After a year at the helm, Paul Hardin announced his resignation Thursday as the principal at West Orange-Stark High School.  Hardin says he is taking a job in Houston.

The West Orange – Cove Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday night to appoint Bill Conway, Lorena Oates Elementary School Principal, as Interim Superintendent. Conway, an educator since 1968, has worked in the West Orange – Cove , Silsbee, Kountze, and Beaumont school districts. He has served as a School Principal for the past 31 years, leading prekindergarten through twelfth grade campuses. For the past two years, he has served as West Orange – Cove’s Lorena Oates Elementary School Principal. Pete Amy, President of the West Orange – Cove Board of Trustees said, “Mr. Conway, with his years of experience, will be a great asset for WOCCISD. With the support of the Board, I believe that Mr. Conway will be able to meet the challenges that are ahead with the many projects that are in place while continuing to place an emphasis on improving our test scores. “With the completion of the new elementary school and the new addition at the middle school, there will have to be much planning to take place in order to have a smooth orderly move into the new additions. I look forward to working with Mr. Conway during this interim period while we begin the search for a new superintendent,” Amy said. Conway, additionally, has served 11 years on Texas School Improvement Initiative Accreditation Teams. He is a five year member of the Silsbee Independent School District Board of Trustees and is beginning his sixth year as a Board Member. He and his wife have four children and nine grandchildren. Conway will assume his Interim Superintendent responsibilities immediately.

Sarah Ragsdale and Kayla Adams of WOS made the First Team in softball. Complete Team

21-3A All-District Baseball Team

On Thursday, June 3, Dr. O. Taylor Collins has resigned his position as Superintendent of schools for the West Orange Cove Consolidated School District to become Executive Director of Red Bird Mission, Inc. in Beverly, Kentucky. Collins began working for the district in Jan. 2005.  The district provided the following press release.

Cayla Adams and Justin Sparrow were chosen as Mr. and Miss WO-S by the senior class. Both are involved in several organizations and sports as well as being honor graduates.  Sparrow is also the class Salutatorian.

 

WOS 3A State Track Champs AGAIN!

WOS Mustangs won the 4x100 (Thomas, TFranks, Jones, Haynes) Saturday with a time of 41.49 and the 4x200 (Roberts, Thomas, Jones, Franks) in 1:26 to defend their 3A Gold Medals! Trey Franks wins the 100 in 10.6. Justin Thomas finishes second in the 200. Phillip Jones finishes second in the 110 hurdles.

After a successful first season as coach of the WOS basketball team, Don Newton is leaving his alma mater after being hired as the new basketball coach at 4A Corsicana, located south of Dallas.  Newton took the Mustangs to the playoffs, beating Coldspring before losing to Silsbee who ended up playing in the State Tournament.  Coach Newton obviously likes challenges, the Tigers were 0-27 last season.

Two hundred and eighty-six West Orange – Stark High School students were honored at the 2010 Awards Day Program held Wednesday. Senior Justin Sparrow was honored with the Principal’s Award from Principal Paul Hardin. He also was selected by the WO-S faculty to receive the Citizenship Award and the Outstanding Boy Award. WO-S seniors Shabana Navrozali and Shonalee Jacobs were both selected by faculty and recognized with Outstanding Girl recognition. Students in grades nine through 12 were recognized for academic and honor roll achievements, career and technology performance, as well as UIL academic performance and perfect attendance. Over 840 awards were presented. The guest speaker at the event was the Rev. Dr. Carolyn McCall, Pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Orange. Anderson Elementary Principal Benny Smith served as the Master of Ceremony.

WO-S senior Stephen Cook inked with Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, Tuesday as his family looks on. Cook, who played defensive tackle and running back for the Mustangs, will play linebacker for the Bearkats.

The WOS Track Team made a name for themselves at the Texas Relays.  The 4x100 team set a new 3A meet record with a time of 41.04.  The 4x200 team also set a meet record with a time of 1:26.06.  Trey Franks smoked the competition in the 100m with a time of 10.4 and Phillip Jones was first in the 110 hurdles 14.30.  Right: Franks hands off to Jones in the relay.

Thirty-three West Orange – Stark High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society during an induction ceremony April 19 at the High School. 2010 inductees are Mica Galloway-Barfield-, Kayla Block, Larecia Brown, Orin Carroll, Aaron Colborn, Leigh Dallas, Myquisha Davis, Danielle Drouillard, Jacoy Finney, Karli Flurry, Otis Frazier, Allison Haynes, Devin Hebert, Trea Henderson, Ashley Hooper, Kylie Hughes, Alana Jacobs, Alexandria Jenkins, Julius Knolley, Matthew Lackey, Sheldon Lee, Ashton LeMoine, Kanisha McGhee, Josiah Phares, Darylyn Pollard, Sarah Ragsdale, Dacarlos Renfro, Latasha Richard, Jada Semien, Zoe Simien, Tionne Simon, Mikekory Simon, and Treyvon Trahan. Additionally, the 2010-2011 National Honor Society officers were installed by Mrs. Margaret Adams, Dupont Information Technology Consultant. They are Mallerick Warnell, President; Dre’Kevrick Hypolite, Vice President; Tabitha Dunn, Secretary; Mylashia Tolliver, Treasurer; and Brittany Hagan, Reporter. 2009-2010 Officers were Shabana Navrozali, President; Gabrielle Saucier, Vice President; Cayla Adams, Secretary; Van Jordan, Treasurer; and Amber Levette, Reporter. Mrs. Anitrea Goodwin, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Special Initiatives for WOCCISD was the guest speaker. The WO-S High School Choral Music Department, under the direction of Haleigh Still, provided music for the program. The WO-S High School National Honor Society Sponsor is Ms. Bettie Curtis. The Faculty Council consists of Paula Ragsdale, Diztorsha Jefferson, Michael Washburn, Mary Ann Jaynes, Cynthia Toliver, and WO-S High School Principal Paul Hardin.

