Latest news with #PortlandHighSchool
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Portland Memorial Day event honors veterans who died in active duty
May 26—At about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, a man's voice rang out through Evergreen Cemetery. "Where have all the soldiers gone? Long time ago. Where have all the soldiers gone? Gone to graveyards, every one," he sang, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar as he crooned Peter Paul and Mary's "Where Have all the Flowers Gone." A group of children dressed in white traipsed through the cemetery with flowers in their arms, which they laid on the graves of fallen soldiers. This marked the halfway point of a Memorial Day event that began with a parade from Longfellow Elementary School to the cemetery, where speakers took to the stage to honor the seven veterans buried there who died in active duty. "I don't want these guys to be forgotten, they had hopes and dreams like everyone and they came home in a box," said Bobbi Cope, 70, who organized the event. Cope, who has lived in Deering Center all her life, remembers a small local parade celebrating Memorial Day in the neighborhood when she was a kid. Her father and uncles were all veterans and she would usually attend with her family. "I thought, wouldn't it be nice if we had something like that again in Deering Center," she said. So, in 2013, she decided to organize the Deering Center Memorial Day Procession and Commemoration. She's held the event every year since. As the kids returned to their seats, the name of each soldier killed in active duty was read out, followed by the chime of a bell. A band played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes. A group of veterans fired a three-volley salute. A white tent was set up, shading a stage with portraits of the dead soldiers, decorated with wreaths. There was a moment of silence. Those who couldn't fit under the tent were spread out on the grass, sitting in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets. Dogs barked. Babies cried. In the front row sat David Whitten, 79, who was awarded four Purple Hearts during his service in Vietnam. He held his hand to his chest as the event wound down. "I'm very impressed and very surprised. I've never seen anybody in Portland proud like this," he said. It was his first time attending the event. Whitten said when he first returned from Vietnam at age 22, he faced hate for having served in the unpopular war. People spat on him and called him names. At the event on Monday, he was honored for his service. "This means everything," he said. Whitten enlisted in the Army after high school and served two tours in Vietnam. He said he watched multiple friends die there and was badly injured in combat. He said that 15 men from his class at Portland High School were killed in Vietnam. "I don't regret going to Vietnam," he said. "The only thing I really regret is coming home. I wish that some of my friends that died could have come home and I could have died." Whitten said he struggled after his return from Vietnam 57 years ago. He said he had several suicide attempts and had trouble feeling at home in the years after the war. But a few years ago, when he connected with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859, it changed everything. "That turned my life around, meeting other people who'd been through it," he said. After the event, a group of VFW members picked Whitten up and took him to the post on Forest Avenue. The parking lot was full. On the deck, someone grilled, and people greeted Whitten like he was an old friend. Long after the white plastic chairs were folded up and the tent in Evergreen Cemetery was taken down, Whitten sat at the bar, shoulder to shoulder with other veterans on Memorial Day. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Portland High's Mia Humphrey named The Tennessean Student of the Week; program pauses for summer break
One teen came out on top in a neck-and-neck race for best speech and debate student in Middle Tennessee. More: Greenbrier's Aidan Raymer tops close Student of the Week poll for esports, STEM, robotics More: Riverdale's Danielle Clark named The Tennessean Criminal justice Student of the Week Portland High School senior Mia Humphrey and Davidson Academy senior Harrison Massey battled for the accolade, sharing 47,824 votes of the total 48,908 votes cast this week. Humphrey ultimately pulled ahead, raking in 25,628 votes. Massey earned 22,196 votes. School officials nominated Humphrey for being a "true leader and role model who consistently demonstrates excellence in all she does". The teen is a two-time district champion, a state champion and two-time national qualifier for the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League - a first for the school, Portland High School Speech Communications/Sociology Teacher and Head Speech Team Coach Linda Starnes said. She's a dual-sport athlete in soccer and basketball, ranks in the top 10% of her graduating class and is a recipient of the Speech Communication Departmental Award. Davidson Academy senior Harrison Massey earned a top spot alongside other Middle Tennessee student nominations by recently winning the TV Newscasting category at the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League State Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. 'To my knowledge, that has never been done before,' Davidson Academy Speech Communications and Film Appreciation Teacher Mickey Hutson said. In The Tennessean's final Student of the Week feature for the 2024-2025 school year, young speakers took the stage. Six names were submitted for this week's poll. Student of the Week nominations are submitted to The Tennessean each week by principals, teachers, administrators and staffers at participating Tennessee high schools. The Tennessean will be pausing its student feature for several weeks due to summer break, but we have plans for some exciting summer features. Curious? Look for at least three new polls to launch during the summer ahead of our regular weekly feature, which will resume at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. Until then, let's take a closer look at this week's student nominees and what makes them all stand out: James Lawson High School officials say rising senior and upcoming captain of the school's debate team Abbie DeWeese lends a helping hand to her educators and peers. 