From the Principal's Desk

All State Chorus

2012-02-07T21:16:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to the following students for earning All-State Chorus honors and to chorus director Chris Shortt!

Kayla Fargo

Rushika Fernando

Hannah Kipling

Jordyn Nelson

Sydni McDowell

Jared Sipple

Alex Warner

Shannon Winter

Kennedy Wright

Madison Murphy

Maria Franxman

Hannah Kleckner

Jeff Moore

Daniel Kozar

Scheduling Conferences for 2012-13

2012-02-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

Scheduling Conferences for students in grades 9-11 have been scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2012 from 1-8 pm.

Each student will be given a card this Friday, Feb. 10th, with a specific time and room location for their scheduling conference. If you have a specific date and time request for your meeting please contact your student’s mentoring teacher after Feb. 10th. Otherwise you should be contacted by email, note, or telephone with a scheduled date and time by the mentoring teacher.

Group sessions for incoming 8th grade students will be held in the Ryle auditorium on February 20, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. Students with last names A – L will meet from 5-6:30 p.m.; students with last names M – Z will meet from 6:30-8 p.m.

If you have questions please call the school office at 384-5300.

Boone County edges rival Ryle in girls' basketball

2012-02-04T12:25:00.001-05:00

by Marc Hardin, Enquirer Contributor article link

Boone County and Ryle renewed their fierce girls' basketball rivalry Friday night in Florence as top-10 teams in state rankings, and it was strength versus strength.

The Rebels, ranked first in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches' poll and fifth in the statewide Litkenhous Ratings, entered play as the 10th-highest scoring team in Kentucky. Ryle, ranked second locally and ninth statewide, is fifth in scoring defense.

In a pivotal 33rd District seeding game, something had to give and it was Ryle's interior defense, which had trouble containing Florida recruit Sydney Moss and post-player Lydia Nash, who combined for 39 points in the Rebels' hard-fought 51-48 win over the rallying Raiders.
Moss, the second-leading scorer in the state with 24.8 points per game, scored a team-high 21. Nash finished with 18.

"Sydney and Lydia came up with some big baskets when we needed them," Boone County coach Nell Fookes said of her seniors. "I thought in the first half we played to perfection. But give Ryle credit for coming back in the second half."

The Rebels (23-1) were held to 23 points below their season average but they outrebounded Ryle (19-4) by a margin of 35-22 and held a 12-6 advantage on the offensive end while pushing their winning streak to 21 straight games.

"Coach said crash the boards and get second shots, and that's what we did," said Moss, who had three baskets on her own stick-backs.

Nash had two baskets following back-to-back Rebels offensive rebounds against Ryle, which lost its first game against a Northern Kentucky team. "There's nothing better than beating Ryle," Nash said.

The Raiders had won three straight and 12 of 13. Boone, which avenged last year's regular-season loss to Ryle, is 22-0 against Kentucky competition and 6-0 against the Litkenhous top 20. The Rebels, who have beaten the Raiders in the past three district tournament finals, are 8-1 against Ryle the last nine meetings. Boone improved to 3-0 in the district while the Raiders fell to 1-1.

"They beat us bad on the offensive boards and that's what killed us," said Xavier recruit Jenna Crittendon, who finished with 21 points after a slow start.

Ryle did not succumb without a fight in another epic battle contested by the perennial powers. Nash put Boone County ahead to stay at 12-10 with the first basket of the second quarter and the Rebels closed the half on a 12-1 run for a 30-16 lead. Boone stretched the advantage to 18 on a Nash third-quarter bucket.

Crittendon, who had just three points at halftime, caught fire after her primary defender, Boone's Zuri Hill, picked up her third foul and went to the bench. Crittendon put in nine of 11 for the Raiders while scoring 12 third-quarter points and whittling the Rebels' lead to six.

A steal and a basket by Dawn Johnson (10 points) pulled the Raiders to within 47-46 with 2:06 to play. Boone's Alexis Switzer answered with a pair of free throws and Moss twirled for a reverse layup to make it 51-46.

Crittendon hit a basket with 28 seconds left but missed a 3-pointer with 2.5 on the clock. Moss poked the rebound to Nash who held the ball until time expired.

Night Off Broadway 3.0

2012-01-24T20:26:00.000-05:00

UNION — Ryle High School’s senior production of “Night off Broadway 3.0” will be at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 2-4, at the school, 10379 U.S. 42 in Union.

Cost is $5. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky.

For more information, call 859-384-5300.

Parents warn of texting dangers

2012-01-24T20:13:00.001-05:00

by Bill Croyle, NKY Enquirer

UNION — Alex Brown could text with the best of them. Sending and receiving 10,000 messages in just a few weeks time was nothing to her. Texting with multiple people at once was easy. But on the morning of Nov. 10, 2009, she did it while driving.

The 17-year-old senior from Wellman, Texas, died that day after flipping her pickup truck off a rural road on her way to school. She was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected through the front windshield. Investigators later found her phone, and evidence on it that she had been texting with four friends just prior to the crash.

Her parents, Jeanne and Johnny Mac Brown, shared their daughter’s story with about 400 juniors Monday here at Ryle High School.

“We’re not here to scare you,” Jeanne Brown said. “We simply want you to know the truth of what happens when you text and drive.”

The Browns started the Remember Alex Brown Foundation to educate the public about the dangers of texting and driving. They began traveling the country telling Alex’s story just weeks after her funeral, and try to drive everywhere they go so they can tow the truck Alex was driving. The Chevy Silverado, which sat outside Ryle on Monday, is in the same condition it was after the crash shattered glass, a crushed roof, four flat tires.

“I told my wife that we needed to show kids that truck,” Johnny Mac Brown said. “My idea was to do a dozen or so of these talks around our hometown and it would be over, but word of mouth kept it going. I never knew it was going to be this big.”

The Browns have spoken in 26 states, and are booking engagements into next year. They will speak at several high schools in Cincinnati this week, including Madeira, Wyoming, Mariemont, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and Seven Hills Academy.

They will also conduct a workshop for parents at the Ralph Rush Center in Florence (next to Florence Elementary School) at 7 p.m. Thursday, and will speak at Cooper High School on Friday morning.

According to www.distraction.gov, the official U.S. government website for distracted driving, drivers are 23 times more likely to crash if texting, with teen drivers more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal crash when distracted.

Jeanne Brown, who was the first to come upon the crash scene after Alex didn’t show up for school that morning, opened her talk Monday by describing that horror. Johnny Mac Brown talked about how his daughter’s decision changed the lives of everyone close to her, something teens who believe they are invincible don’t think about before making choices, he said.

“It should not be an option for parents to have to bury their children,” he said.

They also played a video from their 13-year-old daughter, Katrina, who spoke directly to the students about the emptiness in her life since Alex’s death.

The Browns then invited students to sign a pledge to not text and drive. Though students were not required to take a pledge card, most did.

“This was very emotional, very helpful and sent a very good message,” said 16-year-old Katie Connor, who just got her license. “I’ve read a few texts while driving, but this has changed my view. I can’t wait to sign the pledge.”

Cole Snyder, 16, was struck by Katrina’s message that Alex was her hero.

“The sibling part got to me because I have a little brother and I know he looks up to me,” Cole said. “This has definitely opened my eyes and made me rethink some stuff.”

Daniel Jensen, 17, said he often travels through rush hour traffic to go to Boy Scout meetings in Cincinnati, and admitted he checks his phone while in the stop-and-go traffic.

“I’ve had a couple of close calls,” he said. “This (talk) was powerful and will make me think twice.”
State texting-while-driving laws were passed in Kentucky and Indiana in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

In Ohio, certain cities and counties have laws against texting and driving, including Cincinnati.
They are laws, though, that many law enforcement officials have said are difficult to enforce.

“Laws aren’t going to fix the problem, and our presentation isn’t going to fix the problem, but I think it helps,” Johnny Mac Brown said.

Jeanne Brown said roughly half the students they’ve spoken to the past two years have signed the pledge.

“We know some kids aren’t going to listen, and not all of them will keep the pledge, but some of them will,” she said. “And for those some that do, it’s that many parents who won’t have to get that call that something has happened to their child.”

http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20120123/NEWS0103/301230142

NKY Enquirer 2011 Fall Sport All-Stars

2012-01-22T21:04:00.001-05:00

The NKY Enquirer recently named their annual spring sport all-stars. The article link is attached: http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2012/01/21/printable-enquirer-fall-all-star-pages/

Special congratulations go to Blake Hamilton of the Raider golf team. He was named the NKY Enquirer Golfer of the Year in addition to placing 3rd in the state golf tournament.

Congratulations also goes to the following Ryle student-athletes that were named NKY Equirer All-Stars:

Honorable Mention Girls Cross Country: Maria Truitt
Ryan Smith - Football
Honorable Mention Football: Nathan Davis, Travis Elliott, Jake Nutter, Mac Vollett
Paul Clancy - Boys Golf
Chris Desmarais - Boys Golf
Honorable Mention Boys Golf: Zach Adams, Logan Gamm
Alex Bruce - Girls Golf
Nadine Innes - Girls Golf
Chris Froschauer - Boys Soccer
Tyrus Sciarra - Boys Soccer
Rob Poehlmann - Boys Soccer
Honorable Mention Boys Soccer: Garrett Mead, Mitchell See, Cole Willoughby
Honorable Mention Girls Soccer: Lindsey Otis, Lauren Zembrodt
Honorable Mention Volleyball: Ashley Bush, Alena Harthun, Harper Hempel, Kaylee Keohane,

Congratulations also go out to Stephen Collins for being named the NKY Enquirer Boys Soccer Co-Coach of Year. He led the Raiders to a 23-3-3 record, the district and region championship, and a runner-finish at the state tournament.

Congratulations to these award winners and to all of our fall sport student-athletes for a great year. Thanks to all of our parents, community members, and coaches for their hard work in supporting our students!

SEEK and the Governor's Budget

2012-01-19T06:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Prichard Blog!: SEEK and the Governor's Budget: Here's a quick overview of how Governor Beshear's proposed budget for the next two years addresses the SEEK base guarantee.

The SEEK base guarantee per pupil will go down:

$3,903 was the original SEEK base guarantee per pupil for 2011-12
$3,850 is the average guarantee that has actually been possible for 2011-12: schools turned out have more students than the budget expected and funding for each child had to be reduced as a result.
$3,833 is the proposed base guarantee for 2012-13.
$3,827 is the proposed base guarantee for 2013-14.

Click on the link above to read the entire article.

Ruschell has wrestling 'in his blood'

2012-01-14T07:48:00.000-05:00

by Marc Harden, NKY Enquirer

Ryle High School's Ruschell family owes its rich wrestling legacy to a broken back.

"It's funny how things work out," said senior T.J. Ruschell, the third of three wrestling brothers for the Raiders' perennial state championship-contending program. "If my dad hadn't broke his back at work,

I wouldn't even be thinking about wrestling right now. I'd be thinking about going to college at UK and doing nothing but studying."

Ruschell, however, isn't going to the University of Kentucky. The defending 119-pound state champion is heading to the University of Wisconsin on a wrestling scholarship. He will join his brother, Kyle Ruschell, a two-time state champion who became just the third college wrestling All-American from Kentucky. Kyle, a 2010 Wisconsin graduate, is a Badgers assistant. He joined in the coaching ranks his father, who has guided Ryle to seven consecutive regional titles.

"At the time, I thought breaking my back was the worst thing that could happen," coach Ruschell said. "But I wanted to make a positive out of a negative and I eventually got on my feet, switched careers, and now I'm doing what I love doing."

As a result, wrestling has become the Ruschell's sporting love.

"I can't imagine not wrestling," said T.J., a 3.85 GPA student with a strong interest in math. "After college, I'd like to stay in it and teach math and get into coaching. I can totally see myself as a coach."

Such a scenario would make the Ruschell men 4-for-4 in becoming wrestling coaches. The oldest son, Keith Ruschell, is the Gray Middle School coach. It could have been an entirely different story. In 1990, Tim Ruschell suffered a back injury and had to quit his job. Over the next six years, he returned to college, became certified to teach and was hired as an instructor at Gray. He put his children into the school system.

In their first year, Keith struck up a fateful friendship with classmate Matt Peace, who was a wrestler. Peace told Keith to try out for the team. The next year, Kyle tried out for wrestling. Over the next few years, the brothers became teammates and friends with members of the Peace family. T.J. was in the fourth grade when he watched Kyle win his first state crown in 2004. A few years later, T.J. was on the team.

"T.J. always tagged along with me to practice and he was at all the meets rooting for his brothers," Tim Ruschell said. "The next thing I know, he's got a singlet. By now, wrestling's in his blood."

This year, the Ruschell and Peace family friendship is coming full-circle in the Ryle record books. T.J., with 190 wins, can pass Kyle (191) and move into second place on the school's career list at this weekend's Sycamore Invitational. He's on target to become the Raiders' all-time leader, passing Bryan Peace (205), Matt Peace's younger brother.

T.J. Ruschell, last season's Enquirer Northern Kentucky wrestler of the year, hopes to equal Kyle's feat of winning back-to-back titles at February's state meet in Frankfort. T.J. finished 55-3 as a junior. Last April, he wrestled for Team Kentucky at the Scholastic Duals at Wabash College. He has moved up to 126 pounds and entered the week with a record of 29-2, including 22 pins and individual titles at Ohio meets in Dayton and Bellbrook and this week's Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference championships. He is projected to wrestle at 149 or 157 pounds for Wisconsin.

The younger Ruschell said he's looking forward to the next leg in his journey on the mat. "I couldn’t have done it without my brothers and my dad," T.J. said. "I don't see myself ever giving up wrestling."

http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20120112/SPT0302/302100137/Ruschell-has-wrestling-his-blood-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-14T07:01:00.001-05:00

Monday is set aside to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the ideals for which he strived. Take some time to learn more about the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on how we all can make our world a better place.

I Have a Dream, 1963—The most widely-known of Dr. King’s words, the “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 at the March for Jobs & Freedom, generally referred to as the March on Washington. In addition to focusing the nation’s conscience on the continuing plague of racial and social injustice, the speech has gone on to become one of mankind’s most oft-repeated clarion calls for freedom and equality.

Excerpt:

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity…..

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice……

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone……….

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

Snowmen project keeps Ryle festive

2012-01-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

by Justin Duke

UNION — When school opens back up at Ryle, there will be a few more bodies in the building.
Art teacher Brandon Stropko assigned his students to make papier mache snowmen to put around the school.

“We were just trying to cheer up the environment a little bit,” Stropko said.

So far, the snowmen are serving their purpose, he said.

“The teachers really love them,” Stropko said.

Students worked in groups to make 33 snowmen – a few were traditional, but most were made with themes like Yoda, Lady Gaga and others.

Making the snowmen took about three weeks, and most will sit in the school’s media center and commons. Stropko hopes to display them on the school sidewalks when school lets out for a few days and eventually give some to local businesses to display.

Before all of that, students will vote on the best snowman. Before school let out for winter break, the Lady Gaga snowman was in the lead.

