What is Valentine’s Day to you?

Spirit Week & FBLA

Hoco Candidates & DECA

History of Homecoming

BarkerBites

Wrestling

Boys & GirlsBasketball

Pgs. 2-3

Pg. 4

Pg. 5

Pgs. 6-7

Pg. 8

Pg. 9

Pgs. 10-11

Vol 80 Issue 7

The contributors of the Sikeston R-6 schools now have a way to leave a long-lasting impression in our commu-nity through a commemorative brick fund raiser by the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation. “We have been trying to come up with something unique for a few years now,” Lauren DeWitt, executive director of the SPS Foundation, said, “We have been looking for another fundraiser that would help with our want to grow the Foundation.” After looking at what other foun-dations, such as the YMCA of Southeast Missouri and local Boy Scouts have done, the SPS Foundation’s Board of Directors decided to do the brick paver fundraiser. This project is something in which every-one can participate. “This is something that we can put in place that will make a difference as well as last forever. It stays in Sikeston as well as at the school,” DeWitt said. A contribution of $100 for a 4x8-inch brick or $250 for an 8x8-inch brick entitles individuals or businesses to have recognition on a brick paver in the “Bulldog Walk of Honor,” which will be in front of Sikeston High School. These bricks will be placed in front of Sikeston High School’s A building and the path will be from the driveway toward Pine

Street. The money raised will go-ing back into the R-6 classrooms. The deadline for the first round of laser en-graved brick orders is March 10, and the project is expected to be in place this summer. “When the new school year begins in the fall, the bricks will be in place,” DeWitt said. “With this project, there is room for growth,” Dewitt said, “It can build upon itself with many op-tions for the walkway.” The laser engraved bricks are thought to be good gifts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and even graduations or memorials; the reasons for buying one are endless. Order forms are available via a link on the Foundations website and Facebook

page. “We will also be sending out a bulk mailing to Sikeston alumni as well as out to many sponsors,” DeWitt said. DeWitt will have a table set up at the remaining Sikeston High School home basketball games where forms to purchase a brick will be available. “It’s something that will last for-ever,” DeWitt said, “It’s a way to put your name in Sikeston history and help the current students and faculty in the district build a foundation so we can continue to provide the services we provide.” The SPS Foundation Fund raiser is open to all; this event will immensely help our school district and it is encour-aged that many participate in order to support our schools. Order forms are also available at any Sikeston R-6 school.

Abby R. VaughtReporter

Photo courtesy of Standard Democrat

Bricks for Bulldogs 200 Pine Sikeston, MO February 10, 2017

What’s Inside:

Sikeston Public Schools Foundation members gaze over what the new fundraiser bricks will look like.

The

BARKERBulldog

Jennifer L. HodgkissAdvisor

Steve BaysPrincipal

Staff

Editorial Board

Reporters

Annie M. LancasterCo-Editor

Maxwell C. AultSports Co-Editor

Colton S. GaddisSports Co-Editor

Alison S. EnaxStudent Life Editor

Jackson R. ClayDistribution Manager

Riley G. CantrellReporter

Joshua B. StinnettReporter

Abby R. VaughtReporter

Kylie D. NoeReporter

Brylie E. NoeReporter

The policy of the Sikeston Senior High Bulldog Barker, a school-sponsored publication, is to cover issues that concern its students and the world around them and to promote a learning environ-ment that encourages an exchange of ideas. In this way the Bulldog Barker strives to involve Sikeston High School’s rich resources of students, faculty, and administrators.

