Inside The Blue And White
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It’s been another eventful week in the Valley! We had a busy week with field trips, red ribbon week and an awesome senior night! While things were strange in the halls throughout the week, and especially on Monday and Tuesday, students and teachers aimed to make the best of the situation.
All throughout campus, students remembered Coach Purdy in a positive light, discussing his many jokes and humorous habits. School let out early on Tuesday so that students and teachers could attend his memorial service in Coffeeville and the community came together to support the Purdy family during this difficult time.
Water Valley High School students celebrated red ribbon week and finished Friday by taking a pledge to be drug free.
On Wednesday morning, seniors and second year career and technical class students attended the Oxford job fair. This was an opportunity for students to inquire about all types of paths for post high school life. From higher education, to internships, and all kinds of work, there was so much for students to learn about with information about various programs and freebies handed out to students. Schools from all over the area were also in attendance.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) held Fields of Faith at Bobby Clark field on Wednesday night. Coach Richard Russo helped sponsor this event. Lydia Ware performed several songs for us, and we had other speakers, including Water Valley graduates Hayden Eubanks and Jackson Ward. FCA helps to host this event every year.
Thursday, of course, was Halloween! Students dressed up in their favorite costumes, and teachers were festive as well! Mrs. Rotkiewicz put on a “haunted library” experience for students during their breaks in the day. Junior High students were able to “trunk or treat” at the end of the day.
Mrs. Tedford, with the help of senior Belle Belcher, worked to decorate the halls for senior night. The pair painted posters representing cheer, football, and band, and included the name of all seniors being recognized for football senior night. Other students also painted signs to hang up at the football field for the seniors to sign.
Water Valley High School librarian Jennifer Rotkiewicz put on a “haunted library” experience for students to enjoy during their breaks in the day.
WVHS students celebrated red ribbon week, and on Friday they finished it out by taking a pledge to be drug free. Students were given candy and other prizes for promising to hold themselves to a drug free lifestyle.
We are officially approaching the end of football season, with our last regular season game last Friday night. The Blue Devils faced the Bruce Trojans. We also celebrated so much on Friday night before the game. Following an early Devil Dolls performance, Coach Purdy’s friends and family had a balloon release in his honor, followed by a moment of silence.
Senior recognition kicked off with football. The class of 2025 had nine football players; #11 Kaden Norlander, #12 Reid Burress, #13 Tyler Richardson, #22 Isaiah Webb, #29 Ethan Walton, #50 Donalvin Wilson, #55 Ezaryon Riley, #71 Hayden Schurr, and #89 Dezmond Campbell. Band went next, with Mallory Tidwell, Jackson Herrera, Linda Norwood, Calicia Hutchins, and Alexis Kordik being recognized.
Belle Belcher and I were recognized for cheerleading after band. Last but certainly not least was the student behind our mascot “Big Blue” this season, Laine Burns. After seniors were finished, students who had perfect scores on their 2023-2024 MAAP tests were recognized.
The game kicked off at seven, and the first half was rough. Going into halftime, the Trojans were up by quite a lot. I’m not quite sure what could have been said in the locker room during the break, but it got the team more than fired up. The Blue Devils came back in the second half, winning 63-43. The stands were jam packed, and fans were more supportive than any other home game this season and the environment was electric! With their victory over Bruce, the football team gets to host the first round of playoffs. They will face Leflore County at Bobby Clark Field on Nov. 8. We need everyone to be there and be loud!
The cheer team was hard at work Sunday evening. We are competing in Jackson on Nov. 17, so it is crunch time. Our cheer squad members have worked so hard on this routine, and can’t wait to show it off to everyone! With so much happening in the next few weeks, I am sure I will have lots to write about! Check back in as we head into the winter months at WVHS.
