Washington County High School

🎶 WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND RESET 🎶 It’s Time to Rebuild the Legacy! Calling All Future Band Members & Supporters! Whether you: 🎺 Completed the Band Interest Survey 🥁 Want to join the band this year 🎼 Are interested in marching band, concert band, dance line, flag team, or percussion 🤝 Are a parent, alumni, former band member, or community member with a vested interest in rebuilding our band program… WE NEED YOU THERE! 📅 Band Interest Meeting 🗓 Thursday, August 6 🕕 6:00 PM 📍 Washington County High School Meet Our New Director of Bands Dr. Matinzicio Edmondson Come hear the vision, learn about upcoming opportunities, ask questions, and discover how you can help restore excellence to the Washington County High School Band Program. Together We Will: 🎵 Rebuild the tradition 🎵 Develop student leaders 🎵 Create exciting performance opportunities 🎵 Bring Panther Pride back to the field and stage Students. Parents. Alumni. Community Partners. Supporters. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Your support matters. Let’s Reset. Rebuild. Rise Together. Thursday, August 6 • 6:00 PM Washington County High School 🎺 One Band. One Vision. One Panther Pride.

The Mighty Panthers wrapped up their offseason competition schedule today by competing in the Athletes for Christ 7on7 tournament held at Northeastern HS in Elizabeth City NC. The tournament consist of NC and VA schools. The Mighty Panthers competed and defeated Northeastern (Gold) and KIPP Pride but fell short against Hertford County and JHRose to finish 2-2. Team members that competed were Kiymoni Jones, Jeremiah Mann, Drekel Betts, Symir Jenkins, Demetri Clagon, Ty’ Quez Selby, Jamier Bennett, Eli Roulhac, Kah’ Ree Brown, and Amauri Morris. Panther Pride.

Washington County Panthers attended the NENC Football Media Day on the campus of “The” Elizabeth City State University today presented by WRSV 88.9 FM. The Panthers were asked questions directed towards their goals, expectations and experiences not only about football but life also. The Panthers are preparing for the upcoming season and looking to build on last year’s momentum so come and show your support the 2026 Panthers.

🚨🚨Save the Date🚨🚨 Open House for ALL WCHS Students Thursday, August 13th 2PM-6PM

🧡🏈 We've got a lot of exciting things in store this year, and it all starts with a special celebration! Join us as we honor the 1983 Creswell Tigers State Finalist Football Team before our season matchup against the RM Prep. Our Washington County Panthers, led by Head Coach James, are ready for an exciting season, and we need the entire community behind them! 📍 Location: Plymouth 🕖 Kickoff: 7:00 PM Come early for pregame tailgating and enjoy a variety of food trucks. If you’re interested in tailgating or bringing a food truck, please contact SGM Arnold for details. Although the game will be played in Plymouth, we’re asking all Washington County supporters to paint the stands ORANGE as we celebrate the legacy of Creswell High School and honor the 1983 State Finalist Football Team. Let’s pack the stands!🐾🧡 #OrangeOut #CreswellPride #PantherNation #OneCommunityOneTeam

We started the school year with Community Schools in our building, and we’re ending it as a Community School. That transformation has allowed us to build and reestablish meaningful partnerships that are making a real difference for our students, families, and community. In our very first year, we’ve helped families meet their basic needs, hosted Dads with Donuts, provided PBIS resources, sponsored professional developments, planned lunch and learn events, sponsored the CTE Carnival, provided resources for summer programming, sponsored unforgettable Prom and Sneaker Ball experiences, lead the teacher appreciation events, participated in trips, and so much more. This week, our Superintendent, principals, District Community Schools Liaison, and Community School Coordinator, and are attending the North Carolina Community Schools Leadership Summit, learning, collaborating, unpacking, and resetting as we prepare for another incredible school year. The work is just beginning. We are excited to welcome even more parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners into our school as true partners in education. Together, we are building a stronger school, a stronger community, and brighter futures for every student. The best is yet to come for WCS! 💙🖤

