The Bulldog Report - April 17, 2025
By Melinda L. Lucas
When Moran students were on campus last Friday, April 11, some of the older classes were given instruction in CPR and first aid by school nurse Deloris Londerholm.
According to principal Jo Hise, the district had to deviate from its normal four-day week to make up a weather day.
STAAR testing is on the MISD calendar for next week, but elementary students will also get a fun break when they go to the Hardin-Simmons University’s Western Heritage Days on Thursday, April 24.
FFA Update
Over the last week, Moran FFA students have been competing in various Area 4 contests. On April 9, the Vet Science team placed fifth in the Big Country District. Team members are Jayla Bussell, Bradee Stautzenberger, and Miguel Rodriguez. On the same day, the Horse Judging team competed at the Area 4 Horse Contest, team members were Sam Stanley, Rayni Vinson, Leanna Sikes, and Christian Rodriguez.
On April 10, the Forage Judging team traveled to Sam Houston State University to compete in the Area Forage contest. The team placed third among the area teams. Team members were Stanley, Vinson, Bailey Prater, and Briley Chadwick.
The chapter sent several applications to the District Degree Check. Moran FFA has four juniors – Jayla Bussell, Leanna Sikes, Chelsea Thurman, and Rayni Vinson – working to earn their LoneStar Degrees, the highest degree an FFA member can earn in Texas FFA.
Moran FFA has several Proficiency Awards that advanced to Area 4 Degree check. Rayni Vinson is advancing with two entries, one for Beef Production/Entrepreneurship (owning her own beef herd) and Beef Production/Placement (working on a ranch), each earning first.
Others advancing are Sam Stanley, first in Turfgrass and Landscape Management; Bradee Stautzenberger, first in Goat Production; Ellis Hise, first in Ag Mech and Fabrication application; Sam Stanley, first with a State Degree Star Award/Placement based on his job mowing grass; Rayni Vinson, State Degree Star Award/Entrepreneurship based on owning her beef cattle.
Senior FFA students can apply for scholarships, with a required interview. Sam Stanley is applying for the Ryan Mott Scholarship, and he advanced after the interview.
On April 12, the Moran FFA Meat Judging team traveled to Texas Tech University where they placed sixth in the Area 4 Meats Contest. Team members were Ellis Hise, Sam Stanley, Rayni Vinson, and James Hise.
The Big Country District held its convention April 14 in Abilene. Rayni Vinson placed fourth in the talent contest, singing two songs to about 200 members.
On Thursday, April 17, several students will travel to Wichita Falls to attempt to earn welding certifications.
Sports Report
Moran will send three high school players to district tennis on Monday, April 21 in Clyde at the Hanner Chevrolet complex.
Ellis Hise will compete in boys singles, while Dylan Herod and Ezekiel Henson are playing boys doubles.
A good group of junior high athletes are currently practicing for upcoming action, including their district tournament. The date had not been finalized as of press time.
Elementary age students were in Zephyr last week to compete in their final track competition of the spring.
Five Moran athletes were able to make the medal stand.
“Needless to say, I’m very proud of them and what they accomplished this track season,” coach John Hughes said. “The future of Moran track and field is looking very promising.”
Results include Zaylee Smith 1. Shot Put, 4. Discus; Legend Sebree 3. Shot Put, 4. Discus; Ryker York 2. Discus; Nevaeh Letney 3. High Jump, 7. Long Jump; James Pittman 3. High Jump; Silas Ross 4. High Jump; Miles Sebree 4. High Jump, 4. 200m; Zayden Alexander, Jeremy Jimenez, Miles Sebree and Jessie Letney 8. Sprint Relay; Juliette Pittman 4. High Jump.
