With the fall season rapidly drawing to a close, I felt a need to recognize some of our students and programs for their successes. As always, Marshall boasts some very creative and talented young people who, in addition to being great students, excel in a variety of activities as well.

A big congratulations to the Marshall Girls Volleyball team and their coach, Abby Franke who, for the first time since anyone can remember, are District Champions! Their performance in Oak Grove during the District Tournament capped off a fine season which included another NCMC conference championship and landed three girls, Cortni Ervin, Rachel Keller and Megan Austin, on the All-District team.

The Marshall Choir continued their exemplary level of performance on October 21st, when they participated, along with over 150 other students, for twenty West Central District spots on the All-State Choir. Of those twenty spots, Marshall placed six students in the All-State Choir! Congratulations to Ron Sayer, along with All-State Choir members Crystal Mann, Jeff Deutsch, Jake Schulenberg, Andy Pycke, Morgan Evans and Jennifer Beck on a job well done!

The Cross Country team had several athletes who represented our school at a high level this fall. Madison Marshman was the NCMC Conference Champion. Lindie Arends and Alex Jones were all-conference as well as state qualifiers. Matt Bledsoe and Crystal Kearney were also selected on the all-conference team. Nice job guys and gals!

In Girls Golf this fall, Morgan Lamberson achieved all-conference and all-district status, as well as earning a trip to the state golf championships. Kaitlin McDaniel was also selected as an all-conference performer.

Boys Swimming continues to make strides as a new sport for Marshall High School. This fall, Mason Weber earned a trip to the state swim meet as a state qualifier. Good job, Mason!

Susan Carney's Girls Tennis team continued their tennis dominance by again winning conference as well as a District Championship. Courtney Henley, Amy Durham were both District Champions and state qualifiers. Kelsey Franklin was also a state qualifier, while Ali Brandt, Sydne Parkhurst, Olivia Butler and Brittany Wallace were Conference Champions. These girls have had an amazing run and continue to be at the top of their sport.

The Marshall football team has put together a great season, finishing as NCMC Co-Champions, and recently defeated the Helias Crusaders in Jefferson City to become District Champions. Congratulations to Coach Paul Thomas, his coaching staff and the Owls football team!

And last, but certainly not least, one of our former students has achieved some remarkable status by being selected as a finalist in the national FFA diversified horticulture category. Jordan Gorrell, who graduated last year but has maintained her affiliation in FFA, is one of only four people selected for this competition in the national finals. Jordan became eligible for this after winning the Missouri state FFA competition earlier this year. Way to go Jordan!

I know that by recognizing these programs and students, I risk missing someone else who has achieved exemplary status during the fall season. Obviously these are only a few of our very talented students at Marshall High School. I congratulate all of our fall participants and coaches/sponsors for doing our school proud. Marshall Public Schools is indeed fortunate for having these young people representing our school!