Photos of the Month: April 2019

Delta sophomore Katelyn Lunsford is seen in front of decorations during Delta High School's prom on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Delta Community Center. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Anna Kaziska poses for a portrait on the beam before gymnastics practice Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Parker Hall in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Crystal Cecil, a first lieutenant in the Missouri Army National Guard and the officer in charge of Southeast Missouri State University's Show-Me Gold program, checks for sore spots on the feet of Grant Grove near Austin Denny (behind Grove), both SEMO students and officer candidates in the Show-Me Gold program, following the group's last ruck march of the semester Wednesday, April 3, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. Cecil got her start at being a "civil servant" in the guard at a later age than many. At 34, she enlisted and turned 35, the cut-off age for joining, while in basic training. "I was the oldest one in my company," she said. Now 40, her daughter Brittany Ellis is also a member of and second lieutenant in the guard. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Crystal Cecil, a first lieutenant in the Missouri Army National Guard and the officer in charge of Southeast Missouri State University's Show-Me Gold program, poses for a portrait with her daughter Brittany Ellis (in front), a second lieutenant in the Missouri Army National Guard, on Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. Cecil got her start at being a "civil servant" in the guard at a later age than many. At 34, she enlisted and turned 35, the cut-off age for joining, while in basic training. "I was the oldest one in my company," she said. Now 40, her daughter is also a member of and second lieutenant in the guard. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Anna Ricci portrays the role of Jasmine from Disney's "Aladdin" Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Neisha Ward portrays the role of Mulan from Disney's "Mulan" at HealthPoint Fitness Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Andrea Gray portrays the role of Olaf from Disney's "Frozen" at the Southeast Missourian studio Monday, April 1, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Kaleisha Walker portrays the role of Tiana from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" at Fort D Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Kaleisha Walker holds out her dress as she portrays the role of Tiana from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" at Fort D Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ensemble members Mia Timlin (in pink) and Anna Schuchardt share a laugh while Timlin adjusts her hat backstage before the start of the opening night production of the spring musical "Hello Dolly" at Notre Dame Regional High School Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

