Photos of the Month - February 2017

Ainsley Cook and her father Casey make silly faces at each other during the annual Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. "Under the Sea" was the theme of the annual dance. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Brian Lees of Southeast is up to bat during a Southeast Missouri baseball game against Western Illinois Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Capaha field in Cape Girardeau. Semo won 22-2. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Emergency personnel and other residents respond to a scene after a tornado hit the ground Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 just northwest of Perryville. About 21 tornadoes hit the ground in the Midwest and surrounding area through the day and night. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

A Southeast Missouri baseball game against Western Illinois Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Capaha field in Cape Girardeau. Semo won 22-2. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

A child looks back after a tornado hit the ground Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 just northwest of Perryville. About 21 tornadoes hit the ground in the Midwest and surrounding area through the day and night. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Clouds form as the sun sets over Perryville Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. About 21 tornadoes hit the ground in the Midwest and surrounding area through the day and night. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

McKenna Stanley competes in the balance beam during a Southeast gymnastics meet against Centenary College Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 at Southeast Missouri State University's Houck Field house in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Brandon Ivory II, 13, runs up for a layup at Missouri Park Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 in Cape Girardeau. Ivory said he was playing basketball with his shirt over his head after watching someone at the Shawnee Park Center make a three-point shot with a shirt over their head earlier in the week. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Evan Mangels, 6, react to bubbles in his face during the Garden Bros Circus Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Merideth Pobst talks during the Red and Black Affair Gala to benefit Jackson Public Schools foundation at the Jackson Civic Center Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 in Jackson. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

McKinzie Jones competes in the uneven bars during a Southeast gymnastics meet against Centenary College Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 at Southeast Missouri State University's Houck Field house in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Plungers run into Lake Boutin at the Polar Plunge benefit for Special Olympics Missouri on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 at Trail of Tears State Park. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Kasey Chandler, 9, holds an umbrella before a Southeast Missouri baseball game against Western Illinois Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Capaha field in Cape Girardeau. Semo won 22-2. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Leigh Fredrickson from just North of Puxico, waves his hand as he talks with District Director, Darren Lingle, about concerns he has for Senator Roy Blunt in U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt's office Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

People watch the roof of a home from a tornado that hit the ground Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 just northwest of Perryville. About 21 tornadoes hit the ground in the Midwest and surrounding area through the day and night. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jaylen Benton of Southeast Missouri shoots the ball guarded by Kenny Jones of Austin Peay during a game against Austin Peay Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Austin Peay won 88-79. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Aaron Konkol with Natty Nation performs during the 2nd annual Cape Bob Marley Celebration Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at the Dockside Upper Deck in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Cape Girardeau central students hold up newspapers during a game between Cape Central and Notre Dame Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 at Cape Girardeau Central High School. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

"What does it mean that this is our current reality. And how do we hold people in power accountable when things that harm the most marginalized people among us?" Zerina Maxwell said while she gives her presentation titled, "The normalization of Hate" during the 21st Michael Davis Lecture Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 in Glenn Auditorium on the Campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Cheryl Constien poses for a photo at the Indie House Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

2017 State swimming qualifier - Molly Phegley - Cape Central High School (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Hundreds of people and their pets parade down Broadway for the Mardi Paws Parade of Pets Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 in Cape Girardeau. (Andrew J. Whitaker ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ron Shumate receives congratulations from his former players as he steps up to receive a Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2016 award Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at the Show Me Center. (Fred Lynch)

Ron Shumate speaks after receiving a Class of 2016 award in the Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Hall of Fame Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at the Show Me Center. (Fred Lynch)

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson observes area gymnastics students during a clinic Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at Southeast Missouri State University. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau Central's Phoebe Law swims in a heat of the 100-yard freestyle event Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at the Show Me Conference championship meet at Central Municipal Pool. Law placed first in the event. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau Central coach Drew Church directs his team as players on the bench cheer a score against Sikeston during the third quarter Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 in Sikeston, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau Central coach Drew Church sends Zyshon Mallory into the game against Sikeston, as Blake Harris returns to the bench after fouling out, during the fourth quarter Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 in Sikeston, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Emmett Kennon, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran of Jackson, walks through a hall of flags held by students of Prodigy Leadership Academy at a Valentines for Veterans program Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017 at the school. More photos are in a gallery at semissourian.com. (Fred Lynch)

Oran's Cole Priggel, center, embraces Layne Johnson as Jacob Shoemaker, right, joins the celebration in the final seconds of their Class 2 District 2 championship win over Scott City Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 in Perryville, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Oran's Cole Priggel pulls down a rebound against Scott City's Braden Cox during the first quarter of the Class 2 District 2 championship Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 in Perryville, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau Central's Jawone Newell drives to the basket against Notre Dame's Dawson Dohogne during the fourth quarter of a Class 4 District 1 semifinal Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Mousa Alshafi and his son, Ali, enjoy the playground Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 as temperatures reached above 60 degrees at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Notre Dame fans have fun at the Class 4 District 1 semifinal Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

Southeast Missouri State University sophomore guard Jonathan Dalton high fives fans as he runs down to the court during warmups at a conference game against Morehead State on February 4, 2017, at the Show Me Center.  (Ben Matthews)

Southeast Missouri State University senior forward Trey Kellum drives through Morehead State defenders during a conference game on February 4, 2017, at the Show Me Center. (Ben Matthews)

Angela Wilcoxson and Caylin Brown view a piece in the 39th Annual High School Art Exhibition which opened on February 12, 2017 at the Southeast Missouri State River Campus in Cape Girardeau. (Ben Matthews)

Rend Collective performs at the Rock & Worship Roadshow on February 24, 2017 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.  (Ben Matthews)

Jordan Feliz performs at the Rock & Worship Roadshow on February 24, 2017 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. (Ben Matthews)

