T he C ougar G rowl Serving Pulaski County High School A Regular Dose of Cougar Pride Friday, April 11, 2025
Courtesy Photo Senior Kendra Eaves and members of her family posed for this photo with members of the Pulaski County School Board at the board meeting. Kendra Eaves Named Senior of the Month By PCPS Pulaski County High School and Pulaski County Public future nursing degree.
in dual enrollment programs like Biology and Health Assist- ing, and dedication to her future healthcare career. Nominators highlighted Ken- dra’s responsibility, resilience, and strategic use of vocational courses, including culinary and medical tracks, leading to her pursuit of a Certified Nursing Assistant certification and a
bined with her positive char- acter, make her an exemplary student and role model. Kendra has been accepted to Radford University and plans to attend in the fall pursuing a career as a labor and delivery nurse. She enjoys cooking in her free time and also works at Fazoli’s.
Her compassion, teamwork, and kindness towards classmates and patients were also praised. “She cares deeply about do- ing the right thing,” noted one nominator. Another emphasized her “exceptional resilience, dedi- cation, and perseverance.” Kendra’s commitment to academics and her future, com-
Schools are pleased to announce Kendra Eaves as Senior of the Month for April. Kendra is the daughter of Kenny Eaves of Dublin. Ken- dra is recognized for her strong work ethic, academic excellence
Tardy Policy Changes Announced By MALIK MARTIN Cougar Growl Staff At our class meetings this Loss of Privileges List, means that you can’t participate in any ex- tracurricular activities like sports and band, or attend any school events such as football games and dances. If you are tardy four more
semester a change to the tardy policy was announced. This change was the addition of lunch detention to the list of punish- ments for being tardy. The reason for changes to the tardy policy is to encourage students to arrive at school and to class on time each day. Students arriving late create disturbances and loss of learning time, which impact the entire class. Cutting down on this lost learning time and distractions allows teachers to more effectively do their jobs. If you get lunch detention, you will have to go to a separate location during lunch where you can’t talk to anyone else. Before the change the one punishment would be getting put on the LOP list for a week after being tardy eight times. Being on the LOP list, or the
times then you will be placed on the LOP list for an additional two weeks. The other punishment is getting placed in the Restor- ative Academy (RA) or In School Suspension (ISS). Getting either means that you’ll have to go to the Cougar Center and learn there in- stead of going to class in the main building. So, what makes a person tardy? According pages 13 through 15 of the PCHS Student Handbook you become tardy when you don’t make it to class within the first five minutes of the bell ringing. Being any later than that is con- sidered skipping. This can be ex- cused if you have a doctor’s note or for any other cause the school deems reasonable.
Choir Shines Brightly at VCDA Assessments
JOIN THE ONE BAG CHALLENGE! See the ad on Page 7 for details on how you can help make a difference in our community AND have a chance to earn a $100 gift card! This is a joint effort with our School Board, School System, and Pulaski County to help make our hometown a better place.
Staff Report The PCHS Choral Department traveled to Patrick Henry High School in Abingdon on Friday, March 28, to participate in the Vir- ginia Choral Director Association’s District Choral Assessment. Both the PCHS Advanced Con- cert Choir and Treble Chorus re- ceived Superior Ratings for their stage performances Superior is the highest rating a music ensemble can receive. If you recognize any of the stu-
dents in the pictures shown, please congratulate them on this outstand- ing accomplishment! Because the band and choir both received Superior ratings at assess- ment, PCHS is now eligible to apply for the Blue Ribbon School Award. This will be the first time since 2019 that PCHS has earned this high distinction. Great things are happening here in the fine arts de- partment at PCHS! The Choir is led by Mrs. Ange- la Talbert. The Band is led by Mr. Kevin Faller.
COUGAR PRIDE Editorial
Friday, April 11, 2025
Page 2
Man On The Street: What would you bring to survive?