2 Editorial

What Valentine’s Day really is Valentine’s Day. An annual holiday that brings to mind the thought of hearts, roses, and chocolates. It has the reputation of being a day to bring romance into one’s life, but is that how it really is for everyone? It is widely expected from loved ones that on Valentine’s Day gifts such as a dozen red roses or a box of assorted choco-lates be given to one another as a token of their love. Romantic dates are planned and expensive gifts are given, but is it really the gift that matters? To many, Valentine’s Day is sim-ply another normal day. No grand romantic gestures are made, and no presents are pre-sented to them. They simply go about their daily routine as usual, whether it be because they have no significant other or they simply do not view Valentine’s Day as something to celebrate. To others, the holiday is an excuse

Photo courtesy of Google images

Luke N. BlantonCo-Editor

to get together with friends and scarf down three gallons of ice cream while simply talk-ing about life. This can be quite common for those who have suffered from heartbreak on Valentine’s Day. We must remember that this holiday is not always joyful for all. For some couples, Valentine’s Day is not always as romantic as it may appear. Some couples may plan a lovely, evening date to cel-ebrate the holiday. While other couples may simply enjoy the night together by watching television and baking cookies. No matter who you are or what your relationship status is, Valentine’s Day means something different to all of us. Our different views of the holiday are neither positive nor negative, they are simply diverse. What mat-ters is that we take the time on any day of the year to appreciate of all of the people we love. Valentine’s Day does not need to be the one day of the year that we take the time to do lovely things for those whom we love. Whether it be your boyfriend, your best friend, or your little sister, we should treat our loved ones with special care every day of the year.

The Bulldog Barker

February 10, 2017

Will T. GarnerReporter

Annie M. LancasterCo-Editor

Amber L. DukesReporter

February 10, 2017 Student Opinion 3

What is Valentine’s Day to you?“Valentine’s Day means you get to eat candy all day long. I like it when I have a boyfriend. It’s fun when you have someone to spend it with, but without them it’s pointless.”

“It means to be in love with somebody and cherish them and love them for-ever.”

“Valentine’s Day is really about spending time with the ones you love. I get to go to my boyfriend’s bas-ketball game this year.”

“Well Valentine’s Day really does count because it’s the day to express your love and feel-ings toward your partner.”

“I think it’s really fun and I love seeing all the couples pictures on Instagram. This year I’ll be babysitting on Valentine’s Day.”

“I don’t really have any opin-ions about Valentine’s Day. It’s annoying when people overdo it though.”

- Nikki Shananaquet

- Demarco Smith

- Aalyia Fobbs

- Antonio Johnson

- Emily Braden

- William Richmond

February 10, 2017Student Life4

We got Spirit how ‘bout you Spirit week has been a Sikeston tradi-tion for well over 30 years, and will be a tradi-tion for many more. Sikeston participates in Spirit week every year during the week of homecoming. In Spirit week the student council picks a topic for every day of that week. The goal is usually to make things pretty fun and interesting leading into Homecoming which is on that Friday. This year on Monday, we participated in Pajama day, this makes things really fun for students but also for teachers, school is a lot more comfortable. On Tuesday it was Twin day. You find one of your good friends and you both dress like each other. Wednesday was Wilderness day, you wear anything you would wear if you went on a camping trip, camo, boots, even bin-oculars if you wanted. Yesterday was a little bit

of a crazy day. You wear anything you want you just are not supposed to match. And of course, today is Red and Black day, to show our school spirit, on game day and the day of Homecoming, students need to wear as much red and black as they possibly can. “Spirit Week is the best way to show pride in your school.” Said student council mem-ber Amber Dukes ‘18. School pride is much appreciated at Sikeston and we have a lot of it. Spirit week is important because students have a few chances to dress up and be fun rather than dress like they normally do. It also let’s students focus on having a little fun while in the class-room and while walking to class. It is a fun com-petition as well to see which graduating class dresses up the most for each Spirit day of the week. This year our Spirit week was creative and fun and the students did an outstanding job in participating in every the categories.

Business and Brains On Thursday, February 2, members of Sikeston FBLA club competed at their district competition at the SEMO Campus. The mem-bers of the club competed in overall 40 different events with 30 students excelling and moving on to the Missouri State Competition. 2 members also were announced as district officers, them being Ella Crader ‘19 as District Parliamentarian, and Roge Modicue ‘18, who is also the Sikeston FBLA Club President. “Being elected as a district officer was a dream come true. It has been my dream since freshman year and having support from all of the officers and Ms. Davault is what helped me get there,” Roge Modicue said. Sikeston FBLA members competed

in a variety of several events, such as objective testing that is online, presentations that were pre-pared before the big day and role plays, which are where you are taking the role of a job are asked to do something with that particular event. The club took detailed precautions and made sure their members were confident and ready be-fore the big event. “This year in FBLA, our members competed in so many competitive events, with many of them being new to the organization as well. To study for the competition, we gave the members study guides and went over every de-tail with them for that particular event. If they had a role play, we gave them links to videos of past competitors to show them how their event will go,” Modicue said. 30 Sikeston students will excel and move on to the Missouri FBLA State Compe-tition that will be held in Springfield, Missouri during April 2-4.