Stropko originally planned for the main display to take place before winter break, but the project took a little longer than expected.

“I’m hoping when we get back, the spirit will still be there,” Stropko said.

With students eagerly awaiting snow days in January, Stropko doesn’t think the snowmen will be out of place,” he said.

For more about your community, visit www.NKY.com/union

Ryle celebrating 20 years

2012-01-11T16:24:00.001-05:00

By Justin B. Duke

The Raiders are ready to celebrate 20 years of black and orange.

This year’s seniors will be Ryle High School’s 20th graduating class, and plans are under way to reunite two decades of students and staff.

Current teacher Robyn Bain and retiree Sarah Meece are organizing two reunion events in May.

The first is a faculty reunion for anyone who ever worked at Ryle. Details are still being finalized, but the event will be Friday, May 11, at Receptions in Erlanger and will cost around $20.

“It’s going to be a night full of stories and reminiscing,” Meece said.

So many teachers worked hard to make Ryle the nationally recognized school it is now, and this night will be a chance for former staff to look back fondly, Meece said.

The following night, there will be a celebration that’s open to the public – especially Ryle graduates and former Ryle parents.

“It was the people who’ve made Ryle High School what it is today,” Meece said. The event will take place at Ryle’s football stadium. “It’s going to be similar to the dedication ceremony we had in 1992,” Meece said.

The ceremony will recognize some of Ryle’s highlights over the last 20 years. “I’m sure we will celebrate Mr. Cooper’s life,” Meece said. Randy Cooper was Ryle’s founding principal who died in 2006.

Bain and Meece are trying to get the word out about the weekend so as many former students and staff can make it as possible.

“It’s a milestone and a milestone we’re very proud of,” Meece said.

Anyone looking for more information or wanting to get on the mailing list as more information comes out should email Meece at skmeece@gmail.com.

For more about your community, visit NKY.com/union

Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges

2012-01-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

Kiplinger has released their listing of the top 100 public colleges.
http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/

For an example, the top public school is UNC.

Princeton is listed as the top private school. http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/privatecolleges/

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

Back to Sortable Rankings | Back to Special Report: Best College Values 2011-12

ACADEMIC QUALITY
Applicants who took SAT: 95%
Applicants who took ACT: 34%
SAT I Verbal score 600-699: 49%
SAT I Verbal score 700+: 25%
SAT I Verbal score 600+: 74%
SAT I Math score 600-699: 52%
SAT I Math score 700+: 31%
SAT I Math score 600+: 83%
ACT score 24-29: 47%
ACT score 30-36: 46%
ACT score 24+: 93%
Students applied: 23,272
Students admitted: 7,557
Admission rate: 32%
Students per faculty: 14
4-year graduation rate: 76%
6-year graduation rate: 90%

STUDENT BODY
Total enrollment: 18,579
Full-time enrolled men: 7,139
Full-time enrolled women: 10,374
Part-time enrolled men: 501
Part-time enrolled women: 565
Freshmen retained: 97%

ANNUAL COSTS
Tuition (in state): $7,008
Fees (in state): NA
Tuition (out of state): $26,834
Fees (out of state): NA
Room and board: $9,470
Est. book expense: $1,150
Total cost (in state): $17,628
Total cost (out of state): $37,454
Cost after need-based aid
(in state): $6,548
Cost after non-need-based aid
(in state): $12,511
Cost after need-based aid
(out of state): $26,374
Cost after non-need-based aid
(out of state): $32,337
Average debt at graduation: $16,165

FINANCIAL AID
% of aid need met: 100%
Average need-based aid: $11,080
Average non-need-based aid: $5,117

Parents held responsible for underage drinking

2011-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy new years!

by Leanne Italie, Associated Press Parents held responsible for underage drinking

NEW YORK (AP) — Parents of teens: If you think a drinking disaster at your kid's party can't happen at your house, not with your kid, because he's a good kid, it's time to wake up and smell the whiskey bottle tossed on your lawn.

Because of the high risk of underage drinking and driving this time of year, many parents open their homes to partying teens as a way to keep them off the roads. What some may not know is that liability laws can leave Mom and Dad vulnerable to lawsuits, fines and even jail time if underage drinking is found to be going on under their roof.

Parents can get in trouble even if they didn't know about the drinking.

That's what a Menlo Park, Calif., father says he is up against.

Bill Burnett, a Stanford University professor, was arrested the night after Thanksgiving over a basement party thrown by his 17-year-old son to celebrate a big high school football win.

Burnett said he and his wife had forbidden alcohol at the party and were upstairs at the time police received a call about possible drinking by minors. In fact, he said, he had twice made his way to the basement to check on the merry-making.

He spent a night in jail and was booked on 44 counts of suspicion of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Each misdemeanor count carries up to a $2,500 fine and nearly a year in jail.

Burnett questioned the deterrent value of laws that hold parents legally responsible even if they didn't know there was alcohol at the party.

"In this case I think arresting a parent isn't going to prevent kids from drinking," he said on the "Today" show.

Eight states have specific "social host" laws that say parents can get in trouble if underage guests are drinking, even if no one gets hurt, according to the National Institutes of Health. (Some of those states allow parents to serve alcohol to their own children in some situations.)

Sixteen other states have laws that hold Mom and Dad legally responsible for underage drinking under certain circumstances — for example, if a teen who drank at their home got into a car accident, NIH said. In other states, parents can get in trouble under more general liability laws.

Stephen Wallace, a senior adviser at Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, which used to be called Students Against Drunk Driving, said that with an increased awareness of the dangers of underage drinking, law enforcement authorities are increasingly relying on social host liability laws to go after parents.

While he acknowledged that teens are adept at finding ways to drink on the sly, he said he is all for anything that gets at the problem of underage drinking. He said he finds it troubling that the Burnetts said they saw no alcohol consumed at their party.

"Parents need to say to kids, 'You shouldn't be drinking at all and you certainly can't do it here because we can be put in jail,'" Wallace said.

According to SADD research co-sponsored by the insurance company Liberty Mutual, more teens are saying that their parents allow them to go to parties where alcohol is being served — 41 percent in 2011, compared with 36 percent two years ago. Also, 57 percent of high school students whose parents allow them to drink at home said they prefer to drink elsewhere with their friends, Wallace said.

At some parties, the parents themselves supply the booze. In other cases, the kids bring it, sometimes with the hosts' knowledge.

"Some parents feel helpless," said David Singer of Demarest, N.J., who has 17-year-old twin daughters and a 20-year-old son in college. "Some parents feel they need to look the other way in order to help their kids fit in with the cool crowd. And some parents believe, 'It's better under my roof than who-knows-where.'"

Like Burnett, Singer said he doesn't condone drinking by his underage kids under any circumstances. And yet he found a whiskey bottle in the yard after a party thrown by his son.

Burnett acknowledged he made a mistake but said he doesn't believe police crackdowns like the one at his house do much good.

"All of this is probably going to go underground and result in a more dangerous situation for kids," he told the online news network Patch. "I really don't think it's up to the police to help me parent."

Ryle student named honorable mention

2011-12-24T22:35:00.000-05:00

From the Union Recorder . . .

Ryle High School student Austin Youngblood was named an honorable mention in the annual statewide prescription drug abuse prevention public service announcement (PSA) competition.

The annual PSA contest for high school students is part of Attorney General Jack Conway’s statewide Keep Kentucky Kids Safe initiative to alert Kentucky kids and their parents to the devastating consequences of abusing prescription pills.

The winning PSAs and honorable mentions will be posted on the Attorney General’s website. The winning video will also be included with anti-drug PSAs the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy distributes to television stations across Kentucky.

For more information on the prescription drug abuse education initiative or to see the winning PSAs, visit ag.ky.gov/rxabuse.htm.

Ryle Alum wins astronaut scholarship

2011-12-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Taylor Lloyd!

by the Community Recorder

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation has selected University of Kentucky senior Taylor Lloyd, of Union, as one of this year’s 26 recipients of the prestigious $10,000 scholarship.

The ASF Scholarship is presented to outstanding college students majoring in science, technology, engineering or math.

“Taylor is an extraordinary student who shows incredible success in her studies and undergraduate research,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “We are thrilled to see her hard work recognized by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. We believe she will be a major contributor to her field in the future, and this scholarship will help make that possible.”

Astronaut scholars exhibit motivation, imagination and intellectual daring, as well as exceptional performance, both in and outside the classroom.

Lloyd, the daughter of Gregory and Melinda Lloyd, attended Ryle High School before coming to UK. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural biotechnology and biology.

In addition to her studies, Lloyd is a Chellgren Fellow and member of the Society for the Promotion of Undergraduate Research and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She is also a 2011 recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.

As an undergraduate, Lloyd has been active in the university’s research enterprise. She currently is part of a project examining the temperature and light signaling pathways that govern the germination of seeds. Understanding these mechanisms would allow researchers to improve agriculture and meet the world’s demands despite climate change.

Lloyd works out of the lab of Bruce Downie, associate professor of horticulture at the UK College of Agriculture.

Lloyd, who pursued the ASF Scholarship to help fund the rest of her undergraduate studies, hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in seed biology and plant pathology. Upon completion of her doctoral degree,

Lloyd would like to pursue research and teach at a major university, maybe even in Kentucky. “I would love to come back to UK to teach and establish my own lab,” she said.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by the Mercury astronauts in 1984.

For more about your community, visit NKY.com/union.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

Here's to hoping that you have a warm and wonderful holiday break!

Exploration emphasized in UK's new required classes

2011-12-20T21:23:00.000-05:00

The picture below shows Ryle alum Margo Cain working in one of her classes at UK.

From left, University of Kentucky students Linsey Ward, Kate Topley, Matt Dement and Margo Cain, worked on an art project recently in a class taught by Marty Henton. The class, part of the UK Core program, is aimed at helping non-art students to learn about art and creativity. CHARLES BERTRAM

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/12/19/1998971/exploration-emphasized-in-university.html

For Missouri Students, Cellphone Debate Isn't Academic

2011-12-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

A very tragic story about cell phone use while driving. Kentucky has banned any use of cell phones by drivers under the age of 18. Text messaging while driving is prohibited for any driver, regardless of age. The following quote by an 18 year-old passenger on the bus from the story is something we should all remember . . .

"If a text or a call is that important, it should be no problem pulling over to the side of the road and then take care of what you need to," Perona said. "No life is worth texting your friend or anybody back while you're behind the wheel."

By JIM SALTER and JIM SUHR Associated Press

ST. JAMES, Mo. December 17, 2011 (AP)

The text was about something innocuous: A request to go to the county fair. It set off a highway pileup that took two lives, injured dozens and left two school buses and a pickup truck in a crumpled heap.

As the nation debates a federal recommendation to eliminate cellphone use in cars, the high school band students from St. James who were involved in the wreck last year have already done it themselves. After losing one of their classmates, many of the teens made a vow: Using a cellphone behind the wheel is something they just won't do.

The young man who was on the other end of the pivotal text exchange, who says he didn't know his friend was driving, is still haunted by the catastrophic result of what began as a simple message about their plans.

"I pretty much feel like it was my fault," said the young man, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition that his name not be used because he fears retaliation from people who might blame him.

He was texting with 19-year-old Daniel Schatz, who investigators say set off the accident by slamming into the back of a semi cab that had slowed for road construction. The buses then crashed into the wreckage. Schatz and a 15-year-old girl on one of the buses, Jessica Brinker, were killed instantly.

The National Transportation Safety Board has cited that accident in its push to ban drivers from using cellphones — even hands-free devices. That recommendation has already met with resistance from lawmakers around the country who fear an unprecedented reach into people's driving habits.

But young people in St. James, a sleepy town of about 3,700 near the Mark Twain National Forest, have already changed their behavior.

"The majority of us will refuse to text and drive because of this," said Ian Vannatta, 16, who was on one of the buses and is a new driver. "It's the difference between life and death."

Emily Perona, now an 18-year-old senior, survived the bus crash with a broken pelvis despite sitting just one seat ahead of Brinker.

"If a text or a call is that important, it should be no problem pulling over to the side of the road and then take care of what you need to," Perona said. "No life is worth texting your friend or anybody back while you're behind the wheel."

The events of Aug. 5, 2010 — spelled out in a chilling Missouri State Highway Patrol report — convinced her of that.

Vannatta and Perona were among about 50 St. James band students piled onto separate buses — one for boys, the other for girls — on their yearly pilgrimage to Six Flags St. Louis.

Conditions were clear, though several stretches along the freeway were under repair. The buses made their way through two work zones before rolling up to a third at Gray Summit, about 40 miles southwest of St. Louis.

Michael Crabtree, a 43-year-old trucker bound for St. Louis for a load, had just gotten onto Interstate 44 driving a semi cab without a trailer. Near Gray Summit, along a straight, uphill ribbon of highway, he slowed for road work when he saw in his rearview mirror a silver pickup barreling down on him. He braced for impact.

The 2007 GMC driven by Schatz — a former University of Missouri reserve quarterback and a Republican state lawmaker's son from nearby Sullivan — hit Crabtree's cab at 55 mph.

Tour bus driver Eugene Reed saw the wreck from behind, pulled over and scrambled out to warn other approaching drivers. That's when both of the St. James buses rolled by.

To read the entire article - For Mo. Students, Cellphone Debate Isn't Academic

All-State Band Selections

2011-12-17T12:24:00.002-05:00

Over 1,000 high school instrumental musicians auditioned recently in Elizabethtown, and approximately 200 were selected state-wide as members of the two all-state bands and orchestra. Please congratulate the following Ryle students on making all-state band!

Concert Band
Erin Deja - Flute
Kyle Kidwell - Alto Sax
Sam Kirby - Oboe
Jennifer Laufmann - Tenor Sax
Avery Williams - Trumpet

Symphonic Band
Kelly Tursic

All-State Chorus Selections

2011-12-17T12:18:00.001-05:00

Congratulations go out to the following Ryle students for being named to the All-State Chorus by the Kentucky Music Educators Association. Later this year they will perform in Louisville at the KMEA state conference.

Freshmen
Kayla Fargo
Rushika Fernando
Jordyn Nelson
Hannah Kipling
Sydni McDowell
Jared Sipple
Alex Warner

Sophomores
Jeff Moore
Daniel Kozar
Kennedy Wright
Shannon Winter
Hannah Kleckner

Juniors
Maria Franxman
Madison Murphy

All State Volleyball Players

2011-12-17T12:05:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Ryle sophomores Ashley Bush and Harper Hempel for being named to the All-State Volleyball Second Team!

For more details go to http://www.kvca.org/.

Ryle wrestlers defend crown

2011-12-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

By Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor

The Ryle wrestling team will defend its championship at today's Raider Rumble, a 16-team pool tournament, but coach Tim Ruschell said it will be a challenge to hold off an impressive list of contenders.

"We want to try and get as many good teams as we can so it's tough for everybody," Ruschell said.

"It's a good early-season kickoff. It's a wake-up call, an opportunity for everybody to see where everybody else is at."

