Washington County High School

Even when resources are limited, creativity has no limits. ✨ While we may not have been able to take our upperclassmen out for “A Night in Dubai,” Community Schools opened another door—connecting us with a proud WCS stakeholder and PHS graduate to bring the experience to us through an authentic Mediterranean chef experience. In rural schools, we don’t make excuses, we make magic. For a few hours, our students will be transported out of the country and into a rich cultural experience filled with flavor, creativity, and inspiration. 🍽️ Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come… Join us for the Grand March on Saturday, April 25th at 5 PM, and take the opportunity to meet Chef Fulford as he brings this vision to life!

Community Schools has opened so many doors for us to think creatively and provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for our students. Tomorrow night, during our Superintendent’s Art Reception, you’ll see one of those opportunities come to life. Through the generous support of Community Schools, students were provided with shoes and supplies, ranging in youth to adult sizes, to design and customize. These unique, student-created pieces will be on display during the reception and available as “grab-and-go” items for attendees. This initiative not only allows our students to refine and showcase their talents, but also gives our stakeholders a chance to truly appreciate—and literally walk in—the finished work of our students. Check out some of their work.

⚓🔥 Real-World Learning. Real Exposure. Real Opportunities. 🔥⚓ Our CTE/CCP Welding students recently took their talents beyond the classroom and into the real world with an unforgettable experience at Nauticus in Virginia! From exploring the historic Battleship Wisconsin to engaging in hands-on maritime and engineering activities, our students were able to see how their skills connect directly to high-demand careers. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a powerful moment of exposure that helps students visualize their future. 💡 Why this matters: * Students saw real-world welding and shipbuilding applications * They connected classroom learning to career pathways in maritime and industrial fields * They gained inspiration, confidence, and clarity about what’s possible after graduation At Washington County Schools, we believe exposure creates opportunity. Experiences like this help our students not only dream bigger—but also see the path to get there. 👏 We are proud of our welders for representing us well and taking full advantage of this opportunity! #WCS #CTEWorks #CareerReady #WeldingPathway #StudentExposure #RealWorldLearning #CTEStrong

⚓🔥 Hands-On Learning in Action: CTE/CCP Welders Take on Nauticus! 🔥⚓ Our Washington & Tyrrell County CTE/CCP Welding students stepped outside the classroom and into an unforgettable, real-world learning experience at Nauticus in Norfolk, VA and they made the most of every moment! From the moment our bus pulled into the front loop, our students were locked in and ready. After a warm welcome, they rotated through an engaging, hands-on schedule that brought career skills to life: 🔧 Sailing Experience (Sail Pavilion) Students didn’t just learn—they did. This interactive session allowed them to explore teamwork, precision, and real-world application of technical skills. 🚢 Battleship Wisconsin Tour Walking through one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy gave our students a powerful look into engineering, welding, and structural design on a massive scale. 🔬 Discovery Center Exploration Innovation, technology, and career connections came full circle as students explored exhibits that tie directly into CTE pathways. 💡 At Washington County Schools, we believe in “Learn it. Do it. Earn from it.” And experiences like this prove that when students get hands-on opportunities, they begin to see the endless possibilities ahead. 👏 Huge thank you to the Nauticus education team for providing such a structured and impactful experience! #WCS #CTEWorks #CareerReady #WeldingProgram #HandsOnLearning #EarnAsYouLearn #CTEExperience

🎨✨ WCS Student Spotlight ✨🎨 Please join us in celebrating Lamiya Belcher, a talented 10th grader, as she prepares to showcase her creativity on a national stage! 🇺🇸 Lamiya will be submitting her original painting, “Ashes of the Seraph,” into the Congressional Art Competition. It is an incredible opportunity to represent her talent and our school community. We are proud of her dedication, vision, and artistic expression! 👏🏽🎨 💫 Best wishes, Lamiya! We are cheering you on and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish! #WCSExcellence #StudentSpotlight #CTEInAction #YoungArtists

🥎 Game Day, Panther Nation! 🐾🔥 Let’s show up and show out today as our softball and basketball teams hit the field! Your support makes all the difference bring the energy, bring the noise, and wear your school pride loud! 💙 Wishing both teams the BEST of luck today! Play hard, stay focused, and represent WCS with pride! #PantherPride #GameDay #SupportOurTeams #WCSStrong

We are excited to announce that baseball and softball is back in action for our middle grade students! Our focus will be on the fundamentals, developing strong skills, teamwork, discipline, and a solid understanding of the game. We believe that mastering the basics is key to building confident, successful student-athletes. This is a great opportunity for our middle grade students to grow, compete, and represent our school with pride. We look forward to a season full of learning, energy, and Panther spirit!