Riley G. CantrellReporter

Amber L. DukesReporter

Photo by Google ImagesThe official Missouri FBLA logo.

Photo by Riley CantrellSikeston sophomores pose for a picture on Pajama day.

5Student LifeFebruary 10, 2017

Homecoming Candidates Congratulations to our 2017 Winter Homecoming Queen candidates: Cana Bles, Aalyia Fobbs, Kayla Graham, Betsy McConnell, and Zayteanna Williams. The Barker Staff in-terviewed the candidates to find out more about them. How did you feel when you found out you were nominated?ZW: “I was surprised and felt lucky because this is a new experience for me.”KG: “I was honestly shocked, I never thought I’d be nominated.”AF: “When I found out I was nominated for queen I was very excited and felt loved.” Why do you think you should be cho-sen as Homecoming Queen?BM: “If I happened to win, that would be a bo-nus, but the other girls are just as qualified as I am!”

CB: “I feel like I represent what SHS is all about! I can’t imagine spending four years of high school anywhere else. I love cheering on the Bulldogs and would be honored to be the Winter Homecoming Queen! What is your favorite part about SHS?ZW: “My favorite part would have to be the staff. They’re involved in everything we do here and believe in every student.”AF: “My favorite part about SHS would be the whole coaching staff because they are all so sweet and loving. Also the entire Sikeston fan base because of all the support they show for our sports and activities.”KG: “Red Peppers, they rock.” What advice would you give to future homecoming queens?CB: “Don’t complain about having to dress up. Take everything in stride because your time at SHS is almost over.”KG: “Have fun and go all out for spirit week.”

Sikeston dominates DECA Once again, Sikeston High School com-peted at the local DECA competition. Sikeston brought around 60 students to the competitions and 40 of the contestants are headed to DECA State on March 12th. 20 male and 20 female participants made it to state with 25 of those people taking first in their category. DECA is a business competition that helps prepare young people for the business world. You, and possibly a partner, do a role play to show your readiness for the world. A role play generally puts the par-ticipant into a scenario and they are asked what they would do to fix the situation. For instance, the people in the Hospitaly Services event had to decide how to ramp up sales for thiier hotel. After the role play, the participants then take a test to examine their vocabulary and deci-

sion making skills. The 100 question test usu-ally takes students about and hour and is the main decider of who gets to go to state. The test scores and the role play scores are combined tot see who wins the event. There are a multitude of events and the people that take 1st and second in each event get to head to state. “I love DECA because it means I get to wear nice clothes and compete in events with my best friends.’ Olivia Nash ‘18 said Olivia competed with Morgan Poindex-ter ‘17 and took first in her event. DECA districts was held at SEMO’s campus in Cape Girardeau on Feburary7th. The event lasted from 9 am to 2 p.m. and was a lot of fun according to contes-tants. Most of the kids in DECA really enjoyed competing in DECA and they take a great pride in succeeding. To be able to compete at DECA, you have to be in a marketing class at the school. After that, it’s easy to compete and very fun to do well.

Kylie D. NoeReporter

Luke N. BlantonCo-Editor

Mckenzie Worth ‘17 and Betsy Mcconell ‘17 pose after qualifying for DECA State.

Pictured above are your homecoming candidates: Aalyia Fobbs, Betsy McConnell, Kayla Graham, and Zayteanna

Williams. Not pictured is Cana Bles.

