2010-2011 School Highlights

Orangefield Registration Information

Orangefield ISD November Election Information

Orangefield had four cheerleader achieve All-American status while at Cheer Camp in Austin. L to R: Kelsey Ancelot, Caylin Choate & Brittney Ashworth. Not pictured Amber Deramus. Each candidate performs the Xtreme dance routine, a camp cheer, and a jump. Only 10% from each camp are chosen.

 

2009-2010 School Highlights

The Orangefield Varsity Cheerleaders attended UCA Cheer Camp at The University of Texas. The girls came home with 2nd place in the Camp Champs Contest - Cheer Division, a trophy for all Superior Evaluations, and a spirit stick every night. Individually, Jessica Shoemaker and Jenna Worthy were named All-American, Brianna Graffagnino and Maegan Jackson were selected to compete in the Jump Off Competition, and Jackson was also awarded a Leadership Award for the, "America Needs Cheerleaders" campaign. Front row: Worthy, Jackson, Middle: Lexi Bonin, Thanh Nguyen, Kaley Pennington, Top row: Graffagnino, Erica Edgerly,  Shoemaker, and Kyle Dischler. They are coached by Kimberly Spears.

 

 

Monday night the Orangefield School Board extended Superintendent Philip Welch's contract for another year, which gives him a contract through June 2013. The board also hired two new teachers, Carol Tiller - 5th grade Language Arts and Brittany Bourque - High School Math.

You would think after a long season where the Orangefield baseball team set a school record for wins but came up short of their ultimate goal, they would be looking forward to some time off.  But the team put on their jersey's one more time as they visited Chase Caswell Thursday and presented him with an autographed ball.  Caswell was severely injured at the Bobcat playoff game vs. Jasper on June 3 when he ran face first into an "I" beam under the bleachers. He had to be transferred to Memorial Herman Children's Hospital in Houston where he stayed for 3 days because he had two lacerations on his face, a severe concussion, fractured skull, shattered nose, 2 broken eye sockets, a crushed sinus cavity and torn cerebral sack. He was released from doctors care June 10 but will have at least seven more weeks of healing.

Orangefield's Jace Statum named 21-3A MVP. Jacob Felts named Offensive MVP and Jeff Bennett named Coach of the Year. 21-3A All-District Baseball Team.  Bobcats win district and make it to the Regional Final before losing to Jasper.

21-3A All-District Softball Team

Jacob Felts and Alexandra Dunn were named Mr. and Miss Orangefield High School during the annual awards ceremony held May 20.

Aimee Scales and Derrick Evans were named Orangefield Male and Female Athletes of the Year and the recipients of the Ed Peveto Memorial Scholarship.

Orangefield ISD recently announced its Teachers of the Year.  From OF Elementary - Leesa Giaratanno, Junior High - Stacey Lisenby, and from the High School - Laura Slacum. Mrs. Slacum was also selected as the Beaumont Foundation Orange County High School Teacher of the Year.

Lonnie Ferrell of Sherman, Texas was employed as the new band director for Orangefield I.S.D. by the board of trustees’ on Monday, April 26, 2010. Mr. Ferrell will fill the position left by retiring Arnold “T-Lew” Van Metre, who served the district for 18 years as assistant band director and the last 15 years as head band director. Mr. Ferrell was previously employed by Huntsville I.S.D., West Sabine I.S.D., and currently by Pottsboro I.S.D., where his marching band received Sweepstakes and competed at the Area marching contest for the first time in school history. Mr. Ferrell is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Orangefield students, and desires to make a positive impact on the district’s music program.

Orangefield High School held their Cheerleading Banquet Monday night. The banquet serves as an induction for the newly elected cheerleaders. Varsity Cheerleaders (top) are: Front L-R-Kaley Pennington, Head Cheerleader-Maegan Jackson, Brianna Graffagnino, Jenna Worthy, Thanh Nguyen. Back Row L-R: Sponsor-Kimberly Spears, Erica Edgerly, Lexi Bonin, Mascot-Kelsey Weaver, Jessica Shoemaker, and Kyle Dischler. Junior Varsity squad members Front L-R: Lindsey Caswell, Amber DeRamus, Haley Woods, Kirsten Wolfford, Logan Hayes. Back row L-R: Head Cheerleader-Chloe Breaux, Brittney Ashworth, Aalyhia Johnson, Kelsey Ancelot, Caylin Choate, Mascot-Ashley Lunsford, Jessica Carpenter, and Madelyne Childress.

Saturday night Jessica Eatman and Jacob McElroy were crowned the 2010 Orangefield High School Prom King and Queen.  You can see more pictures in our Photo Gallery.

Orangefield High School held its District Level Stark Reading Contest. In Declamation, Elizabeth Newell won with the “ First Inaugural Address” by Ronald Reagan and Constance Ingram placed second with “The Destructive Male” by Elizabeth Stanton. In Interpretive Reading, Jennifer Garrison won first with Favorite Folk Tales from Around the World by Jane Yolen and Breanna Bryan finished second with A Collection of Poems by Sylvia Plath and W. H. Auden. Newell and Garrison will advance to the county-wide contest held at the Lutcher Theater in Orange.