🔥⚙️ Welding Strong. Breaking Barriers. Changing Lives. ⚙️🔥 Today was a BIG day for our Welding Program at Washington County Schools and we couldn’t be more proud! 💪🏽 Our students had the opportunity to compete with welders from across North Carolina through the BCCC CCP Network, and they represented us WELL! 👏🏽 Every single student showed skill, focus, and growth—and it showed in their performance. Congratulations to Pledger and Carr on taking a huge step by competing. But what made today even more special… 🥇 ✨ One of our FIRST female welders on our new campus bringing home 1st Place! ✨ Not only did she dominate the competition, but she’s also already getting hands-on industry experience. She is proving exactly what CTE is all about: learning, doing, and earning! This moment speaks directly to our mission in CTE—breaking barriers, uplifting special populations, and creating real opportunities for ALL students. 💯 And the momentum doesn’t stop here… 🎓 Next month, we will celebrate our FIRST cohort of welding graduates, and we’re proud to share that ALL of our students have secured job placements after graduation! Yes, you read that right. ➡️ 100% placement. Real skills. Real jobs. Real futures. This is what happens when opportunity meets preparation. This is what happens when students are given the chance to work with their hands and build their future. #WCSCTE #BreakingBarriers #WomenInWelding #CTEWorks #EarnAsYouLearn #FutureReady #BCCC

"A Night in Dubai"

🚗 IMPORTANT DRIVER’S EDUCATION REMINDER 🚗 Driver’s Education will begin this Wednesday at 3:30 PM. • Parents/Guardians are required to attend the first 15 minutes of the session. • Student session time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM • This Wednesday is the ONLY session for this week. 📅 Starting next week (Monday): Students will begin their mandatory 10-day course, held Monday–Friday from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Only students who have completed AND submitted their applications will be allowed to attend. Please make sure all requirements are met prior to Wednesday. We look forward to a great start!

Our JROTC & Explorers Annual Overnight Experience in Washington, D.C. continues to create unforgettable moments for our students! 🇺🇸✨ During this year’s trip, our group had the opportunity to engage in hands-on simulations and interactive activities, bringing real-world experiences to life and allowing students to step into leadership roles, problem-solving scenarios, and team-based challenges. These moments go beyond the classroom—building confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that will stay with them long after the trip ends. 📸 Check out some highlights from Day Two!

Even on Spring Break… learning doesn’t stop at Washington County High School!🇺🇸✨ Our AP American History students, along with some of our beginning teachers, VIF teachers, and support staff, took their learning beyond the classroom with an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. all thanks to the detailed planning of Ms. Sykes! What makes this experience even more special is that this is our very first AP cohort, and opportunities like this truly set the tone for what excellence looks like in advanced coursework. 👏🏽📚 It has been a powerful opportunity to walk through history, reflect on our nation’s journey, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. From museum exhibits to standing in the presence of Dr. King’s legacy, our group truly experienced history in motion.

We’re proud to share that some of our JROTC cadets are spending two days in Washington, D.C. alongside the Washington County Explorers, gaining valuable exposure and real-world experiences beyond the classroom. Today, they had the incredible opportunity to visit the office of Don Davis, where they were able to learn more about leadership, public service, and the inner workings of government. Experiences like this continue to inspire our students, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them for future success.

Enjoy your Spring Break! ☀️ Take this time to relax, have fun, and make great memories. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready to finish the school year strong! Driver’s Education Reminder: • The next class will begin April 13th. • Students must meet the new requirements and upload their certificate in Google Classroom before that date. • If you are not a WCS student, please email your certificate to dharris@wcsnc.org and wrodgers@wcsnc.org. • Parents/Guardians are required to attend the first 20 minutes of the first class so expectations can be clearly set. Have a safe and enjoyable break.

Senior Announcements

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on some extraordinary staff members whose dedication, heart, and relentless effort have gone far beyond the call of duty. Their commitment makes our school community a better place for every student, colleague, and family they serve.

