šØš Celebrating Student Artists
We are proud to recognize these talented students who were honored at last nightās School Board meeting as participants in the 2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest!
Congratulations to:
*Brooke Batiste (Grade 4, High Point Elementary School) ā Elementary School Entry
*Christina Curry-Cruz (Grade 8, E. B. Stanley Middle School) ā Middle School Entry
*Chloe Humphrey (Grade 11, John S. Battle High School) ā High School Entry
We are proud to recognize these talented students who were honored at last nightās School Board meeting as participants in the 2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest!
Congratulations to:
*Brooke Batiste (Grade 4, High Point Elementary School) ā Elementary School Entry
*Christina Curry-Cruz (Grade 8, E. B. Stanley Middle School) ā Middle School Entry
*Chloe Humphrey (Grade 11, John S. Battle High School) ā High School Entry
šš Honoring a Historic Season! šš
The Abingdon High School Lady Falcons were recognized at last nightās School Board meeting for their incredible achievement as VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions -- a milestone moment in Abingdon High School history!
This team made school history with their outstanding season, showcasing determination, teamwork, and resilience every step of the way.
Players:
Lauren Baker
Scottlyn Bales
Maddie Fields
Makenzie Fullen
Amelia Holbrook
Addison Kinder
Barrett King
Dera Loudy
Elizabeth Nichols
Scout Summitt
Annsley Trivette
Head Coach: Jimmy Brown
Assistant Coaches:
James Agner
Austin Barnhart
Calla Haderer
We are proud to celebrate this team and their unforgettable accomplishment. Congratulations again on a historic season!
The Abingdon High School Lady Falcons were recognized at last nightās School Board meeting for their incredible achievement as VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions -- a milestone moment in Abingdon High School history!
This team made school history with their outstanding season, showcasing determination, teamwork, and resilience every step of the way.
Players:
Lauren Baker
Scottlyn Bales
Maddie Fields
Makenzie Fullen
Amelia Holbrook
Addison Kinder
Barrett King
Dera Loudy
Elizabeth Nichols
Scout Summitt
Annsley Trivette
Head Coach: Jimmy Brown
Assistant Coaches:
James Agner
Austin Barnhart
Calla Haderer
We are proud to celebrate this team and their unforgettable accomplishment. Congratulations again on a historic season!
šāØ Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day
Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers of Washington County Public Schools who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and commitment help create supportive classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for the impact you make across our schools and for all you do for our students, families, and community. We are proud to have you as part of WCPS!
Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers of Washington County Public Schools who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and commitment help create supportive classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for the impact you make across our schools and for all you do for our students, families, and community. We are proud to have you as part of WCPS!
šāØ Celebrating The Washington Way
Tonight, we are proud to recognize our Spring Washington Way Award Winners ā individuals who go above and beyond each day to support our students, staff, and school communities.
Congratulations to:
*Above and Beyond Custodian Award ~ John Denton (John S. Battle High School) ~ For the custodian who keeps things shining and spirits high.
*Customer Service Award ~ Erin Hockman (Valley Institute Elementary) ~ For the friendly face whoās always ready to help and make someoneās day better.
*Helping Hand Award ~ Robin Smith (Patrick Henry High School) ~ For the nurse or aide whoās always there with care and compassion.
*Master Technician Award ~ David Surber (Maintenance Department) ~ For the behind-the-scenes problem-solver who keeps everything running smoothly.
*Silver Spoon Award ~ Amy Wright (Valley Institute Elementary) ~ For the food service hero who serves up smiles (and great meals)!
*Wheels on the Bus Award ~ Mike Scott (Transportation Department) ~ For the driver or mechanic who goes the extra mile to get students where they need to be.
These outstanding individuals truly represent The Washington Way through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.
š We are also proud to announce our overall Washington Way Award Winner: Trevor Orfield
Selected from both our fall and spring honorees, this individual reflects the spirit of The Washington Way through their dedication and service.
šØš Celebrating Student Creativity
Congratulations to Josie Carneal, a 7th grade student at E. B. Stanley Middle School, for being named the 2026ā2027 School Calendar & Handbook Cover Art Contest Winner!