The Orangefield boys and girls golf team finished second at the 21-3A golf tournament held at Wildwood Monday and Tuesday.  They will advance to the Regional Tournament in Conroe.

Elana Newell of Orangefield High School is the latest Orange Countian to become a Mirabeau Lamar Scholar. “The Mirabeau Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships we offer,” said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Mirabeau Scholars are held to a higher level of academic and extra-classroom performance because these students are among our best and brightest.” Each scholarship carries a value of more than $60,000 over eight semesters of support and covers all expenses. Any scholarships or awards the student receives from sources independent of the university are applied to their account and used first, allowing students to use the Mirabeau funds for academic-related expenses such as research, study abroad, or extended learning with the approval of their department chair, college dean and the provost, Doblin said. Mirabeau Scholarships are awarded to outstanding high school students who have met the rigorous requirements for the scholarship. To be considered for a scholarship, students must have achieved an SAT score of 1250 or higher, excluding the writing score, or a composite ACT score of at least 28, and demonstrated excellence in prior academic work. In addition, documented excellence in a variety of leadership, service, and/or creative endeavors is expected. To maintain the scholarship, scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, participate in the University Honors Program and be involved in one or more of the following: student leadership, student government, Lamar Ambassadors, peer advisors or participate in undergraduate research.

Kaylin Little (OF) of San Jac and Katelyn Bernsen (HJ) of Tyler JC are making the most of their playing time at the college level. At the half way point of the season Katelyn is currently 2nd in the JC conference in free-throw percentage( 61-77, 79.2%) 6th in assist at 4.1 and has a 6.8 scoring average from her point guard position. Kaylin is currently first in three point percentage (46-76, 60.5%), first in free-throw percentage (29-35, 82.9 %) and 10th in scoring average at 14.3.

The Texas High School Coaches Association announced the academic all-state football teams. The following players from Orangefield were recognized: 1st team – David Blanke; 2nd team – Corey Huckabay. Honorable mention – Dylan Davalos, Kyle Fontenot, Tyler Whitmire.

Five Orange County volleyball players made the Texas High School Girls Coaches Association Academic All-State Team. LCM's Elissa Tate, Shelby Sanchez and Christine Sicktich made the 4A team while BC's Emily Kosh and OF's Abby Ludwig made the 3A squad. Academic All-State players must be graduating seniors. The must have an overall grade-point average of 94 and they must be a varsity participant in good standing and be of good moral character.

For years Orangefield was the only school in the area without a press box at their baseball stadium.  That will all change this season as they're building a press box and a new backstop, replacing the chain link fence.

Orangefield High School held its Winter Dance, "A Christmas Wish," on Saturday, December 12. Winters Cole was crowned Queen and Cole Durkin was named King.

Lady Bobcats place six on All-District Volleyball Team Top Row; #1 Rylie Granger 1st team, #15 Aimee Scales 1st team, #13 Ashlyn Lopez Honorable Mention. Bottom Row; #14 Haley Cole 2nd Team, #8 Kasidy Hayes 2nd Team, #10 Kaitlynn Henson Co- Outstanding Outside Hitter.

A School Divided Orangefield's Jace Statum (left) and Jacob Felts made school history Wednesday as both signed baseball scholarships with Big 12 schools.  Statum is expected to play in the outfield and Felts will catch.

The girls cross country team, led by district champ Kayla Williams, finished second at the district meet.  Williams finished 11th at Regionals.  The top ten go to State.

The Lady Bobcats volleyball represented Dist. 21-3A as the third place team and lost in the first round to Splendora.

Hail to the Queen Aimee Scales was crowned Orangefield Homecoming Queen Friday night as the Bobcats shutout Tarkington 52-0 for their third straight win. photo by Teri Newell. Bridge City will celebrate Homecoming next week against against Kelly.

The OHS Varsity cheerleaders recently attended UCA cheer camp in College Station. The squad received a sweepstakes trophy for their superior evaluations each night. The girls are most proud of their Camp Championship trophy for their Extreme Routine performance which included two dances and difficult stunts. The squad wants to congratulate Robin Davis and Jessica Shoemaker for their All-American Cheerleader awards. The 2009-2010 Varsity cheerleaders are Robin Davis, Maegan Jackson, Kaley Pennington, Jordan Doiron, Jessica Shoemaker, Leslie Spell, Jessica Eatman (Head Cheerleader), Samantha Fukuda, Lauren Perkins (Head Cheerleader), and Abby Ludwig. The Varsity cheerleaders are directed by Amber Hawk.

Superintendent, Philip Welch, announced the following administrative changes for the 2009-2010 school year.

        Director of Support Services         Brian Ousley
        Athletic Director                          Brian Huckabay
        Special Education Counselor         Donna Darby
        Attendance Officer                      Chad Jenkins
        Junior High Principal                   Shawn Clubb
        Junior High Asst. Principal           Joe Martin

2008-2009 School Highlights

Monday, June 22 the Orangefield School Board approved the hiring of 49 year old Brian Huckabay.  Huckabay sais he was hoping to get a key to the field house before the meeting ended so he could get to work Tuesday morning.  The BC native said he is glad to be closer to home.  "My daughter plays volleyball at McNeese so I get to see her and it's just good to be back in southeast Texas.."  He spent last year as an assistant principal at Hull Daisetta after his wife got the superintendent's job there.  She will commute and the family plans to buy a house in the Orangefield area.  Before that he was the head coach at H-Jefferson, Wharton and Paul Pewitt HS.

