Southwest Emblem Blog

What Marching Band Can Teach Your Children The marching band has been a part of every student's life, whether participating in it, attending a game or competition. These student practice long hours, perform in all kinds of weather and haul heavy equipment. As a former band member and parent of a child in band, I know the importance of band in school and what it has taught me, even to this day. It was the most fun I had during school; it taught us all good habits. While most join the band for credit, later they learn dedication, commitment, and work towards a goal. The Virtual Music Office came up with a few points on how the marching band molds and challenges students. Why It’s Important Some might say that marching band isn’t sport. But these students practice in extreme weather for almost 8 hours a day or more. The temperatures in August/September can reach the high 90’s in some areas and freezing temperature in mid-October. In all, these intense practices, rehearsal...

Multi Color Pens If you grew up in the 90’s, surely you’ve owned a multi color pen. And if you went to my school, you were not cool if you didn’t have one. We all have fond memories of using these pens and other classic school supplies. Even that one memory of when you lent it out to that one guy who tried to push them all down at once, jamming it. They make a great stocking stuffer and still to this day serve a purpose for students and adults. They are perfect to keep track of tasks in the office just like colored Post-Its, or highlighters. In jr. high, I used the blue ink to mark my calendar for home games, red for away games, green for homework, and black for projects that were due. As a kid, the quality of the pen didn’t much matter, but as an adult, the ballpoint pen actually writes fairly smooth. It’s nice to see that this little beauty is still around with the same popularity as before. The new and improved classic can be seen in classrooms with students t urning and clicki...

Awareness Ribbons Disabled World - Awareness ribbons are small pieces of colored ribbon folded in a loop. They are used in United States, Canada, Australia, UK and other parts of the world to show support for a cause or issue. These ribbons come in a variety of colors, patterns, and can be two toned as well, depending on the cause. Today, awareness ribbons are now considered as a universal symbol for social or disease awareness, and a formidable path to cures. There is an unknown number of ribbon colors, with new colors being created and with new awareness campaigns. It’s estimated that there are over 80 different ribbon colors and designs, but that number can still grow. These ribbons are designed to create a public notice to health, medical conditions, disabilities, and other issues. Two of the well-known are the red ribbon in support of AIDS and the pink ribbon which represents breast cancer awareness. With so many foundations and organizations wanting to bring awareness to t...

Why Children Should Learn to Embroider Most would think embroidery is a skill only for girls and women to practice. At a time, males were the only gender selected to become apprentices supervised by male masters of the trade. Now it is equally practiced and embraced. Learning to embroider can help with coordination, academic, emotional and artistic skills. Rural Mom has come up with a few reasons all children should learn this craft and the benefits from it. Skills That Stick With You When children learn to embroider and finish a project, there is a gain of achievement. That feeling sticks with them throughout their life and can play a part in bigger projects in school or career. We live in a society that looks for and demands instant gratification. When a child doesn’t develop patience and discipline, it can hurt them in the long run. Children learn respect for the time and labor that went into projects by learning these skills that embroidery teaches. Plus, after a child l...

Unique Hobby Collection Hub City Spokes - Sheriff Danny Rigel in Lamar County has started a unique hobby. He went from collecting baseball cards to collecting challenge coins. Challenge coins are small coins or medallions with an organization’s insignia, emblem, or motto. They are carried by a member of the organization (fire department, military branch, police...) and given to prove membership and enhance morale. It goes way back to the 1600’s, but for Sheriff Rigel, Hurricane Katrina started his interest. When people came from Virginia and North Carolina to help with Katrina, they brought challenge coins with them. It got Sheriff Rigel interested in sending a few to sheriffs and police chiefs as a thank you. He has also collected coins from Hattiesburg and Petal police departments and state government agencies. Rigel says, “You get a real connection to the people who give them to you. Some of the coins are really elaborate. You don’t just give them away, so if you get one from s...

Five Hardest Merit Badges In the Boy Scouts of America, young boys develop character and self-reliance while training to become responsible citizens and leaders. They participate in outdoor activities, educational programs, and later, career-oriented programs through community service. Merit badges are a way for these boys to advance to Eagle Scout. National Geographic listed five of the hardest merit badges earned and what it takes to earn them. Do you think you can earn one? Do You Have What it Takes PERSONAL FITNESS- To earn the Personal Fitness merit badge, a Boy Scout will face three months of fitness challenges. He must prove his dedication to improving his energy, strength, self-confidence and overall abilities. A few examinations will be given, he will take an aerobic fitness and flexibility test and record his performance, follow and log a 12-week physical fitness program. The test will be done at the end of the program to show an improvement in each area. ENVIRONM...