Hightower's Highlights

Journey to Thailand

Christmas Beauty

By Megan Love

After being crowned Christmas Queen for the 2007/2008 school year, Senior, Jessica Flynn, was able to ride in the downtown Lexington annual Christmas parade on December 3^rd.

With her dad at the wheel, Jessica headed through the parade in a red, convertible Chrysler Sebring.  With her crown setting atop curls that were half up and half down, Jessica graced the parade with waves and smiles.  “All the smiling and waving was a little awkward at first, but I got into it after awhile,” said Flynn.

The weather was cold, but that didn’t stop the fans and participants from coming.  “It was so cold, I thought I got frost bite on my left pointer finger,” stated Flynn.  Many people came out to honor Jessica.  Friends, as well as family, supported her as she represented our school.  “I heard a lot of people yelling my name, but I didn’t have my glasses on so I couldn’t really see who I was waving at,” Flynn stated jokingly.

When asked if the parade made her more pumped up for Christmas, Flynn replied, “Yes, because you get to celebrate the fact that Jesus came to earth on this day and the fact that we get to spend time with our families, and of course, the Christmas gifts”.

Hightower’s Highlights

Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This is, or should be true of each Christian. We recently had the home going of one of our student’s mom, Mrs. Mechell Brodar. Our faculty and students have prayed for her, her son Canon, and Dr. Brodar for years. As a principal and brother in Christ, you never want to see one of your students go through losing their mom. But God knows what’s best, even though we cannot see it at the time. I’m sure God has great things in store for Canon.  To see our high school student body uphold their brother in Christ made me proud to call them “my kids.”

It’s times like these that make me so proud of our school. We are truly a family. When one member hurts, we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. God has truly blessed our school this year even though we have had to pray hard for some special requests. We would like to ask you to continue to pray for Miss Vaughn, our 5^th grade teacher, as she battles cancer, and for a special family in our school, who is going through a particularly hard time right now. We as a school have seen souls saved this year, a great attitude among our students, and alumni who are accomplishing great things for the Lord. Praise the Lord for His goodness, graciousness, and blessings!

Who Would Have Ever Thought?

By Trisha Harvey

How in the world does someone who forgets to bring their books and pencils to class keep kids under control?

When you have the responsibility of babysitting or watching and teaching little children, you have to be on top of them 24/7 making sure they are out of trouble and not running down the street.  Who would have ever thought that senior, Ann Myers would have a job watching kids after school?  “I do devotions with them and play games such as dodge ball,” said Myers. Myers used to work at Community Drug Store, but decided it was time to get a different job.  She applied to the YMCA program and got the position.  She teaches school-age children in the afternoons.  “The kids I watch are usually K-5 kids and sometimes older and I really like it,” stated Myers.  “I have babysat for some people at church and I had to help BJ look after her little brother, which she conned me into.”

Myers is hoping to receive a lot from this job personally.  “I want to show the love of Christ to the kids as much as I can.”

Journey to Thailand

By Megan Love

As many of you know, Sheets Memorial has waited in anticipation for the day that the Wards would bring their little girl home from Thailand.  With years of waiting and questioning whether the adoption would ever be complete, circumstances that could be called “miracles” took place.

After going on a mission trip to Australia, Rachel Ward met a new friend named Rachel.  Ironic?  Yes, but it gets better.  Rachel eventually became Janaa’s foster mom and that is how Mr. and Mrs. Ward met and fell in love with Janaa.  Talk about being able to see God’s hand in certain circumstances!

When Janaa was twenty-three months old, Mrs. Ward was told by Rachel that Janaa was up for adoption, and because of special circumstances, she was able to be requested.  Mr. and Mrs. Ward started searching for adoption agencies that same day.

About two years later the Wards were finally told that they would be able to travel to Thailand and approximately a month later, they would be able to travel back here. This was not simply circumstance; this was because of much prayer.  The Wards didn’t seem to feel as if the whole thing was real.  “I only had a matter of days from the time I was given permission to travel until I actually traveled. So, I was preoccupied with details!!!  However, there was a moment about 50 yards above the ground, as I was getting ready to land in Chiang Mai, that I realized that once I stepped off of the plane my life would never be the same,”  said Mrs. Ward.  On Friday, November 16^th the Wards finally arrived back in the States with their little girl, Sydney Janaa Ward.

                       If you are wondering how Janaa is doing, look no further.  She loves preschool and especially Mrs. Ann.  She always wants to have a ribbon in her hair that matches her outfit and “she’ll put her little hand up if she is telling you something that she thinks is important as if to say…‘Please be still and listen this is very important’,” commented Mrs. Ward.

Mrs. Ward added, “I have less sleep, less time, less energy and less money … BUT…I have a reason to get up, things to keep me intrigued, a way to expend my energy to keep me young and a precious gift from our sovereign Heavenly Father that is invaluable.”

To find out more information about the Ward’s journey just go to: brward.squarespace.com

Expressing Thankfulness

By Bethany Laird

Every year for Thanksgiving the K2-K5 puts on a Thanksgiving program.  Performing in front of their parents and grandparents, the students quote verses and sing songs. 

K5 teacher, Mrs. Chitty said the children started preparing several weeks before the event.  It takes a lot of work for the kids because they have to memorize verses, songs, and get their costumes ready for this event. Some of the parents even went online to find their child’s costume. 

“I can not pick a favorite part because they were all so cute,” said Mrs. Tilley.   Participant, Tori Camp added, “My favorite part was singing the Gobble, Gobble and Wobble Wobble song.”

Teacher of the Month

By Bethany Laird

What are your goals this year for your students?

That they will grow spiritually and academically and realize God has a special plan for their life that is truly awesome.

After graduating high school, did you ever think you would wind up a teacher here?

No, but then my plans were not God’s plan. I sure like His plans better!!      

What is your favorite restaurant?

The Melting Pot (even though I have only been there once).

What is your favorite thing to do?

Read

What is your dream vacation?

To travel across the U.S., visit and see all the places I teach about.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

My second year teaching, I tripped getting up from a student’s desk, fell, split my skirt from the hem to the zipper, had to ask the class to step out of the room so I could get up, then held my skirt together, made my way to the Home Ec. Room, and the Home Ec. Teacher sewed it up for me. 

On a rainy day what is your favorite thing to do?

Sit on the front porch and read.

What is your favorite drink?

Hazelnut Latte