While the remake of the

movie will be in theaters

December 19th, Altus High

School will be preforming

the revolutionized play,

Mary Poppins.

Actors that are involved

in this process of bringing

alive the play has had to

work very hard as a team.

Since September, the leads

has been juggling their char-

acters on stage and their life

off-stage.

All of this hard work and

effort will be displayed in six

shows over the span of to-

day and tomorrow; three

shows will be preformed

each day.

Along with another

evening show. Tomorrow

they will be preforming for

the Jr. High and the middle

school in the morning

followed by the High

School in the afternoon.

Mary Poppins is set in

England in 1910. The play

starts out with a family

known as the Banks. The

family is made up of four

members.

The parents, Mr. Banks

and Winifred Banks are

played by Christopher

Hernke and Sydney

Wehmeyer. Both of their

characters are the par-

ents of Jane and Michael

Banks, played by Jasper

Wathen and Allison

Cope. The Banks’ chil-

dren usually have their

nannies running for the

hills but are surprised

when they can’t do the

same to Mary Poppins,

Adeline Perkins Staff Writer

Upcoming Events: 6th- Lady Bulldog/

Bulldog Basketball

host Woodward @

6:30 p.m.

7th- AHS Swim to

MWC @ 2p.m.

8th- AHS Swim to

Yukon @ 10 a.m.

11th– Lady Bulldog/

Bulldog Basketball

host Weatherford

@ 6:30p.m.

13th- Bulldog

Wrestling at Elgin @

6p.m.

14th– AHS Swim @

3:15p.m.

17th– Cocoa &

Cram in cafeteria

@5:30p.m.

17th– Holiday Choir

Flying Away With Mary Poppins

Volume 13 Issue 7 December 6, 2018

Play Leads 2-3

Extras 3

Sets & Crew 4

Teacher Spotlight 4

Wrestling Preview 5

Basketball Preview 5

played by Carly Stork.

Throughout the play, she

and the kids embark on

magical adventures, even

meeting one of her old

friends Bert, played by

Garrett Gann. When Mary

Poppins departs from the

family it changes them as a

whole.

The on lookers have big

surprise in store this year.

Mr. Young has been work-

ing diligently to outdo all of

his past productions by

obtaining a fly system for

this show. Magical charac-

ters like Mary Poppins will

be adding on to the already

magical experience by fly-

ing across stage.

The student body and

public are encouraged to

come and see the play.

What’s Inside Bulldog Nation

The Collar Staff Advisor: Mrs. Sherman

Senior Managing Editors: Anna Willey

Jordan Benway Staff Writers:

Caroline Carney Isabelle Childs Julia Padgett Sara Howard

Adeline Perkins

Leads of the 2018 Mary Poppins production. Photo by Rhonda Garrison

Senior Carly Stork has been a part of the All-School Produc-tion since her freshman year. This year she is the leading lady, Mary Poppins. Carly states, “This year there were a lot of new faces in the cast and I was excited to be-come a leader for them.” This year’s musical is special to Carly, because it will be her last performance at Altus High School. After high school Carly plans to attend Oklahoma University and major in musical theatre and journalism. She is motivated by living up to her goals and the want to succeed. Carly wants to acknowledge her mom for helping her keep it all together, Jake for all the cof-fee runs, and the directors for loving me through the good times and the bad.

Senior Garrett Gann has been part of the All-School Pro-duction since his freshman year. This year he is Bert. Garrett states, “This year’s musical has been an amazing experience and I encourage eve-ryone in the future to take part.” This year’s musical is special to Garrett, because it will be his last musical at Altus High School After high school Garrett plans to attend college as a mu-sic major to receive a degree in music education. He is motivated by his par-ents, because he wants to take care of his children the way his parents take care of him. Garrett would like to acknowledge the volunteers in this year’s musical: stage crew, prop and costume makers, and anyone else who helped make this musical great.

Senior Sydney Wehmeyer is new to Altus High School and this is her first year in the All-School Production. She plays Winifred Banks, the wife of Mr. Banks, and she plays Jane and Michael’s mother. Sydney states, “I really enjoy the familiar air around all of the cast members. We all support one another, and though we have some trouble, I know that we will blow the audience away in the end.” After high school Sydney plans to attend college and be-come a speech pathologist who specializes in working with young children. She is motivated by the pas-sion and ultimate pleasure of giv-ing even one person in the audi-ence a fantastic, memorable show. Sydney would l ike to acknowledge her mother and father, Mr. Young, Jennifer Bur-row, Leah Wall, and Lu Kennedy.

