winters high school whs homecoming court, pg. 14 the gale ...€¦ · briefly highlight your point...
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VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 1
NOVEMBER 14, 2014
W i n t e r s H i g h S c h o o l
The Gale
For years the
Winters Exes Associ-
ation has selected a
Coming Home Queen
to be honored in half
time ceremonies dur-
ing the Homecoming
football game. How-
ever, there has never
been a Coming Home
King recognized in
the school’s history, until
this year.
Charles Bahlman, a
WHS graduate from the
class of 1964, has been an
active community mem-
ber, serving on the Win-
ters Area Business and
Industrial Corporation
Board of Directors, Lions
Club, Chamber of Com-
merce Board of Directors,
Appraisal District Board
and Texas Midwest Com-
munity Network. He was
escorted by his son Chris
Bahlman, a WHS 1989
graduate, and his oldest
granddaughter Christa
Bahlman, a senior at Win-
ters High School.
This was a particular-
ly interesting experience
because not only was Mr.
Bahlman the first Coming
Home King, but the date
of the Winters’ Blizzard
Highlights ...
WHS Homecoming Court, pg. 14
National Honor Society, pg. 5
Cheerleaders & UIL, pg. 7
New Teachers, pg. 11
Courtesy Corps, pg. 8
Color Guard & Band, pgs. 8-9
Blizzard Mascot, pg. 14
WHS exes crown first-ever Coming Home King
Inside this issue:
WHS Distinguished Alumni 3
Class Officers 4
Sports Highlights 6
WINTERS beats Ballinger 7
FFA & 4-H 9
Wheels of the Week 10
OAP & Theatre Arts 12
VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 14, 2014
See HOMECOMING COURT, pg. 14
2014 Winters High School
Homecoming Queen Ashley Guy
& Homecoming King Ty Cortez.
(photo by JT Photography)
2014 Winters Coming Home King Charles Bahlman
escorted by his son Chris Bahlman (WHS ’89) and
granddaughter, senior Christa Bahlman. (photo by JT Photography)
WHS Homecoming Royalty—
by Christa Bahlman
2014 District 6-2A Football Champions
See pg. 6, more play-off news next issue of The Gale...
See KING, pg. 12
Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 1
summer, she commuted
back and forth from Win-
ters to Houston for treat-
ments at MD Anderson all
summer long. With the
treatment, gas, and food
costs, her family accumu-
lated significant bills. In honor
of the elementary teacher,
Fran Kidwell organized a ben-
efit luncheon, which was held
in the school cafeteria.
On October 26, 2014 a
benefit was held in honor
of Karen Mills who fell
ill with cancer of the
tongue, throat, and lymph
nodes at the end of last
school year. During the
Spaghetti luncheon raises money for Karen Mills
Counselor plus... wisd.org High School Counselor’s Corner
Resources
*ACT website: http://www.actstudent.org - always sign up for the ACT plus writing portion to this assessment
*SAT website: http://www.collegeboard.org - no subject tests - SAT assessment only
*Apply Texas website:
http://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX
*Resource for applying to colleges:
College Application Checklist & Cappex.com
*Resource for applying to colleges: go to Zinch.com/webinar
*Resource for applying to colleges: TexasCollegeandCareer.org
*College Search: www.cappex.com
*http://www.collegeforalltexans.com
Scholarships
*College Scholarship opportunities per college: www.cappex.com
Templeton Press is sponsoring an essay contest. There are no special requirements - http://lawsoflifecontest.com
http://lawsoflifecontest.com/ - Templeton Press is offering scholarship from $1000 to $5000 for a response to a quote
either in written or video form.
San Angelo Area Foundation Scholarship- www.saafound.org
The American Legion Scholarship and Financial aid information- www.legion.org/needalift
www.scholarships4students.com/all-ink_com_college_scholarship_program.html- scholarship database
www.free-4u.com - scholarship database
www.cksf.org - awards scholarships to student through internet-based quiz competitions. No essay writing/long applica-
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The following students have been accepted into college:
Jennifer Rios:Hardin-Simmons University,
Lubbock and Abilene Christian Universities
Ethan Bredemeyer: Texas A&M
Jordan Hamrick:Texas A&M
Lukas Kraatz: Texas Tech University
Jake Brock: Texas Tech University
Gabby Reyes: Angelo State University
Rudy Lara: Angelo State University
Elisabeth Wenzel: Angelo State University
Athena Mata: South Plains College
& Houston Community College
Sierra Ellis: University of Colorado
Kimble Bridgeman: University of Kentucky,
Texas State University
….I wish I would've known
that Junior year was the hardest
year of high school. It's when
everyone starts going their own
ways in school, college courses
start up, you start thinking
about college, NHS, and life…
….I wish I would've known to
ask questions…it's totally ac-
ceptable. Chances are some-
body else has the exact same
question. There are NO stupid
questions.
….I wish I would've known
that hard work really does pay
off.
