Delapp was fortunate enough to receive a Wal-Mart Grant of $1,350 to give Belton’s local aid programs a boost.

Members of FCCLA (Family, Consumer, and Career Leaders of America) and STUCO (Student Council) teamed-up and split the money between Belton High School’s backpack-for-needy-teens program and Heart-n-Hand.

Heart-n-Hand is a community service project that collects non-perishable food items for the city’s food bank. Students use events like Haunted Hallways to give parents a chance to bring in canned food for a discount. They do a great deal more for the community during Christmas. Heart-n-Hand gave families live holiday trees and decorations.

The backpack program has teachers and students stuffing packs full of non-perishable food items for students in Belton who do not have food to eat over the long weekend.

Both of these programs push low-income families to choose more nutritious meal decisions rather than turning to fattening fast-food because of its value. Delapp uses her experience in Nutrition and Wellness to provide information about what a diet should consist of. Lettuce on a McDonald’s burger is not a serving of vegetables.

Even local schools are vamping up their menus to encourage teens to pick fresh fruit instead of french fries.

When the income is low, people tend to forget that the food pyramid exists, and the local programs hope to change people’s perspective.

The grant will provide a multitude of benefits, and Delapp’s positive attitude and dedication toward the community made this all possible.

Sixteen new thespians were initiated as official members of the International Thespian Society and Troupe 1158.

Afterwards, students were invited to attend a gift exchange. Each student brought a small wrapped gift of about five dollars to put in a big circle in the center of Mrs. Babcock’s room. While many students look forward to this event all year long, some had never been, but were pleased with how it went.

Junior Jeff Hartnett said he got to know more people by going to the party and exchanging presents with others.

“It was pretty fun getting random presents from random people and figuring out who they were afterwards,” Hartnett said.

A twist was added to the game when it was announced that students could steal each other’s gifts.

Hartnett said he enjoyed stealing presents the most.

“The most fun part was definitely when we got to take each other’s presents,” Hartnett said.

Overall the students had fun at the event and got to spend time with friends, but also came out with thoughtful gifts.

“There were some pretty good and pretty funny ones but I don’t think anyone was disappointed,” Hartnett said.

The thespians’ white-elephant gift exchange following the induction proved to be a fun time for all, and students already cannot wait for the next time they all get together as a family.

For the first time in years, High School Band Director Chris Sullivan finally had enough members in his Jazz Band class to constitute letting his Jazz class open for the band. Jazz Band members got to play different instruments than they’re used to and they attempted to master the new instument and still play high school level music.

Junior Percussionist David Parsons said he thinks that the members of Jazz Band transitioned to their new instruments well.

“The transition wasn’t too hard for us,” Parsons said, “ and the music for Jazz Band is harder than the music for regular band, it’s more of a swing style than the regular band doesn’t have.”

Junior Tenner Saxophone Jay Staats said Jazz Band’s a whole different experience than regular band.

“One might even say it’s harder,” Staats said.

The Jazz Band played four songs: “When Big Band Ruled the World,” “Tomorrow’s Memories,”
“Beach Bossa,” and “Honey-suckle Rose.”

“’Honey-suckle Rose’ is the song I was most excited for because I got to play set,” Parsons said, “and it’s a really fun, swing style song.”

Senior Flute Marsha Walker said that she’s excited for all the songs the regular band played. She said she felt they were well prepared.

“It’s kind of bitter sweet because it was my last Christmas concert,” Walker said.

Assistant Band Director Erin Howard said the Jazz Band chose songs that represent each style of Jazz.

“I get to conduct the traditional swing chart ‘Honey-suckle Rose,’” Howard said. “But the thing with conducting Jazz Band is that there isn’t really a conductor so I’m just standing there.”

After the Jazz Band performed, the freshman and high school band combined to play “Fanfare,” “Out of the Shadows,” “Third Suite,” and “A Celebration of Carols.” Disaster stuck when sophomore oboe player Deivid Guerrero didn’t show up to the concert.

Director Chris Sullivan announced that some of the songs the band played would have weird measures where no one played.

“The best thing about band is it’s a team effort,” Sullivan said. “However, the worst thing about band is that it’s a team effort if someone doesn’t show up.”

All in all the Jazz band members said they loved playing on stage as a separate band for the first time since 2008. The regular bands’ pieces may not have gone off without a hitch, but they were still greeted with thunderous applause.

The ever busy Assistant Principal, former Assistant Activities Director, and full-time father Jim Beard, left an empty slot in his schedule to experience what it takes to put on a successful performance. He had never been so close to a show before and this excited him.

