STUDENTS IN THEIR “ELEMENT”

By SAMANTHA CROUCH

For one night each year, students at Taft Elementary School get to show off their skills and knowledge at the highly anticipated fair.  Students from all grade levels had the opportunity to show off their science projects to the school and members of the community.  The fair exhibited everything from slime made from tide laundry detergent and glue to dry ice filling the room with smoke making the cafeteria look like a scene straight out of a horror movie.

SAM CROUCH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On the day of the big event, the students seemed to be bouncing off the walls with excitement and anticipation.  A student named Ellie Saltz presented her project explaining how polar bears keep warm in the winter, complete with a bowl of ice water and a poster explaining the process.  She excitedly recalled just how she came up with the idea to create this particular project, exclaiming, “My mom was looking at ideas on her phone and asked if I wanted to do this project.  I said, ‘yes, I do, I do, I do!’”  It was very apparent that Saltz carried out this excitement throughout the project and poured it into her work.  

Another little girl named Abigail Baisley displayed multiple impressive projects.  Aside from demonstrating static electricity with just a balloon and an empty can, she also created a light run by lemons as well as a wire ballerina that spun because of a battery and magnets.  When asked what her favorite part of creating her science projects were, she expressed, “My favorite part about the science fair is making all this [the experiments] and I liked making the ballerina spin.”  The wire ballerina certainly captivated passersby as it endlessly spun around a single battery.  

As the day wore on, it became completely apparent that the students’ knowledge of science was extensive to say the least.  Complete with microscope and slides, Dylan Todaro conveyed this knowledge perfectly.  His presentation dealt with different bugs and students and parents alike were impressed.  Todaro explained his favorite part of the science fair was “getting to do all the science stuff.” 

The curiosity that the science fair sparks is truly a learning experience like no other.  A lifelong love of science is priceless, and the science fair allows it to be fun as well.  From the craft table that enticed both students and younger siblings to the research that went along with each of the students’ projects,  the science fair could be the beginning of a bright future for these young scientists.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KRISTEN BOERKE

By JACK PALMER 

Washingtonville High School is no stranger to students who bring all sorts of talent to the table.  Whether it is a crazy talent like the ones seen on Talents With Tuck or a talent no one has ever heard of before, there is no shortage of impressive teens.  However, one special student at the high school possesses a talent most people are capable of, this girl just brings it to the next level. 

JACK PALMER FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Kristen Boerke has been running for the Washingtonville track team since the seventh grade and in that time has generated a long list of accomplishments. She humbly says her biggest accomplishments are “breaking the school record with my 4x400 meter relay team and going to States with them.  As well as making it to States in the pentathlon and high jump.” 

When Kristen was given the honor of being team captain this year, she was beyond thrilled.  Any student who has run for the track team in recent years, or even knows Kristen outside of the track team, knows her personality is one of the bubbliest in Wizard Nation.  With her carefree personality and her love of running, it is never difficult for her to inspire teammates before a big race.  “I try to inspire my team by leading by example, and showing them that they are capable of great things.”  And inspire she does, but in a very unique way: with dance parties.

Running is a sport that no one can perfect, but Kristen has been determined to be the best that she can be and only continues to get faster.  She claims that she gets her motivation just moments before she runs. “Seeing my teammates on the line ready to get the baton gives me reason to not give up and run my hardest.” While track is both an individual and team sport, her goal is to “be a leader, motivator, and friend to all of the athletes no matter what.  Making the team a family is always the goal.”

Kristen has finally found her home for the next four years at SUNY Plattsburgh after much deliberation.  When she did an overnight stay at Plattsburgh with the track and field teams, she felt the best connection with that team and felt as if she could “do it.”  And if anyone can, it’s Kristen Boerke.

COFFEE HOUSE WITH A CAUSE

By LINDSEY BULLERDICK

LINDSEY BULLERDICK FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Coffee, cheer, and charity flooded the halls of WHS last Thursday as students put on the highly anticipated annual Coffee House show.  The house was packed with students, parents, faculty, and community members who generously gave their time to attend.  Their support was much appreciated by the performers and the Humane Society of Blooming Grove of which the event was held for. 