DATES-TO-REMEMBER
November 14-End of 2nd Six Weeks
November 17-EARLY RELEASE
FFA- District LDE (Cisco)
Start of 3rd Six Weeks
November 22- FFA- Area LDE
November 26-28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
December 1- EOC- ELAR 1- Retake
FFA- Big Country District Banquet (Eula HS)
December 2- EOC- Algebra 1 & History Retake
December 3-EOC-ELAR 2 Retake
December 4– EARLY RELEASE E/JH UIL Meet
December 5– ALL Make-Up EOC Retakes
December 9- FFA Meetings
December 13 & 14-NHS Retreat
December 19-End of 3rd Six Weeks/Semester
Hints ‘n tips from
SENIOR Lips
Q...When is the best time to do
laundry at college?
A...The weekends or late at
night are a good time to do
laundry. But most college stu-
dents have found it's better to do
laundry on Sunday afternoons.
There are washers and dryers in
the residence halls. Or, you
might find another student who
would do other student’s laun-
dry as a side job, for a fee.
Q...How many classes do I
take, per semester, my fresh-
man year of college?
A...To be considered a full-time
student, you must take a mini-
mum of 12 hours or more.
However, you might want to
take 15 hours just in case you
decide to drop a class.
You must understand that if
you take a minimum of 12
hours and you have to drop a
class…you won't be considered
a full time student. This would
affect your financial aid status,
so consider that when you sign
up for classes.
LIFE...IT HAPPENS! by Ashley Guy
by K’Lee Lindley
Graduation
Countdown
196 days
See MILLS, pg. 12
updated by Jennifer Rios
Page 3
Student Council is a student leader-
ship organization which governs the
Winters High School student body.
The organization helps promote school
spirit and pride, assists with fundrais-
ers and offer students the opportunity
to be involved in the community.
"Student council is a great organiza-
tion to be in-
volved with, es-
pecially if you
want to partici-
pate in communi-
ty service. I en-
courage people to
join,” said WHS
President Maggy
Mendoza. Other
officers include:
Vice-President
Gabby Reyes,
Secretary Nina
Mooney, Treas-
urer Brooklyn Gallaway, Historian
Shelby Stokes, and Parliamentarian
Justine Garcia.
Student council has already had a
busy year , organizing several events in
the first three months. WHS StuCo
started off the first week of school with
the Golden Game held August 28 at
Ram Stadium in San Angleo. Partner-
ing with Christoval High School that
night, over $900 was raised for child-
hood cancer research. On September 5
WHS collected money to be donated to
the Taylor Bowman and Ashley Virden
scholarship funds for Ballinger High
School.
At every home Friday night football
game student council members sell
football programs, and on Friday
mornings, sell cheekers. That money
was used to reward elementary stu-
dents with prizes for the best poster
contest during Red Ribbon Week.
WHS StuCo initiates several service projects to start school year by Brooklyn Gallaway
See STUCO, pg. 4
Winters ISD and the Winters
Alumni Association created an
award honoring two worthy WHS
Alumni, in 2013. The purpose of the
award is to recognize and honor for-
mer outstanding WHS graduates for
their contributions and achieve-
ments. During 2014 WHS Home-
coming festivities, WISD honored
Dr. Melba F. Lewis and JoRay De
La Cruz.
Dr. Melba F. Lewis grew up in
the Drasco community just outside
of Winters. She is now an otolaryn-
gologist (ear, nose and throat sur-
geon) in Austin, Texas. She’s been
listed as one of Austin Magazine’s
Top Doctors of 2013.
Graduating from Winters High
School in 1969. Lewis attended Rice
University, where she studied Eng-
lish literature and biology until grad-
uating in 1973. While continuing to
work in the clinical and research
labs of the Texas Medical Center
and Baylor College of Medicine, she
studied cell and molecular biology
at the University of Texas Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences.
There she published and presented
papers in the areas of molecular bi-
ology, virology, and cancer, in re-
search journals and at national meet-
ings.
Lewis went to dental school at
Case Western Reserve University in
Cleveland, OH and returned to Tex-
as where she attended medical
school at Texas A&M College of
Medicine in Temple, Texas. In
Distinguished alumni honored at 2014
Winters HS Homecoming ceremonies by Karl Fink
2014 Winters HS Distinguished Alumni
are JoRay De La Cruz and Dr. Melba
Lewis. (photo by JT Photography)
See ALUMNI, pg. 12
The Gale is brought to you by the Sophomore & Senior GT/H English classes and the WHS Glacier Staff.
Raquel Nunez, Vicki Madrid & J.T. Ortiz (photo by Victoria Sanchez)
Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 1
WHS students elect 2014-15 class officers
Red Ribbon Week is a national
campaign for drug prevention educa-
tion, and was celebrated October 27-
31. In addition to the elementary color-
ing contest, the school was decorated
with red balloons and ribbons on all
three campuses and StuCo sponsored
spirit themes each day to facilitate
awareness.
The Hunger Games Food Drive
has started again this year and will
benefit the Winters Food Pantry, just
in time for the holidays. Two
"tributes" from each grade will be
selected through votes of canned or
non-perishable foods. Tributes will
steal each other's flags throughout
the contest, but classmates may sup-
port them by bringing even more
canned food to keep them alive.
StuCo sponsored a sign painting
contest between classes during
Homecoming and promoted school
spirit.
