2007-2008 School Highlights

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.

The Orangefield Junior High Cheerleaders returned home from cheer camp at the University of Texas in Austin where the squad won Four Gold Superior ribbons, Two Blue Superior ribbons, One Red Excellent Ribbon, and an Overall Superior Trophy. A Second Place Trophy was given for their Extreme Routine and A Second Place Trophy for their Home Dance Routine which they had been working on for two months. Also bringing home awards were 8th Grade Cheerleader Hannah Walles and 7th Grade Cheerleader Rylie Granger for being elected to the UCA All Star Team. Both girls are invited to perform in the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade with the UCA Organization. The OF mascot, Allie Cat also won a Blue Superior Ribbon for her Overall Evaluation. This years Cheer Sponsor is Stephanie Edgerly. The cheerleaders and sponsor would like to send a special “Thank You” to Cindy Dozier for all her help and support at camp. Cheerleaders include (front row): Carley Choate, Morgan Moss, Kacey Leblanc, Ashley Ehrlich, Cassie Leger (back row): Manager Paulena Dickerson, Cheerleaders: Erica Edgerly, Hannah Walles, Haley Permenter, Rebecca Higginbotham, Rylie Granger, and Mascot Allie Sherwood.

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.