🧡🖤 Outstanding Performances by WLS Band Students 🖤🧡

West Liberty-Salem band members had an outstanding showing at the Ohio Music Education Association Solo & Ensemble event, earning high marks for their preparation, musicianship, and performance quality.

Student performances at Solo & Ensemble are evaluated on a 1–5 scale, with 1 representing the highest possible rating (Superior). For many of our students, this event marked their first experience performing in a formal adjudicated setting, making their results even more impressive.

🎶 Good (Rating of 3)
• Mason Helms – Class A Trumpet Solo

🎶 Excellent (Rating of 2)
• Brock Burgel – Class A Trumpet Solo
• Dahlia Sokolow – Class C French Horn Solo
• Gavyn Greenhill – Class B Bassoon Solo
• WLS Senior Trumpet Trio – Class B
• WLS Saxophone Trio – Class C

🎶 Superior (Rating of 1)
• Savannah Gluckle – Class B Trombone Solo
• Karter Harris – Class C Tuba Solo
• Brayden Hupp – Class C Tuba Solo
• Kyerah Marchal – Class C Euphonium Solo
• Brady Kauffman – Class A Marimba Solo
• Alexis Wisner – Class B Timpani Solo
• Mars Gibson – Class C Bass Clarinet Solo
• Drew Piacentino – Class C Alto Saxophone Solo
• Alauna Kinchen – Class B Clarinet Solo
• WLS Freshman Trumpet Trio – Class C
• WLS Saxophone Quartet – Class C
• WLS Clarinet Quartet – Class C
• WLS Brass Quintet – Class C
• WLS Brass Sextet – Class B
• WLS Trombone Trio – Class B

These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence shown by our student musicians, along with the support and guidance of our band staff. We are incredibly proud of the way our Tigers represented West Liberty-Salem through their talent and professionalism.

🎺 Congratulations to all of our band members on a job well done!
#TigerPride 🐾🧡🖤
about 17 hours ago, Allison Wygal
Band News
🧡🖤 A Historic Season Recognized 🖤🧡

During halftime of Saturday night’s boys basketball game, we proudly recognized the West Liberty-Salem Boys Cross Country for an unforgettable 2025 season.

The Big Orange capped off a remarkable year as Division III State Runner-Ups, adding conference and district championships, multiple invitational titles, school records, and All-Ohio honors along the way. Their success was built on dedication, discipline, leadership, and a true team-first mindset.

👉 Read the full recap and recognition from Saturday night on our website at https://www.wlstigers.org/article/2693964.

Congratulations to this outstanding group of student-athletes and coaches on a season that will be remembered for years to come.

#TigerPride 🐾🧡🖤
about 19 hours ago, Allison Wygal
cross country
🧡🖤 It’s a great week to be a Tiger! 🖤🧡

Check out this week’s calendar and come out to support our students as they compete, perform, and represent West Liberty-Salem! From the classroom to the court, our Tigers stay busy, and they’d love to see YOU in the stands. 🐾

📅 Save the dates
📣 Bring the energy
🧡 Show the pride

Let’s make it a great week, Tigers!
#TigerPride 🐅
about 21 hours ago, Allison Wygal
week at a glance
🌟🎓 February Seniors of the Month 🎓🌟

Please join us in celebrating our February Seniors of the Month, Ava Astorino and Brevin Louden! These two seniors truly exemplify what it means to be a Tiger, and we are proud to recognize them for their impact on our school community.

Ava and Brevin are respected by their peers and staff for their kindness, leadership, and commitment to doing things the right way. They consistently demonstrate strong character, a positive attitude, and a willingness to support others, both inside and outside the classroom.

👏 Let’s give a big Tiger congratulations to our January Seniors of the Month!