Josieās artwork will be featured on the cover of next yearās school calendar and handbook ā a wonderful honor that showcases her creativity and talent for the entire WCPS community to enjoy.
š¶š Celebrating Our All-State Musicians
We are proud to recognize these outstanding students from across Washington County Public Schools who were honored at tonightās School Board meeting for their selection to All-State Band and All-State Choir ā an incredible achievement that reflects their talent, dedication, and hard work.
All-State Band
Abingdon High School
*Ben Campbell - Tuba - 1st Chair Orchestra (overall rank 1 in VA)
*Kingston Hay - Percussion - 2nd Orchestra (overall rank 2 in VA)
*Evyn Nowicki - Euphonium - 4th Symphonic Band (overall rank 4 in VA)
*Ciana Childress - Trumpet - 9th Concert Band (overall Rank 23 in VA)
All-State Choral
Abingdon High School
*Stone Alvarado - Tenor 1
*Carter Bresowar - Tenor 1
*Kingston Hay - Bass 1
*Jaila Strebeck - Alto 2
*Aubri Phillips - Alto 1 (alternate)
*Lexie Odum - Soprano 2 (alternate)
John S. Battle High School
*Natalie Combs - Soprano 2
*Kai Ricks - Soprano 2
*Micah Poe - Tenor 2
*Jalyn Carter - Soprano 2 (alternate)
*Graydan Poe - Bass 2 (alternate)
Patrick Henry High School
*Lotte Gendel - Soprano 1
*Noelle Jackson - Alto 1
*Twyla Bremner - Alto 2
*Kayden Jones - Bass 1
*Nathaniel Moser - Bass 2
*Greyson Pruitt - Tenor 1 (alternate)
*Jaiden Wilder - Tenor 2 (alternate)
šš£ Recognition Night Arrival Information
We are excited to celebrate so many outstanding students and staff at tonightās School Board meeting! Due to the number of recognitions and limited space, we are asking families of honorees to arrive in designated groups.
š¶šØ Arrive at 6:00 p.m.:
*All-State Band & Choral students
*2026ā2027 School Calendar/Handbook Art Contest Winner
*2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest participants
*The Washington Way Award recipients
šā¾ Arrive at 6:30 p.m.:
*Athletic recognitions
*Abingdon High School Lady Falcons VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions
We appreciate your help in staggering arrival times so we can ensure a smooth and meaningful recognition for all honorees. We look forward to celebrating our students and staff this evening!
We are excited to celebrate so many outstanding students and staff at tonightās School Board meeting! Due to the number of recognitions and limited space, we are asking families of honorees to arrive in designated groups.
š¶šØ Arrive at 6:00 p.m.:
*All-State Band & Choral students
*2026ā2027 School Calendar/Handbook Art Contest Winner
*2026 VSBA Southwest Region Spring Forum Art Contest participants
*The Washington Way Award recipients
šā¾ Arrive at 6:30 p.m.:
*Athletic recognitions
*Abingdon High School Lady Falcons VHSL Class 3 Girls Basketball State Champions
We appreciate your help in staggering arrival times so we can ensure a smooth and meaningful recognition for all honorees. We look forward to celebrating our students and staff this evening!
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Audra Meadows ~ John S. Battle High School ~ Class of 2023
We are thrilled to highlight Audra Meadows, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Audra Meadows, a proud John S. Battle High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
Flags are at half-staff across the division in honor of Washington County Board of Supervisors member Wayne Stevens.
A proud Washington County Public Schools graduate and friend of our division, he loved this county and served it with honor, humility, and grace.
Our thoughts are with his family during this time. He will be deeply missed.
šš„ Happy School Lunch Hero Day
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
Today we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From early mornings to lunchtime smiles, they work hard behind the scenes to prepare meals, ensure food safety, and create welcoming cafeteria environments for all.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and the important role you play in supporting student success. You truly are heroes in our schools -- we appreciate you!
šāØ Happy School Principals Day
Today we celebrate the dedicated leaders who support our schools each and every day -- our principals, assistant principals, and deans of students. Your leadership, guidance, and commitment help create positive, supportive environments where students and staff can thrive.