Avoid ‘Senioritis’ We’ve all seen it. We all know it’s coming. We also all know there’s not a lot that can be done once it settles in. We are talking about that dreaded physical and mental state that hits the graduating class near the end of the year known as senioritis. The symptoms are clearly visible. It starts with the seniors somewhat detaching themselves from the school setting as they look toward the end of the year. It gets worse as time passes. For some, the mood completely takes them over as they struggle to stay involved and active. The main goal is to get to that night. It’s the night you’ve dreamed about all of your life. You’ll walk across that stage and be done with high school forever. You’ll be able to move on with the next phase of your life and step into young adulthood. That next big step does, however, come with some big responsibilities as well. Students will either enter the work force or prepare for entering college. Some will attempt to do both. A very small portion of the senior class will enter the military. No matter which direction you take after graduation, taking the time now to ensure that you finish on a positive note can make that next big step a little easier. Finish strong and with bridges left unburned. From those of us who have been through it already, we offer the only advice we can give. Enjoy your final moments as a high school student. Enjoy the freedoms you have right now, because even though you will gain some freedoms after you walk off that field for the final time, you will also take on even bigger responsibilities in most cases. Fight against senioritis and finish your time strong. You’ve almost there!
By LEO SCHREIBER Cougar Growl Staff
“A lighter, a rope, and a tent” - Grace Kincaid “My girlfriend, my gel, and my slick back brush” -Ashanti Martin “A word search book, a Shjon, and Shjons highlighters” -Natalie Hinkley
For this week’s man on the street I decided to get a little more creative and went around ask- ing people, “What three items would you take with you in a survival situation?” The answers I received were very interesting and even a bit unexpected.
“A water bottle, a backpack full of food, and a phone.” - Jagger Davis
“A lighter, a compass, and Neil” - Brayden Buckland
I had so much fun asking this question and all the answers that came with it! It surprised me what people were choosing to bring. In my opinion the people bringing others makes a lot of sense because the person they choose to bring can add on items. If I was stuck in this situation I would prob- ably bring my best friend, food, and water.
“A blanket, food, and probably a light” -Azayleah McCormick (Right) “A bag of food, a blanket, and one of my softball bats.” -Brielle Jones (Left)
Stop Bullying: Kindness and Attitude Matter
By JORDAN STAFFORD Cougar Growl Staff
be nice. If you bully someone or be mean to someone, they will think it is ok to bully or be mean to someone. So be nice to someone, so everyone is happy, and you can teach your siblings or a preschool class a good thing. Being a good friend also
Recently in Roanoke, a 10-year-old girl took her own life due to bullying. She felt
The Cougar Growl Re-Established March 28, 2025 A publication of Pulaski County High School. Stories and photos are written and taken by students unless otherwise noted. Mrs. Jennifer Bolling Principal Mr. David Gravely
there was no other way out, and she was desperate to get away from the bullies who tormented her on a daily basis. This is a problem all over the world, and it needs to stop. Kindness is a very important weapon we can use against this. The definition of kindness is being nice to everyone, no mat- ter their gender, race, ethnic- ity, religion, nationality, or any other group they may relate to. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
matters a lot. If you take care of your friends and family, they will respect you, and not disre- spect you. If you don’t take care of them and be mean to them, they will show no respect to you, and you can get into a lot of trouble. Be kind to anyone you meet, no matter what they look like, or how they act towards you. If they bully you, report them. Turn the table on them and treat them with kindness. Kindness is the best solution to any problem that faces you.
Publisher/Editor Student Writers Eden Bowman Selena Compton Leo Schreiber Abigail Davis Brianna Dunn Rayce Fox Hailey Garlick Ryleigh Hill Ryan Mann Nevaeh Newman
Jordan Stafford
Kindness is very important, now more than ever with this bullying problem. Simply put: Be kind to ev- eryone you meet, and don’t be a jerk. Good or bad attitudes are also very con- tagious to people like little kids and your younger siblings, as they look up to you. They fol- low what you do because they think it is the right thing to do. So if you are nice, they will
And if you see someone getting bullied or you are getting bullied yourself, secretly report them. You can tell any teacher or administrator about the issue. It can save you or someone else from getting seriously hurt, mentally or physically. Overall, just be nice to people and don’t be mean or bully someone.