STUCO continued
by Desiree Wilson
FRESHMEN officers are Chris Diaz, Meagan
Jacob, Macey Gerhart and Joey Garcia.
SOPHOMORE CLASS officers are Kamri Soto,
Grace Bryan, Desiree Wilson and Brooklyn
Gallaway.
SENIOR CLASS officers are Kimble Bridgeman, Lukas
Kraatz, Rudy Lara and Maggy Mendoza.
(photos by Ashley Guy)
JUNIOR CLASS officers are Jonathan Sand-
oval, Brady Calcote, Magan Ballard and Sam-
uel Reyes.
This past six weeks,
the Winters ISD High
School classes each voted
for their class officers.
These officers consist of a
president, vice-president,
treasurer and a secretary.
Class officers are deter-
mined by voting of fellow
classmates on written bal-
lots.
The 2014-2015 fresh-
man class officers are
President Macey Gerhart,
Vice-President Chris Di-
az, Secretary Joey Garcia,
and Treasurer Meagan
Jacob. Sophomore class
officers are President
Grace Bryan, Vice-
President Desiree Wilson,
Secretary Kamri Soto, and
Treasurer Brooklyn Gall-
away.
Junior class officers
include President Jona-
than Sandoval, Vice-
President Magan Ballard,
Secretary Brady Calcote
and Treasurer Samuel
Reyes. Officers for the
senior class are President
Kimble Bridgeman, Vice-
President Lukas Kraatz,
Secretary Maggy Mendo-
za, and Treasurer Rudy
Lara.
Page 5 The Gale
The National Honor Society chapter at
Winters High School held their induction
ceremony on October 6, 2014 in the
WHS Auditorium. Five new members
were welcomed including: senior Elisa-
beth Wenzel and juniors Jonathan Sando-
val, Brady Calcote and Daniel Gerhart.
Junior Magan Ballard had been inducted
into NHS her freshman year in Ingram,
Texas and was welcomed to the Winters
NHS chapter on the day of their induc-
tion.
Officers for the 2014-15 school year
were installed by NHS Advisor Mandie
England. These officers include seniors:
President Lukas Kraatz, Vice-President
Kimble Bridgeman, Secretary Ethan
Bredemeyer, Treasurer Rudy Lara and
Retreat Chairperson Ashley Guy. Other
senior members include: Taylor Hooper,
Ty Cortez, Adreanna Lopez, Jennifer
Rios, Jordan Hamrick, and Christian
Tamez. There are now a total of 16
members in the Winters NHS chapter.
NHS has participated in the Fall Car-
nival that was held on November 1 with
three booths including a 3-point basket-
(a new, more advanced Lego Mind
storm kit.) Other than using the NXT
Mind storm programs, it is a lot more
confusing and advanced than in the
past.
The problem this year is called
“Food Frenzy,” and the robotics teams
have to move PVC pipes and waffle-
style balls, or practice golf balls. The
only issue with that is the waffle balls
cannot touch the game mat. The whole
point of “Food Frenzy” is to complete
the tasks on the challenge field. There
Each fall, Monte Angel, junior
high science teacher, seeks out mem-
bers for his robotics team. And with
new teams come new problems for
them to solve. Each robotics team
comes up with their own solution for
solving the problems to collect as
many points as possible within two
minutes.
It may seem really easy but, it is a
lot harder than expected, especially
with the new EV3 brains and program
are six major tasks that the teams
can perform. Not all the tasks have
to be performed, but they have to
follow the rules in order to gain
points.
The first competition was
Monday and was a successful prac-
tice contest for the high school
teams. Students were able to visit
with college students from Howard
College and participate in various
activities including flight simulation.
National Honor Society inducts new members, installs 2014-15 officers
ball shoot, washer throw, and a
Yeti fundraiser booth. The NHS
retreat is planned for the week-
end of December 13 at the Mil-
ler Ranch Retreat, located in the
northeast corner of Runnels
County. Any profit for NHS will
be used to pay for fabric for
Blankets for Blizzards and the
retreat.
Blankets for Blizzards is a
NHS tradition where members
make blankets which are later
donated to children in Winters
Elementary School. These blan-
kets are made by hand by NHS
members at the retreat. When
they aren’t busy making blan-
kets at the retreat members and
advisors partake in different ac-
tivities planned by the officers.
2014-15 NHS members are (back, L-R): Jordan Hamrick, Rudy Lara, Lukas Kraatz, Kimble
Bridgeman, Daniel Gerhart, Brady Calcote, Ethan Bredemeyer, Taylor Hooper, and Christian
Tamez, (front) Ty Cortez, Magan Ballard, Ashley Guy, Adreanna Lopez, Elisabeth Wenzel, Jen-
nifer Rios and Jonathan Sandoval. (photo by Victoria Sanchez)
by Lukas Kraatz
by Lizzy Ortiz
Winters will play the winner of
the Bi-District showdown
between Baird & Munday
this Friday night.
The Blizzards are scheduled
to play Friday evening,
Nov. 21 at 7:30 PM
Food Frenzy is theme for Robotics competition
FOOTBALL PLAY-OFFS
Page 6 Volume 1, Issue 1
Every two years, the University Interscholastic League
(UIL) realigns all public schools in Texas for academic and
athletic competitions. This year is unique in that the UIL
has added conference “6A” and has renamed the “six-man”
conference to class “1A.” These additions have made al-
most every school change classification.