Orangefield junior Jace Statum was named to the Class 3A All-State Baseball team while teammate Jacob Felts was selected to the Second Team.  Blake Hubbard of Bridge City was named to the Third Team.

21-3A All-District Softball Team

Shawn Clubb was hired by the Orangefield I.S.D.School Board on May 30, as the Junior High Principal. Mr. Clubb, formerly the high school assistant principal at Buna, comes to Orangefield with much experience. He was a teacher and a coach for Buna I.S.D. for 14 years before earning his Masters in Educational Administration from Lamar. He left Buna in 2003 to become the assistant principal at Hamshire Fannett Middle School. In the spring of 2006, Clubb returned to Buna as the assistant high school principal. Mr. Clubb will be replacing Brian Ousley. Ousley will replace Charles Donnaud as Director of Support Services.

Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes

Orangefield will be looking for at least six varsity coaches and a trainer before football season begins. Blake Morrison made it official Thursday.  He's leaving Orangefield on June 4 to become the new defensive coordinator at Coldspring High School.  He has been serving as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach for five years.  story

Valen Johnson and Alex Edgerly were named Mr. and Miss Orangefield High School for the 2008-09 school year.

Mike Stewart is leaving Orangefield after serving one season as Offensive Coordinator to become the new head football coach at Kountze, replacing Stan Hodges who left to become an asst. coach at WOS.  This will be the LCM alum's third head coaching stint with stops in Evadale and Luling.

On Monday Orangefield's Allie Beach signed a basketball scholarship with Texas Lutheran University, located in Seguin.  Beach, who will be an education major, will be a welcomed sight after the Lady Bulldogs went 7-18 last season.

Brian Ousley, Principal at Orangefield Junior High was one of four chosen as one of TASSP’s Region 5 Principals of the Year. The others include Marc Keith, Principal, Port Neches-Groves High School; Tammy Degaravilla, Assistant Principal, Silsbee High School; Kevin Morrison, Assistant Principal, Central Middle School, Nederland ISD. These four will be recognized at the 2010 TASSP Summer Workshop in Austin.

The baseball team finished third in district and beat Liberty, got a second round bye, and then lost to Bridge City (in 3 games at Vidor) in the third round of the playoffs.  It was OF's first win over BC since the Cards dropped to 3A.  Juniors Jace Statum and Jacob Felts were named to the 3A All-State team.

Regional Track Qualifiers-
Girls: Kasidy Hayes, 800 meters (third, 2:38.9); Lauren Perkins, 100 hurdles (third, 17.15); Heather Quarles, 300 hurdles (third, 51.27); Allie Beach, discus (first, 96-3); Tyler Block, pole vault (first, 8-0); Kaitlynn Henson, high jump (first, 5-2); Kayla Williams, 3,200 meters (first, 12:26.13).

Boys: Adam Scales, 110 hurdles (second, 15.50), 300 hurdles (third, 42.07); Logan Moss, discus (second, 126-3); Kyle Fontenot, pole vault (second, 12-0); Garrett Holmes, pole vault (third, 11-6); Derrick Eavans, high jump (second, 6-4)

• Who made the All-KOGT baseball team?  Click here

• Felts, Hicks Co-MVP's on the Coaches 21-3A All-District Baseball Team

• 2009 21-3A All-District Softball Team

• 21-3A All-District Coaches Basketball Team

• 2009 21-3A girls basketball team

• 2008 21-3A All District Football Team

• 2008 21-3A All-District Volleyball Team

• 2008-09 Enrollment Numbers

Bobcat Golf Headed To Playoffs The OF golf team finished second at the 21-3A golf tournament held Monday and Tuesday.  H-Jeff won the tournament.  OF's Garrett Granger was third individually.

The OF Lady Bobcat A team finished in 3rd place in their district golf tournament. The team shot a two day score of 993. Jessica Worthy also qualified for the Regional Tournament to be held in Brenham with a two day round of 237. Morgan Shaw, Carly Rucker, Jessica Weldon, and Olivia Wagner complete the "A" team. The Lady Bobcat "B" team, Ashley Granger, Jordan Worthy, Jennifer Bodin, Ashlee Broussard and Jessica Shoemaker, also competed in district play.

April 3- Kendall Kress and the OF Lady Bobcats softball team beat the Bridge City Cardinals for the first time 2-0 at Bobcat Field on Friday.  It's the Lady Bobcats first win (1-5) in district and first ever win over BC while the Lady Cards drop to 2-4.

March- Nathan Reeves of Orangefield has been named the running backs coach at Lamar.  Reeves was a two-year football letterman at Hardin-Simmons, playing on NCAA Division III nationally-ranked teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a student assistant for the Cowboys in 2005, working with the quarterbacks and wide receivers. He served as a graduate assistant at West Texas A&M in the spring of 2006 before joining the Sam Houston State staff where he coached the running backs. He earned his bachelor of behavioral science degree from HS in 2005. He majored in sports fitness and leisure studies. He received his masters in education from SHSU in 2007.