Morgan Neal and Trea Henderson (center) will represent West Orange – Stark High School in the Orange County Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation in April. The two took first place honors and won $2000 scholarships each in the WO-S High School finals held Sunday. Neal won first place in Declamation. Henderson won first place in Interpretive Reading. Placing second and earning $1500 scholarships each were Darylyn Pollard (right), Interpretative Reading; while Jada Semien (left) placed second in Declamation. Other finalists were Alayna Jacobs, Devin Hebert, Garrett Williams, Justin Sparrow, Shaquille Rhodes, and Sarah Ragsdale. The contest is sponsored by the Nelda C. and H. J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. The WO-S Finals were presented by the West Orange – Stark High School English Department.

WOS loses to Silsbee 59-49 Monday, Mar 1 to end the season 21-11.
The Mustangs led the state ranked Tigers after each of the first three quarters but in the fourth quarter the Tigers turned it on and outscored the Stangs 21-9 to take the 10 point victory and head back to Huntsville for the Regional Tournament for the fourth straight year.

Former player and now Coach Don Newton picks up his first playoff win Tuesday. The West Orange-Stark Mustangs jumped out to a big lead but needed overtime to beat Coldspring 72-70 on Tuesday night in Dayton.  WOS even surprised Coach Don Newton when they scored 24 points in the first quarter and at one time had a 13 point first half lead.  But the Trojans battled back in the second half and had an 11 point lead over WOS going into the fourth quarter.  The 'Stangs went 10 for 11 from the free throw line in the fourth to send the game into overtime tied at 67.  Anthony Noble led WOS with 20 pts. and 11 rebounds while Kendrick Budwine hit four 3-pointers and finished with 16 points.  Chad Allen led Coldspring (20-8) with 24.  WOS (21-10) will play the winner between Silsbee and Bryan Rudder next week.

Trey Franks and James Haynes of West Orange-Stark made it official Wednesday when they signed football scholarships to play for the University of Oklahoma.

Jacoby Franks caught a touchdown pass in the Alamo Bowl Saturday as Texas Tech came back to beat Michigan St. 41-31.  The redshirt sophomore's 14 yd. TD reception came in the third quarter to put the Raiders down by one at 28-27.  Franks caught one other pass for five yards and finished the season with 26 receptions for 313 yds. and 2 TD's for the 8-4 Raiders.

The UIL released its All-Century High School Defensive Team and former Mustang DB Kevin Smith was named to the Second Team.  He was the only Southeast Texan named to the team besides BCP's Bubba Smith who was a First Team selection.  Smith help lead WOS to back to back 4A State Championships in '86-'87 earning All-State honors on both sides of the ball. Smith was also a letterman in baseball, basketball and track and field. He still owns the all-time Aggie interception record with 20 and he helped the Dallas Cowboys win three Super Bowls. Rest of defense and offense

On Saturday WOS won the Nederland Basketball Tournament with a 71-59 victory in the finals over Ozen. JaKeenan Cotton was named MVP of the tournament and Jarvis Jones and Darius Davis were named to the All-Tournament team.

Saturday Houston beat North Texas 104- 65 as Brittney Scott scored a career high 32 points and ignited a 24-0 first-half streak to lead the Cougars (5-3) past the visiting Mean Green (3-6). Brittney James, a high school teammate of Scott’s at West Orange Stark, led UNT with a season-high 21 points. Scott had 27 points in the first half as the Lady Coogs went over the 100 point mark for the first time since 2002.

Texas safety Earl Thomas has been named to the All-Big 12 football team and also announced that his intentions are to return to Texas for his junior year instead of entering the NFL draft where he's currently projected to be a second round draft pick. 

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce is please to congratulate Justin Sparrow as the winner of the Student of the Month Program. Mr. Sparrow is a senior at West Orange-Stark. He is Student Body President, a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, Academic club, Foreign Language club, and Mustang Leadership team. Justin also kicks for the football team and plays shortstop for the baseball team. Teachers boast about Sparrow as a great leader, passionate about scholastics and he strives for excellence. Mr. Sparrow was recognized by Rose Simar, Chairperson of the GOACC Education Committee and by other members of the GOACC.

Recently three members of the West Orange-Stark Thespian troupe 163 traveled to Corpus Christi to participate in the ITS (International Thespian Society) Convention. At the convention the three students, (Nichole Wagner, troupe president; Jamesha Finney, vice president; and Rachel Steward, secretary) participated in workshops teaching skills from singing and makeup, to stage combat and African dance. Among other activities the thespians attended several shows including "Paganini" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". This years theme for the convention was "Theatre Is..." "Theatre is an amazing outlet for many high school students and this year's convention offered workshops, productions and experiences that will aid and enhance the theatrical journey." -Brandy Bonnin (thespian troupe sponsor and productions director). “It was really fun and nothing but theatre people like me were there so I could be totally crazy and it wasn’t weird. To me, theatre is expression,” said Wagner. "Theatre is freedom from family and the future," added Finney. Even when events were not being held all thespians kept themselves occupied in Thespian Central by meeting other people from across the state and playing warm up games with them. In the picture two schools came together and formed a frozen scene. Upcoming events at the West Orange -Stark Black Box are: Theatre is... Showcase at 7:00 pm December 8th and "A Canterbury Tale From the Wife of Bath" coming soon!

The WO-S Homecoming King, DaJewel Nelson, was crowned at the pep rally on Friday and Homecoming queen Taheisha Hudson was crowned during the halftime ceremonies Friday night. Other court members were senior princesses Cayla Adams, Khrysti Apacanis, Lindsey Blanchard, Chelsea Dixon and Bethani Orebo. Junior duchesses were Kayla Brown and Danyale, Sophomore duchesses Sarah Ragsdale and Ashleigh Kelly, freshmen duchesses Channing Doyle and Raven LeBlanc. Sweethearts were Shonnalee Jacobs-football, Gabrielle Saucier-drill team, Eleanor Papillion-cheerleader and Katherine Sargeant-band.

