Plymouth Alumni Association

Faces in the Crowd vs. Wawasee

2012-02-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

Our final Faces in the Crowd album is up on Facebook, search Plymouth Alumni Association and see if someone you know was at the Plymouth win over Wawasee last night.

Faces in the Crowd vs. CMA

2012-02-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day at The Rock...Do you see your special someone? Maybe our roving photographer did, so check out all the photos from the Plymouth home win over CMA. Just click here or like Plymouth Alumni Association on Facebook

PHS artists honored

2012-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

On Sunday seven Plymouth Artists were recognized at the Century Center in South Bend as part of The Scholastic Art Awards. The Scholastic Art Awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. It is the most prestigious and largest recognition program for creative young artists in the U.S.

Submissions are juried by a panel of professional artists, who look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Congratulations go to GOLD KEY winners, Brandon Baird,(received 2 Golds) , Josh Cole, Olivia Coulter, Ramon Luna, and Alex Pesak.
SILVER KEY recipients are Brandon Baird and Clay Corsbie.
Also, Aaram Kamali and Ramon Luna received HONORABLE MENTION awards.

The Warner Gallery, Century Center, where the artwork can be viewed until March 3, 2012. More information can be found here.

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PHS grad serves as "Human GPS" for Superbowl

2012-02-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer

INDIANAPOLIS — Plymouth High School 2010 grad and current Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis sophomore Travis Lee was on the front lines of the gametime action Sunday. As many Indianapolis-area college students did, Lee eagerly applied for a SuperBowl job online in November, submitting a general application for one of the 200-500 jobs available to the public. After a brief interview process, Lee and other applicants were handed the opportunity of a lifetime — the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities and sports stars during one of the biggest sporting events in the nation.

"I worked for NFL partner transportation, transporting Pepsi, Nike, Motorola, (and other companies') CEOs, VPs and COOs," said Lee.

Lee was a self-described "human GPS," riding alongside the driver of charter buses. His job was to help the driver be in the right place at the right time — transporting people from their hotels in Carmel to downtown Indianapolis for tailgate parties, honors ceremonies, and of course, the game.

Before game day, Lee and other workers went through two days of extensive training. They were introduced to their supervisors and given rules: no pictures or autographs with any celebrities, stay professional and don't do anything in uniform that you wouldn't want to get back to the NFL commissioner. Lee also spent the whole day Saturday driving all over Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, practicing the routes he and the bus driver would take the next day.

Although the city was busier that Lee had ever seen it — "people were walking everywhere, there were a lot of intoxicated people, and police were everywhere directing traffic" — the highlight of his day was meeting celebrities.

Lee met and spoke with Pauly D of the reality TV show Jersey Shore, rapper 50 Cent, and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

"It was just an exciting time downtown," said Lee. "It was a great opportunity and I'll probably never have the opportunity to do something like that again."

Since Lee was working during the game, he didn't actually get to see it.

"I recorded it at home," said Lee, adding with a laugh, "(But) it was definitely worth it, because I'm not a Patriots fan!"

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

PHS grad Metsker resigns as Fire Chief

2012-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Fire Chief Andy Metsker has resigned to go into private business.
In late February, he will take a job with Gibson Insurance Corporation as a loss prevention consultant.

Chief Metsker has nearly nine years as a full-time firefighter. He was a 10-year volunteer prior to becoming a full-time firefighter. He was named Chief by Mayor Mark Senter May 1, 2008.

During Chief Metsker’s tenure the department successfully applied for an AFG grant for the 800 mhz radios. This was a county-wide grant application that totaled $775,000 in equipment.

In securing that grant, all fire departments in Marshall County received 800MhZ radios for the fire apparatus and portable radios for each seat on the units. This brought the latest technology to the fire service in Marshall County and to allow for communication between emergency responders and law enforcement.

Chief Metsker also brought forward a set of consistent Standard Operating Procedures that have moved the PFD personnel so each understands the roles and responsibilities of each apparatus and member of the department.

“I have enjoyed my time as Chief. I am grateful for the opportunity the mayor gave me four years ago. I will continue my fire service as a member of the volunteer force,” Metsker said.
“Chief Metsker has brought quiet leadership to the position of Fire Chief. I thank him for his guidance of the Plymouth Fire Department,” said Mayor Senter. “I wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”

Assistant Chief Cook will be acting chief until a new chief is named. A search for a new chief is underway by Mayor Senter.

Fundraiser helping Club that makes a difference for Plymouth kids

2012-02-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — An organization supported in large part by donations, grants, and fundraisers sometimes needs a little magic to keep going. That’s the theme of the Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County’s winter fundraiser this year — “The Magic’s in the Hat” dinner and entertainment will hopefully bring in a large chunk of the club’s $300,000 yearly operating expenses.

“We are really excited about our entertainment this year, we will have a table magician who will do a stand up routine and go around to all the tables as well,” said board member Mary Beth Listenberger.

When they aren’t enjoying the talents of South Bend-based magician Steve Vaught, attendees of the dinner will be able to participate in both a silent and a live auction, featuring items donated by the community and auctioneers Dave and Sam Goebel. The master of ceremonies for the evening will be Larry Faulstitch.

Dinner will be a prime rib and chicken buffet and tickets are available for $55 per person or $500 for a table of 10.

During the event, there will also be a recognition of board members and staff of the club, whom Listenberger said are the key to the success of the organization.

“(The Marshall County branch) is held in high esteem by the Boys and Girls Club of America, and that is because of the leadership qualities of the staff,” said Listenberger. “There is a strong connection between the staff and the kids. The club is where kids come to belong, and it builds their character and builds educational and physical skills.”

Tickets can be purchased for the Feb. 18 dinner at the Boys and Girls Club on Jefferson Street in Plymouth, or online at www.bgsmarshallcounty.com.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

ESPN hopeful gets a taste of the Super Bowl

2012-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

By Maggie Nixon
Pilot News Managing Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — While one dream came true for a Plymouth High School graduate, another one of hers fell just a little short.

Jordin Cook, a student at the University of Indianapolis, dreams of a job at ESPN. After her weekend working for Safe Management, a company that does security for Super Bowl and big events like professional games for security and guest services, it was a dream come true. It was her first “big event” and she hopes for many more to come.

The dream that fell short? Watching her favorite NFL football team and favorite quarterback win the championship in front of her very eyes.

“I’m a huge New England Patriots fan,” she said. “Everyone in our section favored the Giants and I was very sad, but I had to keep my smile.”

Cook got the opportunity to work the Bowl in Indianapolis Sunday after another student had left a flyer looking for students who met certain requirements.

“They hired a ton of people,” Cook said. “Last Saturday, we had to do a four-hour training session, listening to speakers and a slide show on how to prepare us and then we toured Lucas Oil Stadium. We had to be aware of all the exits, restrooms, and how to talk to people, help them and how to deal with issues or how to address any problems,” even though she affirmed none came up.

Cook said, “Sunday morning, we had to be at the convention center to sign in, and from there we got our assignments from our supervisor. I had the privilege of working in the club seating, and it was an amazing experience.”

Cook was able to serve upper scale game-goers. “It was just an honor, it was so great,” she said. “We knew we could work anywhere from being outside in the cold to inside seating people so I was lucky I was able to be inside.”

When Sunday finally rolled around, she said she was a little nervous when the gates opened at 10 a.m.

“From then till 2 p.m., I was just walking around my area, getting myself familiar with the restrooms, exits, concessions, and we had to be familiar with anywhere people had to be seated.”

Since she was working with those a little more fortunate than others, she was able to bump into a few celebrities. “I got to see (rap music star) 50 Cent,” she said, “It was awesome. I looked at his ticket and pointed in the direction of his seat, then I realized who it was. I was actually glad I didn’t know ahead when I first saw him so I wasn’t star-struck. He kept coming into our section and asking again where his seat was.”

Overall, Cook’s experience will be a fond memory. “Everybody was nice and friendly, they took their direction and it was a wonderful experience. I’d do it again in a heart beat. The next Super Bowl is in New Orleans, though, so I doubt aI can do that, but it was an awesome experience. Safe Management very professional and knew what they were doing and I was very prepared.”

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Plymouth family company reaches quality milestone

2012-02-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

by Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — A local company has successfully received an International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2008) certification, accredited by Quality Systems Registrars (QSR), USA.

Wiers, based in Plymouth, also has International Trucks dealerships in Lafayette and Logansport and a sales office in Indianapolis.

According to a press release issued last week, ISO 9001 is a global quality management standard. The certification of compliance with ISO 9001:2008 recognizes that Wiers’ policies, practices and procedures ensure consistent quality in the category of maintenance, management and advisory service for commercial vehicle clients.

Typically, manufacturing companies are more likely to complete ISO 9001:2008 than service companies. Wiers is one of the very few in this industry that now holds this accreditation.

Plymouth High School graduate Tom Wiers, owner and president of the company, gathered all of the Plymouth location employees to thank them for their part in the success the company has achieved.

“We don’t get together enough to pat each other on the back,” he said. “This is one step further in our quality journey. This is a tribute to the work you do on a daily basis.”

Matt Cripe, service center manager, was just one of the employees making suggestions to improve quality. According to Andrea Reed, quality coordinator, Cripe initiated the practice of using window clings on windshields of vehicles to ensure that the wheels were properly torque.

Wiers said, “This certification demonstrates how serious Wiers is about quality. The process to receive this certification took 493 days and involved countless hours of quality systems development, process analysis and refinement, internal audits, and written documentation of procedures.”

To maintain its certification, Wiers will have to undergo periodic audits by QSR to ensure continued compliance and to assess initiative for ongoing improvement.

More information on Wiers can be found at www.wiers.com.

This story reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Greek Mythology takes the stage at PHS

2012-02-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - The gods of Mount Olympus were known for some pretty quirky antics, but even those were nothing compared to the off beat shenanigans of the gods and goddesses of the latest Plymouth High School Theatre Department production, "Out of Our Greeking Minds" playing Friday and Saturday at the PHS Auditorium. Show time is 7 p.m. both nights.

Just as Athena sprang from the forehead of Zeus, the comedy sprang from the fertile imaginations of the PHS second trimester Acting Class who wrote and perform the sketches in the show. In what has become a PHS tradition the winter play starts as a writing prompt for the class and grows from there.

"We talked about it in class, doing a couple of different things, it just happened that we gravitated toward Greece," said Luke Bumpus. "Miss Faulstich asked us if we could write something that was a little more modern with that ancient feeling."

"It has been a long time since I have heard some of these myths and stories," said Jane Faulstich, PHS Acting teacher and the director of the show. "I had forgotten that Icarus had wax wings, Hermes grew from an infant to a teenager in two hours and that Persephone is the reason we have springtime. I have truly enjoyed re-learning Greek Mythology."

For most of the actors the challenge is writing their own material.

"Keeping up with the creativity," said Christina Krozel of the challenge. "Creating something that's your own but creating something that everyone will enjoy."

"It's really stressful," said Michael Gray. "You have to take into account your audience and make sure that everything is appropriate for everyone, and that it's funny. After all it is a comedy."

"The hardest part is that it's all self written," said Rebecca Brumbaugh. "When you start working through the scenes and you want to make changes or you like it or don't like it its more personal because it's not something that somebody across the country has written it's personal to all of us."

"Once again I commend the stage crew, the set design is beautiful," said Faulstich. "When the lights come up on that gorgeous set, and the actors walk out in their fantastic costumes I sit back and think, 'How did I get so lucky?' I feel very blessed and very proud that the PHS theatre department is bursting with such talented students."

The highlight of the show? That depends on who you talk to.

"Zeus needs to stop," said Krozel. "You don't even want to miss what it's like to have seven wives up against you."

"Trojan Horse," said Brumbaugh. "That's all. You will be wowed."

The cast also includes; PHS Principal Jim Condon, Cassandra Gaines, Kirsten Harner, Jared Hill, Olivia Hilliard, Christina Krozel, Jason Pickell, Kelsey Shaffer, Allison Berger, Marissa Daugherty, Bryce England, Maicee Evans, Faith Read, Aimee Ringer, Megan Senter, Lauren Smith, Michelle Caliz, Nadia Baca, CC Bastardo, Carly Berger, Bethany Boros, Lilly Bottorff, Maggie Buza, Allegra Davis, Leticia Del Real, Amber Eckman, Katie Hickman, Kennedy Jones, Brantlee Joseph, Kalee Lowry, Cheyenne McIntire, Kristen McNeal, Lauren Page, Lane Singleton, Nicole Snare, Tori Thompson.

Lighting Technicians are Denis Watson Adam Lacefield and Daniel Johnson. Sound Engineers Jordan Knapp, Daren Miller and Jordan Wendel. Wing Managers are Andrew Youst, Shaylee Vice and Ashton Morrow. Backstage crew; Emily Blake, Billie Carothers, Riley Cartwright, Ashley Flosenzier, Evan Glaub, Timothy Gomez, Marcus Gunderson, John Hampton, Micah Harner, Jack Holloway, Colton Honeycutt, Amanda Irwin, Melissa Pedavoli, Ben Shortt, Larissa Tetzloff, and Michael Yoder.

Faces in the Crowd

2012-02-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Check out our Faces in the Crowd for a Pilgrim win over New Prairie and see if there is someone you recognize...

PHS students dance for a cause

2012-02-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

By Maggie Nixon
Managing Editor, Pilot News

PLYMOUTH — Saturday night was a night for dancing… hours and hours of it in fact.
Many students filled the Plymouth High School cafeteria Saturday afternoon for a dance marathon organized by Hannah Jacobs and Cassie Gaines, both students at PHS, and both who have been patients at Riley Hospital for Children. Jacobs has spina bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down and Gaines has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

The two paired with a couple hundred fellow students, teachers, staff and community members to dance the night away, even performing a few flash mob dance scenes, to help raise money. During the day Saturday, for six hours, students danced, played games and ate, but were unable to just have a seat, all to raise money for Riley and the Magic Castle Cart — a castle on wheels with drawers of toys that visits children’s rooms at the hospital. They then performed at half-time of the boys basketball Homecoming game.

“As a Riley kid, it was pretty amazing to look out as I was telling my story to all the faces and see all the support from my peers,” Gaines — who was also crowned Homecoming queen that night — said. “I believe I even made the comment that I am so proud and lucky to know that when I see those faces at school I can say they made a difference and made lives a little easier for kids from all over who are serviced by Riley, including me.”

The idea for the dance marathon was helped by Hannah’s sister, Amy, a student at Ball State, who has organized a 12-hour dance marathons at the university for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, of which Riley’s is.

Participating students registered for $15 and received a t-shirt for the event; and also raised money by asking family and friends for donations. Area businesses also helped sponsor the mini dance marathon. The result? More than they ever expected.

“I feel as though we all did pretty spectacular,” Gaines said, as a high expectation of doubling nearby Bremen school’s $5,000 was surpassed.

“I said, ‘Go big or go home,’” Gaines said when someone suggested $10,000 as a goal. “None of us actually thought we would reach it — let alone pass it like we did. Our ending amount raised was $10,843.39, which is pretty amazing!”

Gaines said she is truly astounded at those who banded together. “Not only the students at PHS, but the entire Plymouth community. It was not just the high school alone, every school in the corporation helped raise money in a certain way,” she said. “Also thanks to Tony (Ross) and the radio station along with other businesses and clubs, not to mention the countless people throughout the community that allowed this all to be such the success it has been. Thank you all.”

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Riverside named "School to Watch"

2012-01-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

PLYMOUTH - Riverside Intermediate School has been recognized by the Indiana Middle Level Education Association with their “Schools to Watch” Award. To be considered for this award, the school has to meet the following criteria: 1) Achieve academic excellence; 2) Be developmentally responsive to unique student needs; 3)Be socially equitable, democratic, and fair; and 4) Have strong structures for learning in place.

Schools who wish to be considered for the award submit an application to the state organization. Schools with strong applications are then selected for a site visit by the state's Schools to Watch Award committee. The site visit includes interviews with parent, student, staff, and community groups.

This 2011-2012 school year, three schools were selected for site visits. Riverside's visit was on January 18th. As part of the recognition for this award, a community celebration will be held later this spring and educational leaders from the state will be in attendance with the local school community. Also, a few staff members from Riverside will attend the national recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. from June 21-23, 2012 to be recognized with representatives from the other Schools to Watch winners from other states.

PHS Business Professionals qualify for State

2012-01-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

WARSAW - The BPA District Leadership Conference was held at the Career Center at Warsaw High School on January 21, 2012. Twenty-five out of twenty-nine PHS students qualified for the State Competition in March. PHS students also accumulated over twenty-five medals in open events.

In Payroll Accounting, Morgan Hill placed 1st, Patrick Felke placed 3rd, Lane Singleton placed 4th and all three students qualified for State. In Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications, Nick Bayley placed 1st, Adam Chambers placed 2nd, Trent Briles placed 4th, Aiden Osman placed 5th and all four students qualified for State. Tucker Pletcher, Nat Hiatt, and Max Holloway also placed in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications.

Micah Harner placed 3rd in Advanced Spreadsheet Applications and qualified for State. In Banking and Finance, Tom Serf placed 6th. In Keyboarding Production, Kylie Ludwig placed 1st, Faith Hilty placed 2nd, Pauline Dagaas placed 3rd, Tucker Pletcher placed 5th and all four students qualified for State. Megan Sutton also placed in Keyboarding Production.

In Fundamental Word Processing Skills, Kelly Bryant placed 1st, Emily Blake placed 3rd, Adam Chambers placed 5th and all three students qualified for State. In Desktop Publishing, Kylie Ludwig placed 1st, Megan Sutton placed 2nd, Jessica Cleveland placed 4th, Luke Bumpus placed 5th and all four students qualified for State. Morgan Hite, Emily Denney, Kendall Fosler, Tom Serf and Nate Kolter also placed in Desktop Publishing.

Kelly Bryant placed 1st in Basic Office Systems and Procedures and qualified for State. Matt Scutchfield placed 1st in Database Applications and qualified for State. Morgan Hite placed 4th in Graphic Design Promotion and qualified for State. Patrick Felke placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speech and qualified for State.

In Administrative Support Team, the team of Matt Scutchfield, Jessica Cleveland, Lane Singleton, and Morgan Hill, placed 1st and qualified for State. In Small Business Management Team, the team of Luke Bumpus, Emily Denney, and Makayla DePoy placed 1st and qualified for State.

In Fundamentals of Web Design, Spencer Uyhhelgi placed 3rd and Kendall Fosler placed 4th. Both students qualified for State. In PC Servicing and Troubleshooting, Allen Collins placed 1st and Logan May placed 2nd. Both students qualified for State. In Computer Security, Logan May placed 1st and Allen Collins placed 2nd. Both students qualified for State.

Faces in the Crowd - Homecoming

2012-01-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

See if you were one of the faces in the crowd captured by our photographer at Plymouth's win over Northridge for Homecoming.

PHS grad Davis named MAC Player of the Week

2012-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State senior guard Randy Davis (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth) has been named the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week the league office announced Monday. This is the third time in his career that Davis has been honored by the MAC and the first this season.

Davis led the Cardinals to back-to-back road wins last week with victories at Central Michigan and Northern Illinois. His all-around play was a catalyst for the Cardinals as he averaged 9.0 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game as Ball State improved to 4-1 in MAC play.

Davis, the national leader in NCAA Division I in assist/turnover ratio at 3.79, dished out 16 assists in the two games while only committing three turnovers for a 5.33 ratio. He dished out a team-high 10 assists in the Cardinals' 21-point victory at Central Michigan while also scoring seven points and grabbing seven rebounds. He followed that performance up with 11 points and six assists at Northern Illinois. On the year, he leads the team with 106 assists and chipping in 8.5 points per game.

Davis and the Cardinals begin MAC crossover play Tuesday night as they host MAC East Division leader and defending MAC Tournament champion Akron at 7 p.m. at Worthen Arena. The game will be televised by SportsTime Ohio and will also be carried by Comcast Indiana, ESPN3.com and ESPN Full Court.

Key Club volunteers for MLK Day

2012-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer
lbeers@thepilotnews.com

PLYMOUTH — A usually very "played in" kid's room, sparkling with freshly cleaned floors and walls. Tidied-up animal cages. Calm dogs, worn out from exercise. A group of fifth graders learning about decimals in a new way.

These were some of the small, yet meaningful contributions that Plymouth Key Club students made to the community Monday as they did service tasks in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

About 60 students worked at the Marshall County Humane Society, the Boys and Girls Club, and Riverside Intermediate School. Freshman Kylee Rippy used her time teaching Riverside fifth graders a "decimal rap" that she and a friend had made up when they were students at Riverside.

"This is what you need to know about decimals — deci, deci, decimals," sang Rippy as the students watched in wonder.