Orangefield High School seniors, Tyler Angelle and Josh Juneau, have been selected as recipients for the Lamar University Mirabeau Scholarship. This scholarship is a full scholarship to Lamar in the amount of $60,000. Applicants for the scholarship are required to write a letter of interest for the scholarship, turn in a resume, and go through an interview process. Other requirements include a score of 1250 on the math and verbal sections of the SAT, have leadership qualities, and represent their school well. Juneau is planning to major in chemical engineering, while Angelle will major in accounting.

Orangefield's Kaitlyn Henson jumped an even five feet to win the high jump at the 35th Annual Bobcat Relays held Friday. Boys Results Girls Results

"You were here when I was in school."  If Doug Wilson had a dollar for every time he heard that he would be a rich man. Wilson, celebrating 50 years in the education business, has spent the last 46 years at Orangefield.  Not only as an educator but a renter of sorts.  Wilson is the lone homeowner on the district's property that used to feature a row of homes. more

He graduated from Orangefield in 2000 and already Jay Bruce wears two state championship rings as a coach.  He won one as an assistant on James Knowles' Kelly Bulldog staff and on Saturday, March 14 he won his first as a head coach as Slocum High School won the Class A Division II Championship.  So is it that easy?  "No.  I've been fortunate to work with great coaches and here in Slocum, we have some great kids," he said.  Slocum is a small community located southeast of Palestine that doesn't play football.  Bruce has to take some of the credit because the team has steadily improved since he arrived.  Five years ago the team only posted five wins in his first season.  Since then they won 10, 23, and the last two years his Mustangs have posted 29 wins, culminating with a 45-27 win over Nazareth.  They did it with a smothering defense, holding Nazareth to its lowest point total of the season.  "The kids handled the pressure much better than I did," Bruce said. "We played both nights right before the 5A game so we had more than 8000 watching us both games."  It was their first trip to Austin while Nazareth was making their 13th appearance.  They beat Lipan, making their ninth appearance, 59-47 in the semifinals.  Bruce is pictured with senior Jared Lane, who was the MVP of the tournament, scoring 22 points in each game. Bruce added, "I knew this was a good group of kids when they were freshmen.  And we've got another group coming in next year."

 

 

Orangefield’s Olivia Wagner was recently selected to play in the Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Association All-Star Game on April 11 in Pasadena. She was the lone sub-4A player chosen by the GHAGBA this year. As a 5-8 senior co-captain for the Lady Bobcats, Wagner averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists to help lead her team to their second consecutive district championship. Wagner earned District Offensive MVP honors for 21-3A this year. Though she wasn’t a prolific scorer, Wagner did manage to hit a career high of 32 points against WOS on January 30, her 18th birthday. “Olivia’s consistency is what made her a great player for us this year,” said Chris Jost. “She led us in most categories and she came to play every game.”

The Orangefield ISD Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday and Supt. Phillip Welch announced the district enrollment for February was 1736, 62 more students than at the same time last year. The board also approved the extension of all administrator's contracts, including athletic director Blake Morrison. A suggestion of starting a swim team was suggested but the board turned down the idea at this time. The Cormier family also sold a tract of land of just more than 20 acres to the district for use if future expansion is needed. The Cormier's also donated their two museum's based on their family and the oil drilling success in Orangefield to the district.

The Lady Bobcats basketball team won district and received a first round bye before losing to Navasota 59-39 for the second straight year.  OF ends the season 25-6. 

Orangefield ISD has announced its Teachers of the Year.  Misty Bellard (sitting) was named Teacher of the Year at the high school while Kim Lyons won the honor at the elementary and Heggie Coulter at the junior high.

Orangefield High School has released its Honor Roll for the third six-weeks.  Highest ranking seniors are Tyler Angelle, Jennifer Baker, Kensey Duncan, Alex Edgerly, Devin Henagan, Ethan Mansfield, Montana Marshall, Zach Peevey, Taylor Perkins, Haleigh Perrodin, Jessica Worthy.

Orangefield High School art students participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. The artwork was submitted from eight area districts for the contest. Winning Best of Show was Josh Juneau. His pencil drawing was titled "The Grass is Greener." He received rodeo tickets, a trophy, and several scholarship applications. His original drawing was taken to Houston for display during the rodeo. Winning a Gold Medal for her Prismacolor drawing, "Grand Champion Dreams," was Rachel Reed. She received several scholarship applications and her original drawing is also on display in Houston. Also receiving a Gold Medal was Alison Yu for her acrylic painting "Summer Rhapsody." Alison is a junior this year and not eligible for scholarships, yet, but her artwork is on display in Houston for the rodeo. Along with these winners, there were several other finalists from OF, as well as many Blue Ribbon winners. OF students also participated in a sculpture contest for the Houston Rodeo. Taylor Wallace and Logan Bonds received scholarship information from that show. The art teacher is Ms. Sherry Windham.

