Washington County High School

Andrew J. Holliday Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society represents one of the most prestigious honors a student can achieve during their high school career. Last night, 11 exceptional students met these requirements and were officially inducted into this distinguished organization. Their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence truly set them apart. We are proud of each of you for this accomplishment. Your future is bright, and this is just the beginning. #NHS #ExcellenceInAction

May Newsletter

CTE focuses on credential attainment and building a strong resume. We are proud to celebrate our Foods & Nutrition students who have already earned their ServSafe Food Manager Certification. This accomplishment not only enhances their resumes, but also equips them with industry recognized skills in food safety and management, preparing them for careers in the culinary and hospitality industry. At WCS, we are committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. #CTEWorks #WCSExcellence #CareerReady #ServSafe #FoodsAndNutrition

Our JROTC cadets continue to rise to the occasion! Last week, 32 successfully completed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a major milestone that helps open doors to future careers in the military and beyond. This assessment not only measures academic strengths, but also helps students discover career pathways that align with their skills and interests. We are proud of their focus, discipline, and commitment throughout the process. The future is bright, and our cadets are proving they are ready for it!

Community Schools continues to bridge the gap between our schools and the community by creating meaningful, real-world experiences for our students. Tonight was a perfect example of that connection in action. Our students were able to experience “A Night in Dubai,” as Chef Fulford, a proud WCS graduate brought a full Mediterranean experience to life with incredible food, culture, and presentation. She even extended the experience to the Grand March crowd with tastings, making the night even more unforgettable. A special thank you to Ms. Wilkins and her team for executing such an outstanding event, and to Chef Fulford for her professionalism and excellence. This is what community connections look like at their best. #CommunityConnections

A Night in Dubai

Washington County Schools would like to congratulate our track team! Although we do not yet have our own track facility, our athletes have continued to rise above challenges with determination and resilience. Our 6-8 track team has represented us with excellence all season. We are proud to share that our girls’ team finished as conference runner-up, and our boys’ team placed 5th in the conference. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches!

Arts education is not an extra in our schools It is a core component of how we develop the whole child. Through music, visual arts, and creative expression, students learn discipline, collaboration, problem-solving, and how to communicate ideas in ways that go beyond words. In our school community, the Band and Art Departments play a vital role in helping students discover their talents while building confidence and cultural awareness. In North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) sets clear expectations for arts education through the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Arts are recognized as one of the Essential Standards, meaning every student is expected to receive instruction in the arts as part of a well-rounded education. By design, NCDPI ensures that arts education supports academic growth, emotional development, and career readiness. Tonight was a powerful example of that vision in action. Our Arts Department joined our superintendent at the Superintendent’s Art Reception, where student creativity and talent were on full display in multiple forms. Pictured: (L-R) Ms. Wilkins (6–12 Art Teacher), Mr. Gloyd (6–12 Band Instructor), Ms. Hoggard (K–5 Art Teacher), and Dr. White, Superintendent.

🚨🚨Attention Parents🚨🚨

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!