Their teacher, Terri Dennie, also had Rippy help her out by grading papers, making copies, and going to lunch with the students. Rippy said that she's thought about teaching for a career, but today she is "just helping out."

Another group of Key Club students spent their day overhauling the Boys and Girls Club. Executive directer Billie Treber said that the students had "detailed" the gym and playroom, letting no mess get away from their brooms, mops, and dusters. By the end of the afternoon, toys and games were organized and straightened, a typically grimy gym door was gleaming, and all the floors in the building were spotless.

Yet another group worked at the Marshall County Humane Society, walking dogs, replacing kitty litter, and cutting out fliers. Key Club faculty advisor and Plymouth High School English teacher Stephanie Wezeman said that getting involved in the community on MLK Day is new for the club, but that they hope to continue doing so.

"Last year, newly elected officials and I were brainstorming ideas and this is what we came up with," said Wezeman. "It's a way to do a big volunteer project and (also) honor Dr. Martin Luther King."

Wezeman hopes to get feedback from the organizations on what did and didn't go well with the event in order to improve for next year. She added that the club is looking for service opportunities from the city of Plymouth and from citizens.

"Anything that needs to be done — we are willing to explore the possibilities," said Wezeman.

To suggest a project for the Key Club, email swezeman@plymouth.k12.in.us.

To see a video of Key Club students at work, go to www.thepilotnews.com.

Your vote can help Plymouth FFA

2012-01-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

You can help the Plymouth FFA Chapter win money through the "Chapter Challenge" program. Simply go to the web address provided below, click on "Register and vote as a farmer" and complete the information. You DO NOT have to farm, be a farmer, or live on a farm to complete the information. Simply click "other" for commodities raised. It will ask for your contact information but the FFA will not give out your information unless you click to allow them to do so.

Simply click on the address below or go to;

https://www.ffachapterchallenge.com/

After completing the form, be sure to check your email as you will need to click a link to actually get your vote to count. You can only vote one time, per email address you have. If you have 2 email addresses you may vote twice.

Due to all your support with this last year, we placed 2nd in the state of Indiana and were awarded $1,500.00. That money was used to help purchase FFA Jackets, attend State & National FFA Conventions, and compete in various leadership development events.

Thank you for your continual support of the Plymouth FFA
Kelli Kreider (Hoffman)
Plymouth FFA Adivsor

Faces in the Crowd 1-13-12

2012-01-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Are you one of the Faces in the Crowd from Friday nights win over Concord? Check out our photo album on Facebook by clicking here and see if our roving photographer caught you.

Film to feature '91 grad Finkbiner

2012-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

ST. LOUIS, MO - Plymouth grad Bill Finkbiner's road from PHS to feature film has been a long and eventful one - and one he almost didn't take.

"For me it all started in (teacher) Kathy Richter's speech class," said Bill from his home in St. Louis. "We had done a couple of speeches for class and she told me I should join the Speech Team. I had never really considered that and I told her to give me three reasons why I should. She said, 'you're good, you'll win and you'll win'."

Richter obviously knew her student because the words were the perfect encouragement for the athletic minded Finkbiner.

"She knew exactly how to approach it, appealing to that competitive side of me. I really enjoyed it and started taking Dan Tyree's theatre class too."

That theatre training has been instrumental in Bill's career leading him to a main supporting role in the new action film Broken Faith. The film stars Michael Joiner as a suicidal ex- special operative who must defeat his inner demons to save his daughter's (Vanessa Ore) life from a corrupt ATF agent out to kill her played by Rodney Wiseman.

"I was called in to read for Anson (the agent) which I expected because I fit the physical look of the character they wanted pretty well," said Bill. "I also ended up reading for the part of Dan, which is the lead. That surprised me since I'm quite a bit younger than what the part called for. I got called back for both."

It looked as if Bill would be the lead in the soon to be released feature, but when Joiner came on board he was cast as Colton, the right hand man of the corrupt agent.

"It's really exciting for me because most of the other film work I've done has been on really small extremely independent films," he said. "Micheal (Joiner) is an excellent actor and a great guy. I really think this is going to be a good film, and I'm ecstatic to have been a part of it."

A 1991 graduate of Plymouth High School Bill's Speech Team success earned him a scholarship to Bradley University to study Theatre and Speech, and spent his summers working performing with The People's Theatre as part of their Youth Intervention Theatre.

In 2000 Finkbiner moved to St. Louis and began working with several improvisational comedy companies including Bill Chott's who is a veteran of Chicago's Second City and Improv Olympic and featured actor in the movies The Ringer and currently in Johnny Depp's new feature The Rum Diary as well as a recurring character in Disney's The Wizards of Waverly Place.

Finkbiner is a regular on the St. Louis improv stage hosting shows for Bill Chott's Improv Trick. He is a cast member in the city's long running sketch comedy show Bye Bye Liver; The St. Louis Drinking Play and is a part of the Uppity Theatre Company's Big Fat LGBT Show.

"For live theatre I really love performing improv or straight sketch comedy," he said. "It's more immediate, more interaction with the audience and that adrenaline rush of the unexpected. You get to get into a rhythm with the people you're acting with."

"The one thing I might tell anybody that is getting started today would be to be sure you learn all you can about the business side of this profession. That really tripped me up for years. In theatre departments they teach you all about the craft, and that's great because you need that, but once you are out of school you are really a small business person and you need to know how to run that business."

The website for Broken Faith is available at http://www.brokenfaithfilm.com/index.html. More information on Bill's career is available at www.IMDB.me/billfinkbiner and you can follow him on Twitter @Bill_Finkbiner.

January Plymouth Basketball Newsletter

2012-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Up, up and away for Plymouth's Kunze

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Those who know Brian Kunze, 2007 Plymouth High School graduate, naturally associate him with hot air balloons.

Kunze was recently invited by the HACD (Balloon Federation of America/Hot Air Competition Division), to compete in the FAI Junior World Championship. The event features hot air balloon pilots from around the world. However, due to time and financial constraints, Kunze will be unable to compete since the event will be held in May in Lithuania.

Kunze was one of only ten from the United States who received an invitation. To qualify for the event, pilots have to be under the age of 27. They also must hold a Balloon Federation of America (BFA) competition card. Invitees were selected based on the points that they had gathered from BFA sanctioned events.

““It has been great to be invited to the Junior World Championship," Kunze said. "I did not think I would since I have only competed in local competitions and have not been a part of the larger national competitions. Unfortunately due to the late notice of the invitation, I will not be able to compete due to lack of funds.”

“I look forward to competing at a higher level within the United States ballooning competitions. Hopefully in the next year or two, I will have raised enough funds to compete in the second and third annual Junior World Championships.”

Kunze is in his first year of teaching at Menominee Elementary where he serves as the Information Literacy Assistant. He graduated in 2007 from Manchester College with a degree in Social Studies at the secondary education level, but has become a favorite with the students at the elementary school.

Menominee Principal Michael Dunn said, “He was an awesome find. He has really connected to the kids and helping to integrate technology at school.”

Kunze hopes to use his hot air balloon expertise to teach the students about how weather affects and the science of how balloons are able to fly. Kunze said, “If the weather permits, I want to bring the balloon to the school grounds and maybe even inflate it.”

Kunze was only in kindergarten when he was invited to ride in hot air balloons with his classmate Brandon Jones whose father, Jeff Jones, was a hot air balloon pilot. Kunze and Jones continued their love of flying and helped as crew members for Jones for many years. For the past four years, Brian and his father Jim Kunze have been piloting the hot air balloon owned by WTCA/WZOC at events throughout them mid-west. They have become a fixture at the annual Blueberry Festival.

Brian Kunze said he has piloted the balloon for over 65 trips.

“My dad and I spend good quality time piloting the hot air balloon. We tease each other all the time about who is the best, but it is all in good fun.” Kunze said.

Ship comes in for Passafire

2012-01-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - After a whirlwind major U.S. summer tour, a hit new album and preparing to head out on an east coast tour of their own, Plymouth's Nick and Will Kubley and the band Passafire have even more good news.

The group has been invited to play with the band 311 in May on their special Carribean Cruise.

"Its really all kind of amazing. 311 was my favorite band in high school, my friends and I were all kind of obsessed with them really," said Nick Kubley preparing to hit the road for Passafire's winter tour. "To get to play with them now is really sort of a dream come true. It's certainly not anything I ever thought would happen when we were listening to them in high school."

Local fans will have a chance to see Passafire when their tour comes to Chicago on Feb. 28. The band will play a handful of dates in the midwest with the bulk of the tour on the eastern seaboard. It will be a different sort of tour than the grueling Vans Tour schedule the band had in the summer.

"I really have to admit a lot of the summer really runs together," said Nick. "It's (Vans) a really different type of tour. You sleep in the bus all night and you get there you have to get off the bus, find the catering tent so you can get something to eat and get your set time, then it's back to the bus to travel all night to the next spot.

"All the venues look almost exactly the same and you don't have any chance to actually see the city that your playing in so it all has a tendency to just blur together. This will be a lot different tour. I'm really looking forward to getting out there again. We've been home awhile now and it will be great to have something to do."

The band's new album and fourth release - Start From Scratch - is gaining rave reviews, not just from fans, but from the band themselves.

"I really feel good about the album, I'm happy with all of it - how it turned out and how it sounds," said Nick. "It's the first one we've done that I've been completely happy with. I really think it's our best effort."

Passafire spent the days before the Van's tour at the Sonic Ranch in El Paso, TX with new producer Paul Leary - who has worked previously with bands like Sublime and Meat Puppets - putting the record together.

Nick and Will Kubley during a break at the Sonic Ranch

"I like the process of recording but I'm not nearly as into it as (brother) Will is," laughed Nick. "Will and Ted (Browne guitarist and lead vocalist) are really into the recording process and playing with all the things in the studio. You have to understand that the first thing that's done in every record are the drums. I was finished in four days and spent the rest of the time sitting around really. Playing live is more fun for me."

What's next on the goal list for Passafire?

"I'd love to see us be able to get out there in more opening slots for some of the big name bands out there," said Nick. "It would be nice to see us in a place where we were selling out 1000 to 2000 seat venues on a regular basis."

Keep up with the Kubley's and Passafire at http://passafiretheband.com/en/ or search Passafire on Facebook.

PHS grad Chipman appointed Marshall County Chief Prosecuting Attorney

2012-01-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

PLYMOUTH - Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney David R. Holmes announced today the appointment of Plymouth High School graduate E. Nelson Chipman, Jr. as Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, effective March 1, 2012.

A lawyer since 1981, Chipman currently is serving as Plymouth City Attorney. His resignation from that position becomes effective at the close of business on February 29. Chipman has been a fulltime municipal lawyer for the last twelve years; and before that was in the private practice of law in partnership with his father. Chipman was a public defender for several years, and was a deputy prosecuting attorney for over seven years from 1987 to 1994.

In accepting the appointment, Chipman stated, “This was a once in a career opportunity to return to my first love in the law. Throughout my college and graduate school years I majored in criminology with a desire to make a positive difference in the vast field of criminal justice. Trial work in the Prosecutor’s Office allows me the chance to again pursue that passion."

Graduation report for the class of 2011

2011-12-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board heard an updated report this week on students who gradated in 2011. Guidance Counselor Aimee Portteus began tracking students after graduation a few years ago and now reports annually to the board on the findings.

Portteus reported that 130 of those graduating in 2011 went on to a four-year college and 45 entered a two-year or vocational program. Nine of the 265 entered the military. Although 53 are currently a part of the workforce, 18 remain unemployed. Seven certificates of completion were issued and three of the graduates were foreign exchange students.

Five students were able to complete their requirements for high school graduation or obtaining a GED during summer school.

There were an impressive number of students graduating with high academic honors. Portteus said 68 received Core 40 Academic Honors; one received Core 40 Academic Honors and Technical Honors; and 130 were extended Core 40 diplomas.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Redistricting work continues for Plymouth schools

2011-12-29T09:56:00.001-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth School Corporation held a second meeting on Monday night concerning the redistricting necessary for the 2012-2013 school year. Dr. Jerome McKibben, McKibben Demographic Research, has been reviewing the data concerning enrollment for the entire Plymouth Schools.

To comply with federal mandates, school districts must maintain a balance of race/ethnicity, numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced services, and students who qualify for services due to placement in ELL classes for those with limited English speaking and/or writing skills.

The actual redistricting will affect the student population of each of the four elementary schools in the Plymouth system. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade attend one of the elementary schools and then all converge into Riverside Intermediate for grades 5-6.

The demographic study includes projections of students from private schools that are within the school district.

According to McKibben, 80 percent of students that will change schools are from Washington Elementary. Washington Elementary will be converted into the Discovery Academy for project-based learning. At an earlier meeting, McKibben said that 129 current students who reside within walking distance would be reassigned to Washington and the rest of the students would be assigned to other elementary schools. Enrollment for additional students at the Discovery Academy will be by application. The application process is open to any elementary student no matter where they live. The Discovery Academy can service 75 students per grade, according to current Washington Principal Michele Riise. The mix of students accepted would be based on a number of criteria.

Superintendent Dan Tyree said, “We want Discovery Academy to mirror the demographics of the other schools.”

McKibben said that the population forecast is based on projections for the next ten years. He said the final maps should be ready by the end of January, 2012 and he will present them in February to the public.

The influx of students from out of the district has contributed to the imbalances at the elementary schools, according to McKibben. He said, “Five years ago my crystal ball didn’t show that the state legislators would have open enrollment.” Open enrollment allows students to attend schools out of their home districts. This school year, there are 105 students from other districts attending the Plymouth elementary schools.

According to Tyree, parents/guardians will be notified by mail if their child (children) will be moved to another school. He said the Corporation will still allow parents to preference to another school.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Grant will give Plymouth schools a "virtual book club"

2011-12-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Community School Corporation was one of nine Indiana schools recently awarded up to 3,000 each in grants from the Indiana Arts Commission. The money will be used to fund a "virtual book club" at Lincoln Jr. High School and Plymouth High School — an extension of the "One Book, One Town" community-wide literacy event. This year, the theme is the Civil War — specifically, the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh.

Anna Liechty, planning committee member and literacy consultant for the schools, said that the book club will help students reach literacy goals set by the schools as well as increase their understanding of material taught in their classes.

"Literacy is being able to really make information your own, so that you can talk about it, and critically think about it," said Liechty.

Students will read the book "Behind Rebel Lines" by Seymour Reit, and participate in online discussions with their classmates about the story.

"It's so hard to keep kids engaged after spring break," said Liechty, noting that the book club is scheduled to begin in April, a typically "sluggish" time for students.

Liechty added that more than 300 students have committed to participate in the program. Most of the grant money ($2,300) will be used to host historical re-enactor Debra Conner. Connor will be assuming the persona of Mary Edwards Walker, the only female surgeon who served during the Civil War, during performances at the schools in spring. The remaining $1,600 of the grant money will be used to purchase hard copies of the book for students.

Although this is the eighth year that Plymouth will be doing "One Book, One Town," this is the first year that students have been involved as part of school requirements. Liechty said that the eighth grade is covering the Civil War this year in their curriculum, so the virtual book club coincides nicely with their schedule. High school students are participating in the club on a volunteer basis.

Around 50 volunteers in total have stepped up to match the grant money dollar for dollar, either in financial donations or "in kind" donations of their time, expertise, or materials. Liechty said that the total cost of the program is about $9,700.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Plymouth Schools to help students address health issues

2011-12-27T08:08:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — With the increased demands on students to perform at higher academic standards, many are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, sleep associated difficulties, attention problems, and behavioral issues.

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Carrie Cadwell will be sharing her expertise on these very topics at presentations starting in January. The doors of Menominee Elementary are being opened for parents/guardians and any other interested members of the community who want to learn more about how to address the issues. All of the presentations are being offered at no charge.

On Jan. 10, Dr. Cadwell will speak on “Childhood Sleep Issues.”

Cadwell said, “The largest group of children I see in my practice are from kindergarten to fourth grade.”

According to Michael Dunn, principal of Menominee, he and Cadwell began brainstorming ideas of how they could help parents after the topics were mutually brought up during meetings of the Plymouth Community Schools Improvement Committee.

Dunn said, “Dr. Cadwell is dedicated to this cause. She is an active parent of an elementary-age child and sees first hand what some of our parents are up against.”

Dunn explained that kids are sometimes barely getting six to eight hours of sleep when they really need 10 hours each night.

“In the world we live in now," he said, "kids have to put in extra study time along with fitting in extra-curricular activities and family time. When we were trying to figure out why some kids weren’t reading nor focusing as well as they could, we found that often a lack of sleep was the issue.”

Cadwell concurred saying, “Many times I find that those I see for problems noted by parents or physicians are actually sleep deprived.”

She is also concerned that the state’s mandate that kids who can’t pass a reading test at the end of third grade will not be passed on to fourth grade.

She said, “Parents often think that kids will just outgrow attention problems, but there may be ways that they can help now.”

Other presentations and topics scheduled are as follows: Feb. 9, ADD/ADHD; March 13, Anxiety; and April 5, Autism Spectrum Disorders. all of the presentations will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

Cadwell stressed that parents may be reluctant to attend the sessions because they don’t want others to think their child has a problem; but indicated that this is just a way to gain knowledge.

“Parents who generally have more information up front, know what to do if a problem arises," she said.

Cadwell has been working in the field of mental health since 1994 and as a licensed psychologist in 2005. She practices in Plymouth at Cadwell Psychological Services, LLC.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Faces in the Crowd

2011-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Our roving camera was in action capturing faces in the crowd again last night as the #8 ranked Plymouth Pilgrims defeated Whitko. Click here and check out the photo album on our Facebook page to see if yours is among them.

Pilgrims celebrate Thanksgiving at Christmas

2011-12-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - Game day started a little earlier for Plymouth's Pilgrims.

Meeting Whitko on the floor at PHS in the evening, Coach Ryan Bales team met some real VIP's earlier in the day. The team "adopted" several families in Plymouth to help brighten their Christmas holiday with gifts and food.

"It's something that I started doing in North Judson and with other teams that I've been a part of as a player," said Bales. "We're always trying to find ways to show our guys this is more than just basketball. We are very fortunate to have the things that we have and to be able to play this game and we shouldn't take that for granted. We need to give back to our community."

The team went shopping for their families over the weekend and then after walk through on Wednesday morning gathered the gifts and food to deliver to their families.

"I think it's good for our seniors to see that sometimes people struggle a little and we all just need a little help from others from time to time," said Bales. "Its important that our seniors drop everything off in person so they can see the impact that can have on people. Sometimes it gets really emotional and just to know how much people appreciate your help makes everything worth it."

"It's great to help other people in need," said John Ruff.

"We're really close as a team and I think that makes you want to share that feeling with others," added Ryan McNeil

PHS School of Inquiry accepting applications

2011-12-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH - With the application date for applying for inclusion in the School of Inquiry at Plymouth High School only weeks away, Director Ken Olson is busy getting the word out.

Officially, the first day for submitting an application for incoming freshman for the 2012-2013 school year is January 3. Applications are expected to be considered until January 15-16.

Olson said, “The first 50 students to enroll will be guaranteed a spot. If there are more than 100, a lottery system will determine those that will be accepted in the maximum of 100 students.”

The first year, only 100 students will be enrolled. Then, 100 will be added each year for a total of four years.

Olson presented an overview of the proposed program to the Plymouth School Board on Tuesday night and to parents/guardians and other community members on Wednesday night.

The School of Inquiry will be, in essence, a school within a school. Students in the program will be using project-based leaning methods as they work through a number of different real-world projects. However, there will also be ample time for students to take other elective courses along with some of the core courses needed for graduation in the more traditional classroom setting.

Olson explained that the first year offerings will be Global Perspectives, 21st Century Communication, and Leadership Institute in the New Tech School. Students will then “passport” out of the school to take math, foreign language, and other electives.

Although future course work in the School of Inquiry could change, Olson outlined what could be added during a student's sophomore, junior and senior years.

Although the school board members only voted on the offerings for the first year, Olson suggested new courses that will be added in future years including Democracy in America, Personal Finance, European Perspective, Agrinomics, and Food Engineering.
According to Olson, project-based learning was introduced in 1990’s in Silicon Valley, California with funding from the Bill Gates Foundation. To date, there are 85 schools using the concept nationwide, with 19 of those being in Indiana. Plymouth will be number 20. Other area high schools that are using the New Tech programming include Rochester, South Bend Riley, Columbia City, Huntington, and Ft. Wayne Wayne.

“It’s a new way of learning, but not necessarily a new way of teaching,” said Olson, “It is inquiry based. We want students to ask questions. We want to turn out students who will seek knowledge.”