December- Orangefield native Bradley Peveto is the new Head Football Coach at Northwestern State.  Peveto had been with LSU the past four seasons.  He made a name for himself from at NSU in the late nineties with his "purple swarm" defense that ranked nationally in several categories.  Peveto graduated from Orangefield in 1982.

Orangefield's Josh Juneau, was selected to the 3A All-State All-Academic football team.  OF's Alex Edgerly was selected Honorable Mention.

Monday night, Nov. 17 Orangefield ISD welcomed its newest trustee to the school board.  Jack Smith was introduced as the new member from Place Two who replaces Ron Huebel who decided not to run.  The London, Kentucky native graduated from Lamar in 1994.  He also served 8 years in the US Army.  Smith, who will also continue to be the Booster Club President, is married to wife Nitia, and has five kids in the district.  He is currently employed at Becton-Dickinson as a Regional Sales Manager in the oncology division.  Also at the school board meeting, Superintendent Phillip Welch gave an update on Hurricane Ike recovery.  He said so far the district has filed three claims totaling $124,670.45.  Half of that is for repairs to the old high school gym and the rest is to repair the custodial shop and salaries. The district is also working with FEMA on reimbursements for damages to Ag equipment, athletic fields, library books and a valuable clarinet.

Seven Orangefield High School students made the ATSSB All-Region Band. The band will rehearse and present a concert at Silsbee High School on January 31, 2009. OHS students performing in the All-Region Band include Brian Kelley, Taylor Williams, Heather Quarles, Emily Gilson, Rachal Gobert, Jennifer Garrison, Tyler Peveto. Kelley also advanced to area. He will be auditioning for the ATSSB All State Band on January 11, 2009 at Chapel Hill High School in Tyler.

Tommy McCarver from Orangefield High School performed this past weekend with the McNeese State Band as part of the McNeese State All-Star Marching Band. Selected high school band members made up the All-Star Marching Band which performed at half time with the Pride of McNeese Marching Band. Tommy is an officer of the Orangefield Bobcat Pride Band. He made the ATSSB All Region Band on his Alto Saxophone last year and also performed at the Texas State Solo Ensemble Contest held last May.

In 21-3A Orangefield volleyball finished third in the district behind Hamshire-Fannett and Silsbee. After beating Liberty and getting a second round bye, they had a chance to get to the Regional Tournament but lost to district foe H-F.

This is what it's all about Friday night the Bridge City Cardinal Volleyball team stopped by Ozen on their way home from their game with Hardin to show their support for the Orangefield Lady Bobcats. OF has been letting BC practice in their gym following damage caused by Hurricane Ike.  photo by Cheryl Linscomb

The Orangefield Bobcat cheerleaders recently attended their summer cheer camp at Texas A&M University. The girls were rewarded with the following accolades: for Varsity, Mascot Jennifer Garrison received an All Star (highest award given to an individual by the Staff) and the Leadership Award (the highest award given by the other participants); Maci Haley, Valen Johnson, Jessica Eatman, Lauren Perkins, and Mariah Stanley each received Individual Merit Awards; and the entire squad received Superior ratings for the Squad Cheer and Dance routines. For the Junior Varsity Squad: Jessica Shoemaker, Brianna Graffagnino, and Hannah Walles were awarded an All Star award, and Jayce Greer received an All Star and a Superior ribbon for her work as mascot. Kasidy Hayes, Robin Davis, Lexi Bonin, and Jayce Greer were each awarded an Individual Merit Award; and the entire squad was awarded Superior ribbons for their Squad Cheer and Dance as well as Camp Champs (the highest recognition for a whole squad given by the camp staff). Their sponsors are Christin Hamerly and Annie Rutledge.

Mike Stewart has joined the Orangefield coaching staff as the Offensive Coordinator.  Stewart, an LCM grad, had been the head coach at Luling High School.  Before that he was the head coach at Evadale.

Area Schools Receive 2008 Accountability Ratings Results
Bridge City, Orangefield and Deweyville School Districts among the eight Recognized Districts in Southeast Texas.

The 2008-2009 Orangefield Jr. High Cheerleaders attended U.C.A. Cheer Camp at Texas A&M University and earned several top honors including: Overall 2008 Camp Champion in the Jr. High through JV Division, 2008 Extreme Cheer/Dance Champion, A Superior Mascot trophy, and six Superior ribbons and 1 Excellent ribbon throughout camp. The girls also qualified to participate in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando Florida on January 2, 2009. Rylie Granger, Morgan Moss, & Cassie Leger were named All Star Cheerleaders and were invited to participate in the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade. OJH squad members are Cassie Leger, Rylie Granger, Morgan Moss, Jordee Cook mascot, Haley Woods, Brittney Ashworth, Kacie Leblanc, Aaliyah Woods, Kacey Lummus, Kelsey Ancelot, Jennifer McManus, Ashlyn Edwards, & Morgan Moss. The sponsors are Heggie Coulter and Kim Fittz. The girls would also like to thank Cindy Dozier their choreographer for her efforts in preparing them for camp.