🎉 Welcome THEE Dr. Matinzicio Edmondson! 🎉 Washington County High School proudly welcomes THEE Dr. Matinzicio Edmondson as our new Director of Bands! 🎓 Education * North Edgecombe High School – Class of 2001 * Bachelor of Science in Music Education, University of Mount Olive (2012) * Honorary Doctor of Divinity, True Standard Christian Bible College (2015) * Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Capella University (2021) * Education Specialist (Ed.S.), American College of Education (2026) Dr. Edmondson is a passionate music educator, conductor, and educational leader dedicated to developing students through music, leadership, and service. As the newly appointed Director of Bands at Washington County High School, he is committed to building a comprehensive band program that inspires excellence both on and off the field. Outside of education, Dr. Edmondson enjoys composing and arranging music, preaching and teaching the Gospel, mentoring young leaders, conducting leadership workshops, serving his community, traveling, attending marching band events, and spending time with his family and dogs. Please join us in giving THEE Dr. Matinzicio Edmondson a warm Panther welcome! We are excited for the vision, leadership, and musical excellence he will bring to Washington County High School. 💙🖤 Welcome to the Panther Family, Dr. Edmondson! 🖤💙 🎺 Interested in Joining the Panther Band? If you’re an upperclassman interested in being a part of the Washington County High School Marching Panthers, we want to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in Marching Band, Dance Line, Flag Team (Color Guard), Drumline, or Majorettes, complete the interest form today. 📲 WCHS & WCECHS to complete the interest form below and become part of something special! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1s7xHjNlUAzxuIK4hF2rAV-i3x7GeCPp1gs8sXLPmafA/viewform

🎉 Welcome to Your New Role! 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Janell Kornegay on her new position as Washington County Next Step Advisor! 🎓 Education 2021 – Elizabeth City State University 💼 Professional Experience Janell brings a passion for working with students and supporting their success. She has two years of experience in early childhood education, working with infants through three-year-olds, as well as nearly three years of teaching experience with both middle and high school students. 🌟 A Few Fun Facts When she’s not working with students, Janell enjoys playing video games, caring for her two turtles, listening to music, coloring, and journaling. We are excited to have Janell serving our seniors in this important role and look forward to the positive impact she will make. Welcome to your new position, Janell! 💙🐾

🚨Skills Development🚨

🎉 Welcome Back to WCHS! 🐾💙 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Tamara Bazemore back to Washington County High School! 🎓 Education • Saint Augustine’s College (1986) • Roanoke Theological Seminary (2025) Credentials ✔️ Bachelor of Science in Special Education ✔️ Highly Qualified K–6 Elementary License ✔️ Master of Arts in Theology We are excited to have Ms. Bazemore back as part of the Panther family. Her dedication to educating and supporting students, combined with her wealth of knowledge and experience, will continue to make a positive impact on our school community. Welcome back, Ms. Bazemore! We look forward to another outstanding year at WCHS! 💙🐾

🧪🔬 Welcome to Panther Nation, Ms. Jalaiyah M. Tann! 🐾💙 Please join us in welcoming Ms. Jalaiyah M. Tann as our 8th Grade Science Teacher at Washington County High School! Ms. Tann is a proud graduate of Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (2021) and Martin Community College (2021) and earned her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in 2022. Her educational achievements include: 🎓 Associate in Science 🎓 Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Technology 🎓 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Ms. Tann is passionate about helping students learn, grow, and build confidence. She brings strong skills in communication, classroom management, lesson planning, and creating engaging learning experiences that support the success of every learner. She believes in making learning meaningful while encouraging students to reach their fullest potential. Outside the classroom, Ms. Tann enjoys reading, designing digital flyers and graphics, exploring new places, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering and mentoring youth, reflecting the same creativity, compassion, and dedication that she brings to her classroom every day. Please help us give Ms. Jalaiyah M. Tann a warm Panther welcome as she inspires curiosity, discovery, and a love for science in our students. Welcome to Panther Nation! 💙🖤🐾

