Washington County High School

🐾 The Panther House | 2026–2027 Edition Championship Experience Arrives at Washington County High School Welcome Coach Chris Cherry Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach Health & Physical Education Teacher (Grades 9–12) Washington County High School proudly welcomes Coach Chris Cherry to Panther Nation as our new Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach and Health & Physical Education Teacher for grades 9–12. Coach Cherry brings nearly three decades of coaching excellence and one of the most decorated résumés in North Carolina high school basketball. Throughout his career, he has transformed programs, developed championship teams, and mentored countless student-athletes into successful leaders both on and off the court. With an outstanding 521–127 career record and an 80% winning percentage, Coach Cherry has established himself as one of the state’s premier basketball coaches. His impressive accomplishments include: 🏀 521 Career Victories 🏆 16 Regular Season Conference Championships 🏅 7 NCHSAA Sectional Championships ⭐ 3 Regional Championships 🥈 3 State Championship Appearances 👑 2019 NCHSAA Class 4A State Champion Coach Cherry’s excellence has been recognized across North Carolina and the nation. Among his many honors are: National High School Coaches Association Boys Coach of the Year (2019) National Southeast Region Coach of the Year (2019) NCHSAA State Basketball Coach of the Year (2019) Multiple North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association District Coach of the Year awards Numerous Conference, Regional, and Area Coach of the Year honors throughout his career In addition to his coaching success, Coach Cherry has served as an Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, basketball instructor, and educational leader. His commitment to developing student-athletes extends far beyond wins and championships—he is known for building character, promoting accountability, and inspiring students to reach their full potential. As a Health and Physical Education teacher, Coach Cherry will bring that same passion for leadership, wellness, teamwork, and personal growth into the classroom, helping students develop habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. At Washington County High School, we believe success is built through relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence. Coach Cherry embodies those values, and we are excited for the impact he will make on our students, athletic programs, and school community. Please join us in giving a warm Panther welcome to Coach Chris Cherry. We are excited for the leadership, experience, and championship culture he brings to Washington County High School. Welcome to Panther Nation, Coach Cherry! 🐾💙🖤

We had an amazing time welcoming the Washington County High School Class of 2027 and their parents to our “Taco ’Bout Senior Year!” event! Students and families received important information to help make senior year a success, including: 🏠 An introduction to our exciting new House System 🎓 FAFSA and scholarship requirements 📚 NC Residency (RDS) information 🗓️ Senior expectations and important dates 🎉 Graduation planning 🏆 Athletics, schedules, and so much more! We are grateful to every student, parent, guardian, staff member, and volunteer who made today’s event a success. Your commitment to preparing early will help ensure our seniors have an outstanding final year at WCHS. The excitement doesn’t stop here! Wednesday, July 8, we will welcome our incoming 6th and rising 9th grade students and their families for their orientation experience. We can’t wait to introduce them to our school, our expectations, and our new House System as we continue building a culture where every student belongs. Six houses, One school!

🌮🎓 CLASS OF 2027… TODAY IS THE DAY! 🎓🌮 Your senior year starts TODAY, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at 🌮 Taco ’Bout Senior Year! 🗓️ Today 🕧 12:30 PM 📍 Washington County High School 🚪 Please enter through the Auxiliary Gym entrance and follow the signs to registration. Seniors and parents/guardians, come ready to: 🌟 Learn everything you need to know for an amazing senior year. 📅 Pick up your class schedule. 🎓 Get important information about graduation, FAFSA, scholarships, athletics, CTE, and more. 🏠 Experience our new House System. 🌮 Enjoy a taco lunch, fun activities, giveaways, and connect with your Class of 2027 family! This is one event you don’t want to miss! Let’s kick off the best year yet together. ⏰ Doors open at 12:15 PM. We’ll see you soon! #ClassOf2027 #TacoBoutSeniorYear #SeniorYearStartsNow #WCHSPanthers #PantherPride #OneSchoolOneFamily

Our recent graduates are still shining bright! ✨🎓 On June 27, I’Shawn Fuller was recognized as a scholarship recipient by the Eastern North Carolina Civic Group during its annual scholarship banquet held at Edgecombe Community College. A true multi-sport scholar-athlete, I’Shawn will continue his academic journey at North Carolina Central University, where he plans to pursue a career dedicated to making a positive impact in the juvenile justice system. We are incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished and can’t wait to see the difference he will make in the lives of others. Please join us in congratulating I’Shawn Fuller on this well-deserved honor and wishing him continued success as he begins this exciting new chapter! Congratulations, I’Shawn! Once a Panther, always a Panther! 🐾💙🖤