Qualifying starts at 10 a.m. The finals begin at 6 p.m. The Raiders are the two-time defending champions, but they will have to hold off six of the top eight teams in Kentucky plus Harrison and Columbus East from Ohio and West Virginia's Gundy, a former meet champion.

Among the Kentucky powers on hand are defending state champion Union, fourth-place state finisher Larue County and fifth-place Campbell County.

The Camels are returning four state placers, including 103-pound champion Garth Yenter, 119-pound runner-up Sean Fausz and heavyweight runner-up Mason Frank.

Competition should be especially keen in the lighter weight divisions, particularly at 126 pounds and 132.

Ryle's T.J. Ruschell is a favorite at 132 but he faces stiff competition in Raymundo Perez of Larue County and Justin Street from Grundy. Perez placed third at last season's Kentucky state meet. Street finished fourth in West Virginia and Grundy finished second as a team.

At 126, Ryle's Keegan North is in the same division as Campbell County's Fausz and Union's defending state champion Brock Ervin.

Ryle won last year by a half point over runner-up Union. Columbus East finished third.

Ryle wrestlers defend crown

Is Your Child Spending Too Much Time On Facebook?

2011-12-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

By Rebecca VanderMeulen

Does it seem like your teen spends every free moment she has on Facebook? She's not alone.

In 2011 the magazine, Consumer Reports found that 20 million kids actively used Facebook over the last year. Of that, 7.5 million were younger than 13. The social-networking site's own rules prohibit users that young.

Beyond that, the consumer research firm Neilsen found that in March 2011, a typical Facebook user was on the site for a staggering 6 hours and 35 minutes at a time.

But is your child spending too much time on Facebook?

Before you can answer that, you need to know where your teen is using the site. Home computers aren't the only point of access, says Monica Vila, founder of The Online Mom. Kids also log on from cell phones, tablet computers and computers at friends' houses — sometimes even at school.

You should also know what your child is using Facebook for, Vila says. Does she hop on to chat with her friends, play games or keep in touch with grandparents? Vila advises talking with your child about what she does on the site and how she decides who to add as a friend.

Your teen may appear to choose Facebook over real life. But Larry Magid, co-director of ConnectSafely.org, says your child's use of Facebook is probably no different from the way you used the telephone when you were a teen. The only difference is the medium.

"There's nothing unusual about teenagers wanting to be social," Magid says. "Facebook is part of their real life." What's changed is the some of the ways in which teens interact with one another.

Facebook's Benefits

While teens often log onto Facebook at the expense of doing homework, Vila says the site can also help them in school. This spring, she says, some students at her local high school were chatting on the site about trouble they were having with a class project. A user who was a mutual friend of the students and their teacher alerted the teacher to this fact and the students were able to work through the problem with the teacher.

To read the entire article go to Is Your Child Spending Too Much Time On Facebook?

Official Calls for Urgency on College

2011-12-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

by Tamar Lewin, published Nov. 29, 2011

As Occupy movement protests helped push spiraling college costs into the national spotlight, Education Secretary Arne Duncan urged higher-education officials Tuesday to “think more creatively — and with much greater urgency” about ways to contain costs and reduce student debt.

The Education Department characterized Mr. Duncan’s remarks, at a Las Vegas conference of college financial aid workers, as the start of a “national conversation” about high costs, which have prompted raucous protests across the country and ignited an angry push among some borrowers demanding debt forgiveness, federal grants and interest-free loans.

The department used the opportunity to call attention to steps the Obama administration had taken to reduce the net price that students and families pay for higher education and make it easier to repay student loans. But it was clear that the administration was taking heed of the rising furor over tuition increases, and a growing online debate about how much a college degree is worth at a time when few jobs are available for graduates.

“Three in four Americans now say that college is too expensive for most people to afford,” Mr. Duncan said. “That belief is even stronger among young adults — three-fourths of whom believe that graduates today have more debt than they can manage.”

College seniors with loans now graduate with an average debt load of more than $25,000. With outstanding student debt nearing $1 trillion — and exceeding credit-card debt — it makes sense that, as Patrick M. Callan, president of the Higher Education Policy Institute, put it, college costs are in the spotlight as never before.

To read the entire New York Times article go to Official Calls for Urgency on College Costs

Emma Sullivan’s potty-mouthed tweet has a lesson for all of us

2011-12-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

The following opinion article was written in The Washington Post. It does not necessarily reflect anyone's views at school but it does discuss some very interesting and relevant issues.

Emma Sullivan’s potty-mouthed tweet
By Ruth Marcus, Published: November 29

Emma Sullivan, you’re lucky you’re not my daughter. (Dangerous sentence, I know: My daughters might agree.)

If you were my daughter, you’d be writing that letter apologizing to Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for the smartalecky, potty-mouthed tweet you wrote after meeting with him on a school field trip.

Also, that smartphone? The one you posed with, proudly displaying the tweet in which you announced that Brownback “sucked” and added the lovely hashtag #heblowsalot? Turned off until you learn to use it responsibly.

I may sound alarmingly crotchety here, but something is upside down in the modern world, which has transformed Sullivan into an unlikely Internet celebrity and heroine of the liberal blogosphere.

To recap, Sullivan, an 18-year-old senior at Shawnee Mission East High School, was on a school-sponsored Kansas Youth in Government trip to Topeka when she heard the conservative Republican governor speak.

Sullivan did not actually give Brownback a piece of her mind, as she claimed, but she let her feelings be known via Twitter: “Just made mean comments at gov brownback and told him he sucked, in person. #heblowsalot.” Sullivan had previously opined on such weighty subjects as the “Twilight” series (“Dear edward and jacob, this is the best night of my life. I want u. Love, ur future wife”) and Justin Bieber.

Sullivan’s foray into political commentary caught the eye of Brownback’s office, which was not amused. The Mission East principal called Sullivan to his office to demand that she write a letter of apology.

Of course, the governor’s office was dumb to complain about a tweet that no one saw. Pre-controversy, Sullivan had some 60 followers. Now she has 15,000. On Monday, Brownback was predictably backtracking. “My staff overreacted to this tweet, and for that I apologize,” he said in a statement.

Of course, Sullivan has a First Amendment right to express her views — although not unlimited. In a 1969 case upholding students’ right to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War, the Supreme Court found that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate” but added that school administrators may prohibit expression that will “materially and substantially disrupt the work and discipline of the school.”

The unresolved legal question is where the schoolhouse gate exists in an Internet age, as administrators grapple with social media and cyberbullying.

The Supreme Court recently refused to hear the case of a Connecticut high school student who was disqualified from running for senior class secretary after she referred to school administrators in a blog post with a vulgarity. Another case awaiting the justices’ action involves two Pennsylvania eighth-graders who were suspended after they created a fake MySpace profile depicting their middle school principal as a sex addict.

But the First Amendment focus confuses what can be constitutionally prohibited with what ought to be done. Regardless of whether the school could force Sullivan to apologize to the governor — authorities ultimately backed down — it was perfectly appropriate for the principal to explain how her attitude and language during an official trip reflected poorly on the school.

More to the point, as I constantly remind my daughters, parents are not bound by constitutional constraints. The Constitution does not grant teenagers the fundamental right to have a cellphone or use foul language on it. The parental role is to inculcate values of respect for authority — even those you disagree with — and the importance of civil discourse. It’s not to stand up for your little darling no matter how much she mouths off.

Not the Sullivans. After the governor complained, her older sister alerted the media. “It’s the speech they use today. It’s more attention-grabbing,” her mother, Julie Sullivan, told the Associated Press. “I raised my kids to be independent, to be strong, to be free thinkers. If she wants to tweet her opinion about Governor Brownback, I say for her to go for it and I stand totally behind her.”

With reinforcements. “We don’t want to stifle our kids’ political free speech,” parent Kate Cook told a meeting of the local school board. “Even though it may not be the best choice of words, that’s how kids communicate with each other.”

It is until we parents insist such language is not acceptable, explain that it is possible to disagree civilly — and insist on an apology when our children fall short.

“I would do it again,” said Emma Sullivan, emboldened rather than chastened. To put it in her terms, that blows a lot.

Guidance Workshop: Beginning the College Search & Finance

2011-11-26T08:18:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, November 30th, from 6:30-7:45 pm, in the Ryle auditorium, the Ryle guidance office will host a session in the Parent University titled . . .

Beginning the College Search & Finance

Students spend hours worrying about what major to take and which college to attend. Unfortunately, in the process they often forget to have the "Money Talk" with their parents. Come join College Expert Dan Bisig as he shows students and parents together where to hunt for Colleges, Aid and Scholarships. How to work with a mutual understanding between student and parents. Dan will identify the biggest pitfalls students and parents make in the process of searching, deciding and funding their college career.

All attendees will get a chance to register for a future $500 College Scholarship drawing.

Presenter: Dan Bisig from College and Beyond

For more information about College and Beyond, visit their website at College and Beyond.

Knowing where we stand is critical – The PLAN Test

2011-11-12T16:10:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that schools are vital pieces of strong and vibrant communities. Boone County is blessed to have excellent schools that have strong parental and community support. To continue our shared growth and success, it is critical that our schools and communities work together even more; as the landscape of education in Kentucky is dramatically changing with the adoption of the common core standards and the new state assessment system.

Most people, if asked, might tell you that they are familiar with the ACT test. Along with the SAT, the ACT test is a generally recognized and accepted college entrance exam. In fact, many adults took the ACT when they were in high school. It is also common knowledge that a student’s scores on the ACT play an important part in their admission to college and whether or not they receive scholarship awards for college.

However, how many people know about the PLAN test or the EXPLORE test? These two tests are precursors to the ACT and can provide a lot of information to help our students, our parents and our schools in making sure our students are adequately prepared for life after high school.

The ACT, PLAN, and EXPLORE tests are all developed by the same organization, the ACT corporation. Kentucky is one of many states where all public schools administer the EXPLORE test in grade 8, the PLAN test in grade 10, and the ACT test in grade 11. Each of these tests is written to assess what the ACT calls the College Readiness Standards. Together these three tests measure students’ progressive development of knowledge and skills on the College Readiness Standards in English, math, reading, and science from grades 8 through 11.

One thing that is very important for every student and every parent to know is that these three tests will provide a measuring stick for whether or not a student is on-track to be ready for college. The results of each test lists the College Readiness Benchmark scores alongside the student’s test scores. Scores above the benchmark indicate a student will likely be ready for college level work upon graduation. These three tests also help us as educators, to monitor our students’ growth through middle and high school.

At Ryle we are beginning to meet with our sophomore students and their parents in order to review their PLAN test results. We will discuss what their scores mean in terms of college readiness in each content area and what predicted ACT score is indicated by their PLAN scores. It is our hope, that by working together, we can stimulate our students’ thinking and planning for their future and give them feedback on their performance towards being ready for life after high school, whether it be going to college, the military, or the workforce.

All sophomore students at Ryle and their parents are invited to attend a special workshop where they will receive and review their results of the PLAN test on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Ryle auditorium.

Gatton students recognized by Siemens

2011-11-12T16:08:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Ryle senior Samantha Hawtrey, who is currently attending the Gatton Academy at WKU!

Gatton students recognized by Siemens

Five second-year students at Western Kentucky University’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky have been recognized by the Siemens Foundation as national semifinalists in the 2011 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology. Lori Lovell, a senior from Florence, and Samantha Hawtrey, a senior from Union, were honored in the team category.

As the nation’s leading original research competition in math, science and technology for high school students, the Siemens Competition is administered annually by the College Board, and awards scholarships to students in both individual and team categories.

An all-time record 2,436 students nationwide registered to enter the 2011-12 Siemens Competition for an unprecedented 1,541 projects submitted. Approximately 300 semifinalists were recognized.
Reaching the semifinalist stage of this competition puts any student into an elite crowd of the nation’s top high school-aged researchers. To achieve this accolade, students each committed hundreds of hours outside their course schedules researching, writing their reports and refining drafts with their mentors.

Derick Strode, the Gatton Academy’s coordinator for research, internships and scholarships, said research not only serves as an important part of the Academy experience, but also is the springboard to future pursuits.

“Independent research allows motivated high school students a chance to explore a passion and try out a possible career path,” Strode said. “While young, these students are also proving they are ready to make serious contribution to research questions that affect our society.”
Hawtrey and Lovell’s project, "Isolation, Characterization, and Annotation: the Search for Novel Bacteriophage Genomes," stems from their participation in the WKU Genome Discovery and Exploration Program, which is currently sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education Alliance.

Bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacteria, are the most common DNA-containing entities on earth, yet very few have been characterized. The purpose of the team’s research was to increase knowledge of phage biodiversity by isolating and characterizing two previously unknown phages.
Their findings were added to GenBank, the genetic sequence databases administered by the National Institute of Health. To date, 176 of 1,521 mycobacteriophages have been identified, isolated, sequence and eventually catalogued by GenBank.

Research mentor Dr. Rodney King, associate professor of biology and director of the WKU Biotechnology Center, guided the students through the process during the 2010-11 academic year. Dr. King said that Hawtrey and Lovell “demonstrated motivation, responsibility and perseverance throughout the course. These are important qualities for anyone interested in pursuing research and I believe they both have promising futures as researchers.”

Hawtrey sees the benefit of research as far more than just the process and academic outcomes. “Not only does participation in research enable you to apply your knowledge to real problems and gain practical skills, but it can also make a tangible difference,” Hawtrey said. “Most importantly, research is a chance to get involved in something bigger than yourself – something that could one day change the world.”

Ryle High School honor roll

2011-11-12T16:03:00.002-05:00

Follow this link to view the 1st quarter honor roll: Ryle High School honor roll

Ryle assistant coach thrives despite paralysis

2011-11-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

Adam Collinsworth is truly an inspiration

by Richard Skinner, Enquirer contributor Ryle assistant coach thrives despite paralysis

Back in July, during the first week of practice for the Ryle football team, senior linebacker Mac Vollett kept wondering how the guy in the wheelchair was going to help him become a better player.
It didn't take him long to find out.

The guy in the wheelchair was assistant coach Adam Collinsworth, a former standout linebacker at Scott High School and then at Thomas More College who broke two vertebrae in his neck in a diving accident at a friend's pool on Aug. 9, 1998. Collinsworth since has been paralyzed from the neck down.

Collinsworth almost didn't survive the accident, twice going into cardiac arrest and having his heart stop both times. After spending three months in a hospital and being told he would need either a ventilator or oxygen tanks the rest of his life in order to breathe, Collinsworth persevered and became a coach at Thomas More for six years beginning in 1999.

Following a six-year stint as an assistant at Amelia High School in suburban Cincinnati while living with his father and stepmother, he was forced to move into his brother Craig's home in Florence when they became too old to care for him anymore.

That led to a phone call to Ryle coach Bryson Warner asking if he needed any help. "I told him 'absolutely,' and we'll create a position for you if we have to," said Warner. "I've known him since he was at Thomas More, and I knew how good of a coach he is."