A cast member is silhouetted before going on during opening night of the spring musical production of "Hello Dolly" at Notre Dame Regional High School Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Third grader Jaymaia Ivory pies Charity Owens in the face at Clippard Elementary School Friday, April 5, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. Students earned votes for which teacher(s) would get pied in the face when they brought in donations to raise money for their end-of-the-year play day that is free to students. Through students and other donations, the school raised $550 towards their play day activities. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Hunter Ross of Jackson grew up watching his brothers compete in sports and was their "biggest cheerleader," according to his mother, Sandy Ross. "But this is his event," she said. "When it comes to the Special Olympics, it's his event, it's his stuff. And he is just so proud to be, you know, be a part of it. And have people cheering for him." Hunter had a special honor this year at a Southeast Area Special Olympics track and field meet when he carried a Special Olympics flag alongside the torch, carried by Jennifer Rubin of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, in the opening ceremony Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Southeast Missouri State University Student Recreation Center in Cape Girardeau. Pictured: Ross flexes an arm while being recognized for placing second in the softball throw during the meet Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the SEMO Student Recreation Center in Cape Girardeau. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Kelly juniors Colton Sanders and Haley Dodd, right, wait on a bench alongside Destiny Hicks, far left, and Caylie Daniels before prom Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Kelly High School in Benton. Sanders said he chose to wear his cowboy hat as a nod to his extracurricular passion, rodeo. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Alex King kisses Karley Childers on the cheek while carrying her across the parking lot as the two left prom Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Kelly High School in Benton. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Scott City sophomore Taylor Kluesner places her arms around the neck of Scott City junior Noah Braun during Scott City's prom Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Deerfield Lodge in Cape Girardeau. "I guess like most of time like people always get mad at each other during school and stuff. But like here it doesn't really matter. Everyone kind of dances with everyone like it brings everyone together," Scott City senior Shelby Seyer said about prom. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Scott City sophomore Ethan Pratt dances during Scott City's prom Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Deerfield Lodge in Cape Girardeau. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Izahia Betancur, 16, sits while Po Nwe applies makeup to transform him into the character of Sky for Cape Central High School's spring musical production of "Mamma Mia!" Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Peighton Robinson, 17, adjusts her scarf while preparing for her character portrayal of the character Donna Sheridan during Cape Central High School's spring musical production of "Mamma Mia!" Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Amanda Scholl smiles while dancing during the Blue Light Ball Friday, April 12, 2019, at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Inc. in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Preston Forest, 13, dances with Emily Crider, also 13, during the Blue Light Ball Friday, April 12, 2019, at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Inc. in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Hoyt Shaw, 7, drops a scoop of rice into the packer while his brother Kadon Shaw, 11, watches during the Feed My Starving Children meal packing event Friday, April 12, 2019, at the Jackson Civic Center in Jackson (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Emersyn Boatwright, right, laughs as her mother, Amanda, tosses her in the air on the dance floor during the SoutheastHEALTH Princess Tea Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Sandy Loesel of Jackson hands a tissue paper flower to Ben Borgfield of Jackson, 6, after Borgfield completed the craft during Jackson In Bloom on Saturday, April 13, 2019, in uptown Jackson. "We like to encourage people to garden and to enjoy their space they live in in a community," Jackson In Bloom committee chairwoman Cassi Holcomb said. The event included plant sales, tours of Taylor Twins Memorial Garden, games, tractors and crafts. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Josh Avery (90) examines a commemorative ring marking the team's first playoff win during the Redhawks' final spring scrimmage Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Mollie Thompson, who would later be crowned Prom Queen, dances with Zach LeGrand during the Oak Ridge Prom Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Jackson Elks Lodge in Jackson. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Taylor Seyer, right, smiles as she and her boyfriend Joseph Baer dance the Cupid Shuffle during the Oak Ridge Prom Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Jackson Elks Lodge in Jackson. Seyer said she was excited to attend prom since, as a senior, it would be her last dance. "I've been with these guys since kindergarten," she said of the small Oak Ridge student body. "So they're like family to me." (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Randy Haley, with shovel, and Kristen Greer, standing, laugh while planting a flower bed with Wendy Farrow, bottom left, and Haley's wife Claudia Haley, all of Cape Girardeau, on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Cape Girardeau. "Maybe one or two years ago or something we had to do some remodeling for issues with drainage," Greer said. "We had laid some sod and then now we're just getting around to planting some flowers." (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Becky Gockel, co-owner of Sweetheart Florist of Jackson, puts together a fun succulent arrangement at her workbench Thursday, April 18, 2019, in Jackson. (Ikassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Ronald Coleman Jr. hopes the little wrestlers obtain a love for the sport. The young athletes include his 3-year-old son Ronald "Tripp" Coleman III, one of a few dozen who took part in this year's Cape Girardeau Little League Wrestling program. "Because if you love the sport, then it's so much you can gain from it," Coleman, Cape Central High School wrestling team assistant coach and a little league coach, said. "But you start them while they're young, because right now he's just having fun, but he doesn't know that he's learning yet. You know so to him it's fun, but to me all it is is teachable moments." Pictured: Lincoln Gerhardt of Jackson, 4, puts up his hands while preparing to take on an opponent during a match Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Cape Central High School. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Corbin Matysik wrestles Arjay Jennings, on top, both 9 and of Cape Girardeau, during a match of Cape Girardeau Little League Wrestling on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Cape Central High School. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Wyatt Standridge, center, stretches and warms up with teammates before the start of a practice at Thomas W. Kelly High School Friday, April 19, 2019, in Benton. Standridge, though unable to run and hurdle with the team like years past due to an injury, has taken on a coaching role working closely with his teammates who now hurdle. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Wyatt Standridge, right, watches as he works with his teammate Christian Williams, a junior, as he practices his 300 meter hurdles during practice at Thomas W. Kelly High School Friday, April 19, 2019, in Benton. Standridge, though unable to run and hurdle with the team like years past due to an injury, has taken on a coaching role working closely with his teammates who now hurdle. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Daniel Massarweh, 12, center, discusses how the celebration will go with Madison Walker, 13, right, as Dalton Criddle, 16, left, lights a charcoal for incense before an Easter Vigil Saturday, April 20, 2019, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau . (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Alli James, center, watches as Terry James, right, helps her spread the flame from the Easter Candle during an Easter Vigil Saturday, April 20, 2019, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau . (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Mac Davenport of Jackson raises a hand while singing during an Easter sunrise service, hosted by Cape Bible Chapel and City Church, on Sunday, April 21, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau. "It's such a special time to just rejoice in the resurrection of Christ and to be out in beautiful creation," Jan Anderson of Cape Girardeau said about the sunrise service. "It's just a great way to start the day." The sunrise service, hosted by Cape Bible Chapel and City Church, was a way to try to experience what it would have been for the Jesus' early followers to realize he had risen from the dead, according to City Church pastor Matt McDonald. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Dempsey Hankins sorts through the wardrobe rack as she gets in character of Desdemona backstage before a dress rehearsal of "Othello" at the Southeast River Campus Monday, April 22, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Gabe White pokes his head through the wardrobe rack in the middle of the dressing room backstage before a dress rehearsal of "Othello" at the Southeast River Campus Monday, April 22, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Abbie Cook of Cape Girardeau, 4, heads to first while her grandmother, Easy Stilson of Cape Girardeau, handles the ball as they work on tee-ball skills with Abbie's twin Allie Cook, in background, and their grandfather Steve Stilson of Cape Girardeau, not pictured, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. Easy said the twins will have their first tee-ball league practice Wednesday. "Considering this is about the third or fourth time we've had them out, I think they're doing great," Easy said about the twins' tee-ball abilities. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Allie Cook of Cape Girardeau, 4, attempts to catch the ball while working on her tee-ball skills with her twin sister, Abbie Cook, and grandparents, Steve and Easy Stilson of Cape Girardeau, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. Easy said the twins will have their first tee-ball league practice Wednesday. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Woodland sophomore Emma Brown makes her way around the track during the 4x400 meter relay during the Johnny Merrick Invitational on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Kelly High School. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jay Spurgeon sews a handmade sash for his son Jack's "Sheriff of Rottingham" costume at their home Tuesday, April 23, 2019, in New Hamburg. The Spurgeons have been attending Comic Con since 2008, where they quickly became known as "The Incredibles family" for their recognizable costumes that has stuck with them for years. This year, the family and their friends are going as "Robin Hood: Men in Tights." (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks offensive lineman Drew Forbes stands in the SEMO locker room for a portrait at the Rosengarten Athletic Complex Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. A projected fourth- or fifth-round pick, Forbes is slated to become the second SEMO football player drafted to the NFL in the last two years. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks offensive lineman Drew Forbes sits in the team meeting room for a portrait at the Rosengarten Athletic Complex Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Cape Girardeau. A projected fourth- or fifth-round pick, Forbes is slated to become the second SEMO football player drafted to the NFL in the last two years. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Third graders from Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville pet a 13-month-old holstein cow during the 24th annual Farm Day sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Cattlemen's Association at Flickerwood Arena Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Jackson. Over 800 students attended Farm Day and learned about a variety of farm-related topics from forestry to soil conservation, as well as farm animals and honey bees. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Faith Endicott, 12, of Perryville, looks at young Berkshire pigs as they rest during the 24th annual Farm Day sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Cattlemen's Association at Flickerwood Arena Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Jackson. Over 800 students attended Farm Day and learned about a variety of farm-related topics from forestry to soil conservation, as well as farm animals and honey bees. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jackson's Blaise Winder (23) slides safely into home plate in the SEMO Conference quarterfinal between the Jackson Indians and the Dexter Bearcats at Jackson Indian Stadium Friday, April 26, 2019, in Jackson. Jackson shutout Dexter 10-0. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)

