Waynesville High School

Vote for Waynesville High School’s Way-Med program! Nikki DenDekker's entry for the #DreamBigger2025 grant on behalf of promoting medical and SSTEM ideas in Waynesville High School’s Way-Med program has made the finals. Voting ends TOMORROW, March 19. You can vote once daily at https://www.sparklight.com/contest?fbclid=IwY2xjawJGbixleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZTQoHclW6-Oc9JBP5fgpCfDN3xJj6mrLcPIxcuTsCSm31ZQfeDNT8oZYA_aem_a4gS5B-1Vh_aDjpsjwDXzQ. (You may click the x below the “Like us?” and still vote.) Please note: Waynesville High School’s image looks like an operating room and you have to hover over the image to see the words, “Waynesville R-VI School.” Those with the most votes will be awarded $2,500.

Alailima named Missouri Scholars 100 Recipient and Copeland named Honorable Mention Renae Alailima, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named a Missouri 100 Scholar – one of the top academic students in the state through the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program. In addition, Nathaniel Copeland, also a WHS senior, has been selected for Honorable Mention in the 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program. The Missouri Scholars 100 statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri's top 100 graduating students and those who have earned honorable mention. Dr. Jason Whitt, WHS principal, announced the awards that honor exceptional commitment to academic excellence. This statewide initiative, organized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of 100 outstanding students from the graduating class of 2025. Alailima will be recognized at a special luncheon hosted at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Mo., on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Missouri Scholars 100 is a competitive program that invited schools across the state to nominate candidates based on academic excellence. The selection process employs a formula considering the student's grade point average and ACT or SAT scores. Nominees must meet the criteria of an "Academic Decathlon," successfully navigating 10 challenging academic events to showcase their scholastic strength. To qualify, students must hold a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1280, rank in the upper 10 percent of their class, and engage in advanced coursework in mathematics, science, English and foreign language. Additionally, nominees must exhibit excellent attendance, exemplary citizenship within the school and active participation in the school's activities. Clark Mershon, executive director of the principals’ association, said, "The Missouri Scholars 100 Program is one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country. It is truly a celebration of learning. Students selected for this program have taken a rigorous course of study and maintained the highest academic standards."

There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District March 17-21, 2025, for Spring Break.

The Waynesville High School Music Department presented its Spring Concert with Jazz Band II, Jazz Band I, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble performing on March 11, 2025, at the WHS Auditorium. All seniors (see list below) were recognized and two received prestigious awards during the concert. Senior Dylan Liegey, who performed a solo on the flugelhorn, received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Senior Seth Steuck, who performed a solo on the tenor saxophone, received the John Philip Sousa Award. The seniors also recognized Band Director Jared Sabatasso and assistant directors Chance Inman, Keisha Jarrett and Andrew Tiefenbrunn, and Color Guard Director Bailey Poncia with gifts of appreciation. The seniors who were recognized were Jade Anderson Evan Baxter Evan Beck Justyce Collier-Ford Rikku Carlson Luke Cassidy MacKenzie Colgan Jayla Courtney Andre Dunz Alessandra Ellet William Figueroa Fionn Gallagher Elijah Guillory Chloe Hayes Morgan Heimbach Dylan Henderson Peter Johnson Jianna Knighten Derrick Liegey Dylan Liegey Connor Long Sofia Mejia Montara Owens Giahnna Rice Chloee Santos Tristan Simental Seth Steuck Edwin Taylor JeNaiya Turner Thomas Walters Henry Westphall Matthew David Wilson Sienna Zuber

Jarrett selected for Disney teacher celebration Keisha Jarrett, a music teacher at Waynesville Middle and High Schools, is one of only 12 teachers in the nation to be selected to attend the Imagination Campus Teacher Celebration sponsored by Disney on May 1-4, 2025. “I’m incredibly excited to represent Waynesville and bring back valuable professional development insights to share with my colleagues and students,” Jarrett said. The celebration is part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, when educators from across the country are being recognized for their dedication to inspiring students every day. The teachers will be challenged to use problem solving skills and collaboration in a variety of educational settings. They will also explore how Disney Imagineers marry imaginative design, storytelling and practical considerations in theme park design. They will also practice proper breath control, diction and character development in a musical theater setting.