🔗 Read more about our Seniors of the Month here:
https://www.wlstigers.org/page/seniors-of-the-month

🤝 Senior of the Month recognition is made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors:
Ice Cream Parlor, Marie’s Candies, People’s Savings & Loan, Subway, Malia Hughes, Key Realty, and our own Cafeteria.
about 22 hours ago, Allison Wygal
Astorino
Louden
🎉🐯 Congratulations to Our Middle School Students of the Month! 🐯🎉

West Liberty-Salem Middle School is proud to announce our January Students of the Month! These Tigers were selected by their teachers for demonstrating outstanding character, leadership, effort, and a positive attitude. They make our building a better place each day, and we are excited to celebrate them!

🌟 8th Grade: Rosemay Sokolow & Wyatt Brooks
🌟 7th Grade: Iris Meister & Arion Campbell
🌟 6th Grade: Aubree Satterfield & Jack Troyer

Whether they are lending a helping hand, pushing themselves academically, showing kindness to others, or stepping up as leaders, these students truly embody what it means to be a Tiger.

Please join us in congratulating our November Students of the Month!
We are so proud of you — keep shining! 🧡✨
about 22 hours ago, Allison Wygal
som
🐯🏀 1,000 POINTS. ONE INCREDIBLE TIGER. 🏀🐯 Ava Astorino has etched her name into the West Liberty-Salem history books by scoring her 1,000th career point, a milestone achieved by only nine other players in Lady Tiger history. As the basket fell, the game stopped, the crowd erupted, and Ava’s teammates rushed the floor to celebrate her in front of a packed home gym that had been buzzing with anticipation all week. Pure magic! Over the last four years, Ava has been a cornerstone of the Lady Tigers basketball program, leading with heart, toughness, and consistency. Her grit, resilience, and athletic talent have made her a force on the court and a role model off of it. This is a moment that will be remembered for years to come, and a legacy that will continue to inspire future Lady Tigers. 🧡 Congratulations, Ava! We are so proud of you! 🧡
3 days ago, Allison Wygal
Ava
Ava
🧡🎶 Middle School Choir on the Move! 🎶🧡

Yesterday, our Middle School Choir students enjoyed a special field trip to the Holland Theatre to attend the matinee performance of The Little Mermaid, Jr., and what a treat it was! 🌊🧜‍♀️

The show was a fantastic performance starring two of our very own students, Kinsley Brentlinger and Neema Smucker, who shined on stage. Our students were thrilled to support their friends and experience such a beloved classic brought to life.

What a great day of music, theatre, and Tiger pride! 🐾🧡
4 days ago, Allison Wygal
little mermaid
little mermaid
little mermaid
Hello Families, This is Kraig Hissong Superintendent. Due to slick road conditions that have occurred in the last hour, WLS will be closed for today for student attending main campus. For students attending Mack, Ohio-Hi-Point, and other ESC units that have already been picked up, they will remain on schedule and at school today unless you are contacted by our transportation department. Again school is closed for WL-S main campus for today, February 6th.

Thank you, Kraig Hissong
4 days ago, Kraig Hissong
Hello Families, this is Kraig Hissong, Superintendent, with a reminder that tomorrow, students that attend WL-S Elementary, Middle, and High Schools will be on a two-hour delay for teacher professional Development. School will start at 9:40 for MS and HS and 9:45 for the Elementary. Thank you and have a good evening.
4 days ago, Kraig Hissong
🌌 Physical Science Students Visit NASA Virtually! 🚀

Today, Mrs. Brandie Roberts’ physical science classes took an incredible virtual field trip with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland! Students explored how NASA scientists and engineers' study everything from Earth’s oceans to distant galaxies all from the classroom.

Highlights included:

✨ A closer look at the James Webb Space Telescope, one of NASA’s most powerful observatories, designed to study the early universe and reveal planets around other stars.
🌍 How satellites measure our planet! Earth is scanned again and again to gather data on oceans, climate, clouds, and more.
🌊 An inside look at the PACE mission, which uses advanced instruments to observe the color of the ocean and study tiny ocean life like phytoplankton that are vital to Earth’s climate and food webs.
🔥 Students also learned how spacecraft are tested under extreme conditions before ever leaving Earth, from vibration and sound to harsh temperature swings.

This virtual experience brought real science into the classroom—and inspired students about the many ways space technology helps us understand our world and beyond.

