The Write Side

December 2022 Edition

Academics and News

Scaff Earns Full Ride Scholarship

Congratulations to PWHS senior Emily Scaff for her acceptance into Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. According to USNews, “Washington and Lee University admissions is most selective with an acceptance rate of 19%. Half the applicants admitted to Washington and Lee have an SAT score between 1410 and 1530 or an ACT score of 32 and 35.” Not only did Scaff receive admission to this prestigious private institution, but also she won the QuestBridge National College Match scholarship, a full cost-of-admission scholarship renewable for four years that allows for additional indirect costs like personal expenses, transportation, books/supplies, Washington and Lee Health Insurance, and other miscellaneous costs. This opportunity doesn't fall into a student's lap and is the culmination of focused and intentional choices throughout her high school career by taking part in multiple activities while taking rigorous classes.

"I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity and am proud of what I have accomplished to get here. I took advantage of everything I could throughout these past four years, and now I get to see my hard work pay off. Not only will I not have to worry about tuition, but room, board, and all other expenses will be covered. I can't wait to start a new journey at Washington and Lee." ~Senior Emily Scaff

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Dubiel and Coleman Attend Leadership Conference

Senior Arin Dubiel and junior Reece Coleman attended the Youth MAX Leadership Conference Dec. 7, 2022.

The Youth MAX Leadership Conference takes place at the South Central Ohio ESC in December each year. High School students come together with local business and organization leaders to learn valuable leadership skills. One junior and one senior from each of 15 local school districts are invited by their Guidance Counselors to atten the one-day conference which focuses on the principles of John C. Maxwell. Maxwell is a #1 New Yourk Times bestselling author, coach and speaker who has sold more than 24 million books and is often called "America's number on authority on leadership". Members of the ESC's Curriculum Department are certified Maxwell trainers who lead the conference in partnership with the Gifted Services Department. (SCOESC)

Stone Signs with Hocking College

Senior Asalyn Stone (pictured above with teammates, family, and coaches) signed her letter of intent on Dec. 14 to play softball at Hocking College. Stone intends to major in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program and will begin Fall of 2023. The Hocking College Hawks softball team, coached by Kevin Lewis, finished 4th for their first season in the OCCAC. Congratulations to Asalyn and go Hawks!

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Bengals Discuss Character Education with Students

Mr. Gilliland's Psychology classes and Mrs. Callihan's CCP Rio Grande class had the opportunity to have a Zoom meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals to discuss character education in Character Playbook, which "teaches students, teachers, and districts real world skills about healthy relationships, conflict resolution and managing emotions." To prepare for the meeting the students completed an online module on Character Development. The Bengal players Drue Chrisman (former punter for the Ohio State Buckeyes) and Cal Adomitis (former long snapper for the University of Pittsburgh) discussed the importance of character with students and the importance of respect and communication on and off the playing field. The students were then polled to test their knowledge of the Character Playbook on subjects discussed by playing Trivia with other schools that participated in the Zoom meeting.

Activities, Athletics, and Clubs

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Beta Club Donates Reading Pillows to PWES Library

Portsmouth West High School Beta Club recently donated reading pillows to the PWES library. Students immediately began using the pillows while reading their favorite holiday books. Pictured above with the elementary students are PWES principal Mrs. Shaw, Beta club president Emily Scaff, and Beta club treasurer Hannah Deaver.

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OMUN Attend Conference (pictured below)

Kara Carter was elected Secretary General of OMUN, the highest student position of leadership.
Abby Johnson was elected the Vice President of the Human Rights Council
Aiden Robinson placed in the top 10 of the World Citizenship contest.
And we celebrated Macie Jones as the Outgoing President of the Economic and Social Council.

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Thespian Troupe Concludes Canned Food Drive

The PWHS Thespian Troupe #5739 has concluded the annual Trick or Treat so Kids can Eat canned food drive. The collected items will be donated to our local food pantries.

Thank you to our community and to the PWMS Mentor program for your contributions.

Pictured are: Braden Grooms, Connor Gray, Noah Williams, Deaglan Wolfe, Dalton Hedrick, Abbigail Rodgers, Abigail Hazelbaker, Macie Jones, Samantha Gray, Janna Grabowski, Elijah Krisp, Ethan Patton, Kristin Fields

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Chamber Choir Donates to Compassion Fund

PWHS Chamber Choir donated over the proceeds of their October fundraiser Tackle for a Cure, over $2,000, to SOMC Compassion Fund on Nov. 9. According to SOMC Development Foundation:

The Breast Cancer Compassion Fund is dedicated to assisting those who are battling breast cancer. Donations will help these patients by providing transportation to and from treatment, purchasing scarves, wigs and any other items they may need. Donations to this fund are not limited to helping only in these areas, and can be used towards any other need a patient may have.

The choir, under the direction of Mrs. Tieman, organizes this fundraiser every year and has donated thousands for this worthy cause. Pictured above are members of the PWHS Chamber Choir with Dr. Scarpinato, accepting the donation on behalf of SOMC Compassion Fund.