Today our FFA students attended Ag Fest at Mount Olive College, gaining firsthand exposure to college life, agricultural programs, and future career opportunities! 🌱🐄 Experiences like this matter. When students are able to step onto a college campus early, it helps them begin to see themselves in those spaces. The event was a great way to plant a seed. Exposure is everything. The more our students see, experience, and engage, the more confident and prepared they become in making decisions about their future. Today is more than a trip. It is an investment in what’s next. 💡 #FFA #CollegeExposure #FutureReady #CTE #PlantingSeeds

🩺✨ HOSA IS BACK at WCHS! ✨🩺 Because of the hard work, vision, and determination of Ms. Moorer, our new Health Science teacher and HOSA advisor, we are proud to announce that WCHS students are heading to the 50th Anniversary North Carolina HOSA State Leadership Conference! 🎉 📍 Location: Greensboro, NC 📅 This Week A few of our top Health Science students are leaving today to compete, learn, and represent WCHS alongside some of the best and brightest future healthcare professionals from across the state. 💪🏽 💡 Did you know? • North Carolina HOSA is part of a global student organization dedicated to future health professionals • Students compete in events focused on medical knowledge, clinical skills, leadership, and teamwork • The State Leadership Conference brings together thousands of students annually for competition, networking, and career exposure • Top competitors have the opportunity to advance to the International Leadership Conference This is more than a trip. This is exposure, opportunity, and preparation for real-world careers in healthcare. Join us in wishing our students safe travels and great success as they compete this week! We are just getting started… and we can’t wait to expand opportunities and expose even more students next year. 🔥 HOSA IS BACK and the future of healthcare starts here at WCHS! #HOSA #FutureHealthProfessionals #WCHSStrong #CTEInAction #HealthScience #StudentSuccess

Community Schools in Action! 🌟 Yesterday’s Community Schools Symposium was more than just a gathering. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when schools and communities come together with purpose. 💡 Through our Community Schools model, we are actively filling gaps, creating exposure opportunities, and meeting the real-time needs of our students and families. This work is intentional, and the impact is undeniable. ✨ Just this week alone: • 🐾 Three grade levels experienced the zoo—with zero travel cost to families thanks to Community Schools support • 🍽️ Hosted meetings to connect, inform, and empower • 📚 Provided tutoring opportunities to strengthen academic success • 🌍 Planned elevated cultural experiences that broaden perspectives and inspire And we’re not stopping there… 🎡 Next week: We will send our students into Spring Break on a high note with a fully unplugged CTE/Community School Carnival focused on building morale, promoting health and wellness, and reinforcing real-world skills during a time our students need it most. This is what it looks like to serve the whole child and support the whole community. ❤️ #CommunitySchools #WholeChildWholeCommunity #WCSStrong #CTEInAction #StudentSuccess

🎉🌟 WCHS PROUD MOMENT! 🌟🎉 Washington County High School is excited to celebrate an outstanding achievement by one of our very own Shanylia Galindo-Pledger, who has been selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School this summer! 👏🏽🎓 The North Carolina Governor’s School is a prestigious, highly selective summer program that brings together some of the state’s most gifted and talented students. Scholars are chosen based on exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and creativity. During this four-week residential experience, students engage in advanced coursework, collaborative learning, and personal development alongside peers from across North Carolina. ✨ Shanylia represents the very best of WCHS! ✨ Her accomplishments speak volumes: • Member of Beta Club • Member of National Honor Society • Member of National Technical Honor Society • Consistent Honor Roll/Principal’s List student • Dedicated JROTC Cadet • Volleyball Captain 🏐 • Varsity Basketball Player 🏀 • Dual Enrollment student in Welding 🔧 • Sophomore National Honor Society Marshal Her commitment to service is just as inspiring: • Participated in WCHS Food Drive (NHS) • Contributed to Toy Drive supporting the Ronald McDonald House • Supported Coat Drive through JROTC • Donated coloring books and supplies to the Washington County Department of Social Services Shanylia’s leadership, work ethic, and heart for service truly set her apart. She is a shining example of what it means to be a WCHS Panther! 🐾 👏🏽 Please join us in congratulating Shanylia on this incredible accomplishment. We are proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you achieve this summer and beyond! #WCHSPride #GovernorsSchool #NTHS #StudentExcellence #FutureLeader #PantherPower