Winters, with 149 students enrolled in high school, has
moved from 1A to 2A. In football, Winters changed from
Division 1 to Division 2. The new football district for the
Blizzards consists of Bronte, Menard, Miles, Roby, and
Roscoe Collegiate. The new basketball, cross country,
One Act Play, track, tennis and academic spring contest
districts will consist of Albany, Anson, Hamlin, Haskell,
Hawley, Roscoe Collegiate, and Stamford. In baseball,
the Blizzards will compete against Cross Plains,
Goldthwaite, May, Miles, San Saba, and Sidney for the
District glove. Softball will see new faces as they play
Hermeleigh, Loraine, Roby, Rotan, and Trent. These
new realignment districts will be for the 2014-2015 and
2015-2016 seasons.
opener. The Blizzards went on to
defeat Roscoe 32-15. Going into the
third district game 2-0, Winters felt
the momentum and proved it by
beating Bronte, 46-13. On Senior
Night, the Blizzards tallied their
fourth district win, defeating Miles,
48-20.
The district cross-country meet
was held on October 21, 2014 in
Hamlin. The cross-country team
placed as follows: Kimble Bridgeman-
22nd; Athena Mata-27th; Lisette Caril-
lo-28th; Baily Knight-32nd; Brenna
Knight-42nd; K’Lee Lindley-46th and
Brooklynn Anderson-48th.
The Lady Blizzards opened their
basketball season last Saturday with a
scrimmage at Irion County and a game
against Roby on Tuesday. The com-
plete basketball schedule can be found
on the Winters ISD website.
The Winters Blizzard football
team captured a district champion-
ship with a 41-7 win over Menard
last Friday. The district champs have
earned a bye in week one of the play-
offs.
The Blizzards finished the 2014
preseason with a 4-1 record prior to a
good district run. Winters defeated
the Roby Lions 47-0 in the district
Sports-at-a-Glance...
WHS realigned by UIL, now 2A school by Ethan Bredemeyer
by Jordan Hamrick
Blizzards named District football champs; WHS runners finish with district meet
The Blizzards take the field with Texas pride. (photo by JT Photography)
Blizzard cross-country runners (l-r) Lisette Carillo,
Brooklynn Anderson, Athena Mata and Kimble Bridge-
man. (photo by Meredith Caffey)
WHS realigned by UIL, now 2A school
Page 7 The Gale
Based on new
UIL standards, cheer-
leading is a high school
sport. Time constraints
for this sport are now
being monitored with
rules sanctioned by the
University Interscho-
lastic League.
As of June 10,
2014, the UIL voted to
approve a one year
pilot program for a
"Game Day Cheer"
competition.
Most impactful for
the WHS cheerleaders
and Winters communi-
ty is that practices are
now limited to eight
hours per week and the
squad can participate
in only two events
from Monday morning
to the end of school on
Fridays. Starting in the
2015-2016 school year, game day cheer-
ing will be a sporting event just like other
middle and
high
school ath-
letic sports and will include state champi-
onship competition.
“The move to UIL for the cheerleaders,
will take some getting use to by us and the
Cheerleaders now governed by UIL
Runnels County
Rivalry—
43 years…
First time since
1971, Winters
Blizzards defeat
the Ballinger
Bearcats.
by Christy Kruse
Jake Brock and Julian Soto take down the Bearcat
running back in the Runnels County Rivalry. (photos by JT Photography)
The scoreboard speaks for itself;
BLIZZARDS WIN over Ballinger.
Cheerleaders are (l-r) Brenna Knight, Brenna Edwards, Brooklyn Gallaway, Jessica Roman, Ashley Guy,
PINK OUT T-shirt fundraiser recipient Karen Mills, Gabby Reyes, mascot Baily Knight, Bailee Busher,
Christy Kruse and K’Lee Lindley. (photo by Magan Ballard)
community,” said WHS cheerleader sponsor
Beth Wortham. “We are limited on hours and
events during the
week. We may not
be able to partici-
pate in some of the events we have been in-
volved in, in the past. Now we will have to
choose wisely to make sure we represent the
school and community in various activities.”
Winters beats Ballinger, 27-7
“We are limited on hours and events during the week.”
Page 8 Volume 1, Issue 1
The color guard is not only a visu-
al addition to the Pride of West Tex-
as Marching Band; it is a challenging
extra-curricular activity. The Winters
Blizzard Band’s color guard twirl
flags and sabers and incorporate
dancing, to add dimension to the mu-
sic played by the marching band.
The WHS color guard is com-
prised of eight girls who had to try-
out for the positions. Prior to try-
outs, the color guard had to learn the
basics of flag work and then put that
knowledge to use to learn a routine.
Following try-outs summer band be-
gan in early August for the 2014-
2015 school year, consisting of a
week of two 4-hour practices each
day.
During this time, the color guard
learned three routines to
accompany the band’s
performance of Why Can’t
We Be Friends, He Ain't
Heavy He's My Brother,
and Leaving on a Jet
Plane. Each day since
summer band, the color
guard has practiced with
the Blizzard Band in addi-
tion to Tuesday night
practices.