The Humane Society of Blooming Grove is a non-profit animal shelter which has been dedicated to providing shelter to unwanted and abandoned animals for nearly forty-five years.  This amazing feat can only be accomplished with open hearts and the help of many people.  For this reason, WHS students chose to support the organization at this year’s show.

Upon entering the school, audience members were greeted with tables showcasing the shelter and all that they do to help animals in need.  Photos of adorable and friendly faces sat proudly on posters begging audience members to bring them home.  In addition, representatives from the shelter were in attendance, eager to educate the public about the animals in need of forever homes.  Many stopped to inquire about the animals and make a donation that will provide the animals with comforts, food, and toys.

The fundraising efforts did not stop there, however, as student volunteers from the humane society spoke between performances, educating the audience on the heartbreaking facts about homeless animals.  Each performance was nothing less than stellar as WHS students poured their hearts into each song.  Senior and Coffee House emcee, Kaitlyn Metichecchia, expressed, “It was really cool to see students performing original songs; their hard work really showed.”  With a mix of original songs as well as covers, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Individuals and duos took the stage to perform songs of all different genres.  Many performers accompanied themselves and each other with piano and guitar, making the numbers all the more impressive!  In all, Coffee House 2018 was an great success.  Congratulations to all who were involved in the raising of money for a heartwarming cause! 

LITTLE WIZARDS TURN WANDS INTO PAINT BRUSHES

By GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ

Little Britain is home to many of the districts young Wizards and, of those kids, many already have clear artistic talents.  On Friday April 20th, the Little Britain PTO held their annual art fair where students were able to display their amazing works of art.  

GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On the day of the event, Little Britain’s two gymnasiums were set up to host the fair after school.  One was designed with all the students’ colorful artwork, and the other with a plethora of stations holding fun activities for the children to partake in. Some of the stations included, fashion illustration, watercolor, and one of the fan favorites, face painting.  With so many stations to choose from, it was hard for the children to pick just one.  Luckily, they were able to take a piece of each station to go as there was a station where the students could design their own goody bags where they could stuff all of their new creations.

Along with the PTO, many students from the Washingtonville High School’s National Art Honor Society attended the event helping the kids understand the new forms of art they were learning.  Their advisor, Mrs. Held, even got in on the action setting up a pottery wheel to demonstrate some of her clay skills.  

One of the most exciting elements of the evening was the expo’s “I Spy With My Little Eye” theme that  delighted students and families alike.   At the first station, there were magnifying glasses and a list of hidden items.  For the rest of the night, the kids were mini detectives in search of those hidden items.  The kids loved the new and fun addition to the event as evidenced by fifth grader Katherine Overvey as she exclaimed, “It was so fun going around and using the magnifying glass to find things.”

Some of the students' artwork that was proudly displayed.

The other end of the expo proudly presented the students’ work.  This was not restricted to pen and paper, but included sculptures, and even live music!  Little Britain prides itself on including live music in their art expos, being that music is such an important part of art. 

The students were set up in the expo room doing mini solos on their designated instruments as the crowds gathered around in awe.  At the end of the night the choirs sang to the large gym and sent everyone home smiling.  It was truly a rewarding night that the children will not soon forget.  

HIGH HOPES FOR WIZARDS’ BASEBALL TEAM

By JEREMY GUTIERREZ

With the season in full swing, the future's looking bright for Washingtonville’s varsity baseball team.  After a long and snowy preseason, baseball teams all over the county are finally able to take the field for the first of many games.  

The Wizards are looking to bounce back after a less than stellar season last year with a record of 3-17.  The varsity team already has four wins under its belt making the goal of getting to sections for the first time in three years a distinct possibility.

Right out of the gate, the Wizards were challenged with division games.  They won 2 games out of 3 against Minisink Valley, and still have 2 more division series to play against Valley Central and Warwick.  Washingtonville has to win at least 5 division games in order to make sections.  This may be the ticket to the postseason, but there are other solutions that can send them to sections as well.

