First Day of School Brings New, Unique Challenges

by Lily Kate Hubbs

The first day of school often brings nervousness and excitement among teachers and students as they wonder what the new school year will bring them.  However, this school year brings a unique dynamic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  While the students at Barbourville Independent started the school year virtually on September 9th, students were able to return to campus on a hybrid system on September 28th.  The Blue Team started on that Monday followed by the White Team on that Tuesday.  Even though things looked different for the students and staff, they definitely couldn’t “mask” their excitement to be back in school! 

Students Paint Ceiling Tiles in Arts & Humanities Class

by Chante Brown

Brandon Hillard’s Art and Humanities already conquered dance. It was only natural to conquer visual art next. Mr. Hillard asked his students what the year of 2020 meant to them, and with their newfound knowledge of expressionism, they painted their hearts out on the ceiling of his classroom.

Kylie Lambert

Sydney Jones

Hope Warfield

Jordan Collins

Chante Brown

Clarese Roberts

Madyson Lawson

Dustin ‘ Barney’ Liford

Lynsey Lozano and Logan Viars

Barbourville Soccer Recap

by Logan Bingham

During the 2020 Soccer season the boys finished with a record of 0-1-8. This was the best season so far for the team. The program is still being built after only its 3rd year. In one of their best efforts of the season, they came up short in the 13th region All “A” Classic in a shootout against Middlesboro.

Co-Captains on the team were seniors Michael Smith and Logan Bingham and junior Cayden Wagner. Scoring leaders were: Michael Smith (9, Stephen Smith (4), and Logan Bingham (1). Sam Buchanan finished 19th in the state among goalies for total saves with 154 total, averaging 17.1 per game.

Thank You -- From a BHS 2020 Senior

by Cailin McDonald

There is no doubt that this has been a difficult time for seniors across the country. We are missing some of the biggest moments of our high school career, not to mention all of the little moments that were left to have in high school. However, there is also no doubt that this unprecedented time has brought about incredible difficulties and confusion for EVERYONE. I knew that even amidst this crisis that we would continue to receive support throughout the rest of our senior year. (BIS teachers are the best!) However, I could never have dreamed of or asked for the amount of love and support that has been shown to the class of 2020 since the last day of school.

I think I can speak on behalf of the entire BHS class of 2020 when I say thank you. Thank you to the parents, friends and families who have always been and especially now are our biggest supporters. Thank you to all the school staff and class sponsors working so hard to make sure that our accomplishments are still celebrated this year. Thank you to the family, friends, businesses, and complete strangers for sending notes, gifts, or just general love and encouragement our way. Personally, I am incredibly moved and eternally grateful for all that is being done for my classmates and me. There are too many insane and terrible things happening right now, and yet so many people are still making this Senior class from “The Little School” feel so loved. Thank you!

Student-Created Math Mural in Mr. Cox's Classroom

by Chante Brown

The images herein depict the progress on the Mathematics mural now present in Matthew Cox's classroom. The mural was created by Barbourvile students shortly before in-person classes ended for the year.

The concept was created by Sydney Jones and Payton Hembree and further elaborated on by Mevludin Grahic, Ally Davenport, Emily Isom, Ava Whitehead, and Chante Brown. The piece took three weeks.

This, too, shall pass...

by Isaac Gray

During these dark and troubling times, many of us may feel disconnected or that perhaps the world has gone down, and this is it. Well, we at Bville Buzz are here to tell you, it's not over. The nation may have come to a standstill for this virus, but it is temporary. For it is in the interest of our safety we separate ourselves and keep ourselves safe from those who are ill, and also keep our loved ones safe from the illness. While in quarantine, you should cherish every moment and make sure you show your family you love them, as they remind you how much they love you, as fate has drawn you all back together.

Don’t feel your Lord has abandoned you, either. He has brought families together in a time of crisis and imbues those who fight the virus with the energy and inspiration to fight on in His name. It is getting better, but sadly, some who get infected do not make it. We, the young and the willing, must do our part to protect the elderly and the infants from this infection. As many of us are young and still in our prime, we can more easily and more readily fight off the virus than perhaps an 85-year old-citizen. Stay safe, keep distancing. We’ll make it through together.

Teacher Appreciation: Ms. Rachel Andrews

by Lucy Robinson



There are so many wonderful teachers and staff at our school, but I wanted to write an article 

about one that has impacted me the most this school year. Although I do feel bad only 

picking one,  Rachel Andrews has really helped me get through this year with my sanity still 

intact. 


 This year Ms. Andrews was my volleyball coach and the assistant basketball coach. I also 

got to be in her classroom every day as a student helper.


 Ms. Andrews was an amazing coach, always making things fun while still getting the work 

done. She helped our team improve so much, whether it be on the court or just as people. She 

is also one of the best teachers I have ever seen. She gets so invested with the kids, and 

even in the classroom she is able to make learning fun. Ms. Andrews was always able to tell if 

I was having a hard time, and she was always there to help. She is a great person to share a 

laugh with and a great person to learn from. 



Ms. Andrews is still working hard to make sure all of her students are continuing to learn. 

I wrote this article to express my appreciation to Ms. Andrews for all the hard work she has 

put into this year. I also want to thank every teacher and staff member who is still looking out for 

their students.