“It’s not about students sitting in class and having the teacher tell them what will be on the test. It’s about collaborative learning. Experts say that 80 percent of the jobs that these students will be working at in the future have not been invented yet. Students will have to have skills to adapt to the world that’s ever changing with an economy that is unknown.”

The first year, classes will be held in the Learning Center room that is located in the middle of PHS and in the speech room / small theatre. Olson said they are meeting with architects to talk about the design of the space that would look more like a professional open concept setting than a traditional classroom with desks and will have flexible furnishings.

The area of PHS that now houses the pool will be renovated for the School of Inquiry.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

New classes to help PHS students compete globally

2011-12-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board has approved the addition of two new courses for Plymouth High School for the school year 2012-13.

Plymouth High School Principal Jim Condon briefly outlined the two new proposed offerings to the board and both were unanimously approved.

The first addition will be Digital Electronics. Condon explained the course is the third in a series of four for Project Lead the Way, targeting those students who want to pursue studies in engineering.

The second class will add a foreign language and, at the same time, phase out another. Starting next year, the school will be offering Chinese and begin the process of taking out French classes.

Condon said he and Superintendent Dan Tyree have met with administrators from Valparaiso University and will be forming a partnership with the University’s Confucius Institute. Although not all of the contract details have been ironed out, Condon said the cost of a hiring a certified English as a Second Language teacher will be shared by the corporation and the Confucius Institute. The contract will be for a period of three years.

Condon said in talking with other schools corporations and Valparaiso officials, it is recommended that the study of Chinese begin before students enter high school. Plans are now to offer the Chinese I at Lincoln Junior High and PHS the first year. The second year, PHS will add Chinese II and in year three, Chinese III. The classes at LJH will continue with just Chinese I. The course work will include both written and spoken Chinese.

There is also a possibility of allowing students from other corporations to attend the classes, according to Condon.

French instruction will continue until those students already signed up for the credits have graduated or completed the requirements. Aimee Portteus, guidance counselor, said there is also the possibility of using online course work.

Condon said they have a list of about 40 students now who have indicated an interest in taking Chinese.

“Whether they can all take the course will depend upon fitting it into scheduling,” he said, adding students need to be prepared for the global future.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Riverside students next to have 1:1 computers

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Riverside Intermediate will be the next school in the Plymouth Schools system to offer 1:1 computers for their students in grades 5 and 6.

Principal Donna Burroughs asked the school board members this week for permission to purchase computers for 30 certified staff members, an anticipated 571 students for the 2012-13 school year, and 49 reserve units. The annual cost was noted at $165,351.75 and would be under a four-year contract totaling $661,407.50.

Burroughs said she will be following the steps taken at Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School for implementing the program at the intermediate level. Each student in the schools has a computer assigned to them. At LJH and PHS students are allowed to take home the units. Burroughs did not indicate whether that practice will be in place at Riverside as well.

Burroughs said she has been focusing on staff training in the technology needed.

“This will increase the levels of engagement on behalf of students and parents in technology,” she said.

According to Bruce Johnson, corporation technology director, the infrastructure is already in place in the building. Burroughs said she will have to add four more access points during the 2011-12 school year.

“A team is piloting the 1:1 program this year and the team members will train the other teachers,” said Burroughs, adding there are a group of students who have been using the 1:1 program this year and will be helping other students next year.

Burroughs said she is developing a plan to instruct students on the proper use and care of the computers.

In order to help monitor what sites the students are visiting, Burroughs said she is purchasing a monitoring program for the office staff, adding that the current library aide will be trained in the asset manager program as a part of the project.

Superintendent Dan Tyree said the corporation will seek quotes for the purchases. Burroughs said the purchase has been budgeted in the Capital Projects fund.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

PHS students communicate the meaning of Christmas in two languages

2011-12-14T08:05:00.001-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - One of the exciting things about Plymouth FOP #195's Shop with a Cop program is the way it brings widely different sections of the community together to help kids have a Christmas they wouldn't have a chance to have otherwise.

Last Saturday was no exception and for a second year Spanish students from Plymouth High School pitched in to do their part. The students volunteered their services to help translate for Spanish speaking families during the shopping trip.

"Most of the kids also volunteered last year and they loved the program so much they wanted to be part of it again," said Delia Gadziola, Spanish/ELL teacher at PHS. "Haley Jaggers worked to set the whole thing up last year and helped out again this year."

"This can be kind of overwhelming for third year students so we have mostly our fourth year students and some of our students who speak Spanish."

For the students who participated - Alejandra Renteria, Mónica Renteria, Dayana Ortiz, Moy Lopez, Yesenia Garcia, Leticia DelReal, Paola Moreno, Diana Figueroa, Maria Lupe Rodriguez, Matt Libersky, Stephani Moran - helping kids and helping their community were the key component.

"A lot of our kids don't participate in sports or other extra curricular things and this type of thing is sort of a niche for them," said Gadziola. "They believe in this community and they want to make a difference. This gives them a chance to get out and demonstrate their leadership ability."

Wanna be Steve Carell? Plymouth grad will get the chance

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - Steve Carell is one of the hottest names in Hollywood right now, and a local actor will have a chance to share that "persona" in an upcoming film.

Plymouth grad Tyler Langdon has signed on to play the part of Steve Carell - star of "The Office", "The Daily Show", and numerous hit feature films - in an upcoming movie with the working title "Burt Wonderstone". Tyler will play the part of Carell as a 19 year old budding magician. The film features Steve Buscemi as Carell's partner in magic, Jim Carrey as their arch nemesis as well as James Gandofini known for his work on "The Soprano's" and Olivia Wilde from "House".

"I think if he (Carell) had been in the room when I went in for the final audition I might not have been able to perform," said Tyler with a laugh. "It felt really good when he got the footage of my audition and told the director and producers that I was by far his first choice.

"It's really an unbelievable opportunity and I'm really excited. I'm going to be able to be on the set every day with some very talented people and watch them work and learn from them. Maybe even more exciting is that I'm going to be able to attend the premiere with them and walk the 'red carpet' with them. That's a really exciting thing."

The Warner Brothers film will be Tyler's first major feature film since beginning his career about two and a half years ago. It's a major accomplishment in such a young career. A year ago he was chosen to be part of an online "American Idol" type competition for up and coming actors and since has been able to work in some independent films and other projects.

"It was really something to sit in the same room waiting to audition with people like Seth Green and Will Forte - people who's work I've really admired," said Tyler. "Now to be able to be on the set with actors that know so much and can teach me so much about the process of being an actor is an opportunity that I am going to make the most of."

"The way the cards have fallen so far I can only say that I've been unbelievably fortunate in my career."

Freyenberger gives NFL films a Plymouth flavor

2011-12-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Next time you watch "Inside the NFL", or "ESPN Match Up" you might want to scan the credits for a familiar local name.

Josh Freyenberger has taken his love of photography and his love of sports and combined them into an exciting start to his career. The 2007 graduate of Plymouth High School has spent the last two years working behind the camera for the NFL Network.

Last year as an intern Josh shot 13 games - including the NFC Championship and Super Bowl - as part of the camera crew for the network. His talent led to a full time job offer and this year he works on three national studio shows each week.

"Last year seemed a little more exciting I think, this year it's a little more like your job," said Josh. "Of course there are those days when you realize just how cool it is to have this job. The other day I was talking about Notre Dame football with Joe Theisman and then it struck me a little bit later just how many times do you get to talk Notre Dame football with Joe Theisman? It's times like that you realize just how unbelievably lucky you are to have a job like this."

Upon leaving PHS Josh admits he wasn't completely sure where he was headed career-wise. A little over a year of classes at IUSB failed to give any real direction. Then friends Dylan and Ethan Hayn encouraged him in another direction.

"I was taking business classes and it was alright but I just didn't think that's what I wanted to do with my life," said Josh. "They asked me to come down and visit them at Full Sail University in Orlando and the next thing I knew I was enrolled."

Film school was just the thing for the aspiring cinematographer. As they say in the movies - the rest is history.

"I've always been an avid photographer," he said. "I love anything that has to do with cameras. I always have. It's really kind of funny because I found out that my dad loved photography too but when I came along and he had a family he decided it was too expensive and sold his equipment and gave it up."

While NFL Films is a great place for somebody of Josh's interests, there are other things the aspiring photographer would like to achieve as well.

"I'm young and I would love to travel and see the world as part of my work," he said. "Working on a project for National Geographic - or some other kind of international shoot - would be really special. I would love to be able to that.

"It's really kind of an exciting time to be involved in the field. I have access to a lot of high end equipment that lots of people could only have dreamed about years ago. It's not that hard to get really great footage without spending a lot of money or being part of a network."

"I think being a part of things like stage crew and band in high school really helped me to see the creative side of my mind and that really helped me. Growing up in a small town really helps put all this in perspective for me."

"I'm going to enjoy all this while I can. I'm still single and there's a lot of things I'd like to see and places I'd like to go. We'll go with the flow and see where it takes me."

Faces in the Crowd

2011-12-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Our roving camera captured lots of faces at last Friday's boys basketball home game with Peru...was yours or maybe someone you know one of them?

Click here to check out our Facebook page to find out.

Christmas Spectacular this weekend

2011-12-04T14:15:00.001-08:00

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth High School Music Department will present the third annual "Christmas Spectacular" production in the PHS auditorium on Sunday, December 11th at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets for the event are available at the door for the price of $5 per adult and $3 per child, student or senior. This year's show is called "Santa's Wild Wacky Workshop!"

The show will feature over an hour of Christmas and Holiday musical selections presented by the Chorale, Counterpoint, Crimson Connection, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. There will be nearly 250 PHS students involved in the production of the show.

The show takes the audience on a musical journey during the three days before Christmas when all is extremely busy hectic in Santa's Workshop and the elves are nowhere to be found. Join the PHS Music Department for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment and Christmas music.

Teaming up to help others

2011-12-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

PLYMOUTH - During the month of December, the Plymouth basketball program, Oliver Ford and PHS Operation Leadership Students will be pitching in to help the Community Center.

On December 2, 6, 9, and 21st during PHS Boys Basketball games Oliver Ford and the PHS Operation Leadership Students will be collecting canned goods at the North Entrance of PHS in an attempt to Fill a Focus.

Community members who donate 6 items, consisting of boxed or canned non-perishable foods, grooming supplies, or paper products will receive a certificate for a $15 oil change through Oliver Ford. The collection of these items will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the JV game on each evening and continue through the 1st quarter of the Varsity game.

Come see the Pilgrims battle Rochester, St. Joe, Peru, and Whitko and help support those in need in our community.

Plymouth grad kicks off tour as part of a new Christmas compilation

2011-12-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Plymouth grad Denver Bierman with fellow grad Adam Beck

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

NASHVILLE, TN - The weather outside may be frightful, but the music of the season is delightful with a new dual release of Christmas Favorites from Jesus Daily Facebook, featuring Plymouth's Denver Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra.

Jesus Daily - the most highly engaged Facebook page in the world - has released two new digital Christmas compilations available on iTunes. One - "An ePOP Christmas” - features 25 Christmas songs by 23 top and emerging new artists including notables Everlife, The Tractors, Alison Krauss, and Gary Chapman, alongside some of today’s best emerging artists - Chris Sligh, Story Side: B , Stephen Speaks and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra.

The second release has a more traditional approach and is entitled "An Inspiring Christmas”. It also contains 25 favorite Christmas classics, offering with a traditional sound that features Christian artists Gary Chapman and Wintley Phipps alongside notable Worship leaders from Churches all over the country including Rick Muchow from Saddleback Church and Charles Billingsley from Thomas Road Baptist Church and - of course - two more songs from DMHO.

"Our lead trumpet player, Keith Smith, was hired by Jesus Daily as a staff producer for the groups musical projects," said Denver. "He brought them the idea of making our music part of the Christmas compilations and they thought the message along with our nostalgic sound was a perfect fit for this project."

As part of the two compilation release, Denver will also appear on a television special with several of the other artists that will be broadcast on TBN later in the month.

"It's wonderful for us to have the opportunity for our music to get some exposure to some people who may never have heard it before," said Denver.

Denver and the rest of the Mile High Orchestra will embark on their enormously popular "Christmas Tour" this weekend. It's a bittersweet time for a family man who is also a performer.

"This is the biggest tour of year for us because our sound becomes mainstream," he said. "Our style is part of everybody's memory of what Christmas sounds like. It comes to the forefront of American culture from November to January.

"We love sharing with our fans, sharing our music and our faith which is the reason for Christmas but man it is terribly hard to leave home for the tour. It's why we've (wife Amy and children London and Boston) already started celebrating at my house. We've watched all the Christmas specials and maybe it sounds silly but we always build a gingerbread house and we're going to do that tonight. Then Dad leaves to go to work for Christmas. It's hard but it's exciting at the same time."

The tour has several big stops including a chance for hometown fans to see the band at a special performance at Moraine Valley Church in Palos Heights, IL just outside of Chicago on December 17. The performance will be broadcast live on the Moody Radio Network to nearly 500 radio stations across North America.

Tickets for the show are available online at http://www.itickets.com/events/275503.html or can be ordered by phone at 800-965-9324. All the band's Christmas Tour dates are available at http://www.denvermho.com/

To check out "An Inspiring Christmas" go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/an-inspiring-christmas/id482951712. "An e-Pop Christmas" is at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/an-e-pop-christmas/id482980971

PHS spellers make mark at State Finals

2011-11-21T12:40:00.001-08:00

PHS Spell Bowl Team - Front: Zach Mahan Middle: Kelsey Schnieders, Tori Godwin, Allegra Davis, Pauline Dagaas, Angel Figueroa, Abby Schumacher Back: Dakota Bradley, Ashley Stokes, Grace Stokes, Nate Mahan, Dana Hall, Cody Gamble, Kurt Corsbie, and coach Amy Schmeltz

LAFAYETTE, IN - The Plymouth High School Spell Bowl team finished second at the state finals at Purdue University on Saturday.

In Class 2, John Glenn won with a score of 84, followed by Plymouth with 75, and Gibson Southern, 64. Pauline Dagaas, Zach Mahan, Ashley Stokes, and Grace Stokes earned perfect scores. This was the second perfect score this season for Mahan, the team's only senior.

Perfect spellers Ashley Stokes, Zach Mahan, Grace Stokes, and Pauline Dagaas

Two near perfect spellers, Abby Schumacher and Kurt Corsbie, missed only one word each for the second and third time this season, respectively. This was Plymouth's second trip to the state finals in as many years and a season and school-record performance, capping off a highly successful season.

At the NLC meet in October, the team placed first with a score of 70, maintaining conference champion status for the second year in a row. They followed up their impressive Conference Championship by winning the Area Contest with a score of 71.

Team members include freshmen Allegra Davis and Cody Gamble; sophomore Nate Mahan; juniors Dakota Bradley, Kurt Corsbie, Pauline Dagaas, Angel Figueroa, Tori Godwin, Dana Hall, Kelsey Schnieders, Abby Schumacher, Ashley Stokes, Grace Stokes,and senior Zach Mahan.

Near Perfect spellers Kurt Corsbie and Abby Schumacher

Some of the team's winning words at the state contest included seigneury, assent, syzygy,, teraph, tocsin, imbroglio, peperomia, atlatl, Reykjavik, and dermatomyositis.

PHS poet published in anthology

2011-11-21T11:23:00.001-08:00

PLYMOUTH - If poetry is the stuff of life, Tyler Hix has a good start on his.

A senior at Plymouth High School Tyler was recently published in the poetry anthology Stars in Our Hearts, which is published by the World Poetry Movement as part of their annual Amateur Poetry Contest. His poem entitled "Concentration" is printed below.

Concentration
by Tyler Hix

To not be distracted by friend nor foe,
Brings thoughts that make your single topic flow,
To stay aboard,
It's all in your thoughts of the long and narrow road.
To not be distracted by friend nor foe,
Concentration.

To not be distracted by temptation,
Easily motivated to complete by ambition,
To keep on pushing through the fight with dedication,
It's all in your thoughts to no burst into confusion,
To not be distracted by temptation.
Concentration.

To not be distracted by internal battles,
The slightest thought can cause your thoughts to rattle,
To achieve one thing and not pop like kettle,
It's all in your thoughts to continue the thoughts by pulling from a single petal,
Concentration.

To not be distracted by friend nor foe,
Brings thoughts that make your single topic flow,
To stay aboard,
It's all in your thoughts of the long and narrow road,
To not be distracted by friend nor foe,
Concentration.

Plymouth grad's music video explores deeper questions of aging, joy

2011-11-16T11:23:00.001-08:00

By Jeff Kenney
Pilot News Staff Writer

CULVER — First Farmer’s Bank and Trust Culver branch manager Chad Van Herk, a Plymouth High School graduate, was out of the office for several days a few months back for your typical American vacation, in many ways: time away with his wife, relaxing on the beach and soaking up some California sun....oh, and filming a music video. And as it turns out, a bit of an unusual music video, accompanying his song, “Footprints.”

Those expecting to see little more than “eye candy” images of sun and surf, bikini-clad women, and perhaps guitar-playing, singing and songwriting Van Herk himself cavorting around the beach may want to give the video a look, online at chadvanherk.com.

Ok, so there’s a bit of beach cavorting — Van Herk did fly to the Los Angeles area, after all, and he’s never made any secret of the role of water and sand, sails and land, and his own restless wanderings, as threads often running through his music. But he credits California documentarian and director Ken Woodall with the vision and plotline for the final video. In fact, Woodall came to Van Herk, who initially was a bit incredulous when contacted about the project.

In the video, an “elderly” version of Van Herk whiles away his life in an institution, dutifully swallowing pills dispensed to himself and other residents in what is clearly a colorless, rather empty existence.

Woodall is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Film Production whose credits include documentaries on AIDS in South Africa and deforestation in Costa Rica, besides a lengthy resume of television and short film credits. He explains:
“I have been a huge fan of folk, soft rock, reggae, Hawaiian style music for a long time. One day I heard this brand new song on Pandora (internet radio) and all of these images started forming in my head...warm sand with wet footprints being washed away, a man whistling on the beach, an angel appearing in front of him. It was the best melody I have ever heard.

“It hit me: This (singer) was much older than an innocent, 20-something body. He understands the true potential joy of life because he’s lived through it all. This beach is a dream world, an escape from the rigid reality.

“(In the video), older Chad is a man whose life sped him by... the power in his legs have been stripped away either through idleness or through an old accident (and) no one cared about him any more...(he) had been stripped from power, connection, reality.

“One day a painting appears at his door and he sees color for the first time in decades. It is so shocking that he is able to transport himself to this dream land. (But) reality and dream blend together and Chad is able to bring back some of the elements of that new life back with him.”

In the video, the “older” Van Herk finds himself a young man again, on the beach. As the video progresses, the character realizes “that there is a future,” adds Woodall. “That’s when he is able to transcend his physical and emotional ailments.”
Chad Van Herk, of course, had been oblivious to the impact his song was having on Woodall, multiple states away.

“I get this email one day last year, late summer, from Ken and he mentions he heard my song ‘Footprints’ on Pandora Internet Radio,” recalls Van Herk. “He claimed to have had a vision of sorts for a music video and he explains his status as a graduating film student at USC. He asks whether I mind if he makes a music video as his personal project....I immediately granted him permission.

“‘No,’ he replies the next day.’I mean, I want to make a music video with you here in L.A.’
“I kind of shrugged it off, honestly, thinking, ‘Yeah right,’ and I took everything with a grain of salt. When he forwarded me a rough draft script, however, I started thinking to myself, ‘This guy’s serious!’ Then came the animated storyboard, which I was able to watch on YouTube, which basically walked through each scene as he saw it being played out...I started getting excited.”

A year later Van Herk and wife Elizabeth were on a Virgin Air flight to Los Angeles, where they shot the video in high definition over July 23 through 26 in Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, and Costa Mesa, with a crew of volunteers from various Southern California schools. Collaborators included Entourage and CSI, and CGI work was handled in England.

“I showed up on set with trepidation,” admits Van Herk. “Would this be a rag-tag group of inexperienced college kids reluctantly forfeiting their weekend to half-heartedly move to a director’s chest-beating drum? My anxiety evaporated almost immediately. What I experienced as I walked into the room was a fluid motion of directors, producers and crew flowing in unison toward one goal, one well-planned take at a time.”

The video has been well-received on the internet through social networking sites as well as Youtube and Van Herk’s own webpage. The singer himself, while “very happy with the experience,” doesn’t know where the video will take him professionally.

“If it leads to something greater, I’ll greet the opportunity with a warm smile,” he says. “If asked whether I hope for more, or that it leads to a ‘greater’ experience, well, I tend to believe that it is human nature to progress and succeed at that in which one takes the greatest amount of pleasure in doing. Nothing thrills me more than picking up a guitar, writing songs, and putting them ‘out there’ to be heard. I don’t really seek fame, and I am not driven by monetary success. Success is achieved, not earned.

