Washington County High School

Celebrating #BlackExcellence in #BlackHistoryMonth, we spotlight a retired educator and leader from Washington County. Mr. Stokes, with a legacy spanning over two decades, served as the Transportation Director for 11 years and as County Athletic Director for 10 years before retiring in 2021. His dedication extended beyond education, contributing 25 years to School Bus and Traffic Safety in North Carolina. A former Board of Commissioners member for a decade, he now leads as the Democratic Chair for Washington County, President of the Eastern NC Civic Group, and heads the Washington County Think Tank. A life member of the Elizabeth City Alumni Chapter of #KappaAlphaPsi Fraternity, Inc., Mr. Stokes exemplifies lifelong service, volunteering for little league and assisting during staff shortages post-retirement. #CommunityLeader #ServiceAboveSelf #EducationalImpact

The WCS Unified Campus is coming along at a fantastic pace. Click the link below to see the February 2024 updates on our progress! https://www.wcsnc.org/o/wcsd/page/new-building

WCHS will be pre-selling tickets tomorrow, Thursday, February 15th for the Blackout/Alumni Night vs. Bertie on February 16th. The school will begin selling tickets to students only from 7:30-8:00 am. Each student will be allowed to purchase one ticket. We will begin selling to the general public from 8:15 am until we sell out. Spectators will be allowed to purchase 3 tickets per person. Everyone will need to bring the exact amount to cover their tickets cost. Coach Crossen, Athletic Director

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Robin Lynette McNair Year of Graduation: 1987 School: PHS Education Journey: Robin enrolled in college after graduating from Washington County Schools. Current Endeavor: Robin currently serves as the Restorative Approaches District Coordinator for Prince George’s County Schools. CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Words of Wisdom: Robin advises students to prepare for success beyond graduation, emphasizing the importance of listening to their hearts amidst advice from others. Robin Lynette McNair's journey from Washington County Schools to her current role as the Restorative Approaches District Coordinator is a testament to her dedication and leadership. Her words of wisdom resonate with students, urging them to envision their future success and trust their instincts. Robin is eager to share her experiences and insights as a guest speaker or panelist, both virtually and face-to-face, providing guidance and inspiration to others in similar career pathways. 🎓💼✨

Washington County Schools Alumni Spotlight Name: Patricia A Chesson Year of Graduation: 2001 School: PHS Post-Graduation Path: Currently attending Beaufort County Community College and working as a Teacher Assistant at Beaufort Head Start. CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Words of Wisdom: "Stay focused, never give up, and always keep God first in whatever you do."

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Vincent Lacy Year of Graduation: 1986 School: CHS Current Endeavor: Entrepreneur Description: I am currently engaged in selling funeral merchandise directly to the public. CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Words of Wisdom: Follow your dreams. Vincent Lacy, a distinguished graduate of PHS in 1986, has embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. As a passionate entrepreneur, Vincent is dedicated to selling funeral merchandise directly to the public, demonstrating his commitment to serving the community with dignity and compassion. Having completed a CTE pathway during his time at Washington County Schools, Vincent emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams to achieve success. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. To current students of Washington County Schools, Vincent imparts this invaluable wisdom: Follow your dreams. In these words lie the essence of ambition, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Let Vincent's story inspire you to chase your aspirations fearlessly and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Geovonne Norman Rouson Year of Graduation: 1994 (Class Secretary) School: PHS Education Journey: Geovonne earned her bachelor of science degree from East Carolina University in December 1997 (one semester early), her master's degree from Cambridge College, and AIG certification from Barton College. She has pursued numerous trainings and certifications throughout her teaching career. Current Endeavor: Geovonne began her teaching career in April 1998 at Pines Elementary. After teaching in Virginia and various counties in North Carolina, she returned to Washington County Schools in 2013. Recently, she relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she excelled in virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Geovonne has received recognition and monetary bonuses for her outstanding performance in reading growth and proficiency, and she is now exploring opportunities for training and leadership roles to further impact education. CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Words of Wisdom: Geovonne's motto is "Do not say I can't unless it's followed by YET!" She encourages students to believe in themselves and persevere through challenges, emphasizing the power of a positive mindset and determination. Geovonne Norman Rouson's journey from Washington County Schools to become an influential educator is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing challenges and doubters along the way, she has emerged as a dedicated teacher and leader, making a profound impact on her students and community. Geovonne's commitment to lifelong learning and unwavering belief in the power of perseverance serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for current Washington County Schools students. Geovonne is open to sharing her experiences and expertise virtually, offering insights and guidance to students interested in pursuing similar career pathways. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education and resilience, reminding us all that success is achievable with determination and the right mindset. 🎓✨

