Willis ISD Fall 2023

WILLIS ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

WILLISISD.ORG

2023 FALL EDITION

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The Board of Trustees, administration, coaches and

should be congratulated for their guidance that enables the success of all students. There is nothing like Friday Night Football in Texas and tremendous pride exists in Willis. Please join us in encouraging good conduct, spirited competition, support for game officials and a sense of cooperation as you enjoy the finest youth our state has to offer. Tom Crowe, Willis ISD Superintendent

sponsors are proud to welcome you to Yates Stadium for the 2023 Football season. We appreciate your involvement and support for Willis High School athletes, band members, color guard, cheerleaders and drill team. Each student performing tonight has given many hours of dedicated practice to developing specific individual skills and talents. Parents, coaches and sponsors

WILLIS ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

WILLISISD.ORG

2023 FALL EDITION

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

FOR THE W: Willis ISD prides itself on its vertical alignment, connecting the elementary schools, middle schools and ultimately the high school. Those who make it work are administrators Dr. Shukella Price (Brabham principal), Travis Elkins (Lynn Lucas boys athletic coordinator), Mike Calais (Brabham boys athletic coordinator), Lyndsey Meier (Lynn Lucas girls athletic coordinator), Raelyn Norvell (Brabham girls athletic coordinator), Dr. Kelley Moore (Lynn Lucas principal) and Eric King (Willis principal).

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WILDKAT NATION

As a district, we want to provide our students in athletics and fine arts with an opportunity to succeed in their respective programs. We want this success to carry over into the community, and we want them to take it with them when they leave our schools. We are grateful for a community that supports our students and

understands that it truly takes all of us to ensure our students are successful moving through school as a Wildkat. We want ALL Wildkats to have a chance to succeed in life. Jason Glenn Willis ISD Executive Director of Athletics and Fine Arts

Jason Glenn Willis ISD Executive Director of Athletics and Fine Arts

THANKS TO OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Kyle Hoegemeyer PRESIDENT

Paulett Traylor VICE PRESIDENT

Chad Jones SECRETARY

Scott Carson MEMBER

Nikita Lagway MEMBER

Charles Perry, Sr. MEMBER

Cliff Williams MEMBER

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Spotlight Articles

DJ Lagway Jr., Willis Football

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Perfectly Aligned Ms. Virginia One Team, One Purpose Super Soph

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No Chill The 411 Premier Performer

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Willis ISD Career & Technology Education Center Your future starts today

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The Willis ISD Career & Technology Education Center (CTE) is a state-of-the-art facility providing students with unparalleled career preparation in healthcare, technology, engineering, agriculture, cosmetology, automotive and culinary arts, among others.

Course content is aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education or careers in current and emerging professions.

Nineteen certifications provide students the opportunity to graduate high school ready to enter the workforce and begin reaching their goals.

Where will Willis ISD take you?

Willis ISD Career & Technology Education Center Career Clusters Willis ISD Career & Technology Education Center Career Clusters

Information Technology • Computer Maintenance • Computer Programming • Digital Media • Networking • Web Technologies Certifications : CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, CompTIA Security+ Law, Public Safety, Security & Corrections • Law Enforcement Certifications : Non-Commissioned Security Officer Level II Certifications : Certified Solidworks Associate, NCCER Welding Level 1 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics • Engineering Design and Presentation • Robotics Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) - This Career Cluster ® focuses on careers in planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure plan ning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance. • Automotive Basics • Automotive Technology Certifications : ASE Entry-Level Manufacturing • Welding • Metal Fabrication

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources • Advanced Animal Science

• Veterinary Science • Horticulture Science • Floral Design

Certifications : Certified Veterinary Assistant, Texas State Floral Assoc. Architecture and Construction • Construction Technology Certifications : NCCER Core Curriculum, NCCER Carpentry Level 1, OSHA 30-hour General Industry Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications • A/V Production • Photography • Radio Broadcasting • Printing & Imaging • Fashion Design • Video Game Design Certifications : Adobe Certified Associate