Defensive coordinator Mike Woolf also coached the linebackers, but after spending a few days with Collinsworth, he knew it was time to turn over the reins coaching that position. "He said, 'Hey, he really knows his stuff and we have to make him our linebackers coach,' " said Warner. "It was a no-brainer."

That didn't keep Vollett and his position mates from wondering how Collinsworth could coach them from a wheelchair.

"I'm not going to lie - that first week I wasn't sure how that was going to work," Vollett said. "But after the first week, we all picked up on what he was teaching and we knew he knew what he was talking about. He's probably the strongest guy mentally I've ever met. We all look up to him."

Before Collinsworth was injured, he had planned on getting a teaching degree and becoming a coach. While he hopes to still eventually become a full-time teacher - he's hoping to become a substitute at Ryle soon - he says the coaching part helps him persevere.

"Without football I don't know what I would do," Collinsworth said. "I wasn't sure if I could find a job or not after the accident and it's been hard, but I love coaching and it has me excited to wake up every day."

On Friday nights he's usually in the press box to provide another set of eyes for Woolf and the rest of the coaching staff, although he is occasionally on the sideline depending on the press box arrangements. "I got trampled once when I was at Thomas More when I was too close, and I've tried to learn to stay out of the way, but I love seeing the action," said Collinsworth.

Collinsworth's mere presence is a constant source of inspiration for the Raiders.

"I kind of try to play for him," said Vollett. "He had football taken away from him and a lot of people could have given up. I've never seen him give up. I'm not about to do it either."

Veteran's Day

2011-11-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We applaud your service to our great country!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those currently serving our country at home and abroad. May you come home safely.

Beware of Synthetic Marijuana

2011-11-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Synthetic marijuana or synthetic pot is quickly becoming a major health concern for youths and adults. Attached below are excerpts from several articles on the spreading problem posed by synthetic marijuana.

Owensboro officials want businesses to stop selling synthetic marijuana
by the Associated Press

OWENSBORO, Ky. — Officials in Owensboro are trying to find the best way to rid the western Kentucky city of synthetic marijuana.

The City Commission on Tuesday decided to ask the Owensboro-Daviess County Steering Committee for a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Free Community to come up with recommendations to get the product off store shelves, the Messenger-Inquirer reported (http://bit.ly/v82v1I ).

The issue came up during the commission's monthly work session. Commissioner Roger Stacy said residents should boycott stores that sell synthetic marijuana until the product is removed. He said residents should tell the stores that sell it, "until that comes off your counter, your hose won't go in my gas tank."

Stacy said the product is easy to buy and inexpensive. He said he paid $12.95 on Monday for a packet of strawberry-flavored K3.

City Attorney Ed Ray said synthetic marijuana is actually spices sprayed with a psychotropic compound that changes regularly to stay ahead of new laws. He says the product is labeled as incense and marked "not for human consumption" under such names as K2 and Spice.
"The bottom line is it's killing kids in America," Ray said. "It's dangerous."

Commissioner Jeff Sanford said he received a call recently from a woman whose son and another boy were treated in the hospital after overdosing on the product.

"I want this stuff out of our city," he said. "It's all about profit." . . .

Comprehensive synthetic drug bans in works
by the Ky Enquirer

FLORENCE - Use of synthetic drugs spread fast across Kentucky and Ohio, and both states have created laws to make them illegal, with varying success. The latest law, in Ohio, takes effect Oct. 17.

"In 2010 we first started hearing about these synthetic marijuanas down around the Fort Campbell area, some in Lexington and Louisville," said Van Ingram, executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.

Earlier this year, "We began to learn about what was being called bath salts, which was really a drug to mimic cocaine or methamphetamine," he said.

Those have been known by the innocent-sounding names, dove, or bath salts, and those were banned in Kentucky earlier this year.

Officials also have learned about something known as "plant food," a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of Ecstasy. More recently there have been newer versions of synthetic marijuana, which skirt around the prior chemicals that state law has banned. Updated versions of bath salts also are rumored to be coming.

Kentucky banned the specific chemicals in laws that tried to strike out the synthetic versions, Ingram said. But manufacturers have been quick to adapt by using similar compounds not covered by a ban. Ohio hopes its tactic of banning a broader category of chemical derivatives will avoid the cat-and-mouse process Kentucky has experienced. Ohio's law bans synthetic marijuanas and such materials as bath salts.

"Illicit synthetic drug manufacturers have figured out that substances often are defined as illegal by very specific state statutes," said Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders. "And if their chemists can find a way to produce the same effect as the illegal substance using similar substances, they go outside the legal definition, and they can avoid prosecution because the synthetic substance they produce doesn't meet the legal definition of the substances that are actually illegal."

Some products now being sold in Ohio contain messages like, "This product does NOT contain: jwh-015, jwh-018" and 10 other similar-looking names, or the notation: "DEA compliant," meaning they were not made illegal by a March 1 national ban by the Drug Enforcement Administration. State laws are needed as well because often federal agents go after distributors while local police, using state laws, typically are the ones who charge users with possession.

Officials believe most of the products are imported.

Ingram said Kentucky likely will try to ban larger classes of drug derivatives when the legislature meets for a full session: "Honestly, we're working on coming up with some language that would keep us from having to constantly re-identify these chemicals," he said. "If we can come up with generic language that will cover all of it, that will handle that," Ingram said.

Ryle Athletes Signing Division 1 Scholarships

2011-11-09T15:46:00.004-05:00

by Richard Skinner, Enquirer contributor

While Ryle High School has only been in existence for two decades, it has seen its list of Division I college signees steadily expand in the last few years. That list will grow by five over the next week.

Today marks the initial signing date for the early period for sports that include basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, lacrosse, volleyball, gymnastics, softball, golf, hockey, baseball and tennis. The regular signing period for these sports starts April 11.

Ryle will have five athletes in four different sports signing National Letters of Intent, and all will be signing on different days.

TJ Ruschell

Jenna Crittendon

Leiff Clarkson

Mark Downs

Meredith Brownell

Wrestler T.J. Ruschell will sign with Wisconsin on Thursday.

Basketball player Jenna Crittendon will sign with Xavier University on Friday.
Baseball players Leiff Clarkson and Mark Downs will sign on Tuesday - Clarkson with Western Kentucky and Downs with the University of Cincinnati.
Athletic director Jim Demler said he's still trying to arrange a date for swimmer Meredith Brownell to sign with Kansas.

"It's a tribute to our kids and our coaches and our community that we have so many kids signing Division I scholarships," said Demler.

"It's really been the last 7-8 years we've gotten a few Division I kids, and the fact that it's been in so many different sports is really gratifying. We're very fortunate we have great kids and we have coaches who push them. We work together as an athletic department and I think everyone is proud of everyone else's success."

To read the entire article - Signing period begins for area athletes

Financial Aid Workshop Tonight!

2011-11-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

PAYING FOR COLLEGE 101

A workshop entitled Paying for College 101 will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:30 pm in the Ryle Media Center. This workshop is designed to help parents and students understand the nuts and bolts of the financial aid application process. The session will include reviewing the FAFSA and all of it's components, comparing costs of a 4 year public university and 4 year private university, learning the formula that determines financial need and much more.

All parents regardless of their student's grade level are welcome to attend.

PLAN scores are in!

2011-11-07T19:49:00.001-05:00

We have received the PLAN test scores for our sophomore students and are preparing to to hold a workshop for students and parents to attend so that we may review the test results. We will also meet with students in their RAP period to review the PLAN scores.

If you'd like more information, call the school office to talk to an administrator or counselor.

Ryle Soccer Team Falls in the State Finals

2011-11-06T10:04:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to the Ryle Men's Soccer team on a great season! We are very proud of you!

By Richard Skinner, Enquirer contributor

LEXINGTON – The Ryle soccer team got far more scoring chances against perennial state power Louisville St. Xavier in Saturday’s state championship match than head coach Stephen Collins expected coming into it, but the Raiders just couldn’t convert any of them.

St. Xavier scored a little less than five minutes into the match, added an insurance goal a little over 10 minutes into the second half and tallied another goal against substitutes with 10 minutes left to beat Ryle 3-0 at Lexington Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for its fourth state title in the last five years. It’s the Tigers’ 11th state title in their history, which is a state record.

Ryle (23-3-3), which was also state runner-up in 2006, was trying to become the first team from Northern Kentucky to ever win the state title.
The Raiders had numerous chances to score in both halves, but either had shots go wide or get turned away, sometimes in spectacular fashion, by St. Xavier senior keeper Nathan James, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“I thought our speed would cause them some problems and we could get some chances, but after watching tape of them the last week I wouldn’t have thought we would have had 7-8 point blank shots like we did,” said Ryle coach Stephen Collins, who also guided the Raiders to the 2006 runner-up finish. “I would have thought that many solid chances we would have put one in.”

To read the entire story go to Ryle falls short against Louisville St. Xavier in state title game

Ryle falls to St. X in state final
By Mark Maloney

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The final score hardly did justice to the match.

St. Xavier blanked Ryle 3-0 Saturday in the finals of the KHSAA State Soccer Championships, held at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

“I don’t think the final score reflects exactly how close the game was,” Ryle striker Cole Willoughby said. “And I think they would say the same thing. … We just wanted to come out here and compete, and we gave it our all.”

Led by tournament MVP Nathan James, the Tigers claimed a record 11th boys’ state crown.
“It’s not about this award,” said James, a senior. “It’s about the team. It feels great to win State. ... These guys are great, and I love every one of them.”

The top-ranked Tigers, winning their 26th consecutive match, topped off a 27-1-1 season. Overall, they outscored opponents 124-15. The title is their fourth in five years and seventh since 2000.
Mitchell Metzger, Neil Henley and Danny Belza scored, while James came up with several spectacular saves to keep the ninth-ranked Raiders at bay.

“My kids worked hard,” Ryle Coach Stephen Collins said. “We went out and gave it all we’ve got and just met a buzzsaw of a team today.”

In the first half, James got a hand up to tip Connor Jordan’s bullet of a shot off and over the crossbar. “A little bit in the sun,” James said. “I was off-balance and just got as much as I could on it; just keep it out of the net.” Metzger had the only goal of the half, 4:47 in, assisted by Henley.

The Raiders (23-3-3) continued to press in the second half.

Willoughby worked his way into the penalty box on the right wing. James came out to make the stop, but couldn’t control the rebound.

Teammate Drew Hillebrand made a sliding kick save just as Willoughby was about to re-fire. “The keeper had one — I can’t say the word — but one heck of a game,” Willoughby said. “He made outstanding saves.

“In the first half, I had one and he made an outstanding save on a free kick. In the second half, I took a free kick, bounced right back to me, left-footed shot. I thought for sure it was going in. … He stopped it. That’s what they had to do, and that’s why they got the ‘W’.”

Ryle 35, George Rogers Clark 21

2011-11-05T04:17:00.004-04:00

Ryle junior quarterback Nathan Davis had 16 carries for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

Ryle moves on to play Boone County at Borland Stadium in the second round next Friday.

Ryle improved its record to 7-4, while George Rogers Clark finished its season at 3-8.

From nky.com

To see the video of the game go to iHigh - Ryle v. Clark

Ryle makes state soccer final

2011-11-03T16:41:00.003-04:00

Raiders shut out Henderson Co. 3-0 in semis

by Marc Hardin, Enquirer Contributor

LEXINGTON - Ryle wanted to strike quick in Wednesday's boys' soccer state tournament semifinal against Henderson County. When the Raiders pounced with a pair of early first-half goals to take the lead, they had the Colonels right where they wanted them.
Emboldened by their two-goal lead to begin the second half, the Raiders turned it over to their relentlessly tight-marking defense and defeated Henderson County 3-0 at Lexington Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Ryle (23-2-3) advanced to the championship match for the second time in six years and will play Louisville St. Xavier at 5 p.m. Saturday. Henderson County (22-4-1) fell short of its first title game appearance.

"It was something we talked about," coach Stephen Collins said of the Raiders' plan to take the early lead. "With our defense, if we can get an early goal, the other team has to expend a lot of energy and they have to work harder. With a 2-0 lead, it's that much tougher."

To read the whole story: Ryle makes state soccer final

Early Goals Send Ryle to State Final

By John Lachmann, KY Post

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The 1-2 punch of strikers senior Cole Willoughby and junior Tyrus Sciarra has scored clutch goals all season for Ryle.

That trend continued on Wednesday, as both found the net in the first 20 minutes of the Raiders’ state semifinal at Paul Dunbar in a 3-0 win over Henderson County.

Ryle (22-2-3) advances to play Louisville St. Xavier, which won 2-0 over Lexington Henry Clay in the other semifinal, at 5 p.m. on Saturday. No Northern Kentucky team has even won a state title, and none have advanced to the championship game since Highlands in 2008.

“They play so well with each other that it’s unbelievable,” Ryle coach Stephen Collins said. “They just seem to know where the other is and then they can make those passes and connect all the time.”

The Ryle Craft Show is Coming

2011-10-29T11:02:00.002-04:00

The 18th annual Ryle Craft Show will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Nov. 18th and from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 19th at Ryle High School. Tickets are now on sale.

The show will feature 175 crafters, making handmade items such as holiday florals, woodcrafts, fudge, jewelry, soft sculpture, lotions, soaps, candles, artwork, photography and more.

Friday night preview tickets are $8 each and can be purchased at the school office or at Bruster's Ice Cream at 8529 U.S. Hwy 42 in Florence.

Tickets may also be purchased by mail for $8 each. Shoppers may send a check payable to Ryle PTSA along with a seld-addressed, stamped envelope to: Ryle PTSA, P.O. Box 299, Union, KY, 41091.

Ryle Students to Display their Art

2011-10-29T08:10:00.001-04:00

Two senior Ryle students, Sydney Langsdale and Tabatha Gregory, will be exhibiting their artwork at the College of Mount St. Joseph for their annual Selections Exhibition. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening at the SSG Art Gallery on campus. The opening will be from 2:00-4:30 on Sunday, November 6th.

Sydney Langsdale

Tabatha Gregory

Help & Resources for Teenage Addiction

2011-10-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

The Partnership at Drugfree.org website has information to help the parents of teens and young adults that are struggling with addition problems.

http://timetogethelp.drugfree.org/

The website has information on drug and alcohol abuse, experiences from parents struggling with addicted children, expert opinions and advice, questions and answers on common issues, and several e-books that can be downloaded free of charge.

You may also use the parents toll-free helpline:

1-855-DRUGFREE

Ryle reaches soccer state semis

2011-10-27T06:15:00.000-04:00

Raiders to meet Henderson County next week

by Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor

The Ryle boys' soccer team is back in the state tournament semifinals for the first time in five years following a 4-1 victory Wednesday over feisty Montgomery County in Union.

The Raiders (22-2-3) took command with three first-half goals in a 14-minute span by Jake Siemer and Tyrus Sciarra. Siemer, a junior midfielder, connected at the 33:21 mark for his fifth goal of the season. Sciarra scored twice in less than two minutes for his team-leading 27th and 28th goals.

