Waynesville High School

Nathaniel Copeland, a junior at Waynesville High School, was named the Rotary Student of the Month for January for representing the trait of selfless service/resiliency. He is the son of John and Claire Copeland and was honored during the Feb. 13 Rotary Club meeting. Copeland’s nominator stated, “…Attached you'll find a letter from the President of Pulaski County Voice that I received last week, informing me of Nathaniel Copeland's superb assistance at their Special Education Winter Ball. To quote the letter directly: ‘They were dressed beautifully and made all of our guests feel comfortable for their photos. They were at the ball for nearly six hours that evening. They could not have been more polite and respectful. They were amazing representatives of Waynesville High School and our community.’ Nathaniel has consistently dedicated his time to assisting students with special needs students, NHS, and community efforts over the past semester with his selfless service to volunteer work.” Copeland is an outstanding student and carries a 4.36 GPA, is ranked first in his class, and has a 95.70% attendance rate. He is involved in JROTC as the Operations Sergeant Major, Captain on the Drill Team and a Raider. He is also in NHS, SGA, FMP, and is an Eagle Scout. Copeland is already planning for his future and is enlisted as an Infantryman in the National Guard. Upon graduation, Copeland would like to attend the University of Texas to study medicine with the plans of becoming a doctor. #wayschools

Victoria Lebioda, a senior at Waynesville High School, spoke at the Rotary Club of Pulaski County on Feb. 13 about her experiences during RYLA summer camp. Lebioda was selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) based on her application. RYLA is a leadership experience, which helps students: build communication and problem-solving skills become leaders in their school or community learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors unlock their potential have fun and form lasting friendships WHS students who are interested in applying to attend RYLA should see their counselor. #wayschools

On behalf of their students, teachers and staff, Waynesville R-VI elementary, middle and high school principals accepted plaques that will be on display in their buildings. The plaques, which recognize each school for being ranked among the top schools in Missouri, were presented during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Feb. 20, 2024. #wayschools

Waynesville's JLAB team qualifies for Nationals For the first time ever, the Waynesville JLAB (JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl) Academic Team has qualified for the JLAB National Championship. "We were one of three teams that qualified from our Brigade (Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota)," said Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor with Waynesville's JROTC program. "To put this perspective there are over 1700 Army JROTC programs, and over 300 programs in our Brigade (3rd ROTC BDE)." Waynesville JLAB team members are Nathaniel Copeland, Marissa Esquivel, Joseph Mendiola and Julian Vassallo. The JLAB Academic National Championship will take place from June 21-25, 2024, at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. #wayschools

TEACHER RECRUITMENT EVENT Are you interested in teaching in the Waynesville R-VI School District? If so, please come to our Teacher Recruitment Event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Feb 29, 2024, at the Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville. #wayschools

The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team finished 2nd place overall in a field of more than 23 teams on Feb. 17 at the annual Smith Cotton invitational Drill Competition. This was the drill team’s second competition of the 2024 drill season. These are detailed results: 2nd Place Overall 3rd Place overall Armed Division 3rd Place Armed Exhibition (Commander, David Bennett) 2nd Place Armed Color Guard (Commander, Nathaniel Copeland) 3rd Place Unarmed Regulation (Commander, Nathaniel Copeland) 3rd Place overall Unarmed Division 2nd Place Unarmed Regulation & Best Unarmed Commander (Jennifer Boyd) 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition (Commander, Jennifer Boyd) 3rd Place Unarmed Color Guard (Commander, Avery Higdon) 2nd Place Unarmed New Cadet (Commander Ta'Levake Fau) 1st Place Armed Dual Exhibition (Joseph Mendiola & Lord Torres) 3rd Place Unarmed Dual Exhibition (Jennifer Boyd & Annalyse Rivera) 2nd Place Unarmed Solo Exhibition (Addison Smith) 3rd Place Unarmed Solo Exhibition (Peyton Stuart) 9th place Individual Drill Down: Kaden Crone The team’s next competitions will be on Feb. 24 at Leavenworth Kan., and on March 2 at Blue Springs South. #wayschools

Lincoln Stearns, a sophomore at Waynesville High School, who wrestles in the 120-pound weight class, placed 4th at Districts (Class 4, District 3 Championships) to qualify for State. The State wrestling meet will be held Feb. 23-24 in Columbia.

WHS girls wrestling finished 3rd at the Class 2 District 3 tournament behind Nixa and Lebanon who are both nationally ranked. Josie Moody, Dakota Nix, Maya Duncan, Haylee Fort, Mekenzie Moffet, and Yisel Perez will compete at the State Tournament on Feb. 23-24 in Columbia, Mo.