On Saturday, October
4, 2014 the hard work of
every color guard member
was evident on the field at
the San Angelo Marching Festival.
They were awarded the Best 2A
Auxiliary in competition. Since
then, the color guard has performed
at UIL Marching Contest in Early,
pep rallies and at halftime of every
football game.
This year’s color guard includes:
Adreanna Lopez, Nina Mooney, Alexis
Walker, Lizzy Ortiz, Marissa Gray, Chel-
sea Gray, Michaela Rodriguez and Elisa-
beth Wenzel.
Color Guard earns Best 2A Auxiliary
at San Angelo Marching Festival
the Courtesy Corps holds the doors
open because it benefits all citizens
who show up to pep rallies and are
being surrounded by students.”
Fellow parent and frequent pep
rally attendee, Aracely Jimenez,
says, “The students opening the
doors is very beneficial because it
makes entering the pep rally much
more organized and it is nice because
they show other citizens where to
sit.”
A subgroup of the Courtesy
Corps, called The Big Blue Flag
Crew, has begun carrying the colos-
sal WHS flags purchased by the
Winters Athletic Booster Club.
Corps founder Cheryl Kruse has
The Winters High School Cour-
tesy Corps is an organization that
was created to increase student in-
volvement, particularly with stu-
dents who might not otherwise par-
ticipate in extra-curriculars.
Membership into the Courtesy
Corp is open to any student who
possesses the values the Corps was
founded on. The group’s main focus
is to create a welcoming environ-
ment at Winters ISD through being
helpful, friendly, and courteous.
The Corps is seen during pep rallies
as they help guide and greet people
as they enter and exit the Special
Events Center.
Wendy Cortez, a WHS faculty
member said, “It is very nice when
by Elisabeth Wenzel
by Christian Tamez
Courtesy Corps a welcome student investment at Winters ISD
See CORPS, pg. 13
Big Blue Flag Crew members
David Torres, Kamri Soto and
Brady Calcote. (photo by JT Photography)
The Winters High School Band has
been practicing since a week before the
start of the school year, during band
class and Tuesday evenings. On October
18, 2014 the Blizzard Band performed
in Early for District UIL Marching Band
competition.
Though the group earned an overall
II rating, Phillip Mooney, WHS Band
Director spoke highly of the band.
“They worked very hard to prepare their
show and did an excellent job at the
competition. Seeing how diligently our
Page 9 The Gale
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
and 4-H are Americas largest youth or-
ganizations and offer students a number
of leadership, service and skills building
opportunities year-round. Both Winters
programs are open to all ages and are
active at the community, county and
state levels.
These organizations offer numerous
competitions and events in addition to
community service and involvement.
Livestock exhibition, judging competi-
tions, leadership events, photography,
public speaking events, food challenges,
and much more are offered. There’s
likely to be an opportunity for nearly
every student interest between the two
organizations.
Winters was the first FFA chapter in
Texas is proud to hold the oldest FFA
charter in the state. The WHS program
is led by Agricultural Science Teacher
Shelby Miller. The 2014-15 WHS FFA
officers are: Ethan Bredemeyer, Presi-
dent; Macey Gerhart, Vice-President,;
Brendan Mikeska, Secretary; Sam
Woodall, Treasurer; Bailee Busher, Sen-
tinel; Brenna Edwards, Reporter;
Ashley Guy, Parliamentarian; Scott
Lange, Historian; and Baily Knight,
Chaplain.
The local FFA program has quali-
fied for the state competition for the
past four years in livestock judging
and also qualified for state competi-
tion in entomology judging last year.
On October 25, Winters FFA mem-
bers competed at the Texas State
University Leadership Development
Event Contest in San Marcos. Jace
Young was seventh in Junior Creed
speaking while Sonya Vasquez fin-
ished 13th. Brooklyn Gallaway
placed 10th in Senior Creed speak-
ing and Gwendalynn Walker was
12th. Karl Fink, Jace Young and
Efren Rodriguez placed ninth in Ra-
dio Broadcasting.
On November 4 the teams com-
peted at Tarleton State University
who hosted over 1,800 FFA mem-
bers on campus. Sonya Vasquez was
10th in Junior Creed Speaking while
Jace Young followed in 14th.
Brooklyn Gallaway placed ninth in
Senior Creed Speaking and Gwen-
dalynn Walker finished in 18th place.
Ethan Bredemeyer, Karl Fink and
Jace Young placed ninth in Radio
Broadcasting.
4-H is coordinated by Extension
Agents and local volunteers. Officers
for the Winters 4-H Club are: Presi-
dent, Sam Woodall; Vice-President,
Macey Gerhart; First Treasurer,
Ethan Bredemeyer; Second Treasur-
er, Brooklynn Anderson; Secretary,
Seth Gerhart; and Historian Megan
Tarr.
The Runnels County 4-H group
has earned prestigious honors this
past year. The Leaders For Life
Team, which is a parliamentary pro-
cedure team, won state and will be
competing at Nationals in Denver.
WHS senior Ethan Bredemeyer is a
member of the county team which
travels to Colorado in January.