Health Science • Health Science Clinic/Theory • Pharmacology Certifications : Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Pharmacy Technician Hospitality and Tourism This Cluster ® focuses on the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants and other food/beverage services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services. Students learn knowledge and skills focusing on communication, time manage ment, and customer service that meet industry standards. • Culinary Arts Certifications : ServSafe Manager employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care services, and consumer services. • Child Development • Cosmetology • Nutrition Certifications : Cosmetology Operator License Human Services (HS) - The HS Cluster ® focuses on preparing individuals for

Business, Marketing & Finance • Business Law • Business Information Management Certifications : Microsoft Office Specialist, Real Estate Sales Agent License Education and Training • Human Growth Certifications : Educational Aide 1

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Willis ISD Career & Technology Education Center 40 FM 830, Willis, Texas 77378 936.890.7411 www.willisisd.org @WillisISD_CTE

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feature

Eric King

Dr. Shukella Price

Mike Calais

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P E R F E C T LY ALIGNED \\ Matt Malatesta

with intention,” Brabham Middle School principal Dr. Shukella Price said. “Our motto is ‘Be Excellent’, so how do you do that? To be excellent you have to be ‘EPIC’ – you have to emphasize Endurance, Pride, Integrity and Compassion in everything you do. That is the same message that connects academic, athletics and the arts.” “Kids today will stretch you as a leader,” she continued. “They have so many different needs than when we grew up. In order for us as

a culture to improve on everything to academics to attendance, and everything in between at all levels. As a result, when a business sees Willis High School on one of our student’s resumes, that will be someone they want to hire.” But that takes everyone being committed to the same goals, from Superintendent Tom Crowe to Executive Director of Athletics and Fine Arts Jason Glenn to principals, coaches and teachers across the district. “In Willis, we do things

all consistent throughout the district. It’s a holistic approach with the goal of taking children all the way to young adulthood, hearing the same message. “What I love about Willis ISD is that it combines big-school benefits with a small-school feel,” Willis High School principal Eric King said. “Being so far north in Montgomery County, we can be forgotten… well, not anymore.” “We want to raise the bar in Willis. It’s not just a slogan, we are building

WILLIS ISD IS GOING THROUGH A TRANSFORMATION… A RENAISSANCE OF SORTS. One Team, One Purpose is not just a slogan on a website, it’s the defined mission for the northernmost school in Montgomery County. Their vertical alignment from elementary schools to the middle schools to the high school ties the community together… everyone bleeds the same purple. The mission of academics, athletics and the arts are

Raelyn Norvell

Dr. Kelley Moore

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in the band one day.” Lyndsey Meier sees great value in the district’s vertical alignment as Lynn Lucas’ girls’ athletic coordinator. “It’s bigger for girls,” she said. “I truly believe that our high school athletes can be great mentors for thge girls.” “We try and take it a step further. I love the access that our girls have to the high schoolers… to meet and talk to them. It’s so important when our kids go to high school that they know someone who is already there. It just bridges a huge gap for girls.” Whether it be preparing students academically for high school or having someone to lean on in the locker room or band hall upon their arrival to Willis High School, vertical alignment is working inside the halls of the elementary, middle, and high schools. One Team, One Purpose.

Someone from our staff or myself has to be at the football games. We have so many of our kids in attendance wanting to emulate the high school kids from band to cheer to dance to the athletes. It’s a true Friday Night Lights experience.” Boys athletic coordinator Travis Elkins has seen a community rally around a school, first-hand. He graduated from Port Neches-Groves in southeast Texas, where the town shuts down when the Indians play. “I believe in what we are doing here at Willis,” he said. “It reminds me of PN-G. Having our students witness what is happening at the high school gives them something to shoot for. That can be their first-ever impression of Willis High School – a ball game. They see what they can be in the future and that sticks with them. Maybe they will wear that jersey or cheer or play

