Grade level counselors decorated each house for Red Ribbon Week.

 A Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally was one of many special activities that took place at The Trail October 24th through October 28th. While STMS has been celebrating Red Ribbon Week for a long time, this year was a little different because students were able to show their school spirit while recognizing the dangers of alcohol and drugs. 

Students were loud and proud.

“I thought we did awesome at the pep rally,” said STMS Principal Dr. Marshal.  Mr. Newton, the 8th grade assistant principal agreed.  “I thought they did great at the pep rally,” Mr. Newton said. “They listened well; they were quiet when they were supposed to, and it was just amazing,” Mr. Newton added. 

Ms. Massey-Blanding, STMS’ career counselor, kept the crowd hype.

The students’ chants were led by Ms. Massey-Blanding, STMS’ career counselor.  Students sat in the bleachers by grade level.  She asked each grade to scream as loud as they could. The crowd got hyped when she took to the microphone and led a chant to the tune of the song VIBEZ by DaBaby. The 6th graders yelled “NO!”  The 7th graders yelled “Say No!”  and the 8th graders yelled “To Drugs.” 

Wildcats enjoyed cheer routines, music from the Pep Band and exciting basketball games.  It was a great showing of Wildcat pride. 

  The Pep Rally ended with the recognition of the fall sports teams.  The 7th & 8th grade football teams were recognized for outstanding seasons, as well as the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams. Students who were members  of the high school swim, cross country, tennis and golf teams were also recognized.  

“I thought it was a very fun pep rally because I haven’t had one since Elementary School,” said Lucy Driggers, a 7th grader.

Other Red Ribbon Activities included students creating projects, games and dress up days.

The band played several upbeat selections throughout the pep rally.

Students enjoyed the beats from the pep band.

The pep rally was a fun way to get students involved in Red Ribbon Week activities.

STMS Cheerleaders show their Wildcat Spirit during the Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally.

Students were engaged in intense basketball games.

The basketball game an exciting part of the pep rally.

Students could participate in  fun activities throughout the week.

Schools celebrate student successes different way.  At STMS, one of those ways is the Wildcat card celebration.

Wildcat cards are given each 9 week grading period for A/B Honor Role and Principal’s Scholar Honor Role. There are 3 levels of the Wildcat Card – white, blue and gold. Each level has its own requirements and rewards.   In order for a student to receive a white card, they must have a GPA of 3.0-3.49,  no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions. Students receiving a blue card must have a GPA  of 3.4-3.74, no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions. For the highest card, a gold card, a student must  have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, no more than 2 unexcused absences for the quarter, and no in or out of school suspensions.

While students seem to enjoy being recognize as thee cross the stage in the auditorium, it the snacks and social time they seem to enjoy the most. At each celebration student could be seen hanging out while enjoying snacks.

There were other benefits  and privileges for earning each card. Students got to participate in Dress Down Days. Student even received admission to STMS athletic events.

All 3 counselors said the students who worked hard deserved the treats and look forward to the celebrations next year.

“We have been having celebrations for 12 years,” said Mrs. Massey-Blanding, one of the counselors.

They are even open to ideas to make it better.

“Students can always share their ideas,” said Ms. Johnson, the 8th grade counselor.

Check out some of the photos from the 3rd nine weeks’ celebration.

Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 6th grade counselor, shows off her acrylic nails.

For some it’s the color.  For others it’s the style or length. No matter the preferred shape or color, nails at STMS has been a popular trend this school year.

Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson, the 6th grade counselor, says that she likes acrylic, coral colored nails. She says that she like acrylic nails, because her nails are damaged, and they are a bit broken, so she like to put on acrylic nails, because her nails are kind of broken and they need some kind of restoration for them not to break off completely.

A close-up of Mr. Rhodes’ painted nails.

Mr. Rhodes, who teaches photography and digital design, says he likes his nails, because he had a student in the past who has been bullied for trying to paint his nails. After that, Mr. Rhodes stated he started to paint his nails, in case anyone wanted to do it, they weren’t alone in doing it.