Future Farmers of America & 4-H—
Pride of West Texas entertains with marching precision
Leadership opportunities available to Winters
youth through national Ag based organizations by Sam Woodall
by Sean Mooney
See BAND, pg. 13 The Pride of West Texas, Marching Blizzard Band performs at the San An-
gelo Marching Festival in October. (photo by Mandy Mostad)
See FFA & 4-H, pg. 12
Page 10 Volume 1, Issue 1
The Bluff Creek Cow-
boy Church has organized
their first Youth Ranch Ro-
deo Team composed of six
Winters ISD students. The
team will compete against
other churches to win buck-
les for the best time in sort-
ing, team penning, mugging
and branding events.
There are four age divi-
sions that compete at the
Bluff Creek Cowboy
Church Youth Ranch Ro-
deo including six & under,
10 & under, a junior divi-
sion, and 18 & under.
Those participating in the
youth ranch rodeo from
Winters ISD are freshmen
Jace Young, Brenna
Knight, Baily Knight and
Efren Rodriguez, junior
high students Taylor Gray
and Colton King and ele-
mentary student Emmitt
Rodriguez.
Bluff Creek youth organize ranch rodeo team
Winters High School Wheels of the Week by Rudy Lara
OWNED & OPERATED by BRADY CALCOTE Q...What kind of vehicle do you have? A...2005 Chevrolet 6.6L Duramax 2500
Q...Where did you get your truck? A…Lawrence Hall, Abilene, TX
Q...The most memorable moment in your truck is...? A...When I first had my sound system installed.
Q…How much would you sell your truck for? A...I wouldn’t sell it.
Q...What are your future plans for your truck? A...My future plans would include getting a Banks Big Hoss power bundle installed.
Q...If you could change one thing about your “wheels” what would it be? A...If I could change one thing, I would change the rear view mirrors.
WHS Wheels of the Week owned by Brady Calcote
2005 Chevrolet 6.6L Duramax 2500
by Efren Rodriguez
(top left)
Jace Young
(top right)
Efren Rodriguez
(bottom)
Baily Knight,
Jace Young
& Brenna Knight
Page 11 The Gale
The 2014-2015 Winters ISD teach-
ing staff is mixed with a lot of new
faces. From the elementary building
to high school, overall there are a total
of 25 new teachers in the school dis-
trict. It gives WISD great pleasure to
welcome so many new staff to be-
come a part of the Blizzard tradition.
HIGH SCHOOL
Valton Acree teaches freshman
English and English Honors as well as
Speech, In addition, he’s the head
boys basketball coach, assistant foot-
ball coach, head tennis coach, and
assistant track coach. Coach Acree
said, "I like it here a lot. It's a nice,
quiet town." This is his 18th year
teaching. He’s taught at several other
schools including Butler High School,
in Augusta, GA, Sevier County High
School, in Sevierville, TN, and in
Texas at Comstock High School,
Muleshoe and Springlake-Earth. He
said his favorite thing about WHS is,
"the kids....every school has its knuck-
le heads...but the vast majority of kids
here are AWESOME!"
Kristen Cowling teaches Special
Education, coaches cross-country, JV
basketball and softball. This is Ms.
Cowling's second year of teaching and
she attended Texas Tech University.
Ms. Cowling said, "I always knew I
had the heart to do something with
special needs children, so being in a
school was the perfect job."
Krystina Hunt teaches Account-
ing, Business Law, Career Prep, and
Money Matters. This is Ms. Hunt's
first official year teaching. She spent
some time as a student teacher before
instructing Career Prep, Math Models,
BIM and Dollars and Sense. Ms. Hunt
went to Angelo State University to
earn a Bachelor degree in Business
Management and Hardin-Simmons
University to earn her teaching certifi-
cate. She said, "I'm a firm believer
that people should feel comfortable
and at home wherever they are. When
I got to Winters for my job interview, I
had that feeling; I knew that this was
where I wanted to work."
Shelby Miller teaches a Welding/
Shop course, Livestock Production,
Horticulture, Advanced Animal Sci-
ence and Principles of Agriculture.
This is also Mrs. Miller's first year of
official teaching. She was a student
teacher at East Central, a 5A high
school in San Antonio, where she
taught Floral Design, Principles of Ag-
riculture, Food Tech and Woodwork-
ing. She graduated from Tarleton State
University and said, "They were
known for their great Ag Ed program.
While other schools graduated five to
15 Ag teachers, I graduated with a
whopping 30 Ag teachers!" When
asked what her favorite thing is about
WISD, she replied, "I think there are
too many things, I can't choose just
one. The faculty is great to work with,
the administration is so supportive of
the Ag program and getting the chance
to know my kids and their parents is
not something teachers in every dis-
trict have the opportunity to do."
Joshua Smith teaches IPC and
monitors dual credit courses. This is
Mr. Smith's first year teaching. He was
a student teacher at Glenn Middle
School where he taught sixth grade
science. He attended Angelo State
University. He teaches science because
he finds it interesting. "Science is dy-
namic and is always changing, that is
less true for most other subjects,” he
said.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Matt Awalt teaches sixth and sev-
enth grade English Language Arts and
sixth grade Reading. Mr. Awalt earned
a BA in Creative Writing from the
University of North Texas. He is com-
pleting his certification while teaching
through the PACT program affiliated
with Tarleton State University. Fun
trivia to know...he is the grandson of
Jerry and Leslie Awalt, who have been
teachers at WISD for many years.