A Legacy of Excellence. A Lifetime of Service. A Well-Deserved New Chapter. Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the life of an exceptional educator, mentor, leader, and servant. After more than 40 years of unwavering dedication to education, Mrs. Dianne Stokes is officially turning the page from the classroom, the hallways, the ballfields, the basketball courts, and the principal’s office to the sound of ocean waves and the peace of the beach. Mrs. Stokes’ impact cannot be measured by years alone. It is measured by the thousands of lives she has touched. She has served Washington County Schools as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. Her days began before sunrise and often stretched well into the evening because she understood that education isn’t just a profession. It's a calling. For decades she has celebrated victories, comforted students through difficult moments, encouraged teachers, supported families, attended countless athletic events, performances, graduations, and school functions, and continuously poured. Her leadership has left an undeniable mark on Washington County Union, Washington County Middle and Washington County High School. Mrs. Stokes reminded us that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That scripture has been evident in the grace, humility, and perseverance she has displayed throughout her career. To the students whose lives you changed… To the teachers you mentored… To the coaches you supported… To the parents you encouraged… To every colleague who had the privilege of serving alongside you… Thank you. Thank you for believing in children. Thank you for believing in education. Thank you for believing in our community. As you begin this exciting new journey, we pray that your days are filled with peace, joy, laughter, family, travel, and plenty of time enjoying the beach you’ve earned after decades of selfless service. Congratulations on your retirement, Mrs. Dianne Stokes! Your work is complete, your legacy is secure, and your impact will never be forgotten. Please join us in celebrating an incredible educator and thanking her for more than four decades of faithful service to students, families, and the Washington County community. Happy Retirement, Mrs. Stokes! The bell has rung… class is dismissed… now it’s time for the beach!

One of the most prolific wide receivers in North Carolina high school football history and Plymouth native Damien Linson stopped by this morning to work out with some of our young Panther players. More than just football, Damien shared valuable knowledge about discipline, perseverance, and life with the next generation of athletes. After an outstanding high school career, Damien continued his success at Central Michigan University, where he still holds multiple receiving records. Following the 2007 NFL Draft, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. We appreciate Damien taking the time to pour back into his hometown and inspire our young men.

🚨 OPEN INTERVIEWS – TODAY! 🚨 Grab your briefcase. Bring your résumé. Don’t forget your transcript. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression and secure your spot before we kick off the new school year! Whether you’re ready to launch your career or looking for your next opportunity, stop by before we leave today and take your shot. 💼 Dress to impress. 📄 Bring your résumé and transcript. ⭐ Come prepared to showcase your skills and confidence. Your next opportunity could start today. Washington County Schools Don’t miss your chance to kick off the year with WCHS!

We're hiring!

📣 WCHS Families – Save the Dates! We’ve been hard at work preparing for an exciting 2026–2027 school year! As we transition to a new system, there are several important orientation and information sessions planned to help students and families get off to a strong start. To ensure a smooth rollout, we will begin by focusing on three key grade levels this summer: rising 6th graders, rising 9th graders, and the Class of 2027 (rising seniors). 📅 Upcoming Dates: 🎓 Class of 2027 (Seniors) Tuesday, June 30th 🕑 12:30-2:30 PM This event is for the Class of 2027 and their parent or guardian.. To help speed up check-in, please join the Class of 2027 Google Classroom before you arrive.Google Classroom Code: j4c4sxc 🎒 Rising 6th & Rising 9th Grade Students Wednesday, July 8th 🕑 2:00 PM 🏫 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th Thursday, August 13 More details, including locations and schedules, will be shared soon. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back as we kick off a year of being Crazy Enough to Dream, Consistent Enough to Achieve, and Committed Enough to Transform!

🚑🩺 Tonight, a group of our rising seniors/Health Science students kicked off the first of many nights in their Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Pre-Apprenticeship Program! This opportunity is a tremendous win for our students, Career and Technical Education Department, school district, and community as we continue to focus on growing our own workforce and creating pathways to high-demand careers right here at home. We are incredibly proud of this inaugural cohort for taking the next step toward careers in healthcare and emergency services. Through this hybrid program, students will gain valuable industry knowledge, hands-on experiences, and credentials that will prepare them for future success. This exciting initiative is made possible through a partnership between Beaufort County Community College, Washington County Schools, and Washington County Government. Congratulations to these students for investing in their futures. We can’t wait to watch them learn, grow, and serve! #HOSA #HealthScience #WCSCTE #GrowOurOwn #EMR #FutureFirstResponders #CareerReady #WorkBasedLearning #WashingtonCountyNC