Malik Martin Celia Carrico Jordan Stafford Student Photographers Ainsley Vaughan Allisha Justice Alivia Phillips Camrynn Dobbins Celia Carrico Sarah Simpson Nevaeh Newman Cayden Carter
COUGAR PRIDE Around Campus
Friday, April 11, 2025
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Staff Photos
Students from the PCHS Drama Department posed for this photo before their first presentation last week.
PCHS Drama Presents Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
By BRIANNA DUNN Cougar Growl Staff Pulaski County High School recently had showings of the musical ¨Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.” This is the sec- ond show the theater department has done this year. The theater department has had a busy and exciting year. On December 7, they went to the state competition for their one act play, “‘Tis their nature.” They also did a tribute for Stephen Sondheim, and multiple showings of “Junie B Jones.” Followed by “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,” which the students are very excited about. I spoke with members of the cast and the director. Mr. Rorrer says his experience directing Percy has been a lot of fun, but he’s definitely had a lot of challenges due to snow days and working with students who have never done a show before. “It’s been a very fun and re- warding experience,” he said. His favorite song and scene from Percy is tree on a hill. “The picture we were able to create on stage was amazing.” He says he would recommend theater to anybody who’s looking for something new to try, and it’s a great experience because you get to create a family at school and try new things and just have a lot of fun. Colin Hall played Percy Jack- son in the musical. Colin has been doing theater since he was in fourth grade. His favorite song from the musical is “Good Kid” and his favorite scene is the pro- logue. He says he loves the pro- logue scene because there’s just so much happening and it’s very exciting. “It’s very bittersweet because it’s about to end and I want to continue to do it,” he says. Colin would recommend the-
ater because you can find a new confidence in yourself. Noa Dobbins played Annabeth Chase in Percy Jackson. She has been doing theater since eighth grade. She says her favorite song from Percy is “Drive” or “DOA” and her favorite scene is the statue scene. Noa has also enjoyed her experience in theater. “It’s been pretty good it’s defi- nitely gotten better over the years, and so senior year has by far been my favorite,” she says. Noa would recommend theater because she can always be herself. Jordan English played Grover in Percy Jackson. He has been doing theater since 4th grade. He says his favorite song is “Bring on the monsters.” His experience in theater has been all positive. “It’s been all positive. Obvious- ly, like any activity you’re gonna get into some rough spots, but we overcome that and it just makes us a stronger team,” he says. Jordan would definitely recom- mend theater because it intro- duces you to people with so many differences and experiences. “We can always fit you in any- where with us,” he said. Graci Wimberly played Mrs. Dodds, young Annabeth, and was an Annabeth understudy. Graci has been doing theater since sixth grade. Her favorite song is “Lost” and her favorite scene is “Tree on a hill”. She says her experience in theater has been amazing because people are always so kind to each other and everyone’s like a family. Graci would recommend theater because it’s a great place to just be yourself. Victor Vazquez played Mr. Brunner/Chiron. This is his very first year doing theater. His fa- vorite song is “Good kid”. He says his experience in theater has been amazing. “I love every moment with the theater group,” he said. “They make me really happy and I am
scene is “Bring on the monsters”. She says her experience has been super good. She says it has re- ally shown her more skills about going out into the real world and learning how to work in a team. Kaydence would recommend theater because it’s a place for everyone to find a home and be yourself. “It’s just super fun! If you’re a dramatic person you should come and join the theater,” she added. It’s safe to say that the cast of “Percy Jackson the Lightning Thief” had an incredibly positive experience doing this musical. Be sure to see their next big event coming up in a few weeks! Shrek shows will be on Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m. It will also show Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sun- day, April 27, at 2 p.m.. Tickets will be $5 for Students and Fac- ulty/Staff, $10 for General Admis- sion, and $40 for a weekend show pass.