'She has been incredibly helpful to not only me, but also to the novice debaters,' James Lawson High School Varsity Debate Coach and English Teacher Amanda Clarke said. 'She runs our practices, checks in with the new debaters at our tournaments in between rounds, she's always willing to lend a helping hand, and she works tirelessly on learning the material and preparing for her own debate rounds,' Clarke said. DeWeese also consistently places in the top speaker and team awards at tournaments. Portland High School senior Mia Humphrey was nominated by school officials for being a "true leader and role model who consistently demonstrates excellence in all she does". Humphrey has served as a member of the speech team for three years. She was vice-president her junior year and president in her senior year. Portland High School Principal David Woods says Humphrey earned first place in every competition she entered this year, a product of her talent, preparation and drive. 'Mia Humphrey is the embodiment of what we at Portland High School celebrate in our students: achievement, integrity, leadership and a drive,' Woods said. 'As President of the Speech Team, Mia has inspired her teammates through her dedication, positivity and ability to lead by example.' Woods says Humphrey is a two-time district champion, a state champion and two-time national qualifier for the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League, securing the school's first ever two-time national qualifier. 'In her role as a competitive speaker, Mia has honed invaluable life skills, confidence, persuasion, and critical thinking (that) not only serve her in competition but have also made her a powerful communicator in the classroom and beyond,' he said. 'Through countless hours of research, writing, and performance, she has learned to analyze topics, communicate with clarity and impact and stand tall in high-pressure situations.' Humphrey ranks in the top 10% of her graduating class and is a recipient of the Speech Communication Departmental Award. She's also a dual-sport athlete in soccer and basketball, where she continues to demonstrate teamwork, discipline and perseverance while balancing her academic and athletic commitments. Montgomery Bell Academy Director of Debate Josh Clark nominated senior Kavneer Majhail and junior Russell Howard for their remarkable team accomplishments. 'Kavneer has had one of the most historic months I can ever remember for a debate student,' Clark said. '… they did all these things together,' he said. 'I'm one proud coach.' Clark says Majhail kicked off the historic month in April by winning the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship in policy debate alongside his partner, Howard. Majhail and Howard competed in 11, two-hour debates over three days before defeating the St. Marks School of Texas in the final round on a 3-0 decision. They attended the Tournament of Champions two weeks later. According to Clark, it's the most prestigious national debate championship. 'Only 90 teams qualify for this tournament, and it's the goal of every policy debate team in the country to qualify for this prestigious tournament,' he said. The teens were undefeated in the preliminary debates, finishing 7-0. 'This made them the top seed heading into the single-elimination debates,' he said. In the elimination rounds, they won their round of 32, the Sweet Sixteen and the quarterfinals debate, Clark said, before losing a close 2-1 debate in the semifinals to Northview High School in Duluth, Georgia. "Their semifinal finish means they finished as the 3rd-best team in the nation at the T.O.C., the country's most prestigious policy debate tournament," he said. Another two weeks later, the teens headed to the Mock Trial National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona where they represented Tennessee as the state champion mock trial team against 49 other states and several foreign countries. The Montgomery Bell Academy Mock Trial team finished 11-1 on judge ballots, securing the Mock Trial National Championship for the first time in school history, Clark said. 'Kavneer is also a great young man. He's kind and participates in so many ways on our campus,' he said. Majhail was named an All-American, top lawyer honors and serves as one of the debate team captains at his school. He plans to compete on Dartmouth's prestigious debate team in the fall. Davidson Academy senior Harrison Massey earned a top spot alongside other Middle Tennessee student nominations by recently winning the TV Newscasting category at the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League State Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. 'To my knowledge, that has never been done before,' Davidson Academy Speech Communications and Film Appreciation Teacher Mickey Hutson said. Hutson began the Speech Program at Davidson Academy about four years ago after serving as a coach and teacher at Collierville High School and Arlington High School in Shelby County for 35 years. He nominated Massey, who was chosen, by his peers, as Mr. Davidson Academy, saying 'Harrison was a dream to have in class'. Rossview High School officials say senior Jalen Soto has won numerous awards this school year as a member of the Speech Team in Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Acting, Duet Improvisation and Humorous Interpretation at over eight speech tournaments in Tennessee. Soto qualified in Dramatic Interpretation for NSDA NATIONALS in Des Moines, Iowa in June. 'He has broken into finals at every tournament, sometimes doubling and tripling, and always placing mainly top three or 1st every time,' Rossview High School Theatre Director and Speech and Debate Coach LuEllyn Boyer Wilcox said. After graduation, Soto plans to attend Belmont University to continue developing his love for theatre, speech and music and pursue a future career in the industry. 'I have taught for over 36 years and truly see the talent Jalen exudes in the Arts, Academics and Community every day,' Wilcox said. 'I can't wait to see what his future holds!' Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Portland High senior snags The Tennessean Student of the Week win
