Washington County High School

🎄✨ We Have a Winner! ✨🎄 Big congratulations to Ms. Kornegay for taking home the crown (and all the laughs) in our Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition! 👏🎁 Her custom-designed, light-up masterpiece stole the show and reminded us all that Christmas spirit truly shines—literally! 💡🎅 Thank you to everyone who participated and brought the holiday cheer. Stay festive, and maybe start planning for next year, because Ms. Kornegay has set the bar HIGH! 😉 #UglySweaterChampion #ShiningBright #HolidayFun

🌟 Early Childhood Education in Action! 🌟 Our Early Childhood Education students showcased their final projects today, presenting to the very students they’ve been working with all semester! The joy was undeniable as the little ones welcomed their interns with open arms. ❤️ Thanks to the hands-on learning and meaningful engagement from day one, our interns built strong relationships with their students, creating a dynamic and energetic environment. Today’s rotation may have felt like “organized chaos,” but it was the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and innovation! 🎨📚🎶 Why Hands-On Learning Matters in CTE Career and Technical Education (CTE) equips students with real-world experience through immersive, practical opportunities like internships and project-based learning. In our Early Childhood Education pathway, hands-on learning allows students to: ✅ Build connections and trust with young learners. ✅ Apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. ✅ Develop critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills. ✅ Foster a passion for teaching and learning through direct experience. By bridging the gap between education and application, CTE empowers students to be confident, prepared, and career-ready. Together, we’re shaping the future, one hands-on experience at a time! 💡

🌟 Introducing Our Panther Hallway Hero: Linda Spruill Arnold! 🌟 We’re proud to celebrate Linda Spruill Arnold, an inspiring educator with 9 years of dedication to shaping the future of our Panther community! 🐾 📖 Education & Credentials: Linda earned her Associates in Early Childhood Education from Beaufort County Community College and her Bachelor’s in English for Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Linda was honored as Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2023, a testament to her passion and dedication to her students. ✨ Educational Successes: Although Linda humbly downplays her achievements, her impact on students' lives speaks volumes. Her love for her students and commitment to their success is evident in everything she does. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Linda chose education because she wanted to give back to the community where she grew up, ensuring that students don't lack the opportunities she didn't have. She is passionate about making sure her students succeed, no matter what! 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Linda: Being a Panther means accepting responsibility and encouraging the youth to reach their full potential. It’s about being accountable and committed to excellence. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The spirit of being a Panther is knowing, at the end of the day, you've done what’s best for the students and will do it all again the next day!” 💪🏽 Let’s celebrate Linda Spruill Arnold for her dedication, heart, and unwavering commitment to our Panther community! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #EducatorSpotlight #BeginningTeacheroftheYear

☕️🎓 AVID + Hot Chocolate = A Perfect Blend of Learning and Fun 🎓☕️ Today, our AVID students took their learning to the next level by using WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) to tackle their assignments— all while enjoying some cozy hot chocolate! The atmosphere was warm, productive, and full of holiday cheer thanks to Mrs. Snowflake (aka Ms. Barber), who brought the extra spark to the day! ❄️🤣 From collaborating on ideas to staying organized and engaged, our AVID students proved once again that hard work and a little fun can go hand-in-hand. Learning + Laughter = Success #AVIDStrategies #WICORinAction #HotChocolateVibes #MsSnowflakeMagic #LearningMadeFun #CollegeReady

🎁 Making Spirits Bright: Our Holiday Toy Drive Success 🎁 What started as a simple idea blossomed into something magical. This December, our Honor Society came together to spread joy where it’s needed most – the halls of Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. The numbers tell one story: $500 worth of toys, coloring books, and crayons. But the real magic lies in what these gifts represent: 🖍️ Creativity sparked with every crayon. 📖 Adventures waiting to unfold in every coloring book. 🧸 Pure joy in every toy for kids bravely fighting battles no child should face. Service isn’t just one of our four pillars – it’s the heart of who we are. This year’s toy drive showed what happens when bright minds and big hearts work together. We didn’t just donate gifts; we gave hope, moments of happiness, and distractions from tough days. 💖 To everyone who contributed: Your generosity proves that giving isn’t measured by the size of the gift, but by the love behind it. 🏥 To the incredible staff at Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House: Thank you for connecting our community’s kindness to families who need it most. This holiday season, we’re reminded: true service isn’t a single act – it’s a commitment to brightening our world, one crayon, one smile, one child at a time. #MakingSpiritsBright #HonorSociety #HolidayToyDrive #ServiceInAction #GivingBack #HopeAndJoy