for them,” Norvell said. “The number one change I’ve seen is having great leadership, especially at our school. Dr. Price, just listen to her message. We have been craving that sort of message ever since I’ve been here. It’s refreshing.” The same philosophy is evident down the street at Lynn Lucas Middle School, which is under the direction of Dr. Kelley Moore. “I believe every student can learn at a high level,” Moore said. “At Lynn Lucas, we also follow vertical integration inside of our school. We build department consists of those teachers at all three levels to ensure our sixth-grade students are prepared for seventh-grade and so on. If our teams work together to prepare our students for the next year, it’s a huge win. “Same with our athletics. teams throughout our curriculums. Let’s take Math… our Math team

educators to be EPIC, we also need to always be fine tuning our craft.” Her message is heard loud and clear by her staff as they stress the district message in their classrooms and locker rooms. “Having consistency throughout the district is so important,” Brabham boys’ athletic coordinator Mike Calais said. “Everything is based on fundamentals like accountability, discipline and leadership. Our acronym is WIN – ‘What’s Important Now?’ We want to have character in everything we do, keeping our kids in lock-step with what is expected at the high school.” Raelyn Norvell has spent her entire career at Brabham Middle School, and she sees the culture change within Willis ISD as paramount. “As educators, we are always trying to make things better for our students… providing consistency

Travis Elkins

Lyndsey Meier

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LONG-TIME ATHLETIC SECRETARY HAS ALWAYS BLED PURPLE M S . VIRGINIA \\ Matt Malatesta

ATHLETIC SECRETARY VIRGINIA NICKERSON HAS SEEN IT ALL AS A MEMBER OF THE WILLIS COMMUNITY. She attended Willis as a student, and recently celebrated her 42nd birthday… working for Willis ISD. Four decades of serving the Wildkats, and she’s still going strong. “I bleed purple,” she laughed. “As long as the good Lord lets me have warm blood in my veins, I’ll be here. I just love the energy and the direction that things are going here.” Nickerson started as a part time bus driver back in 1982. “I drove Michael Bishop back when he was in high school,” she said. “I’ll never forget him playing basketball and football. He led us to the playoffs in the Astrodome. That put Willis on the map.” Bishop would go on to Kansas State and finish second in the Heisman Trophy race in 1998. Fast-forward 25 years and Nickerson is witnessing another generational talent in DJ Lagway, Jr. “They are pretty similar,” she said. “Just kids, you know? I’d love to see DJ surpass Michael’s (Bishop) journey. I guess we will just have to wait and see.” After many stints in different departments from transportation, to the CTE secretary, to working in Special Ed, to working in the Grade Level Office, to

Jason has us moving in the right direction.” So, after witnessing thousands of athletes roam the halls of Willis over the years, who are her all-time favorites? “That’s easy,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “James Nickerson and LaTisha Lovelady… my children. I loved to watch them play.”

jobs from purchase orders to handling receiving to paying officials to lining up stadium workers, etc. She enables new boss (Executive Director of AD and Fine Arts) Jason Glenn to do his job. “Jason is carrying Willis athletics and fine arts into the future,” she said. “We have to leave the old school behind us and move forward.

being a financial clerk – she found a stable place in the athletics’ office. “I’ve seen it all and how this community has grown,” she said. “It’s growing so fast, but I just hope it keeps a small-town feel. I remember when we were a (Class) 3A school.” Working in athletics, Nickerson handles a litany of

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Sam Skelton

Exavior Sandusky, Cyrus McKinney and Maddie Carroll

THE WILLIS WILDKATS ARE ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING BIG. THE PURPLE AND BLACK ARE TRENDING IN 2023 AS THE FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL TEAMS ARE VYING FOR THE POSTSEASON THIS FALL. GREAT COACHING AND GAME-CHANGING ATHLETES ARE POISED TO LEAVE THEIR LEGACIES. THE CROSS-COUNTRY PROGRAM IS HEADED IN A NEW DIRECTION WITH A NEW COACH, AND TENNIS WILL BATTLE AGAINST TOUGH DISTRICT OPPONENTS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE STARS WHO WILL MAKE THEIR COMMUNITY PROUD THIS FALL. ONE TEAM, ONE PURPOSE