just so happy to be a part of the group.”. Victor would recommend the- ater because you will meet new people that have different points of views in life and everybody just comes together and have a really good time. Peyton Ratcliffe played Bianca and was the understudy for Sile- na. Peyton has been doing theater since seventh grade. Her favorite song from Percy is “Oracle” and her favorite scene to do is “DOA”. She says her experience in theater has been very good and that it’s a place where she can relieve stress and there’s no bullying in theater. Peyton would recommend theater because its like a huge family. “Everyone is very welcoming and accepting no matter who you are,” she said. Kaydence Connor played Cla- rise and The Oracle. She has been doing theater since third grade. Her favorite song is “Put you in your place” and her favorite
COUGAR PRIDE Sports News
Friday, April 11, 2025
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Staff Photo
The Lady Cougar varsity softball team has started the season of 3-5, but several players have strong stats already. Lady Cougar Softball Stats Strong at Start of Season
By SELENA COMPTON Cougar Growl Staff This week I chose to do a story on the Lady Cougar softball team. Both junior varsity and varsity are doing very well and the season is just getting underway.
Varsity is led by coaches Gary Brightbill, Andy Hall, and Aman- da Dishon, while junior varsity is led by Duane Cox and Julie Gill. The varsity has played a total of eight games so far this season with a win-lose count of three wins and five loses. Their biggest
win was against Fort Chiswell, beating them 21-3. Their top-five best players with the highest hit- ting averages are senior Morgan Vest with .545, junior Addison Puckett with .500, senior Mado- lyn Legg with .500, junior Victo- ria Hale with .474, and last but not least Sarah Ritter .455. The team has a batting aver- age of .363. Varsity has three amazing pitchers on their team, and you might know them! The list starts with Addison Puckett, who has pitched 11.2 innings this season. Next is Sophia Hall, who has pitched 10.1 innings. Mor- gan Vest has pitched 5.0 innings. Altogether, the team has pitched 27.0 innings. The Junior Varsity has played six games with a win loss re- cord of 4-2. Their biggest win so far was against Carroll County, beating them 18-1. Their top-five players with the highest batting averages are freshman Sarah
Simpson with .600, Autumn Chandler with .556, Autumn Cox with .500, Brielle Jones with .500, and rounding them out is Saige Hutton. The team’s batting aver- age is .406. This team has two amazing pitchers. Freshman Camrynn Dobbins has 17 innings pitched; she struck out 27 people and only walked nine. Natalie Hinkley has pitched four innings, striking out four and walking three. She hasn’t pitched much, but when she does she’s unstoppable. Altogether they’ve pitched 21 innings. A fun fact for the JV squad is that a very talented eighth grader, Jazmine Dalton, hit a homerun during their game against Cave Spring and wowed the crowd. These teams of amazing and talented players go out and do what they love most and try to the best of their abilities. Be sure to get out and support them when you can.
Meet Cougar Justus Hash
By Nevaeh Newman Cougar Growl Staff
and Cooper Flagg for basketball. His favorite coach was Rajai Hines. Justus claims that he and Coach Hines had a good bond because he loved the sport. Justus is looking forward to earning records before his high school career is over. His plans after high school are to be a Construction Engineer. His favorite quote: “Go Cougars!”
Justus Hash is an 11th-grade multi-athlete in basketball and track. Justus has played basket- ball since sixth grade and has been involved with track and field since ninth grade. Justus has been encouraged by his family to do these sports. He looks up to Gout Gout for track
The Junior Varsity Lady Cougar softball team has started the season off with a record of 4-2. While the team may be young, several of the players are already making a mark. Led by Coach Duane Cox and Coach Julie Gill, this young squad has continued to show improvement throughout the first part of the season. Junior Varsity Softball Starting Strong
Do you want to be a part of The Cougar Growl staff? If you enjoy writing, taking pictures, or both, see Mr. Gravely in
the TV/Media Production room or when he is out in the school for information on how YOU can become a part of a great team!