🎉 Panther Hallway Hero Spotlight 🎉 Today, we are thrilled to recognize Krisciel Anne Macapagal, an outstanding member of our Panther family! 📚✨ 🖊 College(s) Attended and Credentials: Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology: Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English College of the Immaculate Conception: Master of Arts in Education, English Language and Literature and Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision La Consolacion University - Philippines: Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in English Language and Literature Additional Credentials: TESOL/TEFL Certificate, IELTS Certificate (University of Leicester), Teaching English as a Second Language 📆 Years in Education: 12 years of dedication and excellence 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Ms. Macapagal has been a guiding light for students, especially during the pandemic. She served as a national TV and radio teacher-broadcaster, helped refine curriculum guides, and authored self-learning modules for the Department of Education. Through innovative action research, she introduced gamification strategies and incorporated Mozart’s symphonies to reduce learning anxiety, supporting students academically and emotionally. Her holistic approach reflects her passion for transformative education. ✨ Educational Successes: Graduated with High Academic Distinction in her PhD National Trainer for Journalism and Public Speaking Nationally recognized author in Creative Writing-Nonfiction Youngest Master Teacher in the Department of Education Recipient of multiple awards, including Most Outstanding Teacher (2020-2024) and Best Teaching Innovation and Action Research 💡 Her 'Why' for Education: Krisciel’s deep love for teaching is driven by her belief in the power of learning to transform lives. Her students’ resilience and curiosity inspire her to constantly improve and grow, making teaching not just her job but her purpose. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Her: “Being a Panther means being part of a family that supports, inspires, and works toward success. It’s about resilience, teamwork, and giving my best every day to be part of something bigger that makes a difference.” 🗣 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The spirit of being a Panther is about sticking together, lifting each other, and facing challenges with grit and grace. To my colleagues and students—believe in yourselves, push through the hard stuff, and know you’ve got a whole community cheering you on. We’re stronger when we’re in it together!” 👏 Join us in celebrating Krisciel Anne Macapagal, a Panther Hallway Hero who leads with passion, excellence, and heart! 🖤💛 #PantherPride #HallwayHeroes

🎉 Congratulations, 6-8 Lady Panthers! 🎉 We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Your success is a reflection of your determination and Panther pride. Our 6-8 boys fell short tonight. 🏀💪 #LadyPanthers #PantherPride #Congrat

Today was an exciting milestone as both the Plymouth and Columbia students enrolled in Welding 110 & 115 through Beaufort County Community College completed their fall courses. The students proudly took pictures in front of their work! We couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s ahead. With the move to the new building on the horizon, we look forward to showcasing their work more. This welding cohort continues to grow and gain valuable hands-on experience. The future is bright for these students! #CTE #handson

🎉 Honoring Panther Hallway Hero: Tamara Bazemore! 🎉 We are thrilled to spotlight Tamara Bazemore, a dedicated educator with 34 years of service, as part of our Panther Hallway Heroes series! Tamara’s incredible journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for education and her commitment to making a difference. 📖 Education & Credentials: St. Augustine's University - BS in Special Education Roanoke Theological Seminary - MA in Theology Dual Licensure in K-6 Elementary & Special Education (K-12) 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Tamara is most proud of achieving dual licensure and using her skills to inspire and support students across various grade levels. ✨ Educational Successes: Even after retirement, Tamara answered the call to return to teaching due to the urgent need for educators. Her dedication has inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Tamara’s inspiration comes from the impactful teachers in her life who served as mentors and motivators. She strives to pay it forward by serving her students with the same care and dedication. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Tamara: For Tamara, being part of the Panther community represents mutual support, teamwork, and inspiring dreams to become reality. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone works together to achieve greatness. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “A Panther embodies courage, wisdom, leadership, and bravery. The Panther spirit is about supporting one another, overcoming obstacles, and driving progress in our community. It’s about excelling in life, communicating effectively, and making impactful decisions for the greater good.” Let’s celebrate Tamara Bazemore for her incredible contributions and her commitment to inspiring excellence every day! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #InspiringEducators

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Marvin Smith 🌟 Meet Marvin Smith, one of the true backbones of our district! For nearly a decade, Marvin has been faithfully served as our custodian, ensuring that our school is warm, safe, and welcoming for our students and staff. Marvin is often the first to arrive, preparing the building for the day ahead, and he’s always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. His dedication, kindness, and tireless work behind the scenes make a difference every single day. We are so grateful for Marvin’s commitment to our school and for the example he sets for all of us. Thank you, Marvin, for all that you do! 💙 #StaffSpotlight #UnsungHero #ThankYouMarvin

