Giant Word

By Sidney Duff, Reporter
As a child, Sidney “Popsicle” Diggs always knew he wanted to play basketball. He aspired to play up through junior high, high school, and college. To the average person, a small child thinking so big was just a cute kid thought. But Pops was set on proving he could do it.
    Diggs managed to keep his grades up throughout school in order to keep playing. By the time he neared graduating from Waynesboro High school in 1981, he had received a full athletic scholarship to Oklahoma Panhandle State. He played point guard for his college team and later graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle in 1985.
    After graduating from college, Diggs started his career teaching after first working in a factory. He began working at Waynesboro High in 2003. He also became assistant head coach for boys’ varsity basketball.  
     “Being a coach lets me help kids to do better,” Diggs said.
     Any of Diggs’s previous players will tell you he’s an amazing coach.
    He also advises study hall and In-School Suspension. Diggs said that he tries to help the kids he sees do better and to be successful. He said he enjoys his job and hopes to stay in teaching.

By Aysha Adrees, Editor-in-Chief

        It was a slightly chilly night. Excitement buzzed in the atmosphere from the loud laughing and chatting of Forensicators from WHS, as well as other schools. Tuesday, Jan. 31, was the Forensics Districts meet held at WHS. In the cafeteria, after the second round, all Forensicators were taking a break from the stress of public speaking in front of five or six additional competitors, as well as a judge. They were  eating pizza before their third round. WHS Forensicators were gathered around two or three tables, rapping and cracking jokes. WHS Forensics won second place at Districts.

“Forensics is a place where you can express your creativity and see your peers in a different light,” said sophomore Forensicator Madelin Bender.

Bender has been on the Forensics team since the 9^th grade.  Over time, Forensics has progressed personally for Bender because she said she now knows what she is doing. She also said that Forensics coach and earth science teacher Ms. Erin “Dub” Widener is a coach but also a friend.

Senior Joe Bryant described Forensics as “competitive public speaking at its finest.”

It is Bryant’s first year joining the team. His awards include first place in storytelling and first place in duo improv at his first meet ever, third in storytelling and first in duo improv at his second meet. That night, Bryant would win first place in storytelling at the District meet.

Before the competitions, Bryant said he gets extremely nervous, but after the initial round, he said, he is good to go.

“I’ve gotten into the swing of things and I feel more comfortable with my piece and peers… [Widener] is an amazing coach. She brought me from not knowing my piece to first place,” he said.

The best part of Forensics for Bryant is “having fun and gettin’ that trophy.”

Bryant said that people don’t even know the WHS Forensics team exists despite the fact that if they didn’t win as a team, at least one individual wins something at every competition.

Senior Taylor Hines defines Forensics as the “art, craft, skill, and technology to be able to publically speak, perform, grow, and evolve as a team.”

He got into Forensics because of a friend, WHS graduate Amy Tripp, who told him about it. He said he didn’t really know what it was, and just thought of it as performing. Hines has been on the team all four years of high school, and said that he witnessed the team transform “from a little group of kids to such a large group…almost like a community.”

It is Widener’s sixth year coaching the team. She used to be an assistant coach to former WHS ancient world history teacher Ms. Rebecca Gettelman. Widener remembers when her team had just two people, and now there are about 30 students. She said that she believes the faculty recognizes Forensics but the students do not, and that this issue can be addressed simply by word of mouth; Forensicators should talk about it more in class.

Widener said that the money for hosting meets, such as for food for coaches, judges, and students, comes from an allotted amount given by VHSL. Unfortunately, she said this system is going to stop because the district claims that there is not enough money. On the plus side, Widener also fundraises, and right now there is quite a bit of money in the activity account – around $1,000.

She said she’d like to see more people join Forensics because she believes it is more fun with more people. She said that the kids make her laugh.

Widener has witnessed people change significantly over the years. She said senior Forensicator Victoria O’Leary gained confidence and changed her goals. She used to want to be a lawyer but after doing an Extemptoraneous competition at Forensics, she wanted to become an actress.

“And she gives Forensics credit for that,” Widener said.