COUGAR PRIDE Sports News
Friday, April 11, 2025
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Cougar Soccer Continues to Show Improvement STAFF REPORT Cougar Growl Staff Staff Photo Alexander Flores moves the ball downfield against Radford last week. The Cougar varsity squad sat at 1-2 on the season heading into their game with Cave Spring.
mel said. “We fell just short last week and felt like if we improved in some key areas we’d have a chance at a bet- ter result. Unfortunately, that’s not al- ways how the game goes and we lost 4-2. While the Cougar varsity squad did come up short on the final score, it was closer than that score indicates. “It was 3-2 going into the final 20 minutes of the game, and we tried to push for the tying goal and conceded late again,” Dremmel said. like what I’m seeing so far from our first year players,” he said. “Adjust- ing to being a coach again has been a major learning curve for me, but I think I’m starting to get well- adjusted and forming a trust with the players.” Bragg had previously worked with the Cougar basketball team before taking a long hiatus from coaching. Upon hearing from some of the players that the team was en- tering the season without a coach, Bragg stepped up and volunteered to take the role. When asked how he thought the season was going so far, first-year player Ryan Mann was optimistic. “We’re doing better than I thought we would, considering how much has changed since last season,” he said. “Our new guys are growing and progressing at a high rate, and our returning players are steadily improving as well.” While the season has gotten off to a slow start, it’s certainly hard not to see the upside in a team with so many new and rapidly progressing players, a committed group of returning players willing to help with said progression, and an experienced coach committed to helping his guys in any way that he can.
Mason Covey scored two goals, another free kick and a penalty, both assisted by Sammy Carrasco. “We were right there again, and I know it can be frustrating for the team, but I am proud that they fought until the whistle and are buying into what we are trying to build,” Coach Dremmel added. With the loss, the varsity squad moves to 1-2 with a win over Carroll County and the two losses to Rad- ford.
The Junior Varsity squad also took on the younger Bobcat team. When the two squads met last week, the JV squad won 2-0. They repeated that performance, winning 2-0 again with goals from Isaiah Kilbourne and Tan- ner Warden. That win moves the JV squad to 3-0 on the season with two wins over the Bobcats and a 1-0 win over Carroll County. The Cougars were scheduled to be back in action April 4, when they were to host the Cave Spring Knights.
With only one game last week, the Cougar soccer program hosted a familiar foe in the Radford Bobcats. While they didn’t get a win at the var- sity level they were hoping for, they did show more sparks of improve- ment. “After just playing Radford last week, the team was ready for the re- match,” Head Coach Matthew Drem-
Cougar Tennis Rebuilding, Showing Big Improvements
By RAYCE FOX Cougar Growl Staff
The Pulaski County High School boys’ tennis team has returned for another season and is already well into their 2025 campaign. The team has grown larger this season. After having only six play- ers last year, the minimum number to qualify for competition, the team entered this season as a group of nine. While two of the team’s former players graduated, former first-seed Camden Hite and former second- seed Eli Duke, the team made up for this loss in the additions of new players Will Blankenship, Landon Clark, Rohan Kaul, Rayce Fox, and Ryan Mann. All previous members who were eligible also returned, including Ethan Worley, Jack Powell, Jonah Arnold, and Ryce Washington. Worley, who is the only player on the team in his third season, has since stepped up as the team’s number-one seed and taken a large leadership role alongside first-year Head Coach Evan Bragg. Coach Bragg is excited about the potential of his team. “A lot of our guys that just joined are improving rapidly, and I really
Meet Cougar Madison O’Dell
By Nevaeh Newman Cougar Growl Staff
he’s always been at my track meets cheering me on and pushing me harder to get better at it. He’s the one I look up to.” Madison’s favorite coach is Coach Hodge and she say, “Even though she’s a lot sometimes, she pushes people to do their best if it’s at practice or a track meet.” After high school Madison want to get into a good college and continue on in track, but if that doesn’t work out she wants to become a nurse. Her favorite quote: Psalms 86:15 “When you feel like giving up, remember that God won’t give up on you.”
