Reading has its rewards at Page High School thanks to the school's new Top Readers program.  Librarian Carlotta Wright created the program as a way of recognizing the students who read the most books from the school library, which has seen a 323 percent increase in circulation over the last three years.

"Because our students are reading so voraciously, we wanted to do something to honor them," said Wright.  "Students make the Top Readers list based on the number of books they read each quarter, which our circulation system computes."

Representatives from Thomas Nelson Publishing heard about the program and decided to give the top ten female and the top ten male readers two books each: House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo for everyone; So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones for the girls; The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan for the guys.  The books were presented to the students during a special reception November 17.

Wright says she hopes to continue the program in the future. "We feel we’ve set a precedent in honoring our top readers and now must find a way to fund the recognition of them for each quarter," said Wright.  "We’d appreciate support from any individual or community group who would like to help us in showing our appreciation of books and readers."

Several Page High School students were recognized at this year's National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.  The event draws thousands of high school students from across the nation who are interested in agricultural education.

Page High School's Alexa Kavanaugh was among the students who were honored at this year's conference.  Kavanaugh received Silver in the Job Interview Career Development event.  In addition, Brandon Cunningham and Cody Hartman walked across the national stage to accept the National 2 Star Chapter Award on behalf of Page High School.

The Fred J. Page High School Marching Band is having one of the tastiest fundraisers in the district.

From now until the end of the month, the band will be selling Butter Braid pastry products.  Butter Braid is known for making delicious braided pastries and pastry rolls which store in the freezer.

Products will be delivered to Page High School during the second week of October and proceeds will go to help the band with their expenses.

To order, contact Clair Vaughan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling her at 945-6570.

The Disney Princesses are coming to town!  Dust off your tiaras and bring your little girls to Page High School this Saturday, September 24th anytime between 1 and 4.  The Drama Department is sponsoring a Disney Princess Tea Party.  There will be face painting, karaoke, pictures, carriage rides and nail painting.  This is an event your little princess or prince will not want to miss!

Courtesy Williamson County School's In Focus

Ten years after the terror attacks of 9/11, a local teacher is using a T-shirt to educate students about the events of that day.

On September 9, Page High School Biology Teacher Richard Lee wore a shirt to school that was given to him by a New York City firefighter.

"I received this shirt in the summer of 2002 when I was working at the Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone National Park," said Lee.  "I was in charge of entertaining the guests and when I was done, a man approached me."

Lee says the man offered him the shirt and said he had worn it at Ground Zero during the rescue and recovery operations following 9/11.

"He said he wanted me to have the shirt because he could tell I have a passion for teaching young people," said Lee.  "I told him I would take it to school with me every year so that my students understand the true meaning of 9/11."

Considering most of the students at Page High School were under the age of eight at the time of the attacks, Lee says the shirt is a great way to teach them about the sacrifices that were made that day.

"What I want to accomplish is to make sure the students won't forget this happened," said Lee.  "I want the students to ask questions and to understand that there's a price for freedom."

The Williamson County School District and Page High School are among the 12 finalists for the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or SCORE Prize Award.

The SCORE Prize will give $10,000 to one elementary, one middle and one high school and $25,000 to one district in Tennessee that have most dramatically improved student achievement.

"It is an honor to be in this select group," said WCS Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney.  "Our goal is to continue to work hard and to build on our successes.  I am proud of the students and staff of Page High School and our entire district."

If Page High School wins the $10,000 SCORE Prize, Principal Dr. Andrea Anthony says she would like to use the money to purchase iPads that would be made available for students to borrow.  Page is one of four high schools in the district that are piloting the Bring Your Own Technology program, which allows students to bring their own electronic devices to school.

Finalists for the SCORE Prize Award were selected according to numerous factors including benchmarks for attendance rate, TCAP improvement and ACT college-readiness benchmark rates.  SCORE representatives also visited each site to document the policies and practices that have enabled the schools and districts to make notable gains in student achievement.

Created in 2009, SCORE is an education reform initiative chaired by former U.S. Senator Bill Frist.  The winners of the SCORE Prize will be announced at a special gathering September 20 at the Ryman Auditorium.

WCS Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney addresses students and staff at Page High during an assembly to celebrate the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Students at Page High School have reason to celebrate.  On September 15, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Page High School is a recipient of this year's 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high-performing or have improved student achievement to high levels. "It is an honor to be recognized as a high performing school at a national level," said Page High Principal Dr. Andrea Anthony.

"The top three keys to our success at Page High include exemplary programming that maximizes each student's development, effective teachers who are experts in their areas and build relationships with their students, and excellent partnerships with parents and community members who support and promote our school's goals."

Page High School students and staff joined district and county leaders September 15 to celebrate the announcement.  Page High is one of only three Williamson County schools to receive this honor.  Brentwood Middle was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2006 and Grassland Middle received the award in 2004.