"Them scoring in the first eight minutes was key," Montgomery County coach Nick Pannell said. "We have a good defense, but we're young. We only start three seniors and my keeper is a junior, so when they got the early lead, it magnified things."

Senior striker Cole Willoughby scored for Ryle with 1:18 to play. He and Sciarra both have scored four goals in two tournament games. Willoughby assisted on Sciarra's second goal Wednesday and has 18 goals and a team-best 18 assists on the season.

"I'm finishing well right now, and we're playing great as a team," Willoughby said. "This feels awesome to be going to the semifinals."

For the entire article . . . Ryle reaches soccer state semis

Commonwealth Diploma extended to Class of 2013

2011-10-26T04:18:00.001-04:00

At their October meeting the KY Board of Education extended the Commonwealth Diploma program by one year so that students in the Class of 2013 may participate. This decision would allow current juniors to plan for and earn the Commonwealth Diploma. See the board notes below:

COMMONWEALTH DIPLOMA PROGRAM EXTENDED AN ADDITIONAL YEAR
Due to input from legislators, school district personnel and parents, Kentucky Department of Education staff recommended to the board that the Commonwealth Diploma program be continued an additional year, with no funding, before its discontinuation. It was conveyed that this would allow those already in the pipeline to earn the diploma to complete the program. This would extend the life of the program through the 2012-13 school year and give more time for other options to be developed to take the place of the Commonwealth Diploma. The board unanimously approved this proposal.

For more information on the extension of the Commonwealth Diploma program, contact Robin Chandler at (502) 564-9850 or via e-mail at robin.chandler@education.ky.gov.

To learn more about the Commonwealth Diploma go to http://www.education.ky.gov/kde/instructional%20resources/high%20school/additional%20information/commonwealth%20diploma.htm

This is good news in the short term as the elimination of this program removed a valuable method to reward and inspire students to achieve at a higher level. Our next task as a school will be to gather input and to develop another type of honorary diploma or award for which we want our students to aspire. This preliminary work will be completed by the Ryle Curriculum Committee. Assistant Principal Nate Niemi is chairing this committee and any input or ideas would be welcome.

Defense drives Ryle soccer

2011-10-25T21:06:00.000-04:00

By James Weber • jweber@nky.com

UNION – Defense has been known to win championships. It is a big reason why the Ryle High School boys soccer team ended play Oct. 24 three games away from a state championship.

Defense wasn’t really needed Monday night as Ryle beat Russell 10-0 in a state round-of-16 game at Ryle. The game ended with nine minutes left on the clock because of the mercy rule.

“It’s a good way to go the elite eight,” senior Cole Willoughby said. “All of us distribute well. We all look for each other. At this point, that’s what it takes; everyone looking for their teammates.”

For the whole story go to Defense drives Ryle soccer

Ryle easily disposes of Russell by 10-0

2011-10-25T20:56:00.002-04:00

By Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor

The Ryle Raiders are one step closer to their ultimate goal with an emphatic 10-0 victory over Russell in Monday's boys' soccer state tournament first-round match at Borland Stadium in Union.

"We just want to keep winning," said junior midfielder David Hester, who was an unlikely scoring hero for the Raiders with his second and third goals of the season.

Ryle (21-2-3), the Ninth Region champion, hosts a 7 p.m. Wednesday quarterfinal match against Montgomery County, a 1-0 Monday winner over Newport Central Catholic. Wednesday's winner advances to next week's semifinals and final at Paul Laurence Dunbar. The championship match is Nov. 5.

For the entire article go to Ryle easily disposes of Russell by 10-0

Ryle blows out Russell
By Dave Malaska

UNION, Ky. - Ryle left little doubt they have designs on a trip to Lexington next week for the state boys' soccer Final Four, blasting past Russell, 10-0, Monday night at Clifford Borland Stadium.

The Raiders (21-2-3) scored four goals during a nine-minute span in the first half of the Sweet 16 matchup, then kept the pressure on to punch their ticket to Wednesday's quarterfinals.

"What a great way to get back to the Elite 8," gushed senior striker Cole Willoughby, who scored three goals on the night for the Raiders. "Our offense was just in the right position all night, and we kept putting it into the back of the net."

After a fairly even first 10 minutes, the Ryle offense starting taking control of the game, peppering Red Devils keeper Jonathan Fuller, but coming away empty.

Ryle finally broke through in the 18th minute, via the foot of Willoughby. Junior Tyrus Sciarra corralled a long sideline pass from Garrett Mead, then crossed to Willoughby at the front of the box. The senior settled the ball, then banged it in past Fuller to put Ryle up, 1-0. Three minutes later, he scored again, cleaning up a Jake Siemer miss and scoring high.

At that point, Russell crumbled and the scoring parade began for the Raiders. Sciarra made it a three-goal lead with just under 14 minutes remaining in the half, taking a long pass and banging into the back corner, then Connor Jordan scored from 10 yards out. The junior emerged from a scrum at the front of the box and blasted a shot past Fuller to put Ryle ahead, 4-0.

Report cards delayed

2011-10-25T13:01:00.001-04:00

Reports cards for the 1^st quarter grading period will be given to students on Thursday, October 27^th in their RAP period.

This delay is due to technical reasons and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Ryle Men's soccer vs. Russell HS

2011-10-24T15:39:00.000-04:00

Come out and support the Ryle Men's Soccer team as they take on Russell HS at 7 pm tonight at home!

Tickets at the gates are $7 (rates set by the KHSAA) and no passes permitted for state tournament games.

Go Raiders!

Vote for Ryan Hill for Prime Time Performer

2011-10-23T15:28:00.002-04:00

Vote for Ryan Hill of the Ryle Raider football team for the Prime Time Performer on WLWT's website.

http://www.wlwt.com/high-school-playbook/29533276/detail.html

Ryan stepped in when the starting quarterback was injured and led the Raiders to a victory over Dixie Heights on Friday.

Ryle tops St. Henry in regional final

2011-10-23T08:31:00.003-04:00

By Dave Malaska, KY Post

UNION, Ky. - Ryle got an early goal from Dan Jensen then made it stick, holding on for the 1-0 win over St. Henry in Saturday's 9th Region title game to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in six years.

In the 12th minute, junior midfielder Jake Siemer collected the ball on the right side and led Jensen with a cross to the front of the goal. Jensen beat the defender to the ball, then slammed a kick past St. Henry keeper Shaun Cawley to put Ryle ahead.

The goal was all the Raiders needed, as they kept the pressure on the Crusaders. Ryle had eight shots on goal, while senior keeper Chris Froschauer was largely unchallenged in goal at their end.

"We knew it was going to be tough, even though we just beat them, 4-1, in the districts," said Froschauer. "The last time we played, it was 2-1, and it came down to penalty kicks. It went to PKs last year. We just always seem to play each other really well."

ACT Boot Camp Opportunity

2011-10-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

The Boone County schools is partnering with the ACT Boot Camp to make their 5-week intensive, after school prep course available at the BC Schools Staff Development Center. Now would be the time to prepare for the December ACT! There is a fee to take this course. Go to http://www.theactbootcamp.com/boone_county.html

Midpoint of the Fall Semester

2011-10-23T07:43:00.002-04:00

We are just passing the midpoint of the fall semester.

Report cards for the first grading period will be given to students on Tuesday and it will be a time for students to take stock of their progress. Students must take advantage of this time to see exactly where they stand and where they want to be. They should be congratulated for good work and given support if they are struggling. Parents and students should contact their teachers for individual grade questions and contact their counselor or assistant principal if they need any assistance with during or after school tutoring.

The results of the PLAN test taken by all sophomores in September should be in within the next few weeks. We will share those results with the students and notify the parents that the students have the results in hand. We have also finished grading the practice ACT exam given to all students in grades 9, 11, and 12 in September and have shared the results with our teachers. We are now preparing a score sheet to provide to all parents.

We have also begun presentations to all of the freshmen students about the importance of being involved in school activities. Their involvement in activities (whether it be archery, band, FFA or wrestling, or some other activity) is crucial to their development and success later in life.

This also marks the end of the fall sports/activity season. These fall activities are coming to the end of their season while some others have already concluded.

The Ryle Marching Band has advanced to the state championships next weekend.
The Raider football team plays their final game of the regular season this week and will then host round 1 of the playoffs.
The Ryle Men's soccer team just won the regional championship and will begin sectional play.
The Lady Raider soccer team lost a tough match in the regional tournament to end a great season. They were runner-up in the district tournament and the #1 seed in the district.
Both Ryle golf teams fared well as the boys placed 5th overall in the state tournament with Blake Hamilton notching a school best-ever finish of 3rd place. Meanshile the girls golf team finished their season with two individual players advancing to the state tournament.
The Lady Raider volleyball team was just eliminated from the regional volleyball tournament this past week. They had a strong season and won their 4th or 5th straight district championship.
The boys & girls cross country teams are preparing for the regional championship meet in two weeks.

Here are some upcoming activities that will stretch into the winter months:

The Ryle Speech & Debate team will begin their season next weekend with the Ryle Haunted Invitational Tournament.
Ryle Drama will host their fall production next week, Fools by Neil Simon.
The winter sports (boys & girls basketball, wrestling, boys & girls swimming and diving) have begun practice and will start their seasons in the next month.
The Ryle cheerleaders and dance team have both been practicing and preparing for their competition events in the winter months.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Ryle tops Dixie Heights, will host first-round playoff game

2011-10-22T06:18:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to the Raider football team! Their win against Dixie clinches 2nd place in the district standings and a home playoff game in two weeks. It appears that the Raiders will host George Rogers Clark HS of Winchester on November 4th at Borland Stadium. Go Raiders!

By Marc Hardin, NKY Enquirer contributor

Quarterbacks were wild Friday night during Ryle’s 38-28 road victory over Dixie Heights at Rice Mountjoy Stadium. But it was a Raiders ace in the hole who upstaged the starters in a game replete with big plays that keyed the win for Ryle, which earned a first-round home game in the Class 6A playoffs.

"We got ourselves a home playoff game, and I couldn’t be happier for our players," Ryle coach Bryson Warner said. "We had some adversity, but nothing mattered. We kept competing."

Ryle (6-3), ranked fifth in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches’ poll, improved to 3-1 in the district. Dixie (3-6), ranked ninth, finished 2-2.

"It’s huge getting a home playoff game in the first round," Ryle receiver Ryan Smith said. "That’s what we wanted."

To read the entire story go to Ryle tops Dixie Heights, will host first-round playoff game

Ryle Takes Down Dixie Heights

By Terry Boehmker

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. - Ryan Hill has been the starting quarterback on the Ryle junior varsity football team all season, but head coach Bryson Warner pulled him out of the lineup for Friday’s game.

Hill didn’t do anything wrong. He was actually being rewarded for providing the spark the Ryle varsity team needed to defeat Dixie Heights, 38-28, in a Class 6A district game on Friday night.
After Ryle starting quarterback Nathan Davis injured his left ankle early in the second quarter, Hill took charge of the Raiders’ offensive unit and ended up rushing for 254 yards, scoring three touchdowns and passing for another TD.

The 5-foot-5, 155-pound sophomore played so well that Warner decided to give him today off instead of having him suit up for the junior varsity game.

“I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now,” Hill said after Friday’s victory. “At first, I was a little jittery and then I just got comfortable. I tried to think of it as just another JV game – get out there and have fun.”

It was an important win for the Raiders because it clinched second place in the local Class 6A district and gives them a home game in the first round of the postseason.

Join the Ryle FBLA for the Walk for a Cure

2011-10-18T14:46:00.001-04:00

The Ryle FBLA chapter will be hosting a 5k Run/Walk on November 5th, 2011 from 8a.m. to 12p.m. Registration cost $15 Students, $20 Adults. and includes a T-shirt! We will also be selling our 5k "Walk for a Cure" T-shirts ($12) starting today in the lunch room.

Contact Mr. Denigan or Ellie Schmalzl at school for more information. Please join us in our efforts to make a difference in our community.

Phone Call Home - Parent University

2011-10-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

The text below is being sent home this evening using the automated calling system:

The Boone County Schools is offering an informational session on college readiness Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ryle auditorium. All parents, students, and community members are encouraged to attend. The session is titled:

Your Child's Educational Career: Understanding College & Career Readiness, Testing, Grades, GPA.

This is a MUST attend opportunity for MS and HS parents! Kentucky has adopted new national standards for English, Reading, and Mathematics as well as new assessments, including the ACT Quality Core end-of-course assessment. A parent's understanding of this information is vital to a successful school career.

Join us for important and timely information on student learning and assessment for middle and high school parents and students.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 18th at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ryle High School auditorium

Lady Raiders fall 2-1 in District Championship

2011-10-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Lady Raider soccer team for their runner-up finish in the district tournament and earning a berth in the regional tournament. The All-District tournament team included Taylor McGlasson and Lauren Zembrodt. Good luck in the regionals!

To read the enquirer article go to St. Henry wins 17th District girls' soccer final

Ryle wins another boys' soccer district crown

2011-10-16T09:31:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Ryle Men's Soccer team for winning the district championship. The All-District team included Chris Froschauer, Cole Willoughby, and tournament MVP Tyrus Sciarra. Good luck in the regionals!

by Marc Harden, Enquirer contributor

The Ryle Raiders are making a habit of winning the 17th District boys' soccer tournament. They won the championship again Saturday at Conner with a 4-1 victory against St. Henry. The Raiders host next week's regional tournament knowing a rematch could be in store against the Crusaders.

"It always feels good to win the district," said tournament most valuable player, Tyrus Sciarra of Ryle. "But we know we might see St. Henry again."

The Raiders (18-2-3), ranked second in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches' poll, earned a fifth straight district crown and advanced to next week's Ninth Region tournament at Ryle's Borland Stadium.

Go to Ryle wins another boys' soccer district crown

Ryle Drama presents Fools by Neil Simon

2011-10-14T16:25:00.001-04:00

The Ryle drama Department will be producing Fools by Neil Simon on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Showtime will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Ryle auditorium.

Fools is a light-hearted romantic comedy by Neil Simon, set in the small village of Kulyenchikov, Ukraine (Russian Territory), during the late 19th century.
Contact the Ryle main office for reserved seating.

Ryle sweeps Cooper for volleyball title

2011-10-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Lady Raider volleyball team on another district championship! The regional tournament will be held next week at Ryle.

Repeat earns ninth regional in 10 seasons

by Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor Ryle sweeps Cooper for volleyball title

Ryle successfully defended its 33rd Distrtict championship by beating Cooper in the tournament final Wednesday at Boone County but both volleyball teams had a lot to be happy about as they accepted trophies.

The Raiders defeated the Jaguars, 25-15, 25-15. Both squads earned berths in next week's Ninth Region tournament at Ryle.

"You always want to go into the regional tournament with a win," said coach Tasha Lovins, who has guided the Raiders to the regional nine times in her 10 years as coach. "But I don't know if it helps or not that we're hosting the regional. We've hosted before and not won."

Sophomore Harper Hempel led the Raiders with 11 kills and 16 assists and was named all-tournament along with junior teammate Heather Torline. Freshman Ashley Bush added seven kills and was named most valuable player. Senior Alena Harthun had 13 digs.

