Due to SNAP benefits being delayed in November following the government shut down, the JHS Food Pantry provides resources for students and families in need.
Special Education teacher Michelle Houchin, who has been assisting the food pantry, has noticed the impact on students over the years.
“We started this around three years ago on a small basis. People would come if they needed something quick for breakfast who were unable to get breakfast in the morning or at home. It really ramped up within the past year because we noticed so many students were going without food,” Houchin said.
To assist students, Houchin along with staff members, work together to provide items for the pantry.
“Teachers donate stuff all the time and then I usually keep it filled up. The counselors and I, if we see or hear of a student needing food, one of us will make an arrangement to pull a kid and let them pick some things that they need,” Houchin said.
To ensure privacy, staff members take measures that allow students to feel comfortable when visiting the pantry.
“We pull them when we know there’s not going to be other people in here and then we just have them leave the food in their 7th period teachers class or trusted person. That way they can swing back and leave school with no questions from other students.”
Furthermore, counselors have created a Google form that was sent to all students as a way to communicate about basic necessities.
“We know there are students with needs that may not be comfortable coming up and saying something. The Google form that we sent out is more anonymous,” she said.
Houchin is moved by the impact of the food pantry and hopes for students to feel welcomed. She also encourages many to contribute to the pantry later during the season.
“We will always need supplies, we will always need donations, and that it is open for any student that needs help. We don’t want any students to be hungry and not be able to focus.”
Being able to contribute to the food pantry has been an accomplishment for Houchin and looks forward to helping more students.
“This makes me feel good. It’s my small part to help people be better,” she said.
Other Resources:
Students MUST be escorted by an adviser (all visits are done privately)
All three cabinets of the food pantry showcasing food and snacks on Nov 19 in the JHS food pantry. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Canned food items and microwaveable meals showcased for students to take in the JHS food pantry. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Food items are displayed on the cabinet for students to grab on Nov 19 . Items include “Macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, spaghetti, fruit, and vegetables,” special education teacher and pantry coordinator Michelle Houchin said. Photo by Areli Hernandez. Cereal boxes for students to grab and go, or take home to have for breakfast. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Canned corn in bulk for students to have enough for Thanksgiving. The food pantry serves JHS students during the entire school year. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Non perishable food items bagged up for students to take home. Items include soup, beans, and hamburger helper. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Canned food items and microwaveable meals showcased for students to take. Photo by Areli Hernandez.
Club president and senior Cassidy Tomlin smiles after giving her speech on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.Candles neatly displayed on the table before being used by members on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.Anchor Club sponsor Francesca Hernandez holds the microphone as she proudly invites members to take a candle on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.A member holds and lights up the white candle on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero. Junior Viviana Gonzalez smiles as she holds a lit white candle while given a flower and certificate on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.Members convene in a semi circle as they recite the “Anchor cCub Creed” on Sept.29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero. Anchor Club sponsors and a couple of executive board members reunite on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez. Initiated members gather as a group eagerly while holding their certificates on Sept. 29. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.
Allison Clary is an English language arts teacher, whose strong character and passion for teaching has reflected through not only her ELA courses, but also through her Holocaust class where she conveys the importance of history to students.
English teacher Allison Clary explains the importance of the video in her fourth-period Holocaust class on Sept. 8. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Clary acknowledges her former students, whose interests and curiosity led to the innovation of the Holocaust class, which was later introduced to JHS in 2007.
“The book Night; I taught that in my English classes; it’s about the Holocaust. It was so moving that my kids asked me if I could teach more around 2004. That’s how the ball got rolling. I give my kids the credit—years and years ago.”
Elie Wiesel’s book Night left a significant impact with its powerful message, creating personal connections among students, including Clary.
“That book specifically is about a teenager who ends up in Auschwitz. The main character was 15 years old. So, I think it was easy for them to relate to that and to think, ‘What if this were me?’ It’s a life-changing book for me — the horrors that they went through and how they survived.
“I felt like my kids could also identify with it.”
Clary relies on years of experience that have allowed her to teach all high school levels, along with teaching more than one course at JHS.
“This is my 34th year and I’ve taught all types of English arts. 9 through 12. Currently teaching 11th. Then, I have all of my elective courses; mythology and Holocaust.”
“History repeats itself; kids need to know what to look for. Kids need to know about the past because they are the future.”
English teacher Allison Clary
Senior Richard Morocho shared his previous experience in Clary’s ELA classroom, which later encouraged him to join her Holocaust class.
“I’ve been in this class since the start of the year. I joined it mostly because I like having her as a teacher last year. Also, because Holocaust is an interesting subject. She had a lot of experience with people whose relatives were in the Holocaust and survivors,” he said.
He highly mentioned Clary’s way of teaching and the reassurance she has given to her students to express themselves freely.