From setting the vision to supporting daily operations and building strong school communities, your impact is felt in every hallway and classroom.
Thank you for all you do to lead, support, and inspire -- we appreciate you!
Today we celebrate the dedicated leaders who support our schools each and every day -- our principals, assistant principals, and deans of students. Your leadership, guidance, and commitment help create positive, supportive environments where students and staff can thrive.
From setting the vision to supporting daily operations and building strong school communities, your impact is felt in every hallway and classroom.
Thank you for all you do to lead, support, and inspire -- we appreciate you!
šæš¦ Calling All Curious Minds! Gifted Summer Camp is Back!
Washington County Public Schools is excited to offer Gifted Summer Camp for students in grades 1ā8, happening June 22ā25 at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center!
This yearās theme is Habitats, and students will dive into hands-on activities exploring ecosystems, animals, and the world around themāending the week with an exciting field trip to Bays Mountain Park to experience a real-life habitat up close!
āØ Camp Highlights:
*Interactive, hands-on learning experiences
*Creative exploration of ecosystems
*Field trip adventure on the final day
š Schedule:
*June 22ā24: 8:00 a.m. ā 12:00 p.m.
*June 25 (Field Trip Day): 8:00 a.m. ā 1:30 p.m.
š Snacks provided dailyājust bring a water bottle! (And a bagged lunch for Thursday!)
š How to Register:
Be sure to complete both the registration form and student information form using the links provided. Forms can also be emailed or sent with your student on the first day.
*Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezfPC75qCT0WsiFlDYtS_PrePyGbRHNYtFbt1Ca2Q_TcX8bA/viewform
*Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dls9xcDNF0HBELZs3CIQumRKI1Vp_RubKNwR1DEZKao/edit?tab=t.0
š© Questions? Contact Mrs. Susan OāDell at sodell@wcs.k12.va.us
We canāt wait for a fun-filled week of discovery, creativity, and learning!
šš Celebrating an Outstanding Achievement
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize Lauren Baker, a senior at Abingdon High School, as the 2026 Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recipient for the Southwest Region, awarded by the Virginia School Boards Association! Lauren was honored during the VSBA Southwest Region Spring Network Forum and will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support her post-secondary education.
An exceptional student leader, Lauren is actively involved in Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Friends 4 Life, while also participating in 4-H, Future Business Leaders of America -- where she earned a 2nd place competition finish -- and athletics. Through these experiences, she has developed the adaptability, teamwork, and resilience that will guide her future success.
After graduation, Lauren plans to attend East Tennessee State University to pursue a career in nursing, with a goal of caring for patients and giving back to her community.
āI am honored and humbled to receive this scholarship. I am proud to represent my community and area,ā Lauren shared.
We are incredibly proud of Lauren and all she has accomplished. Her dedication to service, leadership, and academic excellence truly represents the very best of WCPS!
Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize Lauren Baker, a senior at Abingdon High School, as the 2026 Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recipient for the Southwest Region, awarded by the Virginia School Boards Association! Lauren was honored during the VSBA Southwest Region Spring Network Forum and will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support her post-secondary education.
An exceptional student leader, Lauren is actively involved in Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Friends 4 Life, while also participating in 4-H, Future Business Leaders of America -- where she earned a 2nd place competition finish -- and athletics. Through these experiences, she has developed the adaptability, teamwork, and resilience that will guide her future success.
After graduation, Lauren plans to attend East Tennessee State University to pursue a career in nursing, with a goal of caring for patients and giving back to her community.
āI am honored and humbled to receive this scholarship. I am proud to represent my community and area,ā Lauren shared.
We are incredibly proud of Lauren and all she has accomplished. Her dedication to service, leadership, and academic excellence truly represents the very best of WCPS!
šØš¦ Creativity in Action at Meadowview Elementary
Fifth grade students at Meadowview Elementary School have been hard at work in art class, bringing their creativity to life through 3D dodo bird projects!
Through this hands-on activity, students are using their imagination and building their artistic skills in a fun and engaging way.
Great work by these talented young artists -- we love seeing creativity take flight!
Fifth grade students at Meadowview Elementary School have been hard at work in art class, bringing their creativity to life through 3D dodo bird projects!
