District News

Wayne County senior Kalisha Carter was honored with the highest honor of excellence award at the Mississippi Governor’s School at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Carter was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. While on campus, Carter participated in volunteer work and performed in the talent show that was part of the fun during her three-week stay. Former Mississippi Governor William Winter established the school in 1981. The school is a residential honors program and is designed to provide academic, creative and leadership experiences for a select number of rising juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies.

The Wayne County Career and Technical Educational Center culinary arts students Darren Hartley and Philliscia Henry helped prepare and serve at the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Star Academy. Sara Waller is the culinary arts teacher, and the Director of the Center is Mr. Rex Buckhaults. 

Wayne County Superintendent of Education Mr. Bobby Jones cuts the ribbon on the new Star Academy across from Wayne County High School. Also pictured with Mr. Jones are members of the WCSD School Board, state representatives, Deputy Superintendent Tyrone Marshall, Curriculum Coordinator Crystal Bates and Star Academy Principal Dr. Sherrell Gilmore.

Wayne County War Eagle football season tickets will go on sale Thursday, August 3. Tickets can be purchased at the high school from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Season tickets are $60 for the six games with a parking pass available for additional cost of $25. Timber Bowl tickets to both the Wayne Academy and Wayne County games are included in the season ticket package.

The War Eagles will have some of the best football teams in Mississippi coming to War Eagle Stadium as West Jones (Aug. 18), Jefferson Davis County (Sept. 1), Picayune (Sept. 22), Hattiesburg (Oct. 13, and West Harrison (Oct. 27) visit War Eagle Stadium. All games will begin at 7 p.m. except for the Timber Bowl on August 18. Wayne County will play West Jones at 8 p.m. after the Wayne Academy-South Choctaw contest that begins at 6 p.m.

ID Card Picture Schedule

August PD Schedule 

A reception was held recently to honor recipients of the Wayne General Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. Haley Clark, Ali Rigney, Kaitlyn Walley, and Chloe White were honored from Wayne County High School. Each received a $1,500 scholarship.Pictured (L-R): Chloe White, Haley Clark, and Kaitlyn Walley.

Wayne County High School honored 109 juniors with a picnic recently for scoring at least a 17 on the mandated Mississippi State  ACT test for Juniors. Wayne County High School honored 109 juniors with a picnic recently for scoring at least a 17 on the mandated Mississippi State  ACT test for Juniors. 

Demographic Chart of New Schools

The 2017 Top 10 Seniors at WCHS

(L-R) Mallory Pitts, Reagan Skinner, Jocelyn Davis, Alexandria Rigney, Breanna Walters, Bailey Porter, Mollie Singleterry, Courtlyn Clanton, Reagan Revon, and Chelesa Everett.

Two Wayne County Lady War Eagles signed with Southwest Community College. Point guard Rashondria Rankin and forward Nia Henderson inked with the Lady Bears this week. (Pictured: (L-R) Coach Danielle Haney, Rankin, Henderson, Head Coach Gina Skelton, and Coach Anna Ford.

The faculty, staff, and student body of Buckatunna School honored local law officers in the school’s second annual “Coffee with Cops.” The students served the officers a delicious breakfast, and several of the officers then read to the students in the classrooms.

Wayne County High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets recently had the opportunity of a lifetime by flying on a C130 Hurricane Hunter. The students traveled to Keesler Air Force Base where the students boarded the Air Force plane. The pilot surprised the students by flying over Wayne County High School where they were able to capture photos of the school from the sky.

Members of Wayne County High School Orange Sensations Showchoir  presented Supervising Principal Robert Hathorn with trophies won during their 2017 competition season.  The group is under the direction of Mrs. Amy Pruitt.  The group won two third place trophies, one second place trophies and two Grand Champion trophies.

Two Clara students were presented awards by Governor Phil Bryant for DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) essays. Noah Hillman won 1st place and Kyle Carney won 3rd place statewide for their essays. Congratulations to these two young men.

The Wayne County High School  Cheerleaders, baseball and softball players helped celebrate Dr. Seuss week at Beat Four School on March 3. This is the 20th year for 'Read Across America" and each cheerleader, baseball and softball player took turns reading to a different class in the elementary school.

Wayne County High School Beta Club was well represented at the Mississippi Senior Beta Convention in Biloxi.  Twenty-five students and four sponsors attended convention this year. Our students competed in numerous academic and visual arts categories.  

WCHS Senior President Tyler Packer placed first in the Speech competition.  Packer is now eligible to compete at the National Convention in June. Maddie Walker placed fourth in Poetry competition. 

Wayne County received two awards at this year's convention.  They are a gold key club and selected as a School of Merit.  

The War Eagle  sponsors   Mrs. DeWanda Nelson judged Scrapbooks while Mrs. Amy Pruitt was in charge of Group Talent preliminaries and finals and also judged Campaign Skits.

The WCHS Beta Club also lit a candle in the Memorial Service in memory of Mrs. Pruitt's mother, who was a Beta Sponsor at Buckatunna for many years.