Madison O’Dell is in the ninth grade. She runs track and is in all district for choir. Madison has been involved with track and field since sixth grade. She runs the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Madison’s fastest time is 19 seconds for a 100 hurdle and 58 seconds for a 300 hurdle. She placed 4th overall on March 25 at the Bearcat High School Invitational. Madison is encouraged by her grandpa and say, “He’s been a runner since he was younger and
You Can’t Hide My COUGAR PRIDE!
COUGAR PRIDE Sports Pics
Friday, April 11, 2025
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All Photos by PCHS Student Photographers
COUGAR PRIDE Sports Pics All Photos by PCHS Student Photographers
Friday, April 11, 2025
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COUGAR PRIDE Around Campus
Friday, April 11, 2025
Page 8
Staff Photo The PCHS SkillsUSA teams traveled to Roanoke for the State Competition last weekend. The young group laid the groundwork for future suc- cess through their hard work and dedication. SkillsUSA Teams Earn Recognition at State Competitions
By CELIA CARRICO Cougar Growl Staff
Gill, along with freshmen Adam Eversole and Sarah Simpson were able to earn a fifth place finish out of the many entries. Addition- ally, Colby Gill competed in a pre produced event that featured TV Video Production - Special Effects. Gill took fifth place out of a large number of entries from across the state. The PCHS SkillsUSA Cosme- tology also won the Quality Chap- ter Award, and the school was listed as one of three schools in the state as a Gold Level Chapter of Excellence Program. The focus of this award was in community service. Congratulations to all who competed in the state SkillsUSA competition this past weekend!
This weekend was an exciting time for PCHS SkillsUSA. Both the TV/Media productions team and the Cosmetology student were very successful at the state level. Teams from two classes earned the right to travel to Roanoke for the State competition and the 60th Annual SkillsUSA State Leader- ship Conference Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6. The PCHS Cosmetology de- partment, led by Mrs. Julie An- derson, was represented by senior Madolyn Legg. After a tough day of competition, Madolyn emerged with a fourth place finish out of many competitors from across the
state.
ing the only team in any category with even a single freshman on the team, the final results were prom- ising. The team of freshmen Celia Carrico, Camrynn Dobbins, Daw- son Coon, and Nathaniel Lohreman finished in seventh place overall. The team of ju- niors Jaylin Arnold and Colby
The PCHS TV/Media Pro- duction teams, led by Mr. David Gravely, sent two teams to the State level for the Video Broadcast News Production competition. Despite not having a team com- pete in the program for several years, having a new teacher in charge of the program, and hav-
COUGAR PRIDE Around Campus
Friday, April 11, 2025
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Shupe Enjoyed PCHS Experience as Student By EDEN BOWMAN Cougar Growl Staff Rebekah Shupe went to Pu- laski County High School and “The ‘nerds’ are actually the cool kids,” she said with a laugh. While in high school, she ferred to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, to get her master’s degree. Shupe’s degree is in biology, so took the job and loved it. She teaches science, more spe-
cifically, biology, although she has taught ecology before as well. Her favorite subject to teach is biol- ogy. She loves science because she wants to know the why, and she loves the labs. She wishes people knew that teachers are just like everyone else. They have lives and families. They are just here to do their job. “High school is not forever.
also worked. She was a certified lifeguard. During the summers, she worked at Dublin Swim Club, and during the school year she worked at the YMCA. Shupe went to UVA-Wise for her freshman year. Because she was a first-generation college student, she struggled to afford it. She left to get her associate’s degree at New River Community College. She then transferred to Radford University and got her bachelor’s degree in science and biology. Afterwards, she trans-
she has not always been a teacher. After graduating with her mas- ter’s degree, she went to work at Purdue University in Indiana. There, she worked as a research scientist. She enjoyed working there, doing genetic tree planting. Although Mrs. Shupe enjoyed her work, she decided wanted to be back home and be with her family. When she moved back here, she was trying to find a job, and the high school was look- ing for a high school teacher. She
graduated in 2015. While in high school, her favorite subject was science. She was also involved in quite a lot of extracurricular activities. In her freshman year, she competed in basketball and track. Later on in her high school career, she got into the band. She played the clarinet and was in the concert band, marching band, and jazz band. She also got into winter guard and MACC.