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Gaston Leroy Collins Sr. Year of Graduation: 1970 School: PHS Education Journey: Gaston entered the workforce and also pursued a college education. Current Endeavors: Gaston is retired and currently works part-time with the NC Department of Public Safety. CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Words of Wisdom: "Stay focused, attend school regularly, do the very best as you can, and utilize all the resources that are available for your education." Gaston Leroy Collins Sr.'s journey from Washington County Schools to a successful career, retirement, and part-time work with the NC Department of Public Safety is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His words of wisdom encourage current students to stay focused, attend school regularly, strive for excellence, and make the most of available resources for their education. Gaston is interested in sharing his experiences and insights as a guest speaker or panelist, both virtually and face-to-face, with individuals in similar career pathways. 🌟💼✨

Attention local business owners and local organizations, Would you like to offer a scholarship to a deserving senior this year? We warmly invite you to present it at our Sneaker Ball Scholarship and Cording Ceremony on May 14th at 6 PM. If you have any inquiries or need assistance with submitting your application to our students, please reach out to Kisha Norman, our school counselor, at knorman@wsnc.org, or Denise Harris, our district career development coordinator, at dharris@wcsnc.org. You must RSVP by 03/31/2024. We are enthusiastic about providing support to our students as they transition to college, the military, or a career. Your scholarship or stipend would greatly assist them during this significant period in their lives. Additionally, please note that this is the final scholarship ceremony to be held at this historic location. #WCHS #PHS Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. #ScholarshipOpportunity #SneakerBall #SupportStudents #CommunityInvolvement #TransitionToAdulthood #LastCeremonyatWCHSformelyknownasPHS

**Washington County Retired Educators Celebrate Black History Month: Honoring Excellence in Education - Louis Spencer Jr.** This Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable legacy of Louis Spencer Jr., a dedicated educator and coach whose influence extended far beyond the classroom and athletic fields. For 33 years, Louis Spencer Jr. devoted himself to nurturing young minds and talents in Health & Physical Education and Social Studies, while also coaching boys' basketball, football, and girls' softball. His commitment to education and athletics has left an indelible mark on our community. **A Man of Principle and Passion** Louis lived by the motto, "Keep God First and everything will be alright," a testament to his faith and positive outlook on life. He believed in getting better with age, like fine wine, and had a no-nonsense approach to life's challenges, often saying, “No excuses, no complaining, nobody cares.” This philosophy not only shaped his character but also inspired his students and athletes to strive for excellence without excuses. **Beyond the Game** A surprising fun fact about Louis was his love for "The Andy Griffith Show," a classic that mirrored his values of simplicity, honesty, and integrity. But his generosity knew no bounds; he quietly supported his basketball team members by purchasing sneakers for those whose families couldn't afford them, demonstrating his deep compassion and commitment to his students' well-being. His prowess wasn't confined to coaching; Louis was a Division 2 wrestling national champion and once trained with the San Diego Chargers before an injury redirected his path to education — a field where he would make his most profound impact. **Legacy of Love and Excellence** Above all, Louis Spencer Jr. was a family man who extended his love and care to include not just his relatives but every child he taught and coached. His legacy is one of love, excellence, and the profound belief in the potential of every student. Louis may no longer be with us, but his spirit and teachings continue to inspire those fortunate

Washington County and Martin County have a longstanding rivalry. Since 2020, in memory of Kenneth Brown Jr, the Rivalry Players of the Game have been chosen to honor his legacy. These players are picked by the coaches for their performance during the game. His son and niece have been making the award presentations yearly. Check out the 2024 Kenneth K.J. Brown Jr. Rivalry Players of the games.