📖 Read the full story on our website to see what students learned and how NASA missions connect to classroom science!
5 days ago, Allison Wygal
NASA
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NASA
💙✨ National School Counseling Week ✨💙
This week, we celebrate National School Counseling Week and recognize the incredible impact of our school counselors Molly Smith, Kim Leichty, and Abbie Henry.

From academic guidance and career planning to social-emotional support and everyday encouragement, our counselors are steady advocates for students at every level. They are often the quiet connectors, helping students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and feel supported and valued each day.

Their care, professionalism, and commitment make a lasting difference for our students, families, and staff. We are grateful for all they do, not just this week, but all year long.

💙🐯 Thank you for supporting our Tigers! 🐯💙
5 days ago, Allison Wygal
february

🏀🖤 OHC TITLE SECURED! 🧡🏀

What a night for the Lady Tigers! With a 52–46 win over the Mechanicsburg Indians, the Lady Tiger basketball team clinched a share of the Ohio Heritage Conference title and improved their league record to 14–2 this season.

💪 The Tigers have been rolling this year, posting an impressive 16–2 overall record and dominating in many matchups.

🔥 Scoring for the Tigers vs. Mechanicsburg:
• Arianna Weaver – 1
• Ava Poppe – 6
• Addi Wallen – 13
• Ellery Wygal – 10
• Ava Astorino – 16
• Lucy Cole – 6

🙌 It was a 🔁 double sweep on the night as the JV Lady Tigers picked up a 53–36 win to start the evening!

👩‍🏫 Shout-out to the Coaches:

• Coach Dennis McIntosh, a long-time fixture of Lady Tiger basketball, has led the program for decades and ranks among Ohio’s winningest girls' basketball coaches with over 500 career wins. Alongside McIntosh is Coach Aaron Hollar, Coach Stan King, Coach Danielle King, and Coach Rich Johnson whose combined experience, preparation, and commitment to player development have been instrumental in the Lady Tigers’ success this season. Their teams are known for tenacious defense and disciplined play, while guiding the Tigers to numerous conference successes and deep seasons.

Together, this coaching staff has helped shape a talented and resilient Lady Tiger squad that continues to compete at a high-level week in and week out.

It’s been a great season for the Lady Tigers! 🐯🧡

6 days ago, Allison Wygal
tigers
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📊👟 Scatter Plots with Sole! 👟📊

Mrs. Mazza’s Math-8 seventh graders shook things up today by looking at scatter plots in a very different way! Instead of dots, each shoe represented a student as the class compared heights to shoe sizes, and yes, it was just as fun as it sounds. 😄

Students are now taking that data and creating a line of best fit, while also hunting for outliers, gaps, and clusters along the way. This hands-on activity was a great reminder that data isn’t always neat and tidy… but it can still tell some pretty cool stories!

Math with movement, laughs, and learning! Just the way we like it at WL-S! 🧡🖤
6 days ago, Allison Wygal
shoe size
📘🖤🧡 Yearbooks Are On Sale! 🧡🖤📘
It’s time to order your West Liberty-Salem Yearbooks! 📚
All three school yearbooks (Elementary, Middle School, & High School) are now available for online purchasing.
📸 To make sure we capture a full year of memories; yearbooks will be delivered at the beginning of the next school year. Ordering now guarantees your student has a copy waiting for them!
✨ Don’t wait until they’re gone! Ordering early is the best way to make sure you snag a yearbook filled with moments, milestones, and memories from this school year.
Ordering links are available here:
HS Jostens: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A06663300
MS Better Images: www.buytheyearbook.com
Elem Lifetouch: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob...
Thank you for supporting our yearbook programs!
7 days ago, Allison Wygal
Yearbook
⚖️ Order in the court… the Tigers are in session! ⚖️

The West Liberty-Salem Mock Trial Team brought the energy (and the legal skills!) to the district tournament on Friday, January 30th, taking on several much larger schools, navigating plenty of curveballs, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.

This club, coached by Sean Stormes, finished 6th out of 14 teams, missing a trip to regionals by just three points. Talk about a close case!