Students love the many designs, shapes, colors and different, creative, and unique things  that can be done to nails.

Lacey Baker, a 6th grade student says that she likes both acrylic nails and nail polish. She says she likes fake nails, blue and any shape or size.

Mariya Lowery and  Azayah Adams, both 6th graders, she they like coffin nails.  Lowery added,
“I like blue, white and pink.”

“I like any shape, any color and acrylic nails,” Katelynn Reames,  a 6th grader.

A close up of Ms. Hardy-Holmes Wilson’s acrylic nails.

“I like square nails,” said Kenzley Barber, another 6th grade student.

Did you know? 

Acrylic nails were first developed in 1934 by a dentist named Maxwell Lappe.

It was made out of dental acrylic, made a platform to fix the nail,  and would soon be patented as the first nail form.

That’s how they were made.

The STMS News Crew comes on every morning to announce local events that are happening around the school. The work on  writing the scripts, creating graphics, and more.

Action! Carter Sessoms, a 6th grader, enjoys being a part of the crew.

The STMS news crew is made up of  group of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are interested in media production.  Each morning  the group works hard to present our students and staff with school announcements.  The team rotates responsibilities so students are able to have a wide  understanding of the ins and outs of media production.

“I like the morning news because of the people and I like to go somewhere in the morning. ” said Kaitlyn Sothers  who serves as one of the editors.

Grace Yearta, a 7th grader who has been a part of the crew since 6th grade, enjoys it.

“My 6th grade year was a Covid year,” said Yearta who is also an editor. “We didn’t start the morning news till February of that year. Mr. Nesbit sent out a form and I filled it out. A couple days later I found out  that I was a part of the morning news. ”

Julia Ashbaugh controls the prompter.

Only any given morning you might find the crew behind one of the four cameras that the crew has to film on. Someone might be working the  prompter that the speakers have to read off of.

Located in the studio on the related arts hallway is  a tv that they can look on to see if everything is in place. There’s a  green screen that’s used to put all the backgrounds on such as the weather and sports scores and etc. Also there is a huge news table in the corner of the news.

The crew often brings in special guest.  Principal Miles is a regular. She comes on almost daily to give any inspirational words that are on her mind.

There is an app on the computer that they edit on were they can edit the sound so the speakers can sound pure with their words.  The STMS news crew works hard each and everyday!

“The news crew worked hard everyday this year to give the student body the most up-to-date information in news, weather, and sports, said Mr. Nesbitt, the News Crew advisor. “They worked as a team and taught each other the different roles in a news studio. They were awesome!”

The crew thinks Mr. Newsbitt is pretty awesome too.  They describe him as a  “very fun guy”  who is always preparing them for the next chapter in their lives.

Mr. Nesbitt , news crew advisor, checks out the morning news. 

Members of the 2021-2022 News Crew: Kaitlyn Suthers, Caleb Walter, Julia Ashbaugh, Zeke Palma, Kristian Edwards, Presley Jackson, Grace Yearta, Carter Sessoms, Sydney Elkins, and Elizabeth Gabanyic (Not in picture).

Mrs. Copley, STMS’ Art Teacher enjoys being a creative.

As a young child, Mrs. Copley knew she loved art.  She was always around people who were making things, including her dad who was a shoemaker.  The STMS art teacher has been sharing her passion for art with students for 13 years.

Mrs. Copley’s  love for art has led her to pursue different types of mediums.  “I think that everyone has their own way of art,” said Mrs. Copley.  “I think that I’m a inspirational artist because I combine different types of art to make it mine.”

Mrs. Copley, who teaches Studio Art and Sculpture,  is very encouraging.  She never gives up on herself or her students.

“Every dream takes work, but the work is worth it and always be willing to ask questions, take advice. Also there’s always someone that knows more than you, and you should ask them so they can help you grow.”  She also tells her students, “Every artist has thrown away what they started so don’t give up.” 

Mrs. Copley has inspired her students to make original pieces of work in her classes.