“I guess I simply hope to achieve satisfaction in living and not ‘when I had come to die, discover that I had not lived,’ he adds, quoting Henry David Thoreau.

Pulling out a ukulele, Van Herk — who had also discussed his life journeys in college, sailing, and songwriting — explained “banking is what I do,” recently to the Culver Kiwanis Club. “It’s not who I am,” he said as he discussed lunch breaks towing a kayak behind him swimming in Lake Maxinkuckee, and riding his bicycle to and from work.

Van Herk, who said he records his self-penned music with a laptop computer and “a pretty decent condenser mic,” serenaded club members with “Footprints” (the ukulele version) and added with a smile, “Mortgage rates are at a new low in the last few years...I’m your man (for banking) during the day!”

Readers can pick up Van Herk’s CDs through the Internet or at Culver Coffee Company, and of course check out the music video for the song Ken Woodall says contains “a deep subtext dressed in such simple melody that it is a profoundly moving piece of art, like a mother covering her child with a blanket during war. It’s reminiscent and optimistic especially in a time where the present seems pretty dim. Everyone has a ‘mother-of-pearl’ that they are searching for.

“‘Leavin’ Footprints’ reminds me of that innocent optimism we all have had,” Woodall adds. “I hope the audience reclaims those emotions and becomes reinvigorated to keep pushing for their goals whatever they may be. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

Students apply design skills to real world jobs

2011-11-15T16:50:00.001-08:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School business students are taking project-based learning to the next level. The group is creating print and graphic media products for real companies. For a fee (benefitting the Business Professionals of America club) businesses will receive quality design work done by up-and-coming high school students. Although they are still learning, technology teacher Jennifer Felke said that the students are excited about their new skills.

“They’ve created great designs,” said Felke, adding that working on a product that people outside the school will see is particularly rewarding for the students.

“When they know it’s not just a classroom assignment, they put a lot more work into it,” said Felke.

Nearly 40 students so far are a part of this venture, called the Technology Club. The club is currently developing a website for North Central Area Vocational Cooperative as well as improving the PHS website and doing print media for different departments in the school. One of their projects is to create posters and tickets for the upcoming Sweetheart dance, a particularly exciting opportunity according to Felke. Felke said that so many students were interested in designing for Sweetheart that she decided to make it a contest.

“We are very busy right now,” noted Felke.

The Technology Club is in the middle of eight projects, all being simultaneously worked on by different students according to their strengths.

“It’s a great collaboration,” said Felke of the different areas of design. “I try to focus in on different kid’s skills.”

The pricing of the work varies depending on the project, but “it will definitely be less than if (clients) went to a professional,” said Felke.

Businesses interested in commissioning the Technology Club for a project can email Felke at jfelke@plymouth.k12.in.us or call the school, 574-936-2178.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

November PHS basketball newsletter

2011-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Three PHS band members honored

2011-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

PLYMOUTH - Three Plymouth High School band students have been selected to be a part of the Indiana State All-Star Honor Band.

This band is made up of the top music students from across the state. They will be performing a concert with some of the best high school musicians in Indiana.

The three students that were selected from Plymouth are:

Elizabeth Wolford - Senior (flute)
Lindsey Holloway - Senior (percussion)
Nicole Splix - Junior (flute)

The flute and percussion sections of the Honor Band are two of the hardest sections to be selected for. Every school nominates flute and percussion students for the few positions available and the competition can be fierce.

"I am extremely proud of these kids and the fact that they will represent PHS in the honor band," stated PHS Band Director Bryan Ames in announcing the students selection.

A little night music...

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

PLYMOUTH — For the first time ever, all five Plymouth student orchestras are getting together for a community performance.

“The Plymouth Orchestras Concert and Dessert” will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lincoln Junior High Auditorium, followed by cookies and punch in the cafeteria.

Featured will be the PCYO Concert, Symphony and Chamber orchestras as well as the Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School orchestras.

Mother/Daughter team offering new book for Christmas

2011-11-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

LENOIR, NC - In this technological age it still pays to curl up with a good book.

Doing just that has brought a unique Christmas gift to Deb Venti (PHS class of 1985) and her daughter BreeAnn Fisher. They are able to share that gift with the world, thanks to the publishing of their children's book The Night After Christmas.

"I own a bookstore and when she (BreeAnn) was a little girl she used to come in and gather books around her on the floor and sit there and read," said Deb. "When it came time to close the store and go home she would tell me, 'You can't make me leave, I haven't read all my books yet.'"

Now the 18 year old high school student will have her own title to add to that reading list. The youngest author ever signed by her publishing company - Tate Publishing - BreeAnn will have a star on her resume as she enters college and the professional world - that of published author.

The book is a playful satire of the popular classic poem The Night Before Christmas. Brought up to date by the authors The Night After Christmas examines some poignant themes of our culture in a way that kids can relate to. It leads the reader to traditional family values that have stood the test of time, in the same way as the traditional Christmas poem it is derived from.

The project was the combination of BreeAnn's family tradition of giving a book for Christmas and a school project.

"She came home with a project to write a satire of a Christmas story and of course she didn't want to share with me because - you know how it is - when Mom helps it has a tendency to turn into a big production," said Deb with a laugh. "She finally gave in and we sat and read all our Christmas books and I had her choose her favorite one. I read it to her three times and said 'what's different about this story today?' She said she thought kids were too spoiled and it took off from there.

"We probably wrote the whole thing in 45 minutes to an hour."

And that's where it would have stayed but by chance.

"I was working with (Tate Publishing) on a particular book shipment that was sent to the wrong place and had billing problems, etc. and in the course of the phone calls I became friends with the woman I was calling all the time who happened to be the secretary of the President of the company," said Deb. "We were talking about the story one day and she had me email her a copy and she showed it to her boss. They emailed us back a contract a couple days later."

The company provided the pair of authors an illustrator and the rest - as they say - is history.

"We never planned on writing a book," said Deb. "It's really not in the plans to write another but who knows? If nothing else 20 years from now we can sit around with BreeAnn's children at Christmas and read the book she wrote."

The book is due for release around Thanksgiving and the family bookstore in North Carolina - Venti's Casa - will be holding a book signing on Dec. 9. Anyone wishing a signed copy can contact ventiscasa@gmail.com. The Bookworm in Plymouth will also be offering copies of the book in time to purchase for Christmas.

PHS basketball Red/White Scrimmage

2011-11-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 11^th,the Plymouth High School Boys Basketball Program will be hosting afew events that will be open to the public.

The first event willtake place from 3-5pm that day with the coaching staff conducting apractice. This will be the only practice of the year that is open tothe public as all other practices are closed. The varsity and juniorvarsity players will practice in the main gym and the freshman groupwill practice in the upper gym.

The viewing of this practice will beallowed from the upper concourse area.

Following this 'open'practice, we will run a Red/White Scrimmage which will begin at 6pmand last approximately an hour. This will be an intrasquad scrimmagewith officials. This event will take place in the Plymouth HighSchool main gymnasium. Each player in grades 9-12 will participatein this game with the number of quarters yet to be determined.

Ifyou wish to attend either or both of these events, please bring onecanned good item per person in your group for admission.

Following the scrimmage,there will be a meal in the cafeteria for any immediate familymembers of any player, manager, or coach in the Plymouth High SchoolBoys Basketball Program. During this meal Coach Bales and his staffwill also introduce some expectations for each player and manager inthe basketball program. The coaching staff would like for at leastone parent or guardian to attend this meal.

PHS yearbook a national award winner

2011-11-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - The 2011 Mayflower Yearbook received a First-Class Rating from the National Scholastic Press Association.

The critique is a written evaluation of work submitted by a publication. Professional journalists, experienced media advisers and other media professionals serve on the NSPA board of judges. The judge writes comments and scores the yearbook in several different categories such as coverage, writing and design.

The composite score from all sections gives the publication an honor rating ranging from Third Class to All American. The All American rating is the highest rating given to any publication in the critique service, and PHS did a commendable job, particularly since this was The Mayflower's first review by the NSPA.

Behind the scenes of The Little Mermaid

2011-11-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Take a trip under the sea this weekend at PHS

2011-11-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - "Under the sea, darlin it's better down where it's wetter, take it from me…"

The Plymouth High School Theatre Department invites you to discover the truth of that advice from the character Sebastian as they present the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid" this Friday at 6:30 p.m., two shows Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each performance and are $3 for children 12 and under and $4 for adults.

Originally a popular fairy tale by the Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen it is the story of a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea for the love of a human prince.
Written originally as a ballet, the tale was first published in 1837. The Disney film version became an almost instant classic on it's release in 1989 and this will be the second time the PHS Theatre Department has staged the favorite - the first production in the late '90's.

"It's really not as tough as you might think to approach the same show in a different way," said Charlotte Tyree, Director of the show. "The cast really lends itself to how things are going to be different. The different kids in the show all approach their parts a little differently and really (the character of) Ursula sets the tone of how the show is going to be played."

As in past years the show has two complete casts - a "White" cast and "Red" cast - in order to get all of the students involved who earned parts. Setting the tone as Ursula in the Red cast is Christina Krozel and Kelsey Shaffer in the White cast.

"I never thought I'd be a villain. It's never been a goal of mine to scare small children," said Shaffer with a laugh. "But I remember seeing the show when I was little and it's the villains and the scary parts that are the most fun and what you remember the most."

Taking on the White cast romantic leads was also a new experience for Jason Pickell and Olivia Hilliard.

"You know I didn't really even really have an interest in the theatre. My dad made me go out for the play in junior high," said Jason Pickell, playing Prince Eric. "I played a dog. I've had those kind of comic roles this gives me a chance to play something different - a different genre."

"I've kind of had some trouble playing a 'girly girl'," said Olivia Hilliard in the White cast role of Ariel. "Last year I was a skunk and I played a boy in the shows so yeah, this is a little different."

One tradition of the PHS children's show is at least one "jaw dropping" special effect. Does this show promise the same.

"We have two," promised Hilliard. "One of them involves some heavy lifting."

Other members of the White Cast are; Becca Houser, Shelby Pratt, Allison Berger, Maura Faulstich, Marissa Daugherty, Grant Ringenberg, Danielle Erickson, Shae Stein, Kendall Cooper, Aimee Ringer, Andria Shook, Edgar Quiroz, Maicee Evans, Kate Peters, Kelsey Shaffer, Faith Read, Jason Pickell, Breanna Morrow, Haley Stein, Cassie Gaines, Bryce England, Kristina Bannow, Dylan Cox, Andrea Finley, Kaydon Fosler, Emily Gadziola, Reneh Gambrel, Christie Gorka, Madison Gunderson, Shelby Harrell, Dylan Holiday, Miranda Hurford, Cayla Jolly, Madalyn Lambert, Clayton Lenig, Moises Solis Lopez, Alaynee Mora, Alexis Moran, Adilene Peynado, Kristen Pressler, Kirstin Riise, Kylee Rippy, Audrey Samuelson, Hannah Samuelson, Alexandria Shangreaux, Melissa Slater, Hunter Stevens, Emily Trump, Luis Valdez, Madison Woods, Courtney Zentz.

The Red Cast is; Kirsten Harner, Sarah Puglisi, Rebecca Brumbaugh, Hope Miller, Elsy Mendoza, Alex Oakley, Megan Senter, Haley Adams, Megan Biglane, Lauren Smith , Markee Farler, Andria Shook, Jared Hill, Liza Kelly, Ben Piazza, Christina Krozel, Priscilla Hammonds, Connor Flynn, Ali Obrochta, Miriah Brumley, Christy Chipman, Michael Gray, Noemi Aguilar, Stephanie Anderson, Johnna Antich, Kristen Arriaga, Lisa Carnegie, Cristina Reynaga Chavez, Ashley Clemons, Marilyn Delgado, Drew Dodson, Cody Edge, Courtney Edge, Andrew Gerard, Kara Gustafson, Mikayla Haenes, Haley Harrell, Tyler Hix, Chase Holzwart, Megan Maxwell, Abby Patrick, Annalise Piazza, Cassandra Quissell, Christian Radican, Elizabeth Read, Kelsy Risner, Trever Roberts, Thomas Serf, Jessica Stillson, Jenna Wood, Alexandria Wright.

The stagecrew is; Sound Engineers, Jordan Knapp, Daren Miller, Christina Krozel
Lighting Technicians, Billie Carothers, Adam Lacefield, Larissa Tetzloff, Hayley Morris, Denis Watson, Backstage Wing Managers, Andrew Youst, Shaylee Vice, Backstage Crew, Ashton Morrow, Molly Henderson, Bellinda Bottorff, Jeannie Spear, Abigail Schumacher, Emily Blake, Celeste Cook, Emily Denney, Faith Hilty, Danielle Letsinger, Michael Yoder, Jordan Wendel, Hayden Skirvin, Luke Schumacher, Evan Glaub, Daniel Flynn, Tim Gomez, Micah Harner, Matthew Pearson, Vicente Vasquez, Ben Shortt, Levi Schuler, Austin Rose.

The NFL and Riverside team up for students

2011-10-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - Here's proof that watching football on TV can be good for you.

Principal Donna Burroughs of Plymouth's Riverside Intermediate School an example of that as her school will reap the benefit of doing more than just watching but acting. The school has received grant funding from the Dairy and Nutrition Council of Indiana, Inc., to sponsor activities for the school's Fuel Up to Play 60 program during the 2011-2012 school year.

"The NFL is one of the sponsors of the grant and I think I first heard about it watching the ads on TV," said Burroughs. "We like to emphasize different kinds of things in different years and this year we really wanted to encourage our kids to be active and healthy in mind and body. That's what this grant is all about."

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a national program sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League to encourage students to eat healthy and be physically active at least 60 minutes every day. Funds from the dairy council will be used to purchase fresh foods and vegetables for a taste testing at school. The students will also prepare “healthy” snacks for a Super Bowl party at school as a couple of the dietary activities that will take place.

In order to be eligible Riverside formed a committee to do an audit of the school - taking a look at such elements as the nutrition offered at the school, the physical education and recess programs. After taking a look at themselves and submitting those results the NFL sent back a "playbook" of options for the school to use in addressing any areas they found themselves wanting and the money to pursue those opportunities.

"We thought this was something that the whole school could be involved with and the kids would really get excited about because it is sponsored by the NFL," said Burroughs. "Next week we'll actually receive the money and begin to implement the program."

The funds will also be used to plan some new activities for the Riverside playground and purchase the equipment for those activities. All Riverside students have been invited to sign up for the program at home at the website www.fueluptoplay60.org. The funds from the Dairy Council will also be used to purchase four brand new bicycles. These bicycles will be awarded to students through an end of the year drawing. To be entered in the drawing, students must be a Fuel Up to Play 60 participant.

PHS School of Inquiry launches website

2011-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School of Inquiry, a New Tech extension of Plymouth High School, will open next fall. To answer questions about the new school, PHS dean of students Ken Olson and directer of professional development Jennifer Felke launched a new website last Friday.

"We're pretty excited about it," said Olson. "We really want it to be the information portal over the next year on the School of Inquiry."

Parents as well as any interested individual may visit the website and view weekly or bi-weekly posts about the progress of the new school. Videos are posted with messages from Olson and other PHS staff. One new video shows the Plymouth School of Inquiry's recent visit to the Viking New Tech School in Huntington.

"We're going to use (the website) to get information out to the community about the school and about what's going on," said Olson, adding that the website includes videos and a frequently asked questions section, as well as a form that people can fill out to get more information about the school.

"Once the school starts next fall we hope the website will be an area where the community can see what type of projects that the students are participating in," said Felke.

Olson said that the School of Inquiry is still in the early planning stages. As teachers are hired and construction begins, the website will be updated more and more frequently. Eventually, it will include posts by students as well as pictures of the daily happenings in the new school.

New Tech high schools use an approach called Project Based Learning, requiring students to learn by solving practical problems and making real-life decisions. The skills they learn through this method are intended to increase their job readiness after high school or better prepare them for college. The Plymouth School of Inquiry will open with an initial class of 100 freshman students, and expand each year.

Visit the School of Inquiry website at www.plymouth.k12.in.us/plymouth-school-of-inquiry.html.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News.

Five Star teaches values; raises grades at LJH

2011-10-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Most kids can't wait to get out of school when the final bell rings. Not so for 60 Lincoln Jr. High students, at least not on Tuesdays.

Tuesday afternoons between 3 and 5 p.m. are devoted to Five Star, an after-school program that uses volunteer "coaches," games, and discussion times to encourage students to live a "Five Star life."

"So many kids feel like they are losing, and we want them to win," said LJH head coach Casey Martin.

The Five Star program teaches five core values: respect, responsibility, courage, sacrifice, and integrity—and students spend at least four weeks going over each value.

"Five Star has been a tremendous program for the students at LJH in many ways," said LJH principal Dan Funston. "Too often we teach character traits in an abstract way that students do not understand. Five Star gives students practical applications."

Funston also said that he has seen students involved in Five Star significantly raise their grades.
Students connect with their coach when they first arrive at Five Star (held in LJH's cafeteria). They have a snack, participate in a group game, do Five Star options (could be another game, a craft, or homework time), talk about the last week's challenges and establish new challenges for the next week. The coaches, all volunteers, encourage the students to think of new ways they could utilize one of the core values in their everyday life that week.

Martin said that this is the program's third year at LJH. Currently, about 20 students are on a waiting list. Five Star is open to any student, but since all the coaches are volunteers and all the funds come from donations, there is a limit to how many students the program can handle. More volunteers and more donations would enable more students to sign up for the program.

"The volunteers that Five Star recruits are top notch," said Funston. "All of our volunteers are people of outstanding character who are leaders in our community."

The commitment of the adult volunteers, added Funston, is a big part of what makes the program successful.

"The coach becomes a part of the (student's) life," said Martin.

Martin is seeking support from the community so that Five Star can continue at LJH.

"We want (Five Star) Plymouth to be sustainable," said Martin. "We want to community to get behind it."

Currently, the program could use more coaches for next year as well as donations from either individuals or businesses.

How to help
According to Martin, Five Star is now in 14 school corporations in Northern Indiana, with "a huge waiting list." The program costs $25,000 per year, per school. The school does not pay any of this cost as Five Star is completely supported by donations. 75 percent of that comes from individual donors, and the rest from company and business sponsors.

If you are interested in finding out more about Five Star or donating, visit their website at www.fivestarlife.org or call 574-266-4038.

If you are interested in volunteering at LJH with Five Star (either coaching or just helping occasionally) call Principal Dan Funstion, 574-936-3113.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

A PHS tennis tradition continues

2011-10-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

James Costello

Pilot News Sports Editor

PLYMOUTH — It’s sometimes easier to maintain a tradition than to restore one.

Expectations play a big role in sports, and in tennis in particular, confidence can often win the day.
Plymouth seniors Connor Flynn and Jordan Scheetz were in eighth grade the last time the Pilgrims sent a doubles team to the state finals. On Saturday, the duo beat DeKalb’s Landon Miller and Brandon Fruits 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to win the LaPorte Regional and advance to Friday’s Doubles State Championship.

“At the time I was going pretty crazy,” said Flynn of Saturday’s regional championship. “I’d never been that excited and nervous at the same time in my life. As soon as we did it, it was a huge relief. Especially with tennis not being our main sport, it’s crazy that we’ve made it this far. Now thinking back on it, it’s still hard to believe that we’re actually doing it and we’re still going, but we’re practicing hard and we’re going to try to make a run at the finals.”

“Plymouth’s No. 1 doubles is known greatly for moving on through the individual tournament,” said Scheetz. “We’re in a great state to be up on the Wall of Fame in the athletic hallway. That was our first goal is we wanted to get there, and we knew we were coming together and we were playing well. Really, we just went into Saturday with the mindset that we’re not thinking anything but wins here so we just went for it and focused hard and played our best.”

While the Pilgrims are known historically for deep runs in the doubles tournament, it’s been awhile since anyone in the program has gone as far as Flynn and Scheetz.

Plymouth sent a doubles team in Matt Hunter and Matt Langfeldt to the final four in 2001 in the second year of the IHSAA’s non-team doubles tourney and afterward enjoyed frequent appearances at the finals for several years, including sending six tandems to state in an eight-year span from 1998 to 2005, the last time the Pilgrims reached the finals.

