Editorial by Rickie R. Harris

As everyone knows, WOCCISD excels athletically. In my previous columns, I have celebrated football state championships, state medalists and qualifiers in track and field, state finalists in powerlifting, and various playoff advancements. Today, I want to showcase the fact that West Orange – Cove students excel in other areas, including artistically.

First, I would like to congratulate Keegan Wilkerson. He is the 2017 State Champion in USA Speed Skills Precision Machining! Keegan, a West Orange – Stark High School senior, won the title last weekend. Not only did he win the championship; but he also won State “Best of Show” in the precision machine project competition. Additionally, fellow precision machine students Carlos Gutierrez, Ja’Coven Hinson, Elijah Haskins, and Roberto Artiga also earned state blue ribbons in project competition. These students are products of an outstanding Career Center precision machine program that has produced multiple state champions, state finalists, and state best of show winners!

Our art students have earned accolades, as well.

Seven High School students earned recognition at the YMBL State Fair’s Photography/Graphic Arts contest. Congratulations to Bailee Clark, Herzel Washington, Damara Jones, David Sargent, Blake Robinson, Emily Dubose, and Diane McLemore. WOS fifth grader Anthony Rodriguez was the Region 10 winner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Take Care of Texas Art. Daniela Avila, another elementary student, earned placement in the Shangri La Art Contest and will be recognized during Eco-Fest. High School student Alexis Holt will be honored with a scholarship this week at Lamar State College-Orange for her college art contest entry.

Davion McClain and Monica Vasquez, High School students, were honored for their artwork as it was selected for display at the Stark Museum of Art’s Drawn West Juried Student Art Exhibition. Elementary students Taylor Hardin, Alani Richardson, E’Mira Wood, and Adriana De La Garza also earned selection to the exhibit. Alani’s art earned one of three Director’s Choice Awards in the elementary category. It was great to see their art on display in the Stark Museum.

We are empowering lives through excellence every day!

Here are some important events that are scheduled this week within our district:

• WOS Elementary Mother/Son Date Night – Tuesday, April 18, 5 p.m.
• Area Track and Field Meet -Wednesday, April 19, WOS High School, 11 a.m.
• Pastor Luncheon – Thursday, April 20 at 11:30 a.m., Educational Service Center (All area church leaders are invited. Please RSVP to 882-5600 by Tuesday, April 18.)
• WOCCISD District Education Improvement Committee Public Hearing regarding a proposal to become a District of Innovation – Thursday, April 20, Educational Service Center, 902 W. Park Avenue, Orange, 4 p.m.
• WOCCISD 3^rd Annual Job Fair -Saturday, April 22, Education Service Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Interested individuals should visit our website at woccisd.net to register, schedule an interview, and complete a job application.)
• WOS High School Junior / Senior Prom – Saturday, April 22 at WOS Elementary gym

 

We welcome your support. As contemporary author John Maxwell said, “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.”

Go Mustangs!

Rickie R. Harris is the Superintendent at West Orange – Cove CISD