Suzette Lowe
Rayne Thompson, a Ripley High School senior, recently won a gold medal in welding sculpture at the West Virginia SkillsUSA competition.
There are a couple of factors that make this accomplishment unique for the Roane-Jackson Technical Center student.
The most obvious is Thompson’s gender. It is still rare for girls to take welding classes at the center.
“I only know of two other females taking welding at the technical center,” said Thompson. “I would love to see more women in the field.”
The second factor was her choice of subject.
“My welding instructor, Robert Greene, thought I was a little crazy when I told him I wanted to make a wedding cake,” Thomason said.
Suzette Lowe
There was much to celebrate at the April 6 meeting of the Ripley City Council.
The Ripley High School archery team was recognized for its winning the West Virginia state archery championship for the 14th year in a row.
Coach Roy Bennett and Assistant Coach Clarence Canterbury spoke about the dedication of their team members. With the challenge that the health pandemic forced onto sports, this victory was especially meaningful.
“It was a different format,” said Bennett. “These kids are used to shooting against someone, but this year it was a virtual tournament. They really stepped up.”
Canterbury said that he and Bennett had coached many of these students in middle school.
JCEA requests change in school Inclement Weather Policy
Suzette Lowe
Reporter
The President of the Jackson County Education Association (JCEA) addressed the Jackson County Board of Education regarding the inclement weather policy.
Board members Steve Chancey, Dan Barnette, Ben Mize, Jim Frazier, with Bobbi Ferrell once again appearing by phone, listened as concerns were expressed at the Feb. 4 meeting.
Adena Barnette said the policy, which affected instruction on Feb. 2, required teachers to report to schools to provide remote instruction. If they were unable to be there, or felt unsafe on the roads, they were required to take a personal leave day.