Plymouth bowed out of the team tournament with a Culver Military Academy Regional championship loss to the host Eagles on Oct. 5, but Flynn and Scheetz stayed alive in the individual tourney with a straight-set win over CMA’s Quinlan Smith and Jorge Segura. They advanced to Saturday’s LaPorte Regional with another straight-set win over Warsaw’s A.J. Herendeen and Sam Rice at CMA Oct. 6, then beat Wheeler’s Jordon Long and Lucas Jessen in Saturday’s semifinal before battling back from a 4-1 deficit in the opening set to put away Miller and Fruits in three sets for the regional championship, breaking a five-year dry spell in state berths for Pilgrims doubles teams.

“It really has been a few years,” said Plymouth Head Tennis Coach Michael Delp, who finished runner-up for Plymouth with partner Scott Hunt as a senior in the 1993 doubles tourney. “When we had a string of so many guys in a row it really was helpful for some of our younger guys to go down and watch that big tournament, maybe dream a little bit that hey, that could be me someday, and when they finally make that 1 doubles team to kind of have that expectation that this is what we kind of do. For Connor and Jordan to do that on their own, I think there was an element of surprise for them this weekend, but they played really well and just restoring that tradition was something I wanted to see for our guys, especially our younger guys. But they had to be the first, at least the first in awhile, so for that I’m really proud of them. It’s sometimes easier to kind of follow the guys before you.”

Part of the surprise for Scheetz and Flynn is that neither is primarily a tennis player. Respectively a pitcher and an infielder for both Plymouth High School and American Legion Post 27, the duo was busy playing baseball last summer while many of their opponents were focusing on tennis.

“With (American) Legion, playing baseball together all summer, we didn’t play tennis. I played tennis one time this summer, and that was the day before two-a-days,” said Scheetz. “We really didn’t play tennis together this summer, but baseball kept us close.”

“Me and Jordan have been in school together since the fifth grade at St. Mike’s,” said Flynn. “Baseball and basketball have brought us closer together, but baseball, definitely in this previous summer playing together on Post 27 brought us a lot closer. I’m glad he decided to come out this year because I knew it was up in the air, but as soon as he did I knew something special could happen this year.”

While Scheetz and Flynn may have been a bit surprised at their tennis run given their pedigree as multi-sport athletes, Delp said they’re well within Plymouth’s doubles tradition in that respect as well.

“We’ve been kind of blessed since the start of the tournament with having strong doubles teams throughout there,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of guys that are strong athletes. Maybe tennis might be their first sport, but a lot of them, it’s their second or third sport, and they just kind of love the action that you get in doubles — the aggressiveness, the quick reflexes — and it just allows them to be successful on a tennis court… Some of that’s just suited the athletes that we’ve had, but we definitely have a strong tradition, both girls and guys, of teams that have made the state finals.”

While the state series may have started with sectionals Sept. 28, Scheetz’s and Flynn’s run really began a week before at the start of the Northern Lakes Conference Tournament.

Two days prior, the duo took a heartbreaking loss to visiting Northridge on Senior Night at Plymouth. After that loss, they regrouped to go undefeated at NLCs for the conference doubles championship and have continued gaining momentum with eight straight wins in the IHSAA tournament.

“Their last loss was the Monday before NLCs. It was Senior Night and a really heartbreaking loss,” said Delp. “Since that time they’ve really kind of come into their own. Maybe that loss kind of got their attention and we just kind of got back to some basics. For them, they had the ability — it was more realizing what it takes to be successful. They always had the aggressiveness; it was more about being consistent. Keeping the ball in play on returns and first serves in play instead of giving up easy points where they were going for a little much or not moving their feet well. So I kind of convinced them of that, but a lot of it has just come with confidence since that weekend. They step on the court, and they believe they’re the best team. As long as you have that confidence and that belief, you have a chance to win every match. That’s what I love. Right now, it’s pretty easy to get nervous in some of these matches where you lose and your season’s over. These guys just kind of step on the court and played the tennis in front of them and had confidence, you could just tell.”

“Northridge, it was an experience that I wouldn’t want to have, but now that I’ve had it I’m glad I did because it reiterated that sense that losing is not fun at all and winning is so much better,” said Flynn. “That you just have to do whatever it takes to win. The NLC tournament that weekend really got some momentum for us. We started getting our returns in, and we really started clicking. That was the turning point in our season I guess you could say, and we haven’t lost a match since that Northridge match and hopefully we don’t lose any this upcoming weekend.”

Whatever happens at Friday’s state finals, Flynn and Scheetz have already come a long way for Plymouth. They’ve helped bring back a tradition five years dormant, and both the players and their coach are hoping it can help raise expectations for younger Pilgrims tennis players.

“It’s pretty much a program-boost for the upcoming 1 doubles and the whole team really, I think,” said Scheetz. “Us getting there was a good example of what hard work, determination and all those things can do for you as you play tennis. Not only tennis, but sports and pretty much life. It sets a good example for the people under us.”

“The team next year, it’s going to be different with all the spots that are opening up, but looking down in practice at what the team has to offer, they can definitely make a run,” said Flynn. “It may seem like a down year but it’s definitely not. Like Coach says ‘With adversity comes opportunity,’ and you know what Plymouth tennis is; it’s about winning. We’re just glad that we could restore that a little bit and get the underclassmen hungry about victory.”

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

PHS Basketball Newsletter - October 2011

2011-10-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Grad Stories - Homer Marsh

2011-10-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Life on the sea leads him to music and hometown

2011-10-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PLYMOUTH - It's highly unlikely that Chad Van Herk has ever suffered from boredom.

The PHS grad and Marshall County native and singer/songwriter has just released his second album of songs "Daydreaming Days Away" but his musical pursuits are just part of an amazingly eventful young life. Born in the British Virgin Islands, Van Herk has probably spent more of his life on the sea than dry land.

At the ripe old age of six months, Chad and his parents circumnavigated the globe on the family sailboat. After graduating from Ball State University Chad bought a sailboat of his own and lived another dream of returning to the sea for a time, taking a sabbatical to sail as far as Grenada.

After their adventures circling the earth, Chad's parents moved to Plymouth to be sure their children received a good education without the distractions of the sea and it was here that he discovered music.

"I wanted to learn to play some Led Zepplin," he said with a laugh. "It started with piano lessons in junior high and I didn't like it all that much. It always seemed I had found something fun to do outside when my mom would call me in for my lesson. I wouldn't hurry in all that fast."

His hobby eventually led him to the guitar, but it was then still just a hobby.

"You know it really was just a way to relax after work," he said. "I started coming up with a bunch of lyrics and then put them down on paper."

"The sea has inspired me a lot. Of course Jimmy Buffet is a big influence and bands like the Grateful Dead. A lot of things inspire me, mostly personal experience. If it inspires me I'll get words in my head. My brain has always kind of worked like that."

A banker by profession, Chad has no real intention of giving up the "day job".

"It's really not something that I planned to do (a musical career) but I admit it is kind of snowballing really," he said. "A guy in California heard one of my songs on Pandora and he wanted to make a music video of it. That was a really neat experience."

The 1997 graduate of Plymouth feels life in his hometown with his wife Elizabeth - a 1998 Plymouth graduate - has had a big influence on his music.

"I feel like the last five or six years I'm really a lot more grounded," he said. "I'm a lot more at ease living in the moment and a lot more grounded spiritually to go along with that.

"Oh, and I want everybody to know that there IS surfing on Lake Michigan too."

You can hear and purchase Chad's music at his website http://www.chadvanherk.com/ or on iTunes and Napster.

Plymouth native continues to 'spread the wave'

2011-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Correspondent

ERIE, PA - While the world mourned the passing of Apple creator and visionary Steve Jobs to cancer, his death had an added significance to Plymouth's Mark Neidig.

"I was at a fundraising event when I heard the news," he said. "I couldn't help but think if we had worked a little harder, if we were further along in the research we might have been able to save him."

Neidig is the Executive Director of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation that is working on a ground breaking non-invasive cure for cancer using radio waves. The technique has had very encouraging early success at treating pancreatic cancer - the type that Jobs and the creator of the treatment John Kanzius fought against.

"I've worked for a lot of great causes in my life," said Neidig. "But cancer hits us all. It's what wakes you up and gets you working in the morning, realizing that it's still not enough, people are depending on you and you have to keep working harder to help them."

Research continues to bring the treatment to a point where it can be tested in humans. Early research has been very positive, but the process is a painstaking one. Every variable must be accounted for in the lab before it can be used in public.

"The greatest news is that we have had literally no obstacles in the tests and we've seen very consistent results in the data," said Neidig. "We learn something new everyday and we get closer every day but we have to be 100 percent certain that every part the treatment is documented to be safe before we ask the FDA for approval to begin trials in humans."

The PHS grad has had a whirlwind year, bouncing around the country tirelessly "spreading the wave" for Kanzius Foundation research. He has had the opportunity to meet with top ranking political and community leaders, celebrities and others to gain support for the exciting research being done for the treatment.

"We've had a record year in fundraising and that enables us to increase the number of research projects that we can support," said Neidig. "People who support us know they are a part of history. We really can change the world and we are able to give tremendous hope to people for a cure."

More information on the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation is available at http://www.kanziuscancerresearch.org/

Former Plymouth star at home in Beirut

2011-10-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Phil Wendel in the Bakaa Valley near Syria

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

BEIRUT, LEBANON - Playing a game that he loves has taken 1982 Plymouth grad Phil Wendel a long way - halfway around the world to be exact.

A starting guard and Trester Award winner on the Pilgrims 1982 state championship basketball team, Wendel now calls Beirut, Lebanon his home doing something else he loves - teaching.

"It was getting to the point in my life where I either had to do it or or give up and just stop talking about it," said Wendel. "I think I always had a real desire to see different places and experience different cultures. There is no doubt that without basketball I never would have gotten here. It's always amazing to me to realize how everything is linked together. I would never have been able to travel abroad if I hadn't played basketball."

After his outstanding career at Plymouth Wendel used basketball to get a scholarship to DePauw University where he played on several nationally ranked teams and never lost a home game in his four year career. He pursued a degree in education and his first stop was at Jasper High School in Indiana where he was a teacher and assistant basketball coach.

He moved on to Atlanta's Galloway School - a private, independent school - and had found "home" for 20 years. For 10 of those years he was varsity basketball coach, and cross country coach for 15 years. He was also principal of the school's junior high.

During that time at Galloway he had the opportunity to take his basketball teams on overseas trips to Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic and Cambodia. He developed a strong desire for something more.

"I was there for 20 years (Galloway) and it was really a great place to be, but traveling abroad let me know that I really wanted to experience living in a different culture," he said. "The year before last it just seemed like the time was right to do that."

But what culture? And what job? Teaching seemed the obvious fit and Wendel had no shortage of offers. They came in from Thailand, Moscow and Germany, but it was an American School in Beirut that he decided on.

"It's really very similar to Atlanta - its a very cosmopolitan city that's more European than Middle Eastern," said Wendel. "When you mention Beirut to most Americans they have visions of the civil war that was fought here. There is still a lot of aftermath from that but its been 15 years since the war ended."

"Everybody has a story from the war. Some of them are very horrible and sad, and because it was only 15 years ago things are still a little more disorganized than in America. Nobody follows any traffic rules - for example - so driving can be very interesting."

The school that Wendel teaches at has also undergone a dramatic change.

"During the war the school was really organized for American Embassy kids, United Nations workers, expats living in Beirut - almost all American," said Wendel. "Now I would guess that 70 percent of my students are Lebanese. They speak English and Arabic."

Wendel says that the acceptance of Americans is great by the Lebanese but the level of friendliness differs from place to place.

"I live in a section of the city where it's mostly intellectuals and very highly educated people, many of whom were educated in America," he said. "I volunteer at several Hezebollah refugee camps on the weekends and sometimes there when they find out you are an American they will be a little more guarded in how they speak in front of you, maybe a little more reserved.

"Generally speaking people here like Americans they just don't like some of our policies."

"Traveling and now living abroad has really been an eye opening experience. I mean you grow up thinking we're (Americans) the best and why don't people like us, but you realize there are a lot of different ways to live and just because it's different than us doesn't mean it's wrong."

"You also get a great view of just how all prevailing American culture is. There is American music, American clothes, American movies, American television literally everywhere. I have to tell you the first time you see some one from Lebanon walking down the street in Beirut wearing an Atlanta Braves jersey it really hits you just how far reaching our culture is."

It all somehow comes back to home.

"Growing up in a small town made me curious. I always knew I wanted to go to college, I wanted to see different places, I wanted to live in a city," said Wendel. "But growing up in a small town also grounded me. It gave me a solid foundation as a person and I think that's very important. You have to be very comfortable with who you are and have a good sense of self and Plymouth gave me that early in my life."

"I would have to encourage everybody to follow your interests no matter what they are. Be passionate about them and pursue them and don't quit. That's what is going to make you happy."

One last time to Rock On for the Rockies

2011-10-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH — Friday night will be the last time for fans to Rock On for the Rockies this season as Plymouth plays their final home game taking on Goshen in a traditional Northern Lakes Conference battle.

The Plymouth Alumni Association welcomes Plymouth High School grad singer/songwriter Chad Van Herk to the tent to encourage fans to get behind a Rockie victory. Chad released his first album in 2009 and his second earlier this year. You can learn more about him and get a sample of his music at http://www.chadvanherk.com/.

WTCA's pre and post game shows will be under the tent at the Rock starting at 5:15 p.m. with the Tailgate Show. The Alumni feature is scheduled to be Bill Nixon, former Plymouth Athletic Director, football and baseball head coach and a member of the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame.

The post game show on AM-1050 will have the spotlight on Plymouth Head Football Coach John Barron and the Rockie "Player of the Game".

The Plymouth Athletic Booster Club will be grilling for the fans enjoyment and the Music Boosters have a great selection of concessions for every taste.

For more information, visit the Plymouth Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @PlymouthAlumni on Twitter.

Morgan Uceny speaks at Riverside

2011-09-29T18:24:00.001-07:00

PHS teacher to be honored

2011-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School business teacher and Business Professionals of America sponsor Jennifer Felke will be honored at the Oct. 13 conference of the Indiana Computer Educators in Indianapolis.

Felke was selected as the winner of the Digital Curriculum Lesson Plan contest.
Her lesson entitled “Back to the Future: a Renaissance Faire” was chosen for its innovative idea and the use of digital resources.

Felke has been asked to present her lesson during the conference as a part of the Success Showcase.
Felke created the project as a part of the New Tech High School at the Oregon-Davis Schools.

She said, “I was encouraged by the principal there, Greg Briles, to submit the lesson to the ICE.”

The lesson was used by students in an integrated technology curriculum that blends English, history and digital resources. Specifically, students were asked to research the Italian Renaissance period, chose an example of a philosopher, scientist or artist of the period, and then design what a website for that figure would look like in the present day.

Felke said, “It is a way to make history come alive.”

Although each student working on the three-week project had an individual website presentation, they did work in groups. Felke said a part of the project was utilizing “peer reviews” in which students were encouraged to share ideas and critiques with each other.

The culmination of the project was a “Renaissance Faire,” complete with period food and costumes, held for members of the community.

Felke said the students were excited to be able to show their work to those invited for the event.
She expressed her appreciation for the encouragement she received from Briles on the winning project and for the New Tech concept.

She said she is finding the same type of support from Plymouth Superintendent Dan Tyree as plans are being made for the upcoming school years. This is Felke’s first year teaching at PHS.

Felke also serves as the Staff Development Director of the School of Inquiry, a New Tech High School that will be opened within the PHS building starting with the 2011-12 school year.

The first year, only 100 students will be enrolled. Each year plans are to add 100 more students until the number reaches 400.

Uceny will make Plymouth appearance

2011-09-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH — The best 1,500-meter runner in the world, Morgan Uceny, will hold a meet and greet at Fitness Forum Sports & Wellness Center next week.
Uceny will speak on her recent professional running successes and experiences Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in The LifePlex Conference Room. She will answer questions and sign autographs for her fans and local supporters.
Uceny crushed the competition in the Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, Friday to become the women’s 1,500-meter champion in a time of 4:00.06.
Just two weeks after she was knocked to the ground at the World Track & Field Championships in Korea, Uceny bounced back to win the Brussels race, clocking the fastest time in the world this year.
The Plymouth High School graduate also wrapped up first place in this year’s Diamond League standings, good for a prize of at least $50,000, on top of her other winnings this season.
Friday’s win virtually guarantees Uceny will be ranked No. 1 in the world when the year-end rankings come out. It also means she will be the early favorite to win next year’s London Olympics.
A graduate of Plymouth High School and former Cornell University track team member, Uceny earned her first spot on a U.S. team at the Pan AM Games in 2007.
For more information, visit the Fitness Forum Sports & Wellness web site at www.fitnessforum.biz or call 574-936-2333.

Pink Soccer game at PHS Thursday

2011-09-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Fans at the Plymouth boy's soccer game against LaVille next Thursday might be surprised to see a change in the team's usual uniform.

They will be outfitted in pink jerseys, donated by Oliver Ford and Ounce of Prevention (OOP).

Operation Leadership, a student group at Plymouth High School of about 50 members, is joining in the effort by selling "pink" breast cancer items during lunch next week. Stacy Scheetz, faculty organizer, said that the members of Operation Leadership are full of ideas about how to raise money. Some of the items to be sold include "Go Big Red" t-shirts, pink tie-dye shirts, headbands, bracelets, and one sure to be popular item—pink hair feathers. Scheetz said that many students have already come into her office asking about the feathers and when they will be available.

Local hairdressers Tonda Ellis from Kay's Beauty Salon and Jennie Mikesell from Shear Designs will be installing the hair feathers during lunch next week at the school, as well as during the soccer game Thursday. Scheetz said that she expects the feathers will be about $6-7 each.

Operation Leadership will also be having a bake sale at the game, and buckets will be available at the gate for those wishing to donate. PHS staff will be wearing jeans and pink shirts on game day for a minimum $5 donation.

All proceeds from these fundraisers will go to the Nancy Jaynes memorial scholarship. Jaynes was a family and consumer science teacher for 30 years at PHS. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and passed away in 2008.

President of Operation Leadership and captain of the soccer team Evan Glaub is Jayne's son. It was his idea to use the soccer game Thursday as a way to raise money and awareness for the scholarship fund. This is the third year that a PHS student will be a recipient of the scholarship.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OOP has planned many "pink" events in addition to the soccer game.

OOP and Oliver Ford will be purchasing pink shoe covers for the PHS football team to wear during their own pink game Oct. 7. Varsity players and cheerleaders will also get specially designed t-shirts.
They will be selling pink items at the LifePlex Health Fair Sept. 21, and will hold a "Paint Your Pumpkin Pink" event at the LifePlex Oct. 19. From noon to 8 p.m., kids and adults alike can paint pumpkins donated by Hensler's Nursery. All different shades of pink paint will be available, and there will be prizes given for the best design in each age group. The finished pumpkins will be left at the LifePlex for visitors to enjoy.

"We're going to line the foyer of the LifePlex with pumpkins," said Jennifer Houin, co-founder of OOP.

The Plymouth Fire Department will be selling pink and black t-shirts the entire month of October, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to OOP.

"It will look just like a Plymouth Fire Department shirt, with the pink ribbon through it," said firefighter Jim Budd.

The firefighters will be wearing the shirts during the month, and pre-orders are being accepted now. Sizes are adult S-XXXL and they start at $15. Youth sizes are available by special request. To pre-order, contact Madeline Johns at the fire department, 574-936-2156.

Hensler's Nursery will hold a giant pumpkin drop to benefit OOP Oct. 29. They are located at 5715 N. 750 E. in Hamlet. More information can be found by calling them at 574-867-4192.

OOP's annual MargariTATAville fundraiser is Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to midnight at Swan Lake Resort. Houin noted that in the past the funds from this night have gone to benefit Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, but that this year OOP is considering starting a renewable four year scholarship in conjunction with the Marshall County Community Foundation. Houin also said that she is still in need of items for the silent auction on that night. Anyone interested in donating can contact her at jennifer.h@oliverford.com.

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Plymouth Alum feeding the troops

2011-09-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Homemade to Go was closed for two weeks in August, with this notation on their outdoor sign: “Out feeding our troops. Be back August 23.”

Although their most recent trip was to Fort Smith, Ark., owner Mary Beth Listenberger said that in the past six years, the company has traveled “everywhere from California to Florida and back” catering meals for U.S. troops.

Mary Beth and her brother, Robert Listenberger, work together in the restaurant business, following in the footsteps of their parents, Bob and Rosemary. Mary Beth recalls her parent’s earlier restaurant, Balloon Wurks, based on Bob’s interest in hot air balloons.

“Food service runs thick in our blood, it really does,” said Mary Beth.

Now, she and Robert own several KFC franchises in Indiana in addition to Homemade to Go and Hoosier Catering.

Feeding the troops, said Mary Beth, all started 10 years ago when the company started catering for National Guard drill weekends throughout Indiana. After some time of doing that, Hoosier Catering became civilian contractors with the military—something that is not easy to do, according to Mary Beth.

