THE CHALKBOARD: Youth help with classroom prep, Waynesboro High honored and golf results
STAUNTON — Kevin Miller and Mikaela Mason were stacking empty boxes Wednesday morning as they prepared to put them on top of a cabinet in Liz Keller's classroom. Keller, the math department chair at Staunton High School, was more than happy for the help. Like most teachers, the week before students return is a bit hectic, juggling meetings, last-minute instructional prep, open houses and basic classroom organization.
That last task is where Miller and Mason, as well as Sarah Carter, came in handy Wednesday. As part of the YMCA Youth Volunteer Corps, they were part of a group helping teachers prepare their classrooms for the first day of school, Aug; 9. Later in the day they helped with teacher move-in at Bessie Weller Elementary and with sorting clothing that is part of the upcoming SAW Clothing Drive.
"It's mostly room set up, moving heavy desks," said Stephanie Mason, the program director. "A couple of teachers had shoulder injuries or they just had surgery and can't move stuff. That was kind of where the idea came from, helping teachers who can't, but also helping with prep, making copies, etc."
Keller said it was a tremendous help. By the end of Tuesday, her first day back for the year, she was too tired to organize items on a shelf. So, on Wednesday, it was Carter and Miller to the rescue.
"Look at these beautiful young people dealing with it for me," Keller said. "That particular area is all student supplies and things that I have accumulated or purchased at some point and time. I just have them there for students who maybe don't have a notebook or pencils. To have that area stocked by students for students is really special. And I love that I don't have to do it."
The youth helped history teacher Jarrett Hatcher rearrange his room, including setting up desks.
"All the tedious stuff I'm not very good at," said Hatcher. He feels it's a great way for the youth to give back by helping out teachers.
"Every little bit helps," he said. "The beginning of school there are a lot of moving parts as we get ready. It's a big help."
Carter was part of a group who helped beautify Staunton's recycling center the previous week as part of the volunteer organization. The Youth Volunteer Corps has also helped work in garden beds, prepared activity bags for children in the hospital and done trail cleanup in Fishersville.
For more information on the group, email saymcayvc@gmail.com.
Waynesboro High earns National Beta School honor
WAYNESBORO — Waynesboro Public Schools recently announced that Waynesboro High School is a 2022-2023 National Beta School of Distinction. The school earned this recognition by increasing their club’s membership by at least 10% from last year.
"National Beta School of Distinction is an honor for Beta clubs striving towards academic achievement, exemplary character, demonstrated leadership and service to others," a release from the school division said. "With an ongoing quest to instill these qualities in more students, the National Beta School of Distinction Award is designed to award those schools that show an increase in membership from the previous school year."
This year, only 2,643 Beta Clubs across the country received this award, according to the school division. In a congratulatory letter to the school, Bobby Hart, CEO said “This national award speaks highly of your commitment to academic excellence and illustrates your dedication to preparing students for their future.”
Award recipients will receive a National Beta School of Distinction banner to display as a symbol of their accomplishment.
“We are proud of our hard working Betas who continue to strive for academic excellence and continuously look for ways to serve our community," WHS Beta Club co-sponsors, Karen Galenis and Meredith Barber, said in the release.
“Waynesboro High School has a long history of students serving the needs of their community while maintaining high academic, moral, and ethical standards," Waynesboro Principal Bryan Stamm said. "We are proud of the work our young leaders are doing in the high school and the community.”
Shenandoah District golf
STAUNTON — Results from the first Shenandoah District golf match at Ingleside on Monday, July 31.
Team Results
Wilson Memorial 340
Riverheads 349
Staunton 360
Individual Results
Jackson Darden, Waynesboro (78)
Alex Nichols, Riverheads (79)
Rob Spurlock, Staunton (81)
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: THE CHALKBOARD: Youth help with classroom prep, Waynesboro High honored and golf results