Photo courtesy of Betsy Mcconnell

February 10, 2017 Feature 7

Brylie R. NoeFeature Editor

How homecoming came to be Dances such as prom and home-coming are traditions at schools across the world. These celebrations have been around for over 100 years, and any per-son you ask is bound to have a positive memory about their experiences at school dances. And while certain aspects of them - such as finding the perfect dress and taking good pictures - are universal, you might stop to wonder how exactly home-coming came to be. Surprisingly, the first ever home-coming was not that far away from where we are now. The University of Missouri is often credited for hosting the first ever homecoming event, all the way back in 1911. At the time, football was in a bit of a decline. The Athletic Director of Mizzou, Chester Brewer, proposed a big event for an upcoming game against their greatest rival, the University of Kansas. This event was meant to drum up school spirit as well as invite old alumni to return for the game. This act of alumni “coming home” to cheer for their alma mater is how we got the term homecoming. It isn’t hard to figure out that the event quickly became a staple at Mizzou, and other colleges followed suit. People began to host tailgating parties before the game and going out to celebrate af-

ter, no matter if they won or lose. Eventu-ally these traditions trickled down to high schools across the country. High school students are credited with inventing the illustrious Homecom-ing King and Queen in the 1930s, in or-der to get the student body more involved with the game and the dance afterwards. The election of the King and Queen has re-mained as probably the most well-known, if a bit cliche, aspect of the homecoming dance. Most towns even held parades for the winners, although this expensive tra-dition has since tapered off. Though things like homecoming and prom are as natural to us as Spirit Week or our class schedules, it wasn’t al-ways this way. You have to admit it may seem strange to an outsider: you watch a game, then immediately go and get dressed up, only to come back to school to dance in a crowded cafeteria. But home-coming is an important tradition around the US, one that’s over a century old. And though some parts of homecoming have changed since then, the best and most important part of it has stayed the same. This part, of course, is that homecoming is meant to a community activity that ev-eryone can enjoy; I think we can agree it fits the bill.

All pictures courtesy of Google Images

February 10, 2017 8

Barker Bites: News Will T. GarnerReporter

The Migos released their album Culture and so far it has been a huge hit. Reaching NO. 1 on the Billboards selling 131,000 albums in the first week, 77,000; of the albums being bought from streaming. Culture is Migos first album to reach NO. 1 Their last album Young Rich Nation peaked at NO. 17 on the board. Culture’s most played song is “Bad and Bou-jee” featuring lil Uzi Vert. “Bad and Boujee” was released earlier In the year and had 181,376,078 views on YouTube and is the number 1 song in the country. Other hits included T-shirt, “Brown Paper Bag,” and “Kelly Price.” It is easy to say that the trio from Atlanta has done it again and that Culture is the best album that they have ever made. Culture is a great album to kick off music for 2017, and I’m ready to see what’s next.

Many people love the Su-per Bowl and watching the game, but for the people who don’t like football have other things to enjoy. The halftime show this year was preformed by Lady Gaga and many people were excited of the thought of her doing it. Others were con-cerned she would go on stage and talk about president Donald Trump or the ban on immigrants but when the show started she did nether. Gaga started the show being on top of the NRG stadium singing “God Bless America” while drones in the background that were lit up formed different shapes one being the American flag. After singing on the roof she jumped into the stadium being brought down by a harness after that she sang many different new and old songs equaling for a good halftime show.

When you think of February you think of snow and cold weather not tornadoes. On Tuesday, February 7, a half dozen deadly tornadoes touched down in New Orleans. The tornado was on the eastern part of New Orleans and the towns in the eastern side there were dozens of people reported being injured and thousands with out power go-ing through there damage homes trying to Find any remains. The tornado damaged many neighbor-hoods that were affected by hur-ricane Katrina almost 5 years ago and even damaged the NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility; one of the largest manufacturer plants in the world for building space crafts. The tornados were such a tragedy and we hope that everyone gets help.

Most of us have seen the video on the internet of the girl on Dr. Phil that is arguing with her mother and with the audience. During the interview she said something that caught the atten-tion of everyone “cash me outside, how ‘bout dat?” This phrase ended up being very popular and the face of a meme. After watching the video one might think this girl is crazy or something is wrong with her, but many don’t know her background. 13-year-old Dani-elle Peskowitz Bregoli, the girl in the video, has had a rough life growing up without a dad, and her mother not being around. While many might think she is not be the best kid now, it is sad to say she is being bullied on social media. I believe people should give her a break.

