It was a night of recognition at Whitko High School Thursday, September 25, as the varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams hosted Southern Wells. The evening included Staff Appreciation Night and recognized this year’s 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams. As has become an annual tradition on Staff Appreciation Night, prior to the varsity team taking the court, the junior varsity and varsity players each honor a school staff member that has made an impact on their life. Staff members recognized were: Mr. Carroll honored by Alivia Anderson The reason Alivia chose Mr. Carroll as her favorite teacher is because Mr. Carroll truly inspired her to work harder and believe in herself. Mr. Carroll was always caring and sometimes patient with her, creating a space where she felt supported and understood. Mr. Carroll's humor, encouragement, and energy made a lasting impact, and for that, he’ll always be remembered as an absolute favorite. Mrs. Long honored by Caitlin Beer I chose Mrs. Long because she always makes learning exciting and believes in me even when I doubt myself. She takes the time to listen, help, and make jokes in the media center whenever I just want to talk. I'm so thankful for her kindness and for being the reason I love hanging out in the media center. Miss Starkey honored by Alyssa Romine Alyssa chose Miss Starkey because she’s always kind, supportive, and willing to help with biology. She encourages me to keep going, even when it’s hard, and helps me stay on track with my work. Thank you for being such a positive and inspiring teacher! Mr. Krieg honored by Addison Patrick Addison appreciates Mr. Krieg, her softball coach and assistant athletic director, for always believing in her and encouraging her to do her best on and off the field. His dedication, patience, and leadership have made a huge impact on her growth as both an athlete and a person. Addison is grateful for the positive environment he creates, where players can learn, improve, and enjoy the game. She truly values the hard work and care Mr. Krieg puts into the team every day. Mrs. Hewitt honored by Alexa Culp Alexa works in the office in the morning with Mrs. Hewitt, and she always loves that time. Alexa loves assisting her with anything that she needs because Mrs. Hewitt is so sweet and is wonderful to be around. She listens to her stories and gives great advice! Thank you for being such a nice person that is fun to be with! Mr. Hanback honored by Izzie Harman This evening, Izzie chose Mr. Hanback. The decision was easy—he always finds a way to make her smile, even on slow mornings. She enjoys his hands-on teaching style, which helps her retain information and keep up good grades. His daily jokes and playful teasing with her and her friends never fail to make them laugh. Beyond that, he creates a welcoming classroom atmosphere that makes learning feel enjoyable rather than stressful. Mrs. Nicodemus honored by Hallie Cook Mrs. Nicodemus is really a great teacher. She cares for her students, is willing to help anyone, and makes sure everyone understands what they are supposed to be doing. Her class is very enjoyable with lots of hands-on labs, and they are fun to do as well. We appreciate everything she does for us, caring for us, helping us succeed, setting us up for success in our future, and taking her time to set things up for us. Our favorite thing is when she says silly things with us, like six-seven, and her very good style. Truly, we are so thankful to have the opportunity to have her as a teacher. Mr. Irwin honored by Meredith Hindbaugh Mr. Irwin is greatly appreciated for the positive impact he has in the classroom. He has a great sense of humor that always brightens the classroom and makes everyone feel comfortable. He truly cares about his students' growth and success. His influence reaches far beyond the classroom, leaving students with lessons to carry on with them. Mrs. Mitchell honored by Audrey Watmough Mrs. Mitchell is deeply appreciated for her kindness, patience, and dedication. She goes above and beyond to support her students, always offering encouragement with a smile. Her joyful laugh fills the classroom, creating a welcoming and positive environment. It is clear she loves her job and cares for every student, inspiring confidence and making learning enjoyable. More than a teacher, she is a role model whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Sparke honored by Rhyen Sims Rhyen chooses Mrs. Sparke because she loves how funny and easy it is to talk to Mrs. Sparke, and she will help with anything, even on a test or a quiz. She also loves how she will tell us stories about anything. Mrs. Rose honored by Hadley Grant Hadley truly appreciates Mrs. Rose for the kindness and encouragement she shows every day. She admires the way Mrs. Rose always has a smile on her face and doesn’t fail to make everyone around her smile. Hadley is grateful for the positive energy Mrs. Rose brings to every room. She feels lucky to have someone who cares so much about her students. She believes that Mrs Rose truly makes a difference at this school and is grateful for her. Mr. Jordan honored by Kate Long Kate thinks Mr. Jordan is always super positive and makes everyone smile with his jokes and friendly attitude. He takes the time to get to know students and make each person feel important. He is funny, nice, and easy to talk to! Students appreciate how he really tries to make the school a better, more welcoming place. Mrs. Meyers honored by Lucy Morgan Lucy appreciates Mrs. Meyers for her kindness and the positive energy she brings to school every day. Mrs. Meyers is a great example of someone who cares about the community and takes care of others. Lucy appreciates all she does to support the community and the school by helping out with whatever she can. Mrs. Hinds honored by Isabelle Irwin Isabelle deeply appreciates the care and dedication that Mrs. Hinds, the school nurse and Sunshine Society leader, brings to the school community. She recognizes how Mrs. Hinds goes above and beyond not only to care for students' health but also to spread kindness and positivity through the Sunshine Society. Isabelle is especially grateful for the way Mrs. Hinds always treats everyone with compassion and warmth, making the school a more welcoming and supportive place. Her leadership and genuine concern for others have made a lasting impact on Isabelle and many of her classmates. Mr. Hicks honored by Jozlyn Kinsey Jo chooses Mr. Hicks as her teacher not because of actually having your class but because she has known you for a very long time. She knows that you work hard in everything you do and she admires that. Jo is happy to be in the same school as you because she knows you're always there for her. But she also has to be careful because she knows you will tell her dad about anything she does. Miss Taylor honored by Breawynn Neer Breawynn is so grateful for Miss Taylor and all the kindness and compassion she brings to the table. Miss Taylor’s encouragement and patience has impacted Breawynn in so many ways! She genuinely cares for all her students, Breawynn is truly so grateful for Miss Taylor! She brings laughter and sarcasm, with a little bit of attitude (in a good way), to every class she teaches! Breawynn is deeply thankful for a thoughtful and amazing teacher, like Miss Taylor, in her life! The 7th and 8th grade volleyball players were then announced. They are coached by Dea Jennings and Alicia Angier. 8th grade team members are; Drayah Lefevra, Sydney Napier, Erin Ross, Lexee Staley, Makayla Cooley, Harmony Pherigo, Tessa Hamm, Mya Sordelet, Zoie Mcraney, and Alayna Culp. 7th grade team members are; Jazmyn Arnett, Karlie Smith, Dannaka Day, Cora Ackerman, Harmony Lyons, Lilee Staley, Harlow Reed, Charlotte Powell-Kolb, Charly Kinsey, and Alivia Bradley. The Whitko Wildcats volleyball team went on to defeat Southern Wells in both the JV and Varsity matches; the JV won 2-0 and the Varsity won 3-0.