When Charles Sias played for WOS he always left it all on the field. Those of us who saw him play know that we feel safer with Sias on our side as a sergeant in the Army. He enlisted right after 9/11 and was trained as a 92Y (Supply) by instructors in Fort Lee, VA. His first duty station was Fort Hood, TX where he spent 15 month of his tour deployed to Iraq. While in Fort Hood Charles was very successful in his job and with only 4 years in service he had already been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. After he returned from Iraq he had a permanent duty station change to Vicenza, Italy. After arriving in Vicenza in 2005 SSG Sias soon deployed to Afghanistan. Since being attached to 1/503rd Airborne Unit SSG. he has been deployed to Afghanistan twice and will deploy again sometime late this fall. Sias is married to LaReesha Sterling Sias. Both graduated from WOS in 1998.

The West Orange – Cove CISD Education Foundation, Inc. was presented with a check in honor of Eva and Gerry Bready at its First Annual Meeting Monday, Sept. 28. Doug Bready and Dr. Lois L. Bready presented the check to WOC Supt. Dr. O. Taylor Collins along with a letter. WO-C CISD 2009-2010 Education Foundation Board of Directors officers were also elected at the meeting. They are Pete Amy, President; Jane Stephenson, Vice-President; and Terese McKee, Secretary. Additional members of the WOCCISD Education Foundation board of directors are Doug Bready, Lois Bready, Sam Kittrell, Al Granger, Carl Thibodeaux, Margaret Adams, Stephen Lee. Initial Education Foundation Board of Directors who served from July to September were: Jane Stephenson, President; Sam Kittrell, Vice-President; and, Pete Amy, Secretary/Treasurer. Ex Officio members of the Education Foundation are the Superintendent of West Orange – Cove CISD, Andrew Hayes, and the WOCCISD Public Information Officer.

The West Orange – Stark High School cheerleaders are ready to lead the cheers Friday at Dan R. Hooks Stadium as they host Nederland in a game you can hear on KOGT. They are: front Row, Captain, Hannah Mobley and Co-Captain Alayna Jacobs; second row, Mascot, Paige Pollard, Ortasia Wilkes, Eleanor Papillion, and Mascot, Perry Thompson; third row, Cornica Thomas, Samone Green, Danyale Thomas, Kayla Brown, Leigh Anne Dallas; and back row, Crystal Haynes, Sarah Ragsdale, Ishaneka Gant, Ashleigh Kelly, and Jada Semien. The cheerleader sponsor is Willie Ann Taylor. She is assisted by Gwen Kelly-Hall.

West Orange – Cove CISD has submitted an appeal of the 2009 state accountability ratings issued for the District and West Orange-Stark High School to the Texas Education Agency. Specifically, West Orange – Cove is appealing the grades nine-12 completion rates of all students, African-American and economically disadvantaged. This is the only indicator keeping the District and West Orange-Stark High School from achieving a rating of Academically Acceptable. WO-C Superintendent Dr. O. Taylor Collins said, “The Grades 9-12 completion rate was negatively impacted by the enrollment of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in September, 2005, and their subsequent withdrawals after Hurricane Rita hit Orange, TX, on September 24, 2005. These students were homeless and living in shelters at the time of the mandatory Orange County evacuation. As homeless students they should have all been coded as economically disadvantaged but were not.” The appeal states that had documentation of these students as 2008 graduates been included in the 2008 cohort group, the grades 9-12 completion rates for all students, African American students and economically disadvantaged students would have met the Academically Acceptable standard.

TEA releases Accountability Ratings for 2009 and has labeled the WOCCISD School district as Academically Unacceptable.  The WOS Middle School improved their Unacceptable status to Acceptable but the WOS High School dropped to Unacceptable.  Anderson was Recognized while Oates earned Acceptable status.  Other area district scores.

Retired West Orange – Cove CISD Superintendent Andrew Hayes has been appointed to the WOCCISD Board of Trustees after they accepted Board Member Nancy Byers’ July 27, 2009 written resignation Monday night. Board President Pete Amy said, "Andrew Hayes has been a fixture at WO-C for over 50 years, and I believe that he will do a great job as a trustee of the district. It has been my honor to serve with Andrew in several different capacities while I have been on the board and look forward to serving with him as a fellow trustee. He will bring a unique perspective to the board having served the district already from a teacher, coach, superintendent, and now a trustee." Hayes served as WO-C Superintendent from 2001 to 2005. His 46 year career with the District also includes service as Assistant Superintendent, West Orange – Stark High School Principal, West Orange – Stark East Campus Principal, as well as assistant principal, coaching and teaching assignments at Stark High and Wallace High Schools. Hayes’ wife, Glynnie, is also a retired WO-C CISD educator. Both of his daughters, Vicki and Sheri, are also district graduates. “I enjoyed all of the years that I have been in the School District. My goal has always been to do the best thing possible for the students of West Orange – Cove. All of my decisions will be based on what is best for them,” Hayes said. Hayes will serve as an appointed trustee until the May 2010 School Board election. At that time, voters will determine who will complete the one year remaining on the term. WO-C Superintendent Dr. O. Taylor Collins said, “I look forward to working with former Superintendent Hayes to advance the achievement and well-being of our students. He has a great depth of knowledge and experience in education and is a great addition to the Board of Trustees. “I wish also to thank Nancy Byers for her service to the children and youth of WOCCISD as a Trustee. She has been a wonderful member of the Board. Her keen focus on students made her input very meaningful. I appreciate her support through the years,” Collins said.

West Orange - Stark Lady Mustang Kristin LeBouef has signed to play softball with Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama. Kristin graduated in May from WO-S. and will leave for Alabama in August. Kristin is the daughter of Joe and Wendy LeBouef and has one brother, Brandon.