Almost halfway through the season, the Wizards have a record of 4-5.  With 20 games on the schedule, they have to win at least half of those games in order to make sections.  With these two possibilities, Washingtonville will pose a threat this year on the diamond.

When Jack Wilde, senior co-captain and first baseman of the the team, was asked if he thought the team has a good chance of making sections this year, he replied, “I feel we have a good shot.  Our next few league games we have a good chance of winning.  We also have some winnable regular season games coming up.”  As the team captain, Jack has high hopes for the team this year and will try his best to contribute to the team’s success.

Anthony Felice, senior co-captain and second baseman, is also extremely optimistic about the team’s success.   When asked how they are going to make it to sections, Anthony Felice responded with, “We all have to play as a team, and win the close games.  We have the right group of guys to win, and if we come through clutch, then we could go to the postseason.”   If the Wizards can do exactly what he stated, they are the team to watch out for this year.

The Wizards can use all the support they can get.  It is going to be an exciting second half of the season with 6 home games left.  Don't forget to come out to a game with friends, or family and enjoy the beautiful weather that is sure to come.  After all, the fans are a part of the team, so help the Wizards make sections this year!

CUTTING LOCKS FOR LOVE

By GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ

This past Monday, April 16th, the Washingtonville High School’s Wizards Against Cancer Club and Catherine's Hair Salon teamed up for 4th annual Cuts for a Cure event.  Lucia Dugan originally started the event her senior year in 2015.   Over the course of three hours, teachers, students, members of the faculty and community members alike gathered into the small cafeteria which had miraculously been transformed into a hair salon. 

GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

As customers arrived, they were directed into the cafeteria which was filled with purple ribbons, the color that represents all types of cancer.  The room was wall to wall with people eager to help the amazing cause while also getting a bit of a makeover.  One of the best parts of the event was the fact that there were also many cancer survivors attending who were thrilled to see the community come together to support them.  

The event had a lot to offer community members in need of a fresh new look.  Salons such as Catherines, from Salisbury Mills, and A Good Hair Day, located in New Windsor, set up shop and used their skills to beautify willing customers.  Some of the services the stylists offered included haircuts costing a mere 12 dollars, manicures for only 10 dollars and reflexology for just 12 dollars.  For those who are unaware, reflexology is a substitute for acupuncture therapy that targets parts of the body through hands and toes. 

Another special deal the salons offered were free haircuts to anyone generous enough to donate their lovely locks.  These hair donations went to ‘Wigs for Kids’, a foundation specializing in wigs that form tightly to the head to fit the lifestyles of active children.  These wigs make hobbies such as swimming, running, and jumping stress free for children who do not want to be left out of participating in sports and fun activities.

Mrs. Lynch, a guidance counselor and one of the advisors of WACC, expressed “how amazing it feels to be helping such a wonderful cause.”  Mrs Lynch also shared that “the money made during the event goes directly to the Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center, a place that WACC works very closely with throughout the year.  We also received 3 hair donations which is about 36 inches of hair!”

Cancer survivors felt the love and support of the community.

It takes a village to ensure that an event of this magnitude runs smoothly and successfully.  Volunteers and participants all ensured that this would be the case at Cuts for a Cure this year.  There were over 75 participants who received at least 1 of the 3 services offered and many more who just stopped in to donate.  As usual, the event was a tremendous success raising over 1,200 dollars.   Hopefully the tradition will continue in years to come.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: JOHN WEST

By JACK PALMER 

As  high schoolers, teenagers grow up admiring certain people.  Whether it is a famous athlete or famous musician, it is not unusual for students to model their lives after the people they admire.  They wish to become them; they wish to play that professional sport; they wish to have their songs put on all streaming sites.  For one Washingtonville student, this dream became a reality and it does not stop there.