By Alex Graves, Reporter        

The sweat dripped from his face as Roanoke College celebrated another victory over the Bridgewater Eagles tennis team.  Brad Dewitt, a Bridgewater freshman, had just lost the game to decide the match.  He lost in two sets, 7-6 and 7-6.  This was a very close and tough game for Dewitt to lose, but he responded after this tough loss by putting in a lot of hard work.  He played tennis year-round, not just during tennis season.

                “We played tennis four hours a day,” Dewitt said.  This was on top of all the school that had to be done. 

“Freshman year I didn’t get the grades that I wanted, but then I started to manage my time better,” said Dewitt

                His sophomore year, Dewitt found himself again in a position to clinch a win for Bridgewater over Roanoke, something they had not done in 30 years.  This time Dewitt came up with the big win in two sets, 6-2 and 6-2.  Bridgewater won the match 5-4.  Dewitt said this was his greatest tennis memory.  The team finished third in the ODAC and never finished lower than that in his career.  Dewitt also finished his career with the most all time singles wins in Bridgewater history.

                Dewitt first started playing tennis when he was six years old.  He credits starting tennis to his dad, Coach C. Jay Dewitt.

                “It was one of Dad’s biggest sports,” comments Dewitt.

                Brad is continuing his tennis career as a Certified Teaching Tennis Professional.  He gives tennis lessons to young kids.

                “It is challenging, but it is not as much about skill level, but having fun,” said Dewitt. 

He has also taken on the role of assistant coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team at Waynesboro High School.  He joins his dad and coach Sidney “Popsicle” Diggs on the staff.  He says losing is the worst part of coaching.  He does enjoy interacting with the team and helping out anyway he can.  Dewitt said he tries to learn as much about coaching as he can from his dad and Popsicle.  At Bridgewater his major was Marketing and Business Administration, but Dewitt is contemplating getting a Master’s in education in order to become an athletic director or perhaps a teacher.  In 10 ten years, he said he sees himself as a teacher, coaching other sports along with basketball, especially football.

                When Dewitt graduated from Waynesboro High School four years ago, he said he did not plan on being back here.  But he is back to be a part of the school.  He helps out in the office and subs when teachers need him to.  He has become an important part of Waynesboro High School with everything he does in and around the school.

Aysha Adrees contributed to this article.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY15, 2012

 From the Counseling Office:

-Seniors who still plan to apply to Blue Ridge as a first choice or as your backup for nextfall, please check in with Mrs. Wood in the school counseling office.

-If you have not brought in your permission slip to attend the Historically Black College and University Festival this Saturday please return it by tomorrow to guidance or you will not be able to attend. If you have lost your form or did not receive one you may stop by guidance and pick one up.

-Scholarship opportunity for all grade levels based on community service.   See your counselor and ask to be nominated for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship.   Top winners can receive $10,000.   See your counselor by Feb. 29.

-Students if you have completed the 9th grade and are 14 1/2 years of age there is an exciting opportunity to explore health careers while volunteering your time and talents at Augusta Health this summer.  It is an excellent way to obtain work experience, a job reference and be able to use it as an extracurricular activity on your college application.  If interested please stop by the Counseling office to pickup an Application today.  Application Deadline is April 27, 2012.

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Will the following students please see Mrs. Johnson in themain office? 

Vinnie Armpriester, Alexis Belcher, Cassandra Brooks, Kourtney Campbell, Samantha Day, DeSean Dillard, Nicholas Duncan

-The deadline to complete Friday Night School for 1st Semester attendance appeals is Friday, March 2nd.  Remember, you can serve FNS or you can schedule time with a teacher to make up your time.

-Band, Concert Choir, and Mixed Chorus pictures taken on Thursday beginning at 1:00.

-TheCreative Writing Club will meet this Thursday. Room 335. Please bring a piece of writing to share!

-Attention all students planning to try out or participate in a spring sport: All athletes and a parent must attend a MANDATORY concussion education sessionon Thursday, February 16th at 6pm in the WHS auditorium. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLETO TRY OUT OR PARTICIPATE IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND or make arrangements with Ms. Nelson. If an athlete (or their parent) has already attended a session for afall or winter sport they DO NOT have to attend this one.