2007-2008 School Highlights

Orangefield
Erin Heimbach Valedictorian	Erin Kelley Salutatorian

Former Orangefield Assistant Coach Kristin Holbrooks is the new head volleyball coach, replacing Linda Riddick.  Holbrooks was an all-district performer at Little Cypress-Mauriceville, graduating in 2002.

Orangefield Superintendent Phillip Welch has announced the following changes for the 2008-09 school year.  Brian Ousley is the new junior high principal as former principal Jacqueline Kyle will become the assistant principal at the high school.  Jeremy LeJeune will take Ousley's place as the junior high assistant principal.

Both of Orangefield’s golf teams finished second with Natalie McLane once again winning the individual title.

Erin Kelly of OF won the girls singles title with Tyler Angelle taking second in boys singles.

21-3A All-District Baseball Team

21-3A All-District Softball Team

Danielle Graffagnino and Cody Burns were crowned King and Queen of the Orangefield High School Prom held Saturday night.

The Texas Computer Education Assoc. announces more than 100 winners in the Texas Computer Education Association’s 2008 Student Technology Contests. Forty-three contest judges evaluated more than 800 entries. Two Orangefield High School Digital Graphics students were among the winners. Tasha Anderson got second place in the Digital Graphics Original Illustrated Art category and Aharon Fukuda got third place in the same category. Their teacher is Cindy Womack.

Orangefield's KK Little signed a basketball scholarship with San Jac JC on April 8.

The OF Lady Bobcats finished the two day District tournament at Wildwood in second place with a team two day score of 929. They finished behind Hardin-Jefferson, 833. Natalie McLane once again was the individual District Champ with a two day score of 159. Morgan Shaw 261, Jessica Worthy 249, Jessica Weldon 264, and Olivia Wagner 260 rounded out the team. The Lady Bobcats will compete in the District 3A Regional Tournament in Huntsville April 22 and 23. The Bobcat boys also finished in second place to reach the Regional Tournament with Garrett Granger finishing fifth overall.

21-3A Boys All-District Basketball Picks

All five Orangefield Lady Bobcat starters made the 21-3A Girls All-District Basketball Team.

Orangefield’s Kaylin Little was selected last week to participate in the 2008 Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Association All-Star game, to be held at Wheeler Field House in Fort Bend on March 29th. Game times will be 3:00 and 5:00 pm. Kaylin was the lone 3A selection of the 40 players honored, and she will play for the Red All-Stars squad. Little also recently received statewide honors as she was selected to the TABC All-Region and TGCA All-State teams for the second straight year. The Lady Bobcats leading scorer averaged 23.5 points per game this season, and ended this season on a scoring tear by pouring in 134 points in her final four games. Little finished her OHS basketball career with a school record 2,230 points.

Unfortunate Ending To Incredible Game
Feb. 19, 2008-The Orangefield Lady Bobcats were on life support and should've had their plug pulled in the fourth quarter down by 17 to the 34-3 Navasota Rattlers.  But they fought back with clutch scoring and great defense to pull within two when KK Little was fouled as time expired, or so we thought.  One second was put back on the clock at some point as Little made all three free throws to give OF an improbable 62-61lead.  The girls on the OF bench began to celebrate and some of them were two to three feet on the court when the ref called a technical on the Bobcats. WITH ONE SECOND...IN A PLAYOFF GAME! Navasota's Brateicka Mock missed the first free throw and then hit the second to send the game into overtime.  It was obvious the Lady Cats were spent as the Rattlers outscored them 14-7 in OT to take a 76-69 win and a trip to the Regional Tournament.  Little finished her outstanding career at Orangefield with 30 points, including 15 straight free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime.  Junior Olivia Wagner scored 21 including three 3-pointers.  Jessica Weldon scored all six of her points in the fourth quarter during the comeback.  The Lady Bobcats, under first year coach Chris Jost, finish the season 23-11.

Susan Gunstream, President of the Orangefield ISD School Board, will serve as one of the four representatives from Region 5 on the TASB (Texas Association of School Board’s) Legislative Advisory Council. The LAC meets twice during even-numbered years after TASB’s Regional Grassroots Meetings are complete to review the legislative priorities identified at the grassroots meetings and recommend a list of statewide legislative priorities to the TASB Legislative Committee and TASB Board of Directors for final adoption as part of the Association’s Advocacy Agenda. The LAC meets once during odd-numbered years after the legislative session has ended to revise the TASB’s legislative priorities based upon action taken during the legislative session.

Laura Riddick and Allie Beach were selected to the 21-3A All-District volleyball team.  Kaylin Little and Jessica Maass were selected to the second team.

The Orangefield High School Marching Band has been invited to perform in the 81st Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in Natchitoches, La on December 1st. Over 100,000 come to watch the parade every year and the Bobcat Marching Band will be the only band representing Texas.

Orangefield's Natalie McLane signed her scholarship and letter of intent papers to play golf next year for Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La.

Orangefield's Caleb Smith (left) was selected to the All State Jazz Band. This is his second year in a row to represent OHS as a member of the All State Jazz Band. OFJH student Alex Gilson was selected to the Region X Orchestra, making first chair cello. This is his second year to make the Region Orchestra. He also made the Region X Band on percussion last year and will audition again later in November.

