DECATUR — There was an extra spark of celebration in the air during Decatur High School’s 2010 Colors Day.
Just three days before the annual event, the Arkansas State Board of Education voted to release the district from fiscal distress and begin the process of handing control of the school district back to a local school board by the first of October.
Elementary, middle and high school students filled the stands during Friday morning’s pep rally. Superintendent LeRoy Ortman was recognized for the work he has done to help the school recover from fiscal distress and was presented with a plaque and a hat to kickoff the event.
“This was a tough job, but because everyone pulled together we can nowsay, ‘Mission accomplished; you’ve got your school back!’” Ortman said.
The Colors Day Court was presented, followed by lots of enjoyable games for elementary and high school students and a teacher dance competition that ended in a conga-line.
During the evening coronation ceremony, Carmen Vaughn was named Colors Day queen, and Eric Thompson and Trent Arnold were named Colors Day captains.
Throughout the week, students voted for their favorite names for Decatur’s new mascot, a 20- week-old English Bulldog puppy. During coronation ceremonies, it was announced the puppy’s name will be Duke.
The senior high girls beat Eureka Springs 49 to 39 in Friday’s game. The senior high boys lost 71 to 22 to Eureka Springs, and the junior high boys lost 37 to 35.
School News, Pages 10 on 01/27/2010