“Her opinions are really expressive whenever it comes down to bad things that people do now and how it’s influenced by the Holocaust. When it comes to freedom of speech, she is really vocal about that and we’re allowed to say what we want about that, too.”
Morocho added, “She gives us more freedom of the things that we can say and put our opinions on.”
He explained that this class has allowed him to learn history from a different perspective and encouraged students to join.
“All I can say is that they’re kind of missing out because it’s a really interesting and fun class to take. It’s not a book class, it’s an experience kind of thing. It’s really interesting stuff.”
Junior Andrew Hampton agreed with Morocho, explaining the significance of being a part of the Holocaust class, while also highlighting the engaging setting of the class itself.
“It’s a really relevant topic that we should be learning about. Her class is also engaging; it is the opposite of a boring class. There’s never been a moment when I’m not paying attention in that class. It’s too engaging not to.”
Hampton described Clary’s positive attitude and the bright influence she has made in her classroom daily.
“She is very happy to be here and that is very helpful. She makes you happy to be here as well. Her energy radiates, making it more engaging.”
Clary recalled moments where she witnessed students from different courses, personally connecting with her lessons and assignments.
“I see that all the time; I’m not going to lie. I do see it in Holocaust often, but I also see it in English. I think kids have connected with some of the stuff we’ve already done in class,” she said.
Hampton has found Clary’s lessons significant to both ELA and Holocaust class.
“For English class I enjoy the topics that she teaches. I enjoy reading the stories. Right now we are learning about Frederick, who was someone I didn’t really know about. For Holocaust class we are watching a movie right now and that movie is fire. It’s called ‘Resistance’. It’s a really good movie, honestly,” said Hampton.
Junior Lizeth Gonzalez is content with Clary’s contribution to help students succeed in her ELA class.
“I feel like she brings out specific people. People who we wouldn’t really mention in class. She tells a story and explains it to us in a way where we are experiencing it ourselves.”
Clary’s lessons have opened an interesting approach towards her ELA students. Gonzalez is satisfied with learning a new standpoint in history.
“I enjoy her lectures because it opens a perspective more whenever we talk about black history. Normally, in history class we talk about it but you don’t get into the depth of the history.”
Hampton emphasized the importance of learning history to avoid repeating mistakes from the past.
“So that we don’t repeat things. Most of our history is not good. I think that is the most important reason. So, that way we don’t keep repeating things over and over, and we become better.”
Clary agreed with Hampton, emphasizing the importance of students studying history to prepare them for the future.
“History repeats itself; kids need to know what to look for. Kids need to know about the past because they are the future.”
Clary’s impactful influence has stood out to many students at JHS, which is rewarding to her.
“There are many days that I feel like I shouldn’t be getting paid to do something that makes me feel so happy. I could’ve retired already and I don’t because I genuinely love doing this.”
She added, “I’m not sure if I know who I am, without being the teacher part of ‘Mrs.Clary’.”
English teacher Allison Clary guides her fourth-period Holocaust class through the video about a Holocaust survivor on Sept. 8. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Anchor club members Ariana De La Cruz Guerrero, Eliani Schulz, and Alison Hernandez-Estrada showing leadership through their contribution of “Ringing of the Bells” on Dec 12, 2024. Anchor Club leaders are currently planning projects for the new school year. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.
by Areli Hernandez Romero
Anchor Club is a dedicated and supportive organization that allows the young women of JHS who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors to express their ideas and themselves while also engaging in community service. This year, with the help of sponsors and the supporting team, Anchor Club is excited to announce its upcoming season.
Club sponsor Michell Densford said at the beginning of each season, each member is welcomed by an “initiation,” which acts as the formal induction to Anchor Club that each member must attend.
“We always do an initiation. This is where you come and get a certificate, flower, and light a candle,” she said.
Members who participate for two years, including their senior year, are eligible to receive a chord that represents their dedication to the community.
Francesca Hernandez, who is also a club sponsor, refers to the “executive board” as members who are an influential foundation of Anchor club.
“Before we go over anything, the executive board goes over projects we want to do and are doing. They’re the head of the projects and make sure the girls are acting right,” said Hernandez.
Club president and Senior Cassidy Tomlin finds leadership a priority to help support members and ensure that their ideas are heard.
“So, I really try to make sure that I see all sides from all of the levels of the executive board, making sure all their opinions are being considered and making sure that they have a well-respected leader,” she said.
Her previous experiences in clubs encouraged her to join Anchor Club to seek new experiences.
“I’ve been in Anchor Club since sophomore year, and I joined because. I wanted to give back to my community. I’m a Girl Scout; I’ve been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, so I wanted to find another outlet,” said Tomlin.
