Senior Feature: Ryan Parsons

Ryan Parsons is your average high school senior ready to graduate. Many people know him but very few know that he travels on mission trips in his spare time.

Parsons attends Paoli Mennonite Fellowship and he has traveled on eight mission trips. He has always been very active in church activities and missions. He usually works on their roofs while he is there.

Parsons has been to Mississippi seven times to help the less fortunate with their homes. Parsons also traveled to Indianapolis once to help pack food for the local food bank.

“On average, around 15-20 people travel along on the mission trips,” said Parsons.

Parsons enjoys every mission.

“I like to go on missions because it is a good experience and it gives me a chance to meet new people and help the people in need,” said Parsons.

Parson’s motivation for continuing to help people comes from home.

“My family and the people in my church are my main inspiration,” said Parsons.

On his ultimate wish list is a trip to Africa to see the mission work being done there.

“I would like to take a tour, with the food resource bank and see the locals different methods of farming and help them farm because my brother went and he had a great time and learned a lot,” he said.

After graduation he plans to continue his work.

“I like to help people,” said Parsons.

The advice Parsons gives for someone who has never done this kind of work?

“Be open minded and try new things,” said Parsons.

Story by Caitlyn Cornwell; Courtesy Photo

ICP Egg Drop Experiment

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McCracken’s Unforgettable Memories with the Band

Kelsey Gilliatt- McCraken is a girl of multiple talents. While juggling school work, McCraken also participates in marching band. She has been a part of Pride of Paoli for six years, and played the clarinet two before that.

“I enjoy marching band because it’s taught me how to be a leader, nicer person and work well with others,” said McCraken.

According to McCraken, marching band definitely has had its perks; considering over the course of her marching band career, she has been to Lucas Oil Stadium ten times, New York twice and walked in a Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Her favorite part of marching band is the new people from other schools she meets while at competitions. There  is one friend who has been through it all with McCraken. Best friend and classmate Slyvia Coe shares what she thinks.

“Kelsey’s honesty and humor has stuck out to me. She is an amazing leader and knows when to have fun and when to be serious. She leads by example,” said Coe.

During the marching band season, it is clear the audience only views the performance, not what goes on behind the scenes and in preparation. Preparation consists of many hours during the summer, week night practices during the school year, consecutive amounts of push-ups and lap running and long bus rides. McCraken adds to what she has witnessed and personally experienced.

“I have seen people pass out, fight and cry. I’ve gotten sick, overheated and yelled at harshly,” said McCraken.

However, it can get pretty rough. McCraken always has her memories and band acquaintances to bring her back up. These memories include producing their personal band video, sitting in stain causing gum, eating weird food combinations and listening to music while singing and dancing on bus rides.

“Kelsey has some awesome dance moves, no joke,” said Coe.

McCraken will continue to make unforgettable memories but is unsure if she will continue to affiliate with marching band.

“I’ll probably play a little in college, but not in a group or program. As I get older, I feel like I don’t have time for it. Sure, I enjoy it, but it’s not a career path that I’m going for,” said McCraken.

When the school year comes to an end, McCraken will take her new knowledge of music, leadership skills, some dreadful memories and some treasured memories with her.

Story by Caitlyn Cornwell, Photos by Breanna Daughety, Mug by Morgan Dotts

Cheese Gallery: Photo one class

Lily Thompson, Lindsay Rice

Ashley Lindley, Caitlyn Cornwell

Wyatt Weeks, Brandon Kingston

Olivia Becht, Julie Hudelson, Abi Andis

Chloe’ Hodges, Alex Baker

Brittany Patton

PHS students with meaningful tattos

Sophomore Caitlyn Cornwell

 What made you decide on the design of your tattoo?

Well, I always wanted a Christian fish on my foot with the date I was baptized on. Once John passed away, I immediately knew I wanted his name tattooed on me. So, I figured I could put his name, the fish and the date he passed away instead.

Are you happy with the overall look of your tattoo?

At first I was really happy with the way my tattoo turned out, now, I can’t wait to have more added to my tattoo.

Do you plan on getting anymore tattoos in the future?

Yes, the pain of getting a tattoo is honestly addicting. I have so many ideas of new tattoos I want to get. My next tattoo will be my papaw, Doyle Cornwell’s police badge on my heart.

Senior Clay Burnette

What made you decide to get this tattoo?

At the time, a lot of things were going wrong in my life. These struggles left me in a state of desperation. I found myself searching for hope. That is when I became a follower of Christ. It provided me with hope and led me and my family into better days. I got the tattoo about a year later to remember how he helped me.

What does this tattoo symbolize to you personally?

It symbolizes the grace and mercy of God and how no matter who you are or what is going on in your life, the days can always become brighter.

Overall, are you satisfied with the turn out of your tattoo?

Yes, I really enjoy and appreciate the art.

Senior Tasha Tedrow

What does your tattoo symbolize to you?

 It actually has two. One, my brother did it and it was his first “work” on me (only right now). Second, it symbolizes my “sister” Meli. She was my exchange student from Belgium and we were extremely close. She is actually getting one similar in English when she comes. Look for her at graduation, she will be here!

What language is your tattoo written in, also, what does it actually mean?

It’s in French and it’s translated in English to mean “sisters forever.”

How long did it take for your tattoo to be completed?

It took about 20 minutes to complete.

Are you happy with the outcome of your tattoo?

I absolutely love it.

Feature by Brianna Phillips