Students Jaylah Mobley, a 7th grader, and Janiya Minton, a 6th grader, both said they both enjoy Mrs. Copley’s classes.  They said their favorite part of her classes is painting. Jaylah said  she likes, “The concept of creating the art and the 

drawings.” 

Mrs. Copley uses lots of different materials to create art.

 “I just like drawing and stuff because it’s cool and fun,”  said Janiyah.        

Mrs. Copley shows off a piece of art one of her students created this year.

In her spare time, Mrs. Copley enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and of course making art.  She also is very involved with church where she sings on the choir.

Mrs. Copley encourages creativity among her students.  Her favorite part of art is “The process and the fact that you can make something unique and different  from other art pieces.”

Mrs. Copley works with her students to help them create awesome pieces.

            There were more than a hundred girls there and all the girls had a blast. They participated in many activities, including rock painting, skin care, volleyball and minute games. They roasted marshmallows at the  fire pit,   designed water bottles, and more. At Girls On the Move or girls night, they also ate yummy food; Spaghetti with sauce and salad. Also for dessert they had cookies and cupcakes to eat.

On one of the highlights was a message they received from Taylor Dee. The motivational speaker gave a speech of empowerment.  

 Gemiyah Heyward said, “I really enjoyed myself.”  She added that there was also “good food.”

Tatiana Perez agreed. “It was very fun, a lot of freedom and lemonade was really yummy, ” Perez said. 

 Ms. Todaro, a 6th grade social studies teacher, not only helped with serving but hosted a session on  “ I thought it went well and all the girls had fun, ” said Ms. Todaro. “I liked that they got to experience all these new things.”   

 Miss Remus, a 6th grade ELA teacher said, she also thought the program went great. 

“I thought it was great, and great to see kids out of the school setting,” said Miss Remus. “And I think it would be good to have girls night at the beginning of the school year to grow a relationship with them. I had lot’s of fun,  enjoyed it.”

Check out some of the amazing photos from Girls on The Move 2022.

On the weekends, you can most likely find STMS’ 7th grade guidance counselor and her family at Rock Hill’s newest park.

“I go to Miracle park also most every weekend with my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son,” said Mrs. McCoy. ” Their favorite thing is the mini zipline but they jump around and love every part of Miracle Park.”

The Zipline is one of the activities Mrs. McCoy’s kids enjoy the most.

Miracle Park, located on Eden Terrace, is an all-inclusive playground. Jonathan Shea, Terry Hagen, and Elaine Norman came up with the idea for the state-of-the-art park. 

‘’I think it is good that people can go to Miracle Park and have a park for them to play around and have fun in,’’ said Davis Capel, a STMS 7th grader.

Mrs. McCoy’s son Kyle loves to hang around on the monkey bars.

Terry Hagen, creator and founder of Miracle Park said,  ‘’The idea to build Miracle Park came about hen a community volunteer, David Williams, watched his nephew play baseball on a Miracle Field in Greenville.  Since Rock Hill is known for sports tourism, he brought the idea back to Rock Hill and people loved it.”

Miracle Park  provides people of all abilities and ages the opportunity to enjoy the park’s amenities and programming year-round.  At the park you  can find people exploring  the sensory wall,  playing on Miracle Field and enjoying other activities.

Ms. Remus, a 6th-grade ELA teacher at STMS  stated ‘’I think Miracle Park is an amazing place and should be celebrated and replicated across the United States.  It’s a park that supports inclusivity and meets the needs of most kids should not be a new or rare concept.’’

Hagen said, “The City was already going to rebuild the old Winthrop ball field and playground, so when plans began for Miracle Park, the executive team looked into making that field a part of Miracle Park.  Winthrop University donated the land for the fields, so that location made perfect sense, and now we have a partnership with Winthrop University.’’

The City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Department operates, maintain and come up with programs for the park.

Since it’s opening in September of 2021 , people from all over have enjoyed the park.

‘’In October 2021, we had approximately 11, 600 people attend.,” said Hagen. “In November 2021, we had approximately 10,275 people attend.’’

