BY JOLIE BROOKS, CHS SENIOR Clover, SC - Clover School District is proud to present the graduates of the Class of 2024! Graduation was held at the Winthrop Coliseum on May 30, 2024, at 7:00 PM, and as approximately 540 graduates started to arrive, the hall was buzzing with excitement, a little bit of nervousness, and all the feelings in between. The ceremony started off with a presentation of the colors presented by the AFJROTC color guard and the National Anthem sung by the CHS Choraliers, followed by an amazing prayer by Avery Marshall. Next, the Student Body President, Julia Beard, delivered a beautiful welcome speech. Kayley Spitzer, Senior Class President, followed with the presentation of the Senior Gift, a fountain to be installed at CHS. Then Mrs. Donna Farris, the principal, brought opening remarks. Jacob Summers followed with the Salutatory Address, and Kayley Spitzer was up again to deliver the Valedictory Address. After Mr. Will Plyler and Mrs. Martha Jean Starnes announced all graduates, Mrs. Farris presented the Class of 2024. Congratulations to the newest alumni of Blue Eagle Nation!!
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BY THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF Columbia, SC - The Roaring Eagle, the local community newspaper written and edited by Clover High School students, has been honored with the esteemed Medallion Award by the South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (SCNSPRA). This award recognizes the exceptional efforts of the students and the supportive community surrounding them.
Launched just this year in partnership with the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club, The Roaring Eagle was created to bridge the information gap in the local community. It has not only served as a news source but has also provided real-world journalistic experience to the students of Clover High School. This initiative stems from a collaboration that sought to enrich student learning with practical experience and enhance their skills in a meaningful context. The Medallion Award, the highest honor bestowed by the SC/NSPRA, recognizes outstanding programs that significantly promote public education and improve the perception and image of educational institutions. The Roaring Eagle was recognized for its innovative approach, high-quality reporting, and the positive impact it has made within the community. It stood out among numerous entries, earning accolades for its coverage of local news and its role in fostering community unity. This year, only two Medallion Awards were given, one to Horry County and this one. The newspaper’s success highlights the consistent excellence and commitment of Clover High School and its partners, matching the accolades received by larger districts like Horry County. The paper’s mission extends beyond mere reporting; it aims to unite the diverse communities within the Clover School District by sharing stories that relate to all residents. Through engaging articles and insightful features, the newspaper strives to inform and inspire its readership towards greater community involvement and cohesion. The project has been supported by local businesses and organizations that have contributed as sponsors and advertisers, demonstrating the strong community backing vital to the publication’s success. Special thanks are due to Sherri Cuirlik, Dick Lewis, and Phil Weiss, members of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club, whose dedication has been pivotal in the newspaper’s achievements. Kelly Clark, a teacher at Clover High School, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to guide this initiative. “The Roaring Eagle has allowed our students to grow and learn in ways that are profoundly impactful. This award is not just for the newspaper but for the entire community that has come together to support this endeavor,” said Clark. Jolie Brooks, a CHS student who joined The Roaring Eagle in January, said, “Having the opportunity to write for The Roaring Eagle has helped me grow in many different ways. I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone and have become much more comfortable talking to and in front of people. I have gotten to meet so many amazing people and learn new things about myself.” Emily Belk and Camilla Joye joined the staff in January and found new ways to support their community. “Being a part of the Roaring Eagle newspaper has not only enhanced my writing skills but deepened my understanding of current events. It has helped me make connections with important people in our area and helped me connect to others in ways I couldn’t before. It has taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and commitment and given me a real sense of purpose, belonging, and community,” said Belk. Joye had a specific example of an event she enjoyed covering: “I was able to share information about the sports I love with the community and highlight the hard work of my peers. I got to cover the girls’ soccer state championship game recently. It was so fun and exciting to watch my friends succeed, knowing that I got to bring the news of that success to the people who couldn’t go to the game.” The learning extended beyond reporting on local events and building community connections. Dante Hudnall, a founding reporter who joined the staff in August, explained how this experience extended beyond journalism and community involvement. “It has helped me understand what it takes to start a business and how to grow it,” said Hudnall. This recognition by the SC/NSPRA honors past accomplishments and inspires future efforts to maintain the strong community spirit that defines the Clover area. BY KAYA SPENCER, THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF Lake Wylie, SC - Papa Doc’s hosted a pop-up shop event on Saturday, May 18. The vendors there sold things such as candles, jewelry, clothes, etc. A Roaring Eagle news reporter had an opportunity to go to the pop-up sale and talk to some of the vendors. One of the vendors said, “We live in the community, and my wife owns the business. She is a female business owner, and she’s thriving.” Another vendor said, “This is actually my first event and I want to see how it will go. I started my business in March and want to spread the word and get some customers.” Most people heard about this pop-up through another vendor working there or the Papa Doc’s Shore Club Facebook page. Multiple vendors said that they would absolutely do another pop-up sale.