JACK PALMER FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

John West, a senior at WHS, has been making music and writing lyrics for the entirety of his high school career.  He has recently released a song entitled “Money Bags” which is making a big splash among the senior class here at Washingtonville High School.  While he has released previous songs on SoundCloud in the past, this song is the first of his to be put on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.  West feels “it is a great opportunity that can open many doors and that can lead to any number of things.  It’s hard to put into words.  To know that anywhere you can have access to my song...”

Any young musician has inspiration for their music, no matter their level of experience.  For John, he says that his influence for music comes from many different artists, such as Metro Boomin and Ronny J, but his enthusiasm to start writing and producing music came from when he performed with Schoolboy Q on stage while he was on tour.

Anyone who knows John knows that  he has always been someone who has enjoyed making his own music in an extremely unorthodox manner.  Following John on any of his social media accounts, will show him in videos making beats with random sounds.  He said that his idea to try this came from “a video on Twitter of of a guy making a beat with a razor, so I wanted to try and see if I could.”  And try he did.  He has made multiple videos of this kind, with his most outrageous sound coming from the use of a power drill. 

While John has had extreme success in music, surprisingly, his future does not revolve around it.  He expressed sincerely that “if it picks up, then I’ll keep it up and, if not, I’ll just do it as a hobby.”  Who can say what will happen in the future?  John has already accomplished more than he ever thought possible. 

STRUGGLING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

By LINDSEY BULLERDICK

Senior year is most often described as “the most fun year of high school” filled with celebration.  While this may be true, what some may be forgetting is the college application process and all that it entails.  For most seniors, the application process is over by December, but there are a slew of college-related tasks that have to be completed in the final months of high school.

Housing arrangements, financial aid, and scholarship applications are just a few of the many things that have to be processed before high school seniors can officially become college freshmen.  While these assignments are always taxing, the scholarship search seems to become more difficult by the year.  For some, this may be hard to believe because of the many awards that are available to apply for on sites such as the high school guidance webpage.  However, the difficulty lies in the requirements that applicants are asked to meet in order to be given the prestigious awards.

LINDSEY BULLERDICK FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

It is to be expected, applicants are asked to demonstrate great grades, responsibility, and an eagerness to learn.  Nevertheless, “Some of the criteria that students are required to meet are very specific to family heritage and such things, limiting the number of people who can apply,” expressed WHS senior, Roseanna Catania.  She and many other WHS seniors are experiencing this struggle as it seems that good grades and community involvement are no longer enough to score a scholarship.  

Some of the criteria is so specific that “...one even required that the applicant be the grandchild of a strawberry farmer!” Catania expressed frustratedly.  While there are scholarships that do not have such specific requirements, their scarcity causes them to become swamped with applicants.  Consequently, the odds of being selected become even smaller.  As exasperating as this process is, rest assured, there is reasoning behind the specifics of so many of the scholarships.

It is no secret that getting into a college is becoming increasingly more competitive and naturally, scholarships are following suit.  As the curriculum becomes more challenging, standards are noticeably being raised and the stress of getting into college only continues to build.  To combat this, be sure to stay up to date on deadlines.  Hang in there seniors, the end is in sight! 

PASSING DOWN THE MEMORIES

By SAMANTHA CROUCH

Every year, the eighth graders of Washingtonville Middle School are granted a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  For just a few days, they get to hear first hand experiences from Holocaust survivors.  During this time, the students are not only immersed in history, but they are presented with stories that have the ability to change their lives.  

The idea of the Holocaust Museum was created by Mrs. Wetzel, a Social Studies teacher at the middle school, fourteen years ago.  She started the event in hopes of allowing students to feel a connection to the stories told and the events that occured in WWII.  Before the presentations started, they took the middle school classes to the actual Holocaust Museum.  Bringing the museum to the school then allows every student to gain the experience.  Due to the fact that the war ended over seventy years ago, this is an opportunity that the students do not take for granted.  