Hagen said it took 4 years to raise enough money to complete phase one of the park.  Phase one  includes the playground, office area, concession area, restrooms, picnic areas, and Miracle Field.   “We are in the process of raising money for Phase 2 and Phase 3,” she said. “Hopefully, we can complete those in the next 2/3 years.’’

Jack Neal, a 7th-grade student said he looks forward to Phase 2 of the park. ‘’I think it will help because the addition of new fields and more activities to do will help it a lot,” said Neal. 

Mrs. McCoy and her 8 year old daughter Hayden and her 6 year old son Kyle enjoy going to Miracle Park on the weekends.

 Hagen said funds from several sponsors helped to make Miracle Park what it is today.

A few of the sponsors that donated more than $100,000 were Coca-Cola, the Carolina Panthers, and Winthrop University. More sponsors that paid more than $10,000 were Family Trust, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, and The Burns. There were in total 482 sponsors who helped out with Miracle Park. The sponsors that helped out Miracle Park could be a huge business or a personal business but every donation counts. Even a few churches and schools helped out with all the common goals in mind.

      At 2:40 the announcement came over the intercom stating, ”At this time everybody in the school needs to find a book and start reading it.” Students then found their favorite or just a book and started to read.  Entire classes even teachers and admin sat down and read books too.

‘Read Across America’ started as a way to honor Dr. Seuss’s birthday who loved to read and write books for kids. Read Across America is not an official holiday but in 1998 on March 2 kids celebrate reading across America by sitting down and reading a book.  STMS Wildcats celebrated by stopping classes and reading for 20 minutes.

Davis Capel a 7th grader who participated in the activity. realizes the importance of reading.  ”It can help us navigate real-world experiences and it can improve our minds,” Capel stated

Jack Neal another 7th grader said, ”I think it is a great thing for students to be able to get a break and read to calm themselves down and just read.”

Mrs. Creagh the reading coach here at STMS stated, ”Every job in the world you want to be when you grow up you have to know the life skill of reading and books can also teach about characters and settings.” Mrs. Remus a 6th grade LA teacher said, ”My favorite thing about Drop everything and read is that it is a dedicated time to read school-wide. For people who are not obsessed with reading, it is easy to get distracted by your surroundings. When the whole school is reading, the distractions are limited.”

     According to the National Education Association (NEA), ‘’NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.’’  Studies show sitting down and reading for just a few minutes a day could help with vocabulary, improve focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills.

       STMS ELA teachers not only realize the importance of reading but challenge students to take a break from technology because  reading can be just as enjoyable as playing video games or playing outside.

The school garden here at STMS has made a big impact on the lives of many Wildcats. Mrs. Hart, a 6th-grade science teacher here at Saluda Trail, created a garden behind the school. She enjoys taking her students out there to work in the garden. Students and teachers say it’s an amazing outdoor learning laboratory that many have had an opportunity to experience.

Jamie Arcuri, a 6th grader, said her favorite part about the garden was, “going out to see how much the garden has grown.” Luther Strait, another 6th

Mrs. Harts looks around the garden located behind the school

grader said, “I enjoy working with dirt and plants.”

Mrs. Harts’ students help her water plants, pull weeds, and even plant more seeds. “I like everything about the garden except the weeding,” Mrs. Hart stated. All of her students love different things about the garden.

Students in Mrs. Hart’s 6th grade science class shovel dirt to place around the mini pools located in the garden.

Jaden Jackson, a seventh-grader, remembered the garden from last year. “I wasn’t here the whole year, but while I was here it was fun to be outside instead of being stuck in the classroom doing work,” Jackson said.  Na’kiyah Williamson, a 7th grader who hasn’t experienced the garden said, ” I guess the garden is nice. It’s good for students to go and learn about plants and the environment. I really don’t know much about it because I wasn’t there but what I’ve heard is good.”