Samuel Hall says being a teacher is the closest thing he has found to being a Marine – and he should know. Hall served as a Marine for 20 years, then spent a few years working in business, but has since found his calling in education. “Teaching is the closest profession I have found to being a Marine—you have the ability daily to make a difference in a person’s life,” Hall said. Hall was named the Waynesville R-VI Teacher of the Year on March 13, 2025. “His skillset is unmatched,” Dr. Jason Whitt, WHS principal. “Mr. Hall has been responsible for approximately 70 students graduating from WHS in the past 3.5 years. These students would not have graduated, if it were not for him.” For the past 8 years, Hall has been a teacher in the Waynesville R-VI School District and he currently serves as the Missouri Options/at-risk teacher at Waynesville High School. “Every teacher reaches students, but Mr. Hall reaches some of the hardest to reach kids,” Whitt said. Whether he’s helping a student prepare for the Hi-Set (high school equivalency) exam or recovering credits, Hall refuses to give up on students – even working up until the day of graduation to help a student finish one last credit hour. “When many would have given up, he has never quit. His compassion and caring, but firm attitude gets the most out of students,” Whitt said. “He is the best MoOptions teacher in the State of Missouri and is one the best teachers that I have ever met.” But Hall will tell you he’s the one who is learning every day. “I learn humility, kindness and empathy from my students, along with how blessed I am,” Hall said. Teacher of the Year criteria includes professional activities, professional development, leadership, community involvement, contribution and accomplishments within the education field. Teachers participate in interviews with the Teacher of the Year Committee. During the interview portion, the committee learns more about the candidate’s teaching philosophy, how they interact with and impact students, as well as those issues that they view as a priority in education. “During his interview, one thing that stood out was his advice to new teachers,” said Courtney Long, executive director of secondary. “Mr. Hall said, that teaching is a career, not a job. He readily admits that you’ll be tired at the end of the day, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a difference.” Hall’s professionalism and passion for helping students extend beyond helping them meet their immediate goals. “He focuses on teaching students to think critically so they can make good decisions now, and in the future,” said Mike Henson, executive director of elementary. Hall will advance to the regional competition. Regional Teachers of the Year from around the state will then move on to the state Teacher of the Year process. #wayschools

Spring Break Athletic Event Schedule

Jaylee Gettys, a junior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for March 2025. She was recognized on March 11 at the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting. Her parents are Melanie and Ashley Rogers and Jayme and Krystal Gettys. Gettys nominator stated, “Jaylee Gettys is an extreme example of someone who always displays integrity. She has consistently shown integrity in Nutrition and Wellness through her honesty, responsibility and strong work ethic. Whether collaborating on group projects, completing assignments or participating in food labs, she always does the right thing—even when no one is watching. Jaylee takes pride in submitting her own work, asking for help when needed instead of taking shortcuts, and she owns up to mistakes with a positive attitude. In the kitchen, she follows recipes carefully, measures ingredients accurately and ensures that teamwork is fair and respectful. Her actions set a great example for her classmates, showing that integrity is important. Jaylee is going to do great things!” Gettys is an outstanding student that carries a 3.97 grade point average and has a 96% attendance rate this year. She is on the varsity volleyball team and has played as a Waynesville Tiger since 7th grade. She is also a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Upon graduation, Gettys plans to become an educator and teach science or anatomy. #wayschools