Orangefield High School Principal Shaun McAlpin crowns Tabitha LeJeune as the 2007 Orangefield Homecoming Queen. The Bobcats defeated Hamshire-Fannett 17-14. Photo by Teresa Newell.

The Orangefield Bobcats celebrate with the Bayou Bowl trophy after beating Bridge City 60-35 on Oct. 19.

Orangefield senior Caleb Smith has been named a “Commended Student” in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students placed among the top five percent of the more than 1.4 million students who took the PSAT test as a junior last year.

According to Philip Welch, OISD superintendent, the Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Jeremy LeJeune as the new assistant principal of Orangefield High School. Shaun McAlpin, OHS principal, headed up a committee during the search for the new assistant principal. LeJeune is a Port Arthur Stephen F. Austin High School graduate and has worked for the Luling school district and most recently at Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio where he was an administrator. School board members also approved the hiring of Brenda Saddler as the new special education counselor for OISD. Saddler is relocating to the area from the Houston area where she was a counselor at Spring High School. Christopher Jost has been hired as the new girls basketball coach for the high school. Jost has spent the last three years as the coach at Comanche High School and has nine years coaching experience. Jost will also serve as the girls athletic coordinator.

After taking a year off, 2006 Orangefield grad Katie Sanders has signed with Sam Houston State women's basketball head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols for the 2007-08 season. Sanders was a four-time All-District selection and three time All-State selection during her career at OF. As a senior in 2006, Sanders won the Texas Class 3A three-point championship and was a member of the all-tournament team at the Class 3A regional held at Sam Houston's Johnson Coliseum. She also was honored as Orangefield High School's "Most Athletic Girl." "Katie is an outstanding shooter and tenacious defender," Nichols said. "Her work ethic and willingness to be coached are going to make her a solid offensive threat for the Bearkats." A National Honor Society member and honors student, Sanders graduated third in her class in 2006. She attended Lamar University last year, earning selection to the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Freshman honor societies.

2006-2007 School Highlights

Cheerleaders
The Orangefield High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading squads recently attended the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) summer camp at Sam Houston State University from June 9-12.  Both squads received a superior rating for their cheer and chant evaluation, brought home a spirit stick, and every individual on both squads were nominated to tryout for All-American.

Individually, from the Varsity squad, Lynli Bonin and Krisitina Lozano were selected to the All-American team, and on the Junior Varsity squad, Jessica Eatman, Samantha Fukuda, and Maegan Jackson were named to the All-American team.   The highest individual award at camp is asked to be on the NCA staff, and  Bonin achieved this honor.

Also, the mascots received a superior rating at evaluation, and both were named to the All-American team.  Individually, Stephanie Bridges, Varsity Mascot, was awarded “Best Use of Props” and was asked to be on the NCA staff.  Jennifer Garrison, Junior Varsity Mascot received the award for “Most Spirited Mascot.”  The sponsors are Kim Farmer and Annie Rutledge. 

JV Cheerleaders include Emily Ratcliff, Kasidy Hayes, Shelby Ancelot, Jessica Stark, Robin Davis, Jessica Eatman, Lauren Perkins, Samantha Fukuda, Maegan Jackson, and Jessica Shoemaker.

Drill Team
The Drill Team officer camp was held June 10-13 at the Tremont House in Galveston.  The students received a Sweepstakes Award for military officers and Division One for the social officers.  Several members from the team, Amber Nations, Shauni Cargill, Alex Dunn, Hannah Gower, Alicia Bland, and Haleigh Perridon where selected for the Dance Line Elite Traveling Team.  These students have the opportunity to dance at Disney World, New York City, or Cozumel, Mexico.  During the camp the students participated in leadership training, team building, and communication skills training.  Drill Team sponsors are Karen Anthony and Suzanne Ogden.

Back L-R- Stephanie Kolar, Alicia Bland. Front L-R- Hannah Gower, Alex Dunn, Amber Nations, Haleigh Perridon, Shauni Cargill

 Band-State Solo Ensemble
 Several members of the band participated in the Texas State Solo Ensemble May 26^th at Texas State University in San Marcos.  The Flute Quartet received a “2” Excellent Rating.  The Saxophone Trio received a “2” Excellent Rating.  All seniors made “2” Excellent Rating.  Junior Caleb Smith received a “1” Superior Rating for his trumpet solo.  Caleb was one of three participates to receive a one at state.  Sponsors are Alan Van Metre and Becky McMillen.

Chris Jost is the new head girls basketball coach at Orangefield High School.  Jost comes from Comanche High School where he was the head coach for three seasons, posting a record of 60-39, and reaching the playoffs all three years with one trip to the Region Semifinals.  Jost, 34, and a native of Kerrville, has also coached at VanVleck and Lytle High School.  He takes over a Bobcat team that has made two trips to Regional Tournament and returns leading scorer Kaylin Little and starter Laura Riddick.