Connie Mayfield, 106, poses for a portrait at Woodland Hills StoneBridge Senior Living Community in Marble Hill, Missouri on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Belva Banta, 99, holds her hands together as she poses for a portrait at Woodland Hills StoneBridge Senior Living Community in Marble Hill, Missouri on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Banta will celebrate her 100th birthday on February 5. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Connie Mayfield, 106, left, and her sister Belva Banta, 99, pose for a portrait at Woodland Hills StoneBridge Senior Living Community in Marble Hill, Missouri on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Banta will celebrate her 100th birthday on February 5. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Phil Ernst and Nathan Hill learn how to calculate a torque wrench on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at Ranken Technical College in Perryville. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Levee Sanders, 2, sits atop his father, Blake's, shoulders, as they stand with Southeast Missouri State University students during a human rights protest on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, outside Kent Library in Cape Girardeau. Around 60 students participated in the protest. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Around 60 Southeast Missouri State University students gather together during a human rights protest on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, outside Kent Library in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jose Alpizar chants during a human rights protest on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, outside Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library in Cape Girardeau. Around 60 students participated in the protest. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Doug E. Rees hangs outside "The Shack", a rural outbuilding where he finds inspiration, on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, just outside of Jackson. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ralph Hayes poses for a portrait on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Light from Steven Fry's welding of a tube column illuminates Vernon Jordan on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. The Fry and Jordan were working on the new Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School facilities, which include a new gym and administrative offices. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Dense fog looms over the park near Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

A student reads a book before nap time on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Joseph Wade, left, Thomas Vonneedo, center, and Victoria McClanahan lineup in the doorway of their classroom before heading to lunch on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The class is part of the East Missouri Action Agency's Head Start program in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jada Bland plays dress up during class playtime on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The class is part of the East Missouri Action Agency's Head Start program in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Students in Teresa Black's are glued to the window to watch the city waste collector as he picks up cardboard boxes on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The class is part of the East Missouri Action Agency's Head Start program in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Students in the East Missouri Action Agency's Head Start program prepare for nap time after lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Je'Caryous Johnson looks over his shoulder in his classroom on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The class is part of the East Missouri Action Agency's Head Start program in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Chris Heisserer with Kiefner Brothers Inc., surveys the site of the new Cape Girardeau Police Department station to set the center lines for the steel erection on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Whitney Woods creates fresh mix arrangements in preparation for Valentine's Day on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at Dalton Florist in Jackson. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Students give Judith Farris a group hug during their rehearsal for "Big River" at the River Campus. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Brodrick Twiggs poses for a photo in character on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. Twiggs plays Jim in the upcoming production of "Big River" at the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ron Naversen puts finishing touches on part of the set for "Big River" on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Kat Kreutz works on the tar and feather costume for "Big River" on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. The costume is a portfolio piece for Kreutz. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Saxony Lutheran High School FFA students take to the road on their tractors during drive your tractor to school day on Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, 2017. Students began their journey to school from Davis Farm Supply on Highway 61 in Jackson as part of FFA Week. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Mark Twain, portrayed by Lester Goodin, mulls about the stage during The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance's production of "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. The show runs through Sunday. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, paints a patriotic tableau on 32-ton rock under a temporary shelter on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at Cape Girardeau County Park North. The rock is part of Veterans Plaza. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, paints a patriotic tableau on 32-ton rock under a temporary shelter on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at Cape Girardeau County Park North. The rock is part of Veterans Plaza. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University president, Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, cheers after a three-pointer during the first half of the Redhawks game against Murray State on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Southeast won 82-69. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

John McGowan jumps into Rowdy the Redhawk's arms after sinking a half court shot at halftime to win a motorcycle from Lawless Harley Davidson on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast's Milos Vranes reacts after a play in the second half against Murray State on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Southeast won 82-69. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast's Daniel Simmons signals a three-pointer against Murray State during the second half on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Southeast won 82-69. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast fans cheer on the Redhawks as they take on Murray State on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Roger Guyot washes dishes after the food for Meals with Friends is cooked on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Chamika Moore, left, Natalie Giles, center, and Yienri Johnson look at photographs on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Robert D. Grant giggles while visiting with Yienri Johnson on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Daniel Pocheco watches his friend attempt a basket on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Abigail Coonts flies her kite on the playground on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at Franklin Elementary in Cape Girardeau. Lyndora Hughes second grade class spent a portion of the afternoon flying their kites as part of their story celebration after reading "Gloria Who Might Be My Best Friend". (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Morella Chanucoa waits for Devon Hines to get his kite airborne on the playground on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at Franklin Elementary in Cape Girardeau. Lyndora Hughes second grade class spent a portion of the afternoon flying their kites as part of their story celebration for reading "Gloria Who Might Be My Best Friend". (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ja'tez Garmon untangles his kite before putting it in his locker on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at Franklin Elementary in Cape Girardeau. Lyndora Hughes second grade class spent a portion of the afternoon flying their kites as part of their story celebration for reading "Gloria Who Might Be My Best Friend". (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jerimy Ferguson holds his daughter Kenley as they slow dance during the annual Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. "Under the Sea" was the theme of the annual dance. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Elizabeth Rose Ryan giggles as her father Blake Ryan tickles her during the annual Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. "Under the Sea" was the theme of the annual dance. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Vivid Marcum looks for Princess Ariel during the annual Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. "Under the Sea" was the theme of the annual dance. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Judith Farris poses for a photo inside the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Judith Farris poses for a photo inside the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Clay Chandler, left, Chris Osborne, center, and Robert Beltran pose for a photo on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at Capaha Field. (Laura Simon ~ Southeast Missourian)