Trey Franks and James Haynes, two members of the WOS State Champion Sprint Relay Team, have verbally committed to play football at Oklahoma.

School Highlights 2008-09

WO-S's James Haynes received a certificate from Governor Rick Perry Wednesday in Austin at the Capital at State Champions Day. All spring sports and academic state champions were invited to attend, however, Haynes was the only Mustang who could make the trip. Haynes was the anchor leg on the 4x100 team made up of Trey Franks, Philip Jones and Josh Gloston. Haynes was joined by head track coach Toby Foreman, principal Paul Hardin and Superintendent O. Taylor Collins, along with WO-S Journalism teacher Meri Elen Jacobs and fellow classmate Shonnalee Jacobs and several other supporters.

Three WOS Lady Mustangs were selected to the Academic All-State Softball Team.  They are Rebekah Ragsdale, Taylor Jaynes, and Amanda Ulbrich.

West Orange-Stark Mustangs 3A State Track Champions tribute page

WOCCISD reassigned two employees into principal positions.  At a special meeting Monday Paul Hardin, whose mother is on the school board, is the new high school principal and Travis McKelvain will move up from his assistant's position and become the new principal of the middle school.

• Who made the All-KOGT baseball team?  Click here
• Felts, Hicks Co-MVP's on the Coaches 21-3A All-District Baseball Team
• 2009 21-3A All-District Softball Team

• 21-3A All-District Coaches Basketball Team

• 2009 21-3A girls basketball team

• 2008 21-3A All District Football Team

• 2008 21-3A All-District Volleyball Team

• 2008-09 Enrollment Numbers

West Orange – Cove CISD is proud to participate in the Texas Teacher of the Year Recognition Program. The program begins at the local level where campuses select a teacher who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. They are L to R: North Early Learning Center Teacher of the Year Doris Allen, PPCD (Pre-school Program for Children with Disabilities) Teacher; Anderson Elementary Teacher of the Year Camille Franklin, Third Grade Teacher; WOS MS Teacher of the Year Ruth Hancock, 7th Grade Reading Teacher; WOS HS Teacher of the Year Pat Geis, Food Production. Not pictured is Oates Elementary Teacher of the Year Vickie Price, Reading Interventionist. Franklin and Hancock will represent WOC in the Region V Education Service Center Teacher of the Year competition.

Zach Quinn is Going Home After two years as basketball coach at WOS, Zach Quinn is the new basketball coach at Vidor, where he graduated in 1997.  In two seasons with the Mustangs he was 32-32 with a playoff appearance this season.  Quinn said he appreciated the opportunity at WOS but was looking forward to the new challenge of coaching his alma mater.

We LOVE School! We Really Do! Cody Hodge and Tanner Bates were recognized at the WO-S Academic Awards program for perfect attendance during their entire school careers, from elementary through high school. Other award winners

The softball team (24-10) captured its first district championship before bowing to Taylor 5-3 in the Area Rd. game played in Huntsville.   21-3A All District Team

On Saturday May 9, former West Orange-Stark Lady Mustang Basketball coach and current Euless Trinity lady’s basketball coach, Sue Cannon was inducted into the Texas Coaches Hall of Fame. Former WO-S players Stephanie Johnson Ford Bonnie Henson Perry also attended this special occasion. Cannon has been coaching for 37 years (10 at WO-S) amassing over 900 wins during this illustrious career.

Mustangs in Muskogee Eric Arnold, Josh Gloston, and Robert Jiles, pictured with new Offensive Coordinator Toby Foreman, signed football scholarships Wednesday to play at Bacone University in Oklahoma.  The three will play for new coach Lloyd Spotted Wolf, who was the Off. Coordinator at Blinn JC.

West Orange-Stark held their All Sports banquet Monday night and Danyale Thomas and Hannah Mobley were selected as Most Valuable Female Track Athletes. To see the rest of the MVP's, All-Academic, and Dr. O. Collins' special award winners, click here

WOS Regional Track Qualifiers-
Girls: Danyale Thomas, 100 meters (first, 12.75), 200 meters (first, 26.24), triple jump, second (34-9 1/2; Johnesha Sims, long jump (third, 16-5 1/2); Bethani Orebo, shot put (first, 31-9:400 meter relay team (Brittany Brantley, Hannah Mobley, Johnesha Sims, Danyale Thomas, first, 49.24); 800-meter relay team (Brittany Brantley, Michelle Simpson, Johnesha Sims, Hannah Mobley, first, 1:47.08); 1,600-meter relay team (Johnesha Sims, Hannah Mobley, Brittany Brantley, Michelle Simpson, first, 4:12.51).

Boys: Trey Franks, 100 meters (first, 10.52), 200 meters (first, 21.75), long jump (first, 22-11), triple jump (first, 45-3 1/4; James Haynes, 200 meters (second, 22.36), long jump (third, 21-1 3/4), triple jump (second, 43-9 1/4); Marquest Watson, 400 meters, (first, 52.36),800 meters (second, 2:05.2); Chris Bundage, 400 meters (second, 52.89); Phillip Jones, 110 hurdles (first, 14.73), 300 hurdles (first, 40.36); Eric Arnold, discus (first, 134-10), shot put (first, 51-3); Devon Griffin, 3,200 meters (third, 10:51.97; 400-meter relay team (Josh Gloston, Trey Franks, Phillip Jones, James Haynes, first, 42.15); 800-meter relay team (Josh Gloston, Justin Thomas, Ed Ivory, James Haynes, first, 1:29.26); 1,600-meter relay team (Josh Gloston, Mark Roberts, Marquest Watson, James Ross, first, 3:32.03).

