Scoreboard Now Working, Concession Stand Likely.

Contributions from MLWGS Athletic Boosters Brings New Scoreboard and Plans for an Outdoor Concession Stand Are in the Works

by Alex Bergman and Grant Euen, Jabberwock Staff Reporters

Many at MLWGS have noticed the newest addition to the athletic department: the outdoor scoreboard.

Visible both from the athletic field and the eastbound lane of Richmond’s I-95/64 interchange, the new scoreboard is now fully functioning.

“We’ve been waiting eight years for this so it’s pretty exciting,” said MLWGS Co-Activities Director Ms. Paige Hawkins.

Construction on the scoreboard began near the end of last year and was finally completed during the second week of September.

Funding for the scoreboard was provided by MLWGS Athletic Boosters organization.

Recently, the controls used for changing the score were made portable by jerry-rigging a rechargeable car battery.

This invention allows scorekeepers to change the score without walking over to the board after every goal.

On another note, MLWGS Athletic Boosters are considering another improvement to the track, field, and tennis court complex.

MLWGS administrators and athletic booster board members hope to building a concession stand for use during sporting activities.

The snacks stand would be situated next to the track near the bottom of the stairs extending to the double gates.

“Currently it’s on a drawing board,” said Mr. Hunt, Director of MLWGS, “though there are plans sketched out.”

At the moment, the planned concession stand would possibly stand sell food and drinks in addition to selling also tickets to sporting events. It would also have restrooms for athletes and spectators and could be used for storage.

Fall Festival ’08, A Tribute to Mrs. Charity

From 3:30 until 8 o’clock tonight, hundreds will gather on the MLWGS front lawn for the annual Governor’s School fall celebration. More than 50 clubs will sell food, tee-shirts, and dessert. For some, however, this year’s festival will bring memories of a beloved MLWGS faculty member who passed away this summer.

Ms. Joyce Charity, MLWGS Regional School Board Clerk and Administrative Assistant, passed away in July. Ms. Charity’s hard-working attitude and steadfast dedication to MLWGS during her seven years of service will be forever fondly remembered. For everyone who was close to Ms. Charity, these first four weeks of school have been quite difficult. Ms. Charity’s beaming smile, her helpful spirit, and reassuring voice no longer greet visitors to the front office.

At Fall Festival today, the Richmond Boy’s Choir will perform several songs in honor of Ms. Charity and Mr. Tharp will read a tribute on the stage at 6 pm. Additionally, MLWGS community members can stop by the Key Club booth. At this table, Key Club members will be accepting donations for the Richmond Boy’s Choir, an organization that Ms. Charity loved dearly.

MLWGS faculty members have also made a special donation to the Carter Brightwell Memorial Fund, an organization that tries to prevent child abuse. This donation is especially fitting, since Ms. Charity was a godmother to Carter Brightwell, a Richmond toddler who died last year after repeated incidents of abuse.

So today, as you enjoy the food, friendship, and fun, please remember to keep Ms. Charity and her family in her prayers.

83% Of the Freshman Class Turn Out to Elect Officers

Fifteen candidates ran for freshmen offices this year by hanging posters, making speeches, and giving out sweets.

About 83% of the freshmen class voted in the election, and Abbey O'Farrell and Catherine Miller won the office of co-presidents.

Eileen Wang won the office of secretary, Margaret Beirne won the office of treasurer, and Charles Fricke won the office of Historian.

After being asked if she was satisfied with the election results, Ms. Kerri Sheppard, Freshman Class Advisor, responded favorably.

"Very. I believe that the students have chosen a strong set of officers and we will get a lot done this year," said Ms. Sheppard.

MLWGS Seniors Recieve College Financing Help From "GRASP" Advisors

Some MLWGS seniors may experience confusion when thinking about college financing later this school year. Here to help is Ms. Paula Powell, representative from the Greater Richmond Area Scholarship Program (GRASP).

Ms. Powell is available for one-on-one meetings with students and parents alike to help them get on track financially.

"She helps people understand that college is for everyone, even if it does require loans," said Ms. Rachel Loving, senior counselor, describing what Ms. Powell does for students at the school.

GRASP does not directly provide money to students, but it does help them understand some of the more confusing aspects of college financing.

The school pays $1000 a year to have Ms. Powell and this is the second year that MLWGS has had representation from GRASP.

MLWGS Young Dems Campaign for Obama on Mondays

MLWGS’ Young Democrats have begun "Maggie Walker Mondays," a new program in which members of the club volunteer at the Obama Campaign’s Richmond headquarters on Marshall Street every Monday afternoon.

"We started going this summer," said co-President Courtney Stewart ('09), but the official launch date was the first Monday of the school year, September 8th.

Their work includes making phone calls, during which they poll people and ask if those polled are registered to vote.

It also includes canvassing the Richmond neighborhood, and "going around the VCU campus" to register students. The club is sponsored by Ms. McKay.

MLWGS Budget Remains the Same Amidst Economic Crisis Worries

The MLWGS budget is not expected to undergo any major changes as a result of the current economic crisis, said Mr. Phil Tharp, Assistant Director of Administration.

It is also unlikely that the districts will be cutting funds. "The school divisions have been very supportive of [MLWGS] in the past," said Mr. Tharp.

While utility rates have gone up significantly this past year, the budget has also experienced an increase, and a pre-existing contingency should take care of any extra costs.

Rising prices of gasoline and natural gas are not projected to have any negative effects on finances, either.

A finance committee meeting has been planned for Monday, October . The meeting will bring together representatives from all four of MLWGS larges supporting districts. No budget cuts are anticipated.

MLWGS Drama to Present "Much Ado About Nothing"

This year's production of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" is off to a fast start.

Students were able to audition on September 22 and 23.

"We had many students turn out last week," said Emma England ('09), student assistant director for the play," and we were able to fill all of the parts."

This year's play has 23 main parts, with 8 people performing musical ensembles as well. "We're planning on having a band of 20 to 30 costumed performers to accompany the play," England said.

When questioned about possible teacher roles in the play, England said that "Mr. Von Klein [MLWGS Band Director] may be playing with the band on stage, but there are no teachers on the casting list."