Maxx Hill teaches sixth and eighth
grade Math. Coach Hill graduated from
Tarleton State University and this is his
first year to teach. "I really just enjoy
the whole aspect of teaching and
coaching, and helping people im-
prove,” he said. Coach Hill really
wanted to become a Blizzard to get the
chance to work with WHS Athletic
Director Coach Stan Caffey.
Chad McDuffee teaches eighth
grade science, health and seventh and
eighth grade ARI. He is also assistant
football, track and field, and off –
season coach. This is Coach
McDuffee's first year as a teacher of
record and his second overall. He took
college online at the American Military
University. He spent last year as a long
term substitute in Ballinger. Coach
McDuffee said he liked Winters better
than he would have ever thought in the
beginning. He said, "I have taken to
being called a traitor as a source of
pride. I feel like this is a good fit for
me and I think I look GREAT in blue!”
Brent Rider teaches sixth and sev-
enth grade Social Studies and sixth
grade PE. He is also the defensive co-
ordinator for varsity football, assistant
varsity basketball coach, head golf
coach and head track coach. Coach
Rider received a degree in Exercise &
Sports Science along with his teaching
certificate from Texas State University.
He taught sixth and seventh grade So-
cial Studies and coached high school
football, basketball, tennis and track at
Springlake-Earth ISD. This is his
fourth year of teaching.
Winters Secondary welcomes several new teachers by Kamri Soto
CONGRATULATIONS
BLIZZARDS!
DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!!
GOOD LUCK in the PLAY-OFFS!
MILLS continued
Bredemeyer was also a member of the Livestock Judging
Team which placed sixth at state this past year. In recent
district 4-H competition, freshman Macey Gerhart competed
on the Runnels County Nutrition Quiz Bowl Team which
placed fourth, and is alternate to state competition.
Both the FFA and 4-H award millions of dollars in schol-arships to hundreds of students every year. Each organiza-
tion is actively seeking members. Check with fellow stu-
dents and local officers to find out how you can join .
year and three plays will advance from district competi-
tion instead of only two.
Both the theatre arts and One Act Play troupe traveled
to San Angelo on October 3 to watch Angelo Civic Thea-
ter’s production of Dearly Departed. Students took this
opportunity to see the play live and critique the perfor-
mance. Students were able to see a different group’s in-
terpretation of the play and were introduced to a theatrical
production with set design and music used in ACT’s pro-
duction.
While the theatre class is not actually performing
Dearly Departed, they are compiling a music log, work-
ing on set design and creating a prop list for One Act
Play’s production. The class is also working on costum-
ing, lights, and sound. They’ve also studied the origin and
history of theater, theatrical vocabulary, and practiced
improvisational acting through charades and Guesstures,
to become comfortable acting in front of others. Mrs.
Pritchard hopes to attend another live production with the
class in December.
It’s curtain call for Winters High School thespian stu-
dents, as theatre arts class is back in the curriculum and One
Act Play is starting up three months earlier than usual.
One Act Play will perform Dearly Departed, a comedy
by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones, about a dysfunctional
family’s struggle to put aside their problems long enough to
bury the patriarch of the family. Mrs. Pritchard plans to cast
all parts by Thanksgiving and hopes to be on stage for prac-
tice as early as late December. Students are to have their
lines memorized by the start of January, preparing for full
stage practice as soon as students are back from Christmas
break.
Winters is in a new UIL district this year and Pritchard is
looking forward to the move. “We have been in a district for
the past six years where regional and state contenders have
advanced from our zone,” said Pritchard. “It’s been great
competition, but some really good schools (Winters includ-
ed) have been left at home simply due to the depth of talent
in our zone.
“We look forward to heading back northeast for a change of
scenery.” In addition, some UIL rules have changed this
Winters HS Thespians gearing up for UIL
spring performance of Dearly Departed by Grace Bryan
Homecoming Game, just so happened to fall on the date
of the class of 1964’s 50th school reunion.
Mr. Bahlman said “It was an honor to represent the
class of 1964, just as much so, as it was to be the first
ever Coming Home King in the history of the Winters
Blizzards’ Coming Home tradition.”
1999, she opened her own practice, while also participating
in Austin Smiles, a group that administers surgery and an-
esthesia in third world countries.
JoRay De La Cruz, son of Jose and Nadine De La Cruz,
graduated from Winters High School in 1974. After gradu-
ation, JoRay attended Sul Ross State University and later
transferred to Southwest Texas (now Texas State) and then
to The University of Texas School of Allied Health Scienc-
es in Houston.
He graduated from The University of Texas with a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing with an anesthesia empha-
sis and did his residency in Pittsburgh Westmorland
/Latrobe School of Anesthesia, where he graduated and
successfully took the national anesthesia board exams.
From 1985-2001, he was also associated with Austin
Smiles. He is a veteran from the United States Army Re-
serves, where he became 1st lieutenant. His greatest accom-
plishments are his children who are all currently in college.