After seven years as West Orange-Stark High School Principal, Mike Mason is being relieved of his duties. “I have decided that the best interest of the District will be served if we seek new leadership at the WO-S High School,” said Supt. Dr. O. Taylor Collins. “We are currently receiving applications for Principal of our high school.” Collins said Mason will have an opportunity to take another position in the district. Mason says that nothing has been decided at this time. Another principal position is open at the Middle School. Anitrea Goodwin has been named to the central office position of Executive Director of Federal Programs and Special Initiatives. “I am pleased that Mrs. Goodwin will be leading federal programs and some special instructional initiatives. With the influx of new federal dollars in the stimulus package, there will be much added work in these important programs,” said Dr. Collins. She will begin her new duties July 1. Collins will also have a decision to make at Oates Elementary. Bill Conway was brought out of retirement and signed to a one year contract to be the principal there. Collins said a decision will be made soon on whether Conway will be back. Collins is hoping to have Sheila Perry back as principal at North but she has been ill and Paul Hardin has been serving as interim principal. Bennie Smith is expected to return to Anderson Elementary next year according to Collins. "Mr. Smith has done an excellent job at Anderson," Collins said.

Another One Bites The Dust The band hall at the WOS Middle School as the new construction continues throughout the district.

After Day One there was speculation that WOS could score 200 points in the district track meet, which is rare feat.  Well they finished with 237, Bridge City finished strong to finish second overall but 111 points behind WOS.  The Sprint Relay team of Phillip Jones, Trey Franks, Josh Gloston and James Haynes started the day with a winning time of 42.1.  Boys Results    Girls Results   More pictures in our gallery.
Boys Total 1. WOS 237 2. BC 126 3. Silsbee 104 4. HF 71 5. OF 67 6. HJ 16	Girls Total 1. Silsbee 158.5 2. HF 122 3. WOS 109 4. OF 103.5 5. BC 87 6. HJ 36

Construction begun April 8 on a new front for West Orange-Stark High School.  The "round" building in the front that was originally the library was taken down this week. When finished it's expected to look like the picture below.

Enrique "Deelishis" Warnell swept the top awards at Thursday's Miss Mustang Mock Beauty Pageant which raised money for WOS Project Graduation. Warnell defeated nine other contestants for the crown.  Robert "Tootsie Pop" Jiles was the first runner-up and John "Dimplez" Jefferson was second runner-up.

WOS basketball lost to Coldspring Tuesday, Feb. 17 in Dayton 58-45. Turnovers plagued the Mustangs who finished the season 22-12 after a third place finish in 21-3A.

Tinesha Mix and Rebekah Ragsdale will represent West Orange-Stark High School in the Orange County Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation. The two took first place honors and won $2000 scholarships each in the WO-S High School finals held last week. Mix won first place in Interpretive Reading. Ragsdale won first place in Declamation. Placing second and earning $1500 scholarships each were Samantha Bailey, Interpretative Reading; while Earlisha Thomas placed second in Declamation. Other finalists were Zeba Nizami, Amanda Ulbrich, Randy Wuske, and Zachary Tolliver. The contest is sponsored by the Nelda C. and H. J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. The WO-S Finals were presented by the West Orange – Stark High School English Department.  L to R: Bailey, Mix, Ragsdale, and Thomas.

National Signing Day WOS QB Ortavious Hypolite made it official Wednesday by signing a scholarship to attend SFA in Nacogdoches.

WO-Stark's Kevin Robinson wins Willie Ray Smith Defensive Player of the Year Award.  West Brook's Christine Michaels wins the Offensive Player of the Year.  The Mustangs have won six Willie Ray's, more than any other school.  It's also the ninth win for Orange County.  Willie Ray winners.

Rebekah Ragsdale (top) signed a softball scholarship with Galveston College on Thursday.  Teammate Taylor Jaynes also signed a scholarship with Angelina JC.

John Patterson,30, has announced his retirement from baseball.  Patterson played six seasons in the big leagues and was 18-25 with a 4.32 ERA during his career with the Diamondbacks, Expos and Nationals. His best season came with Washington in 2005, when he went 9-7 with a 3.13 ERA in 31 starts.  He suffered nerve damage in his right forearm after the '05 season and hasn't been able to fully recover.

West Orange – Stark High School choir student Kia Hartfield has qualified to compete in January 2009 for a place in the TMEA All-State Choir. She advanced by placing at pre area auditions held at West Brook High School earlier this month. She is directed by Ruth Houston. Angela Greer is the assistant director.

The WOCCISD School Board voted in December to cut costs by eliminating bus rides home after athletic events.  Something they've been doing since Stark and West Orange consolidated.

West Orange-Stark's Kevin Robinson was selected to the 3A All-State First Team Defense.  Robinson, the 20-4A Defensive MVP, led the Mustangs with 104 tackles. Robert Jiles was chosen to the Honorable Mention team. One other local product selected to the Honorable Mention Team was Silsbee QB Jeremy Johnson.

The Mustang football team extended their district win streak to 29 with another title. That streak was almost broke by Silsbee who lost in overtime. WOS rolled into the playoffs with big wins over Coldspring and Caldwell before losing to Gilmer 35-23 in the third round. Kevin Robinson was named to the All-State Defensive Team while also being named the district’s defensive MVP. QB Ortavious Hypolite was the district’s offensive player of the year.

Former WOS QB Andre Bevil signed with Lamar University Wednesday.  They will begin football in the 2010 season.  He led Navarro to a 10-1 record in 2008 as he passed for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns, while completing 65 pct of his passes. He also rushed for 100 yards and three TDs. His passing efficiency rating of 117.1 was fourth best in the conference .

West Orange-Stark's Homecoming Queen and King are Courtney Chatman and Ortavious Hypolite. The queen was crowned by the first homecoming queen of WO-S Tammy Reed Taylor (below) while Hypolite was crowned Thursday night before the Community Pep Rally.