On the day of the event, Mrs. Wetzel reiterated what the point of the presentation was before the speaker got up to the podium to tell his story, “It’s been seventy two years since World War II,” she stated, “You will become the witnesses that pass this information along for generations to come.”  The students seemed to sit up a bit more afterwards, understanding that this was not only an incredible opportunity, but also a responsibility they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.  

SAMANTHA CROUCH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The speaker this past Wednesday was Alex Levy, a hidden child in Belgium during the war.  Not only did students get the opportunity to hear his story, but intertwined were the stories of liberators and concentration camp survivors.  The story Mr. Levy weaved spoke of living in a Christian orphanage, hiding from the Gestapo, and he even mentioned freedom riding years later in the sixties.  

Mr. Levy began his story simply stating that the Holocaust is “tangled with the subject of racism ... altogether it’s a disease.”  This message rang true throughout his entire speech and definitely stuck with students and teachers alike.  Going through his story, the positive spin was uplifting, as he made sure to mention that even as a hidden child with no food, toys or any items of material values, he can still remember being happy.  

As the students in the crowd listened intently, one thing was apparent:  this story is one they will never forget.   The museum also takes place each year after school for the community to enjoy, and people always take advantage.  This event may seem small at first, but the impact of a few stories can be monumental in developing compassion in the hearts of children.  

HARLEM WIZARDS

By JEREMY GUTIERREZ

One of the biggest attractions here at Washingtonville High School is right around the corner.  The Harlem Wizards will be coming to the Washingtonville gymnasium on May 8th.  The doors open at 6pm, and tipoff is at 7pm.  The tickets are $12 if spectators buy in advance, $15 at the door, and $35 for a courtside seat.  The teachers and faculty will go up against the Harlem Wizards looking for the win, after last years tough loss.

The Harlem Wizards are a group of basketball players who perform mesmerizing tricks and dunks to put on a show for the crowd.  They put on a show similar to the Harlem Globetrotters, but for an even better cause.  The Harlem Wizards play to raise money for elementary schools all over the country and to bring communities together.  They perform to entertain a gym packed full of people for a great cause.

JEREMY GUTIERREZ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Last year's game was a nail-biter with the final score of Harlem 90, Washingtonville 78.  When asked how he felt draining a three pointer in last year's game, Mr. Brucino stated, “The roar of the crowd and the look on the face of the opponents; they knew that they matched up with the wrong teacher.”  The staff here at Washingtonville have been practicing all year to defeat the Harlem Wizards this year.

King Arthur, one of the players from the Harlem Wizards, was asked why he plays at the school every year.  He explained, “We come here to raise money for the elementary schools, bring the community together, and take them to happyville.”  Why pay hundreds of dollars to go to a professional basketball game, when you can spend a penny to see the same action?

Can the teachers defeat the high flying Harlem Wizards this year?  The only way to find out instantly is to attend the game for a great cause, and to have a good time.  You won't want to miss the tricks, hoops, and ally oops!

ALL ABOUT ABBY

By JEREMY GUTIERREZ

On the outside, Abby Dougherty appears to be your everyday typical student attending Washingtonville High School.  She is a senior who has a huge passion for music, and is part of the chorus.  What many people may be unaware of is the fact that Abby is actually very special.  She recently overcame her arduous battle with cancer.  What Abby was unaware of this past Tuesday was that she was about to be given the wish of a lifetime. 

JEREMY GUTIERREZ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Abby Dougherty was diagnosed with Rhabdomyoma Sarcoma last June.  Rhabdomyoma Sarcoma is a form of children's cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles.  Abby has overcome several surgeries, and was forced to miss a significant amount of time in school.  She had tons of support during her journey from her family, especially from her parents, and her younger sister. 

When the Make A Wish Foundation heard about Abby’s story, they were determined to make her dream come true.  For those that do not know, Make A Wish is a foundation that arranges experiences described as “wishes” to kids with life-threatening medical conditions.  The wishes that can be granted fall into five categories: I wish to have, I wish to be, I wish to go, I wish to meet, and I wish to give.  It was created in 1980, with its headquarters located in Phoenix, Arizona.  Make A Wish has been helping kids and their families for decades, including Abby, who chose to meet her favorite band, Cimorelli.

