Northern Elementary Staff members take time to pose for a portrait before the A"CAT"emy Awards show on April 7. Pictured above l-r front row: Physical Education Teacher, Angela Hedenberg, 2nd grade teacher, Jamie Turner and School Social Worker, Sherry Wirth. Second row l-r: Technology Specialists, Bonnie Bonar, Special Education teacher, Karen Crozier, Computer Lab, Tina Grogan, Assistant Principal, Janet Stahl, Instructional Assistant, Tori Pugh, Custodian, Phyllis Mason, Instructional Assistant, Debbie Nelson and Principal, Darrell Pugh. Third row l-r: Music teacher, Amber Ailstock, 1950s-1960s Hollywood Movie Star, Marilyn Monroe and Art teacher, Buffy Houchens. Photo by Bridget MaGee.

Northern Elementary holds A"CAT"emy Awards show

By Roger McKinney

Northern Elementary held an A"CAT"emy Awards show on the afternoon of Friday, April 7, 2006. Golden trophies were presented to the students, who were "Star Performers" in last year's testing. Also honored were Northern Student of the Year, Jennifer Owen, Certified Employee of the Year, Shelley Odor and Classified Employee of the Year, Sherry Dewald. The red carpet event served as a glamorous and spectacular introduction to the 2006 CTBS/CATS testing, which began the following week.

Staff members were dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos. There was an actual red carpet that was employed as a walkway for the 2005 Star Test Takers. Marilyn Monroe made a special appearance from the "Here-After" in order to attend the show. Event participants were interviewed and the paparazzi were everywhere snapping photos. As the students entered the gymnasium the Pendleton County High School Band played the theme song from "Rocky". The Blan Cows entertained the students with wildly-rocking percussion performances. Miss Kentucky Beauty Pageant Contestant Kasey Bishop delighted everyone with her rendition of the popular country song "Suds in a Bucket". Northern Elementary Principal Darell Pugh promised the students that, if they as a group scored an 85 on this years testing, then as their reward he would wear a tutu and dance ballet to music from the "Nutcracker".

Everyone had a great time at the A"CAT"emy Awards and all the students were excited about the possibility of becoming "Star Performers" in this year's testing.

The following students received "Star Performer Trophies" for their achievements in 2005 testing: 4th Graders- Alysia Holtz, Lillian Murray, Morgan Bay, Kaylin Coleman, Sean Flynn, Julia Holland, Adam Koeninger, Meredith Shoemaker, Eli Stahl, Madison Steele, Samuel Turner, Ethan Baird, Christian Baxter, Kari Combs, Barbara Gales, Mahayla Spegal, Chelsea Brossart, Cytha Buck, Alex Gaines and Ricky Mayes. 5th Grade Reading-Mariah Moore and Jennifer Owen. 5th Grade Science-Brandi Bray, Jennifer Owen, Lance Fisher, Shawn Kornblum, Mariah Moore and Dakota Pettit. 5th Grade Writing-Jennifer Owen, Brandi Bray and Austin Flaugher.

Kasey Bishop performed "Suds in a Bucket". Photo by Bridget Magee.

Northern's Certified Employee, Student and Classified Employee of the Year, l-r, Shelley Odor, Jennifer Owen and Sherry Dewald. Photo by Bridget Magee.

The Blan Cows also performed at the A"Cat"emy Awards. Photo by Bridget Magee.