🎄✨ Getting Into the Holiday Spirit! ✨🎄 This week, we had so much fun spreading holiday cheer with our staff and students through our daily festive themes! To keep the momentum going, we're taking it up a notch next week with even more exciting themes leading us into the holiday break: 🎥 Monday (12/16/24): Polar Express Day – Break out your holiday scarves, gloves, and cozy accessories! 🎅 Tuesday (12/17/24): Ugly Sweater Day – Bust out your ugliest, most festive sweater! 🎉 ❄️ Wednesday (12/18/24): Winter Wonderland Day – Dress in white, ice-blue, or clothing with snowflakes to transform our school into a winter wonderland! Check out this photo dump of how we wrapped up this week's fun! 📸 Let's make next week even better! Who's ready to go all out? 😍🎁 #HolidaySpirit #PantherPride

🏀🎉 Game Day Alert! 🎉🏀 Our 9-12 squads are hitting the court tonight for their first home game of the season against Pasquotank County! 🏠🔥 🎟️ Order your tickets now on GoFan: https://gofan.co/event/2590881?schoolId=NC1898 Come out, show your Panther pride, and cheer on our Mighty Panthers as they bring the heat! 💪🐾 Let's pack the stands and make it a night to remember! 📅 Tonight 📍 Home Court ⏰ Game Time #PantherPride #GameDay #MightyPanthers #Countdowntonewcourt

🌟 Meet Our Panther Hallway Hero: Ms. Jai'La Carmack! 🌟 We are thrilled to continue our Panther Hallway Heroes series by introducing the incredible Ms. Jai'La Carmack, a dedicated educator and leader with 8 years of service to education! 📖 Education & Credentials: Ms. Carmack has had an impressive academic journey, earning degrees and certifications from: Elizabeth City State University (Biology, Minor: Chemistry) Liberty University (Masters in Biomedical Science) North Carolina State University (Masters in School Administration) Trident University (Doctorate in Health Science/Health Policy and Administration) She holds licensure in Secondary Education and School Administration. 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Ms. Carmack's proudest achievement is creating meaningful opportunities for students who may otherwise be overlooked. From fostering equity and inclusion to enhancing school culture, her work reflects her deep commitment to breaking down barriers and planting seeds of hope for brighter futures. ✨ Educational Successes: Ms. Carmack has achieved milestones that align with her passion for leadership and student empowerment. Her efforts have enhanced engagement, supported teacher growth, and built stronger school communities. She finds fulfillment in witnessing the transformative moments where students and educators unlock their potential. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Rooted in the belief that education is a catalyst for change, Ms. Carmack chose this field to serve as a bridge for students to overcome obstacles and realize their dreams. For her, education is not just about academics—it’s about empowerment, transformation, and creating pathways to success. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Ms. Carmack: To Ms. Carmack, the Panther community represents unity, resilience, and excellence. It’s about working together, celebrating victories, and supporting one another to thrive. She’s proud to be part of a family that embodies growth, empowerment, and the pursuit of greatness. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “To my colleagues, being a Panther means embracing our mission to inspire, educate, and empower. To my students, it means never giving up, striving for greatness, and believing in your potential. Together, we embody the Panther spirit—strength, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.” Let’s celebrate Ms. Jai'La Carmack for her dedication, passion, and the incredible impact she makes on our community! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #EducatorSpotlight

🌟 Exciting News from WCHS CTE Dept! 🌟 Today, some of our top Foods & Nutrition scholars dazzled us during the Fall 2024 Jr. Chef Competition! Each group of four worked together to prepare an incredible full-course meal, complete with a drink and dessert. Their collaboration, creativity, and culinary skills were on full display as they whipped up dynamic dishes that reflected everything they’ve learned in class. From cultural sauces to delicious desserts, savory meats to refreshing homemade drinks, every bite was a masterpiece! We are beyond proud of how each team member stepped up—planning, prepping, cooking, and serving with precision and passion. And yes, they nailed it in the cleaning department too! The energy and talent in the room were absolutely amazing. Meanwhile, our Adobe scholars captured the excitement on film and conducted interviews with the contestants. Their work will be featured in a special short food show premiering at next month’s End-of-Semester CTE Showcase. Stay tuned for the full experience! For now, enjoy some snapshots from today’s unforgettable competition. 🎥🍽️✨

Spotlight of Excellence: Samantha Bearden Samantha Bearden was recently recognized as Washington County's Exceptional Children's (EC) Educator of Excellence at the 73rd North Carolina Conference on Exceptional Children (NC CEC) in Greensboro. Mrs. Beardden, an EC teacher for the 4th-8th Grade Adaptive Classroom at Washington County Elementary School, has made significant contributions since joining the district in January 2023. Starting as a 6th-8th grade Resource Teacher, Mrs. Bearden quickly became an integral part of Washington County Middle School. She has played a key role in transitioning 8th-grade students to high school, helping families understand the different educational pathways available. This year, she transitioned into an Adaptive Classroom teacher, supporting students with extended content standards, and continues to assist fellow educators in navigating ECATS. Msr Bearden's dedication to her students and her ongoing pursuit of professional growth make her a tremendous asset to our district. We are proud to have her on our team and thank her for her unwavering commitment to expanding learning opportunities for all students. Congratulations, Mrs. Samantha Bearden!