In just a short time Shaun McAlpin has climbed the ladder in the Orangefield School District from Athletic Trainer to his new position next school year as the principal of the high school. The move comes after Dr. Stephen Patterson left the position to move into the administrators office. McAlpin has a goal oriented personality but he's also aware and appreciative of the support he's received. "Getting this job directly reflects the mentoring I have received from the great teachers and administrators of our district. Many people helped to make me the person I am today. I could not do it without out their guidance and support," he said. When asked what challenges he sees students facing in the upcoming school year, McAlpin responded, "Probably the most difficult change will be the transition to the new "4X4" recommended graduation plan for this years upcoming freshmen. This plan requires that students on the recommended graduation plan have at least 4 years of Math and 4 years of Science to graduate. These courses along with the previous recommended graduation plan's core curriculum will be a challenge for many districts throughout the state. This decision has been made by the state and our district will do the best to make the changes necessary for our students."

Kayla Stone (left) and Rachel Beaulieu were named Orangefield Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the 2006-07 senior class.  They received their awards from counselor Theresa Wilson.  Also Mr. and Ms. OHS were Brett Ramsey and Wyntter Sheppard.

Thursday, May 10-  At the Orangefield Athletic Banquet Brett Ramsey and Kristy Sanders were named Most Athletic Boy and Girl.

Apr. 25- OF Girls BB coach Sondra Ancelot has accepted the position of Assistant Coach of the women's team at Lamar University under first year head coach Larry Tidwell.

The softball team finished 5-9 in district under coach Wanda McLane. The 21-3A All-District Softball Team

Orange County results from the District 21-3A tennis tournament:  In Boys Singles, Orangefield’s Tyler Angelle won 3rd place.  In Girls Doubles, OF’s Katy Talbot and Erin Kelley finished second

April 2nd and 3rd the Orangefield boys golf team competed in District play at Idylwild and Rayburn Country Golf courses. Their two day total was 743, which was good for 4th place. Garett Granger 88,83, Tyler Angelle 98, 83, Zach Hayes 108, 99, Logan Thigpen 117, 110 and Chase Angelle 94, 90. OF's two medalist were Jason Holbrook 110, 102 and Chase Parker 114, 106.  The OF girls finished just out of a Regional birth with a third place finish behind Silsbee and BC.  But Natalie McLane, far right, won her second straight district title.  Other members include Olivia Wagner, Morgan Shaw, Jessica Worthy, and Jessica Weldon.

Mar. 23- At the SP Tennis Tourn.- Seeded second, Angelle had a bye first round then beat PNG’s Pham 4-6, 6-3, 10-4; BC’s Gothia 6-1, 6-2; WB’s Carroll 6-1, 6-0; and Andrews of Warren 6-1, 6-0 to take the first place. In the Boys B doubles, Nathan Badeaux and Jonathan Broussard had a first round bye, beat Kirbyville’s LeBlanc and Whitten 6-4, 6-4, WB’s Roxas and Mackan 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinal round, and fell to H-F’s Adams and Wilber 6-4, 2-6, 5-10. Also in Boys B division, Jeremy Granger and Kellen Free beat PNG’s Papa and Pham 7-5, 6-3 then knocked off Cathedral’s Dennis and Kirk 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 before falling to WB’s Krol and Son 2-6, 3-6 in the quarterfinal round. In Boys C Singles, Dillin Lanting had a bye first round then beat Ned’s deLaCruz 7-5, 6-4; Central’s Guillien 3-6, 7-5, 10-8; Nederland’s Barger 6-4, 6-3; OF's Grimes in the finals 6-4, 6-3 to win his first place title. Grimes had a bye first round before taking out High Island’s Dekerlegand 7-5, 6-4; OF's Caleb Powell 6-3, 7-6; OF's Dylan Wilson 6-4, 6-2 before falling to Lanting in the finals. Wilson beat Central’s Akers 6-4, 6-4; Kirbyville’s Shoemaker 6-4, 6-3; PNG’s Stanley 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) before falling to Grimes in the semifinals. In Girls C Singles, Alison Yu beat Warren’s Chesser 6-3, 6-3; Woodville’s Stiller 6-3, 6-4 before falling in the quarterfinals to PNG’s Tran 4-6, 4-6. In the Girls A Doubles, Erin Kelley and Katy Talbot had a bye first round then beat EC’s Hill and White 8-2. In the semifinal round, they fell to WB’s Hebert and Lauher 4-6, 6-7. In Girls B Singles, Cheyenne Williams fell to Lumberton’s Chatman 5-7, 4-6. Teammate Ariel Cook beat Ozen’s Smith 6-3, 6-2 then knocked off H-F’s Austin 6-3, 6-3 before falling to PNG’s Mitchell 5-7, 3-6 in the quarterfinal round.

Orangefield High School Principal Dr. Stephen Patterson was a finalist for Administrator of the Year as selected by the Texas Computer Education Association. He was announced as one of three finalists at the TCEA annual convention in Austin, Texas in early February. Patterson was selected by a committee of TCEA members from among the nominees. The Administrator of the Year is given to a principal, assistant principal or district administrator who recognizes the importance of technology in the teaching and learning process, and actively promotes the use of technology on the campus or throughout the district.

The Orangefield Board of Trustees met and accepted Superintendent Mike Gentry's letter of retirement, effective June 30, 2007.  He's spent 32 of his 38 years in the education business at Orangefield where he has been a coach, teacher, principal, assistant supt. and superintendent the past five years.