Take a look at our Computer Engineering students who are dismantling and reassembling hard drives. #CTE #HandsOnLearning #ctemonth

🌟✨ Washington County Shining Star Spotlight for Black History Month! 🌟✨ Join us in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Mr. Clifford and Mrs. Alma Hedgebeth Phifer, an exemplary power couple whose dedication and impact have illuminated the path of education in Washington County Schools for decades. 🎓📚 Mr. Clifford A. Phifer, Sr. has been a cornerstone of educational leadership, serving with distinction as Associate Superintendent and in various pivotal roles that spanned the breadth of our educational landscape. From overseeing the implementation of comprehensive testing strategies to spearheading policy updates, he has been instrumental in ensuring the continual improvement and advancement of our school system. Mr. Phifer's leadership extended far beyond administrative duties; he has been a mentor, advocate, and catalyst for positive change, championing initiatives in science education, exceptional children programs, vocational education, and athletic development. His legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the success of every student. 🏫🔬🏈 Mrs. Alma Hedgebeth Phifer stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of science education. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Mrs. Phifer's impact as an educator has been profound and far-reaching. As the first black science department chair at Plymouth High School, she blazed trails, not only in curriculum development but also in fostering a culture of academic excellence and inclusion. Her tireless efforts to expand educational opportunities for all students, including the establishment of the first AP Biology course for college credit, have left an indelible mark on generations of learners. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Phifer has been a mentor, advisor, and trailblazer, guiding students through scientific exploration and leadership development. Her commitment to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and fostering a love for learning embodies the essence of educational excellence. 📐🔬🎓 Among the numerous exceptional cheerleading coaches we've had, Mrs. Phifer unquestionably stood out as the undisputed champion. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Phifer represent the epitome of Washington County's greatness. Their combined legacy of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of education. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us honor and recognize the enduring impact of the Phifers on our community and reaffirm our commitment to building upon their legacy of excellence. 🎉👏 #BlackHistoryMonth #WashingtonCountyStars #PhiferLegacy #EducationExcellence #CommunityLeadership

Let's Recap Senior Night: We honored Timaya Roberts. She has been an outstanding member of our cheerleading squad. Her future aspirations include attending a 4-year university to major in biology. She plans to become a clinical laboratory technician and minor in real estate. We recognized JaNeicia Spruill. Her future path is still unfolding, but she's approaching it with patience and trust in God. As she nears the end of her high school years, she expects great things to come, and we do not doubt that she will achieve remarkable success. We celebrated D’Asia Hyman. She has been a dedicated cheerleader and has big plans for her future. After high school, she intends to attend a four-year university to major in nursing. Following that, she plans to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to kickstart her career as a nurse practitioner. Congratulations to D’Asia, Timaya, and JaNeicia on their achievements, and we look forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish in the future! 📣🎓 #Cheerleaders #FutureLeaders #ClassOf2024

Let's recap the future aspirations of our varsity basketball players that were shared on senior night: Amari Chesson: Plans to embark on a military career after high school. Aveyon Downing: Will attend North Carolina Central University to major in business administration. Juelz Ford: Aims to obtain his CDL's license post-graduation. Kyren Forbes: Has chosen to join the Army after graduation. Kevontae Lucas: Intends to continue playing football at the next level. Mikehi Melvin: Plans to attend college and major in pharmacy. Lavale Norman: Dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and owning his own business. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors! 🏀🎓 #SeniorNight #BasketballStars #ClassOf2024

