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The Student News Site of Hickman High School

Purple and Gold News

The Student News Site of Hickman High School

Purple and Gold News

82°
The Student News Site of Hickman High School

Purple and Gold News

James Barker

James Barker, Reporter

James Barker (10) is an avid runner within the world of Hickman track and field. For James, track is more than just a sport, it’s a group that is shaping not only his high school experience, but also the way he approaches everyday life. 

 

“The team aspect is something I definitely take into my daily life,” Barker said. “We do things like pasta parties, hang out nights before meets, it’s a very strong community.”

 

That community has given him a place to grow, both as an athlete and as a teammate. The time spent running alongside others has taught him lessons in perseverance, encouragement, and balance that he carries outside of practice.

 

Within his academic life, James has interests based in communication and leadership. While some of his classmates may only know him from the track, his background includes public speaking and debate. 

 

“I did speech and debate in eighth grade,” Barker said. “We learned interviewing skills that I hope to use here.” 

 

Those skills, along with his natural curiosity, are what he hopes to bring to his first time on newspaper staff. 

 

Beyond speaking, James also finds himself drawn to subjects that challenge him to think critically. 

“I enjoy math [classes] most of the time,” Barker said.

 

Balancing athletics, academics, and now journalism, James is focused on growth in every area of his life. His goal is to apply the same discipline and collaboration he values on the track to his work in the newsroom.

 

All content by James Barker

Putting yourself first

James Barker, Reporter March 2, 2026

Valentine's Day is a day that is often celebrated by exchanging gifts between friends and loved ones but it is still very different for each person and Hickman students have varying opinions on its importance...

Senior Clarity Milarsky interviewing Slater in the auditorium. Students from all different grades sit below and listen to their conversation.

Author visit shows commitment

James Barker, Reporter December 18, 2025

After a year of planning, Hickman was finally able to bring in award winning author Dashka Slater. A couple weeks ago Hickman students were given the opportunity to meet Dashka Slater and her work in an...

The softball team poses for a photo (courtesy of Hickman softball)

Kewpies catch a great season

James Barker, Reporter December 4, 2025

There are a variety of many different sports teams at Hickman, including football, soccer, volleyball and many more who have all been working hard this past fall season. One in particular, the softball...

A rendering of the Columbia Area Career Center made in the planning phases of construction (courtesty of Columbia Public Schools)

Classroom curriculum meets real world success

James Barker, Reporter September 25, 2025

As students returned to school in August, the Columbia Career Center recently opened its doors to its brand new addition for high school students in the Columbia area. The Career Center is a huge investment...

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