-Bring yourself one step closer to Costa Rica on Thursday. “Passport:  Costa Rica” will show your parents pictures that you will take, rain forests that you will help preserve, and a part of the world that will stay with you a lifetime.  Invitations have been issued.  Costa Rica awaits.  That’s “Passport:  Costa Rica” with you and your parents in Ms. Henriksen’s room 309 at 5:30 Thursday.

-Attention Seniors:  your graduation products and cap and gowns will be delivered on Thursday, March 8th.  The Jostens’ reps will be here during lunch to deliver your items.  If you still have a balance due, only cash or money orders will be accepted.  Sorry, no personal checks.  All seniors are expected to pick up their items on this day.

-No JV Boys Soccer practice. Be at tryouts on Monday at Ridgeview Park from 2:00 – 4:30.  The rest of the week will be at the park from 3:45 to 5:30.

This week at LGU:

LGU begins at 3:15 in the library and then students may choose an activity

Wednesday: At 3:30 Math help with Mrs. Gross and Making a Web Server with Dr. Barker.

Thursday: At 3:30 homework assistance.  Also at 3:30:  Watch the movie “Breaking Dawn” and students interested in attending the Historically Black College and University Festival this weekend will meet with Dr. Bryson.

Waynesboro Activities andAthletics

Wednesday, February 15: 8:00    BBB @ Spotswood

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2012

 From the Counseling Office:

-Seniors who still plan to apply to Blue Ridge as a first choice or as your backup for nextfall, please check in with Mrs. Wood in the school counseling office.

-Reminder to Governor School STEM applicants: Science assessment is 4th block on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Mrs. Gauthier-Martin’sroom.

-Scholarship opportunity for all grade levels based on community service.   See your counselor and ask to be nominated for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship.   Top winners can receive $10,000.   See your counselor by Feb. 29.

-Students: if you have completed the 9th grade andare 14-1/2 years of age, there is an exciting opportunity to explore health careers while volunteering your time and talents at Augusta Health this summer.  It is an excellent way to obtain work experience, a job reference and be able to use it as an extracurricular activity on your college application.  If interested please stop by the counseling office to pickup an Application today.  Application Deadline is April 27, 2012.

__________

-Quiz bowl team members should meet in Mr. Tyler’s room for a few minutes immediately after school today.

-Attention Beta Club Members: There will be a meeting Tuesday after school in Mr. Krzastek’s room. See you there!

-Any WHS athletes interested in helping survive their sports season injury free should plan to attend a 1 hour session with Select Physical Therapy on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 in the cafeteria.  This informational session will provide you feedback on proper stretching and exercises to prevent sports-related injuries.  Door prizes will be drawn for those attending.

-Attention all students planning to try out or participate in a spring sport: All athletes and a parent must attend a MANDATORY concussion education session on Thursday, February 16th at 6pm in the WHS auditorium. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRY OUT OR PARTICIPATE IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND or make arrangements with Ms. Nelson. If an athlete (or their parent) has already attended a session for a fall or winter sport they DO NOT have to attend this one.

-Canyou imagine yourself as an international traveler?  “Passport:  Costa Rica” meets this Thursday at 5:30 with Ms. Henriksen in room 309.  Invitations have been issued.  Come see how this could be you.  Again: “Passport:  Costa  Rica” on Thursday!

-Attention Seniors:  your graduation products and caps and gowns will be delivered on Thursday, March 8th.  The Jostens’ reps will be here during lunch to deliver your items.  If you still have a balance due, only cash or money orders will be accepted.  Sorry, no personal checks.  All seniors are expected to pick up their items on this day.