I think Anchor Club is a really good way to give back to your community by serving people in Jeff, the school, also a lot of people all around the community.”
Anchor Club President Cassidy Tomlin
Junior Executive Board member Maddie Chandler nods as she mentions her experience as a member.
“I’ve been part of Anchor Club since my sophomore year. I find all the different projects we get to do for the community interesting.”
Chandler shared the impact Anchor Club has established, as well as sharing one of her favorite projects from her previous year.
“It’s fun being part of this club. It feels like you have a lot of girls that are your friends, and you get to do new things you wouldn’t normally do. We went to Midwest Village, a nursing home. We made tide blankets for the residents. It was fun doing that.”
Sophomore Executive Board Member Haliun Otgonbayar is in her first year as a member. She anticipates contributing to the community with her friend, sophomore Samantha Dues.
“As an Anchor Club executive board member, I’m looking forward to being more involved in the community and helping people. I joined Anchor Club because not only is it a great community, but I’m hoping to plan new events and fundraisers and anything related.”
Dues, who is also in her first year as an executive board member, also anticipates organizing plans in contribution to Anchor Club along with people she cares about.
“To go off that, I’m also excited to plan events for the community, while doing it with the people I love. I joined because I wanted to help support, to make the environment even better,” she said.
Densford is satisfied with the efforts of each member and their contributions to make the club great. She proudly mentions the support of the girls and how they are representing themselves in JHS.
“I like the sisterhood, the girls coming together as a group, supporting each other, holding each other accountable, and holding themselves to a higher standard than what the school does; it’s wonderful. They represent our school well and represent themselves as wonderful young women.”
She recalled her own experience as a past “Anchor” and the influence that stood out to her.
“I was an Anchor too when I was in high school. We have some projects that have literally stood the test of time for over 20 years. We have ‘ringing of the bells’, Salvation Army, Steamboat nights — we all have a fun time,” said Densford.
Hernandez proudly mentions Anchor Club being a very supportive space, giving the impression of a sisterhood sorority to many, while also encouraging them to become remarkable leaders.
“It’s a wonderful community with great ideas. In a way, they’re future leaders. It’s a very responsible club, and all the girls are doing great things, just being great people. We are making very good future leaders.” She added, “Everybody has their own creative freedom with Anchor Club.”
Anchor club members participated in the “Blanket Making” project while sharing a unique experience with residents of Westminster Village on Dec 13, 2024. Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.
Tomlin described the Anchor Club community as an organization worth joining for those who want to serve their community.
“I think Anchor Club is a really good way to give back to your community by serving people in Jeff, the school, also a lot of people all around the community. I think it’s a really good idea to join if you want to give back and be a part of a sisterhood, and just experience some fun new things.”
Anchor Club has stood out with its unique sense of sisterhood and teamwork, leaving fellow sponsors and members with great memories they will cherish in the future.
“If they want to be a part of a really supportive club, then this is a club for them. We do anything we can for the students of JHS and for the community, and I think that’s what makes it beautiful, a fun place to be. If you know a successful woman, they were probably an anchor,” said Densford.
English 9 teacher David Kummer teaches freshman Harper Gordon with her assignment on August 6. The class is working on what he calls a No Red Ink assignment. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
As summer comes to an end, a new start has begun for many freshmen and staff. It’s that time of the year when you meet new people and begin new friendships.
Beginning at a new school can be unfamiliar, but with the help of friendships, it will make life calmer.
A foundation of support has guided freshman Alexis Guadalupe. “At first, I felt lost. I didn’t know where I was going. I had friends to help me, and I figured my way out. It’s interesting seeing old faces and new faces from different middle schools. Being all together feels good.”
The new environmental changes might be sudden, but Guadalupe stays on track with his schedule.
“Nothing really changes. I always wake up at the same time every single day. It isn’t really a change for me, but when leaving school, that is a change for me. It is a little crowded every time I try to leave school, but it’s okay, I still get on the bus on time,” he said.
Guadalupe plans to take courses that will help with next school year.
“I’m taking regular classes right now. But I’m going to try and take an honors class next year in English.” He recalls moments from River Valley Middle School and shares how teachers showed great support by teaching to their best abilities and being open to talk about anything when needed.
Freshman Elliott Taylor is intimidated by the size of the school in comparison to his previous years.
“I was most scared of how big the school is. My fourth and fifth periods are far away from each other, and I usually end up tardy,” he said.
Taylor isn’t stressed about the new year, and is starting off his high school years with good grades.
“I’m feeling pretty good about my classes. I have all A’s as of now, and the work isn’t too hard so far.”
In comparison to his previous school years, his freshman year is flowing much better. “I went to River Valley Middle School last year. The teachers this year and the classes are a lot better.”