🌟 Washington County Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Full Name: Sonja D. Hyman Year of Graduation: 1995 School: PHS Education Journey: Graduated from A&T State University in 1999 with a degree in Business Management. Current Endeavors: Sonja serves as a Project Manager at a medical device company specializing in detecting infectious diseases and other diseases. Additionally, she runs a small real estate investment business. Words of Wisdom: "Dreams can become reality but it would be up to you. Being from a small place like Plymouth doesn’t mean you can’t dream big. Just because your dreams don’t make sense to anyone else but you, continue to dream and continue to make your dream(s) a reality. Also, always have friends who are way smarter than you; it will take you very far in life, especially when you get older. Life is about learning, and if you are not around people who will make you smarter, challenge you, or make you think, you need new friends. Last but not least and most importantly, always know your worth! Don’t settle for anything but the best!!!" Sonja's insightful advice resonates deeply with current students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly, seek out supportive friendships, and never compromise on their self-worth. 🌟✨

Alumni Spotlight: Solomon Brooks - A Versatile Content Creator and Dedicated Delivery Driver Full Name: Solomon Brooks Year of Graduation: 2012 School: Plymouth High School Post-Graduation Path: Completed Trade School Current Occupation: Class A Delivery Driver for Sygma Carolina, Content Creator CTE Pathway Completion: Yes Overview: Solomon Brooks, an esteemed graduate of Washington County Schools, exemplifies versatility and dedication in his career journey. Graduating in 2012, Solomon's diverse skill set and commitment to continuous learning have propelled him to success as a delivery driver and content creator. Educational Journey: After graduating, Solomon pursued specialized training at Advance Technology Institute, focusing on welding from 2012 to 2014. His thirst for knowledge led him to further his education at Davidson and Davie Community College, where he obtained a CDL in 2020, showcasing his commitment to mastering new skills and expanding his career opportunities. Current Endeavors: Today, Solomon is a Class A Delivery Driver for Sygma Carolina, contributing to efficient logistics and customer satisfaction. Additionally, he channels his creativity as a content creator, leveraging his platform to inspire and entertain audiences. Words of Wisdom: Solomon shares a profound quote by Margaret Fuller: "If you know, let others light their candles in it." He encourages current Washington County Schools students to embrace the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of empowering others by disseminating expertise and insights. Interest in Engagement: Solomon eagerly offers his expertise and experiences to students as a guest speaker or panelist, virtually and face-to-face. His desire to engage with individuals in similar career pathways underscores his commitment to fostering learning and mentorship within the community. Solomon Brooks's journey from Washington County Schools to a successful delivery driver and content creator career reflects the transformative power of continuous learning and adaptability. His dedication to mastering new skills and sharing knowledge exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration valued within the Washington County Schools community.

Senior Night Recap: Trainers Twymon Arnold Jr. is an integral part of our team as a dedicated trainer. He has plans to attend college and major in Sports Communication, with hopes of continuing his passion for track at the next level. Tyshaun Cummings has been an outstanding trainer, always giving his best to the team. His plans include attending Job Corps for two years, followed by serving in the Army. Lequan Williams has been a committed trainer throughout his time with us. His future aspirations involve obtaining his CDLs and pursuing a career as a truck driver. Let's come together to celebrate these remarkable seniors and their contributions to our basketball program! 🏀🎉 #SeniorNight #BasketballTrainers #ClassOf2024

Let's recap the senior night celebration for our basketball stars: First, Chrishaya has been a standout on the basketball court and is now set to attend a 4-year university to major in Biological Sciences with aspirations of working in a lab. Next, Shanasha Vaughn has been a key player for our basketball team. Her plans include pursuing a career as a travel nurse. Congratulations to Chrishaya and Shanasha on their achievements, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors! 🏀🎓 #SeniorNight #BasketballStars #ClassOf2024

WCHS/BCCC team joining in on the excitement of this week's Hoopcoming! Day one features our jerseys and athletic attire. #wchshoopcoming