The first tryout/practice date for spring sports will be Feb. 26 for both Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville High School. The spring sports are: Baseball Track Boys/Girls Girls' Soccer Boys' Tennis Boys 'Golf MS Track Boys/Girls MS Baseball MS Softball More information is in the flyer and at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=14037. #wayschools

Courtwarming was held Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, between the boys JV and varsity basketball games. Fatima Ajmed was named queen and Nathan Wilking was named king. Pictured are the court members: Richard Peace Danely Aguilar Ahmaun Fowler Ryen Spiker Erial Courtright Fatima Ajmed Nathan Wilking Mackenzie Pearson Sonte Keys JayZen Blake and in front are Amaya Santos and Mael Kom Kelsey who carried in the crowns. Photo 2 The senior members of the court were JayZen Blake Erial Courtright Fatima Ajmed Nathan Wilking Sonte Keys Photo 3 Pictured are Courtwarming court members and their families. #wayschools

Waynesville High School hosted AP night to promote the Advanced Placement courses offered at WHS. AP students wore matching t-shirts and talked with visitors about their courses before the Jan. 29, 2024, girls varsity basketball game. They were also recognized between the JV and varsity games. Additionally, two AP students—Grace Parker and Bella Simmons—were presented with STEM Star Awards. The STEM Star Award is a $500 National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) funded award for students in AP math, science, English Language and/or computer science courses. The students were nominated by their AP teachers to recognize their hard work, dedication and willingness to take on the challenge of advanced coursework. NMSI has partnered with WHS to increase access and achievement in AP math, science, computer science and English Language courses. WHS has been allotted five $500 awards from NMSI, so there are still three more yet to be awarded. Nomination Criteria for the STEM Star Award • Demonstrate growth in NMSI supported AP coursework throughout the year • Demonstrate leadership, self-advocacy and/or commitment in the classroom • Actively engage in course both in and outside of the classroom In the group photo, the following are pictured: Row 1 kneeling (L to R) Thomas Walters, Alexis Bennett, Deanna McLane, Adrienne Yarbro, Julian Matras, Teyla Byrom, Peyton Cummings, Nathaniel Copeland, Julian Vassallo Middle Row: Citlali Arzabala, Sofia Mejia, Kylie Gravette, Kamden Raines, Kelise Johnson, Samantha Gadsden, Isabella Moredock, Chloe Moredock Back Row: Shannon Moynihan, Eric Glover, Brayden Weigelt, Ethan Cole, Peter Johnson, Bella Simmons, Rikku Carlson, Grace Parker, Evan Beck, Emma Hanson, Connor Long, Keegan Henson, Katelyn Hubbard, Nicholas McMurray, Aiden Smith #wayschools

TEACHER RECRUITMENT EVENT Are you interested in teaching in the Waynesville R-VI School District? If so, please come to our Teacher Recruitment Event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Feb 29, 2024, at the Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.

To prepare for the upcoming week-long Spring Break in March, Snack in a Pack is asking now for monetary and food donations to help feed more than 500 students. Below is a list of kid-friendly food items to donate • Packets/Canned Tuna • Packets/Canned Chicken • Ravioli/Spaghetti O’s • Ramen • Canned Soup/Chili • Vienna Sausage • Mac & Cheese cups • Pork & Beans • Fruit Cups • Veggie Cups • Canned Vegetables • Applesauce • Oatmeal Packs • Granola Bars • Individually Wrapped Snack • Peanut Butter* • Jelly* *Plastic Containers About Snack in a Pack (SIAP) SIAP is a supplemental food program that feeds approximately 550 students in the Waynesville R-VI School District over weekends and extended school breaks. SIAP is a 100% donation-driven program that relies on the generosity of its partners, donors, and community volunteers to continue its mission to feed hungry children and improve educational success. Mail checks to: Snack in a Pack Community Resource Office 12225 Pulaski Ave, Bldg. 8041 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473 For more information AmeriCorps Snack In a Pack Coordinator Community Resource Office (573) 842-2250 spack@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Nathan Wilking, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to play tennis with Kaskaskia College in Illinois. He is the son of James and Sara Wilking. His signing was held at the high school on Dec. 13, 2023.

Update: The main gate (north gate) is now open. The main gate (north gate) of Fort Leonard Wood is temporarily closed to inbound and outbound traffic. If the temporary closure continues to be in place at dismissal time, bus delays may occur this afternoon, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Breona Hurd set a new school record for Waynesville High School girls basketball by scoring 2097 points prior to Monday's game. The previous school record of 2064 was held by Kallie Bildner. Head Coach Mike Clutts presented Hurd with a game ball on Jan. 29, 2024, before the varsity game, where she scored 45 points, bringing her total to 2142 so far for the season. Action shots from the Jan. 29 girls varsity basketball game are included. The Tigers lost in overtime 88 to 90. #wayschools

The City of Waynesville has informed the district that Waynesville High School and Waynesville Career Center will be without water for a short time tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The outage is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. and is estimated to last a couple of hours. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. #wayschools

Trinity Wimberly, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to play soccer at UHSP, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Her signing was held at WHS on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. #wayschools

Waynesville High School choir members Citlali Arzabala, Blaise Moynihan and Viola Simram performed in the 50th Missouri All-State Choir at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks as the grand finale of the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. More than 300 of the state's top students sang under the direction of the world-renowned conductor Maria Guinand from Venezuela on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. #WaySchools

The Waynesville High School boys basketball team defeated the Salem Tigers 45-41 in non-conference action on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 45 - 41. WHS Courtwarming will be held on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the WHS gym. The senior queen and king will be crowned between the JV and varsity boys basketball games where Waynesville Tigers will take on Hillcrest. Admission is $4 per person or free with a pass. #wayschools