"Winning MVP is very unexpected," said Bush. "I'm happy that we played well."

Ryle Soccer Teams Advance to District Finals

2011-10-14T15:58:00.000-04:00

Both the Lady Raider and the Ryle Men's soccer teams advanced to the district championship game. The championship games have been rescheduled to 2 pm for the girls game and 4 pm for the boys game, both at Conner HS.

Good luck to both teams!

Ryle, St. Henry survive, advance in boys' soccer

The Ryle and St. Henry boys' soccer teams lived the postseason adage, "survive and advance," to the hilt on Wednesday in the semifinals of the 17th District Tournament at Conner High School.

Ryle, which is ranked No. 7 in the state coaches poll, got a goal from junior striker Tyrus Sciarra with just under eight minutes left to foil Conner's upset bid, 1-0, in the first semifinal, but that drama paled in comparison to the second semifinal. St. Henry saw Boone County get a tying goal with just under 10 seconds remaining in the game and after two scoreless, five-minute sudden death overtime periods, the Crusaders won on penalty kicks 5-4, to advance with a 2-1 victory.

Ryle (17-2-3) and St. Henry (10-7-1) not only advance to tonight's 7:45 p.m. championship game, but both also advance to next week's Ninth Region Tournament.

"It's tournament time and you take 1-0 or any way you can win and move on," said Ryle coach Stephen Collins.

On Tuesday night the Lady Raider soccer team defeated Conner HS 2-1 to advance to the district championship game. Go Lady Raiders!

Phone Call Home - PSAT

2011-10-14T08:37:00.003-04:00

The following text was sent this morning via the automated calling service:

Hello, students, parents and staff of Larry A. Ryle High School. This is your principal, Matthew Turner.

Tomorrow on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 approximately 250 students will be taking the PSAT test at Ryle High School.

Students taking the PSAT should arrive at Ryle at 7:30 a.m. as the test will start at 8:00 a.m. Enter the building through the front doors as sign-in will be set up in the upper commons. Students should also bring several #2 pencils, their calculator and photo identification, which could be their student ID. The test will last approximately 2 ½ hours.

Students that are driving to the test should park in the faculty parking lot, this is the section of the main lot that is closest to the US 42-Cool Springs entrance to campus.

The PSAT is a part of the SAT testing series and for junior students serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and also the qualifying test for the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program. Sophomores are welcome to take the test as space allows. Additionally, taking the PSAT will help prepare students for the SAT college entrance exam.

Good luck to our students as they continue the tradition of academic excellence at Ryle High School.

Thank you and remember make it a great day or not, that choice is always yours!

Parent University

2011-10-11T19:20:00.000-04:00

By Justin B. Duke • jbduke@nky.com Classes help parents with child’s education

Parents are getting new options to help with their children’s education.

Boone County Schools has started its Parent University, which offers a range of courses tailored to their needs.

“My hope is that this provides an opportunity and a forum for parents to understand education,” said Anna Marie Tracy, the district’s No Child Left Behind supervisor.

Courses include topics like ADHD, scholarship hunting and others.

Parents have a wide variety of needs depending on the age of their children, disabilities, giftedness and many other factors. That’s why there are classes to help as many parents as possible, Tracy said.

“It’s kind of a one stop shop,” she said.

In the past, courses offered in the Parent University may have been offered at a particular school, but the rest of the district was unaware of them. By combining under the Parent University, parents can be more aware of the resources available, Tracy said.

Courses are taught by experts in the respective fields, Boone County Schools staff and community members.

While the goal is to help parents, Tracy is particularly proud that parents in the community will get an opportunity to hear from district staff that tends to teach mostly in the classroom, she said.

Tracy is planning to run a Parent University in the fall and the spring and adjust course availability based on demand.

All the courses in the Parent University are available to parents for free.

“I’ve tried to eliminate the barriers to parent participation,” Tracy said.

The fall courses will run through early November.

A full list of courses is available at http://tinyurl.com/booneparent.

Davis lifts Ryle past Conner, 27-6

2011-10-08T08:01:00.000-04:00

By Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor

Momentum was a priceless commodity Friday night in the first-ever non-district football game between Boone County rivals Conner and Ryle at Borland Stadium in Union.

During a game fraught with turnovers and costly penalties, Class 6A Ryle defeated the Class 5A Cougars, 27-6 in the first meeting since Conner was bumped down from the big-school class.

"It’s a big rivalry between Ryle and Conner," Raiders coach Bryson Warner said.
"We know their guys are going to compete. Getting momentum was tough, but we still felt like we controlled the game."

Junior quarterback Nathan Davis persevered through a frustrating first half to lead the Raiders to victory.

To read the entire Enquirer article go to Davis lifts Ryle past Conner, 27-6

Infinite Campus Mobile Portal App available

2011-10-07T11:59:00.001-04:00

You may download the Infinite Campus Mobile Portal App for your iPhone, iPad or iPod. This app will allow students or parents to check on assignments, schedules, and grades.

The following link has more information about the app for iPhones and iPads, and iPods.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/infinite-campus-mobile-portal/id464352883?mt=8

Common Assessments Coming Up

2011-10-07T11:39:00.003-04:00

On Thursday and Friday of this week students will be taking common assessments for the 1st quarter. These are assessments designed to determine how our students are progressing so we may provide more instruction or assistance if necessary. Students in the classes using the ACT Quality Core curriculum have 4-5 "benchmark" assessments to complete over the course of the year instead of the common assessments. These benchmarks are designed with the same purpose, to give us information about student progress and to better prepare them for the end-of-course exams.

The classes using the ACT Quality Core curriculum are Algebra 2, English 2, Biology, and US History. These classes will be taking a state-mandated end-of-course exam that will count as 20% of the students' final grade in the class. As a district we have implemented the ACT Quality Core curriculum in Algebra 1, Geometry, Chemistry, and English 1. We have implemented these classes in order to better prepare all of our students to meet the college readiness standards.

Please contact your teacher or the school office at 384-5300 if you have questions or need more information.

Hamilton sets boys' golf mark for Ryle

2011-10-07T09:07:00.000-04:00

TIES FOR THIRD OVERALL AT STATE

by Micheal Compton, Enquirer contributor

BOWLING GREEN - Blake Hamilton's quest for an individual title came up short, but the Ryle senior still made a little history Wednesday in the Kentucky boys' state golf tournament at Bowling Green Country Club.

Hamilton shot a 4-over-par 76 in the second round to post a 5-over 149 for the tournament, finishing tied for third overall - the best finish ever by a Ryle golfer in the state tournament.

Sitting just one shot behind eventual state champion Stephen Stallings from Louisville St. Xavier heading into the back nine, Hamilton made three bogeys in the final nine holes to finish three shots out of the lead.

"I'm more than pleased with my performance this week," Hamilton said. "It's better than anyone has ever done from Ryle High School. I hadn't really played very good (coming into the tournament), so I wasn't expecting much. I came in this week and got everything I asked for. I couldn't be happier."

Hamilton finished 1-over 37 on the front nine with two birdies and three bogeys, but was unable to make a charge on the final nine.

To read the whole story go to Hamilton sets boys' golf mark for Ryle

Minority Parent Member of SBDM Needed

2011-10-06T11:01:00.008-04:00

Due to the student population of Larry A. Ryle High School exceeding a minority population of 8%, the Ryle Site-Based Decision Making(SBDM) Council is required to have a minority representation.

Mrs. Elizabeth Gonzalez was elected last May to serve as a parent member of the council and met the need for minority representation. Unfortunately, Mrs. Gonzalez moved out of state and we must now elect a new minority parent member to the Ryle SBDM Council.

When must a school have an election for minority representatives?

If a school has 8% or more minority enrollment as of the October 1 preceding the initial parent or teacher election, reported by the Superintendent’s Annual Attendance Report (SAAR), the school must have minority representation on the school council. If a minority member is elected to the council in the initial parent or teacher elections, or if the principal is a minority, then the school council is not required to elect additional minority members. Otherwise, an additional election to select a minority parent and a minority teacher must be held.

An election for minority representation will result in an increase from six members to eight on a single council. This does not require an Alternative Model application to be filed, because KRS 160.345 requires this membership increase.

Minority council elections are the only times that the principal is responsible for the electoral process.

Who qualifies to run for minority council representative?

For the purposes of school-based decision making, “minority” is defined as ^"American Indian; Alaskan native; African-American; Hispanic, including persons of Mexican, Puerto-Rican, Cuban and Central or South American origin; Pacific Islander; or other ethnic group underrepresented in the school."

- Kentucky Association of School Councils (KASC)

If you are interested in serving as a minority parent member on the Ryle SBDM Council please contact the principal, Matt Turner, at 384-5300 by Thursday, Oct. 13th at 9:00 a.m. The election will be held on Monday, Oct. 17th at the Ryle front office. All parents of current Ryle students are eligible to vote.

Ryle's Hamilton stalking leaders

2011-10-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

BOWLING GREEN - Ryle senior Blake Hamilton is in contention for a title after posting a 1-over 73 in the opening day of the state golf tournament Tuesday at Bowling Green Country Club.

Hamilton is tied for third, one shot behind St. Xavier's Stephen Stallings and St. Mary's Nick Thompson.

"I couldn't ask for anything more," Hamilton said. "I made a bunch of putts on the front nine. There were six holes in a role where I one-putted. The putter was hot and I rolled with it. Some putts I hit, I was in shock that I made. I'm still in shock about a few."

Ryle's Hamilton stalking leaders for the Ky Enquirer full story.

Big Homecoming Victory! Ryle defeats Boone County, 27-13

2011-10-01T10:03:00.002-04:00

Ryle celebrated its 20th Homecoming by defeating the Boone County Rebels by a score of 27-13. Congratulations go to Meaghan Brown for being named the 2011 Ryle Homecoming Queen!

Davis, defense lead Ryle past Boone County, 27-13
By Richard Skinner, Enquirer contributor

As the Ryle defense continued to show it’s plenty good enough to stop teams from Kentucky, junior quarterback Nathan Davis continued to show he might just be able make up for the loss of standout junior running back Travis Elliott.

Davis rushed for 175 yards on 27 carries and scored four touchdowns, three in the first half, and Ryle held Boone County to only three first downs through the first three quarters as the Raiders rolled to a 27-13 win on Friday at Clifford Borland Stadium in Union.

To read the entire article go to Davis, defense lead Ryle past Boone County, 27-13

Davis, Raiders march past Boone
From the KY Post, by Dan Wright:

UNION, Ky. — At the start of the season, Ryle was expected to rule Northern Kentucky’s Class 6A district with a strong running game and tough defense. Despite losing star running back Travis Elliott to a season-ending knee injury nearly a month ago, the Raiders showed that formula hasn’t changed in defeating Boone County, 27-13, on homecoming Friday night at Clifford R. Borland Stadium.

In lieu of Elliott, the running game was anchored by junior quarterback Nathan Davis, a Grant County transfer who is still getting used to being the center of attention after performances like Friday.

“It’s just a completely different culture here. This is a football community,” said Davis. “The school I came from wasn’t, so that was a big transition, but I like it.”

Likewise, the Raiders have no complaints about Davis after he ran 27 times for 175 yards and all four Ryle touchdowns, also completing six-of-10 passes for 64 yards despite a stiff wind throughout the night. Still, Davis was just as in awe of the Raiders defensive effort that held the Rebels scoreless until the 4:28 mark of the fourth quarter, limiting Boone County to just 85 yards of offense and three first downs over the first three quarters.

“It’s amazing to have a defense that can do that week in and week out,” said Davis.

“When you see that goose egg on the opposing team’s scoreboard, it takes a lot of pressure off the offense. I don’t feel like I have to go out and make a big play.”

Boone County finished with 194 yards of offense, 120 below its season average coming in, with 133 rushing yards on 37 carries.

“For all four years we’ve known what Boone County football was all about, and that’s power football,” said Ryle senior linebacker Tony Burtraw, who was in on seven tackles — three for losses — and a sack. “We knew all day they were going to run with the big set, so all week at practice we worked on stopping that by getting the right personnel in.”

Read more: http://www.kypost.com/dpp/sports/local_sports/davis%2C-raiders-march-past-boone-#ixzz1ZXQfUR43

Golf Regional Results

2011-09-29T08:48:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the boys golf team for their runner-up finish in the regional championships, see the results below. They will now compete at the state golf tournament at the Bowling Green Country Club on Oct. 3rd and 4th.

Boys' golf

Region 7 Tournament
At Boone Links
Team scores: 1. Covington Catholic* 300, 2. Ryle* 308, 4. Dixie Heights 324, 5. St. Henry 327, 6. Cooper 337, 7. Walton-Verona 338, 8. Conner 346, 9. Beechwood 355, 10. Boone County 356, 11. Trimble County 363, 12. Carroll County 364, 13. Holy Cross 365, 14. Scott 374, 15. Simon Kenton 386, 16. Owen County 404, 17. Villa Madonna 419, 18. Gallatin County 430.

The girls golf team placed 4th overall in their regional championship match at Twin Oaks. Nadine Innes and Alex Bruce both shot well enough to qualify for the state championship played at Bowling Green Country Club on Oct. 6-8th.

Here's a quote from the NKY Enquirer:

Also advancing as individual qualifiers were Carroll County's Hogan and Ryle freshman Nadine Innes (81) and Raiders senior Alex Bruce (82). Ryle coach Jeremy Thornton was disappointed in his team's score, but he was elated for his state qualifiers.

"It's the first trip for both of them," Thornton said of Innes and Bruce. "But we averaged a 352, and today is probably our highest score all year."
Pandas win 8th straight regional title

2011 Ryle Homecoming Candidates

2011-09-28T20:25:00.001-04:00

The following young ladies have been selected as candidates for the 2011 Homecoming Court. Being chosen is quite an honor as each are members of the Class of 2012 and were chosen by a vote of the students and faculty of Ryle. Congratulations to all candidates!

Erin Bellhorn
Meghan Brown
Ashley Cheesman
Audrey Cochran
Francesca Dausch-Rivera
Paige Dickerson
Alena Harthun
Kelli Isler
Gabby Mardis
Morgan Pangallo
Candice Philipp
Allison Reckers
Hannah Rosenberg
Lindsey Smith
Brooke Stewart
Lauren Vasseur
Brandi Vogelpohl

The Ryle Homecoming Queen and her court are chosen by a committee after each of the candidates are interviewed at the Homecoming Tea. Each candidate will be presented at the Homecoming Parade starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30th. At the halftime of the football game that evening the Homecoming Queen and her Court will be announced.

Ryle Downs Colerain 4-0 in Men's Soccer

2011-09-25T08:02:00.000-04:00

By John Lachmann

Junior midfielder Jake Siemer scored two goals as Ryle beat Cincinnati Colerain, 4-0 on Saturday.
Siemer opened the scoring 11 minutes into the match off a feed from junior forward Tyrus Sciarra, and he added a goal in the second half to seal it.