If you’re having a hard time, just remember that the hard work you put in will pay off, and it will get better. Just keep working hard and you’ll do great!” DON’T MISS OUT! VISIT JOSTENS.COM AND ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! $75
COUGAR PRIDE Around Campus
Friday, April 11, 2025 Page 10 CTE Spotlight: Small Animal Care By BRIANNA DUNN Cougar Growl Staff
he often would sleep in her arms. Brees’s favorite animal was also Otis. She says she took him home for about a week over the Thanks- giving break. Abi and Bree both say the easi- est part about small animal care was the chores. They also both say the most challenging part was the SAE project, but they both agree that it’s only hard if you don’t have a way to get any volunteer hours. Avery Linkous and Ryleigh Dean were also two students in small animal care last semester. Avery says her favorite part about taking small animal care is getting to play with the animals and take care of them. Ryleigh says her fa- vorite part was being able to learn how to take care of the animals properly. Avery’s favorite animal was Otis the rabbit because it was super cute. Ryleighs favorite animal was Wedgie the guinea pig because he looked like a mini capybara. Avery and Ryleigh both agree that all of the assignments in small animal care were pretty easy to do and not super challenging, but the class was very rewarding.
Pulaski County High School has many exciting and interesting classes to offer in the Career and Technical Education Center. This week, we will be focusing on the Small Animal Care 1 class. This class is an excellent class to take. There is no prerequisite required to take this class. It is offered to all grades, 9th through 12th. This course is only one block, and one semester only. In this class, you will learn how to care for and manage dogs, cats, and other animals. This class focuses on instructional areas in animal health, nutrition, repro- duction, evaluation, training, and showmanship. This class also includes instruc- tion in the tools, equipment, and facilities for small animal care. This course will highlight leader- ship development activities and participation in the Future Farm- ers of America (FFA) and Super- vised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) on a daily basis through agricultural-based chores and
Staff Photos Bree Wilson and Abi Hendrix (left) as well as Avery Linkous and Ryleigh Dean have all enjoyed the Small Animal Care class.
hands-on learning.
ence on taking the small animal care class. Bree Wilson and Abi Hendrix were two students in Small Ani- mal Care last semester. Abi says her favorite part about taking small animal care was the animals and being able to take care of them. Bree says her favorite part was also taking care of the ani- mals and seeing the dogs during doggy daycare. Abi’s favorite ani- mal was Otis the Rabbit because he always lets you cradle him, and
In this class the animals are Wedgie, a guinea pig, Otis, a rab- bit, Rona, a bearded dragon, and a doggy daycare. There are also chores for the students to do. These chores include cleaning, taking out the dog, and cleaning the animals cages. The class is led by Mrs. Tori Alley. A few students were inter- viewed this week on their experi-
Awards and Honors
By PCPS Pulaski County Public School and the Pulaski County School Board would like to congratulate the Forensics Team on their State win.
By PCPS Pulaski County Public Schools and the Pulaski County School Board are pleased to recognize Pulaski High School Choir and Band as the winner of the 2025 Blue Ribbon Award. Each year the VMEA (Virginia Music Educators Association) Blue Ribbon Award is the highest award given to school music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and recogniz- es achieved excellence in Band, Orchestra and Choral Performance. All disciplines in a school must receive a rating of “Superior” at assessment to qualify for this award following all criteria as laid out by the Virginia Music Educators Association. Congratulations to the PCHS choral students who participated in District Choral Assessment on March 28, 2025. While both choirs received Superior Stage Performance, Treble Chorus received an overall rating of Excellent and Advanced Concert Choir received an overall rating of Superior. Congratulations to the PCPS band students who participated in the Virginia Band and Orches- tra Director’s Association concert assessment on March 12, 2025. The PCPS Wind Ensemble received a superior rating from each adjudicator on state and a superior from the sight reading adjudicator, for an overall rating of Superior. This is the highest possible rating to be received.
