Inside The Blue And White
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Another exciting week for the paper! Last week was overflowing with activities making for one of the most chaotic times of the year with friendly fun and many activities.
There it was, Monday morning, the beginning of the week, a day many dread, but the atmosphere was different as many students were hyped, preparing for the Lady Devils varsity softball game and senior recognition scheduled that night!
The softball field was packed with students, fans, players, coaches, and softball fanatics – an environment was like no other! The softball team recognized all senior players in between games as they were playing a double-header. The crowd was loud, players were chanting, and the coaches were intensely coaching. The Lady Devils held big leads each inning and executed game-winning plays to end the first game with a victorious score of 14-1 against the MS Palmer Dragons!
Water Valley High School cheerleaders returned to Davidson Elementary School for a peppy interaction to encourage the third grade students before taking their state test. The cheerleaders are (left side, from front) Addy Douglas, Belle Belcher, Alexia Horton, Summer Webb and Payton Darby; and (right side, from front) Angelina Whitten, Mya Harden, Jenna Trusty, Evey Brooks, and Ashlyn Darby.
Despite falling behind in the second game against the Ingomar Falcons, the Lady Devils showed unmatched levels of sportsmanship, energy, and dedication. The team’s seniors were celebrated as their last few moments of high school softball came to an end.
The Lady Devil Seniors are #3 Kee Neely, #18 Kayla Cofield, #21 Abby Ingram, #23 Kelly Douglas, and last but surely not least, #11 Raven Scroggins, a senior softball player who was taken just before her senior softball season. Raven was a part of the softball team for most of her high school career. She excelled in many different positions including right field and shortstop, but catcher was her favorite.
Her teammates coaches, and seniors came together to ensure that Raven would receive the senior recognition she deserved! As I watched the team come together, I saw families, fans, and the community unite to show their support for one another! Moments like these are the reason I remain grateful for the loving community that I am surrounded by and how I will forever be thankful!
Be sure to congratulate our Lady Devil Softball seniors as they will soon finish out their season. Their senior night was filled with compassion, heartfelt moments, and success, and though their season is slowly ending, the memories, friendships, and bonds they have created will forever remain.
Stepping into the terrific Tuesday, varsity cheerleaders returned to the elementary for one more peppy interaction! The third-grade students at DES (Davidson Elementary School) would soon be taking their state test, and the cheerleaders were right by their side bright and early, making sure to leave them with encouraging cheers and chants before they headed into their testing areas! It was a wholesome moment as students walked through the tunnel of the bubbly cheerleaders, seeing their faces light up with excitement like no other!
Even though the cheerleaders’ main goal was to uplift the third-grade students, it was evident that teachers and staff were also inspired and happy to see the smiling faces of cheerleaders in the halls.
While waving a pom pom through the air might not seem like a complex task, these cheerleaders show through their inspirational character that it is much more than these simple tasks. With being a cheerleader comes great responsibility, and the cheer team was overjoyed to share their morning and inspire these lovely elementary students, teachers, and staff!
It was a watchful Wednesday as the senior class prepared for one of their most significant assignments of the year, CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training!
This is a life-saving technique used to restore blood flow and breathing during emergencies, and it is now a required session seniors must take in order to graduate. The seniors watched carefully as they were instructed by school nurse Tori Byford, with Health Science teacher Chrystee Hamilton assisting. Hamilton’s health science students even played a major role in the training as they have been taught, tested, and retested throughout the year on their CPR skills. These students were very helpful to the senior class. While I hope none of you ever need CPR., especially from a 2024 senior, just know we are trained and ready to step into action. Be mindful that being trained does not mean we are certified officials, so trust us at your own risk!
Running on over, it was a track-filled Thursday as the varsity track team set off early in the morning to attend the district track meet held at Winona High School. Unfortunately, before many of the events could occur, the rain decided to pay them a visit, leading to the cancellation of the meet and rescheduling it for this week! While not all of the events were completed, some runners were able to finish their event and it’s safe to say that many of the varsity track and field participants will be advancing to the North Half meet competition next weekend at Winona High School.
Stay tuned to see the final results and who will advance to the next round to compete in the state competition!
Ending the school week strong with a Fantastic Friday, students were overjoyed to celebrate the annual announcement of the High School Teacher of the Year award. Coach Dexter Ross was named the Water Valley High School Teacher of the Year for the 2023-24 school year.
Congratulations!
This award is presented each year to a teacher who shows excellent communication skills, as this is important when reaching out to your students; being patient yet encouraging, as this is helpful to steer your classroom in the right direction; and showing patience, because we all know the tasks that come with teaching high school students! These are just a few characteristics a phenomenal teacher shows in every aspect of teaching. Once again, congratulations and a BIG shout out to coach Dexter Ross for all the liveliness you bring to Water Valley High. Your actions don’t go unnoticed, and your work is greatly appreciated!
When students aren’t hitting the books, they are out at one of the many school festivities, such as the 3rd Annual Art Auction held downtown Water Valley Saturday afternoon from 5 to 8 p.m. This is one of the town’s newest additions to the local traditions in the Valley.
The art auction is sponsored by Water Valley High School students, staff, and T.I.N (This is Noteworthy). This art exhibit provides an opportunity for people in the community to view and bid on art created by students right here inside the Blue and White! This event is growing each year and becoming an all-around favorite, especially because it benefits the WVHS art students, their micro-grant program, and talented students in our region! This year around, it was a blast, and I’m sure it will continue to grow!
Not only was this week one to remember, but it was also a special week filled with the thoughtfulness of my community. There is nothing more I love than writing an article that highlights the sweet gestures that take place at Water Valley High, and this week has shown just what our local community is capable of. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see ya’ next week!
A crowd gathered last Monday at the Water Valley High School softball field for senior night. Blue balloons and white doves were released during this special ceremony as the senior players acknowledged former teammate Raven Scroggins and the impact she had on their lives. Softball senior #11 Raven Scroggins will never be forgotten.
