Rock Port Cross Country Team Wraps Up Season at District Meet
by Karlie Gebhards
The Rock Port High School cross country team brought its season to a close Saturday, October 31, with four athletes representing the Blue Jays at the district meet.
On the girls’ side, Adelheid Heintz, Evelyn Heintz, and Eliza Mason competed in the 5000m run. Adelheid Heintz led the Rock Port girls with a 32nd-place finish, narrowly missing the cutoff to advance to state. She crossed the finish line with a time of 24:50.07, setting a personal best for the season. Evelyn Heintz finished 41st with a time of 26:21.11, and Eliza Mason ran a 28:50.82, placing 53rd.
On the boys’ side, Wyatt Huntley was Rock Port’s lone competitor. He finished 67th with a time of 21:21:42.
Although the season came to an end at districts, the Blue Jays can be proud of their efforts and accomplishments throughout the year.
Successful Trunk or Treat
by Olivia Roup
We had a wonderful turnout for our Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 28, at the high school! We had 12 people step up to host trunks and lots of kids came out to enjoy the fun. It was great to see the community come together, share some Halloween spirit and make special memories for the kids. There were so many kids that got to wear costumes and enjoy the calmer Halloween experience they deserve. A big thank you to everyone who hosted a trunk and to all the families who came out and participated. Your support helped make this a fun and successful event! We appreciate everyone who helped make it happen!
Rock Port FCCLA
by Clara Hays
Rock Port’s FCCLA chapter has been working extra hard to kick off the year. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a student-led organization that helps students develop and build leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and make an impact on their families and communities. So far Rock Port has nine star event groups and competitors and one Show Me Skill entree.
Mrs. Goins, Rock Ports FCCLA Advisor, said she is super excited for this year and thinks the students will be successful. Ellie Garst, Maeve Roup, Harper Wood are competing in National Programs in Action displaying the Brew Jay Cafe. Clara Hays is also in National Programs in Action presenting her teen relationship abuse awareness and growth project. Archer Meyerkorth is contending in Entrepreneurship showing off his woodworking skills. Alexi Stoner, Tenley Peshek, Rozlyn McCown, Ona Henriksen are doing a Show Me Skill in a banner competition.
NWMSU Homecoming
by Landrey Kelly
Rock Port High School Band attended the Northwest Homecoming Parade Saturday, October 31st. This year’s theme for homecoming was Halloween. Our band marched in the parade against very competitive schools. The weather was not the best for our Blue Jays; it ended up being cold and rainy. That didn’t stop our Jays from coming home with the Class 1 first place in band and second place in auxiliary and overall Grand Champions! This was the last competition the Blue Jays will compete in this year. It feels good to go out with a win.
New Teacher Spotlight, Tony Osburn
by Braylyn Wood
Please join us in welcoming Tony Osburn to the Blue Jay family. Tony graduated from Mound City High School in 2022 and went on to play collegiate basketball at the University of Nebraska Omaha for four years. He was drawn to our school because of his family and people here in the community. Tony oversees the dual credit classes in the computer lab. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he said, “My favorite part about the job is seeing the kids every day, and the joy they bring me.” Tony admitted that his first impression of our school was that he wasn’t much of a Blue Jay fan, considering he was a Panther. However, he has since grown to love being a Blue Jay! “I’ve been surprised by how much I enjoy this job and how much I look forward to it,” Tony said. Outside of school, Tony serves as the assistant boys’ basketball coach at Peru State and gives basketball lessons to many local kids. We’re excited to have Tony as part of the Blue Jay family and look forward to all the great things he will bring to our school.
New Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Xochil Cantu
by Adrianna Wallace
We would like to introduce you to our new paraprofessional, Mrs. Cantu! When asked what brought her to Rock Port, she stated, “My family and I relocated to Rock Port for a new opportunity. Moving to a small town was a big change for us, but we are excited to be part of this community.” Her first impression of Rock Port was that it was small and peaceful. She quickly noticed how nice and friendly everyone was.
She says, “What I really like about Rock Port is the sense of community. The staff genuinely cares about the students, and I love seeing how everyone works together to help them succeed!” She expresses, “I think what makes our school standout is how supportive and involved everyone is. It’s not just about academics, but also about building relationships, encouraging students, and making them feel included and valued!”
Mrs. Cantu stated, “I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Rock Port School family! Working in the life skills classroom has already been such a rewarding experience. Every day is different, and there is never a dull moment, but that’s part of what makes it special!”
Relationships Speaker at NWMSU
by Tenley Peshek
The Rock Port school district sent their eighth, ninth and tenth grade students to Northwest State University campus for a guest speaker, Mike Domitrz. Mike travels to colleges, high schools, community organizations and military bases speaking about healthy relationships, consent and spreading awareness for sexual assault victims. His presentations cover very important information that otherwise doesn’t receive a lot of recognition. Many students are too scared to speak up about their experiences so having speakers and other people who advocate for them is essential.
Fall & Festive Finds at Junkstock
by Jessa Geib
Are you interested in planning a fun fall filled day for next year? Consider Junkstock, a popular vintage, antique, and artisan festival held at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Nebraska!
With more than 250 vendors, Junkstock offers a unique experience filled with all kinds of different things to go and view like antiques, vintage furniture, handmade crafts, clothing, repurposed decor, and other amazing one-of-a-kind finds!
Beyond the amazing vendors Junkstock has to offer there are also local food trucks, specialty treats, and live music that plays throughout the entire event. The cold and crisp outdoor setting creates an open-minded atmosphere for that cozy fall feeling. The fall weather and yearly themes provide an inviting new experience that gives visitors the perfect chance to spend time with the people they love!
If you missed this year’s festivities, now is the best time to start planning for the next season. Watch online for the next announcement and upcoming updates for dates, hours, and ticket registration.