🎉 Welcome to Panther Nation, Mrs. Leticia Kelley! 🐾 Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Leticia Kelley as our 6–8 School Counselor at Washington County High School! Mrs. Kelley is a proud graduate of Plymouth High School (1991) and has continued her educational journey through Martin Community College, Beaufort County Community College, Elizabeth City State University, Grand Canyon University, and Central Michigan University. Her impressive educational background includes: 🎓 Associate Degree in Pre-Liberal Arts 🎓 Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Childhood Education 🎓 Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling 🎓 Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling 🎓 Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration 🎓 Master’s Degree in Education Administration 🎓 Birth–Kindergarten Certification Mrs. Kelley is passionate about serving others and enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her dedication to supporting students, building meaningful relationships, and helping others succeed makes her an incredible addition to our Panther family. Please help us give Mrs. Leticia Kelley a warm Panther welcome! We are excited to have her supporting and inspiring our students this school year. Welcome to Panther Nation! 💙🖤🐾

If you’re interested in cheering for Washington County High School (Grades 9–12) this school year, be sure to pay close attention to the announcement from our Cheer Coach, Ms. Chernique Arnold. Complete the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNy2BWsCOdhF3iy8HBis9f4MYOp_hdReIj0U_Q4cYGmRvqlQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

🐾 Welcome Back to the Panther Nation, Ms. Breyonna Lawrence! We’re excited to welcome back Ms. Breyonna Lawrence, our Adobe Academy Teacher, for another year of innovation and creativity at Washington County High School! 🎓 Education * 2021 – Master of Arts in Communication (Health Communication), East Carolina University * 2020 – Bachelor of Science in Communication (Public Relations), East Carolina University 🏅 Professional Credentials * Certified in Adobe Premiere Pro (Video Editing) 🌟 Beyond the Classroom Ms. Lawrence serves as an Assistant Treasurer with the NAACP and is actively involved in her church through the choir, usher ministry, and youth leadership. Her passions include sports photography, documentary filmmaking, brand design, and everything Disney. 💻 2026-2027 Focus This year, Ms. Lawrence is taking our Adobe Academy to the next level by blending industry-recognized credentialing with real-world creative experiences. Students will build professional skills in digital media, visual design, video production, and branding while developing portfolios that prepare them for college, careers, and the creative industry. Crazy & Consistent. Creative & Credentialed. Welcome back, Ms. Lawrence! 🖤🩵

🎉 Welcome Back to Panther Nation, Mr. Cyrus Ratilla! 🐾💙🖤 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Cyrus Ratilla, our dedicated Mathematics & Physics Teacher, to Washington County High School! 🎓 Education Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (2001) Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics & Physics With more than 20 years of experience teaching high school Mathematics and Physics, primarily in the Philippines, Mr. Ratilla brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the classroom. Outside of teaching, he enjoys aquascaping and ornamental fish keeping. He also loves exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and believes that both travel and education provide endless opportunities to learn and grow. We are excited to have Mr. Ratilla as part of the Panther family and look forward to the impact he will make on our students this year. Welcome to Panther Nation, Mr. Ratilla! 💙🖤 Crazy & Consistent—Together We Grow!

🎓 Calling all recent graduates! If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to be a part of this research study, simply scan the QR code (or use the link provided) to learn more and apply. Your participation could help make a meaningful impact while giving you the opportunity to contribute to important research.