“I’d been a football and baseball coach for fifteen years, and have never been involved in theater,” Beard said, “My lack of lack of knowledge of what it takes [to put on a show], made seeing it first hand, even more impressive.”

Once he became Assistant Activities Director, Beard mentions, that no one gave him a road map, not one person told him “this is what you should do.” The task appeared rather daunting.

After taking his first step on to the stage, Beard jumped aboard and became an advocate for the kids and parents of the theater.

“I tried to get involved with the theater and be there when they needed me,” Beard said nodding with acknowledgement. “I was fortunate enough to be working with them, these kids are extremely passionate.”

Tabatha Babcock, Theater Director and acting teacher, quickly recognized Beard’s dedication and nominated him for Administrator of the Year.

“Jim Beard, on multiple occasions, has been like a warrior for our theater department,” Babcock said, “For the last two years since he has been in his position Jim has been extremely supportive of our theatre program’s needs and wants.”

With all the work he has done in the past, repairing a broken light and sound system, funding mic replacements for a musical three years back, and getting the money from the district to send a girl to the National Thespian Conference who could not have afforded it on her own, Beard should feel more than worthy for such honor, however, he does not believe he deserves it.

“Honestly I don’t,” Beard said. “The ‘honor’, goes to them [participants of the theater], with the extraordinary passion they display.”

During the three-month production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, Beard was there whenever Babcock came calling, he even became apart of the large Fiddler cast, and accepted his walk-on role with a bit of apprehension.

“‘Fiddler on the Roof’, it was a highlight of my last year,” Beard said with a smile. “I got make-up done, grey put in my hair. I was immature, I was afraid to get my make-up done.”

Babcock cannot say enough how much she appreciated Beard’s help over the past few years.

“I can’t express how wonderful it is to have someone on your side that can truly make a difference and is willing to do everything he can do to help our program be successful.”

After the curtain closes, Beard holds those memories of the stage and its members dear.

“The award was an honor,” Beard said. “The real honor was to be accepted in that group and experience them.”

The cause for this is not only to get people into the spirit of Christmas, but also to help get more cans for the canned food drive. When people brought two canned goods or non-perishable food items, they could get one raffle tickets to put into drawings to win prizes that varied from children bicycles, televisions, itunes gift cards and board games. These prizes were donated by various local businesses and families in Belton.

To win the prize, the person had to stick around for the drawings. While the people of Belton waited with anticipation for the drawings, they enjoyed free hot dogs and hot chocolate, while watching and listening to multiple performances put on by the local church choirs and people.

Also, while the people waited, they got to watch the mayor of Belton and the 2011 Miss Belton winner from Community Days, Ciera Willey, pull a lever that turned on the lights of a beautiful Christmas tree at the end of Main Street.

The events of the night were not limited to just adult activities. Young children waited in line to sit on Santa’s lap for free. There was also a hay ride that went up and down Main Street. On this hay ride, children received candy and apple cider and could even win prizes such as board games and CD cases.

Some people that attended didn’t have as much fun as others. Junior Sarah Benoit said that she would have had more fun if there was more stuff for teenagers to do.

“Honestly, it was just too cold to stand outside for three hours straight,” Benoit said.

A lot of families think that this event is a great place for families to go to. Junior Loryn Baker said that she liked going to the tree lighting even though it was cold, so she could hang out with her friends.

“I go with my mom to this pretty much every single year to get ready for Christmas,” Baker said.

The main cause of the event is one of the best parts of it for senior Courtney Nickerson.

“Even though I liked the free food and entertainment, my favorite part would have to be that I was giving food to people that can’t afford it so that they could have a good Christmas dinner, too,” Nickerson said.

A lot of students from Belton High School showed up and made it promising that everyone in Belton will have a good holiday this year.

The game started off strong for Belton, with English teacher Kara Shrum  making the first shot with a three point swish followed by two more points made by Whitney Loe.

Ray-Pec came back suddenly. From there on out, the rest of the first half was full of back to back shots. By the end of the first half, Ray-Pec had the the upper hand with the lead of two points, 11-9.

Some type of game or activity took place during each half time throughout the night. The first half time game consisted of students from Belton and Ray-Pec who competed against each other to see who could make the most three point shots. Senior Nathan Wright was the winner of the three point shoot out.

“It was fun going out there.” Wright said. “I beat like five other people, and I was making all of those shots in my short-shorts.”

