DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 DUE TO POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER

May 7, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 DUE TO POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER

May 7, 2024
By:

Smithville Select, the reigning champion of the Fiddlers Jamboree Youth Square Dancing competition, is set to dazzle audiences at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Led by Mary Ann Puckett, this talented youth square dance team will share the stage with the Opry Square Dancers and some of country music’s biggest stars.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, at 7:00 PM at the Opry House. The lineup for the evening includes performances from Jason Crabb, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill, Chapel Hart, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

The journey to the Grand Ole Opry began when Smithville Select clinched the Youth Square Dancing Title at last year’s Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival. The team has been rehearsing diligently, blending traditional square dance moves with a modern twist to create an unforgettable show.

“Performing at the Grand Ole Opry is a dream come true,” says Mary Ann Puckett, the team’s leader. “Our dancers have poured their hearts into every step, and we’re ready to showcase our talent on this legendary stage.”

Tickets for the Grand Ole Opry show is selling fast, starting at $53.00. Fans can experience the magic of country music history by securing their seats now. For those seeking an exclusive backstage experience, the VIP package offers a private tour of backstage, a warm welcome from one of the night’s performers, premium lounge access, and more.

Join Smithville Select as they make their mark on the Grand Ole Opry stage, proving that square dancing is alive and well in Tennessee. The 53rd Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Craft Festival will be held July 5th – 6th, 2024. For more information, visit smithvillejamboree.com Ticket and Opry information can be found at Country Music’s Biggest Stage | Opry.

May 7, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Almost every year at least one or more seniors at DCHS completes the credits necessary to earn an Associate degree from Motlow State Community College just as they are finishing up their high school studies in preparation for graduation.

Such is the case this year for Alex Antoniak, son of Sean and Jessica Antoniak, who can now proudly call himself a college graduate while he awaits his high school diploma which will be presented to him Friday night, May 10 during the commencement for the Class of 2024 at DCHS starting at 7 p.m. on the football field.

Through Motlow College’s dual enrollment program, high school students like Antoniak can earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. Students can take classes on a Motlow College campus, online, or even at a partner high school like DCHS.

According to the Motlow website, Dual Enrollment participation requirements are as follows:

• 3.0 High School GPA (2.5 GPA for CTE courses, such as Mechatronics) and a 3.0 GPA in a student’s high school classes in the subject area they wish to take collegiate classes, or ACT subscores of 18 English, 19 Reading, 19 Math

• “Homeschool students must have qualifying ACT scores (must have a composite of 21 or higher to get two free classes in a semester). If a homeschooled student doesn’t have an ACT composite of 21 or higher, he/she may receive more than one grant in a single semester if he/she has maintained a B average after the completion of at least two collegiate courses”.

Some high schools may have more stringent eligibility requirements

In a recent prepared question and answer interview with WJLE, Antoniak talked about his high school and dual enrollment experiences

Q: Have you already received your Associate of Science degree from Motlow?

“As of May 6th, I have an Associate degree in Computer Science from Motlow. The ceremony was held Monday night at MTSU, but I did not attend,” said Antoniak

Q: How long have you been working toward the degree through the dual enrollment program at DCHS?

“In 7th grade, I was given the ability to take high school Algebra. In 8th grade, I took freshman English, Biology, and Geometry classes. Because I had such a head start on high school courses, I was able to begin working toward my Associate degree as a freshman”.

Q: Were your college courses taken online?

“Other than Calculus I, which I took on campus, all my courses were online”.

Q: Was dual enrollment challenging since you have been so active at DCHS with academics and sports?

“Trying to balance basketball and dual enrollment did present some challenges. However, because I was able to spread the courses out over four years, I was not overwhelmed with schoolwork during basketball season”.

Q: How does it feel to have earned your degree at Motlow before being awarded your high school diploma, which will come Friday night, May 10?

“It is a great feeling to earn my degree from Motlow before my peers and I receive our high school diploma on Friday. I am proud to say that I have taken complete advantage of my opportunity to get a head start on post-secondary education,” Antoniak explained

Q: What are your plans after high school?

“I plan to further my college education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I will be pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering”.

Q: Would you recommend dual enrollment to others trying to decide their future?

“I would recommend dual enrollment to others trying to decide their future. It is a great opportunity to get ahead and prepare yourself for the next level of education”.

Q: Have you enjoyed your high school experience at DCHS?

“I have enjoyed my years at DCHS. I played basketball all four years and was a member of the Beta club my senior year. My favorite memories are playing Mario Super Sluggers on the Wii when we had our work done and being named Athlete of the Week after missing a dunk attempt on Senior Night. I will definitely miss the friends and countless memories that I have made here,” said Antoniak.