Embracing the Journey Within Pages! WCS is deeply grateful to Domtar for their continued support of the Washington County Schools Media Program. Earlier this year, Domtar awarded us a grant, and recognizing there was still a significant need, they have generously provided an additional $25,000 reward. This additional funding will enable us to purchase even more new books for our Media Program, further enriching the learning experiences of our students. Domtar's unwavering commitment to literacy in Washington County Schools plays a vital role in fostering a love of reading among our children. With this remarkable donation, we are able to expand access to high-quality reading materials, allowing more students to experience the joy of reading and to explore their imaginations. WCS sincerely thank Domtar for their invaluable contribution to our school and for being a steadfast partner in promoting literacy and education. Their support continues to have a profound impact on our students and our community. Together, we are shaping the future, one book at a time!

🌟 Meet Our Panther Hallway Hero: Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch! 🌟 We are delighted to introduce Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch, a dedicated educator with 20 years of service, as part of our Panther Hallway Heroes series. Her journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of education. 📖 Education & Credentials: Western Governors University: Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Barton College: Academically and Intellectually Gifted Certification University of Technology: Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Health Church Teachers' College: Diploma in Teaching - Home Economics 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Sharnalee is most proud of earning her Master’s Degree and AIG Certification, milestones that reflect her commitment to professional growth and her students’ success. ✨ Educational Successes: Currently, Sharnalee is pursuing her National Board Certification, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in teaching. 💡 Her "Why" for Education: Teaching is more than a profession for Sharnalee—it’s her passion and joy. She is inspired by her students' growth, success, and journey to becoming compassionate, capable members of society. For her, education is not just about imparting knowledge but also igniting curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Sharnalee: For Sharnalee, being part of the Panther community is about modeling positive behavior, building strong relationships, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. She takes pride in contributing to a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and shared success. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The Panther spirit is rooted in strength, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence. It’s about building supportive relationships and fostering growth among all members. Together, we inspire one another to reach our fullest potential and create an environment where everyone can thrive.” Join us in celebrating Sharnalee Spencer-Lynch, a shining example of what it means to embody Panther pride! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #EducatorSpotlight

📢 Exciting Opportunity for Future Nurses! 🩺 On Tuesday, December 10th, WCHS had the honor of hosting Cameron Bass from the ECU RIBN Program! 🎓 Cameron shared valuable insights with students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The ECU RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) Program allows students to take classes at both Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) and East Carolina University (ECU) to earn a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This innovative program offers a seamless path to success in the healthcare field! A special shout out to our college liaison Amber Searcy for scheduling this event. Learn more about the ECU RIBN Program here: https://nursing.ecu.edu/bsn/ribn/ #FutureNurses #RIBNProgram #WCHS #ECU #BCCC #CTE

🎉 Open House at our New School! 🎉 We’re thrilled to invite the community to an open house at our new school! The event will feature guided tours of the new campus, offering a chance for everyone to explore our exciting new space. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our new home — we can’t wait to share it with you! Join us!

🎉 Celebrating Panther Hallway Hero: Mr. Derick Villanueva! 🎉 We’re proud to feature Mr. Derick Villanueva as part of our Panther Hallway Heroes series! With 7 years of dedication to education, Derick is an inspiring force within our Panther community. 📖 Education & Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Education (Major in Physical Science) Master of Arts in Teaching (General Science - 18 Units) 🏆 Greatest Educational Accomplishment: Mr. Villanueva is most proud of his journey to teach in the United States and join the staff of Washington County High School, a milestone that reflects his dedication to making a global impact in education. ✨ Educational Successes: He was recognized at his previous school for having the greatest positive impact on student learning, a testament to his passion and effectiveness as an educator. 💡 His "Why" for Education: Derick chose education because of the incredible influence teachers have on young minds. For him, teaching is about instilling a love for learning and making a lasting difference in students' lives—both inside and outside the classroom. 🐾 What Being a Panther Means to Mr. Villanueva: For Mr. Villanueva, being part of the Panther community is about embracing challenges, fostering resilience, and supporting young scholars with immense potential. It’s a role that pushes him to grow and adapt, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. 💬 Message to Fellow Panthers: “The spirit of being a Panther is about courage in the face of challenges, leading with integrity, and sharing wisdom. Together, we inspire and empower one another to grow stronger and reach new heights.” Let’s celebrate Mr. Villanueva and his unwavering commitment to shaping the future, one student at a time! 🖤💛 #PantherHallwayHeroes #PantherPride #DedicatedEducators