After showing that they met certain strict criteria, Hoosier Catering could then bid on military catering jobs. Robert spends much of his time seeking out bids and working on the particulars of the trips, said Mary Beth.

“When you are awarded these bids it’s a very big deal,” noted Mary Beth. “The contracts are this thick!” she exclaimed, holding two fingers several inches apart.

When the company gathers their staff to go on a military catering trip, they don’t always know what kind of conditions they will be working in.

“Sometimes we have kitchens, sometimes we cook out of mess halls, sometimes we pull our mobile kitchen,” said Mary Beth.

The staff sometimes cooks meals in extremely high temperatures. In Fort Smith, they prepared 2,200 meals a day in a kitchen that was 160 degrees.

“Our flexibility had to be extreme,” said Mary Beth, recalling “brown-outs” where power on the fort was shut down for a certain amount of time each day to lower the temperature.

“We kept everyone very hydrated, a lot of Gatorade, a lot of water,” continued Mary Beth.
Despite these hardships, Mary Beth said that servicing the military is more than worth it.

“We experience so much with those soldiers—occasions they are missing from home,” said Mary Beth, describing being with troops as they hear news from family. “Part of our job is to be there and listen to them” said Mary Beth, continuing, “I think that our staff has gained a huge appreciation for the military and what they go through. They are being deployed, but we are going home.”

Mary Beth said that she has no plans to stop taking military jobs. Her staff has become like family through their experiences, and they even try to stay in touch with some soldiers they have met through the Internet. Hoosier Catering has been to more than 15 states on military jobs. They also have a five year contract with the Navy Seals—and a different type of challenge as they attempt to meet the Seals’ strict dietary guidelines.

“Their training is intense and their meal plan is unbelievable,” related Mary Beth. “(With) the amount of food, you’d think we were serving the Chicago Bears!”

Mary Beth said that she and her staff enjoy the trips as they get an inside look into military activities.

“I had no idea the impact of the military,” said Mary Beth, adding that she always looks for someone with her last name—she has a second cousin, Alstin Listenberger, who serves in the military. Mary Beth said that the troops usually give a presentation showing their appreciation before her staff leaves to go back home.

“It means the world to us,” said Mary Beth. “As they are standing there thanking us, we are thinking, oh my gosh, we should be thanking you.”

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

LJH Achieve 3000 winners

2011-09-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Natasha Craft, Courtney Bradley, Gualdina Pacheco, and winner Garrett Garver.

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

Students at Lincoln Junior High have been learning how to navigate through material that is part of Achieve 3000 since August 25. On Monday night, the students were able to show their parents and others how the program works and showcase their progress.

Using Achieve 3000, the 270 or so students at LJH access an email that directs them to an appropriately leveled nonfiction current events article. The articles are geared towards real-world topics.

The topics are chosen to conform to the reading levels of each individual student after taking assessment tests. The assessments will be ongoing, so that as academic progress is made, the material can be generated at the new level.

After reading an article, the students complete a short, formative assessment in which each question is aligned to the state standards. The program also allows teachers to monitor comprehension and vocabulary mastery. To reinforce the learning, students build critical cognitive skills by writing responses to open-ended questions and writing responses.

Each student at LJH was given a laptop computer to use throughout the year both during school hours and at home.

To start, the program is being used in the science, language arts, and social studies classes two times each week. Not only is the program available during the regular five-day school week, but also any time seven days a week.

During the Achieve 3000 family night, four students received door prizes. According to Principal Dan Funston, the idea of winning prizes all throughout the year helps to keep students interested and motivated.

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Grads talk of how 9/11 changed their lives

2011-09-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Three young boys, full of life, will always remind Katie Benedict Friedman of the events of 9/11.

Katie (Culver Community High School 1991 grad) and her husband, Seth, decided to start a family soon after the World Trade Centers toppled a few short miles from their place of work in downtown New York City.

"I really think that it had to do with the attacks," said Katie, observing the antics of her three sons, Nathan, 8, Isaac, 6, and Elijah, 4. "Life is short."

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Katie had just arrived to her job as an investment banker. Her building was on top of Grand Central Station, and Seth worked at a law firm about 13 blocks away.
Katie remembers being on the phone with a banker in the World Trade Center a few minutes before 9 a.m. When the plane hit the building, the phone "just went dead," said Katie.

Katie and her coworkers turned to the televisions in their office for answers, but at that time, no one really knew what was happening.

"We didn't know it was a terrorist attack yet," said Katie. "You just felt like a sitting duck. It was just surreal."

Seth walked over to Katie's building, and she said that they walked to their home on the Upper West Side along with many others who were leaving the downtown area.

"Everybody just walked very calmly and quietly," said Katie, adding that there was no mass hysteria.
Although reports on television had informed the public that the events were likely a terrorist attack, Katie said that she thinks most people at that time had probably never heard the name Osama bin Laden.

"The whole city was on fire," said Katie somberly. "You would look south and the whole thing was on fire."

Seth and Katie observed people trying to get rides out of the city, but Katie said that it was basically impossible to leave. The couple didn't even try—once home, they joined the rest of the nation in turning on their television and remaining glued to it for the next several days.

Katie described how just that morning, while getting ready for work, she and Seth had discussed their plans for that evening.

"That afternoon, all bets were off," said Katie. "Everything changed. It was like, wow. We are vulnerable. And I've never felt that way before."

Seth and Katie did return to work the next week, but nothing was the same. Katie said that numerous bomb threats and building evacuations in her building kept her on pins and needles, wondering what would happen next. She describes feeling depressed and struggling to go to work each day.

"It was hard to get out of bed," said Katie. "It was really, really hard."

Just about a year after the attacks, the Friedmans moved to Larchmont, about 15 miles north of the city, where they live today. Nathan, their first child, was born about a month later.

Katie said that many of her friends also had "9/11 babies." One of Nathan's friends was born on September 11, 2002.

"It wasn't just me feeling that way," said Katie. "Now it's like, well, okay, good things can happen on 9/11."

Katie said that she is not afraid to go to the city anymore, although she added that Seth got over his fear much quicker than she did as he still goes to the city every day for work.

"I love New York City—my husband and I both do," said Katie. Now, she brings her family to the city to visit their dad for lunch. The boys love the train, she added.

The Friedmans also enjoy "a lot of Yankee games," Chinatown, the zoo, and Central Park.
Katie said that she watches family members read the names of those that died at Ground Zero each year.

When the 9/11 memorial exhibit opens, Katie plans to go—but is not sure if she will bring her sons along.

"It's hard to understand evil like that, and I don't want them to," said Katie.

Katie did not know anyone personally who died on that day, but she feels their loss just the same.

"It's a heartbreak, and that will never change," said Katie seriously.

Bret Shockney
PLYMOUTH — Bret Shockney, (PHS grad of 1989) a Navy pilot, was in Washington state when he received a call from a friend on the East Coast to turn on the news.

Shockney watched coverage of the attacks with horror and wondered what his involvement as a pilot would be in the coming weeks.

His first concern, however, was for his sister, Heather Shockney.

"Immediately I was very concerned because my sister at the time worked at the Pentagon," said Shockney.

Heather contacted him only a few hours later, saying that she was fine. With his sister out of danger, Shockney's next thought was to report to his commanding officers.

"As soon as I got confirmation that Heather was okay, I went right in," said Shockney, adding that he lived only three miles from the base.

He said that everyone in his squadron was thinking about how soon they would be ordered to go overseas.

"I think we were all in agreement—we wanted to go take care of business," said Shockney, adding "We weren't really sure what we were up against—the enemy was undetermined."

Shockney said that because of his knowledge of the Middle East, he figured that the conflict between Middle Eastern countries and the U.S. would be going on for a while.

"I'm not at all surprised that it's still going on," said Shockney.

Shockney, now a Navy Reserve pilot, was deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan four times in the last four years, and will be going to Afghanistan again later this month.

"(The attacks) continue to be very present in our lives," said Shockney. "In some ways I can't believe it's been 10 years."

For Shockney and his Navy colleagues, some things will never be the same.

"It's a different normal for us," said Shockney.

He and his wife, Yvette, who were married in 2007, have a 1-year-old daughter named Ella.

"It makes you less self-centric," said Shockney of his family. "You realize you are defending more than just your country and yourself. You're defending your county's goals that will hopefully protect your family too. We are hopefully moving toward a safer existence for our families, children, and friends."

Shockney and his family now reside in Annapolis, Md.

Carin Benge Rojas

Carin Benge was a cadet at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md in 2001. Once the attacks on the U.S. began, she thought about how everything had changed for herself and those she knew planning a naval career.

"It was a pretty momentous event for all of us because we were the last class to join the Navy not knowing—we joined in peacetime," said now Carin Rojas.

"I remember walking by one of the rooms (at the Academy) and there was a T.V. on, and seeing a plane hit one of the towers," continued Rojas. "I remember thinking, this is not happening."

Rojas said that people were concerned the Academy could be the terrorist's next target since it was full of officers in training. The students were all told to go to their dorms, where "we were pretty much on lockdown," said Rojas. They remained inside for the rest of the day, eating meals of course, but not attending classes.

One of the first things Rojas did was reassure her parents that she was okay.

"It was very scary," said Rojas of the days after the attacks. "After 9/11 no one felt as safe as they had before."

Rojas graduated from the Naval Academy in 2005, but was medically disqualified as a pilot because of air sickness. She took a job as a salesperson of medical products, which peaked her interest in a medical career. Rojas plans to apply to medical school next spring.

Rojas' husband, Joshua (who she met at the Naval Academy) is a lieutenant in the Navy. They live in Almeda, Cali. with their 9-month-old son, Lockwood Jack. The family plans to move to San Diego in October for Joshua's job. Joshua will not be deploying, said Rojas, and she is thankful for it.

However, 9/11 still affects Rojas' family every day. Joshua's brother is a Marine, and he was just deployed to Afghanistan last Monday.

Although she is currently visiting family in the area, Rojas will be flying back to California on a somewhat significant date—September 11.

She didn't realize the significance of the date at first, but has decided not to change her flight.
"I'm not worried (about flying), although it is kind of eerie," said Rojas.

Rojas said that right after the attacks happened, she was afraid to fly. Since then her fear has dissipated and she said that she is trusting that airport security will be extra-heavy that day.

"It's a time of remembrance and looking back," she said of the day. "So much has changed."

Plymouth's Nicole Rash in new film

2011-09-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

by Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Due to be released on Sept. 9, the cast of the 2011 version of the movie Warrior includes former Plymouth resident Nicole Rash.

Rash plays the part of a ring girl in the action drama film about mixed martial arts featuring upcoming actors Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton along with veteran actor Nick Nolte.

Rash, who was living in Los Angeles at the time of the filming in 2009, said she had actually auditioned for a smaller movie, but was contacted by the producers of Warrior after they saw her audition tape and asked her to consider being part of the Warrior cast.

Rash said, “I only had a one-day notice to get packed and fly to Pittsburgh where my part was filmed.”

The filming took four weeks in April and then, due to an injury of one of the fighters that delayed the filming, had to return for two weeks in July to finish.

Rash’s mother, Cindy, is hoping to have a number of people from the Plymouth area join the two for the opening at Showplace Chippewa Theater in South Bend. Cindy said she is making a run to the theatre Tuesday night to purchase advanced tickets and will gladly pick up tickets for anyone who interested. Rash can be contacted at cindy.rash@yahoo.com.

The plot of the movie revolves around a former boxer whose alcoholism broke the family apart. His youngest son returns from the Marine Corps and is then trained by his father to compete in a mixed martial arts tournament. The twist comes when the younger son is pitted against his older brother, a high school physics teacher and former mixed martial arts competitor.

Nicole said she would enjoy being in more movies, but for now is focused on completing her senior year at Ball State University. With Spanish as her major, Rash believes being bilingual will help her as she launches her own company specializing in public speaking coaching. Rash said, “This will give me two different target markets.”

She believes her experience in interviewing could prove valuable to those wanting to perfect their interview skills in sports or pageant related areas.

Her own experiences included winning the Miss Indiana Pageant in 2007 and going to place as the first-runner-up in the Miss America Pageant in January of 2008.

The 26-year-old has actually been combining all of her interests for many years.

Before enrolling in college after high school graduation, she spent a year as an exchange student in Bolivia. After beginning her studies at Ball State, she given an opportunity thorough the college to live in Santiago, Chili for a year.

She said, “I was able to perfect my Spanish language skills and learn abut the culture.”

Although she took a career detour to work in film and fashion worlds for a few years, she is now back at Ball State and will graduate in May of 2012.

“I have a full load this semester and then only have two classes to take to finish,” she said. “I will be able to take on assignments in other areas as they come my way.”

Rash said her love of fashion and fashion merchandising is a passion, but for now is more of a hobby.

“I would love to continue with helping others in dress designing, wardrobe styling, and make-up application,” she said.

She credits her family for encouraging her by teaching her good values and being ambitious: “My parents taught me to be confident, but also to stay humble.”

She added, “They invited exchange students into our home through ASS that literally brought the world into my house. Living in Los Angeles taught me to appreciate where I come from and appreciate the Midwest are for sure.”

She also praised the Plymouth Schools where she said she not only got an excellent education, but was offered broadcasting and theater classes where she could practice being on camera and on the stage.

Rash said, “For now, I’m focused on my career. We will just have to see what the future holds.”
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Hammonds brothers plan to re-unite more often

2011-09-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - When triplets Keith, Kent and Kyle Hammonds graduated from Plymouth High School in 1976, their careers led them to different destinations. But the close bond that they had growing up is now stronger than ever.

It was only a few months after graduation before Keith joined the Navy and headed for boot camp. He then spent the next 20 years serving in the military before retiring. Now he calls Plymouth home. Keith is the building inspector for the city and also a realtor.

Kent tried three times to join the Navy, but an old sports knee injury kept him from being accepted. It was 1980 before he made it through the physical and then served in the military for two years. He returned to Plymouth and has stayed here ever since. He is employed by New Horizon Communications. He said, “We have always been real close even though we didn’t see each other often after growing up.”

Kyle enlisted within a couple of weeks after graduation and ultimately retired from the Navy as well, after serving for 24 years. He now lives in Washington D.C. and works for the Department of the Navy. Kyle said, “I don’t know where I’ll end up. My wife Vonn is still in the Navy and won’t retire until 2013.”

The last time all three brothers were together was four years ago when Kyle was leaving Tennessee on his way to Washington D.C. and made a short detour to Plymouth.
For the past nine years, Keith and Kent have gone to the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race in Indianapolis and loved every minute of their time together. However, both felt that it would be even better if they could share it with Kyle. After creative planning and maneuvering, that wish come true this year and arrangements were completed in time for Kyle to make the trip to the race and their traditional campout.

Kyle said, “We did nothing but crack jokes and talk about the things we used to do as kids.” They admit they might have given their father James, who passed in 1999, and mother Shirley (Patten) a little trouble now and then. Shirley said they were good boys, but remembers antics like dropping crayons down the heater vents in an older house they lived in.

Shirley said, “What one didn’t think of, the other two did.”

“They entertained each other and actually didn’t talk until they were over three because they had a language of their own to communicate with each other.” Shirley said,

The brothers’ voices sound exactly the same on the phone and they even used the very same words to describe their recent time together.

All three said, “It was a great experience and we are definitely doing it again.”

Plans have already been made for next year including arrangements for the tickets to the Brickyard.

Kyle said he has to leave for Washington before the 35th reunion of the 1976 class, but said he and his brothers held their “own little reunion”.
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

LJH introduces "Achieve 3000"

2011-09-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Lincoln Junior High officially kicked off a new program to some 270 7th graders on August 25 that is designed to help improve their reading, writing, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.

Using the Achieve 3000 materials, students will receive and reply to an email that will direct them to an appropriately leveled nonfiction current events article using real-world topics.

According to Assistant Principal Reid Gault, the program will be used in the science, language arts, and social studies classes two times per week for a total of 70 minutes. Since all students were given a laptop to use both at school and home for the entire school year, students can also use the Achieve 3000, TeenBiz program at home any time they wish.

Gault created some enthusiasm for the project by announcing that the top 10- 7th graders will be rewarded. The competition portion will run from August 26-September 12. According to Gault, teachers will post the names of the leaders each week and the “mystery” rewards will be announced on Family Night, September 12. During Family Night, students will be able to show parents and others how to use the program and their individual success levels.

Rewards are being made possible through the generosity of a community partner. TCU will be providing daily imitation “dollars” to those leading that can be redeemed in the Achieve 3000 store for prizes.

Gault said that on a monthly basis, there will also be rewards for the outstanding achievements. Gault said, “Teachers will choose the Achieve 3000 students of the month.”

Each quarter or every nine weeks, there will be a drawing from the “students of the month” in which two Kindles will be awarded.

One of the most unique parts of Achieve 3000 is the assessment tool that allows students to answer questions pertaining to the articles at their own reading level. As a part of the overall program, students will be assessed continuously to measure their progress and reading/comprehension levels.

After reading an article, the students complete a short, formative assessment in which each question is aligned to the state standards. The program also allows teachers to monitor comprehension and vocabulary mastery. To reinforce the learning, students build critical cognitive skills by writing responses to open-ended questions and writing responses.

Heading up the program for the Plymouth Schools is Carrie Cannon. Cannon is an intern for school corporation completing her PHD requirements. She said, “Teachers from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels have been trained and collaborated how they will incorporate this program within several subject areas. The Plymouth Community Schools are also participating in the research aspects of the program.” She added,” We are working with Achieve 3000 to track and monitor our students' academic progress as well as strengthen our instructional processes regarding usage of this educational tool. “

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Class of 2004 grad serves in Ghana

2011-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

By Ida Chipman
Pilot News Correspondent

PLYMOUTH —Jim Kubley, 26, son of Dr. Rod and Sue Kubley and a 2004 graduate of Plymouth High School, is home for a short visit following a 27 month stint with the Peace Corps.

Jim graduated from Bethel College in 2008 having majored in Economics and Business Administration.
He took some time off, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club before receiving his nomination and invitation to join the Peace Corps.

Jim noted that this year is the 50th anniversary for the Peace Corps, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. The goals of the Corps are to provide technical assistance, to help people outside of the United States to understand U.S. culture and to help Americans understand the culture of other countries.

In 1952, a United States Senator called the volunteers, “missionaries of democracy.”
“There is no age limit to join,” he said. “Just as long as you are healthy.”

An 80-year-old woman was in his group, having joined when she was 78.

After 10 weeks of training in the Small Enterprise Division, in order to get an idea of what it is like in the Corps, Jim was assigned to Ghana, West Africa. The country is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is zero degrees longitude and zero degrees latitude.

“It was the first time I had been out of North America,” he said, “and it was exciting and challenging at the same time.”

Most people in the city speak English and Jim had some training in the Fra language as well.
He lived 27 months in Nyariga, a small village. “There was no electricity and no running water,” he said. “I didn’t see any snakes,” he said,” but there were plenty of bugs.”

His diet contained a lot of rice (which he enjoyed) and a lot of beans ( which he didn’t.)

The main project in his village is basket weaving for a St. Louis company. Fifty weavers will make four to five thousand baskets a year to export.

“They are beautiful, colorful baskets,” Jim said, “some with leather handles. “My job primarily was in quality control.”

He recommends the area as a tourist attraction. “The beaches are outstanding and the people are friendly.”
He enjoyed hiking, repelling and taking field trips with groups.

Jim will be leaving soon to return to Africa as a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) intern with Coca Cola. He hopes it will lead to a permanent job. His experience in the country is a valuable asset to American countries who plan to expand into the area.

“I am glad that I made the decision to join the Corps,” he said. “It was a great experience and I am anxious to go back.”

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Rock On for the Rockies

2011-08-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Plymouth gets high marks from the State of Indiana

2011-08-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Plymouth Community School Corporation was named an A school today by the Indiana Department of Education.

The school corporation also passed Adequate Yearly Progress through No Child Left Behind legislation for the fourth year in a row.

Congratulations to the staff, student, and parents for their partnership in public education! Plymouth Schools are dedicated to doing Whatever it Takes to help students maximize the academic potential.

Results for individual schools will be released later this week.

Rocking on for the Rockies

2011-08-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - The fans were rocking and the Rockies were rolling in their home opener Friday night.
The Plymouth Alumni Association hosted "Rock On for the Rockies" at the team's home opener with special musical guest The Charles Dalton Band and WTCA - AM 1050 under the tent at the Rock. The band's lead singer is 1988 PHS grad and alumni association member, Chad Morlan, also a former Rockie.
Pre-game guests on WTCA included Plymouth Principal Jim Condon with Assistant Principal Ken Olson talking about Plymouth HIgh School's new tech option, the School of Inquiry, that will begin in 2012 as well as Mixed Martial Arts fighter and 2010 graduate Ricky MIller talking about his upcoming match at Coveleski Stadium Friday night.
Post-game comments featured Plymouth head football coach John Barron and Player of the Game quarterback Ike Kastner.
Plymouth came away a winner over Rochester by a final of 34-20.
See photos of the night by going to our Facebook sight.

