Volleyball (Girls V) Whitko Jr/Sr High School
Volleyball Hosts Teacher Appreciation Night
By Katie Brown | Sep 11, 2026 12:58 PM
Whitko High School volleyball took time to recognize some of the teachers who have made a lasting impact on its student-athletes during Thursday night’s JV and Varsity matches against TRC opponent Manchester on September 10. Between the two matches, Wildcat volleyball players honored teachers they personally selected for the positive influence, encouragement and support those educators have provided throughout their time at school. On the court, the JV Wildcats earned a 2-0 victory over Manchester, while the Varsity team fell 1-3 with set scores of 18-25, 27-25, 21-25 and 18-25. The Varsity Wildcats are now 2-2 in the TRC and 8-3 overall. Top performers for the Wildcats were: Aces - Makaela Shoue (4), Meredith Hindbaugh and Audrey Watmough (2) Assists - Meredith Hindbaugh (19), Audrey Watmough (17) Blocks - Alyssa Romine (3) Digs - Izzy Harman (17), Meredith Hindbaugh (14) Kills - Meredith Hindbaugh (16), Alexa Culp (8) During the Teacher Appreciation Night recognition, the following teachers were honored by Wildcat volleyball players for the impact they have made: *Alexa Culp recognized Taylor Besgrove* Alexa chose Ms. Taylor because she has always been so fun to be around. Everyday, she was excited to go to the WCA to see her for business class…It was the best part of her day! Alexa will be sad when she doesn’t get to see Ms. Taylor on a daily basis anymore. *Alyssa Romine recognized Carissa Rose* Alyssa chose Mrs. Rose because she is very caring and always wants what’s best for her students. She is always willing to help her with her schoolwork or just be a listening ear. Thank you for being an amazing librarian and someone to look up to. *Sophie Keener recognized Daniel Malicki* Sophie chose Mr. Malicki because he never fails to create a classroom environment that is welcoming and comfortable for everyone. He always encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones and challenges us to try new things and become better students. He makes learning enjoyable while also making sure that every student feels included, supported, and encouraged to do their best. *Izzie Harman recognized Molly Long* Izzie would like to recognize Mrs. Long for her kindness, patience, and the genuine care she shows her students. Mrs. Long is the kind of teacher who makes her students feel seen and supported, both inside and outside the classroom. She always takes the time to help, encourage, and make sure her students know they matter. Izzie is especially thankful for the positive impact Mrs. Long has had on her and knows she is a teacher she will remember long after high school. *Meredith Hindbaugh recognized John Strayer* Meredith chose Mr. Strayer because he genuinely cares about his students and encourages each of them to reach their potential. He creates an enjoyable learning environment with his sense of humor and jokes, which always make his students laugh. Meredith is grateful to have Mr. Strayer as her teacher. *Audrey Watmough recognized Rebekah Mitchell* Mrs. Mitchell is the kind of teacher who makes a bigger impact than she realizes. She has always been there for Audrey, whether she needed advice, encouragement, or just someone to laugh and have a good conversation with. Mrs. Mitchell pushes Audrey to be her best, believes in her, and always knows exactly what to do or say in any situation. Audrey is so grateful for all the laughs, conversations, advice, and memories she has given her. She is truly someone Audrey will always look up to and appreciate. *Hallie Cook recognized Aaron Brosman* Hallie chose Mr. Brosman because he is always willing to help students and is always supportive. Mr. Brosman creates a positive and fun classroom. He knows how to make learning fun and enjoyable. *Makaela Shoue recognized John Carroll* Makaela chose Mr. Carroll because he made it very easy to feel welcome as a new student. He constantly makes class a fun environment to be in. She looks forward to having him for the rest of the year. *Kyra Aderman recognized Drew Benedict* Kyra chose Mr. Benedict because he has been very helpful in her transfer this school year. He has made a positive impact on her and shows support to her and other student-athletes. She appreciates his dedication to the students at this school. *Kate Long recognized Justin Jordan* Kate appreciates Mr. Jordan because he takes the time to listen to his students and really cares about what they have to say. He has a great sense of humor and knows how to make students laugh while still helping them learn. He