Cape Central's Luke Laramore (4) attempts to grab the ball as Jackson's Kalin Ellis (1) goes to second during Jackson's 15-0 win over Cape Central in the SEMO Conference semifinals Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Jared Neikirk takes a breather near the dance floor during Cape Central High School Prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Ray's Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

The dance floor is seen during Cape Central High School Prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Ray's Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Gavin Jones dances during Cape Central High School Prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Ray's Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Prom guests dance during Leopold High School's "Masquerade at Midnight" prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Leopold. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Prom guests sing along with Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" during Leopold High School's "Masquerade at Midnight" prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Leopold. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Leopold senior Grace Seabaugh, center, dances with Meadow Heights junior Jacob Elfrink during Leopold High School's "Masquerade at Midnight" prom Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Leopold. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Oran's Kaylee Payne poses for a portrait Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Old Jackson Gym in Jackson. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Oak Ridge's David Layton poses for a portrait Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Old Jackson Gym in Jackson. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

All-Missourian athlete, Scott County Central's Trinity Thomas, poses for a portrait Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Old Jackson Gym in Jackson. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Notre Dame catcher Gabe Hurley (12) applies BIC Wite-Out to his fingers during the Notre Dame Bulldogs' 4-1 win over the Jackson Indians in the SEMO Conference championship Monday, April 29, 2019, at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Notre Dame's Kameron Dohogne (3), holding trophy, and other Bulldogs celebrate the team's 4-1 win over the Jackson Indians in the SEMO Conference Tournament championship Monday, April 29, 2019, at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. (Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian)

Cape Central's Kinyon Hodges poses for a portrait Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Cape Central High School gym in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Annabelle Cheney, 5, balances along the border of the playground at City Park while her grandpa, Brad Gill, back left, and uncle, Jacob Gill, back right, use their metal detectors Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in Jackson. Brad Gill said for the last seven years he takes his metal detector out a few times a year for four or five hours at a time. He said most of what is found are coins, but occasionally jewelry. (Kassi Jackson ~ Southeast Missourian)