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Jalen Mickens

Savannah Moore

Brad Lottinger

Sophie Satterwhite

Terri Lawrence

Akeyah Gardin

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Kaley Hall

DeBraun Hampton

Maddison Carrasco

Grace Wilder

Lauren Carlson

Bryce Shiflet

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Brock Perry

Delaney New

Willis Volleyball

Hunter Wren

Jocelyn Lira

Football

WILLIS RETURNS TO CONTENTION ON THE GRIDIRON B E T T E R THAN EVER \\ Matthew Ogle

FOOTBALL IS BECOMING A BRAND AT WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL, AND IT COMES FROM THE TOP. The district’s Executive Director of Athletics and Fine Arts Jason Glenn played at Texas A&M and in the NFL. Glenn got his man a year ago in head coach Trent Miller, who previously built Spring High School into a Houston powerhouse. Miller has a face of the program and alpha in the locker room in All American QB DJ Lagway. The dual-threat, Florida commit is a generational talent and could lead the ‘Kats to the postseason and beyond. Lagway is flanked by two first-team WRs in Jalen Mickens and Debraun Hampton, and a one-two punch in the backfield with Terri Lawrence and Daylion Robinson. On defense, look for Jermaine Bishop, Jr. and Imauree Holmes to headline a speedy secondary. Willis also has a strong front seven with first-teamer Josiah Stephens, Zach Lang, and Isacc Stafford (Air Force) in the trenches. Meanwhile, Brock Perry, Christian Hall, and Klein Forest-transfer Carter Jenkins make up a dangerous linebacking corps. Could this be the year that coach Trent Miller and company shock their district rivals?

Stay tuned.

Imauree Holmes

Caleb Fletcher

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Trent Miller

Mason Isbell

OUR KIDS ARE HUNGRY. THEY WILL DO ANYTHING FOR EACH OTHER. IT’S MORE OF A TOTAL FAMILY ATMOSPHERE HERE, NOW THAN IT’S EVER BEEN. TRENT MILLER - WILLIS FOOTBALL COACH

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Daylion Robinson

Wyatt Johnson

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WILLIS’ BISHOP, JR. LOOKS TO CONTINUE FAMILY LEGACY S U P E R SOPH \\ Jackson DiPasquale

always a target on your back when you have that family legacy, but I just embrace it. They’ve taught me the right mindset and work ethic to do this at the next level.” As a freshman on varsity, Bishop burst onto the scene winning the District 13-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He tied for first in the district interceptions and subsequently blew up this Spring as a high level recruit. “Last year was a great experience… truly, it was just a blessing,” Bishop said. “The guys welcomed me onto varsity and helped me start my journey.” After his freshman year, Bishop, Jr. saw his recruitment explode. He picked up a dozen Power-5 offers in the offseason. What has the rise to stardom been like for the rising sophomore? “It’s honestly a dream come true,” Bishop said. “It’s just a blessing for my family and myself. I try to stay humble, keep a good mindset and just be a guy the younger players can look up to.” Much like the other Bishops who came before him.

WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL HAS BECOME A HOTBED FOR NEXT LEVEL TALENT IN THE SPAN OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WHICH HAS THE WILDKATS PRIMED FOR A BIG YEAR. While some athletes have moved in from other schools, their home-grown talent have deep roots. Much like DJ Lagway, Jr., Jermaine Bishop, Jr. grew up a Willis Wildkat – going to games and loving the purple and black. “A lot of family members have influenced my love for football,” he said. “I started playing very young and have never looked back. My family and community has been very supportive.” Speaking of his family, his father Jermaine Bishop was a standout athlete for Willis, and his cousin, Michael Bishop, was a Wildkat legend. The Bishop name put Willis on the map, especially when Michael thrived at Kansas State and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998. For Jermaine, living up to the Bishop family name is an honor. The life-lessons learned from his Dad and cousins inspire his game today. “It’s a huge honor to rep the Bishop name,” he said. “There’s