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Tennessean Student of the Week honors young speakers, debaters. Vote now in our poll
In The Tennessean's final Student of the Week feature for the 2024-2025 school year, young speakers take the stage. This week, we asked principals, teachers and guidance counselors in Middle Tennessee to send us their nominations for high schoolers who are mastering the art of communication, as The Tennessean continues to recognize students who are the "best of the best" in different categories this school year. More: Greenbrier's Aidan Raymer tops close Student of the Week poll for esports, STEM, robotics More: Riverdale's Danielle Clark named The Tennessean Criminal justice Student of the Week They responded with six students. Now, it's your turn to decide who comes out on top by voting in our online poll before noon on Thursday, May 22. From standing out in speech class to securing top marks for their schools in competition, these locally and nationally recognized students demonstrate academic excellence at every turn and stand out amongst their peers. Learn all about this week's nominees and their outstanding skills and achievements before casting your vote at the bottom of this story: James Lawson High School officials say rising senior and upcoming captain of the school's debate team Abbie DeWeese lends a helping hand to her educators and peers. 'She has been incredibly helpful to not only me, but also to the novice debaters,' James Lawson High School Varsity Debate Coach and English Teacher Amanda Clarke said. 'She runs our practices, checks in with the new debaters at our tournaments in between rounds, she's always willing to lend a helping hand, and she works tirelessly on learning the material and preparing for her own debate rounds,' Clarke said. DeWeese also consistently places in the top speaker and team awards at tournaments. Portland High School senior Mia Humphrey was nominated by school officials for being a 'true leader and role model who consistently demonstrates excellence in all she does'. Humphrey has served as a member of the speech team for three years. She was vice-president her junior year and president in her senior year. Portland High School Principal David Woods says Humphrey earned first place in every competition she entered this year, a product of her talent, preparation and drive. 'Mia Humphrey is the embodiment of what we at Portland High School celebrate in our students: achievement, integrity, leadership and a drive,' Woods said. 'As President of the Speech Team, Mia has inspired her teammates through her dedication, positivity, and ability to lead by example.' Woods says Humphrey is a two-time district champion, a state champion and a two-time national qualifier for the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League, securing the school's first ever national qualifier. 'In her role as a competitive speaker, Mia has honed invaluable life skills, confidence, persuasion, and critical thinking (that) not only serve her in competition but have also made her a powerful communicator in the classroom and beyond,' he said. 'Through countless hours of research, writing, and performance, she has learned to analyze topics, communicate with clarity and impact and stand tall in high-pressure situations.' Humphrey ranks in the top 10% of her graduating class and is a recipient of the Speech Communication Departmental Award. She's also a dual-sport athlete in soccer and basketball, where she continues to demonstrate teamwork, discipline and perseverance while balancing her academic and athletic commitments. Montgomery Bell Academy Director of Debate Josh Clark nominated senior Kavneer Majhail and junior Russell Howard for their remarkable team accomplishments. 'Kavneer has had one of the most historic months I can ever remember for a debate student,' Clark said. '… they did all these things together,' he said. 'I'm one proud coach.' Clark says Majhail kicked off the historic month in April by winning the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship in policy debate alongside his partner, Howard. Majhail and Howard competed in 11, two-hour debates over three days before defeating the St. Marks School of Texas in the final round on a 3-0 decision. They attended the Tournament of Champions two weeks later. According to Clark, it's the most prestigious national debate championship. 'Only 90 teams qualify for this tournament, and it's the goal of every policy debate team in the country to qualify for this prestigious tournament,' he said. The teens were undefeated in the preliminary debates, finishing 7-0. 'This made them the top seed heading into the single-elimination debates,' he said. In the elimination rounds, they won their round of 32, the Sweet Sixteen and the quarterfinals debate, Clark said, before losing a close 2-1 debate in the semifinals to Northview High School in Duluth, Georgia. "Their semifinal finish means they finished as the 3rd-best team in the nation at the T.O.C., the country's most prestigious policy debate tournament," he said. Another two weeks later, the teens headed to the Mock Trial National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona where they represented Tennessee as the state champion mock trial team against 49 other states and several foreign countries. The Montgomery Bell Academy Mock Trial team finished 11-1 on judge ballots, securing the Mock Trial National Championship for the first time in school history, Clark said. 