2015-2016 Focus Staff

Senior Editor

Sarah Harper, Junior

Despite the title, I am actually a Junior here at SHS. I'm involved in many different organizations such as CIA, Student Council, Secretary of Drama Club, and Leo Club. I'm super active in my church and am often referred to as 'Mama Bird' by some of the younger kids. I've competed in One Act Play for two years, and (hopefully) will continue to do so. I even get to participate in this year's musical! I've made All Region Choir for four years and received a 1 on Solo & Ensemble pieces for five years. Basically, I'm super dramatic and sing - ALL. THE. TIME. Just ask anyone who knows me. I 'play' tennis in the spring (I'm not very good, but I needed PE credits and it became something I really enjoy.) I take advanced courses and I really enjoy writing. I'm looking into editing or some sort of literature as my career path. I was lucky enough to place first in Regionals and advanced to State UIL in News Journalism. All the glory to God for all of the things I've accomplished through Him. I love my friends and family and have a crazy amount of Tiger Spirit; I'm loud - like REALLY loud - and try to speak up for what I believe is right.

Junior Editor

Paula Boothman, Sophomore

Even though I'm technically a Junior Editor for Focus, I am a sophomore at Silsbee High School. I am a member of Key Club, CIA, and Student Council. I plan on joining the tennis team this year as well. The majority of my life is spent with the Fighting Tiger Band, in which I am proudly the first chair clarinet player. I have made the All Region Band since my seventh grade year, and had the honor of competing at area levels my freshman year. Through many hours of practicing, I have also managed to receive superior ratings on both my clarinet and piano Solo & Ensemble pieces since seventh grade. Outside of the classroom, I take piano lessons, engage in community service, and serve as the Vice President of the Converge Student Ministries Youth Council. I give a tremendous amount of effort in terms of my grades, and I am in all advanced courses. I participate in a number of UIL academic teams, including Ready Writing, Literary Criticism, and Social Studies. Once I graduate high school, I plan on pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics and Computer Science.

Historian

Gracie Gilchriest, Freshman

Ignoring the fact that I'm 4'11" and 3/4, I am a freshman in Silsbee High School. Some of the other school activities I participate in are the Drama Club, CIA, Student Council, and girl's soccer. I'm a proud soprano in Varsity Choir, and I will also play Alf Scragg in the school production of Lil Abner. Outside of school, I take ballet and pointe from Dance Arts in Lumberton. I'm active in the First United Methodist Church of Silsbee, and I'm the Historian of the Converge Student Ministries. I'm a very studious person, and I participate in all advanced courses. In the fourth grade, I found my passion in creative writing and joined the UIL Ready Writing team, and have pursued it ever since. I hope to continue my writing, and maybe pursue being an author someday.

Writer

Cambrie Root, Freshman

I'm a freshman at Silsbee High School. I'm involved in Drama Club, Focus Club, Student Council, FCCLA, and I'm the Silsbee Tiger Mascot! I am in the Varsity Choir as an alto. I have been in two theatre productions this year. I go to St. John's Lutheran Church. I love to watch football and hang out with my friends. My favorite cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch! I enjoy being around my family. My favorite holiday is Easter because you have an excuse to eat as much chocolate as you want and sometimes my birthday falls on Easter!

Writer

Eric Arlan, Senior

Writer

Alexis Quinn, Senior

Artist

Elia Chisum, Senior

Sponsor

Mrs. Chelsey Cox, English Teacher

I am a 2014 graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a focus in news writing. In addition, I minored in social science and received my teacher certification in journalism 8-12 and English 7-12. After teaching, a year of English at Jasper High School, I'm excited to begin my first year at Silsbee High School and have truly enjoyed getting to know the Silsbee community of students and teachers. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the new direction Focus is going in and I'm truly looking forward to the rest of the year with this great group of student writers!

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