🩵🖤 Welcome Back to Panther Nation, Ms. Dajanique Sykes! 🖤🩵 Washington County High School is excited to welcome back Ms. Dajanique Sykes, our Lead History & AP African American Studies Teacher! 🎓 Education • Washington County High School, Class of 2019 • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Bachelor of Arts in History (2023) • Beaufort County Community College (2025) Degree & Credentials • Bachelor of Arts in History • Minor in African, African American Diaspora Studies • Certificate in Human Resource Management 🏆 Professional Highlights Ms. Sykes is an award-winning educator who has been recognized as Beginning Teacher of the Year in both 2023 and 2026. She has also shared her expertise by leading professional development focused on Classroom Engagement, equipping fellow educators with practical instructional strategies that inspire student success. She proudly teaches the first AP course offered at Washington County High School and is passionate about serving as an AP African American Studies educator, helping students explore history through meaningful, engaging, and culturally relevant learning experiences. 🌟 Beyond the Classroom When she’s not teaching, Ms. Sykes enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time near the beach, and working as a talented professional makeup artist, a passion she’s pursued since 2018. Please join us in welcoming back Ms. Dajanique Sykes as we continue making this the Year of Crazy & Consistent at Washington County High School! #PantherNation #CrazyAndConsistent #LeadWithPurpose #HistoryMatters #APAfricanAmericanStudies #WCHS

🖤💙 WELCOME BACK TO PANTHER NATION! 💙🖤 Please join us in welcoming back Ms. Macapagal to Washington County High School! Ms. Macapagal brings an outstanding academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, a Master of Arts in Education in English Language and Literature, a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature. A storyteller at heart, Ms. Macapagal believes in the power of words to inspire, educate, and transform. Whether she’s writing, researching, speaking before an audience, or exploring new cultures through travel and cuisine, she brings curiosity, creativity, and passion into every experience. As a former School Paper Adviser, she has been a dedicated advocate for student voices and authentic expression. Her commitment to excellence and education was recognized with the prestigious honor of being named International Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 School Year. We are excited to have her continue making a lasting impact on our students and school community. Welcome back, Ms. Macapagal! We are proud to have you as part of the Panther Nation family. #PantherNation #WelcomeBack #CrazyAndConsistent #InternationalTeacher #ExcellenceInEducation #OnePackOnePurpose

🍽️🐾 WELCOME BACK TO PANTHER NATION, MRS. SPENCER! 🐾🍽️ Please join us in welcoming back Mrs. Spencer, our Foods & Nutrition Teacher! Mrs. Spencer is an accomplished educator with over 22 years of teaching experience, and now serving the students of Washington County Schools. Her passion for education and commitment to student success continue to make a lasting impact in Panther Nation. She earned her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University, her Bachelor of Education in Food and Health from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Diploma in Teaching from Church Teachers’ College. Mrs. Spencer is also AIG Certified and a ServSafe Certified Instructor and Proctor, bringing both academic excellence and industry-recognized expertise to her classroom. For Mrs. Spencer, teaching is much more than a profession it’s her passion. She is dedicated to helping students learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, watching movies, and networking with others to build meaningful relationships while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. We are grateful for the knowledge, passion, and global perspective Mrs. Spencer brings to our school community as we continue our “Crazy & Consistent” journey. 💙🖤 Welcome back, Mrs. Spencer! We look forward to another outstanding year of learning, leadership, and Panther excellence! #PantherNation #WelcomeBack #FoodsAndNutrition #CareerTechnicalEducation #CrazyAndConsistent

🐾 Welcome Back to Panther Nation, Mrs. Linda Spruill Arnold! 📚💙 Washington County High School is proud to welcome back Mrs. Linda Spruill Arnold. Shifting up as our 7th Grade English Teacher, for the upcoming school year! A 2021 graduate of Grand Canyon University, Mrs. Arnold earned her Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education and has spent the past 12 years inspiring students through the power of language, literature, and learning. Her passion for education has not gone unnoticed. Mrs. Arnold was honored as a Beginning Teacher of the Year nominee in 2023 and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2025, a testament to her commitment to excellence and the meaningful relationships she builds with students. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Arnold enjoys attending church, reading, writing poetry, and spending quality time with her family. Her love for teaching shines through in everything she does, creating an engaging and encouraging environment where every student is challenged to grow. Please join us in welcoming back Mrs. Linda Spruill Arnold to Panther Nation as we continue our Year of Crazy & Consistent. We are grateful for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping our students succeed. Welcome back, Mrs. Arnold! We’re excited for another incredible year of learning, growth, and excellence! 🖤💙🐾