'Kavneer is also a great young man. He's kind and participates in so many ways on our campus,' he said. Majhail was named an All-American, top lawyer honors and serves as one of the debate team captains at his school. He plans to compete on Dartmouth's prestigious debate team in the fall. Davidson Academy senior Harrison Massey earned a top spot alongside other Middle Tennessee student nominations by recently winning the TV Newscasting category at the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League State Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. 'To my knowledge, that has never been done before,' Davidson Academy Speech Communications and Film Appreciation Teacher Mickey Hutson said. Hutson began the Speech Program at Davidson Academy about four years ago after serving as a coach and teacher at Collierville High School and Arlington High School in Shelby County for 35 years. He nominated Massey, who was chosen, by his peers, as Mr. Davidson Academy, saying 'Harrison was a dream to have in class'. Rossview High School officials say senior Jalen Soto has won numerous awards this school year as a member of the Speech Team in Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Acting, Duet Improvisation and Humorous Interpretation at over eight speech tournaments in Tennessee. Soto qualified in Dramatic Interpretation for NSDA NATIONALS in Des Moines, Iowa in June. 'He has broken into finals at every tournament, sometimes doubling and tripling, and always placing mainly top three or 1st every time,' Rossview High School Theatre Director and Speech and Debate Coach LuEllyn Boyer Wilcox said. After graduation, Soto plans to attend Belmont University to continue developing his love for theatre, speech and music and pursue a future career in the industry. 'I have taught for over 36 years and truly see the talent Jalen exudes in the Arts, Academics and Community every day,' Wilcox said. 'I can't wait to see what his future holds!' Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessean Student of the Week features speakers, debaters. Vote now
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
May Day rallies across Maine celebrate labor rights amid federal backlash
Nate Bantan plays euphonium with the Ideal Maine Band during a May Day march in Portland, Maine on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) Labor unions' annual May Day celebrations took on new urgency this year as workers rallied across Maine on Thursday to mark International Worker's Day and protest the anti-labor actions of the Trump administration. In Portland, a march organized by a coalition of unions, community and leftist political groups briefly stopped traffic on Forest Ave. as the crowd progressed from the University of Southern Maine through the city, culminating with a crowd of roughly 1,000 in Congress Square. Scott Adams, president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 458, addressed those gathered outside the post office. He said that President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk want to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. 'We will lose everything we won in the past if we don't fight in the present,' he said. Other speakers highlighted local labor fights. Stephen Bennett of the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union pointed out that they'd been negotiating their first contracts for more than 500 days. 'Why does the University of Maine System refuse to acknowledge that our work is valuable?' Bennett asked. Demonstrators make their way up Forest Avenue during a May Day march in Portland, Maine on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Starting at the University of Southern Maine campus, the pro-union, pro-Palestinian and anti-Trump protestors made stops at the city's main post office and Portland High School before rallying in Congress Square. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) May Day protestors gather in Portland, Maine's Congress Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025. A coalition of left wing organizations came together for the 1,000-person strong demonstration. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) May Day protestors gather in Portland, Maine's Congress Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) A woman waves a sign during a May Day march in Portland, Maine on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Starting at the University of Southern Maine campus, the pro-union, pro-Palestinian and anti-Trump protestors made stops at the city's main post office and Portland High School before rallying in Congress Square. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) May Day protestors gather in Portland, Maine's Congress Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) May Day protestors gather in Portland, Maine's Congress Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) May Day protestors gather in Portland, Maine's Congress Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) The graduate workers and their supporters, including the Maine Education Association and Eastern Maine Labor Council, also held a march and rally in Orono. Other events were organized in Bridgeton, Bath, Augusta, Waterville, Auburn and York. On Wednesday, national AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler participated in a listening session with Maine workers that have been impacted by the actions of the Trump administration, including a recent executive order that ended collective bargaining rights for federal unions. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