Volleyball

Summer Clark

Sam Skelton

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WE HAVE EIGHT RETURNERS THIS YEAR AND THAT EXPERIENCE IS GOING TO BE KEY IN THOSE CLOSE GAMES. WE HAVE A CORE GROUP OF LEADERS WHO I CAN REALLY COUNT ON, ON AND OFF THE COURT, AND THEY ARE SO HUNGRY FOR THIS. THIS YEAR MEANS EVERYTHING TO THEM. THEY HAVE WORKED SO HARD IN THE OFFSEASON AND THE SUMMER AND THAT MAKES ME SO EXCITED AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES. GRACE WILDER IS THE MOM OF THE GROUP AND SAMANTHA SKELTON AND SOPHIE SATTERWHITE ARE JUST BALLS OF POSITIVE ENERGY. DELANEY NEW WILL BE A BIG SURPRISE WITH HER DEVELOPMENT AND ATHLETICISM, AND CARLY PAUGH IS ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED PLAYERS TO EVER COME

THROUGH WILLIS. WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS. MEGAN STORMS - WILLIS VOLLEYBALL COACH

Delaney New

Haley Truett

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PAUGH LEARNING FOCUS AS GAME DEVELOPS N O CHILL \\ Matt Malatesta

a high standard, every day,” she said. “We have pushed each other harder than ever and we want these seniors to go out with a great year.” When not playing volleyball, she loves horror movies, going to Shake Shack and being on any body of water. “I’m an adrenaline junkie,” she laughed. “My blood needs to be pumping all the time. I’m always going somewhere to see somebody. I can’t sit still.”

“My parents grew up playing sports and my siblings play soccer at a high level,” she laughed. “Everything is a competition, from who can eat dinner the fastest to who can get online the fastest to find the coolest car. Just weird stuff, but it’s always a fun competition in our family.” Her volleyball family is equally as competitive as they position for a coveted playoff spot. “We have a great team bond and hold each other to

her advantage. “I want my teammates and coaches to be comfortable with who I am,” she said. “I can’t tuck it away. I’ve learned there is a time and place to be serious. I like to play loose, tell jokes and laugh with my teammates. I usually go 100 miles-an hour, all the time. I’m getting better at staying focused on the court, especially when it comes time to winning.” Paugh has a burning competitive side, having learned it at home.

SOMETIMES, TAKING ONE STEP BACK CAN PUSH YOU TWO STEPS FORWARD. Junior Carly Paugh helped lead the Wildkats to their best season since moving up to Class 6A, reaching a play in game for the postseason in 2022. Coach Megan Storms challenged her entering her sophomore season, moving Paugh from her middle position to the outside. “I grew up playing middle and I was a little surprised how well I was able to transition,” she said. “It was a big change, from my arm swing to playing back row. It made me a better player.” She was rolling through her sophomore summer before injuring her knee, putting her on the bench as a spectator for much of the club season. “It really gave me a different perspective,” she said. “I went from playing all the time to doing nothing at all. It was an eye-opener for me and what I learned was that I was a pretty bad teammate before I was injured. I was all about myself. “I learned that even if you don’t play, you are still a teammate. You can influence the team with your attitude and your confidence, even when you aren’t playing.” Now, Paugh is back healthy, mentally and physically. And when she is on, she is on. Paugh is a ball of energy, who uses that to

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T H E 411 \\ Matthew Ogle

WEDDINGTON A TRUE STUDENT-ATHLETE

outside of diving? What are your other interests? WEDDINGTON: “I do high school cheerleading. It’s really not super different, given all the flips we have to do.” VYPE: What do you see yourself doing in the future? WEDDINGTON: “I hope to dive in college one day. My dream school would be an academy, such as the Naval

chance.” VYPE: What’s something about you that makes you unique?

