Scholarship; Best Creative Writer in Newspaper; Outstanding Performance in Accelerated Government; Best Writer in Dual Enrollment English 12; Serious Dramatic Interpretation, Forensics; Highest Average in Economics and Personal Finance; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; English MACC captain; All-Around MACC; VHSL Scholastic Bowl Team Member; Outstanding Student of Appalachian Studies; Highest Average in Dual Enrollment Applied Calculus; Early College Scholar; Top 10% Class of 2015
27.   Crockett, Walter “Shane”		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
28.   Dalton, W.K.		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Early College Scholar; Governor’s School; Top 10% Class of 2015
29.   Davis, Casey		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint
30.   Deel, Matthew		Marketing Credential; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
31.   Desmond, Jessica		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
32.   Dix, Emily		Forensics Humorous Duo Interpretation; Highest Average in Advanced English 10, 1st Semester; English MACC
33.   Durrance, Jared		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
34.   Fiscus, Tyler		Outstanding Achievement in World History
35.   Ford, Quanté		Highest Average in Probability and Statistics; Outstanding Achievement in US History; Most Outstanding 1st semester English 11
36.   Furstnau, Anthony		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
37.   Goolsby, Colton		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Word 2013
38.   Goolsby, Connor		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Word 2013
39.   Grubb, Kassandra		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
40.   Hall, Evan		1st Semester Intro to Marketing, Highest Average
41.   Hamman, Faith		Best News Reporter in Newspaper; Most Outstanding Student in Earth Science; Outstanding Achievement in World History
42.   Haun, Charles		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
43.   Henley, Amanda		Highest Average in Advanced English 11, 1st Semester
44.   Henley, Wyatt		Most Outstanding Student in Art II; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
45.   Hensley, Marques		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013; Early College Scholar; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Credential in Broad Field Family and Consumer Science
46.   Holmes, Blake		Best Sports Writer in Newspaper; Science MACC
47.   Hudgins, Dawson		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
48.   Huffard, Berklee		Outstanding achievement in world history; Highest Average in Computer Information Systems; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
49.   Irvin, Laken		Highest Average in Independent Living; Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science
50.   Jones, Chasity		Highest Average in Life Planning; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; US Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award
51.   Justus, Alison		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Word 2013
52.   Justus, Gabrielle		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
53.   Kading, Kim		English MACC
54.   Kennedy, Maggie		Most Improved Student in Forensics Class
55.   King, Kristina		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
56.   King, Zachary		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
57.   Kirby, Roy		Algebra I, Part I:  Highest Average
58.   Lehmkuhl, Ashlyn		Algebra I, Part II, Highest Average
59.   Lowrimore, Renee		Outstanding Performance in Government;  Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
60.   Makolandra, Casey		Early College Scholar; All-Around MACC; Social Studies MACC; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
61.   Makolandra, Laura		Governor’s School; Highest Average in French III; Science MACC
62.   Marshall, Miranda		Outstanding Achievement in US History; Most Dedicated Student in 1st Semester Advanced English 11
63.   Martin, James “Kyle”		Outstanding Achievement in US History; Most Outstanding Student in 2nd Semester English 11
64.   McAllister, Hayley		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
65.   McGrady, Lauren		Forensics Poetry Interpretation; Marketing Credential; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
66.   Midkiff, Laura		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
67.   Miles, Skyler		Marketing Credential; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science
68.   Mitchell, Kelsey		Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science
69.   Mlynski, Catherine		Highest Average in Advanced English 9; Outstanding Performance in World History; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint; English MACC
70.   Monahan, Montana		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
71.   Montgomery, Brittany		100% ALEKS Completion; Highest Average in Algebra I, Part 2
72.   Mullins, Andrew “Stone”		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
73.   Mullins, Brooklynne		Forensics, Poetry Interpretation
74.   Musser, Garrett		Highest Average in Design, Multimedia and Wed Technologies
75.   Nester, Lucas		Marketing Credential; Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science; Successful Completion of All Business Courses; Early College Scholar; All-Around MACC; Social Studies MACC
76.   Newman, Jared		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
77.   Nicely, Mary Kate		Highest Average in Advanced US History; Governor’s School; Science MACC; Highest Average in 2nd Semester Advanced English 11
78.   Nunley, Jamen		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint and Word 2013