Migos How bou datLI Halftime NOLA

February 10, 2017 Sports 9

Take down stateJackson R. Clay

Distribution Manager

As the wrestling season winds down, the varsity wrestling team will travel to Farmington to compete tonight and tomorrow for a chance at the District Title. Whoever places at districts will have the opportunity to go to Columbia to compete in State Competitions. There will be fifteen teams competing with Sikeston at the tournament. A few of those teams are Cape Central, Desoto, Farmington, Festus, Hillsboro, and North County. Last year, nine people placed at Districts and advanced to state. This year, the team hopes to have the same success that they had last year. For the senior wrestlers, this will be their last shot at the District Title. The seniors are Josh Stinnett, Colton Gaddis, Luke Blanton, Mustafa Johnson, Justus Faulkner, and Michael Porter. “It is extremely nerve racking knowing it’s going to be our last rides as seniors, but at the same time, it is motivating. I’m ready to go and see how things play out. We have put in the work and now all we can do is let it fly,” said Josh Stinnett. Districts start at 6 p.m. Friday Night.

Photo courtesy of Standard DemocratSikeston’s Luke Blanton begins a match with New Madrid’s Darren Duckworth.

photo courtesy of Standard DemocratSikeston’s Josh Stinnett pins Desoto’s Logan Smith

photo courtesy of Standard Democrat Sikeston’s Colton Gaddis gets caught in an arm bar by a Desoto wrestler.

Upcoming EventsDistricts: 2/10-2/11

State Competition: 2/16-2/18

February 10, 2017Sports10

Veterans for the Winand shot 7-8 from the floor. Tolton held the Bull-dogs close in the first quarter until the Bulldogs picked up the pace. Going on a 14-3 point run with four minutes left in the 1st quarter. Tolton (11-9) did not have a player in double figures and shot 16 for 67 from the floor which includes 5 for 37 from 3-point range. Tolton did not have a single player have double digits in points scored for the complete game. Tolton stats for the game: Jonny Berndt 5, Isaiah Wilson 5, Connor Ashton 2, Nick Beck-ett 7, Lael Haile 3, Beau Washer 7, Matt Boyer 4, Robert Hunter 5. FG 16 FT 1-2 F 12. (3-pointers: Berndt 1, Wilson 1, Beckett 1, Haile 1, Washer 1. Fouled out: none.) Sikeston stats for the game:Trey Jen-kins 12, Payton Howard 18, Fred Thatch 26, Jason Moore 6, Kevin Jones 8, Jaquan Ray 1, Clark Steward 3, Elgin Moore 4. FG 31 FT 6-10

F 9. (3-pointers: Howard 4, Thatch 2, Moore 2, Jones 2. Fouled out: none.) The Bulldogs are now setting their sights on Cape Central. These two district op-ponents are going to face off on Friday, Febru-ary 10th. If Sikeston wins the will have secured the 1 seed for the district playoff tournament. The seeds will be released around a week from Friday and the tournament braket will be made. Districts are going to be held in St. Genevieve. Over the last 10 years Sikeston basket-ball program has won more games than any oth-er program in Missouri. Greg Holifield has put most of this appreciation towards this achieve-ment to the Sikeston’s fan base. “Sikeston has the best fans and facili-ties in the state, because of this we have been able to do the things that we have done,” Will Holifield said. The Bums theme for Friday night against Cape Central, Feb. 4, 2017, will be a costume theme; dress up appropriately.

