Rodeo champ Don Gay speaks to MISD staff, students
By Sam Waller
Eight-time PRCA world champion bullrider Don Gay spoke to students and faculty at Moran ISD on Monday, Oct. 17.
“We had a special meeting with the teachers for about three hours,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said. “Don spoke about winning, relating winning in rodeo to winning on the STAAR tests.”
Gay also spoke to an assembly of sixth through 12th grades.
“He talked about finishing school and staying off drugs,” Denson said. “He also talked about athletics and competing. Then we gathered the football team and coaches, and he gave them a little motivation and teamwork speech.”
Denson has known Gay for more than 30 years, forming a relationship during his own rodeo career.
“It was different from your normal workshop,” Denson said. “It was something fresh.”
Red Ribbon Week
Moran will participate in the 2022 Red Ribbon Campaign Monday-Thursday, Oct. 24-27, educating students and the general public about drug and alcohol abuse.
Moran principal Jo Hise said themed dress-up days are planned for the entire week. Monday will be PJ Day with students encouraged to “sleep on drugs” and wear pajamas to school. Tuesday will be Disney Day with students dressing as their favorite Disney character. Wednesday will be Superhero Day with students dressing as their favorite superhero because “heroes don’t do drugs, so neither should you.” Thursday will be Scare Off Drugs Day with students wearing school-appropriate costumes.
School Pictures
School photos of Moran students will be taken on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
New Endeavor
Moran’s ag program received another upgrade last week with the installation of a dog-washing station in the ag building.
The project is part of the school’s Vet Tech class and will also serve as an FFA fundraiser.
John Denson said the station was purchased by the school district. Students will pay the district back with money raised from washing dogs for the community. After the equipment is paid off, money will go to support Moran FFA.
Moran FFA adviser Minnie Denson, who teaches the Vet Tech class, has experience with the job.
“I did dog washing in high school for a lady who showed Bouviers,” she said. “I can guide the students through that process.”
Minnie Denson said some basic services will be offered.
“Right now, we’ll just do washing and drying, maybe some nail trimming and ear cleaning,” she said.
Donation
Moran ISD received a donation last week of tools including two band saws, a joiner, and a planer.
“Cecil Kennedy owns some land south of town, and he wanted these kids to have this equipment,” John Denson said. “He gave us several large pieces.”
Lunch And Books
Moran took part in a school healthy lunch program last week and a scholastic book fair this week.
Hise said parents were invited to eat lunch with their children on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The week included auto racing-themed dressup days.
The book fair was Oct. 17-20 with a family night on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Pumpkin Contest
Moran is holding a pumpkin-decorating contest in which contestants dress up pumpkins as their favorite book character.
“The contest is open to everybody in the school,” Hise said. “We’re going judge the pumpkins at Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, in the school parking lot.”