Waynesville High School kicked off Academic Week with a banquet to recognize WHS students who have a 3.7 or higher grade point average or who met the GPA growth requirement. Throughout the evening, WHS Theatre Troupe 1669 students performed musical arrangements to promote their upcoming performances. In addition, Tricia Foster recognized Dr. Jason Whitt for starting Academic Week at WHS The students who were recognized (by class year) are as follows: ____________________ Sophomores Russell Aden Danely Aguilar Harley Atchison Emily Babcock Ethan Baxter Alayna Beels Jasmine Benefield Christie Bennett Tallon Bennett Trinity Bennett Andrew Boda Faith Bohrer Olivia Bone Landon Boswell Collin Box Kaleyah Buttner Christian Campbell Sophia Campbell Wyatt Carter Riley Chase Aleksander Cichocki Vung Ciin Kaitlyn Colgan Jeramyah Creighton Ella DeWitt Riley Dunkel Grace Foster Ulysses Gonzales Elijah Green Raeleigh Green Gregory Harless Brady Harpel Tiana Harper Jeffrey Hickey Reilly-Ann Knowlton Kameren Knox Siessa Kpessokro Levi Kriebs Nicolas Lederle Danica Leet Brooklynn Lercher Vaiden Matlock Liam Moore Evolet Morris Andre Morse Dakota Nix Holly Oehlerking Brayden Ornot Dejah Pelliccia Chase Phinn Juliet Piper Samantha Powell Tre'Von Reed Everett Rinck Aleyris Rivera Darrell Rodriquez Conner Ross Ethan Scarbrough Zoey Self Hailey Sexton Joshulynn Shipp Logan Spahn Kayla Stuckey Cori Swartz Joe Telebrico Hannah Ussery Ivan Velasco Jocelynn Velazquez Aden Westerman Bella Wethington Cambria Wilcox Aaron Williams Deon Wold Chihiro Yoshida ____________________ JUNIORS Abigail (Dante) Alford Autumn Gwen Asbell Brionna Ash Beatrice Caterina Azara Arkadian Baumeister Breanna Bednarik David Boyd Kyle Briner Ashya Burton Ava Byers Shelby Cannon Markell Carter Serina Chen Juliet Choi Don Cing Kaden Crone Adrian Cueto Francisco Arismendy Cueto Francisco Connor David Haley Emerson Haley Emmett Emmalie Erlewine Aubrey Fields Samantha Gadsden Jaylee Gettys Wyatt Glaspell Kimora Godwin Noah Goerl Isidro Gonzalez Alexis Good Keegan Graves Regan Grosvenor Riley Grosvenor Trey Guill Jashon Hamilton Braden Hays Zacheriah Heighton Miley Heimbach Madison Hite Karlie Horne Sheila Jones Jakob Kalanquin Christopher Knight Grey Landreth Haneul Lee Lauryn Lercher Luke Lockhart Kaydence Long Laila Lyons Zetalyn Mansapit Alyssa Mar Aden Maust Cheyenne McClain Hailey Melchiorre Alexis Meyer Chloe Moredock Isabella Moredock Victor Munguia Carl Myers Sydney Myers Imanuelle Navayra Arianna Newkirk Ashlyn Osborn Dylan Pelkey Isabella Pereyra Luke Pollman Kaylee Putman Alexis Rase Kalee Rhoades Mason Rodden Elyssa Scarbrough Stanley Sikora Eleanor Silengo Addison Smith Eve Smith Ivy Smith Angela Speed Sloan Storie Kaitlyn Sullivan Carson Sutphin Jackson Thibodeau Luke Thompson Clarence Peter Torres Emily Trottier Kaelyn Tyree Emily Van Loan Caden Vaughn Ki Ventura Jesslene Vinson Cooper West Jackson Westphall Emilee Williams Elaine Wu ____________________ SENIORS Renae Alailima Nysa Alvarez Josephine Andreasen Citlali Arzabala Dashayla Bean Evan Beck Alexis Bennett Tristan Boerner Rikku Carlson Luke Cassidy Anna Chen MacKenzie Colgan Conner Cook Nathaniel Copeland Taylor Cornelison Karina Cruz Kaitlynn Dirck Andre Dunz Alessandra Ellett Ethan Esguerra Elvin Esguerra Drew Fidler William Figueroa Haylee Fort Asia Frazier Josseline Galvan Logan Giles Kurt Hauer Chloe Hayes Dylan Henderson Mackenzie Henderson Kadence High Brandon Howard Maleah Johnson Peter Johnson Michael Kelsey Jianna Knighten Jillian Logan Connor Long S'ence Maldonado Aayden Mantle Kiera Matesowicz Sofia Mejia Caleb Myrick Dakota Osborn Montara Owens Yisel Perez Carter Pondrom Kamden Raines Giahnna Rice Ethan Rothmel Johnathon Schultz Bella Simmons Aiden Smith Aniyah Smith Seth Steuck John Swanson Riley Swanson Mason Thompson Lord Torres Faith Valdes Julian Vassallo Mia Verry Damian Walley Thomas Romulo Walters Madilyn Waugh Brayden Weigelt Kyle Wilking Alexis Williams Matthew Wilson Cameron Wilson Elijah Wooden Mackenzie Workman Aiden Ybarra Justin Zuber Sienna Zuber #wayschools