Taylor has a certain class and teacher who has stood out to him so far. In comparison to previous years, “My favorite class this year is Algebra honors with Mr. (Scott) Lowe. He’s really nice to us, and he’s a great teacher.”
Starting high school can be a lot for a student, but Taylor already has a set plan for what he wants to do with his school career.
“In sophomore year, I would like to stay in honors classes and go into welding.”
College and careers teacher Angela Krueger loves being a freshman teacher so she can set her students on a path for success.
“I like being a freshman teacher because it’s a new school, a new environment, and I can help them set up their academies and pathways, and it makes me feel like I make a difference.”
Krueger went through years of school just so she could make sure she gives her students a good education.
“I went to IUS with a bachelor’s in psychology, and then I got my master’s in education at University of Cumberland. It took six years in total.”
Krueger has a few tips that may help incoming freshmen do better in school.
“You should take your classes seriously, and especially this college and careers class. It is probably your most important class, and can help you carve your entire high school career.”
Even with personal struggles, Krueger still has a goal to build a bond with her new students. “I’m about to go on maternity leave, but I hope I can still build a relationship with my students just as I did last year.”
Freshman Maddie Tetley agreed with Guadalupe and shared her experience bringing herself into a new environment,
“I was intimidated about the size of the school, so I was nervous that I was going to get lost, but now that it’s been a few days, the school doesn’t seem as big and I’m making my way around easily,” she said.
Tetley looks forward to participating in clubs and teams in hopes of academic improvement and experience.
“I’ll be on the golf team, hopefully the swim team, and as for classes, hopefully I’m in all or most of the honors, or the AP classes next year.”
School counselor Andrea Schedler encourages students to get involved in a new community of people and activities to find new aspirations.
I think that is key to high school, being involved in things and finding a passion you might want to pursue in the future.”
Freshman Counselor Andrea Schedler
“I would definitely encourage them to branch out and get to know more new people and participate in new opportunities that they haven’t had before. I think that is key to high school, being involved in things and finding a passion you might want to pursue in the future,” Schedler said.
Schedler has focused the past three years as a freshman counselor as well as relying on years of experience to mentor her students.
“This is my third year at Jeff High as a freshman counselor, but I’ve been an educator for 18 years.”
She attended the University of Kentucky as an undergraduate, earned her elementary education degree, and minor in psychology. She also attended Eastern Kentucky for her master’s and ranked one for school counseling.
Freshman Kaylee Borelli said, “I wasn’t stressed, I just didn’t want to get lost when I got here.”
Her favorite class is also math teacher Cory Densford, and she sees herself taking AP honors classes like dual credit chemistry, Honors English, and Honors Algebra, as well as doing volleyball and being on the yearbook staff in the future.
Freshman algebra teacher Patricia Midkiff shows support to her students by demonstrating adaptive teaching techniques.
“I have people in pairs so that they have additional people to work with. I also model in front of the classroom quite a bit. I do extensive examples and we slowly build in what we’re doing in class,” she said.
Midkiff shows additional support throughout the course of the year by reviewing topics with students.
“I will work as hard as you do. What I mean by that is, I always try to motivate people, but if you are working in my class and you’re still struggling, I will work with you as much as we need to, to get you through,” she said.
Midkiff shares advice to encourage incoming freshmen in their journeys. “You succeed in your responsibility. If you want to be successful in high school, you need to take initiative.”
Every year, the incoming freshmen class gets dropped into the deep end at JHS. Most of them, for a while, don’t have any good advice that they can find because it’s not something people ask.
Freshman Harper Gordon was “absolutely terrified” for high school. She sat back and sighed, then continued talking about her years in middle school and how she came from a public Montessori school, and she “had no idea how her first time in a traditional public school was going to look like.”
She is now happy to be here, making new friends and sees herself taking regular classes and in the Hyphen in her following years here at JHS.
English 9 teacher Eric Watson said he couldn’t wait for the school year to start so he can teach all his new lessons.
“Every year, teachers want to change up their lesson plan so they grow as a teacher and learn new things themselves.” He says his new freshman classes are all amazing, and they are fast-paced learners.
English 9 teacher David Kummer helps freshman Dakota Jeat with her assignment on August 6 during his fourth period class. Kummer is demonstrating his ability to teach students efficiently. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
English 9 teacher David Kummer had a lot of tips for freshmen.
“One thing I tell my students the most is to try and find a class that they look forward to,” he said. “I think a lot of freshmen coming in this year are outgoing; the ones that are very outgoing are talkative, but also are able to buckle down and do their work.”
Kummer also had one more piece of advice for incoming freshmen:
“It gets a lot easier trying to find new friends as the year goes on. Maybe say ‘hi’ to the people you sit next to. Even if it’s nerve-wrecking, it helps out and makes things easier.”
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