Inside The Blue And White
By Chloe Clement
I have to say this week was a little bit insane for me as a student at Water Valley High School. Juniors visited Northwest on February 28 and took the ACT on March 1st. Then I went to Jackson for a Youth Leadership Workshop that lasted Wednesday through Friday. So, I feel like I was barely at school this week, however many Blue Devil events still went on!
Before I dive into all things WVHS, I wanted to share about the Youth Leadership Program. High school juniors from all over Mississippi were selected by their school to participate in the workshop held in Jackson. Peyton Ferguson and I were selected by our counselor, Mr. Barnes, and then were interviewed and chosen by Tallahatchie Valley Electric Cooperative to represent TVEPA in Jackson.
The three-day program focused on growing leadership skills and enhancing the talents of individuals to prepare for leadership roles.
Peyton and I, along with other juniors, were able to hear from many wonderful government officials including Secretary of State Michael Watson and Governor Tate Reeves. We also engaged in group discussions and activities to better our communities and ultimately the state of Mississippi.
Peyton Feguson and Chloe Clement are pictured on the steps of the Capitol building. They were among juniors from across the state selected to participate in the Youth Leadership Workshop held March 2 – 4 in Jackson.
All students from this program will also take part in the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour in June. This trip will be a continuation of the workshop in Jackson and allow students to experience our country’s capital.
Personally, this was an amazing experience where not only did we get to learn about our government and who we are as leaders, but also we were able to make connections and friendships with other students our age across the state. I am so grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait until Washington!
The Blue Devil baseball and softball teams had busy weeks as well! Baseball played against West Union and Myrtle on March 5, taking home a victory.
The team is continuously working to improve and encourages all fans to come out to their next home game on March 18th against Kossuth. The junior varsity plays at 5 p.m. and varsity plays at 7.
Softball played three games this week ending in unwanted results, however the girls are working harder every practice and continuing to fix mistakes. Softball will take on Oxford at home on March 10 – with junior high at 4 p.m., junior varsity at 5 and varsity at 6:30.
Golf season is here and the golf team is ready to play! The guys and girls traveled to Pontotoc on March 3 to play a nine hole match. Both the guys and girls teams won first place contributing to a great way to open the start of the season.
The girls’ first tournament will be on March 10 at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison. Next both the boys and girls will play on March 23 at Dogwoods Golf Course in Grenada. Senior player Sydney Epes, who has been a vital part of the golf team for six years states, “I am excited for my senior season with my teammates! I love the girls along with the entire team. They are like a second family to me and I am so blessed to have them by my side. We are all so close that it really does feel like one big happy family! I believe that this season will be successful for the team as a whole and I can’t wait to see how it plays out!”
The boys’ powerlifting team competed at North Half on March 4 at Kossuth. The team placed second overall allowing all lifters to advance to the state competition. First place winners include Shaun Campbell and Calvin Alford. Second place winners were Brayden Buford and Antonio McIntyre. Third place winners were Allen Paysinger and Marqualyn White. The guys are excited to continue working hard in order to give it their all at state.
The boys powerlifting team were runner-ups at the North Half competition on March 4 at Kossuth. The squad includes (back row, from left) Coach Avery Norris, Jack Woodard, Walker Tedford, Marqualyn White, Ezaryion Riley, Nathaniel Sprouse, Quinton Cox, Chris Harris, Antonio McIntyre; Front Row: Miles Buford, Allen Paysinger, Calvin Alford, Shaun Campbell, Grayson Moore, Brayden Buford and Coach Vaughn Daniels.
Another week down at WVHS and spring break is on its way! It is honestly so insane to think that there is only one nine-weeks left in the school year. I guess all of these events and sports are keeping WVHS so busy that it really is flying by!