The Sikeston Basketball team is grind-ing to the end of their season and preparing for the playoffs. The team will be aiming high for the last year’s positive season; making it to the final four, but falling short in the semi-final game to Vashon. The latest games played by the Bull-dogs was played against Father Tolton. During the break between the Junior Varsity and Varsity games, a ceremony for Veter-ans was held honoring each member for the war that they served in. The veterans were walked out onto the court escorted by the Bums and Red Pepper officers. Music was sung by the choir and band members. Concluding the ceremony SCTC made a shield for the police department. Capt. Mike Williams accepted the shield along with other members from the department. Sikeston Varsity won against Tolton with a score of 78-38. Fred Thatch ‘18 had his 16th double-double of the season and 46th of his career. Another big factor of this win was Payton Howard ‘20, he had a career high of 18 points

Photo by Chris Pobst

Maxwell C. AultSports Co-Editor

Photo by Chris PobstMilitary veterans and Sikeston’s Department of Public Safety were recognized during

a ceremony Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Sikeston Field House.Beau Washer (23) drives the line in front of Sikeston’s Trey Jenkins (4) and Kevin Jones (23) against Father Tolton Feb. 4,2017.

February 10, 2017 Sports 11

On February 6, the Lady Dogs played the Jackson Indians at Jackson. The girls played well but did not piece it together throughout the entire game. Their coach stated that they worked hard but did not put up the points that they would have liked to in the second and third quarter. Although they are moving in the right direction. The final score to that game was 61-31 Jackson. The girls next game was February 9 vs Scott County Central at Central. The game starts at 6:00 PM and the results were not released as of press time. The Lady Dogs will have three more games after that and then it is time for Districts. They will face Portageville on 2/13, Cape Central on 2/15, and St. Genevieve on 2/22. Districts will go from February 27 through March 3, and the game times will be re-leased at a later date. The girls plan to push and give it their all until the end of the season, and we wish them luck going into Districts and beyond. This is the time where all their hard work will show and they can showcase their skills.

The Sikeston Girls basketball team poses for a team picture

Joshua B. StinnettReporter

Photo courtesy of Sikeston r6’s website

As the 2016-2017 Girls’ basketball season progresses the goal on every ladies’ mind is a District Championship. This season the girls’ team has been handicapped earlier in the season by losing three starters. Their record this year without tournament games is 7-10. Though numerous players stepped up and filled in, the team is finally back into the groove of things and stepping up day by day. The three players that returned are Tyeshia Mitchell ‘17, Kiera Steward’17, and Alexis Boyd ‘17. These girls put a lot of age and leadership back on the court, and that could change the outcome of any game. “One player that has stepped up recently is Tyeshia. She has been a great leader on and off the court and has really been giving it her all lately,” Olivia Nash ‘18 said.

Rainin’ Threes

Colton’s ornerC What began as one of the

most boring Super Bowl games turned out to be quite possibly the greatest championship game ever played. Coming into the second

half of the game Tom Brady and the New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta falcons 28-3. However the Falcons offense stalled out and the Patriots put together a series of successful drives and two point conversions to send the game into overtime. The Patriots won the coin toss and elected to have the ball first. Shortly after they scored on their very first drive and the game was over. Since NFL overtime is decided sudden death style the first team to score a touchdown wins, meaning the Falcons had no chance to score and the game was over. This has upset many fans and the NFL may take a look into how overtime games are decided. No matter how much I hate Tom Brady, he is the greatest playoff quarterback ever. Meanwhile in the NBA the talk of trading Carmelo Anthony has been all the rage. New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson is pushing very hard to try and trade Anthony. The only problem is that Carmelo has a no-trade clause built into his contract and would only waive it if finds his new situ-ation desirable. All of this talk has created a lot of interest-ing scenarios where the All-Star forward lands in the city of Cleveland with Lebron James. The Cavaliers would have to give up a player like Kevin Love, but would that really benefit the Cavs need for another play maker? The Los Angeles Clippers have expressed interest, but for the trade between these teams to work another team may have to enter in on the deal. The Knicks still have some time to reach an agree-ment with another team since the trade deadline is not until February 23.

Colton S. GaddisSports Co-Editor

Tail End

Superbowl LI

Falcon’s Runningback Devonta Freeman dives into the end zone for a touchdown.

Former president George H. W. Bush and his wife head out to enact the coin toss.

Falcon’s Receiver Julio Jones mosses patriots defender for a large gain.

Tom Brady holding up the Lombardi Trophy after his 25 point comback win.

Patriots Receiver Julian Edelman catches a ball spectacularly in the 4th quarter.

All photos courtesy of CNN