PHS grad McKee gets much sought after assignment at ISP

2011-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

GREENCASTLE, IN - Plymouth High School graduate and trooper from the Indiana State Police Post at Putnamville has been reassigned to the department’s coveted motor patrol section and will now be a common factor in deterring speeding and aggressive driving within the district.

Master Trooper Chip McKee, a 16-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, was selected for this position by General Headquarters personnel and sent to the Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycle Training Program in Ontario, Canada. Upon his successful completion of the two week school in May of this year, McKee was awarded his 2011 Harley-Davidson Patrol Motorcycle adorned with the Indiana State Police logo and equipment. McKee now patrols the six county Putnamville District which includes the counties of Parke, Vermillion, Vigo, Clay, Putnam, and Sullivan.

In this new capacity, McKee will be targeting driving behaviors that contribute to vehicle crashes, raise awareness to motorcycle safety, conduct VIP escorts and military escorts, participate in local parades, and assist with public information programs on motorcycle safety within the district. He will also be assigned to various traffic safety details at large events around the state of Indiana.

The Indiana State Police issued Harley-Davidson or Indian motorcycles to the first troopers in 1933. Cars were introduced in 1939. The department now has 25 troopers assigned to the motor patrol section and they all ride Harley-Davidson cycles.

McKee is a Marshall County native and a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. He also served his country in the United States Army from 1982 until 1993 where attained the rank of Captain of Infantry. After his appointment to the ISP in 1995, he was initially assigned to the Lowell District where he served as a trooper and later as a gaming detective in the Gaming Division. McKee transferred to the former Terre Haute District in 2006 and patrolled Vigo County until his new assignment in motor patrol.

Chip and his wife Sue reside in rural Vigo County.

Menominee Principal continues to develop leadership skills

2011-08-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

(l-r) Teachers Hillary Hopple and Geoff Scarberry with Principal Michael Dunn sign along with fourth graders from Menominee School. The teachers and students participated in the rededication of the Chief Menominee statue. They sang and signed to ‘Holding the Hoop’ under the direction of Michele Schricker.

PLYMOUTH—Michael Dunn, principal of Menominee School, credits his participation in Leadership Marshall County with much of his success. He admits a friend recommended it since he was new to Plymouth, moving here from the LaPorte area in 2008.

“I was totally unaware of the wonderful opportunities our community has to offer. LMC doesn’t open doors for people, but rather opens our eyes. It is from that perspective that I have been able to see my vision of my organization grow as well as help to develop a vision for future leaders within our county,” he commented as part of Class XIII. “It was the best thing I could have ever done being in the leadership role.”

Because of LMC, he concedes he has been able to be a positive change in the community. He has gotten involved with the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, where he now serves as Vice-President of the board as well as being the recently appointed co-chair of the LMC Board.

“As I further my own education in obtaining my superintendent's license and eventual doctorate, LMC is helping me to move forward in building those credentials,” he said.

He has been pursuing educational degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University’s School of Education, recently completing their Educational Specialist Degree Program. He hopes to continue in January to complete a doctorate in organizational leadership. The program “affords an opportunity to lead and be a facilitator of change in major institutions from corporations to universities,” he explained.

Leadership Marshall County is a nine-month program designed to educate future leaders of Marshall County. This program was designed to identify, motivate, and develop community leaders through education and skills development, involving sessions taught by currently established leaders in Marshall County government, agriculture, education, economic development, arts, tourism, health and human services and criminal justice.

Dunn found the health and human services session most intriguing where participants were afforded an opportunity to learn about local community services and “all the things we can provide to others”.

Individuals interested in attending Leadership Marshall County may contact the Marshall County Community Foundation office at 574-935-5159 or visit the website atwww.marshallcountylmc.org for an application.

PHS students helping the community

2011-08-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday final plans for two community support events were finalized at PHS. The first, a Blood Drive to support the American Red Cross sponsored by PHS Social Studies Teacher Laura Kruyer will take place on Friday, August 26 in the Multi-Purpose room at PHS. Students over the age of 16, who have prior parental consent, will be able to give blood to help support the Plymouth Community. Currently all available donation slots have been filled by the students of PHS. For more information on the American Red Cross and student blood drives please visit the American Red Cross Website. Please visit the blog on Friday, August 26 for updates on the Blood Drive.

The second event will take place on September 22 at 6:00 PM at the Kindt Soccer Complex. That night PHS will take on the LaVille Lancers in a Breast Cancer Awareness game. Students from the Operation Leadership Club, under the direction of Guidance Counselor Stacy Scheetz, are teaming up with Oliver Ford to raise money for The Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarship Fund that is given each year to a Plymouth student that does community service for Breast Cancer Awareness. During the week prior to the game, Operation Leadership students will be selling Breast Cancer Awareness merchandise, pink feather hair extensions, and tickets for the bake goods raffle to be held at the game. PHS Varsity players will be wearing Pink Jerseys donated by Oliver Ford during the game. Pictured are Jessica Oliver and Jennifer Houin from Oliver Ford and the President of Operation Leadership who is also aPHS Senior Soccer Player. For more information about Oliver Ford's involvement in Breast Cancer Awareness click here.

PHS grad gets first hand look at China

2011-08-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE — When Doug Booth returned to Purdue University this week to begin his junior year, he had a new appreciation for his country.

Booth, a Plymouth High School graduate, spent two weeks this summer in Hong Kong and China. He was one of 20 applicants accepted for the trip that is sponsored by the Purdue Entrepreneur Program. All in all, there were some 50-60 applicants vying for the honor.

He is majoring in Business Management with a concentration on management information systems.
He learned first hand how other countries view the United States. Booth said a professor at the university in China where he studied explained his belief that the Chinese philosophy in business is different from the American way of looking at things. Booth said the said the instructor said Americans are more individualistic and do things for themselves or their families while the Chinese concentrate on doing things for the betterment of the group and work 14 hours six days per week.

Booth said he toured 12 to 15 different companies and had the opportunity to attend conferences with the businesses.

“I would go back as a businessman, but not as a tourist,” he said.

To fully experience the Chinese way of life, Booth said he ate the food native to the country, but admitted he did go for a burger at the Hard Rock Café.

He said walking along the shopping center area in the main streets reminded him of a Hollywood movie set, but other areas caused some anxiety.

“When you turned down an alley where street vendors worked, you got all kinds of looks,” he said, adding he had been warned to wear his backpack in front for safety reasons. “We live in luxurious dorms at Purdue. It was a shock to get ready in a bathroom that was 5-feet by 3-feet with the shower, toilet and sink.”

He was equally as astonished at the housing in Hong Kong.

He said, “They all live in apartments that are three to five feet from the highway.”

Booth’s family was pleased that there was internet communication which allowed Doug to email them on a regular basis.

Doug’s father, Bob Booth, said a trip out of the country opens kid’s eyes to different cultures. He said, “It was a tremendous experience for him, but I’m happy to have him home. China is on the exact opposite of the United States on the globe. That’s a long ways away. But I have all the confidence in the world in Purdue."

Booth was an honor student at PHS and was able to start Purdue with 21 credits. He said, “PHS prepared me for college quite well.”

He was also selected as freshman for the Purdue Marching Band and has advanced to being named a section leader for this school year. He was also chosen to receive one of two Tom Miller All American Band Scholarships.

“Being in the band and practicing with the marching band means that free time is very limited,” he said.

Bob Booth said he was not surprised that Doug has been so successful. Doug works in the family business, Plymouth Rock Golf Course, each summer. The proud dad said, “I see first had his work ethic and patterns. Purdue sees that in him too.”

Doug’s mother, Sandy Dodson, said, “You definitely have to be worried about your son leaving our country. But the opportunity outweighed the fears."

She too said it was reassuring to get emails from Doug. Dodson pointed out that Doug had traveled on a cruise outside of the United States and had traveled to several states with the BPA (Business Professionals of America) Club while he was in high school. She said, “He learned how to handle himself.”

Booth said upon returning to his home, landing in Chicago was extra special. He said, “The first thing I saw was the American flag under the clouds.”
Story reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Plymouth Alumni Association Rocking On for the Rockies

2011-08-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - Fans will help the Rockies "Rock On" at the team's home opener on Friday night.

The Plymouth Alumni Association will host WTCA's pre and post game shows under the tent at the Rock on Friday with a little help from special musical guest The Charles Dalton Band. The party starts at 5:15 p.m. before Plymouth takes on Rochester in their first home football game of the new season.

"Plymouth High School and Plymouth Alumni Association are joining forces in the first of a series of pre and post game events including live radio shows with members of the PHS coaching staff and music by the rock n roll band The Charles Dalton Band" featuring Chad Morlan, one of PHS own," said Dean Colvin, PAA Board Member and one of the organizers of the event. "This is a great opportunity for all who support our academic and athletic graduates to meet rekindle friendships, associations and experiences we had as PHS students."

Morlan is a Plymouth Grad, a member of the Plymouth Alumni Association and lead vocalist of The Charles Dalton Band. The experienced group with Jeff Shepherd on lead guitar and vocals, Adam Guy on drums and vocals, Scotty Rocker on bass and vocals play modern and classic rock with influences from the 70's, 80's and 90's. The band has a wealth of experience, and a never ending set list of playing what people want to hear.

The Band will be "Rocking On" as WTCA-AM 1050's Tony Ross hosts his pre and post game shows on the station featuring Plymouth Head Coach John Barron, the Rockie "Player of the Game" and much more including a special Alumni Association feature.

The Plymouth Athletic Booster Club will be grilling for the fans enjoyment and the Music Boosters have a great selection of concessions for every taste.

The idea is to bring together those interested in Plymouth schools to keep them strong and celebrate the Plymouth experience.

"Universities and colleges have long seen the benefit of bringing the most valued resources of their work together in furtherance of the institution," said Colvin. "There are countless reasons why the core of our educational foundation should be taking advantage of the same opportunities. The Plymouth Alumni Association offers the perfect means by which to foster and environment to bring those resources together."

Find out more about The Charles Dalton Band by searching them on Facebook.

In addition to the musical entertainment for the night, the alumni association will be featuring local mixed martial arts fighter Ricky AKA “Mr. Snuggles” Miller on WTCA. Miller, undefeated in his professional career thus far, will be fighting again Sept. 2 at Coveleski Stadium. Miller, the 2010 PHS graduate and son of Rick and Barb Miller both PHS grads, plans to be on air at 5:45 p.m.

For more information, visit the Plymouth Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

PHS grad Crump receives Lilly grant

2011-08-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Next May, Pastor Brett Crump will be taking four months off from his duties as senior pastor at New Palestine Bible Church.

Crump is one of only 19 ministers in Indiana to receive the 2011 Lilly Endowment clergy renewal grant. The grant awards up to $50,000 to ministers to enable them to take time off, travel, and rest.

Crump said that applying for the grant was "a pretty involved process." He first heard about the program through members of his congregation last winter, and decided to apply in March. Toward the end of June, he received notification that he had been one of the 19 selected.

Crump already has most of his time off planned. He and his wife, Joanna, will use the first week to celebrate their anniversary. Then Crump plans to take his family on a tour of Europe, visiting key places in the history of the church. They will stay in Europe for three weeks, before Crump will depart alone to Israel. There, he will meet a missionary friend of his and they will plan to visit Biblical and historical sites. Before his sabbatical ends, Crump will visit his hometown of Plymouth and reconnect with family and old friends.

"I believe (the trip) will do several things," said Crump. "It will provide some rejuvenation, I'll have time to gain more insights into the history of the church (and) be able to draw from that in a more experiential way."

Crump said that he believes his congregation will benefit from his sabbatical when he is able to provide more specific illustrations for his sermons based on actually seeing Biblical places. He is also looking forward to using his time off reflecting and thinking about his personal journey with Christ and the future of his church.

"(The trip) is not just meant to be a vacation, it's meant to be a renewal," said Crump.
Crump graduated from Plymouth High School in 1988 and has pastored at New Palestine Bible Church for nine years. His parents still reside in Plymouth. Lilly Endowment has been giving clergy renewal grants for 13 years and has awarded 382 total grants in Indiana since the program began.

Application information for the 2012 program will be available on their website, www.indianaclergyrenewal.org by early September.
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

One to one, computers to students at Plymouth High School

2011-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH - The first day of school on august 17 may have seemed like Christmas to many of the Plymouth High School students. Every student was given a MacBook laptop computer to use at school and at home for the entire 2011-2012 school year.

All in all, some 1,300 computers were passed out to students and staff. Faculty members had received theirs prior to the opening day of school and had received specific training on the many ways they can be used to enhance learning.

For the majority of the their classes, students will no longer have to carry hardback books, but rather will be able to access information from the entire texts that are loaded into the computers. Students will also be able to access information provided by individual teachers, such as homework assignments, through special applications loaded on the computers.

Superintendent Daniel Tyree is pleased with the addition of the computers as learning tools. He said, “Technology for our kids is the great equalizer.” He said, “Every student has access to the same information as the student next to them.”

Tyree said many students have not had the opportunity to travel, go to museums out of the area or state, or other similar experiences. He said, “Through the computers, they can visit any place in the world.”

On Wednesday, students used their SRT (Student Resource Time) to pick up a computer and power cord from the rows and rows of computers in the library. In order to keep track of the computers, each student had to present their school identification that has a bar code built in. Each computer also has a separate bar code for identification.

Story reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Country Auto teams with Plymouth Athletic Boosters

2011-08-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - The Athletic Boosters along with Country Auto are out to help teams at PHS, Lincoln and Riverside with a first time fundraiser.

Fans of all Plymouth School's teams are invited to the East parking lot of the high school on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Country Auto Dodge Drive for Your School sponsored by the Plymouth Athletic Booster Club.

Only one test drive per family. The driver needs to bring a valid drivers license. There is absolutely no purchase necessary. Each driver will be asked to fill out a one minute survey after the test drive. Each test drive will raise $20.00 for the Athletic Booster Club to help with the athletic programs at Riverside, Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School.

On Saturday, Plymouth High School will also be hosting an 8-team JV Volleyball Tournament at 9:00 am, a JV football game against Bremen at 10:00 am, and JV & Varsity girls soccer with Logansport at 11:00 am.

This is the first test drive promotion by Country Auto.

Lincoln enlisting parents in technology

2011-08-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - The one to one computer program at Plymouth's Lincoln Junior High had a successful beginning a year ago, and along with all the lessons it taught it also pointed out something to administrators.
"We had a parents focus group in January and one of the things that kept surfacing was the comment that 'my kids know more about the computer than I do,'" said Lincoln Principal Dan Funston. "Parents also had a concern that their kids were using the computers properly. The kids would tell their parents that they weren't doing anything they shouldn't but their parents wanted more than a letter home outlining it, they wanted to hear it from the horses mouth.
"Honestly there was a lot to manage with the program last year in its first year and we should have done more to inform the parents. That's what we're doing now. It's a partnership and keeping parents engaged with what's going on is essential to what we want to achieve."
A step in enlisting parents in the process is a series of information sessions that are being held at the junior high. Amy Gerard has made the move from Riverside to Lincoln to head up the program, and Funston gives her high marks.
"Amy coming over here from Riverside has really made a big difference," he said. "She's put this whole thing together. I give her all the credit."
Sessions started at 8 a.m. on Thursday with a later session at 6 p.m. They continue on Friday at noon and on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The one to one computer program will enter it's second year at Lincoln with Plymouth High School starting their program this year. Riverside is slated to be the next Plymouth school to have one to one computers.
"Last year it was a little bit of a novelty for us," said Funston. "This year the novelty has worn off and we'll be more focused on using the computers for reading, writing and math - the things that they are supposed to be used for."
While Funston says that students were very good and taking care of their computers, they have a little more incentive to do so this time around.
"The kids did well last year," said Funston. "This year the policy is a little different it will be $50 for the first time their computer breaks and $100 after that. It's pretty much the same as our policy with text books."

Class of 1986 Reunion Video

2011-08-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Class of 1976 Reunion video

2011-08-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Traditional end to first Alumni Week

2011-08-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - Fun and fellowship on the links brought a traditional end to Plymouth's first Alumni Week sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.
A week long celebration of the Plymouth community and the schools that are a big part of it saw several "Old Timers" sports contests, community events that included volleyball in Centennial Park and a Family Game Night at Mancino's brought together hundreds of Plymouth graduates and their families.
At week's end the traditional "Big Red Opens" brought hundreds more together once again. The Ladies Open on Thursday raised money for the women's athletic programs at Plymouth High School. Friday it was the men's turn with the 21st annual Art Thomas Big Red Open. Both events were hosted by the Plymouth Country Club.
Golfers from all over the country and literally all over the world made the trip back to Plymouth for the annual events.
A key member of the Plymouth state basketball champions of 1982 and the Trester Award winner for that year - Phil Wendel - made the trip back from Beirut, Lebanon for the men's golf event. Wendel is a teacher at an American school in the country.
The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports.
For more information, visit the Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or find it on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

Ford awards Plymouth over $11,000

2011-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Last May, Plymouth music teacher Bryan Ames and broadcasting teachers Dave McKenzie and Phil Scott and their students teamed up to enter Ford Motor Company’s Drive One 4 UR School student video contest.

The video, produced by Plymouth High School broadcasting students Austin Craft, Derrick Lee, Sam Compton, Sarah Gouker, and Sean Hatfield, as well as 16 Lincoln Junior High School students, won first place in the region, making it one of five winning videos in the entire U.S. In the video, Plymouth students interview members of the community about their experience test driving Ford vehicles. The video also includes a “commercial” showing a father giving his son keys to a new Ford Mustang.

“How the students portrayed the cars was whimsical, which was really fun,” said John Oliver, general manager of Oliver Ford. “It showed things we would remember from our childhood.”

The students ended the video with student “news anchors” wishing the viewing audience “a lifetime of memorable moments.”

Oliver Ford held a press conference Thursday to recognize the student’s achievement, as well as present the Plymouth Music Boosters with a check for the money raised during the Drive One 4 UR School event in May. Held in the Plymouth High School parking lot, participants had to opportunity to test drive Ford vehicles. Ford committed to give $20 each time one of their cars was taken on a test drive.

“Almost the maximum number of test drives was achieved, which was awesome,” said Oliver. “The point was just to have people drive a Ford for the first time. There’s no pressure to buy—ever.”

The one day event raised $5,060 for the Music Boosters, with an additional $1,210 added for Ford Focus test drives (an additional $10 per test drive). The high school broadcasting department also received $6,060 for their winning video (a $5,060 match from Ford Motor Company as well as an additional $1,000 because the students mentioned Ford Focus safety features).

Dan Tyree, superintendent of Plymouth schools, said that the money will be used to expand the department’s equipment.

“I’m sure I had a great big smile on my face,” said Tyree, about when he learned that the video had taken first place. “I knew this was going to really benefit our kids.”

Tyree said that the video was a collaborative effort of some of the top students in broadcasting class.

“Test scores don’t measure everything about a school,” said Tyree. “It’s the application of those skills. This video is a testament to those skills.”

Scott said that he feels the students benefit from taking classroom lessons into the real world.

“We can do book work all day long, but when you can tie in those real world applications…that just makes it all the better,” said Scott.

“I thought (the video) was remarkable, and obviously Ford did too.”

The video can be viewed on www.youtube.com by searching for PHS TV commercial.

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Batte of the decades in volleyball

2011-08-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Maggie Nixon, Managing Editor Pilot News

PLYMOUTH — It was a battle of the ages Wednesday night, as graduates of the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s got together at Lincoln Junior High School to compete and have a little fun for the “Old Timers” volleyball game – another event in a week-long celebration of Plymouth Community Schools Alumni Association Alumni Week.

While at times a full field of the particular decade wasn’t available to play, the 1990s came out victorious when paired up against the others, along with a little help from the younger generation to round out a full team.

Players taking a look at the floor once again were: Megan Barron (2011), Jackie (Frid) Eveland (1987), Janis(Jeffirs) Holiday (1986), Shana Greenlee (2006), Andrea (Bunton) Schoof (2001), Bev Wojcik (1983), Sandy Johnson-Tartol (1988), Monica Parkhurst (1988), Michelle (Liesberger) Wolf (1997), Lyzz Smith (2009), Jodi (Hilliard) Eveland (1993), Stephanie (Durnil) Redman (1992), Aly Neidlinger (2006), Lesley (Blackburn) Langfeldt (2001), Stacy Brown (2001).