79.   Oda, Daniela		Marketing Credential; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
80.   Pakacki, Richard		Most Improved Student in English 12
81.   Patrick, Kaylee		Highest Average in English 9; Awesome Work in Algebra I, Part 2
82.   Patton, Angela		Highest Average in Economics and Personal Finance; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Forensics Duo Interpretation
83.   Patton, Savannah		US Marine Corps Scholastic Achievement Award; Governor’s School; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness ;Top 10% Class of 2015
84.   Pertee, Allie		Highest Average in Geometry; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
85.   Pike, Dara		Most Outstanding Student in Art I
86.   Rash, Courtney		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
87.   Reasor, Emily		Outstanding Performance in Accelerated Government; Early College Scholar; Social Studies MACC Captain; All-Around MACC; VHSL Scholastic Bowl co-captain; Dr. Edwin D. Harrison Scholarship; Top 10% Class of 2015; Valedictorian
88.   Remines, Josie		Awesome Work in Algebra I, Part 2; 100% ALEKS Completion
89.   Richardson, Autumn		Highest Average in Independent Living; Credential in Broad Field Family & Consumer Science; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
90.   Ritz, Janessa		Math MACC
91.   Robinson, Storm		Highest Average in English 12; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Successful Completion of All Business Classes; All-Around MACC Co-Captain; Social Studies MACC
92.   Rohner, Elizabeth		Governor’s School; Early College Scholar; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Top 10% Class of 2015
93.   Ryan, Nolan		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
94.   Sage, Dustin		Highest GPA and Excellent Achievement in Dual Credit Accounting; Highest Average in Spanish 3
95.   Seymore, Olivia		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Early College Scholar
96.   Sheckells, Zach		English MACC; Forensics Humorous Dramatic Interpretation
97.   Shumate, Dallas		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
98.   Shumate, Kayla		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
99.   Smith, Brooke		Highest Average in Geometry; Outstanding performance in World History
100.                        Smith, Dara		Highest Average in Probability and Statistics
101.                        Smith, Jordan E.		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Highest Average in Economics and Personal Finance;  Early College Scholar
102.                        Smith, Jordan M.		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Highest Average in Personal Finance; Early College Scholar
103.                        Sowers, Jackson		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; RU AASIS Scholarship
104.                        Sowers, Wyatt		Highest Average in Ecology
105.                        Stallard, Morgan		WCC Local Board Scholarship; DAR Good Citizen and Agnes Davis Scholarship; Early College Scholar; Alpha Delta Kappa Future Teacher Scholarship; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Outstanding Student in Dual Enrollment Biology
106.                        Steffey, Sarah		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013; Social Studies MACC
107.                        Story, Emily		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
108.                        Taylor, Rickey		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
109.                        Terry, Jenna		Forensics Class:  Most Likely to Be a Movie Star; Forensics Prose Interpretation
110.                        Thomas, Josh		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
111.                        Tidwell, Trevor		Governor’s School; Science MACC; All-Around MACC; VHSL Scholastic Bowl
112.                        Tiller, Mark		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
113.                        Trivitt, Kaitlyn		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
114.                        Umberger, Ashley		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Most Advancement over the Course of Dual Enrollment Biology
115.                        Underwood, Jacob		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013
116.                        Upchurch, Dakota		Highest Average in Probability and Statistics; Excellence in Biology—Highest Average 2014/2015; Highest Average in 2nd Semester English 10
117.                        Viars, Grayson		Social Studies MACC
118.                        Whitehead, Kaitlyn		Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint and Word 2013; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Early College Scholar
119.                        Whitenack, Hannah		Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
120.                        Willard, Ashton		Governor’s School; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness; Rotary Club Scholarship; Early College Scholar; Top 10% Class of 2015; Salutatorian
121.                        Williams, Courtney		Early College Scholars; Economics/Personal Finance Credential in Workplace Readiness
122.                        Williams, Justice		Best Writer in English 9
123.                        Wingo, Kara		Most Outstanding Student in Art III
124.                        Wright, Garrett		Highest Average in 1st Semester English 10
125.                        Wynn, Jacob		Outstanding Student in Appalachian Studies
126.                        Wynn, Joshua		Highest Average in Earth Science; outstanding achievement in world history; Highest average in French II; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in PowerPoint 2013

~Brooklynne Mullins