Nineteen Waynesville High School band and choir students are heading to State after receiving Exemplary ratings at the District Solo/Small Ensemble Festival held at Lebanon High School on March 8, 2025. “The students represented themselves and Waynesville to the highest standard,” said Band Director Jared Sabatasso. “The judges were extremely complimentary. We are proud of all these students and their accomplishments.” State solos/small ensembles will be held on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus on May 2, 2025. Each performer prepared a solo or an ensemble and had to perform it in front of an adjudicator. The individual results are in the graphics below.

Teachers recognized at JROTC Ball and Morris serves as keynote speaker Rick Morris served as the keynote speaker and Waynesville Army JRTOC cadets honored teachers during their 2024-25 Military Ball on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Waynesville Career Center. The teachers who were recognized and the students who recognized them during the banquet are as follows: • Lashanda McColister (who was unable to attend) was recognized by Annalyse Rivera • Laura Steibrink was recognized by Nathaniel Copeland • Dawn Wilking was recognized by Emily Trotten • Rick Jeter was recognized by Maxemillian Jorgensen • Cydnee Gilmore was recognized by Marissa Esquivel In addition, Stacie Parker was recognized by Joseph Mendiola in the program. Morris is the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Missouri South. He is also the director of operations for Fort Wood Hotels by Ehrhardt Properties that owns and operates five hotels in St. Robert and he is the managing partner of Liberty Management Group. He is also the chair of the Committee of Fifty. He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, retiring at the rank of command sergeant major. The JROTC Chain of Command Battalion S-3 Annalyse Rivera, Battalion Commander Nathaniel Copeland, Command Sgt. Maj. Kaden Crone, and Executive Officer Joseph Mendiola presented keynote speaker Rick Morris with a plaque and certificate. Following his speech, Morris recognized WHS Choir Director Cyndee Gilmore, and cadets Marissa Esquivel, Addison Smith, Sirenedi Maldonado, Drake Rodger and Nathaniel Copeland with coins. Morris also praised Addison Bowling and Aaron Gonzales for their outstanding singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the evening. Col. (R) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor, also presented a plaque to Marianne Ward, director of communications and marketing, for her help in telling JROTC’s story. Williams and Command Sgt. Maj. (R) Steven Tetreault presented the senior members of the drill team with their senior coins. #Wayschools #fortwoodhotels

The FLW Mid-Missouri AUSA Chapter has again donated $500 to the Waynesville JROTC program. The funds are designed to assist the program as needed and are earmarked for the championship trophies at Waynesville’s Drill Meet and Raider Meet. JROTC students also support the efforts of the local Mid Missouri Chapter by providing a Color Guard and other support when needed. CSM(R) Freddie Brock, AUSA Chapter President, is pictured with Waynesville JROTC cadet leaders. #wayschools

For the first time ever, Waynesville High School entered six ensembles in the MSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival and all six received the highest rating of Exemplary on March 4, 2025, at Camdenton High School. “We cannot stress enough how proud we are of all of our ensembles,” said Band Director Jared Sabatasso. “Our goal is to instill a sense of ownership and pride within our band program and, once achieved, the students tend to get the results they are searching for.” The six ensembles were the Waynesville Saxophone Choir, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. "We are thrilled about our growth in numbers within our band program," said Sabatasso. “One of the judges wrote a note to our students stating, ‘You are blessed to be a part of a truly wonderful program. Enjoy every moment of it.’" These ensembles will perform their Spring Band Concert at 6 p.m. March 11 in the WHS Auditorium. The band program is under the direction of Jared Sabatasso, and assistant band directors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Chance Inman and Keisha Jarrett. #wayschools