Carly Stork & Garrett Gann

STUDENT FEATURES

Sydney Wehmeyer & Chris

By Sara Howard Staff Writer

By Sara Howard Staff Writer

Senior Chris Hernke has been a part of the All-School Production since his junior year. This year he is Mr. Banks, and it is his first year as a lead. Chris states, “My role may be small, but I feel it gives char-acter.” After high school Chris will attend the University of Ad-vancing Technology. He will be studying to receive a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence and a master’s degree in game design. Chris is motivated in life because he knows that even if his plans fail, he will have people behind him. Chris would l ike to acknowledge Mr. Young be-cause he is an inspiration for greatness. He would also like to acknowledge his mother, Shan-non Wille, because she never stopped believing in him.

Page 2 December 6, 2018

A.J, Allie and McKayla

PLAY HIGHLIGHTS Selah Mace

Staff Writer

tion McKayla Hiatt has participated in at AHS. This is her first year here. What motivates McKayla is her de-sire for knowledge and experience, along with her drive to try new things. McKayla would like to acknowledge her parents for helping her learn her audition piece and continuing to help her improve.

ing her to reach her full potential. Allie states, “I loved getting to experience being a lead and being in a great musical!” Allie would like to acknowledge her mom and sister for helping her learn her lines and creating silly voices to represent other characters. Mary Poppins is the first produc-

Senior, A.J. Strom plays the role of Robertson Ay in this year’s production of Mary Poppins. Rob-ertson AY is the 17 year old serv-ant of the Banks family. Junior, Al-lie Cope plays the role of Jane Banks. She is the little girl Mary Poppins takes care of. Sophomore, McKayla Hiatt plays the role of Mrs. Brill, the housekeeper. A.J. Strom has participated in every production since his fresh-man year. What motivates A.J. is seeing people laugh and smile. He feels that if he can do anything to make somebody’s day great, he will do it. A.J. states, “Through all the production of Mary Poppins, it’s been as fun as it can be, since it’s a great cast, and well, Mary Pop-pins!” A.J. would like to acknowledge everybody who he has been in a cast with for making every musical a blast. He will never forget all cast members and participants. Allie Cope has participated in two productions out of the three years she has attended AHS. What motivates Allie is her family push-

Page 3 December 6, 2018

Extras: Chimney Sweeps & Dancers Julia Padgett Staff Writer

McKayla Hiatt, Allie Cope, and A.J. Strom. Photo by Sara Howard

Practice usually runs late into the night, for up to six hours. During this time they sing, dance, and act. It takes quite a lot of time and effort . Being an extra comes with playing many characters. They get to be a Chimney Sweep, a Chatterbox, a Bank Person, a person walking in the park, or all of the above. Sabrina Miller, an extra, states, “I get to play many parts while doing what I love, dancing.” All of the extras have at least four different costumes. For every-thing to go according to plan, chang-ing quickly and efficiently during the show is crucial. Sarah Scott states, “Everyone works really hard and we stay really late but each time we get better. It’s all worth it in the end.” Overall, extras are a huge part in the production of the play.

While they may just be extras, they are to develop a story for each character to add more fun for the show. Smiling constantly and moving in sync with everyone

and the orchestra is a big part in mak-ing everything run smoothly. On top of all that, they have to sing as well. This requires athleticism and dedica-tion.

Chimney Sweeps and dancers. Photo by Sara Howard

The Making of a Musical

BULLDOG NEWS

Teacher Spotlight: Keith Brooking

By Caroline Carney Staff Writer

Although the sets are pretty amazing, the play would not be nearly as entrain-ing if it were not for the live music. This year Mr. Hastings selected a special group of individuals who reflect good work ethic, positivity and strive to bet-ter their playing skills. These incredible instrumentalist practice many times a week after school. With lots of hard

Many students participating in the All-School Production work behind the curtain. These students may not be the lead cast members singing and dancing, but they work just as hard. The musical is a large group effort, and relies upon the talent of many special groups. Mr. Snyder has three classes who help with the play decor. He teaches both 3-D construction and 3-D design. Both groups work to-gether to design, build, paint, and decorate every single backdrop for the play. The construction class builds, sands, and drills everything together to create a set. The design class paints the sets and pulls eve-rything together. Mr. Snyder states, “The skills these students learn in these clas-ses may help them in the future to build or paint their house. They could also use these skills to pursue careers in construction or design.”