By PCPS Pulaski County Public Schools and the Pulaski County School Board are honored to recognize Noa Dobbins, Jordan English, Chase Lawrence and Jeremiah Turner as recipients of the Junior Achievement of South- west Virginia 18 Under 18. This is an award that recognizes students hard work, dedication, outstand achievements in leadership, education and community impact. These 18 students are chosen and receive a spotlight in the July/August issue of the Roanoker Magazine, as well as attend an award ceremony in August. We are very proud of each of the students.
COUGAR PRIDE Student Short Stories Friday, April 11, 2025 Page 11 Student Short Story: Riley the Raccoon EDITOR’S NOTE: We gladly welcome short stories from students and staff for publication. Submit your stories to dwgravely@pcva.us.
a donut in the other, he strolled through the quiet corridors of the school. Outside, the leaves rustled as the wind carried the scent of fall through the air. Riley, drawn by the mysterious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries, approached the school. Guided by his keen sense of smell, he maneuvered his way through the bushes and up to the open window of the staff lounge. With a nimble jump, he landed silently on the countertop, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Inside, Officer Fifteen was bliss- fully unaware of his furry intruder, engrossed in the morning paper. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of a mug crashing to the floor. Startled, Officer Thomp- son spun around, his heart racing. There, in the middle of the lounge, stood Riley, frozen in place with a donut clasped in his tiny paws. The two locked eyes for a brief moment, each equally surprised by the other’s presence. Officer Fifteen fumbled for his radio, in- stinctively reaching for his holster as well.
nal, just a cheeky raccoon on a breakfast mission. He chuckled to himself, lowering his hand and shaking his head in disbelief. Word of the incident spread quickly through the school. By lunchtime, it had become the talk of the town. Students and teach- ers alike shared a laugh over the tale of Riley the raccoon and his daring donut heist. Even Officer Fifteen couldn’t help but smile as he recounted the story, grateful that no harm had come from the morning’s excitement. As for Riley, he returned to the forest, content with his adventure and the sweet taste of victory. He’d had his fill of donuts and excite- ment for one day, but he promised himself that he’d return to Pulaski High School when the next oppor- tunity for mischief arose. After all, a curious raccoon like Riley could never resist the allure of a good adventure. Do you have a short story to share? Email your submission to dwgravely@pcva.us for consideration.
By DAMIEN “BLUE” LEDBETTER
In the quaint town of Pulaski, nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, life moved at a gentle pace. It was a place where neighbors knew each other by name, and the school was the heart of the community. Pulaski County High School, with its stately brick façade and sprawling grounds, was the pride of the town. But even in such an idyllic setting, unexpected events could stir up quite a commotion. One crisp autumn morning, as the sun peeked over the horizon, Riley the raccoon decided it was time for a little adventure. Riley was not your average raccoon; he was a curious creature, always keen to explore the nooks and crannies of his environment. His nocturnal escapades were well- known among the local wildlife, but today, he was feeling particu- larly bold. The school resource officer, Officer Fifteen, was making his routine rounds early that morning. With his coffee in one hand and
“Dispatch, we’ve got a situa- tion here,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady. “There’s an intruder in the staff lounge.” Riley, sensing the tension in the air, decided it was time to make a hasty retreat. With a deft leap, he bounded off the counter, leaving a trail of crumbs in his wake. The of- ficer, still in shock, watched as the raccoon darted across the room and out the window. For a split second, Officer Fifteen’s training kicked in, and he almost drew his weapon. But realization struck him just in time; this was no dangerous crimi-
LET’S MAKE PULASKI COUNTY A CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE! Do your part and have a chance to win a $100 gift card! Students can also enter the other contests for a chance to win additional prizes.
COUGAR PRIDE Around Campus
Friday, April 11, 2025
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