Sciarra also scored a first-half goal, his 19th of the season, and senior goalkeeper Chris Froschauer turned four shots aside to earn his seventh shutout of the season.

HALFTIME: 3-0. GOALS: R—Siemer 2, Sciarra, McCarthy. SHUTOUT: Froschauer (4 saves). RECORDS: Ryle 13-1-3, Colerain 4-7-1.

Ryle tops Lou. Holy Cross

2011-09-24T10:12:00.000-04:00

Bush tallies 12 kills in Raiders' win
By John Lachmann, Ky Post

Freshman outside hitter Ashley Bush rolled up 12 kills as Ryle (18-6) defeated Louisville Holy Cross (19-6), 25-22, 12-25, 25-15 on Friday.

Junior outside hitter Kaylee Keohane added nine kills for the Raiders, who handed Holy Cross its second straight loss after a 19-4 start.

Ryle Wins 21-6 at Simon Kenton

2011-09-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

Raiders get back to Commonwealth, win column vs. Pioneers

by Richard Skinner, Enquirer Contributor

After suffering back-to-back blowout losses to Ohio powers in which Ryle was still adjusting to a season-ending injury to star running back Travis Elliott, the Raiders showed on Friday night they're still going to be a force in Kentucky.

Ryle got two big-play touchdowns in the first six minutes of the game, and its defense held off Simon Kenton for a 21-6 victory at Chlorine Menefee Stadium in Independence.

Ryle (3-2, 1-0 Class 6A) improved to 3-0 against Kentucky teams this season and has outscored them 105-31.

The Raiders were outscored the last two weeks by Colerain and Columbus St. Francis DeSales 79-7. Elliott was injured in the first quarter of the loss to Colerain.

"When you lose what we think was the best player in the state there's going to be an adjustment period so it was great to go against those two teams to find out what our strengths and weaknesses are," said Ryle coach Bryson Warner. "We have a lot of guys that can still execute a lot of plays. We're a different team, but we can certainly still be good."

To read the entire Enquirer article No Elliott? No problem for Ryle in 21-6 win at Simon Kenton

Ryle Defense Too Much For Simon Kenton

By Terry Boehmker, Ky Post

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. - When Ryle took a 14-0 lead in the first six minutes of its Class 6A district game against Simon Kenton on Friday, it looked like the Raiders would put up some big numbers on offense.

It didn’t turn out that way, but the Ryle defense played so well that it didn’t really matter.
Ryle came away with a 21-6 victory because Simon Kenton wasn’t able to make big plays or sustain drives on offense.

The Pioneers ended up averaging just 4.2 yards per play and they were 5-of-18 on third- and fourth-down conversions against Ryle’s stubborn defense.

“They’ve got a great run game and that’s the first thing you’ve got to stop,” said Ryle coach Bryson Warner. “If you shut that down, they’re not comfortable if they don’t have a running game going on. So we were able to do that, and then zero in on their pass plays.”

Four Ryle Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

2011-09-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

Four members of the Class of 2012 have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Semifinalists represent approximately the top 1% of all high school seniors and will now be in the running for earning the distinction National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

Congratulations to the following students!

Daniel N. Dilger
Erin N. Deja
Samantha F. Hawtrey
Ryan M. Trostle

For more information go to National Merit Scholarship competition

National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit^® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT^®)–a test which serves as an initial screen of more than 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Student Entry Requirements

To participate in the National Merit^® Scholarship Program, a student must:

take the PSAT/NMSQT^® in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern;
be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school, and planning to enroll full time in college no later than the fall following completion of high school; and
be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.

Not now a U.S. citizen?

here

Adobe Acrobat Reader

The student's responses to items on the PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet that are specific to NMSC program entry determine whether the individual meets requirements to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Click here to see NMSC program entry items on the PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet. Score reports provided for test takers and their schools indicate whether the student meets program entry requirements. A school official or the student should report immediately to NMSC any error or change in reported information that may affect participation.

The Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership

2011-09-21T10:57:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership has selected nine (9) parents with children within the Boone County School District to attend the institute sessions which began September 9th and will run throughout the fall, ending November 5th.

The institute is designed to encourage and train parents to become more effective advocates for Kentucky's public education system. It also prepares them to work with other parents in their schools and communities. Since research clearly shows that both students and schools benefit when parents are involved in education,we recommend that parents become involved with the training.

If interested in becoming a part of the next Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership training please visit www.cipl.org

Boys Golf Team wins the NKAC Tournament

2011-09-20T13:36:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, the Ryle boys golf team won the Division I championship of Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference at Hickory Sticks golf course with a score of 298.

The Raiders were led by overall medalist Chris Desmarais, who carded an even-par 71. Ryle teammates Paul Clancy (73) and Zach Adams (73) tied for second among big-school individuals.

Thoroughbreds prevail at wet Hickory Sticks

FCCLA participates in the Walk to Cure Diabetes

2011-09-20T13:11:00.002-04:00

This past weekend the Ryle chapter of the FCCLA (Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America) participated in the 2011 Newport Walk to Cure Diabetes at Riverboat Row in Newport. Proceeds from the Walk go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

To volunteer or to learn more about the work of the Ryle FCCLA, contact Robyn Bain at robyn.bain@boone.kyschools.us.

Ryle plans 20th homecoming parade, seeks past queens

2011-09-17T09:36:00.001-04:00

Written by ssalmons

UNION – Ryle High School will be hosting its 20th homecoming parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.
The parade will travel from Union Baptist Church, 1985 Mt. Zion Road, to U.S. 42 and will end at the school.

Mt. Zion Road from Old Union Road to U.S. 42 and U.S. 42 from the Mt. Zion intersection to the Frogtown Road intersection will be closed from 5:45 p.m. to about 7 p.m.

The Ryle student council is inviting all past homecoming queens to participate in the parade. Contact Deb Janowiecki at 859-384-5300 ext. 288 or by email at deborah.janowiecki@boone.kyschools.us for more information.

Ryle shuts out Conner

2011-09-16T03:28:00.000-04:00

Lady Raiders clinch top seed in district girls soccer

By John Lachmann

Junior center midfielder Meredith Murphy fired in a shot from 25 yards out as Ryle clinched the top seed in its district by edging Conner, 1-0 on Wednesday.

The Raiders are 3-0 in district play with just Cooper remaining on its district schedule.

Senior Lindsay Otis stopped five shots to record her second straight shutout and her fifth solo blanking of the season.

HALFTIME: 0-0. GOAL: R—Murphy. SHUTOUT: Otis (5 saves). RECORDS: Ryle 6-4-3, Conner 4-8.

Sciarra leads Ryle past Boone

2011-09-16T03:25:00.003-04:00

Junior Scores Both of the Match's Goals

By John Lachmann

Junior striker Tyrus Sciarra scored both goals as Ryle beat Boone County, 2-0 on Thursday.

Sciarra headed in a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Cray McCarthy in the first half to give the Raiders the lead. Sciarra extended the Ryle lead by knocking in a centering pass from the corner by McCarthy in the second half.

Senior Chris Froschauer turned four shots aside to record his fifth shutout of the season.

The win extended the Raiders’ unbeaten streak to 13 matches (10-0-3).

HALFTIME: 1-0. GOALS: R—Sciarra 2. SHUTOUT: Froschauer (4 saves). RECORDS: Ryle 10-1-3.

A True Kentucky Hero

2011-09-16T03:12:00.000-04:00

Earlier today Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama at the White House. Meyer, of Greensburg, Kentucky, is a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps and is one of the few living soldiers to receive the award. Below is an excerpt from the official proclamation granting Meyer the highest honor awarded for valor by the U.S. military.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 8 September 2009. When the forward element of his combat team began to be hit by intense fire from roughly 50 Taliban insurgents dug-in and concealed on the slopes above Ganjgal village, Corporal Meyer mounted a gun-truck, enlisted a fellow Marine to drive, and raced to attack the ambushers and aid the trapped Marines and Afghan soldiers. During a six hour fire fight, Corporal Meyer single-handedly turned the tide of the battle, saved 36 Marines and soldiers and recovered the bodies of his fallen brothers. Four separate times he fought the kilometer up into the heart of a deadly U-shaped ambush. During the fight he killed at least eight Taliban, personally evacuated 12 friendly wounded, and provided cover for another 24 Marines and soldiers to escape likely death at the hands of a numerically superior and determined foe. On his first foray his lone vehicle drew machine gun, mortar, rocket grenade and small arms fire while he rescued five wounded soldiers. His second attack disrupted the enemy’s ambush and he evacuated four more wounded Marines. Switching to another gun-truck because his was too damaged they again sped in for a third time, and as turret gunner killed several Taliban attackers at point blank range and suppressed enemy fire so 24 Marines and soldiers could break-out. Despite being wounded, he made a fourth attack with three others to search for missing team members. Nearly surrounded and under heavy fire he dismounted the vehicle and searched house to house to recover the bodies of his fallen team members. By his extraordinary heroism, presence of mind amidst chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of great danger, Corporal Meyer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Meyer has stated numerous times that he is not a hero and should have acted sooner and should have done more to save his fellow soldiers. His modesty and humble attitude only make him a greater person and a true hero.

Remembering 9-11

2011-09-11T09:01:00.002-04:00

We will always remember the innocent people killed and the brave people that responded to save the injured on 9-11-2001.

We will never forget.

Lady Raiders Down St. Henry in OT

2011-09-09T20:58:00.001-04:00

Big win for the Lady Raiders soccer team as they improve their record to 5-4-2 overall and 2-0 in the district. Go Lady Raiders!

By John Lachmann, KY Post.com

Senior Jessica Evans scored in overtime to lift Ryle to a 5-4 win over St. Henry on Wednesday. Evans scored less than four minutes into the extra session off a direct kick by senior center midfielder Lauren Zembrodt. Junior midfielder Meredith Murphy added two goals for the Raiders, who have lost just one of their last seven matches.

St. Henry junior Libby Leedom was injured in the game. Leedom, who scored her team-high 12th goal in the match, likely has a broken wrist, Crusaders coach Steve Lorenz said.

HALFTIME: 3-3. GOALS: R—Murphy 2, McGlasson, Duggins, Evans. SH—Garcia 2, Leedom, own goal. RECORDS: Ryle 5-4-2, St. Henry 6-3.

Lloyd Cooper Passes Away

2011-09-08T06:19:00.001-04:00

On Monday, Lloyd Cooper, passed away at the age of 79 in Raceland, KY.

Lloyd Cooper was the father of the late Randy Cooper, who was the founding principal of Larry A. Ryle High School in 1992 and the namesake of our sister-school Randall K. Cooper High School.

Lloyd Cooper was a great friend and supporter of Ryle High School. Years ago, he and his wife were often seen at Ryle school events. He will be truly missed.

Our condolences and prayers go out to the Cooper family at this time.

Kyle Ginnever - Class of 2007

2011-09-03T09:18:00.001-04:00

It is very sad to learn that Kyle Ginnever, a graduate from Ryle in 2007, was struck and killed by a train on Friday morning.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Coroner releases identity of BCTC student killed by train

http://www.obitsforlife.com/obituary/400481/Ginnever-Kyle.php

Senior Class Officers

2011-09-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Class of 2012!

President: Meghan Brown

Vice-President: Lindsay Smith

Secretary: Tyler Lawson

Treasurer: Brooke Stewart

Beating Boone bodes well for Ryle

2011-09-02T06:12:00.000-04:00

By Marc Harden, Enquirer Contributor

Ryle girls' soccer coach Edmundo Echeverria is wary of high-scoring Boone County as the Raiders and Rebels attempt to unseat three-time defending district champion St. Henry, which lost eight starters from last season's state championship team.

Ryle, which hasn't won a 17th District crown since 2006, and Boone, without one since 2007, view 2011 as a year of opportunity. The Raiders enhanced their chances of district success by defeating the Rebels 1-0 on Wednesday in a seeding game at Ryle.

Lauren Zembrodt scored the lone goal off a pass from Lauren Duggins at the 30:44 mark of the first half.

"Lauren had three people on her and I told her to lay it off middle, and I came down with nobody on me and shot it," said Zembrodt, who scored for the third time this season.

Ryle's reconfigured defense and goalkeeper Lindsay Otis, who turned aside four shots, made the lead stand up over the final 50 minutes.

"I thought we played great defense and did a good job of controlling pace," Echeverria said. "We can't get into a kickball match with Boone because it'll hurt you, so I'm proud of the girls for having moments of brilliant soccer."

To read more go to Beating Boone bodes well for Ryle

Schmalzl dedicated to Boone schools

2011-09-02T06:09:00.000-04:00

By Sarah Hardee, Enquirer Contributor

With continued budget cuts, increasingly stringent core content standards and a push to get more students involved in extracurricular activities, local parent volunteer Mary Schmalzl's goal is to make life a little easier for teachers - and a little more fun for students.

Schmalzl, of Walton, has been part of the PTA and volunteered within Boone County Schools for nearly 20 years. As all three of her children have progressed through New Haven Elementary, Gray Middle and Ryle High schools, she has brought a variety of extracurricular activities and community service opportunities to the schools.

Over the years, she's coached successful Odyssey of the Mind, Math Counts and Future Problem Solving teams, and helped organize a variety of events, including Ryle's annual craft show. Recently, she started a Community Problem Solving Team, which allows students to use problem-solving skills and community service hours to help solve problems locally.

"All of these programs help kids become better thinkers," said Schmalzl, who currently coaches both Gray and Ryle's Future Problem Solving teams, serves as the team photographer for Ryle's girls' soccer team and is still an active member of the school's PTA.

The programs are still flourishing at the schools, and Schmalzl's Future Problem Solving team at Ryle just placed seventh overall at the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference, and two students from her teams - Tess Chaffee from Gray and Lenny Ivey from Ryle - placed first at the conference.

To read more go to Schmalzl dedicated to Boone schools

Today's Phone Call Home 9-1-2011

2011-09-01T13:13:00.001-04:00

The following message was sent today by our automated calling system:

Hello, students, parents and staff of Larry A. Ryle High School. This is your principal, Matthew Turner.

I am calling to remind you that the Ryle PTSA will be hosting their annual open house at Ryle High School tonight September 1st at 7:00 pm in the Ryle auditorium. Please make plans to attend, this is a great opportunity to visit the school and meet your child’s classroom teachers, counselors, and principals. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Also remember that school pictures will be taken next Thursday, Sept. 8^th during the school day.

The 2011-12 school year is off to a great start and we are very proud of our students and staff and are very pleased with their progress. Now that we are almost 3 weeks into the school year, our Academic Support Process has begun and if your student has a failing grade in a class the teachers will contact both you and your student and recommend a course of action. If you have questions or concerns please call the school office at 384-5300 and our staff will assist you.

Our goal with this calling system is to promote communication between our school and your home. We will use this system to notify you of important school events, weather delays, or crisis situations. Having an accurate telephone number is essential to the success of this program. Should your telephone number change, please contact the school office immediately at 384-5300. If you wish to receive the weekly emails containing school events and other information, you may add your email address to your profile in the parent portal of Infinite Campus. Again, contact the school office if you need any assistance.