Academy. I want a school that challenges me and allows me to grow. Plus, I would have the opportunity to serve my country, which is another appeal.” VYPE: What are you watching these days? WEDDINGTON: “Right now, I’m watching ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ on Netflix. The new season was just released, so I’ve been getting into that when I have the

SENIOR KELSEY WEDDINGTON IS “THAT GIRL” AT WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL. SHE’S EVERYWHERE. Not only is she in the top two percent of her graduating class, she also happens to be a premier diver for the Willis swim and dive program. She didn’t always know that diving would be in her future, but she’s ascended to the point of reaching the UIL 6A State Meet a year ago. To top it off, Weddington patrols the sidelines as a Willis cheerleader as well. Given her exceptional standing, we had to figure out what makes her tick. This is the 411 with Willis High’s Kelsey Weddington. VYPE: How did you get into diving? Why that sport? WEDDINGTON: “I was originally in gymnastics, but I kept getting hurt. It was too much of a strain on my body, so I got into diving. It really appealed to me. I’ve been diving since the summer of my eighth-grade year. I’ve done club diving, so I’ve gone to Nationals and have found success in the sport.” VYPE: How did your experience in gymnastics help you in diving? WEDDINGTON: “It has helped with my technique, like being able to flip. It took me some time to get the hang of it because going from a gymnastics floor to a diving board was a different experience.” VYPE: What do you do

WEDDINGTON: “I have a twin brother, Christian

Weddington. He’s a wrestler here at Willis. We’re kind of close, and it’s pretty cool that we both go here. For example, during STAAR testing we’ll always sit next to each other. I like it.”

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swim and dive

WILLIS SWIM AND DIVE AIMS TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES PLAYERS TO UNSTOPPABLE WATCH GUY BARKER ASHLEY FLOWERS KALEY HALL KELSEY WEDDINGTON HUNTER WREN Guy Barker B E C O M I N G

Ashley Flowers

Ty Brown

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THE BACK OF OUR SHIRTS THIS YEAR, WILL SAY ‘UNSTOPPABLE’. THE MAIN REASON FOR THAT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE SOME OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME THIS YEAR. WE DON’T HAVE A POOL, FOR EXAMPLE. WE DON’T HAVE A TON OF CLUB SWIMMERS LIKE OUR DISTRICT OPPONENTS DO. BUT I WANT THE KIDS TO KNOW THAT JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE OBSTACLES DOESN’T MEAN WE CAN’T WORK HARD, COMPETE AND PROVE TO EVERYBODY WHAT

WE’RE CAPABLE OF. THAT’S A GREAT LIFE LESSON. KRISTI BROWN - WILLIS SWIM AND DIVE COACH

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cheer

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LET’S GET HYPED

WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL HAS SOME OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED CHEERLEADERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. THEY SET THE TONE INSIDE THE HALLWAYS, AND ARE THE AMBASSADORS OF HYPE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. FROM PAINTING SIGNS TO FIRING UP THE CROWDS AT VOLLEYBALL AND FOOTBALL GAMES, LET’S GIVE THE CHEERLEADERS A HAND.

Emily Vaughn

Skyler Horton

Maddison Carrasco

Mylee Williams

Keyona White

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cross country

OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT, WE’RE A FAMILY. WE ALL HAVE OUR INDIVIDUAL EVENTS BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE A FAMILY. WE CHEER EACH OTHER ON, AND WE KEEP IT MOVING. ALL OF MY GIRLS AND GUYS ARE PRETTY YOUNG, SO WE’RE BUILDING TOWARDS OUR GOALS. I KNOW WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO COMPETE. AARON BREED - WILLIS CROSS COUNTRY COACH

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BREED BUILDING UP YOUTHFUL WILLIS PROGRAM DISTANCE GOING THE

\\ Matthew Ogle

Chloe Robles

Heath Grant

Coach Aaron Breed

PLAYERS TO WATCH HEATH GRANT JOSELYN LIRA EVANGELINE MUNARETTO FERNANDA RUIZ

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Tennis

KEMP LOOKS FOR RETURNERS TO ANCHOR YOUNG SQUAD RALLY READY TO

\\ Matthew Ogle

Antonio Balon

Brayden Leinweber

Coaches Garry Kemp and Lisa Parrott

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAUREN CARLSON BRAD LOTTINGER

JACOB MENDEZ JACOB PLAYER SAVANNAH PRESSWOOD

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WE’RE EXPECTING OUR KIDS TO WORK HARD, PARTICIPATE AND COMPETE. WE’RE LOOKING TO BE IN THE PLAYOFFS, THAT’S ALWAYS OUR NO. 1 GOAL. HOPEFULLY WE CAN MAKE A RUN FOR STATE. WE’RE IN A VERY STRONG