Through this hands-on activity, students are using their imagination and building their artistic skills in a fun and engaging way.
Great work by these talented young artists -- we love seeing creativity take flight!
š³Growing Knowledge & Roots
Students at Greendale Elementary School recently celebrated Arbor Day in a meaningful way! Fifth graders explored the importance of trees, environmental stewardship, and how small actions can make a big impact on our planet.
Putting their learning into action, students worked together to plant a tree -- creating a living legacy for future students to enjoy.
Students at Greendale Elementary School recently celebrated Arbor Day in a meaningful way! Fifth graders explored the importance of trees, environmental stewardship, and how small actions can make a big impact on our planet.
Putting their learning into action, students worked together to plant a tree -- creating a living legacy for future students to enjoy.
š Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible school bus drivers who safely transport our students each day. From early mornings to afternoon drop-offs, they are often the first smile our students see and the last wave they receive.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and commitment to keeping our students safe on the road. You play an essential role in supporting student success each and every day -- we appreciate you!
Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible school bus drivers who safely transport our students each day. From early mornings to afternoon drop-offs, they are often the first smile our students see and the last wave they receive.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and commitment to keeping our students safe on the road. You play an essential role in supporting student success each and every day -- we appreciate you!
š¾š Learning Beyond the Classroom
Second grade students from Rhea Valley Elementary School recently enjoyed a wonderful day of exploration at Brights Zoo!
Students had the opportunity to see amazing animals up close, explore new environments, and make lasting memories with their classmates. Experiences like this bring learning to life and create moments students will remember for years to come.
Second grade students from Rhea Valley Elementary School recently enjoyed a wonderful day of exploration at Brights Zoo!
Students had the opportunity to see amazing animals up close, explore new environments, and make lasting memories with their classmates. Experiences like this bring learning to life and create moments students will remember for years to come.
šWCPS Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth (Berry) Williams ~ Abingdon High School ~ Class of 2014.
We are thrilled to highlight Elizabeth (Berry) Williams, a proud Abingdon High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
We are thrilled to highlight Elizabeth (Berry) Williams, a proud Abingdon High School graduate!
Are you a graduate of Washington County Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to learn about your accomplishments and share your story and advice with our current students, families, and community.
Please click here, to fill out a submission form: https://forms.gle/7qzqxJCpCjryVsfW8 OR Do you know a graduate from Washington County Public Schools who has made a positive impact in their community?
Nominate them to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series! Click here, to nominate a WCPS graduate: https://forms.gle/LFV1PwdpHnLfYRhn8
š§±āØ Building Skills for the Future
Students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put their skills to work on a real-world project, teaming up to pour a 12' x 12' patio.
Through this hands-on experience, students demonstrated high-quality workmanship, collaborated as a team, and delivered results that earned the homeownerās approval.
Weāre proud of their skill, effort, and commitment to serving our community -- this is what career-ready learning looks like!
Students at the Washington County Career & Technical Education Center recently put their skills to work on a real-world project, teaming up to pour a 12' x 12' patio.
Through this hands-on experience, students demonstrated high-quality workmanship, collaborated as a team, and delivered results that earned the homeownerās approval.
Weāre proud of their skill, effort, and commitment to serving our community -- this is what career-ready learning looks like!
š Celebrating Leadership Excellence in WCPS
We are proud to share that Cindy Jackson, Principal of High Point Elementary School, has been named a Virginia Principal of Distinction by the Virginia Department of Education.
This honor recognizes outstanding school leaders across the Commonwealth who demonstrate exceptional leadership in student achievement, instructional practice, and school culture.
Please join us in congratulating Principal Jackson on this well-deserved recognition and for her continued commitment to students, staff, and the High Point Elementary School community!
We are proud to share that Cindy Jackson, Principal of High Point Elementary School, has been named a Virginia Principal of Distinction by the Virginia Department of Education.
This honor recognizes outstanding school leaders across the Commonwealth who demonstrate exceptional leadership in student achievement, instructional practice, and school culture.
Please join us in congratulating Principal Jackson on this well-deserved recognition and for her continued commitment to students, staff, and the High Point Elementary School community!