Thank you and remember make it a great day or not, that choice is always yours!

PTSA Open House Tonight at 7 p.m.

2011-09-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

The Ryle PTSA is hosting its annual Open House tonight at Ryle. It will be a great opportunity for you to meet your student’s teachers.

Bring a copy of your student’s class schedule with you. If you can’t find one stop by the main office tonight and we’ll help you.

Ryle rides Elliott, defense to 43-8 win over Tates Creek

2011-08-28T01:08:00.002-04:00

By Mike Fields — mfields@herald-leader.com

Travis Elliott was the offensive star for Ryle, but the Raiders' defense earned the spotlight, too, in a 43-8 victory over Tates Creek in the iHigh Football Frenzy at Lafayette late Saturday night.

Tates Creek's loss meant that Lexington's five public schools went 0-for-5 in the weekend showcase. Elliott distinguished himself as one of the MVPs. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound bruiser rushed 21 times for 164 yards and four touchdowns. He took direct snaps on quite a few plays, leaving no doubt he was going to keep the ball.

Tates Creek still couldn't stop him.

Elliott only ran once in the second half — 25 yards for a touchdown.

Elliott, who has committed to Western Kentucky, has a shot at eclipsing former Boone County (and NFL) star Shaun Alexander as Northern Kentucky's all-time leading rusher. Elliott is about 2,000 yards shy of Alexander's career total of 6,662 yards. Elliott also completed two passes for 34 yards.
Elliott is also a linchpin on defense at linebacker, along with Mac Vollett, Daniel Osborne and Jake Nutter.

Tates Creek had all kinds of problems moving the football against the Raiders. The Commodores' first-half stats had them with 10 yards, including minus three passing.

Elliott got the Raiders off to a strong start with two TDs and a two-point conversion in the first quarter. His 8-yard score in the second quarter staked Ryle to a 22-0 halftime lead. It would've been more, but Elliott had a 43-yard punt return for a TD wiped out by a roughing-the-kicker penalty. Quarterback Nathan Davis had a long run that set up his short TD in the third quarter to make it 29-0. Tates Creek had 11 total yards at that point.

The Commodores finally moved the chains in the fourth quarter against Ryle's reserves and wound up with 161 yards. Casey Grimes got Tates Creek's TD on an 11-yard run. Martrell Berry threw to Taiwan Hart for the two-point conversion to make it 43-8.

Ryle finished the night just shy of 400 yards, 288 on the ground.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/28/1860166/ryle-rides-elliott-defense-to.html#ixzz1WITXOyle

Men's Soccer Team Defeats Scott HS 1-0

2011-08-27T10:53:00.002-04:00

Last night at Borland Stadium the Raider soccer team shutout Scott HS 1-0 in front of a great student section decked out in neon.

A good win for the Raiders as they improve to 5-1 on the season. Next up is a home game on Tuesday against NewCath.

Go Raiders!

Ryle hands NewCath first loss in girls' soccer

2011-08-25T06:21:00.000-04:00

By Marc Harden, NKY Enquirer contributor

Ryle girls' soccer coach Edmundo Echeverria did something Wednesday that three coaches before him could not do - he guided the team to a win over Newport Central Catholic.

The Raiders beat the Thoroughbreds 3-1 for their first win of the season and dropped their nemesis from the ranks of the unbeaten. "I know we haven't beaten them in a long time," Echeverria said. "So it's a good win for us."

Junior Elise Duggins became the first player to score against NewCath this season when she connected from 15 yards with 30:47 to play in the second half. Lauren Zembrodt made it 2-0 with 7:43 to play with a goal in the box off a pass from Meredith Murphy. Duggins scored again for Ryle (1-3-1) with no time remaining after NewCath (3-1) closed to 2-1 in the final five minutes.

Senior goalkeeper Lindsay Otis collected seven saves for the Raiders. She received help from Olivia Coleman, who has stepped in as a replacement for all-region stopper Ellie Schmalzl. Center midfielder Jaclyn Zembrodt also made things difficult for the NewCath offense.

Schmalzl is out for the season with a knee injury. Zembrodt suffered a concussion during a July practice, her second in two years. "We've had to change things around on defense and at stopper, but I think the girls have really stepped up with Ellie out," Otis said. Both teams recorded seven shots on goal.

"Scoring keeps me going," said Duggins, who took four shots. "It shows I can do it and help my team win." The Thoroughbreds had outscored their opponents 15-0 this season. They were coming off a 2-0 win against Holy Cross, which followed a 9-0 rout of Russell.

"I think we won because we've been trying to play basic soccer," Echeverria said. "We want the girls to attack the way they're facing. Before tonight, we had a lot of empty crosses. But we were more successful with them tonight."

Duggins' first score, off a crossing pass, was just the fourth Ryle goal against NewCath in 10 years. Duggins has three goals on the season. "I thought we played hard, played a really good game," Duggins said. "We were looking for scores." Duggins, who plays for the Kings Soccer Academy club team, led Ryle with 11 goals last season, accounting for a third of the team's scoring.

NewCath and Ryle played to a 1-all score last season, their second tie in four years. They played to a scoreless tie in 2007. Even when the Raiders won back-to-back district titles in 2005-06, NewCath was able to come up with victories over them by a combined score of 5-1.

From 2001-06, NewCath won six consecutive matches, including four shutouts. "We haven't had a lot of success against (NewCath)," Echeverria said. "I'm not even sure when the last time we beat them, but I know it's been a long time."

Ryle hands NewCath first loss in girls' soccer

Five questions with Travis Elliott

2011-08-24T18:00:00.001-04:00

Written by Richard Skinner, NKY Enquirer contributor

Ryle senior running back Travis Elliott has been playing varsity football since his freshman year. Thanks in part to that early start, he is within reach of passing former Boone County standout Shaun Alexander for the most career rushing yards in Northern Kentucky high school history.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Elliott combines power and deceptive speed (he's been timed at 4.58 in the 40-yard dash). After rushing for 173 yards in three quarters in a season-opening win over Cooper Friday, he needs 2,087 yards to eclipse the record of 6,662 yards set by Alexander, the former Seattle Seahawk, from 1991-94.

Elliott, who rushed for 2,215 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, has committed to playing college ball at Western Kentucky.

The Enquirer caught up with Elliott after practice Monday to discuss his pursuit of Alexander's record.

Question: When did you first play running back?

Answer: Back in the third grade. I was a quarterback before that.

Click on the link to read the entire story . . . Five questions with Travis Elliott

Elliott, Ryle overpower Cooper 41-17

2011-08-20T08:26:00.002-04:00

Senior star scores five TD's by run, catch, return
Written by Richard Skinner, NKY Enquirer Contributor
To read the entire article Elliott, Ryle overpower Cooper 41-17

UNION - After sitting out the entire first quarter and doing very little for much of the second quarter, Ryle standout senior running back Travis Elliott turned around his team’s fortunes Friday night against Cooper on two touches of the football: on the final play of the first half and first play of the second half.

Two plays after Cooper junior Tyler Morris returned an interception for a touchdown to tie the score at 7-7 with 14 seconds left in the first half, Elliott raced 62 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the half, then returned the second-half opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown as Ryle went on to post a 41-17 win at Borland Stadium.

Schedule Pick-Up

2011-08-12T09:05:00.002-04:00

If you have not picked up your class schedule and paid your school fees for the new school year, just stop by the school office today or on Monday or Tuesday of next week. The school office will be open from 7 am to 3:30 pm each day.

If you need assistance or have a question, please call the school office at 384-5300.

Thanks and have a great school year!

Dieter family

2011-08-09T20:33:00.000-04:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dieter family as they cope with this terrible tragedy.

Ryle victim of grad rate formula

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000-04:00

by William Croyle wcroyle@nky.com

UNION - A new graduation rate formula that schools are now required to use has victimized Ryle High School.

The federally mandated formula, used for No Child Left Behind accountability purposes, produces the Average Freshman Graduation Rate. Ryle's AFGR tumbled from 83.67 in 2008 to 69.37 in 2010, according to data released last week by the Kentucky Department of Education.

The reality is that Ryle's 2010 rate was likely much higher than that, but the formula, combined with a state law, will not acknowledge it.

"It shows what nonsense some of these formulas are," said Randy Poe, Boone County Schools' superintendent.

Ryle posted the fourth-highest composite ACT score (21.1) last year among its juniors out of 22 Northern Kentucky public high schools and has generally had a good academic reputation statewide.

So what happened in regard to the formula?

When the new Cooper High School opened five miles from Ryle in 2008, more than 200 of Ryle's freshmen were reassigned to Cooper. That knocked Ryle's enrollment down 11 percent. According to state law, a school can be classified as "reconfigured" when it has a population shift of 20 percent or more. When a school is considered reconfigured, not all formulas used in acquiring data on it are applied since the data can be skewed by the large population change.

For example, more than 20 percent of freshmen at the district's Conner High School were also moved to Cooper in 2008, so Conner's 2010 AFGR was not reported last week. But because Ryle didn't meet that threshold, the formula had to be used. The rate is basically determined by dividing the previous year's ninth and 10th grade enrollments by the number of diploma recipients in the current year.

"We had 206 kids leave, and they don't count in the formula as graduating from our school," said Ryle Principal Matt Turner.

Lisa Gross, spokeswoman for the state education department, acknowledged Ryle is a "victim of circumstances that are out of its control." "The (formula) has its downsides. At the heart, it's an average, and averages are not forgiving," she said. "But this is the rate the U.S. Department of Education is making us use."

Poe said changes must be made to No Child Left Behind. "You can't give much credence to No Child Left Behind when something like this happens," he said.

The good news is that the formula is temporary. A new one will be used in three years by all states nationwide, and it will track each child (even if he or she moves to another school) rather than using averages. But that's in three years.

District and school administrators sent letters to parents this past weekend, explaining what happened.
"The parents know they have a good school and good school system, and that this is nonsense," Poe said. "We're not going to change course because of a faulty formula."

Ryle victim of grad rate formula

Advanced Placement Scholars

2011-08-07T21:23:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to these Ryle students for earning an AP Scholar Award for 2011. These students have demonstrated achievement at the college-level through AP courses and exams.

National AP Scholar (Scored 4 or higher on 8 or more AP exam; at least 4.0 avg on exams)
Emilie Garnier

AP Scholar with Distinction (Scored 3 or higher on 5 or more AP exams; at least 3.5 avg on exams)
Alanna Briggs
Jonathan Crase
Amber Deja
Meredith Eckstein
Marshall Fegenbush
Emilie Garnier
Gabby Gonzales
Liz Johnson
Samantha McKeough
Matt See
Andrew Tursic
Andrea Wilhoite

AP Scholar with Honor (Scored 3 or higher on 4 or more AP exams; at least 3.25 avg on exams)
Desirae Carron
Andrea Howes
Tyler Lawson
Lindsay Otis
Hannah Rosenberg
Kelcy Tobey
John Walker
Jessica Wilson

AP Scholar (Scored 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams)
Jessica Ankenman
Victoria Aulick
Erin Bellhorn
Christina Bennett
Joseph Bloom
Erna Blythe-Reske
Michael Carlton
Darby Cochran
Olivia Coleman
Jessica Coots
Erin Deja
Alice Deters
Duong Do
Ashley Dunsing
Leonora Edwards
Aaron Elam
Hannah Gamble
Mallory Gardner
Tabatha Gregory
Carl Groathouse
Cassie Hamilton
Jessica Harden
Jacob Hart
Sarah Hodge
Jacob Hughes
Leonard Hydera
Nathan Jacobson
Meredith Johnson
Brina Joiner
Dylan Judd
Robert Kidd
Francis LaRosa
Chris Lower
Elliot Maynard
Taylor McGlasson
Amber Mercedes
Michaela Mullikin
Lauren Nolan
Katie Ollier
Nathan Otero
Grant Palmer
Robert Parmele
Amanda Postolowski
Kim Rymers
Jenna Sander
Alissa Stieha
Austin Stinson
Scott Stuckenschneider
Ryan Trostle
Sarah Truskot
Jessica Wagner
Renee Wilson
Sara Wood
Kara Worley
Elliot Yoakum

Boys' golf rivals expect to keep on rolling

2011-07-31T19:45:00.001-04:00

CovCath, Ryle set to vie for regional again

By Marc Hardin, Enquirer Contributor

Expect the neck-and-neck golf rivalry between Covington Catholic and Ryle to continue unimpeded this season. "It's us and them every year for the title," Ryle senior Blake Hamilton said. "Last year, they beat us in the regional after we won three years in a row. We definitely don't want them to win twice in a row."

The Colonels and Raiders have represented the region at the state tournament each of the past nine years. Last season, CovCath ended Ryle's run as three-time Seventh Region champion, but Hamilton became the Raiders' fifth individual winner in nine years. CovCath won the team crown from 2001-06, but did not make the first-day cut at last year's state event, in which Ryle placed tied for eighth. The Colonels, winners by four shots at the regional, lost three of their top five scorers. The Raiders are returning their top four players. Hamilton, 20th at state, is joined by fellow senior Chris Desmarais, junior Paul Clancy and sophomore Zach Adams. Sophomores Davis McNichol and Hunter Hughes and freshman Logan Gamm comprise a strong top seven.

"I like how a lot of our guys are younger," Desmarais said. "It means we'll still be strong after the seniors leave."

Ryle coach Jonathan Ehlen won the region as a Raider in 2002 before embarking on a successful golf career at Northern Kentucky University. He has been exposed to a variety of ways to improve play and evaluate talent. His Wednesday team tryouts at the Golf Ranch in Burlington involved a skills test featuring 15 playing stations at which each golfer had three swings to score. Each shot received a score of 1-3.

"Davis had the best score, so that says how deep we are," Ehlen said. "I think our top seven or eight guys are pretty close in ability and that allows me a lot of flexibility for all these tournaments we're going to be playing in."

By the time they reach the regional, the Raiders will have been tournament-tested. Ryle is slated to participate in 13 tournaments and an Aug. 17 18-hole event against CovCath at Triple Crown.

"We are not playing one 9-hole match all season," Ehlen said. "In college, I learned how tournaments help you get better. One of the things about a tournament setting is it allows kids to play against other golfers and on other courses that they don't see as much, in a college setting. And college coaches come to these tournaments."

The Raiders will begin their season Monday at the Shelbyville Invitational at Weissinger Hills Golf Course, and they will play in six events the first two weeks. They will have new uniforms and new gear.

"We let the team pick out everything, from shirts and pants to bags and shoes, and we let them design the bags," Ehlen said. "Everything is trendy, right down to the white belt that (PGA golfer) Rickie Fowler likes to wear. We think it boosts their confidence when they step to the tee and look the part of a successful golfer."

Also new is the Raiders' conditioning program, which focuses less on lifting weights and more on running and building range of motion and power through compound movements that simulate a golf swing. Workouts will begin at 6 a.m. each school day.

"The kids don't like me for it, but it will pay off in the end," Ehlen said.

Boys' golf rivals expect to keep on rolling