creates a classroom where students feel comfortable being themselves. She’s thankful for the positive impact he has on both her and his students every day. *Hadley Grant recognized Ashley Hinds* Hadley appreciates Ms. Hinds and all she does for her and the school. Whether she is serving as the school nurse or leading the Sunshine Society Club, Ms. Hinds is always there to support the community. Hadley is especially grateful for the time, effort, and kindness Ms. Hinds brings to making the club fun, welcoming, and meaningful for everyone. She looks up to Ms. Hinds as a leader and appreciates everything she does! *Rhyen Sims recognized Hilary Singrey* Rhyen chose Mrs. Singrey because she loves the way that she always jokes and messes around with the class. She is always so engaged and is so supportive of her students. Rhyen appreciates everything that she has done for her! *Lucy Morgan recognized Thomas Webber* Lucy appreciates Mr. Weber for all he does for the school and community. As her track coach, he always encouraged her and other athletes to work hard and do their best. His dedication, kindness, and leadership make a positive difference, and Lucy is grateful to have had him as a coach and role model. *Breawynn Neer recognized Freeman LaCroix* Breawynn really appreciates Mr. LaCroix because he’s such a funny and enjoyable teacher to be around. He makes AP World History fun and keeps the class from feeling boring, even when they are learning a lot of things. Thank you for all you do and for being willing to answer any questions I have. *Jo Kinsey recognized Megan Anderson* Jo chose Mrs. Anderson because she feels that Mrs. Anderson is someone she looks up to in the criminal justice field. Jo says that Mrs. Anderson is a good role model and someone she feels comfortable talking to. *Alayna Culp recognized Carmen Sterling* Alayna chose Mrs. Sterling because her class always brightened her day. She is such a good listener and truly cares about her students. She has expanded her love for English. Alayna is so glad she had the opportunity to have her as a teacher! *Harmony Pherigo recognized Amber Mynhier* Harmony thinks that Mrs. Mynhier is such an amazing teacher, and you can really tell how much she loves her students and loves what she does. She makes everyone feel special and unique in their own way, and she always makes sure her students feel cared for and supported. I’m so thankful for everything Mrs. Mynhier has done for me and for being such a kind and caring teacher. *Mya Sordelet recognized Andrew McFarland* Mya Sordelet chose Coach McFarland because it seems like he is never in a bad mood and keeps everyone’s energy positive. During the track season, he helped her improve her speed and agility, and now she is able to bring those skills into the volleyball court. Thank you for being amazing! *Lexee Staley recognized David Goodwell* Lexee chose Mr. Goodwell to be the teacher she appreciates the most because he is always a very enthusiastic and positive person. She could be upset about a situation, then see Goody and he would come up with something to make her laugh immediately and to brighten her day overall. He has always been an inspiration to her, including in the basketball program and will continue to be in the next couple years. *Makayla Cooley recognized Jackie Sparke* Makayla chose Mrs. Sparke because she has enjoyed that she always has food in the classroom for anyone who volunteers to give an answer during class. Mrs. Sparke always comes to the home games to cheer her students on. No matter what, she will always make you feel welcome. Thank you for what you do and the support and care you share with all of your students. *Allie Wallen recognized Jaycie Thomas* Allie is so appreciative that Ms. Thomas is a teacher at Whitko. She makes science so much more enjoyable with her fun personality in the classroom. Even with the occasional chaos, she loves her class! *Jordynn Hill recognized John Fullenkamp* Jordynn chose Mr. Fullenkamp because she loves when she walks into his room he greets her with a warm smile. She looks forward to his class every day! She is so grateful to have him as a teacher! *Zoey Hollenbaugh recognized Tina Young* Zoey chose Mrs. Young because she thinks that her class is a good learning environment. Although it is a hard subject for her, Zoey looks forward to math class because of the way Mrs. Young teaches. Zoey feels successful in the class and is appreciative of Mrs. Young's kindness. Whitko Volleyball was proud to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Night and thank teachers for making an impact on students each day.