Waynesville High School students Abby Augenstein and Ginger McElhaney led an “Over and Under Drive” this winter to collect socks, underwear, blankets and coats for students at Williams Early Childhood Center, Parker Educational Center, East Elementary and Freedom Elementary. Augenstein and McElhaney conducted the drive as part of their Family, Career and Community Leaders of America project. The pair competed at FCCLA Regional Star Events, Chapter Service Project, in January and were selected to go onto State. They will be competing at State on March 16-18, 2025. #wayschools

Hill named WHS head football coach Dalton Hill has been named the new head football coach for Waynesville High School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. “We are extremely excited to have Dalton as our next head football coach,” said Cory Ace, director of MSHSAA activities and athletics. “His energy is off the charts and his depth of knowledge of the game is high. His work ethic, ability to motivate and communication skills will surely be an added value to the athletic department.” Hill brings both coaching and collegiate-level playing experience, having served as the head football coach at Palmyra High School for the past two seasons. In addition to leading the football program, he was an assistant wrestling coach and a strength and conditioning coach. Before his time at Palmyra, he worked as the run game coordinator and offensive coach at Mark Twain High School in Center. At Palmyra, he took over a team that finished 0-10 in 2022, averaging just 8 points per game. Under his leadership, the team saw significant improvement, increasing their scoring average to 18 points per game in 2023 and 25 points per game in 2024. In addition, Coach Hill has vast knowledge in the weight room and is experienced in student-athlete development for all sports. A graduate of Mark Twain High School, Hill was an All-State offensive lineman. He continued his football career at Northwest Missouri State University as a starting offensive guard and was recognized as one of the nation’s top interior offensive linemen, ranking #19 on the College Football Network’s Top 20 list. He holds a degree in physical education from Northwest Missouri and has taught physical education, health, strength and fitness, and special education. A meet and greet for players and parents will be scheduled and announced prior to the end of the spring season to ensure a smooth transition into the summer training season. #WaySchools #WHSfootball

The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place overall in three categories at the Blue Springs South Invitational Drill Competition on Saturday, March 1, 2025. In a field of 17 other high schools from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahma, Iowa and Illinois, the Tiger Drill Team finished 3rd Overall, and took 3rd place Overall in the Unarmed Division and 3rd place Overall in the Armed Division. The complete results are below: 3rd Place Overall (All Six Team Events) 3rd Place Overall Armed Category (All Three Armed Team Events) 3rd Place Overall Unarmed Category (All Three Armed Team Events) 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition 3rd Place Armed Exhibition 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition 3rd Place Unarmed Color Guard 4th Place Armed Color Guard Lord Torres - 1st Place Armed Exhibition Solo Max Jorgensen and Aubrey Ellison - 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Dual Peyton Stuart and Addison Smith - 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual Teyla Byrom and Alex Diaz - 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual Annalyse Rivera - 5th Place Individual Drill Down The team will compete next at the Rocky Mountain Drill National Championship in Denver on April 9-13.

Three Waynesville High School wrestlers placed at the State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 28-March 1, 2025. They are as follows: Yisel Perez 190 3rd Dakota Nix 120 5th Addison Brown 135 6th

The Waynesville High School choirs had a great showing at the State contest at Camdenton High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. The Treble Choir received an Exemplary rating and the Tenor Bass Choir and Chamber Choir received Outstanding ratings. "Accolades were given to our two soloists William Figueroa and Michael Samuelu," said Choir Director Cydnee Gilmore. "Thank you to all the students for their hard work!" Photos are from the fall choir concert.

On Feb. 21, 2025, the Waynesville High School Tiger Jazz I traveled to Springfield to compete in the Missouri State University Jazz Festival held on the campus. The students had the opportunity to play on a professional stage in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall. "It was an exhilarating experience for the students," said WHS Band Director Jared Sabatasso. "The band received amazing comments and compliments from all judges." Three musicians were recognized for their musical excellence while playing their solos. They were Dylan Liegey on flugelhorn, Jack Gasek on drum set, and Seth Steuck on tenor saxophone. "We are proud of these students and their accomplishments," Sabatasso said. The WHS jazz bands will perform their Spring Band Concert at 6 p.m. March 11 in the WHS Auditorium March 11.

Waynesville High School Cheerleaders celebrated senior night on Feb. 24, 2025. #wayschools