While Smith is at Indiana Wesleyan playing on a basketball scholarship, her days as a hitter for PHS haven’t waned. She, Greenlee, Langfeldt and Wojcik found it easy to pick up their hitting ways once again, while Barron, (Jodi) Eveland and Holiday were nearly perfect setting up the second hit for their teammates. Consistent serves by several of the others – along with some all-star digs – made the night of fun entertaining for those in the crowd, too.

Following the indoor competition, the community was invited to a night of sand volleyball at Centennial Park. While the intent was for at least a game of glow ball or so, the city’s surrounding lights didn’t allow enough darkness for a successful effort. However, several of the park’s league players continued to free play while some adults and their children played with the glow body paint and made the best of it.

Earlier in the week, a family game night was held at Mancino’s. Games of dice, cards and chess/checkers were played, along with participants enjoying pizza made by the Alumni Association’s sponsor.

Saturday ends the week-long celebration when the class of 1986 meets at the Brass Rail and 1976 meets at The Office.

For more information, visit the Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or find it on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

Old Timers celebrate Plymouth basketball

2011-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - Representatives from the past and from around the country came back to Plymouth on Thursday night to celebrate a common thread, basketball.

Brothers Jason and Jeremy Renz, Chad Clinton joined teammates from the recent past Ricky Davis, Houston Hodges, Sam Faulstich, Korey Bucher Houston Hodges and Sam Faulstich in taking on some "old timers" led by Jody Birk, Brian Trump, Andy Huff, Jim Klingerman, Mike Large Seth Gilmer and Clinton's brother Ryan (not that much of an old timer). The younger players ran away with the contest but other than shooting skills the older guys hadn't lost a whole lot.

Sean Smith won a preliminary three point shoot out but had some hard time holding off another old timer - Greg Renz who hit nine three pointers in his preliminary shooting round.

Gilmer came from South Carolina for the week and on Sunday also competed as part of the Old Timers Baseball game at Bill Nixon Field.

The game was held at Lincoln Jr. High as part of a celebration of Alumni Week by the Plymouth Alumni Association.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports.

Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.

Different eras shine in Old Timer's contest at Bill Nixon Field

2011-08-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth's first "Alumni Week" started off with a home run as players from nearly every era of Plymouth Baseball gathered at Bill Nixon Field in Plymouth for an Old Timer's Game sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.

The seventies teams that began Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Nixon's career at Plymouth were well represented. The very first Plymouth Player to play in the annual North/South All Star Classic was Center Fielder Tom Jung from the class of 1976 was in attendance on Sunday to see the talent that has come after him.

Jung not only played in that All Star Classic, he was it's MVP. He currently resides in Texas and makes the yearly trip to Plymouth to visit friends and play in the Art Thomas Open which will take place later this week.

Greg Renz and Jeff Badell of the class of 1976 were in attendance as was 1978 standout shortstop Ed Kelso who is the head coach of the PHS Softball program.

Plymouth's newest All Star had a family reunion of sorts with 2011 North team member Damon Howe playing in the game with his father Dave a member of Nixon's 1986 team.

The 90's made their presence known in the game with 1997 grad Dan Winkle making those in attendance question if maybe he was played out of position for his four year career at Plymouth. An all NLC catcher in his playing days, Winkle showed he had great range in the outfield and even turned in solid work at second base.

A senior on the 1992 final eight team Seth Gilmer set the tone for the game with a sparkling back handed play at second in the games first inning.

The Tony Plothow era was in full force with Landon Lauber (2002), Josh Dietz and Chris Hostetler (2003), Cody Bucher and Jay Badell (2009), Kevin Garrity and Damon Allen (2010) along with Howe.

The game was the first in a week long series of events designed to celebrate the Plymouth Community and the Plymouth Schools.

Tuesday night is Family Game Night at Mancino's beginning at 6 p.m. Bring the family and your favorite board games, grab some pizza and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Wednesday August 3 is a night long celebration of volleyball. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High will be Alumni game number two of the week. This is shaping up to be a battle of the 80's stars versus the 90's. . If you want to play contact Janis Holiday at 574-936-1858, 574-780-2725 or email jmholiday@embarqmail.com.

Later on Wednesday night Make sure to stick around for community Night Volleyball in the sand at Centennial Park sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association and the Plymouth Park Department.

Still like to shoot hoops? If you played high school basketball at Plymouth come show your stuff August 4 at Lincoln Jr. High in our Old Timers Basketball game starting at 7p.m. To play contact Jody Birk at jodyheatherbirk@yahoo.com, search Jody Birk on Facebook or call 574-952-4444.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports. The annual Ladies Big Red Open takes place during the day Thursday, Aug. 4 raising money for the women's athletics programs at PHS, and the Art Thomas Big Red Open has its 21st outing Friday, Aug. 5 to support the PHS athletic department.

There will be an all-class social at Swan Lake Friday, Aug. 5. Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.

Old Timers out to prove they still have it for Alumni Week

2011-07-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH - Celebrating the Plymouth Community and the Plymouth schools will take an athletic turn during Alumni Week July 31 through August 5 sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.
Plymouth grads will lace it up again in several Alumni Games during the week showing off the skills they learned as part of the Plymouth Athletics Department.

"All the older guys know they still have it this is their chance to prove it," said Rusty Nixon Director of the Plymouth Alumni Association, sponsor of the events of Alumni Week. "This is a chance for all generations of players to get together and share the common bond of having been yelled at by your coach."

Bill Nixon Field will host the first Old Timers game of the week giving former Pilgrim players a chance to show their stuff one more time. The game will start at 6 p.m. on Sunday July 31 and all former Pilgrims are encouraged to put on the cleats again. Any former player wanting to play should contact Josh Dietz at 574-286-5709 email joshdietz@embarqmail.com.

Wednesday August 3 is a night long celebration of volleyball. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High will be Alumni game number two of the week. This is shaping up to be a battle of the 80's stars versus the 90's. . If you want to play contact Janis Holiday at 574-936-1858, 574-780-2725 or email jmholiday@embarqmail.com.

Later on Wednesday night Make sure to stick around for community Glow Volleyball in the sand at Centennial Park sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association and the Plymouth Park Department.

Still like to shoot hoops? If you played high school basketball at Plymouth come show your stuff August 4 at Lincoln Jr. High in our Old Timers Basketball game starting at 7p.m. To play contact Jody Birk at jodyheatherbirk@yahoo.com, search Jody Birk on Facebook or call 574-952-4444.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports. Other events during Alumni Week include Family Game Night at Mancino's. Bring the family and your favorite board games, grab some pizza and enjoy the evening with friends and family.

The annual Ladies Big Red Open takes place during the day Thursday, Aug. 4 raising money for the women's athletics programs at PHS, and the Art Thomas Big Red Open has its 21st outing Friday, Aug. 5 to support the PHS athletic department.

There will be an all-class social at Swan Lake Friday, Aug. 5. Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.

Plothow and Howe represent Plymouth at All Star contest

2011-07-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

By James Costello
Pilot News Sports Editor
FORT WAYNE — For one it was unique honor in his long career. For the other, it’s likely to be the last in his illustrious high school baseball career.

Plymouth High School Head Baseball Coach Tony Plothow and four-year PHS starter Damon Howe took the field together one last time at the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association North-South All-Star Series July 9-10.

Plothow was selected as an assistant coach to the North team for the first time in his career of more than 350 games at Plymouth, while the game was likely to be the last official baseball game for Howe, an outstanding all-around athlete who was also selected to play in the Grange Insurance/IFCA North-South All-Star Football Game and will continue his football career at the University of Findlay in the fall.

“I know we both had a lot of fun,” said Plothow. “It was pretty well put on and a pretty prestigious thing for both of us. It was a lot of fun and a good way for him to end his career.”

Howe went 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 RBI and two walks while starting two games at first base in the three-game series. Although the North All-Stars were swept by the South 10-3 and 14-3 at the doubleheader July 9, they won the Wooden Bat Classic July 10 at Parkview Stadium in Fort Wayne.

“He had a great weekend with what he did stat-wise, but I really felt that he represented our program, Plymouth baseball, the Plymouth community and his parents really well,” said Plothow. “He opened some eyes out there with what he did for us. He had a great career for us and ended it on a positive note.”

Howe was a four-year PHS baseball starter and three-year Plymouth Post 27 American Legion starter boasting 30 RBI and 26 runs off 35 hits, including five home runs this season for a batting average of .455 and on-base percentage of .528. He was a four-year All-Northern Lakes Conference selection, 2010 All-State honoree and player for the West at this spring’s South Bend Tribune Sports Fest.

Plothow owns a career record of 227-124 at PHS with five sectional titles, three regional titles and a semistate title in 2000. His teams have won four NLC championships, including one this season. He has been named NLC Coach of the Year four times and has twice been named District Coach of the Year.

Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News

WTCA auction to help Rockie football

2011-07-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - Rockie fans are ready for some football and just in time WTCA-AM 1050 will be holding an auction to raise money for the program.

Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the station will host a live auction to rais money for Rockie football. Last year the auction raised $6000 for football at Plymouth High School and this year's items will try to top that.

"We haven't really goal amount for this year," said Tonda Ellis one of the organizers of the event. "Obviously we hope we can exceed last year's total."

Money raised from the auction pays for meals for the team after away games and helps pay for the team's senior pre-season trip.

"We always want to be sure that everyone of the players gets something to eat after away games," said Ellis. "They find other expenses that have to be covered during the year too and its nice to help out all we can."

There are many big ticket items up for auction this year. Adams Remco has donated a Lexmark copier printer, Beef O'Brady's has contributed wings for a year and Coca-Cola has chipped in Coke for a year. Not to be outdone Pizza Hut has put up for auction pizza for a year.

There are many signed memorabilia items, a hot air balloon ride, a Cancun, Las Vegas or Carnival Cruise donated by Oliver Ford and tickets for a family day at Indiana Beach or Holiday World and Caverns from WTCA.

You will be able to bid on a Muhammad Ali autographed boxing glove, a Scott Skiles autographed basketball, all sports passes to Plymouth sporting events and front row parking at Rockie football and Pilgrim basketball games.

If you know that you will be bidding on items you can call WTCA at 574-936-4096 and receive a bid number. The day of the auction your time will be greatly increased by calling, giving your bid number and your bid.

Energy savings means more teachers for PCSC

2011-07-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Within a few short years, Plymouth Community School Corp-oration (PCSC) has been able to decrease utility costs by some $400,000.

Recently, PCSC maintenance director Dave Schoof and area resident Bill Langdon were given plaques of appreciation for their work in identifying problem areas and taking the needed steps to realize the savings.

Schoof gave a short presentation to the board during its July meeting. He said there are seven school buildings, administration building and a service center that comprises 832,000 square feet of space under roofs, and the oldest building was constructed in 1923, currently used for junior high-aged students with the newest, Menominee Elementary, completed in 2006. According to Schoof, the largest building in the county is Plymouth High School with 328,864 square feet.

In February of 2008, PCSC began an Energy and Utility audit. The purpose of the project was to find ways to conserve the resources and in turn, control spending. Plymouth High School was evaluated by Design-Aire Engineering of Indianapolis. All of the facilities were also audited by NIPSCO at no charge to the corporation. Following the audits, a committee was formed consisting of school officials, maintenance staff, and Langdon.

At one time, the board was considering hiring a firm to identify potential areas of energy problems. However, before the outside company was contracted, Langdon approached the board and offered his services free of charge. Langdon has been in the energy business for 31 years and currently works for Conseco-Phillips in the natural gas division.

The ultimate goal of the committee was to identity sustainable best practices for operations and reduce utility operation costs by 25 percent.

Schoof illustrated the amount of energy being conserved saying that the schools could provide utilities for 156 homes or take 354 vehicles off the road for a year. In 2008, the average Kwh/square foot for PCSC was 10.57 (930,427 Kwh total). By 2010, that figure had dropped to 7.27 (639,718 Kwh total).

Schoof said they have been able to reduce costs and keep the temperatures within the buildings at 70 degrees in the winter and 73 degrees in the summer. He said, “We are doing everything possible to lessen the impact on the environment.”

Schoof credits some of the reduction to administrators, students, staff and teachers for shutting off things when not in use. He said all but one building in the corporation has now met the qualifications to be an Energy Star school. Energy Star schools are rated on utility performance, ability to maintain industry standards for indoor environment, and standards for environmental impact.

According to information provided by the EPA, commercial buildings contribute nearly 20 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Schoof said, “Our Energy Star buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings.”

To be an Energy Star school, they must receive a score of 75 or higher using EPA software.
Plymouth’s lowest score was Webster Elementary at 86 and the highest, the Administration Building at 100. Other scores include: Lincoln Junior High, 99; Menominee Elementary, 93; Plymouth High School, 83; Riverside Intermediate, 89; and Washington Elementary 94. Jefferson Elementary is the only one not officially named as yet, but Schoof said it now has a “pending status and a score of 90.”
Schoof displayed plaques of the Energy Star logo that will be placed in each of the schools that have already met the eligibility requirements.

Superintendent Dan Tyree said, “The savings of $400,000 has allowed us to hire three teachers here tonight and five other teachers.”

Story reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Alumni Week is on the way

2011-07-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - Reunions of all kinds and family fun will highlight a first ever week in Plymouth as the Plymouth Alumni Association sponsors "Alumni Week" July 31 through August 6.

The week long group of events will celebrate the Plymouth Community and graduates of Plymouth Schools beginning on Sunday with the Plymouth Alumni Association annual Members Meeting that will be followed by a family day at the Plymouth Municipal Pool for all members.

Later that evening beginning at 6 p.m. Bill Nixon Field will host an Old Timers Baseball game giving former Pilgrim players a chance to show their stuff one more time. Any former player wanting to play should contact Josh Dietz at 574-286-5709 email joshdietz@embarqmail.com.

On August 2 the Plymouth Alumni Association hosts Family Game Night at Mancino's. Bring the family and your favorite board games, grab some pizza and enjoy the evening with friends and family.

Wednesday August 3 is a night long celebration of volleyball. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High where an Alumni game is being planned by Janis Holiday. If you want to play contact her at 574-936-1858, 574-780-2725 or email jmholiday@embarqmail.com

Later on Wednesday night Make sure to stick around for community Glow Volleyball in the sand at Centennial Park sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association and the Plymouth Park Department.

Still like to shoot hoops? If you played high school basketball at Plymouth come show your stuff August 4 at Lincoln Jr. High in our Old Timers Basketball game starting at 7p.m. To play contact Jody Birk at jodyheatherbirk@yahoo.com, search Jody Birk on Facebook or call 574-952-4444.

The week is capped off with a double dose of food, fun and fellowship on the golf course as the Plymouth Country Club will again host the annual Ladies Big Red Open Scramble set for Thursday August 4. Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shot gun tee off at 9:30 a.m. Registration forms are available at the Pilot News or the Plymouth Country Club.

The next day it's the 21st annual Art Thomas Open also at the Plymouth Country Club. Sign up to be a member of the Plymouth Alumni Association and save on your entry fee. You can become a PAA member by going to http://plymouthalumni.blogspot.com/. Register for golf by contacting Greg Renz at grenz@hoosierdriving.com or call 574-286-4253.

Later on August 5 is the Alumni Social hosted by the Classes of 1967-1978 at Swan Lake Resort. All PHS Alumni are welcome to attend from 7 p.m. to Midnight.

Saturday it's reunion time with the class of 1976 hosting a get together at The Office and the class of 1986 celebrates their 25th in style at The Brass Rail.

You don't need to be a PHS grad to come out and enjoy the fun or to be a member of the Plymouth Alumni Association. The only requirement is a desire to help Plymouth Schools continue to offer the outstanding extra and co-curricular programs - art, music, theatre and sports - that have made the school one of the finest in the state.

For more information on events or how you can help visit the website at http://plymouthalumni.blogspot.com/ email plymouthschoolsalumni@gmail.com or call 574-952-4444.

Ladies Big Red Open information

2011-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

This year's Ladies Big Red Open will be held at the Plymouth Country Club on Thursday August 4. Registration is at 9a.m. with a shot gun tee off 9:30 a.m.

Cost will be $80.00 per participant that will include, a sit down lunch, 18 hole scramble with a cart and a fun and fabulous awards ceremony back in the club house. Cash bar will be available all day. Beer and Pop included with your cost on the course.

All this for a great cause: helping Women's Athletics at Plymouth High School. The Ladies Big Red Open is a 501C3 Tax Deferred Organization.

Through the years the outing has funded such things as;
-2006 The Ladies Big Red assisted the Girls Varsity Golf team with their expenses at the State Golf Championship
-2007 The Ladies Big Red donation went to New Girls Volleyball Uniforms.
-2008 The Ladies Big Red donation went the new Girls Basketball Uniforms
-2009 The Ladies Big Red donation went to new Girls Softball Uniforms
-2010 The Ladies Big Red donation went to new Girls Track Uniforms and Cheerleading Outfits

Put together a Foursome or Fivesome or come as a single and we will find a group for you.
All Checks should be written to Ladies Big Red Open $80.00 per player or $320.00 per foursome.
Donations are encouraged and welcome. Lunch only is a $50.00 donation.

Forms are available at The Pilot News, Plymouth Country Club or by emailing plymouthschoolsalumni@gmail.com

Art Thomas Open information

2011-07-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Art Thomas Big Red Open will be held on Friday, August 5. This will be the 21st annual Big Red tournament and we want to thank all of you for your continued support over the years. We believe this to be the largest high school alumni type golf outing in the U.S. and it could not survive without the continued support of the old timers along with the influx of younger players. Thank you!

This year, we are excited to begin an affiliation with the Plymouth Alumni Association. The Plymouth Alumni Association began its existence last summer. The mission is to provide a means for PHS alumni to network and interact via social networking, to provide assistance to those holding class reunions, and to financially support extracurricular activities and other initiatives of the school corporation. You can sign up to become a member by hitting the PayPal option to your right. We encourage you to visit the website and to join YOUR alumni association.

Over the years, the ATBRO committee has struggled with the length of play (nearly 7 hours) that has been a deterrent to some people playing in the tournament. For that reason, we are offering another option for those who would like to participate without spending 7 hours on the course. This year, we will hold the 18 hole tournament the same as all prior years: 5 or 6 man teams, tee off at 11AM, lunch as you make the turn, beverages on the course, 2 teams playing together, dinner following the round, gifts/prizes/etc. The cost will be $85 per person.

This year, we are adding an option to play in a 9 hole event. Those choosing to participate in the 9 hole tournament will tee off around 2:30 – 3:00PM and have all the same benefits as the 18 hole players except for lunch. The fee will be $55 per person for this option.

For both tournaments, we will need your registration turned in by NO LATER THAN JULY 29th, or you risk not having carts available for your group.

As part of our relationship with the Plymouth Alumni Association, we will be “rebating” $10 to each player who is a member of the PAA and has paid their entry fee in advance. Those who choose to sign up for the PAA as new members on the day of the event (annual dues are $20) will also get a $10 rebate assuming they paid their entry fee in advance. All rebates will be handled at the event; everyone needs to pay at the $85/$55 rates.

Anyone not paying their registration fee in advance will be charged an additional $5 at the registration table ($90 or $60 accordingly).

PLEASE PAY THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT ON THE REGISTRATION FORM SO THAT WE CAN SCHEDULE YOU IN THE PROPER TOURNAMENT (9 or 18 hole). You can have a registration form sent to you by return email by contacting plymouthschoolsalumni@gmail.com or pick one up at The Pilot News.

As always, dinner will be served in the pavilion after you finish your round and prizes will be awarded shortly thereafter.

Thanks again for all your support over the years and we look forward to seeing you at the Plymouth Country Club on August 5th. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You can either email me at grenz@hoosierdriving.com or call me on my cell 574-286-4253.

Please mail all entry forms to: Art Thomas Big Red Open, P O Box 105, Plymouth, IN 46563.

Greg Renz
Tournament Director

Plothow named to head North All Star squad

2011-07-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School Head Baseball Coach Tony Plothow has been selected to coach the 2011 North All Star team at this year’s 37th Annual Indiana North-South All Star Game by his fellow coaches and the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association’s Executive Council.

Plothow’s career record at PHS is 227-124. His teams have won five sectional titles, three regional titles and a semistate title in 2000 with two final four appearances. His teams have won four Northern Lakes Conference Championships, including one this season. Coach Plothow has been named NLC Coach of the Year four times and has twice been named District Coach of the Year.

This year’s Indiana North-South All-Star series will be played on July 9 and 10 in Fort Wayne at at Parkview Field at Indiana Tech University. The teams play a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. They will also play a wooden bat game at noon on Sunday.