Belton came back, making the second half even better than their first half. Ray-Pec ultimately scored the last two points, but in the end the game went to to Lady Pirates, with the final score of 18 – 15.

Shrum said that she loves playing in the game against the Lady Panthers.

“It’s just so much fun,” Shrum said. “I really like the way that all the girls can be so competitive, but still play hard with a good attitude. That’s what makes it a good game, but winning is good, too.”

As another half time game ended, the mens basketball teams from both schools stretched to get ready. Belton men came out looking flashy in their purple and silver striped warm ups.

The first half was a constant battle between the two teams. Points were being made one right after the other from both schools, but both teams held up a good fight. Despite the dunk made by Dallas Lybarger of Ray-Pec, Belton once again had the tight lead 23-22.

Both teams held their fists up and continued to fight just as hard as they did in the first half. With most of the points being made from rebound and free throw shots, the closer it got towards the end of the game, the closer the score got.

Within the last few seconds, Ray-Pec was ahead by three points, but not for long. With an amazing effort coming from Belton, Zak Elgin stole the ball and made a killer three point shot, on top of the twenty-one points already scored from him. The three points tied the game, resulting in a four minute overtime, and the Pirates proved victorious with the final score of 54-48.

The debris field, estimated to be about 2000 miles long and 1000 miles wide. Most of the debris is predicted to combine and remain in the North Pacific “garbage patch”.

Scientists from the University of Hawaii have estimated that the remainder of the junk could reach the shores of Hawaii by early 2013 before it continues onto the west coast. Although smaller items such as fiberglass boats, shoes and gloves are predicted to start washing up on the British Colombia shore in a matter of days.

Places estimated to be hit by the debris are the coasts of Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Canada.

Belton High School recently welcomed nine new teachers in various subjects to Belton. These new teachers not only vary in subject but also in the degrees that they earned and their teaching background.

Biology Teacher and Cheerleading Coach Sarah Bunse came to Belton originally from St. Louis. It’s Bunse’s first year teaching and she said she loves that everyone she’s met “has been incredibly nice and helpful.”

“I’m just a big old nerd who loves science.” Bunse said.

Math Teacher Erica Gerteisen came to Belton from Grain Valley. She went to Graceland University and it’s her first year teaching.

“I really like the sense of community in all the students at Belton.” Gerteisen said.

English Teacher Djana Trofimoff said she grew up as an army brat, spending grades 7-12 in Germany. Trofimoff taught at colleges and universities for seven years part time and taught high school for six years before coming to Belton.

“I was really impressed by the faculty,” Trofimoff said, “from what I have seen everyone really wants the students to learn.”

English Teacher Jourdan Holmes said she became a teacher because she appreciated impact her teachers in school had on her.

“I choose the Belton School District because I heard really positive things.” Holmes said.

Math Teacher Rebecca Jarred said she always wanted to be a teacher and that she felt “high school was a critical time in young peoples lives and I hoped I could be a good influence in those times.”

“Belton is filled with very caring people.” Jarred said.

History Teacher Bret Kassen said he likes the challenge of making each lesson relevant for his students, and developing basic academic skills, discipline, and critical thinking that will serve them throughout their lives.

“I want to make a positive impact on young people,” Kassen said, “and to pass along many of the lessons that I was so fortunate to receive from my teachers.”

Passage House Teacher Whitney Loe graduated from the University of Central Missouri. Loe said she loves that everyone seems involved in all activities at the high school and in the community.

“I love helping students reach their potential and allowing them experiences that they may otherwise never receive,” Loe said, “I also find it fun and challenging all at the same time when that ‘lightbulb’ finally clicks and a concept makes sense.”

The new additions to the Belton teaching staff were welcomed by Belton and say they hope to have a great 2011-2012 school year.

Senior Austin Curnutt said he thinks the band is ready for the light show.

“We’ve been working hard for this and we haven’t been able to do it before because we weren’t well prepared, but we were this time,” Curnutt said.

Each member had 12 light sticks on their body, making a total of over 1000 light sticks all together. Even though the stadium lights were off, the light sticks were glowing and showing the positions of the marching band members, and instead of just a regular halftime show, they showed a trance and dance of light and sound, moving in time.

The marching band went through so much tape that they bought out Target of all of its tape. It takes a lot of tape to hold on over 1000 light sticks to the entire marching band, especially when that tape has to surround the entire limb it is on.

The light show showed itself a great success, judging by the sheer amount of people who stayed after the football game ended. Word had gotten out and people said they were interested in what the band had to show. The thunderous roar of applause showed the audience’s appreciation of the band’s hard work.