The 2008-09 WOS Cheerleaders

West Orange – Stark High School Assistant Principal James Acker has been named an “Outstanding Regional Assistant Principal” by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). The recognition was made at the Texas Principals, Texas Heroes Summer 2008 Workshop held in San Antonio and sponsored by the TASSP. Each year the organization recognizes outstanding principals from each of the 20 regions in the state. Those selected are chosen by their peers based upon their exemplary performances as campus administrators. Ackers has served as Assistant Principal at WO-S High School since 2005. He has been an educator for 14 years. High School Principal Mike Mason said, “It is an honor to be recognized by one’s peer for their contribution to the school administrative profession. Mr. Acker is very deserving of the recognition.”

Area Schools Receive 2008 Accountability Ratings Results
Bridge City, Orangefield and Deweyville School Districts among the eight Recognized Districts in Southeast Texas.

WOS Senior Rebekah Ragsdale has committed to pitching for Galveston College after graduation.  Ragsdale said, "Coach Ken Delcambre was extremely interested in me, and I feel I will have the opportunity to play as a freshman and continue to get better. I think Galveston will be a fun place to play and live!"  Ragsdale has helped make history at WOS with the schools first playoff appearance and first playoff win.  The 21-3A MVP was also named to the 3A All-State Honorable Mention Team this year.

West Orange – Cove CISD Superintendent Dr. O. Taylor Collins has announced that three campuses in the WO-C school system will have assistant principal changes for the 2008-2009 school year. Robert Reid, Oates Elementary Principal the last two years, will be assigned to WO-S High School as Assistant Principal. He resigned after the move. Two additional changes in assistant principals were also announced. Aimee Hebert, assistant principal at WOS High School will become an assistant principal at WOS Middle School. Paul Hardin, who is currently assigned to the Administration Building for special projects, is being assigned as assistant principal at Anderson Elementary. The new principal of Oates Elementary will be determined at a later date. Benny Smith will remain the principal of Anderson Elementary and he will be the principal of the new elementary school in 2009-10 when Anderson and Oates will combine.

2007-2008 School Highlights

West Orange-Stark
Amarienne Williams Valedictorian	Virginia Anthony Salutatorian

The Mustang 800 Relay Team finished second at the State meet. Josh Gloston, Seth Thomas, Nick Reed, and Trey Franks were just three tenths of a second behind Cuero.

West Orange-Cove CISD is proud to participate in the Texas Teacher of the Year Recognition Program. The program begins at the local level where campuses select a teacher who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Campus honorees were recognized Tuesday night at the school board meeting. They are Karen Beauxis, WOSHS Math Teacher, ninth and twelfth grade levels; Mickey Huber Smith, WOSMS Band Director; Pearlie Washington, Oates Elementary fifth grade teacher; Donna Cole, second grade teacher at Anderson Elementary; Sarah Landry, Head Start Teacher at North. Cole was additionally recognized as the West Orange-Cove Teacher of the Year. Cole will represent West Orange-Cove in the Region V Education Service Center Teacher of the Year competition. Regional winners advance to the state contest. The Texas Teachers of the Year become spokespersons for public education and are honored at a special ceremony in Austin conducted by the Texas Education Agency.

Jesse Riojas has been given the West Orange-Stark baseball job on a permanent basis.  Riojas was put into the head coaching position on an interim basis following the dismissal of Derrick Rivers during the season.  WOS only won two games last season but Riojas, a 2000 LCM grad, says he will make the Mustangs respectable again.

West Orange-Cove Superintendent Taylor Collins shows the elementary students how it's done as they broke ground on the new elementary school Thursday, May 8 scheduled for opening in the fall of 2009.  The 200,000 sq. ft. school will be located on 25 acres of land off MLK Dr. near Sparrow St.

WOS held its Sports Banquet Monday, May 5.  Winners

April- Pinehurst businessman Grady Johnson (left) was honored by the West Orange - Cove Board of Trustees recently for his generous service and contribution. Johnson was the owner of the Pinehurst property on which the District’s new elementary school will be constructed. The District purchased the property in March. Upon completion of the sale, Johnson made a generous donation to the District. “His support for what we are doing in this school district to become the best in Texas is just so evident,” Supt. Dr. O. Taylor Collins said.

This happy group of Mustangs plan on playing football at the next level thanks to scholarships they signed Wednesday.  L to R: Ronnie Dennis and Depauldrick Garrett signed with Navarro JC, Tim Matherne to Louisiana College, and Seth Thomas signed to play at McNeese. Standing behind them is a proud coach Dan Hooks.

Monday the 104th Annual Stark Reading and Declamation was held at WOS High School. Winners were (left to right) Interpretative Reading, 2nd place Zeba Nizami, 1st place Megan Phares, Mike Mason (principal), Declamation - 1st place Chase Adams, 2nd place Rebekah Ragsdale. Both 1st place winners will compete in the County Wide Finals, April 27 at the Lutcher Theater.

Hooks, Bell, Garrett pace the 21-3A All District football team.  Matherne named 3A All-State.  Garrett and Dennis named Honorable Mention.

Mustang Proud Parents recently presented certificates to an outstanding student from each West Orange – Stark High School grade level. The students were recognized for their citizenship and positive contributions to the WO-S High School community. Pictured along with Mustang Proud Parents Charla McNamara and Terese McKee are honorees Rebekah Ragsdale, junior; Victoria Rachal, sophomore; Sam Bess, senior; and Reggie Garrett, freshman. Each received a recognition certificate, as well as Sonic and Cinema gift cards. The students are selected by the WO-S High School staff.