Even students in Mrs. Dantzler’s and Mr. Rhodes’ photography classes enjoy the garden. ” I love being able to take my photography students out to the garden,” Mrs. Dantzler said. “My students have taken some amazing nature photos out there. They also get to see the growth out there.”

Mrs. Dantzler’s students enjoy taking photos in the garden.

Mrs. Hart said there are some challenges when it comes to a school garden – money and time. Because the school does not provide funds for the garden, Mrs. Hart said she often uses her own money to fund the garden and provide entertainment for the 6th-graders. She also stated that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to do all of the things should like to do when it comes to the garden.

Animals have been another challenge. “I’m not sure how many different kinds of animals have eaten things from the garden, but I know that at least one deer came in this year and feasted on the peppers and the tops of the sweet potatoes,” Mrs. Hart said. “The deer walked into the pools and left footprints as proof.”

Mrs. Hart and one of her students move dirt to place around the plants.

Mrs. Hart is grateful for some of the outside support she has received from  the Rock Hill School District Foundation, Farm Bureau, and Master Gardeners. The support has been very helpful and have allowed her students to learn about plant behavior in the garden.

Mrs. Hart recently received a new grant for a quail farm, which will include a garden where her students can learn more about animal and plant life and behavior. Students will benefit from this because they will be able to learn more while also having fun.

Mrs. Hart received $472.00 from the foundation.  “The Foundation Grant was the only grant that I won for this,” Mrs. Hart said. “The York County 4-H gave me the eggs.” She said the grant took her about a month to obtain.

Mrs. Myles, the new the Interim Principal of Saluda Trail Middle School, enjoys her new role.

       You’ve seen her in the gallery and each morning on the Saluda Trail News Network. But have you had an opportunity to really get to know Mrs. Myles?

  Mrs. Myles became the Interim Principal of Saluda Trail Middle School early this November. She stepped into the position after Dr. Ledsinger left for medical reasons.    

“I was asked  by Dr. Campbell to be the interim principal at STMS,” said Mrs. Myles. “I loved being a principal and I feel like I still have something to contribute, so I felt like I could fulfill that need.”

 Many of the teachers and staff have enjoyed having her here.  Mrs. Byrd, a 7th grade ELA teacher said Mrs. Myles is a very jolly person that loves to laugh. “I like Mrs. Myles,” said Mrs. Byrd. “I like her organization, and she’s visible.”

STMS Media Specialist Ms. Inman also spoke positively about Mrs. Myles. “I think she is doing a great job (as principal). She is very positive and supportive of teachers and students.” Inman added, “I like her sense of humor, her organization, and her positive attitude. She is a very friendly and outgoing person.”

Mrs. Myles came to STMS with a wealth of experience.  She worked for Rock Hill schools for 31 years before retiring.

STMS Administrators and Dr. John Jones who recently served as and Interim Superintendent, welcomed Mrs. Myles to The Trail.

Recalling  some of her favorite memories from working in the education industry, Mrs. Myles said,  “I love to see the smiles on students’ faces when they’re happy, and when the “lightbulb” goes off when they learn something new.”

Mrs. Myles, who said she has lived her entire  life in Rock Hill, has two adult children.   “Both of my wonderful children are here (in Rock Hill), my Bri and Zell, they’re 30 and 25,” said Mrs. Myles.  The new principal has other family in town as well.  She said she has a great niece and a cousin here in Rock Hill, as well as two nephews who attend Saluda Trail.  Mrs. Myles enjoys spending time with her family.  “My family is very close, and we like to just hang out and have a good time,” she said.  “Being able to enjoy their company is a blessing, for sure.”

Mrs. Myles said she is enjoying working at the Trail.  “I am loving the people here at STMS, which includes the students and staff that I’ve met so far,” she said.

Here are some fun facts about Mrs. Myles:

• She has worked for more than 10 schools since she started working for Rock Hill Schools.
• Myles also became a realtor after retiring from Rock Hill Schools.
• She drove a bus in high school, and didn’t get in trouble for it!
• She played three sports in high school; volleyball, basketball, and softball.
• In her spare time, Mrs. Myles loves to read, exercise and watch TV.
• Her favorite subject in school was Social Studies/History.
• Her favorite books are the Bible, Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Daily Devotions by Max Lucado. 
• Her favorite foods are a good cheeseburger, homemade veggie beef soup salads.
• She loves to travel and is planning a trip to Africa in 2023.