Cimorelli, a band made up of six sisters, is Abby’s favorite music group and it has been a dream of hers to meet them one day.  Very few people can say they have actually met the band, making this wish extremely unlikely to happen.  However, Abby has punched a hole in her golden ticket to meet the band.  

The Make A Wish foundation made its way to Washingtonville High School on Tuesday, April 10th for a special surprise.  After walking into a surprise party in her chorus class, Abby was greeted with the news that she will be meeting her favorite band later that week.  There was not a dry eye in the room as Abby realized what was happening.  

Her mother, father and sister were there to witness the surprise.  When asked how she felt for her sister after the big reveal, Bridget Dougherty said through tears, “I feel so happy that this is finally happening for her.  She was crying when she walked in and I feel so happy for her.”  

Her classmates, teachers, and family members, along with the Make A Wish workers, wore identical shirts that read, “All About Abby” across the chest to support the health and good news about Abby.  The day truly was all about her.

Along with all the support Abby received from friends and relatives, she had a special friend who was always by her side: Mr. Floppy.   Velvet, also known as Mr. Floppy, was a present given to Abby from the hospital gift shop.  When asked how she acquired Velvet, Abby responded, “My mom likes to say that we rescued him from the hospital gift shop.” 

The support expressed for Abby shows that no one fights alone when it comes to life threatening illnesses.  Abby is truly  a hero, and one of the strongest students gracing the halls of Washingtonville High School.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: EMILY NAGLE

By JACK PALMER

As the final weeks leading up to to decision day are quickly approaching, high school students all over the nation are deciding where they will be attending college in the fall, and what they will be doing once they get there.  However, for some students, it is an easy choice because they have been given the opportunity to play their favorite sport in college.  For Emily Nagle, the choice was simple.

JACK PALMER FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

When asked why she chose SUNY Plattsburgh, she expressed that it came down to what felt right for her.  “After the coach contacted me in the summer, I started doing my research and, although I don’t have a complete idea of what I want to major in, Plattsburgh holds the many that I’ve narrowed it down to.”  She added, “I fell in love with the campus.  The team is so family oriented and that is the kind of dynamic that is needed for a successful softball career.”  

Emily has always been an athlete, but she owes her love of softball to a few particular people.  “I owe it to Rick Budakowski.  He pushed me to be the athlete I am today.  I’ve had many coaches in my career and all of them have made a huge impact on me and the person I am today.”  

Her success in little league this past summer has bled into the success the varsity team is set to display this year.  “Our varsity season is already looking quite successful.  In the summer of 2017, my Little League district went to the New York State Championship game.  I believe we, as a team, will take what we achieved in the summer and apply that energy and positivity to this upcoming season.”  

Having a team that went all the way to the state championship, and having those same girls on the varsity team, forms a bond that is difficult to break.   “I’m going to miss the family that we have created here in the varsity program. These girls mean everything to me, and they have had my back no matter what.  We have grown together and we learned the game together.” 

Emily wants to give a heartfelt message to all of her coaches.  “I am going to miss my coaches so much.  In the short time that they have been in the program, I have grown to love them and appreciate them for all that they do for us.  They put us first and push us to become better athletes.  They are the reason I decided I was going to go to college to play softball.  I had plans to end my career after my senior year, but they pushed me to a point at which it became hard not to imagine myself playing after high school.”  

Emily hopes to lead her team to a successful year in her last year as a member of the Wizards.  If anyone is looking to have friends to talk to, form new friendships, or just try something new, a sport could be the answer for you.  You never know what can happen; the people you meet could be your friends forever... just ask Emily.

25 YEARS AND RUNNING

By GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ

Washingtonville is known to come together as a community on various occasions.  This past weekend was no exception as the 25th anniversary of the Scholarship Run took place.  The chilly, wet weather did not scare runners away as they raced for the coveted medals.  