The fundraiser took donations for a plate, which con-
sisted of spaghetti, green beans, salad, garlic bread, de-
sert and your choice of tea or water. There were 75 auc-
tion items. The auction, along with the benefit, brought
in $6,400. The benefit served 300 people; the auction
had almost as many bidders.
Fran Kidwell was very pleased with all the members
of the community that came out to support Karen by ei-
ther serving, or eating at the benefit. Mrs.Kidwell says,
“A huge thank you to all the kids that worked and the
cafeteria ladies that helped out, as well as everyone else,
they really went above and beyond and we couldn’t do it
without them.”
FFA & 4-H continued
KING continued
ALUMNI continued
Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 1
students have practiced and how our seniors leave great im-
pressions on our newest players, I believe our band will al-
ways be one of the best in the state.”
This is a non-advancing year for the band but they still
competed diligently to bring together an entertaining perfor-
mance. The have performed at pep rallies and high school
football halftimes, captivating crowds with their marching
presentations.
This band has “done their school and community proud”
by representing this small West Texas town with spirit and
talent.
BLIZZARD PRIDE...Let it show! BAND, continued
CORPS, continued
received tremendous support regarding the Big Blue Flag
Crew. “I have had many compliments regarding how they
look and how they inspire the crowd to be more spirited.”
In addition, the Corps participated in the Veteran’s Day
Celebration by escorting guests to their seats and to and from
their cars. Prior to the ceremony the Corps helped serve
breakfast to Winters’ veterans. Kruse hopes the organization
will become more involved in future events.
The Courtesy Corps was patterned after a group Mrs.
Kruse had seen called the FFA (Future Farmers of America)
Courtesy Corps. Kruse says, "I created the Courtesy Corps at
Winters High School to assist others and because I enjoy
making people feel welcome to school events."
The Gale Page 13
Hunting is big business and vi-
tal to the economy of Runnels
County. Several Winters High
School students enjoy the sport of
hunting as a favorite pastime.
Whether a shoot-
ing sport or by
bow, fall and
winter hunting
seasons are upon
us. Turkey, deer
and quail are
now all in-
season.
All of the
planning and
setting of feeders,
trail cameras and the positioning of
deer blinds will hopefully pay off
for Winters ISD students. Though
the hunt to bag that one big buck
has begun, it is important to re-
member to follow the Texas State
Parks and Wildlife's regulations on
hunting.
The State of Texas requires all
hunters born on or after September
2, 1971, to successfully complete a
hunter education course. Check
with local law enforcement offi-
cials to find out where and how to
register for a course.
If you hunt by yourself be sure
to have your hunter’s safety educa-
tion course certification with you.
Make sure not to hunt illegally,
which is considered poaching.
Gamesmen may not hunt deer at
night and must possess a hunting
license.
Deer and turkey season are open
from November 1 – January 4. This
fall, Winters experienced one of
the best dove seasons in a decade.
A two week winter dove season opens from December 19-January
7. Quail season opened October 25
and runs through February 22.
contest among the students to find a
name; the winner would win $2.50.
There was a teacher named Myrtle Bar-
ber, who had a brother named Truett,
who was a student at Winters. They
were eating their sack lunches (since
there was not a cafe-
teria at that time)
and Myrtle said, “I
think it would be nice and sounds good
too, if we were the
Winters Blizzards!”
Truett jumped up
and ran to the office
to turn in the Bliz-
zard name. He won
the contest and the
$2.50.
The article was
written from the memory of Ray Young
who was there while the discussion took
place. Thanks to Myrtle and her broth-
er, Winters boasts one of the most
unique mascots in the state of Texas.
Through the years, alumni have con-
tinued the “winter” theme. The fight
song is sung to the tune of “Winter
Wonderland,” the yearbook is named
the Glacier, and the school newspaper
is The Gale.
by Nina Mooney
Aimee Green
Safety Education
course required
All youth hunters—
by Scott Lange
WHS Homecoming Court—
Ty Cortez, Maggy Mendoza, Taylor Hooper, Ashley Guy, Lukas Kraatz, Gabby Reyes,
Stephon Cleghorn, Nina Mooney & Rudy Lara (photo by JT Photography)
Mascots are the backbone for school
spirit. All across the country, schools
are associated with their namesake.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, ad-
ministrator or community member, we
all call ourselves the Winters Blizzards.
When you are at a pep
rally or football game
and the cheerleaders are
leading a yell like, “We
Are the Blizzards”, we
all join in...BUT do we
know how we became
the Blizzards?
I have been a Bliz-
zard since I was four-
years-old and I can re-
member asking my
mom, “why are we the
Blizzards?” She couldn’t
answer then and until recently, neither
could anyone else. That is, until WHS
alum and local businessman Randall
Conner, returned my email with an arti-
cle from an old issue of The Winters
Enterprise.
The article was titled “Blizzard
Name Chosen in 1924” and talks about
a time, 90 years ago, when Winters’
school athletic teams decided they need-
ed a name. It was decided to hold a
Blizzards—How did WHS name its mascot ?
Page 14 Volume 1, Issue 1