Cortes, Clapp honored as teacher, staff person of the year

by Isaac Raymer

Eighth graders begin the process of preparing for high school

by Abbigail Hollins

As eighth graders stand on the brink of high school, they are filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ”The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

These young students transitioning from middle to high school is not just a change in environment; it marks a pivotal moment in their academic and personal growth.

Parkview eighth grader Ryder Humphreys said, “In high school, I plan on getting better grades along with better mental health to better myself,”

With new challenges ahead, such as navigating larger campuses, meeting diverse peers, and taking on more rigorous coursework, these students are poised to embrace a world full of opportunities.

“My biggest fear about going to high school is not knowing my way around then being late to my classes,” said Humphreys.

Parkview eighth grader Lia Logsdon said, “I have heard that I will have classes with students in other grades; I think that will be a big change for me.”

Parkview eighth grader Easton Spaulding said, that he is afraid of there being too much work and taking too much time away from other activities.

 The journey may be daunting, but it also offers a chance to discover new interests and develop skills that will shape their futures. 

Parkview eighth grade counselor Michele Page said, “It will be a chance for students to learn about new career options by gaining a further understanding through more class electives and opportunities they do not have at the middle school level.”

As they prepare to step into this next chapter, it’s essential for them to hold onto their dreams and aspirations, remembering that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

Rock Creek eighth grader Graceanne Liechty said, “I have wanted to be a hair stylist since I was a little kid, so I plan to go through with that. I want to go to prosser for cosmetology then get out of school to go through with my dream.”

The transition to high school is a significant milestone for eighth graders. It’s a time to reflect their achievements while looking forward to the adventures that await. With determination and a belief in themselves, these students can navigate the complexities of high school and emerge stronger, ready to make their mark on the world.

Red Devils celebrate second state championship after defeating Fishers 67-66 in overtime last Saturday

All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Elliot Swincher.

Click on the photographs in the gallery below. More photographs and coverage of Saturday’s state title win will be posted throughout the week. Keep checking back.

Jeff High defeats Fishers to win Class 4A state championship 67-66 in overtime on Saturday

All photos by Madison Pritchard.

Click on the photographs in the gallery below. More photographs and coverage of Saturday’s state title win will be posted throughout the week. Keep checking back.

Mitchell, Robinson add to school safety and security

by Ja’Shia Mathews

As JHS moves into spring, students may notice some new faces in campus security.

Brian Mitchell, the new safety and security director for Jeffersonville schools, said the security team is dedicated to protecting students, teachers, and staff from potential threats such as violence, bullying, vandalism, and unauthorized access. 

However, Mitchell does much more for us than just that. 

Mitchell retired from the police force earlier this year, moving from his previous position as a student resource officer at JHS into his new job. Because of his presence in the halls and at school events, students recognize and appreciate him, especially JHS athletes, as he significantly supports their sports. 

Principal Pam Hall said Mitchell is an important part of JHS.

“I am thankful he is in our building. I am learning from him, and he’s very good with kids,” she said, adding, “No matter how hard his job is, he always finds a way to make us laugh. You can talk about things other than school, and he is a very good listener.” 

Effective communication between staff and students positively impacts the creation of a healthy learning environment and reduces the risk of mental health issues in students. 

For this reason, Tyler Robinson was hired as the new resource officer when Mitchell retired, working to be highly professional. His presence helps ensure a safe and secure learning environment. 

Many people at the school appreciate Robinson’s presence.  

Sophomore Kylie Allen said, “At many of the other schools I’ve attended, they never had well-trained officers. Knowing that Jeff High has one makes me feel safe.” 

Overall, both individuals set the standard for what school officers should be.

Fast Feature: A conversation with coach Sherron Wilkerson heading into Saturday’s state championship game against Fishers

by Austin Bainbridge

With Saturday’s state championship game drawing ever closer, I was able to interview head boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson. He detailed the pressure the players are under and how his experience gives him a unique insight into the biggest game of the year.

How would a win on Saturday affect this team’s legacy?

“They would be in the conversation for being one of the best teams to come through the program. I currently think that our ‘93 team was the greatest to come through here, but if these guys get it done, they’ll be in the conversation for one of the greatest teams to ever play for this program.”

Does being a player on the 1993 state championship team affect how you coach and view this game?

“Yes. I think it’s one thing to describe an event, but it’s one thing to feel that event with emotions. Those emotions are what bring it alive, so to actually be in the moment and to feel it is a unique feeling, so I think it’s something you have to go through to understand. Along with that, the experience of being a player is invaluable.”

Coach Sherron Wilkerson takes a moment to talk with senior Tre Singleton during the fourth quarter of the Lawrence North semi-state game last Saturday. The Red Devils won 56-49 to advance to the state championship against defending champions Fishers this Saturday in Indianapolis. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.

How has the team’s style of play changed since the first game of the season?

“I would say that we are more patient. Our maturity has allowed us to understand what ball movement equals, and if you can understand what ball movement equals, you become more patient, and then you can take advantage of defensive breakdowns.”

Are you treating this game like it’s any other game in the season?

“Nah, this is something all on its own, and this is completely different. That’s because there will be no other game throughout the season where there will be this much pressure. So for the folks that say, ‘Ah, this is just another game,’ I just don’t think that is the case.”

Do you think the players are feeling that pressure to perform in a big game like this?

“I do think our players are feeling the pressure to perform, and I think that’s a good thing. Pressure busts pipes. So if you’re not in the situation to have the skills to deal with pressure. then you can’t compete.”

Does Fishers do anything in particular that sets them apart from other programs?

“There are two things they do really well that others don’t. Number one, they pressure you 84 feet in both directions. They pressure you 84 feet offensively, and they pressure you 84 feet defensively, and that’s very rare at this level. And the other thing I think they do really well at is they share the basketball really well. They have four players averaging double figures, and they have two averaging 8 or more.”

You have been saying all year you have two goals, to get players scholarships and to win a state championship. Now that those are both in reach, how do you feel?

“Blessed, truly blessed. That’s our goal every year as we start the season. We have two goals — those goals are getting guys to play at the next level to get a free education, and the next thing we set out to accomplish is to win a state championship. And I think if you can do both of those in one year, that is divine intervention at its finest.”

What do you expect from the players in this game?

“This is something these guys have been preparing for their whole lives. I expect the beginning of the game to be a little sloppy because they’re going to be so excited, and then once the emotion wears off, I think that we’ll settle down and we’ll be able to compete.”

What do the players need to do to win this game 

“The first thing they need to do is they can’t get intimidated by the moment. I think that’s the most important. And when you asked me about if it’s any other game, no, it’s not any other game. The atmosphere, the fact that it’s on TV, the fact that this is the first game we’re going to have media timeouts — just all the variables that play into the equation of making it different. They can’t get distracted by it.”

JHS will play defending state champions the Fishers Tigers this Saturday at 8:15 p.m. for the 4A state championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. More information here on the Jeff High Athletics website.

JHS wins semi-state, heads to state championship game this Saturday

All photographs by Magdalene Conrad.

Click on photographs in the gallery below to view images.

Red Devils win regional and semi-state championships, advance to state title game this weekend

Photos by Madison Pritchard.

Click on the photographs in the gallery below to see regional and semi-state coverage.

Jeff wins second consecutive regional championship

Win over Evansville Harrison sets up Red Devil return to semi-state this weekend; JHS plays Mt. Vernon at noon in New Castle in Game 2

All photos by Magdalene Conrad.

Click on photographs in the gallery.