Keith Brooking is the Phys-ical Science, Biology, and AP Physics teacher here at AHS. Mr. Brooking was born in Altus and lived on his great- great grandfather's farm. Alt-hough he was born in Altus, he grew up in Tipton, Oklahoma, and attended Tipton High School. Mr. Brooking attended college at Oklahoma State University and Cameron Uni-versity. When he returned to live in Altus, Mr. Brooking moved back to the farm and now lives there with his family. This is his first year as a teacher in Altus. He has been teaching for twelve years. He previously taught at Northside ISD and Tipton Public Schools. When asked about his in-spiration to join the teaching profession Mr. Brooking states, “To make a positive difference.” Mr. Brooking is married to Shasta Brooking. Shasta works

Page 4 December 6, 2018

work they will be playing over twenty songs, all perfectly in sync with the stage action. When the curtain glides and we rise to our feet as a school in celebration and praise, lets not forget to thank and acknowledge the many talented groups and gifted performers who help to make the play such a success.

By Isabelle Childs Staff Writer

Mr.

Synder’s fifth hour paints the

set.

Photo By Addy Perkins

as a cost accountant at Bar–S. They have two daughters, Kirbi and Lindi. Lindi is a sophomore here at AHS. She is the parliamentarian for Altus FFA. Kirbi is the mother of Mr. Brooking’s two grandsons, Wylee and Wyatt. When asked what motivates him in life Mr. Brooking states, “My family keeps me going!” Mr. Brooking used to hunt, but he and his family are now focused on raising and showing sheep. They continuously work hard to achieve their goals, and help each other to reach them. When asked about his goals in sheep showing Mr. Brooking states, “We want to ride in the Hummer at the Oklahoma Youth Expo.” Mr. Brooking’s favorite quotes are “Never tell me the odds!” by Han Solo from Star Wars and, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we cre-ate them,” by Albert Einstein.

This year the wrestling pro-gram is welcoming back Coach Brandon Benson as the new head coach. Coach Benson was the former assistant coach to Coach Williams for a few years. In 2014, he moved to Duncan to take the wrestling head coaching job. Key wrestlers for this sea-son are Kobi Gomez, Garrett Pride, Dawson Loving, Cabe Dickerson, Brady Marple, and Aydan Lesley. Senior wrestler and former state champion, Kobi Gomez states, “We are looking good this year and looking forward to the new season. We are currently ranked number 4 in the state, and our main focus is taking it one match at a time.” Cabe Dickerson recently verbally committed to the Uni-versity of Oklahoma. Cabe has been wrestling since he was a

young boy. He has won numerous tournaments and is a 2x State Run-ner Up. Coach Benson states, “We are getting better everyday. This team acknowledges the expectations asso-

BULLDOG SPORTS

Carroll, and Haley Leyja. These girls are required to be leaders on and off the court for their team this season. Due to inclement weather coming in on Friday, games have been moved to tonight. Games will start at 4:00 with the Lady Bull-dogs JV team, and other games will follow. Come support your Bulldogs!

Pin it to Win it! Jordan Benway

Senior Managing Editor

Hooooop, There It Is! Anna Willey

Senior Managing Editor

Page 5

stein. Stacie Terbush, “We have a pretty solid core of players and we hope to have successful season. The ultimate goal is to make it to State and be outstanding role models.” Senior key players for the Lady Bull-dogs include: Jordan Benway, Kaylen

December 6, 2018

The AHS Basketball Teams are in full swing. On Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs and Bulldogs traveled across the border to defeat their rivals, the Vernon Lions. Both teams lost their first two games to Elgin and Lawton Mac in hard-fought, high scoring games. This season the boys are wel-coming back key players such as: Carson Pickett, Tyler Bush, Derek Beach, Tim Gloria, Branson Ford, Tavarri Filer, Javon Bostic, and Johnny Olivias. Junior Tyler Bush states, “We have a great group with several younger players in the mix; we are a guard heavy team with several excellent shooters.” Coach Brandon Kephart states, “As a team we appreciate all the support from the communi-ty and the school, and we love how loud the student body is at our home games.” The Lady Bulldogs are held to a high standard this season by their coaches: Coach Stacie Terbush, Jade Terbush, and Mark Dabel-

Senior Bulldog and Lady Bulldog Basketball Players. Photo by Debra Webb

The Altus Wrestling Team. Photo by Shanda Shots

ciated with Altus Wrestling and the plan to live up to them each year.” The Altus Bulldog Wrestlers are ready to open their season at home against Elgin, December 13th. Go show your support for our Bulldog Wrestlers!