Tuesday morning, Nov. 20, at practice the WOS Mustangs presented Head Coach Dan Hooks with a plaque celebrating his 250th win.  He collected that milestone Saturday in the Mustangs 51-14 win over Coldspring. Photo by Meri Jacobs

Only 1180 Vote, WOC Prop 1 Passes
Voters in the West Orange-Cove school district narrowly approved the bond proposition to build a new elementary school and improve schools and high school sports fields. However, the proposition to add artificial turf to the high school football stadium was defeated.
A total of 1,180 votes were cast, with the $48 million proposition winning by 38 votes. The "for" on Proposition 1 received 614 votes, or 52 percent, compared to 566 votes "against", or 48 percent. Proposition 2 to install artificial turf had 418 votes "for" and 742 votes "against."
Superintendent O. Taylor Collins said the district will get teachers, parents and students to help draw plans for the new elementary school. The school district will close Lorena Oates Elementary and move the early learning center from North School to Anderson School to have only one elementary in the district. North will also be closed. The school board voted in October to spend $300,000 to buy a site along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Pinehurst to build the new school. Other projects include a new entrance at West Orange-Stark High School, renovations of Carl Godwin Auditorium, and improvements to the high school football stadium, softball stadium and baseball stadium.

West Orange – Cove Board of Trustees unanimously approved the acquisition of property for use as an elementary school campus at a special meeting held Saturday, Oct. 27. Board members authorized the purchase of approximately 20+ acres on the east side of Martin Luther King Drive in Pinehurst. The property is south of the Interstate 10 and MLK overpass. Superintendent Dr. O. Taylor Collins said, “We are purchasing this property as a site for a future elementary school and we are purchasing it before the bond election because whether the bond passes or not, we are going to have to build a school sometime in the future.” Collins said that it is important that voters in the Nov. 6 bond election know the location of the proposed elementary campus as the question has been posed to District officials numerous times at various presentations involving bond election information. “We have been working on the purchase of this property for quite some time. This has been one of our preferred sites. We’ve already had engineering and geo-technical studies done on it,” he said. The property is being purchased for $300,000 with funds placed in savings from the sale of the Bancroft and Jones Elementary campuses; as well as funds from the sale of the Border Street Complex. If Proposition #1 on the Nov. 6 election is approved, construction on a new elementary school will begin as quickly as bond funds are made available; with the goal of the school opening to students as early as the 2008-2009 school year.

Kathy Fuqua, a teacher at WOS Middle School, along with Misty Sampson-Roche of Vidor's Pine Forest Elementary have been named Region V Teachers of the Year. The winners were chosen by superintendents based on nominations and they are now in the running to be named Texas teachers of the year in their respective classifications.  Fuqua was recently honored with a reception at WOSMS.

Senior Carmyn Adams was crowned the WO-S Homecoming Queen Friday night during halftime of the Mustangs 34-7 win over Hamshire-Fannett. Senior DePauldrick Garrett was crowned at the Community Pep Rally Thursday night.

The West Orange – Cove Board of Trustees voted Monday, Aug. 27, to reduce the proposed bond issue from $51,990,000 to $48.4 million and to separate the proposal into two issues. The Trustees are seeking approval to construct a kindergarten through grade five Elementary School; new additions to West Orange - Stark High School and Middle School; and the renovation of other facilities in the District. “The citizens of this community have been very outspoken about their desire to give our students the best possible education and enhance their chances of succeeding in life. This bond proposal is in response to those expectations,” Harry Barclay, Board of Trustee President, said. The Bond Election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 6 and will present two proposals to voters. The first proposal for $47.5 million includes the construction of a new elementary school plus renovations to other facilities. These include additions at WOS Middle and High Schools, as well as the renovation of the Carl Godwin Auditorium. The second proposal, for $900,000, includes the placement of artificial surface at Dan R. Hooks Football Stadium at WO-S High School.

The West Orange – Cove CISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to adopt a 2007-2008 tax rate of $1.13175 per $100 valuation, a .33265 cent decrease from last year’s rate of $1.46440. Specifically, the maintenance and operation tax rate decreases from $1.37000 per $100 valuation to $1.04005. Combined with the 2006-2007 tax reduction from $1.50 to $1.37, Trustees have decreased the rate 0.46 cents per $100 valuation in two years. As part of the tax reduction, the 2007-2008 interest and sinking (debt service) fund tax rate falls from $0.944 per $100 valuation to $0.9170. WOC reports that the reduction in the tax rate reflects a nine percent decrease in the maintenance and operations budget and overall eight percent decrease in total expenditures in the District’s $22.9 million maintenance and operation and debt service budget. As a result of the tax decrease, taxes on the average residence in the WO-C District will drop $57.80. With the tax decrease, the WO-C budget projects an end of fiscal year 2007-2008 fund(s) balance of $10 million.

West Orange – Cove CISD will administer Credit by Exam tests during the 2007-2008 school year on the following dates: Aug. 8, Dec. 11 and Dec. 13, 2007; and April 29, May 15, and June 4, 2008. Credit by exam is available in grade levels one through 12. This includes exams for credit by exam with prior instruction and credit by exam without prior instruction. A student planning to take an examination for acceleration on August 8, 2007 is required to register with the principal or designee by August 1, 2007. Questions concerning Credit by Exams should be directed to the WOCCISD Curriculum Office at 882-5555.

2007 grad Richard Netherly participated in the THSCA Basketball game and scored a game high 21 points in the South's 104-85 win.

West Orange – Stark High School teacher Charles Thrash has been named to the position of WO-S High School Lady Mustang head basketball coach. Thrash, 30, has taught content mastery and psychology classes at WO-S High School for the past two years. He also has teaching experience with the Beaumont and Kountze school districts. Additionally, he accrued a winning record as the junior varsity head boys’ basketball coach at Kountze High School. While there, Thrash was an assistant coach on the boys’ varsity 2004 state championship basketball team. A Flint, Michigan native with family in Southeast Texas, Thrash earned a scholarship to play college basketball at North Texas University. He also played basketball at Eastern New Mexico University where he earned his degree in sociology and psychology. After graduating college, Thrash played in the International Basketball League. “I am a defensive minded coach and believe that defense is something that can propel the offense. I like organized chaos on the defensive end,” he said. He said, “This is a great opportunity for me. I am going to accept the challenge and I look forward to it. I’m happy that my opportunity starts here at WOS.”