Clark Oil Company of Waynesboro recently made a $7,000 donation to the Wayne County Schools. The monies will go to each of the math and science programs at the local schools as part of the Exxon Mobil’s Education Alliance Program. This is the 12^th consecutive year for the program. Clark Oil Company Inc. operates over 50 convenience stores, 11 Subway Restaurants, one Church’s Chicken and one Huddle House.Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones applauded the program. “We appreciate Clark Oil and Exxon Mobil for their great support of our schools,” stated Jones. Standing (L-R): Kayla Jordan of Clark Oil, Superintendent Bobby Jones, Wayne Longmire (WES), Robert Hathorn (WCHS), Tommy Branch (Beat Four), Rex Buckhaults (Wayne County Career and Technology) Center seated: (L-R) Shronda Turner (WMS), Donna Hopkins (Clara) and Lynn Revette (Buckatunna).

Wayne County High School ROTC cadet Jaylne Davis was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum to be held this summer in Washington, D.C.  Davis, a tenth grader, will learn about national security careers in her six-day stay in the nation's capital.

The forum will help Jaylne to set personal goals and be better prepared to make decisions about her next step as a college student, military officer, or national security professional. She can also apply for college credit through George Mason University.  She will take a guided tour of the United States Capitol building, visit historic Ford's Theater, explore the National Harbor, and visit some of Washington's famous memorials at dusk

Josh Curry (L), and Juandarius Roberts (R) were honored at the Wayne County School Board Meeting this month. Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones (C) honored these two young men for their Band accomplishments. Curry was named to the 2017 Mississippi Lions All-State Band. Roberts was named U.S. Army All-American and also was named to the Drum Corp International.

Teacher of the year Kimberly Ford

Administrator of the year Donna Hopkins

The featured speaker at the 12th Annual Wayne County High School Black History Program was NASA scientist Clyde Dease, Jr. His message focused on the value of an education. Pictured on the front row are: Carrie Turbyfill, Dahlia Jordan, Mr. Dease, Patricia Jordan, and Amy Brown. Back Row: Eric Smith, Marvin Chapman, Robert Hathorn, Wilma Taylor, and Alvin Smith.

In response to the devastating tornado that struck Petal, the Wayne County School District organized a relief drive to help those affected. Beat Four School students and staff generously contributed non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, school supplies and household goods to aid in the relief project. Pictured with Beat Four’s donations are BFS kindergarten teacher Jennifer Stevener and BFS Gifted & Talented teacher Jada D. Doherty.

Wayne County defensive back Jamarcus Fisher (5-11, 175) signed a football scholarship with East Central Community College. Pictured with Fisher are Coach Kevin Gandy, mother LaTonja Fisher, Aunt Margret Wash, Fisher and Coach Todd Mangum.  

The Wayne County School District collected supplies for the tornado victims in the Petal School District. The money and items collected will be distributed by the Petal School District to the families affected in their area.  The WCHS Student Council thanks all the Wayne County schools for their help!

Wayne County head basketball coach Kendrick Davis was named head coach of the South All-Stars in this year's Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star game. 

The Wayne County War Eagle baseball team donated their time to help Waynesboro's First Baptist Church with their annual Operation Christmas Child. The players helped fill shoe boxes for the children.

United States Senator Roger Wicker posed with Wayne County High School students who are dual enrolled at JCJC while visiting the JCJC Wayne County Center. Comp 1 and College Algebra students are pictured.

Wayne County Superintendent of Education Bobby Jones rewarded 24 students with exceptional state test scores  in English II and Algebra I with a bowling outing at Hub Lanes in Hattiesburg recently.

Wayne County High School senior Juandarius Roberts has been selected to the U.S. Army All-American Band. Roberts will perform with the band made up of the best 125 high school band musicians on January 7, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at the U.S. Army All-American Football Bowl. Roberts and the All-American band will perform at halftime of the premier high school sporting event in America. Roberts is the War Eagles' Drum Major for 2016.

The Mississippi High School Athletic Association released All-Star selections for the upcoming Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic to be played in Gulfport on December 17 at 11:30 a.m.

Wayne County’s Chris Cooley, a 5-9, 215-lb senior running back, has been named to the South team for the 68^th annual Blackwell contest.  Cooley is currently the leading rusher for the War Eagles. “Chris is a great young man and player who is very deserving of this honor," said WCHS head football coach Todd Mangum. “He is a hard-nosed, physical player who is very coachable. Every time we need a big play, he seems to make it,” added Mangum.

Wayne County High School will be well represented in the 30th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic set for Dec. 10 at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.

WCHS head coach Todd Mangum has been named the head coach. Mangum led Wayne County to the Class 5-A state football championship in 2015.

Mississippi won the 2015 Classic 28-21 at the University of Southern Mississippi’s M.M. Roberts Stadium, the first time the all-star game had been played outside Alabama.The victory snapped a seven-game winning streak by Alabama.

The game will kick off at noon and will be televised.

Pink Out Night at Wayne County High School was a success last Friday night when the War Eagles hosted the West Jones Mustangs. Shown are a WCHS War Eagle cheerleader and a couple of future WCHS cheerleaders getting ready for the ball game.

