Before and during the holiday break, Highland Home School buzzed with excitement. The cause of that excitement was the Miss HHS beauty pageant and the entertainment it withheld. During the break, HHS basketball teams displayed their awesome abilities on the basketball court. Even now that classes have begun after the break, students still have a reason to provide the atmosphere of Highland Home School with excitement.

On December 9, the Miss HHS beauty pageant was held. The theme was &#8220The Best Time of the Year.” Fifteen contestants strutted across the stage of the HHS auditorium. With skits of evening gown apparel, physical fitness, and talent, the young ladies made it anything but easy for the judges to decide the most deserving contestant.

Before Miss HHS was announced, several other awards were given. The talent award was presented to Miss Samantha Juez. Miss Ashontae Smith received the poise and appearance award.

Blair Daughtrey was given the best interview award.

Miss Kallie Owen was voted &#8220Miss Congeniality.”

The crowning moment was presented by Miss HHS 2005, Miss Kayla McGough. After her final walk, Kayla crowned Miss Kallie Owen as Miss HHS 2006.

Samantha Juez was awarded 1st runner-up, Ashontae Smith 2nd runner-up, and Blair Daughtrey 3rd runner-up. Congratulations to all of the winners.

The beauty pageant was made a night of entertainment by the various skits between each set. Nine to twelve girls performed a hip-hop dance to the song &#8220What You Want for Christmas.”

In anonymity, &#8220A Cajun Christmas” was read to the children's choir, who performed popular Christmas carols. LaDerrick Gipson revealed his talents on the piano with an array of songs.

The newly formed HHS Chorale group also sang Christmas carols that everyone could sing along with, old and new.

Over the holidays, the basketball teams also showed off their talents at home and away. The varsity Squadron participated in a tournament in Port St. Joe, Florida, and Red Level.

The Squadron won the SEAC Tournament hosted by Goshen.

The Lady Squadron also had their time on the court. They participated in the Red Level Tournament and placed second in the SEAC Tournament.

The football team held its annual football banquet on January 6. Head football coach for the Huntingdon College, Mike Turk, gave the young men inspirational words.

Coach Bob Farrior followed the speech with the awards presentation. Udarius Blair was awarded the academic, leadership, and team captain awards.

Ty Cargile received the leadership, team captain, and defensive line awards. Ethan Thierfelder was awarded the leadership and team captain awards.

Zach Stillwell was presented with the linebacker and team captain awards. Deandrick Robinson received the special teams, defensive line, team captain, and the big hit awards.

Darius Chambers walked away with the defensive back and special teams award. Anthony Merriweather received the running back award. Kevin Bowen and John Massey both were given the Iron Man award.

Deymond Sankey was presented with the MVP award.

The night was one to remember the past football season and to bid farewell to the seniors. In the words of Coach Farrior, &#8220They will be missed by all.”

Now that the new semester has begun, it is back to business for HHS. Even though the excitement of last semester and the holidays has left, more of it is on its way.