The Clover High School Prom this year was held on March 29th, 2024. It was a magical night where the theme was “A Night with Gatsby.” Gates opened at 8 'o'clock p.m. at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC. Desserts and snacks were provided, along with tea, lemonade, and water. A professional DJ and two photo booth opportunities added to the experience. Students were able to dance inside and hang out on an outside deck above the field. It was a beautiful evening to get dressed up and have a good time. By Kelly Clark, Editor-In-Chief Photos by Emily Belk, David Mollinedo, and Lily Wallace, Roaring Eagle Reporters Clover, SC—On March 16, St. Patrick's Day came to downtown Clover a day early with the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. The event kicked off on Friday night with food trucks and live music in the parking lot of Boyd's Tire and Appliance Store. On Saturday, over 100 vendors set up along Main Street. The town had a record number of vendor applications, so they were able to bring back crowd favorites and introduce some new vendors to this yearly festival. There was something for everyone. Kids could choose to participate in activities like a photo booth, face painting, caricature drawings, and bubbles. And, of course, there was a beer garden for the adults. With almost 20 food trucks, commercial vendors, arts and craft vendors, and non-profit organizations set up, attendees could spend hours seeing everything. This amazing festival happens the weekend of St. Patrick's Day every year, so be sure to mark your calendars for 2025. BY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE AND JORDAN BOWERS, CHS SENIOR
Clover, SC - Moped to Memphis (M2M) is a fundraising drive led by Mr. Frank Falls, CHS Social Studies teacher. M2M raises money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. To date, M2M has raised over 1 million dollars. One of their biggest fundraisers, the Womanless Beauty Pageant, took place in the CSD auditorium on January 27, 2024. This is an annual tradition for M2M and is highly anticipated by the community. The event offered an entertaining womanless pageant, live music, and a silent auction. The single event raised over 27 thousand dollars. This money will be added to other fundraisers conducted by M2M throughout the year. During the summer, Mr. Falls drives the moped to Memphis and donates the money raised to St. Jude's. He then drives it back and raffles it off to kick off the next year of fundraising. Lights on the Lake Holiday Boat ParadeBY KELLY CLARK, THE ROARING EAGLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHOTOS BY KATRINA OSBORNE MELTON, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR The 34th annual "Lights on the Lake" Holiday Boat Parade, organized by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, illuminated the lake on Saturday, Dec. 16. Boats, decked out in their holiday finest, gathered at Papa Doc's Shore Club by the Buster Boyd Bridge at 6 p.m. for the lineup, and the parade commenced at 6:30 p.m. Homeowners contributed to the festive spirit by decorating their docks along the route. The best vantage points for the parade were Papa Doe's deck and the Buster Boyd Public Boating Landing. A multitude of Christmas characters added a touch of holiday magic. Among the merry participants was the mischievous Grinch, who brought a whimsical twist to the festivities. However, stealing the spotlight, as expected, was none other than the jolly old man himself – Santa Claus, spreading cheer and goodwill from the deck of a festooned vessel. The boats, adorned with twinkling lights, transformed the lake into a festive spectacle. Spectators gathered along the shores, capturing the holiday magic in photos. This annual tradition, uniting the community in a unique celebration, turned Lake Wylie into a winter wonderland. As boat horns echoed through the night, the memories of this joyful parade are sure to linger, leaving everyone with warm holiday spirits. Clover Christmas ParadeBY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE PHOTOS BY CHAD CLARK, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Clover, SC - On Saturday, December 3, at 3:00 in the afternoon, the heart of Clover came alive with the festive spirit as the town hosted its annual Christmas parade. Main Street was transformed into a magical spectacle filled with smiling faces and the contagious joy of the holiday season. As anticipation built up, families and friends gathered along the sidewalks, eagerly awaiting the procession of dazzling floats and the much-anticipated appearance of the jolly man himself, Santa Claus. The air was filled with laughter, the scent of hot cocoa, and the sound of cheerful holiday tunes echoing through the streets. The parade, a true testament to the community's creativity and holiday spirit, featured an array of beautifully decorated floats, each more festive than the last. From local businesses to community groups, each participant brought their unique flair to the celebration, contributing to the overall magic of the event. A notable highlight of the parade was the abundance of tow trucks that made their way down Main Street. It seemed as though every tow truck in town had joined the parade, creating a merry and unconventional spectacle that delighted both young and old. The climax of the afternoon came when the crowd erupted in cheers upon the arrival of Santa and his tow truck reindeer, led by none other than Rudolph the red tow truck. The sight was a clever and imaginative twist on the traditional reindeer lineup, showcasing the town's creativity and commitment to making the parade a memorable experience for all. Despite the cold weather, the warmth of the holiday