The Wayne County School District Child Nutrition Managers from each of the area schools attended a Culinary Skills Training recently in Ridgeland. The training was hosted by the Mississippi Department of Child Nutrition and nationally renowned Chef Cyndie Story, K-12 Culinary Solution Team. The local managers of the WCSD were provided training in food production, recipe development, and food safety. The focus of the training was to improve schools' meal programs. Representing the WCSD were Sherrie Parnell (Beat 4), Meshell Lofton (WES), Maxine Blackwell (Buckatunna), Terri Shoemaker (Clara), Shawanna Sibley (WCHS), Chris Stevens (WMS).

The Wayne County High School Quiz Bowl team is taking part in the Jones County Junior College Math League. Pictured are (L-R) Stevonta Mayfield, Jared Powe, Layne Boykin, Lexi Sumrall, Mona Heng, Bryce Herring and Dakota Brewer.

The School Nutrition Association in their national publication recently recognized Wayne County School District Food Service Director Jackie Henry.

Two members of Buckatunna Junior High's Dance Team recently performed during a halftime performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. Keyonia Singleton and Morgan Guy performed along with other dancers and cheerleaders from across the state as a part of the UCA/UDA Spirit Day. 

Juandarius Roberts of Wayne County High School has been selected as a 2017 U.S. Army All-American, joining an elite group who will perform during halftime at the U.S. Army All- American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“Being a successful band member not only requires great skill, but also a commitment to teamwork,” said Mark S. Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “And similar to all Army Soldiers, these students have proven to be incredibly versatile and mentally and physically nimble. We are proud to honor all of our talented 2017 U.S. Army All- American Marching Band members and commend each of them on their selection to this elite group.”

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country, showcasing their talents during the largest celebration of high school football in America, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, televised live on NBC at noon (CST) on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.

For 17 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Former Wayne County player Jerrell Powe played in the 2005 game. Andrew Luck, Odell Beckham Jr., Patrick Peterson, Adrian Peterson and Christian McCaffrey made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. A total of 330 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alumni have been selected in NFL Drafts. The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd of 39,121 to the Alamodome.

Each year the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour visits the high school of each All-American player and band member to officially recognize and announce their selection to the Bowl. Roberts will be honored on Thursday, October 13, at WCHS.

Wayne County School District is hosting a district wide mandatory information meeting for all third grade students’ parents and/or guardians.  This meeting will explain the requirements of promotion to the next grade level contained in the Literacy Based Promotion Act (LBPA) and what is expected of all third graders to meet these requirements.  Parents will also receive information on the Third Grade Reading Gate Summative Assessment at this meeting.

The meeting will be held at Waynesboro Elementary School in the storm shelter on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, beginning at 5:30 P.M.  The meeting should not last more than an hour.  Parents will be presented the necessary information and then a question/answer session will be held.

The LBPA requires that all students perform on or above grade level on a summative (end of course) assessment at the end of the third grade year.  If a student does not perform on or above grade level, he/she will not promote to fourth grade.  The administrators of the Wayne County School District would like for our parents to be familiar with the LBPA and know how to help our students prepare for the Third Grade Reading Gate Summative Assessment.  Please make plans to attend this meeting so that you will understand the urgency the district faces as we ensure that every student can read on or above the third grade reading level by the end of the third grade year.  If parents are unable to attend this meeting, they will be required to meet with the school principal regarding this information at another time.

If you have any questions, contact your school principal or Belinda Walley, WCSD Literacy Coach at 601-735-4894 or walleyb@wcsdms.com.

William Gaines, Jr., signed a basketball scholarship with Jones County Junior College. Gaines is a 6-foot-4 swingman that played in the Mississippi High School Coaches Association All-Star basketball game this past summer. Gaines follows his father to JCJC. David Gaines played at JCJC during the 1985-86 season. Pictured with William is his family and coaches Kendrick Davis and John Stafford.

WCHS LipDub

Wayne County Lady War Eagles slow-pitch softball honored their four seniors recently at their annual awards banquet. Pictured are (l-r) Hali Harvey, Mollie Singleterry, Haley Clark and Chantice Watts.

Food Play brought a message of healthy eating to all K-2 students in the Wayne County School District recently. The Massachusetts owned company was sponsored by the Wayne County Office of Child Nutrition. They performed skits that featured both healthy eating and life style habits. Jackie Henry is the director of the WCSD Office of Child Nutrition.

Wayne County senior Jadona Davis signed a basketball scholarship with Middle Tennessee on November 11. Pictured are (front row, l-r) her sister Ja’Da Davis, Jadona, and her mother, Robin, (back row, l-r) Head Coach Gina Skelton and Assistant Coach Danielle Haney.

Wayne County High School observed Veterans Day on November 11. The guest speaker was Mississippi State Senator Dennis DeBar of Leakesville. DeBar also holds the rank of Lt. Col. in the Mississippi Air Guard.  Pictured are (l-r)- Eric Smith (Principal), Colonel Alfred Donald (ROTC), Robert Hathorn (Supervising Principal), DeBar, Pam Cleary (WC Veterans Office), Carrie Turbyfill (Principal) and Bobby Jones (Wayne County Superintendent of Education).