TENNIS DISTRICT, BUT WE GET AFTER IT. GARRY KEMP - WILLIS TENNIS COACH

THERE ARE A LOT OF STRENGTHS ON THIS TEAM. WE HAVE A REALLY GOOD FRESHMEN GROUP COMING IN, AND THEY SEEM TO BE REALLY BONDED TOGETHER. YOU ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING A TEAM WITH AN ATTITUDE LIKE THAT, BECAUSE THEY GET ALONG AND LEARN ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER DURING THE SEASON. LISA PARROTT - WILLIS TENNIS COACH

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band

WILLIS BAND HAS GROWN TO NEW HEIGHTS THE CROWD PLEASERS

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IT’S REALLY EXCITING TO SEE THE BAND PROGRAM GROW AS THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY DOES. WE GOT REALLY SMALL AFTER COVID, BUT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS WE’VE BEEN SLOWLY BUILDING IT BACK UP. THIS YEAR, OUR WILLIS BAND IS THE LARGEST IT’S EVER BEEN. TO SEE THE CULTURE, AND THE EXCITEMENT WITH THE KIDS, THE BUY-IN IS TREMENDOUS TO WITNESS. JOE DITTFURTH - WILLIS BAND DIRECTOR

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Dance

Y E A R 51

person values among its members. Here are the Sweethearts.

with the purpose of the Sweethearts, encouraging quality performance, high academic standards, loyal school spirit and high

The Sweethearts are entering year 51 and are as strong as ever under the direction of Kaylee Trotter. Trotter is firmly aligned

THE WILLIS SWEETHEARTS DANCE TEAM IS ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS PROGRAMS INSIDE THE WALLS OF WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL.

Ava Hardin

Savannah Moore

Josie Gillette Oatman

Tory Van Schuyver

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feature

SWEETHEART CAPTAIN IS TREMENDOUS AMBASSADOR FOR WILLIS HIGH P R E M I E R PERFORMER \\ Matthew Ogle

much of her time to dancing, it might come as a surprise to know that McDonald is an even more superb student. She is currently ranked in the Top 25 overall for the Class of 2024. “Grades have always been very important to my family, they’ve always been pushing me to get all A’s,” she said. “I personally hate when I get below a 90… it gives me so much anxiety. I like to maintain that standard because it makes me feel good about myself. I hope to be kind of an inspiration to my peers on the team that way, so they can aspire to do the same.” McDonald has a plan as she wraps up her days at Willis. “As of right now, I don’t intend to dance in college,” she said. “I still want to be a part of the dance program, just not on the team. Maybe I’ll teach choreography for other teams and some soloists, so I’ll still be dancing in my free time.” Passing on her knowledge to others would fit McDonald’s personality, considering she spends time with the youth at her church. She is heavily involved in Vacation Bible School and their mission trips. Next year, this Willis ambassador won’t have to change her school colors as she plans on majoring in math at Stephen F. Austin University. What a Sweetheart.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE VIBE AT WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, IT’S HARD TO MISS THE ICONIC SWEETHEARTS DANCE GROUP. The flashy silver and purple uniforms moving in unison can make it difficult for any, one dancer, to stand out. However, the team’s captain, senior Eleanor McDonald, has found ways to do just that. “I first started dancing when I was three years old, and I’ve been at the same studio (Backstage Dance) ever since,” said McDonald. “My mom put me in dance because my younger sister was born, and she wanted me to feel special. “I’ve stuck with it since, because I really love it. I like to show my feelings through dance, and I have a real passion for it.” McDonald had the rare opportunity to be a part of the Sweethearts’ 50th anniversary celebration before she was named captain this season. “Last year, we had a bunch of alumni come back and we danced with them for a football game,” McDonald said. “It was cool to see the varying techniques and uniforms that have been developed over time. It was amazing to witness. “This year, actually being the captain, it’s great to be a part of that legacy of the Sweethearts and to keep the tradition going.” Given that she devotes so

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