👏 Extra applause for our Outstanding Witness award winners:
• Cooper Titus
• Alexis Wisner

From confident arguments to polished courtroom presence, this group showed poise, preparation, and personality. We’re proud of how they represented WL-S, and we’re pretty sure the jury agrees. 🧡🖤
7 days ago, Allison Wygal
mock trial
mock trial
mock trial
🧡🖤 Congratulations to Sadie Paul! 🖤🧡

West Liberty-Salem High School senior Sadie Paul officially signed on Monday to continue her academic and bowling career at Muskingum University. Sadie plans to major in secondary education and was surrounded by family and teammates as she celebrated this exciting milestone at Southwest Bowling Lanes. Muskingum head bowling coach Doug Smith was on hand for the signing.

We are proud of Sadie’s hard work, dedication, and leadership, and we wish her continued success as she takes the next step in her academic and athletic journey. 🧡🎳

Photo credit: Peak of Ohio
7 days ago, Allison Wygal
sadie paul
🎶🧡 Auxiliary Tryouts Are Coming! 🧡🎶

Calling all current 8th–11th grade students! Are you interested in joining Majorettes or Color Guard next fall? Now’s your chance to check it out!

✨ FREE Clinics
📅 February 16–19
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Yoder Learning Center (Adriel Gym), West Liberty

👟 Come see what it’s like during the clinics, with no obligation and no pressure to try out if you decide it’s not for you!

⭐ Tryouts:
📅 Friday, February 20
⏰ 5:00 PM

📝 Sign-Up Info:
A sign-up sheet is posted outside the band room.
⏳ Please sign up by Friday, February 13.

📩 Questions?

• Color Guard Advisor: Mrs. Hartshorn – ehartshorn@wlstigers.org

• Majorette Advisor: Mrs. Williams – barbie.williams0827@gmail.com

Come be part of the fun, the teamwork, and the Tiger tradition! 🐯🧡

#WLSTigers #AuxiliaryTryouts #ColorGuard #Majorettes #TigerPride
7 days ago, Allison Wygal
Auxiliary Tryouts
🏀🔥 Building Momentum On and Off the Court! 🔥🏀

On the heels of back-to-back wins over Triad and Jackson Center, our High School Boys Basketball Team took a well-earned break for some team bonding, and a little friendly competition!

The challenge? 🏗️
Design a structure using only straws that could catch and hold a golf ball dropped from three feet. Creativity, communication, and teamwork were on full display!

🏆 Sudden Death Winners:
Brevin, Asher, Sam, Beckett, and Josiah edged out JJ, Conner, Brandel, and Colton in an exciting final round!

Great designs, great teamwork, and a great mindset heading into the week ahead. Let’s keep it rolling, Tigers! 🧡🐯

#TigerPride #TeamworkMatters #WLSBasketball
7 days ago, Allison Wygal
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🤼‍♀️🌟 More Youth Athlete Spotlights! 🌟🤼‍♀️

Sunday wrapped up an incredible COBYWA Youth season for 6th grader Lesley Krabill, and what a way to finish!

🏆 Lesley wrestled a completely undefeated season and was crowned Champion at the COBYWA Championship Tournament this weekend!

Hard work, determination, and grit on full display. Way to go, Lesley! 🧡🐯
#TigerPride #YouthAthleteSpotlight #FutureTigers #COBYWAChampion 💪
8 days ago, Allison Wygal
lesley
🏃‍♂️🏆 Aaron Lauck Named 2025 Boys Track & Field Southwest District Coach of the Year

West Liberty-Salem is proud to announce that Coach Aaron Lauck has been named the 2025 Boys Track & Field Southwest District Coach of the Year.

Coach Lauck has served as the boys track & field coach for seven years, leading the Tiger program with dedication, consistency, and a strong commitment to student-athlete development. This district-level recognition reflects both competitive success and the positive culture he has built within the program.

West Liberty-Salem congratulates Coach Lauck on this well-earned honor. 🧡🐯

#TigerPride #WLSAthletics #CoachOfTheYear
8 days ago, Allison Wygal
lauck