____________

This week at LGU:  LGU begins at 3:15 in the library and then students may choose an activity

Tuesday:  At 3:30 Math help with Mrs. Biggs and students interested in attending the Historically Black College and University Festival this weekend will meet.  At 4:00 students can learn about choosing who to date with Mrs. Donnelly

Wednesday: At 3:30 Math help with Mrs. Gross and Making a Web Server with Mr. Barker

Thursday: At 3:30 homework assistance.  Also at 3:30:  Watch the movie “Breaking Dawn” and students interested in attending the Historically Black College and University Festivalthis weekend will meet

Waynesboro Activities and Athletics

Wednesday, February 15:  8 pm  BBB @ Spotswood

Ms. Sandy Hall and Ms. Lisa Blacka talk to Mr. Derek McDaniel about the ticket sales. (Photo by Vinny Armpriester)

By Alex Graves, Reporter

Touchdown!  The crowd goes crazy in the stands (even if they are broken down).  Most of the spectators have to pay to get into the game.  They also go to the concession stand to get food and drinks.  You would think that the school’s athletics would be making a large amount of money, but then there is never enough money to buy things for the sports teams.  So where does the money from athletic events go?

                According to athletic director and head football coach Mr. Derek McDaniel, the ticket sales go into a general athletic fund, but are labeled according to the sport from which the ticket sales came.  If it was a football game then it would go into the fund labeled “Football.”

                Ticket sales make a profit, McDaniel said.  The worst ticket number for this football season was $4,500 said McDaniel.  That is still a lot of money that is being brought in by the team.

                The concessions have a separate fund.  The concession stand is worked by different clubs such as the Beta Club, Key Club, and other sports teams.  These groups are paid out of the concession fund McDaniel said.  The concession stand makes some money but not as much as people would expect.

                The money is divided between the athletic teams based on need.  Football is a very expensive sport.  McDaniel said that it takes around $700 to suit up one player to play a football game.  The cost to pay people to work the football games, including ticket takers, the police, announcer, etc is around $450.  There is also a cost for the paint for the field.

                “People are misled at the cost of running events and cost of teams.  The cost of the teams themselves is astonishing,” said McDaniel.

                The school also has to pay the VHSL a third of what they make.  Not all sports can stand alone because they don’t bring in enough money.  Football and basketball are the sports that bring in the most money.  Some sports like swimming and cross country don’t even charge admission.  So these sports don’t bring in money for the general athletic fund.

                There is also the idea of making kids pay to play.  This is when student athletes would have to pay a fee to play high school sports.  “I would rather go out and raise money than make a kid pay to play.  I can’t imagine charging a kid to play a game,” said McDaniel.

                Athletics are getting more expensive and the school will have to find a way to pay for it.  Hopefully, the school will find some way to pay for the bleachers or there will be no home football games which will greatly impact the school’s athletic money.    

Student teacher Mr. Ben Shifflet works on a lesson plan for his work with Mrs. Angela Loan's world history class. (Photo by Faith AIlsworth)

By Faith Ailsworth, Reporter

Growing up on a farm in Orange County, Virginia, Mr. Ben Shifflet was one of the kids in high school who was always getting in trouble. He ate lunch with the principal at least once a week and had ISS often. He says now, as a student teacher, it’s nice to have students look up to him because he knows they can achieve through rough times because he did.

            “You don’t have to cut yourself short,” said Shifflet.

He said that when he was done with high school he wanted to be a biology major, but soon figured out he wanted to teach history because it came more naturally to him.

Shifflet went to James Madison University to pursue his teaching career. Since then he has been here at Waynesboro High School as a student teacher for Ms. Angela Loan’s world history classes.

Being here, Shifflet said he has learned that there are different varieties of people, and that the environment is different because he was raised in a small rural area rather than here in the city streets of Waynesboro.

“You can tell that Mr. Shifflet has been a big help to Ms. Loan and he’s helped us out a lot too,” says Sierra Haynes, a student.

His experience has been getting him prepared for next fall, when he will probably be going to Loudoun County to start his teaching.

 Not only is he a teacher, he is also a wrestling coach at Harrisonburg High School. Wrestling has been one of Shifflet’s passions and he says that it is just a fun sport that he grew up involved in.     

 Shifflet says that he has been enjoying his experience here and that it has helped him rise as a teacher.