spirit prevailed. After an afternoon filled with excitement, families and friends dispersed, heading home to cozy up with hot cocoa and share stories of the day's festivities. The children, wide-eyed and brimming with excitement, eagerly recounted their favorite floats, the magical appearance of Santa, and the quirky tow trucks that stole the show. Clover's Christmas parade once again proved to be a cherished community tradition, bringing people together and ushering in the holiday season with a magical touch. As the town wraps up another successful celebration, the spirit of Christmas lingers in the hearts of its residents, creating cherished memories that will be talked about for years to come. BY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE PHOTOS BY BRYAN DILLON, CSD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Clover, SC - On November 16, the First United Methodist Church hosted an inspiring Veterans Day luncheon organized by Mr. Jimmy Roach, a dedicated teacher at Clover High School (CHS). The event aimed to unite veterans and students in a shared space, fostering connections and creating a platform for the exchange of stories and appreciation within the community. Mr. Roach's vision for the luncheon was to provide not only a delicious meal but also an unforgettable experience for both veterans and students. The goal was to bridge the generation gap, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans while expressing gratitude for their service. The Interact Club and Culinary Arts students took charge of not only serving food and drinks but also organizing a program filled with patriotic elements. Speakers shared heartfelt messages, highlighting the significance of honoring and appreciating the sacrifices made by veterans. The CHS JROTC showcased their precision and respect through a moving flag-folding ceremony, symbolizing the honor bestowed upon those who have served. The event reached its crescendo with the CHS Choraliers delivering a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Together, the Interact Club and Chef Michaw’s culinary students worked tirelessly to ensure that the veterans in attendance had a memorable afternoon filled with camaraderie and heartfelt appreciation. The students actively engaged with the veterans, creating an environment where mutual respect and understanding flourished. Looking forward, Mr. Roach and the organizing team expressed their aspirations to expand the event, hoping to bring together an even larger gathering of veterans next year. The success of this year's luncheon has set the stage for future events that aim to strengthen the bond between the community's veterans and its youth. The Veterans Day luncheon proved to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on both veterans and students alike. As the luncheon concluded, organizers expressed gratitude to the sponsors whose support played a crucial role in making the event possible. The generous contributions from the sponsors ensured that the event could provide a meaningful and memorable experience for all those in attendance. In reflection, the Heroes Luncheon stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of honoring those who have selflessly served their country. The bonds forged on this special day will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all who participated. The Interact Club would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors:
BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR
Clover, SC - The Christmas Craft Show at Clover celebrated its 27th annual occurrence this year, rebounding from a brief decline in participation post-2020. With over 60 vendors and contributions from CHS clubs, the event attracted sellers through targeted emails, digital flyers, and a Google form with a nominal entry fee. Attendees enjoyed free entry and received door prize tickets, while vendors donated prizes for gift baskets awarded through a drawing after the show. Promotion included signage at local schools, a banner on Hwy. 557, and online visibility on NGC, CTE, and Clover High Student Council websites. Organized by student council advisors and supported by CHS custodians, the event also featured photo opportunities against Christmas backdrops, with a special appearance by The Grinch. BY KAYA SPENCER, CHS SOPHOMORE PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE KNOTT, CSD DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Since 1986, the Clover Leaders for Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF) has provided grants to fund teachers in the Clover School District to support and innovate classroom projects that foster engagement in our community. Seventeen grants, totaling over $15,000.00 were awarded to Clover School District teachers on Oct. 20, 2023. Clover LEAF raises money to fund grants from donors and community functions. The Clover LEAF recognizes donors through various levels on the donor tree found in the Clover School District Auditorium. The Clover Cuisine fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 25, at Clover High School. A new Spring Gala will be held at River Hills Country Club on Saturday, March 23. This event will feature raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction. Each fall, Clover LEAF opens a competitive application period so teachers can submit grant applications. Thousands of students have been positively impacted through innovative projects that, without the financial support, would not have been realized. Clover LEAF is made up of volunteer community members who have a love and passion for the students and teachers of the Clover School District. Current grant recipients are pictured with descriptions of their projects. |