The WOS Mustang 7-on-7 team traveled to the State Tournament in College Station.  On Thursday they lost to Pilot Point 41-40 and LaVilla 45-42.  They defeated Madisonville 48-35 and Gonzalez 56-24.  On Friday they defeated Harper 31-15 but lost to Crane 40-32.

2006-2007 School Highlights

B.Scott Makes It Two In A Row! Brittany Scott, who recently graduated from West Orange-Stark and is headed to the University of Houston, scored 16 points in the 3A Coaches All-Star game in Austin Thursday and was named the MVP as the South beat the North 63-62.  Last year Brittany James of WOS was named the MVP.

West Orange- Stark High School selected Mr. and Miss WO-S for the 2006-07 school year. They are Dominique Rhodes, son of Dawn Fusilier and Jelmar Rhodes and Rebecca McMillon, daughter of Garland and Nancy Blanchard.

 

Zach Quinn has been named the new boys basketball coach at West Orange-Stark High School.  Quinn, a Vidor grad, was an assistant under Doug McCarter who took the head coaching position at Katy Taylor High School.

Brandon Johnson, a senior at UCLA from WOS, ran a season best 50.0 in the 400 hurdles to capture the Pac-10 title.  His time was also the fifth best in the country this year.  He also ran on the UCLA 1600 relay team that finished fifth with a time of 3:09.

WOS announced its annual winners at their Athletic Banquet.  Award winners.

The WOS Softball team finished the regular season 18-8 and 9-5 (third) to reach the playoffs for the second straight year.  The 21-3A All-District Softball Team

The Texas High School Coaches Association announced the rosters of the THSCA Football All Stars who will be competing in the annual All-Star game in conjunction with the THSCA Coaching School in Fort Worth, July 29-August 1, 2007. Earl Thomas of WOS has been selected as a member of the South Football team. The game will be played on July 31 at the Amon Carter Stadium on the TCU Campus at 7:30pm. The South team will be coached by Weldon Nelms of Wimberley High School, and the North will be coached by Kent Jackson of Sweetwater High School.

Callie Orebo has stepped down as head girls basketball coach at WOS after two straight trips to the Regional Tournament.  Asst. Coach Bonnie Perry also resigned her position.

A special signing ceremony was held Tuesday for three more WOS Mustangs who will play football at the next level. Linebackers Dustin Locks, left, and Justin Alexander, center, will play football at McMurray College in Abilene. Center Darren Gipson, right, will play football for Texas Lutheran in Seguin under new football coach Dennis Parker.

West Orange- Stark senior, Dominique Rhodes, has been offered the Texas A&M Regents' Scholarship worth $20,000. Former A&M President Dr. Robert Gates stated, " The Regents' Scholarship is based on the premise that young people, having come from various backgrounds and experiences, brimming with desire, determination, and a willingness to work hard, are the cornerstone of this university. I, as with most of our community, am very proud of Dominique and his accomplishments.

After outstanding football careers at West Orange-Stark, four signed on the dotted Wednesday.  L to R: Adrian Mims (Blinn),  Jacoby Franks (Tex Tech), and Earl Thomas (Texas). Andre Bevil also signed with Navarro. Photos by Meri Elen Jacobs

West Orange-Stark honored 32 seniors who attended their Cotlillion on Sat., Jan. 20 at the Brown Center. This year's theme was Winter Wonderland.

Rhodes Orange Chamber Student of Month Dominique Rhodes was selected as the Student of the month of November 2006.  Besides his role in WOS athletics Rhodes is dedicated to becoming an Aerospace Engineer at NASA.  He's  also a three year member of the Honor Society.

During the night on Dec. 19, construction crews put up the new press at Dan R. Hooks Stadium. It was built off-site and involved a 750 ton crane that took three 18-wheelers to deliver.

On Dec. 15 WOS Coach Dan Hooks congratulated Earl Thomas for being chosen to play in the All-American Offense Defense Bowl to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Jan. 4, 2007. The Texas pledge was named to the 3A All-State second team on defense.

Brittany Scott signs basketball scholarship with Houston.

The WOS Varsity Cheerleaders Varsity-Bottom: Trey Batcham Co-head Cheerleader, Mascot Marie Scrillo, Jessica Anderson Head Cheerleader. Middle: Traci Lewis, Simone Watson, Stevee Kidwell, Ashley LaRose, Staci Boullard. Top: Kaycie Smith, Vanquanisha Jordan, Jennipher Orebo, Lauryn Windham, Adamnetra Gans.

Adamnetria Gans, with her father, and Buddy Broussard were selected Homecoming King and Queen at West Orange-Stark High School Friday night.

West Orange – Cove Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday night to adopt a 2006-2007 tax rate of $1.4604 per $100 valuation which is a 9.2 percent decrease from last year’s tax rate of $1.58265. “I'm pleased that we are in a financial position to be able to adopt a lower tax rate even though it will cause us to have a deficit budget for one year,” Harry Barclay, President of the WOC Board of Trustees said. “The steps the board has taken for the past several years, combined with the great strides Dr. Collins has made in streamlining our district, will allow us to deal with the many challenges brought on by legislative changes in school finance while continuing to see improved results in academic achievement,” Barclay said.

Seven journalism students attended the Taylor Communications Workshop at Sam Houston State University during the summer and brought home a first place trophy for theme development and “Most Enthusiastic” staff. At the workshop, the WO-S staff developed the “A little bit OFF” theme for this year’s Mustang Memories. WO-S journalism students who attended the workshop are Editor-in-Chief Kaycie Smith, Managing Yearbook Editor Stevee Kidwell, Photo Editor Jeremy Phares, Emily Domas, Laura Collins, Shonnalee Jacobs and Newspaper Editor Brianna Meadows. The WOS Yearbook Advisor is Meri Elen Jacobs.