2013-2014 Programs
MCHS Students Pledge to Be Drug Free
To create awareness of Substance Abuse Prevention last month, the Mustangs YSC coordinated Red Ribbon Week along with several classroom presentations with the good folks from Centerpoint Recovery Center located here in Paducah, KY. About 650 students were able to gain prevention information on the dangers of using drugs and alcohol and witness the transformation and sobriety of the men in the program. Students learned that ONE choice can alter the whole course of their life. In conjunction, the Mustangs YSC partnered with West Kentucky Crimestoppers, the Paducah Police Department and Four Rivers Behavioral Health Prevention Team to hand out Red Ribbons, prevention information and to encourage the students at MCHS take the pledge to “Love Yourself and Be Drug-Free!” About 450 students pledged to be drug-free during Red Ribbon Week. Thanks to all of our community partners for taking the time to invest in our students!
For more information about the Mustangs YSC or Center Point Treatment Center, contact Stacy Thomas at 270-538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
Workforce Workshop 2014
The Mustang Youth Services Center partnered with the City of Paducah Parks & Recreation by providing a college & career development workshop for high school seniors entitled “Workforce WORTHshop: Do You Have What It Takes?” Seventy-five students were selected to participate in this half-day, interactive workshop which provided sessions on resume writing/interviewing skills, performance reviews/evaluation, conflict resolution, creating a healthy lifestyle, setting goals and leadership. Presenters included: Joni Goodman, KeeFORCE; Stacey Young, Baptist Health Paducah; Jim Dudley, KeeFORCE; Kent Bohanon, State Farm; Anisa Cox, Energy Fitness Paducah; and Michael Ceglinski, MCHS. Each student who completed the entire workshop received a “Certificate of Completion” to be used when applying for jobs, scholarships and internships and a training experience of which they can include on their resumes. Students were also provided with the opportunity to get help with filling out job applications as well as help with creating a working resume. Thanks to our business partners and presenters for volunteering their time to help our students! As a result, fifty-four seniors completed the workshop.
Students include: Brooklyn Snyder, Evan Mathis, David Clardy, Olivia May, Abigail Clark, Martin Livingston, Ethan Flynn, Dylan Humphrey, John Welsh, Lauren Deasel, Ariel Richards, Kendra Puckett, Corey Hall, Blaze Wilson, Jeremy Hackworth, Elizabeth Benner, Courtney Grewelle, Ben Clayton, Cole Ousley, James Lugo, Corey Peterson, Elizabeth Young, Wyatt Seed, Brandon Morehead, Kaitlin Adams, Lindsay Driskell, Dylan Coli, Seth Rowland, Chandler Bell, Makenzie Glisson, Rachel Upshaw, Jacob Owen, Victoria Clayton, Katherine Parker, Erika Shaw, Olivia Darnell, Reagan Webb, Sarah Stigall, Alec Macmahon, Louis Mofatt, Alexandra Housman, Miranda Bliss, Skylar Nunley, Abbigail Collins, Heather Isom, Courtney West, Madison Moxley, Morgan Fowler, Ashley Lambert, Jacob Hyde, Alicia Wines, Katelyn Garland, Emily Belt and Destiny Mayo.
For more information about the Mustangs YSC contact Stacy Thomas at 538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
Alcohol Awareness 2014
The Mustang Youth Services Center teamed up with the Paducah Police Department & M.A.D.D. to provide classroom presentations on the dangers of drinking and driving. Theresa Martinez from M.A.D.D. presented to the students on the tragedy she experienced in the loss of her daughter by a drunk driver. Students were encouraged and inspired not to drink and drive. Thanks to our great partners in the Paducah Police Department for helping us to create awareness for our students!
For more information about the Mustangs YSC contact Stacy Thomas at 538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
2014 Reality Store
The Mustang Youth Services Center partnered with the UK 4-H Extension office in Paducah to bring students to the annual Reality Store. The Reality Store program began in McCracken County in 1998. This program introduces youth to the “realities” associated with adulthood–provision of food, clothing, shelter, etc. for a family and how these relate to career choices. Upon arrival at the simulation, students receive the equivalent of one month’s salary for the career they have chosen or been given. Participants go through the “store” purchasing housing, transportation, childcare, etc. They quickly see the value of having to budget that income based on needs versus wants. By the end of the simulation, students usually see a relationship between career, lifestyle, and education.
The “Reality Store” is gaining popularity as an introductory exercise in helping youth understand some of the “realities” involved in preparing for an employable future. The exercise is designed to be a tool to grab their attention so they will choose to involve themselves in a more substantive “curriculum” oriented workforce preparation.
Over 100 students through the Family & Consumer Science and Leadership Development classes at MCHS participated this month.
Blood Drive 2014
The Mustang Youth Services Center teamed up with Mrs. Melissa Willoughby’s Biomedical class and the American Red Cross in a blood drive for the students & faculty of MCHS! About 27 students in the class participated in registering and organizing staff and students to have their blood drawn by the friendly folks from the local chapter of the Red Cross. Thanks to Mrs. Willoughby for providing a great hands-on experience for the students!
Blood Pressure Clinic – 2014
The Mustang Youth Services Center teamed up with Mrs. Mary Meinscheine’s Health Ed class in a blood pressure clinic in honor of Valentine’s Day and the theme of keeping your “heart healthy” to live a longer life. About 15 students in the class participated in taking the blood pressure of about 30 faculty, staff and students during class time. In this hands-on experience, participants were given their blood pressure reading from the class “professionals” and advice on what they might need to do if they needed to make adjustments to their diet. Thanks to Mrs. Meinscheine for providing a great experience for the students!
For more information about the Mustangs YSC contact Stacy Thomas at 538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
Paducah poet Samuel “Snacks” Hawkins performs for class
MCHS English teacher Pam Rafferty partnered with the high school’s Youth Service Center to have Paducah poet Samuel “Snacks” Hawkins perform for and instruct Rafferty’s class on Tuesday. Hawkins recited a poem from his new book and helped students analyze poetic devices.
Chase Venable, President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Paducah presents a $500 check to Stacy Thomas, Coordinator of the Mustangs Youth Services Center.
Chase Venable, President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Paducah presents a $500 check to Stacy Thomas, Coordinator of the Mustangs Youth Services Center.
MCHS Cheerleaders Volunteer at ACTS Ministry
The MCHS Cheerleaders, coached by Jennifer McKenzie, and the Mustangs YSC partnered together at Heartland Worship Center for an afternoon of community service in the ACTS House.