Tassels have been turned, but the accolades keep rolling in! Congratulations to Washington County High School graduates Zariah Riddick and Braeden Chesson, recipients of the prestigious D. Cole Phelps PLLC Scholarship! This scholarship, established by Attorney D. Cole Phelps, recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. It is designed to support deserving students as they continue their educational journeys and pursue their future goals. We are proud of Zariah and Braeden for continuing to earn recognition and scholarship opportunities even after graduation. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance continue to open doors and inspire those coming behind them. Please join us in celebrating these outstanding scholars and wishing them continued success as they begin their next chapters! #WCSPride #ClassOf2026

The WC Panthers for the first time ever participated in East Carolina’s Beast of the East - 7 on 7 Tournament.This camp is for high school/travel teams. It is a 7 on 7 passing tournament putting the offense of one team against the defense of another. The Panthers were able to line up against and compete with  some of the biggest and best schools in the state of NC and Va. 5A Havelock and Hampton Va., 7A South Garner and 8A Panther Creek. The lessons, experience and exposure will help in improving and enhancing growth in critical areas for these young men on and off the field.

Registration is Open!

📢 Important CTE & Senior Class Announcements! 📢 🎓 CTE Pre-Apprenticeship Program Update Washington County Schools CTE has proudly partnered with Washington County Local Government and Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) to launch our first-ever Pre-Apprenticeship Program! All registered upperclassmen have received important information via email. This is a paid hybrid opportunity designed to provide valuable career experience while students earn. We are grateful to the students who completed all required paperwork and committed to this opportunity. Parents, please help us hold students accountable and ensure they attend each week. 📧 The college will provide detailed instructions on Monday, and both the Career Development Coordinator (CDC) and CTE Director will be present for the kickoff to support students. Questions? Please contact the CDC or CTE Director. 🌮 Attention WCHS Class of 2027! You received an important message in your Google Classroom this week! 📱 Download the Google Classroom app on your phone! This classroom will be your hub for: ✅ Senior announcements ✅ Scholarship opportunities ✅ Important deadlines ✅ Event information ✅ College Fairs We are excited to see you and your Plus One (Parent or Guardian) at your upcoming 🌮 Taco ’Bout Senior Year! event. 📣 Underclassmen will receive event updates later this summer. #WCSNC #CareerReady #CTEWorks #PreApprenticeship #ClassOf2027 #TacoBoutSeniorYear #PantherPride

🌟 Building Skills. Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures. 🌟 A huge THANK YOU to our Community Schools partners for collaborating with our summer programs to ensure students gained meaningful, hands-on experiences this summer. Through these partnerships, students didn’t just learn they created, explored, and left with tangible products and real-world skills they can be proud of. From career exploration and workforce readiness to creative projects and leadership development, every experience was designed to make learning engaging, relevant, and impactful. Together, we’re helping students connect classroom knowledge to future careers while building confidence, creativity, and community. #CommunitySchools #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #FutureReady #CareerConnectedLearning

🎉What’s Summer Camp Without a FOAM PARTY? 🎉 Our campers enjoyed an unforgettable Foam Party filled with music, laughter, dancing, and mountains of foam!

Our cadets are off to camp...

🚨🚨Save the Date 🚨🚨

Jeremiah Mann and Symir Jenkins attended the Dave Doeren Football Camp on the campus of NC State University on June 11th . The purpose of these campa is to teach proper technique and fundamentals to aid in player development. The goal of these coaches is to create create an environment that allows campers to feel like they are part of the pack. The Wolfpack plays Hard, Tough, and Together with a united mission to win a championship. Jeremiah Mann is a highly touted tight end prospect and is garnering a lot of interest from D1 programs. LB Symir Jenkins is beginning his recruitment, the upcoming junior prospect is one of the top defensive players in the Eastern Carolina Conference.

🚨 STUDENT OPPORTUNITY ALERT 🚨 Washington County Schools has TWO remaining spots available for our EMR Pre-Apprenticeship Program, beginning June 22, 2026! ✅ Must be 16 1/2 years old or older ✅ Must have a 2.8 GPA or higher ✅ Paid opportunity ✅ Hybrid format (online and in-person) ✅ Gain valuable healthcare and workforce experience If you’re interested in taking the next step toward a career in healthcare and earning while you learn, don’t wait! 📧 Email Denise Harris at dharris@wcsnc.org as soon as possible for additional information and application details. First come, first served. Secure your spot today! #EarnAsYouLearn #EMRPreApprenticeship #CTEWorks #WashingtonCountySchools #CareerReady