On Saturday morning, the Scholarship Run committee got to the high school bright and early at 6 am to set up and get organized for the event.  At approximately 9 am, people throughout the district started piling into the large cafeteria to register and walk around to see the many booths from local businesses.   

GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Scholarship Run  began taking place 25 years ago to help raise money for senior students paying for their upcoming college expenses and it has continued to grow each year.   The 5k run had an entry fee for runners and walkers to raise the money needed to provide the scholarships.  Following the race was the second annual pasta luncheon sponsored by Student Coalition.

It was no easy task pulling this event off.  Scholarship Run committee member, Lisa Angelillo, stressed the importance of planning ahead. As a group they have been “meeting since October monthly and as the run got closer, at the end of February, we began meeting weekly.”  One of the more exciting tasks completed at these meetings included picking t-shirt designs made by the students of WHS. A contest is held each year where students enter original artwork that may be chosen to be displayed on the official race shirt.   This year they decided to use the original design on a silver shirt representing the 25th anniversary. 

Right after the 5k ended, the kids race began which was for toddlers up to 5th graders.  The younger kids ran 50 meters and the older kids ran a full lap.  The families of the young Wizards were standing on the sidelines cheering them on, giving them a little sneak peek of what being a Wizard athlete is like.  They received their medals and joined everybody else in the school’s gym for the awards ceremony. 

John Shepard receiving his plaque 

The award ceremony started by honoring, John Shepard, the man credited with starting the Scholarship Run 25 years ago.  They presented him with a plaque as the crowd cheered for him.  Then they went on to name the winners.  

Thomas Garrison was the first to complete the race with many of his teammates not far behind him.  He expressed his joy by saying, “It was amazing to win the race, and it was great to have my teammates running by my side.”  Liam Gildea came in second and Shane Marchese close behind in third.  Finally, the awards went on to the more specific age groups spanning from 12 years old up to the 80 plus category!  

The Scholarship Run is a tradition for many families and hopefully will be for years to come.  Be sure to look out next year and join the fun event and support your senior Wizards!  All ages are welcome and encouraged.

WIZARDS STRIKEOUT THE WARRIORS

By MATT BENSON

The Washingtonville baseball team played Minisink Valley on Monday, April 9th.  It was their first game of the season.  Senior captain, Jack Wilde, got the start for the Wizards.  He and his teammates were able to edge out the Warriors in a 2-1 victory.

Wilde came out strong in the team’s season opener.  He threw six scoreless innings with an outstanding ten strikeouts.  Minisink was only able to scrap together two hits against Wilde.  The ace got it done on both sides of the ball.  Wilde not only pitched a great game, but he batted in one RBI of the 2-1 win.  The senior captain spoke about how the team did and their goal as a whole this season, and this is what he expressed, “As the captain, I hope I can help lead this team to sections.  I think we can have a successful season with all the new talent we have on the team.”

A few juniors stood out in the win over Minisink as well.  One of which was Josh Hernandez, a junior catcher.   The catcher had a terrific day at the plate.  He went 3-for-4 with an RBI double that made all the difference in the outcome of the game.  Hernandez also had a beautiful game behind the plate with zero passed balls.

MATT BENSON FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Another junior who came up clutch to seal the victory was Tim Curtin.  Curtin played right field Monday and was ready to make a play.  There were two outs in the final inning of the game with the tying run on base when a fly ball was hit to the right field fence.  Curtin played the ball off the wall and threw the batter out at second before the tying run could cross home.

The game was a pitching dual.  The starters combined for a total of 25 strikeouts.  The starter for the Warriors threw a complete game.  Jack Wilde started the game hot.  Then, junior Will Donlon came in for the save and closed up the win.  When senior teammate and center fielder, Jeremy Gutierrez, was asked how he felt when Donlon took the mound, he responded, “I felt confident that [Donlon] would get the save, and I think a closing role is his niche.”

Come support our varsity baseball team Saturday, April 14th!  They will be playing Monroe-Woodbury at home where Jeremy Gutierrez is expected to get the start.