Mr. Runyan, STMS  chorus and piano teacher, said he was happy to have all of the students back this year.

This school year, some  teachers, students and staff say are pleased with being back to a bit of normalcy.

Westly Runyan, STMS  chorus and piano teacher, “It has been good. This year has been exceptionally better than last year because I can have my full class sizes back, instead of having students split between A and B days. Lastly, it’s nice that we can interact more and go on field trips.”

Rebecca McCoy the 7th-grade guidance counselor agreed. “For me, I prefer not having to think about virtual students; I like being able to see everyone and interact with them more than I was able to last year on A-day and B-day; I feel like I didn’t get to know my kids as well as other instructors,”  McCoy said.

Being back also comes with some concerns.

Staying healthy this school year is a priority for Mrs. Bolyard, a 7th-grade math teacher.

“My concern each year is how to be the best teacher I can be for the students in my room that year,”  said Amaris Bolyard, a 7th-grade math teacher at STMS. Bolyard  added,  “This, to me, means how do I stay healthy, how do I improve my teaching, and how can I best reach my students so I can teach them.”

Even students find that they need to focus on self-care.

“I’m taking time for myself and putting out the effort and power to look after myself and to treat and reward myself when I’m doing well, ” said Isabella Tramell, a 7th grader.

For Korinthia Brown-Cason “KD,” a seventh-grader stated,  however,  this year hasn’t really been concerning.

“It could be worse,” Brown-Cason said. “And it’s a lot better than other schools.” 

Mrs. Frazier, a  7th-grade  science teacher, focuses on a successful year.

While many students and teachers say the year hasn’t been perfect, they are trying their best to make it a successful year.

“I try to remember that everyone is coming from a different experience from Covid,”  said Brittani Frazier, a  7th-grade  science teacher.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Peter Paul, Henri Rousseau, Piero di Cosimo, all of these world class artists have featured snakes in their work, but have you heard of a snake doing the painting?

This snake found it’s way recently into the art room. It was probably waiting around for the next art lesson.

Mrs. Copley, the STMS art teacher, sure hadn’t.  On Wednesday, Dec. 9th,  Mrs. Copley was going about her day, which had been quite uneventful at the time. As she casually walked into her classroom, she noticed that the cans she was saving for an art project had been chaotically knocked to the floor. By themselves these events aren’t that exciting, but what happened next definitely made it an abnormal occurrence.  Mrs. Copley said  as she took a closer look,  she realized there was what appeared to be a snake perched on the windowsill.

Yet to Mrs. Copley this was completely normal.  “I figured one of my colleagues as they often do, did it,” she said. 

However on closer inspection this prank seemed to be a little more serious. Lo and behold this was in fact a living breathing snake made entirely out of living organisms, not plastic.

 Mrs. Copley who said she is not known as a snake person screamed 911, to Mr. Runyan, the chorus teacher.  Her call for help could only be described as a “Screeching Weesssssss!” All of the related arts teachers who heard Ms. Copley’s cry of help, came running. 

Mr. Runyan helps gather a snake that recently made it’s way into the art room.

Mr. Runyan who’s first thoughts were “Ooh a snake, can I take it home,”  said  the snake was “all black with a white belly, it was about 2ft long and was the width of a candlestick.” 

Mr. Runyan even had backup.  Mr. Denio, the Robotics teacher, also leaped into action.  Together the two quickly looked for something to usher the snake away from the art room. What they found was a long wooden stick and a garbage can, without the lining.

These two heroes were luckily able to usher the snake into the trash can where he was transported to 6th grade science teacher Ms.Hart.  The snake was put outside where he rightfully belonged and disaster was avoided. Hopefully this is one artist who won’t have any copycats!