The Department of Education will honor this year's winners at a conference and awards ceremony November 14-15 in Washington D.C.

The Fred J. Page High School Marching Patriot Band will hold its annual golf fundraising event Sunday, August 14 at the Forrest Crossing Golf Course. The money that's raised from this event will be used to cover the expenses of camp and travel for the band this fall.

The golf event is in its sixth year and has been an integral part of the fundraising plan.  This year’s event is organized differently, with student teams in charge of acquiring door prizes and signing up golfers.

"We have great kids in our band program,” said Randy Mauldin, organizer of the golf tournament.

“We’re asking all golfers to consider spending a Sunday morning on the course with us to benefit a great cause.”

The committee encourages local business owners to donate items for door prizes and for all golfers to join the tournament.  Teams of four can play for just $300, individuals for $80.  To sign up or to donate, please contact Randy or Laurie Mauldin at 790-1277.

Students and staff at Page High School have reason to celebrate.  On July 20, an organization called High Schools That Work presented Page High with an Outstanding School Award.

The presentation took place during the HSTW Staff Development Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

High Schools That Work is the nation's largest school improvement initiative for high school leaders and teachers.  The organization provides schools with research-proven strategies that are designed to raise student achievement and graduation rates.

Page High is one of only 13 schools in the nation to receive the 2011 Outstanding HSTW School Award.

Seventh in a series, from Williamson County School's In Focus:

PAGE HIGH

Kenna Cajka Parents: Kevin & Carol Cajka A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: My sophomore year, Coach Aaron Wells motivated me to sign up for his CAD class.  Over the past two years he went from making me feel comfortable in high school to helping me shape my future in college.  Coach Wells encouraged me to invest more into my career choice while enjoying the time that I have to prepare for it.  Had I not had his support and the knowledge I gained from his class I wouldn’t have believed I could become an architect. Honors and Awards: CAD A award.  I have also been a member of Younglife, Campaigners, Spanish Honors Society, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Technical Honors Society, and Student Council. Post-Graduation Plans: In the fall I will be attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where I have been admitted into the architecture program.  I plan to travel with my studies and eventually open my own architecture firm.	Danielle Dye Parents: Bret & Heather Dye A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: AP English IV has been extremely enjoyable thanks to Mrs. Nicole Guertin.  First, writing isn’t exactly one of my strengths.  I will never forget the day I needed help with structuring a characterization paper.  I was able to sit down at a table with her and discuss my dilemmas and receive feedback from her without feeling like she was limiting my creativity or in a hurry to move along to her next task.  Her witty sense of humor fits so well with our dynamic class, yet she remains objective as our class mediator during discussions.  And even though she strives for subject comprehension, she still holds us responsible for due dates and punctual homework.  This may seem like key objectives as a teacher, but she balances them very well in contrast to other teachers who easily choose one aspect over the other.  As a student, I can tell she is more than willing to teach, and she is a wonderful example to all teachers. Honors and Awards: I am currently a member of Scholars, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and our HOSA Executive Council.  In my sophomore year I received the Honors Chemistry award and in my junior year I received the French II Honors award.  And last but not least, I am a proud member of the six time Division II State Champion Marching Patriot Band and 2010 Reserve Grand Champion and our winter drumline, which placed eighth in the world in the 2009 season within the highest division possible. Post-Graduation Plans: I haven’t chosen a college, but I want to study for either a pre-medicine or biomedical major in preparation for a career in healthcare.
Drew Keller Parents: Andrew & Rebecca Keller A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Coach Pete Wade has the rare ability to make a high school math class interesting. He is an energetic teacher and keeps the attention of the class with witty remarks and inventive strategies. His teaching methods are unconventional yet highly effective. Honors and Awards: National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, AP Chemistry Award. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to attend the University of Tennessee, and I will be majoring in engineering.	Frederick Kundert Parents: Randy & Judy Kundert A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: I have had the pleasure of having Major Garner as been my JROTC instructor for four years now.  Major Garner has taught me many things about leadership, most importantly that a good leader leads by example.  Major Garner was also instrumental in my decision to continue in the Army ROTC program in college, which, if it is anything like the JROTC program here at Page, will be a very good decision.  Major Garner was instrumental in making my high school career an enjoyable one. Honors and Awards: Page Band Sophomore of the Year. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan on attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and majoring in biomedical engineering.
Mitchell Latimer Parents: Frank & Cynthia Latimer A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Mr. Warfle is special to me, since he was my first high school math teacher and made math enjoyable with his funny jokes and positive attitude.  He is a great teacher and his teaching style influenced my math career and helped me focus on math in high school.  Mr. Warfle is also a great person, who I became friends with after my freshman year and he would brighten my day with his jokes and upbeat attitude. Honors and Awards: I have received the AP Scholar Award and induction into the National Society of High School Scholars.  I am also the President of the Science National Honors Society and a member of Mu Alpha Theta. Post-Graduation Plans: I intend to major in chemical engineering at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.	Andrew Marsee Parents: Dale & Debra Marsee A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: When I entered high school, I didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do when I graduated.  The two years that I have spent in John Paquet's class have convinced me that I want to be an engineer.  His unorthodox teaching style has made physics interesting and has influenced me to pursue a career in that field. Honors and Awards: The only awards and honors I have had are school related. I received awards for the highest average in Spanish III, Pre-Calculus, and Physics.  I was named a captain of the high school basketball team and I am a member of the National Honors Society and the Science National Honors Society. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan on attending Georgia Tech and majoring in aerospace engineering.
Shelby Perry Parents: Kenneth & Amy Perry A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: I have taken one of Terry Flower's media classes every year, and I have absolutely loved them!  Mr. Flowers is an amazing teacher and has allowed me to be very creative in his classroom. Honors and Awards: First place at FCCLA STARS District Competition for Interior Design in 2010 and 2011, second place at FCCLA STARS State Competition for Interior Design in 2010. Post-Graduation Plans: I am going to attend University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.	Laura Schaumann Parents: Michael & Mary Beth Schaumann A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: James Cherry helped me to recognize my own talents and natural abilities and pointed me in the direction of my future career. In his classes, I learned to think through and solve any problem that came my way, and that knowledge has benefited me in all aspects of life. Honors and Awards: National Merit Finalist, AP English III Award, Spanish IV Honors Award, AP Scholar with Honor.  I am also Vice President of Spanish National Honor Society, member of National Honor Society, member of Science National Honor Society, Section Leader of Glee Club, President of Church Class, Volunteer Counselor at Church Camp, Tutor. Post-Graduation Plans: I am going to attend Brigham Young University in Provo Utah with a major in chemical engineering.
Andrew Sorenson Parents: Ed & Julie Sorenson A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Erick Harris has been my band director for all four years of high school.  Under his band program, I’ve grown into who I am today.  He has helped provide guidance through obstacles of all kind, and is very inspirational. Honors and Awards: I have been a member of the band taking first place in state championships for three years in a row, and second place this year. The winter drumline has placed first in SCGC Championships for three years of its competing there, and placed eighth in world in 2009. I have a 35 on the ACT, am an AP Scholar and have received a letter of commendation for the PSAT. I am a member of National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. I am also about to begin my second summer marching with the Music City Drum Corps as the tenor drum section leader, and have just ended my first season with the world class percussion ensemble Music City Mystique. I was section leader for both junior and senior years in band and winter percussion. Post-Graduation Plans: I am going to Georgia Tech with a chemical and biomolecular engineering major.  I plan to also continue marching drum corps and Music City Mystique, and to begin teaching a nearby high school percussion program when time becomes available.	Sarah Williams Parents: Robert & Cindy Wilkins A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: For two years, Jackie Stevens has taught me all about the world of marketing and entrepreneurship.  Throughout her classes and her advising through DECA and the co-op program, I have come to realize my passion for business.  It has been the most hands-on experience of any class or organization that I have taken part in.  Mrs. Stevens runs her classes in a way that we, as students, are having such an enjoyable experience that we don’t realize we are learning.  We come to realize the knowledge we have acquired when we are out in the world and understand the marketing strategies of businesses, the language of the business world, and the workings of companies around the world.  I now frequently discuss current events and news topics with my parents, as they comment on how much I have learned since beginning my marketing and entrepreneurship classes.  Not only have I learned these essential things, but also Mrs. Stevens is one of the kindest and easiest teachers to get along with. Honors and Awards: My partner and I received first place overall in our regional DECA competition and third place in the state competition.  I have received all A's throughout my entire high school career that led me to be in the top ten of my class.  I was chosen from everyone in my age group at my dance studio to receive the "Miss Prima" award for high achievement and maximum participation in my dance classes.  During my junior year, I was chosen by my teacher as the only student to receive the Anatomy Honors award for outstanding achievement out of approximately one hundred students.  I am so honored to receive these awards and hope I can push myself to continue to achieve my goals.  I am the Vice-President of the National Honors Society, the Reporter of DECA and the Secretary of Mu Alpha Theta. Post-Graduation Plans: In the fall, I will be attending Western Kentucky University on an academic scholarship and have been chosen to be a part of their Honors College.  I plan to major in exercise science and minor in business administration.  My plans also include traveling abroad to London, England, to Harlaxton College for a semester during my sophomore year.  After my undergraduate career, I plan to enter Belmont University’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program.  I hope to one day be an occupational therapist and eventually run my own private clinic.