mr. hemming

Our former principal, Lane Hemming, was recently involved in an accident in Alaska.

While walking, he fell and landed on his face, fracturing his jaw, nose and socket of one eye. He is now blind in one eye, and surgeons can't operate because there is too much broken bone in his head. Any operation would jeopardize the sight he has left in his "good" eye.

I will post updates as I hear them.

Please remember Mr. Hemming and his family in your prayers.

Where are they Wednesday (on thursday)

Our illustrious student body president on his wedding day.

This is a hoot. I'm getting "highlighted." How fancy.

Since school I have served a mission to Tucson, Arizona. I got back in 2002 and went to BYU-I to major in communications with clusters in political science and philosophy. I was on the college's debate team where I met my wife (how romantic). We got married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 2005. I worked doing door-to-door sales for four summers all over the country with Pinnacle Security. I am now in my third year of law school at the University of Illinois and will be accepting an offer to work as an attorney at an international law firm (Latham & Watkins) in their Chicago office doing corporate litigation and white-collar crime work.

Stephanie (my wife) and I have a 10-month old daughter named Ellis who is far more beautiful than any other baby out there. She said her first word the other day: dada, while pointing at me. I feel pretty cool. Right now I am sitting on the couch with my wife watching the May-Treanor gold medal volleyball game (we are huge olympics fans).
Anyone who wants to keep up with us can check out our blog at web.mac.com/watkinses
Elijah Watkins

Teacher Tuesday on Wednesday

Thanks to Mr. Wakefield for his response. We appreciate all you taught us!

1-In the eight years since our class graduated, what has been the biggest changes you have noticed, both in the students and in the educational system?

1--changes in students -- more students know what they want to do after high school and work toward that. On the other hand, a lot are just cruising through--just going through the motions. As a general rule, the students are wonderful people who like being here and enjoy the school experience. Changes in education revolve around increased testing with end of course assessments, final exams, and state testing. The state testing takes a lot of time from my class time, which I find frustrating.

2- What class are you most excited to teach this year and why?

2--I always enjoy all my classes, but new ones are English 110 a concurrent enrollment class in connection with ISU. Students get both high school and college credit for taking the class. My AP students did very well on the test this past year, and I am now teaching a Lord of the Rings class. We read the three main books. It is a lot of fun to teach.

3- What has surprised you most about yourself in the last eight years?

3--I am not coaching football any more. That has been a big change. I still can't sit in the stands, and so I find myself standing on the sidelines, watching the game.

4- What is your plan for the next five years? (retirement, continue teaching, etc.)

4--My rule of 90, when I can retire with out penalty, is in two years. I have been looking carefully at that date. However, now that the new high school bond passed, I plan to teach at least five more years, giving me three years in the new high school.

5- What excites you most about the new high school?

5--New every thing of course, but mostly I am excited about the new, roomy, wonderful fine arts center. They deserve that facility. I look forward to them there. A planned out building, with modern features and layout will be very nice.

6- Are there any of us who still owe you past due assignments?

6--anyone who took my classes owes me money for the high grades you got. No, NOT really! Thanks for the chance to make connections with you all. I hope all are well and in good circumstances. Best of luck with new kids, jobs and locations.

Coming soon (as soon as he responds to my email)

Loved by many. I'm sure a lot of us will be excited to hear from him.

This blog is alive!!!

I know I sound a bit ridiculous, but I have gotten to the point now where I can begin posting fairly regularly again, so if you haven't given up on this blog, thanks! If you have, well I guess you're not reading this right now.

Things to come soon:

Teacher Tuesday- A quick glimpse into the lives of our favorite educators and what they've been doing since their favorite students left eight years ago.

Where are they Wednesday- This will start by tracking down our student body officers and then into the general student body.

Flashback Friday- Ever wish your friends didn't have a camera at the most inopportune time? Or, just reflecting back on the good 'ole days. Either way, this should bring a smile to most of our faces.

Your part- I'm planning on contacting a couple teachers to start, but tell me who you want to hear from. For flashback friday, we'll need pics and stories that we don't have in the yearbook, send me your ideas.