West Liberty-Salem Local School District - Home of the Tigers

📜 Help Us Perfect Our Tiger History! 🧡🖤 WEEK 2!

West Liberty-Salem is in the process of updating our Top Ten Graduates wall display, which will honor the academic excellence of every graduating class from 1962–2025.

To ensure these plaques are accurate before being produced, we’re inviting the community to help us review the names and spellings for each year’s Top Ten graduates.

This week, we’re sharing the lists for Classes of 1962–1975. Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue posting additional groups of years until all classes are represented.

If you notice a correction or have documentation that could help verify a name, please contact Allison Wygal in Central Office at awygal@wlstigers.org or call 937-465-1140. Written documentation (such as a yearbook scan or transcript copy) is always appreciated to help confirm updates.

Your input will help us preserve Tiger history with the accuracy and pride it deserves. Thank you for helping us celebrate decades of academic achievement at West Liberty-Salem!

Class of 1976
Valedictorian Maleia Yoder
Salutatorian Jerry Smucker
3 Roger Headings
4 Reva Matthews
5 Marilyn Thoman
6 Cynthia Korver
7 Pam Woodruff
8 Jeanie Clark
9 Greg Blaker
10 Daniel Steiner

Class of 1977
Valedictorian Teresa Randolph
Salutatorian Barbara Rabenstein
3 Mark Vernon
4 Valerie Dickinson
5 Linda Wilson
6 Mike Harman
7 Duane Yoder
8 Sara Clem
9 Chris Brown
10 Faith King

Class of 1978
Valedictorian Michael Woodruff
Salutatorian Lynn Murphy
3 Sandra Plank
4 Lana Sommers
5 Kendra Kauffman
6 Bill Snyder
7 Ric Lehman
8 Bruce Hooley
9 Kathy Dodson
10 Doug Faber

Class of 1979
Valedictorian Van Tullis
Salutatorian Brad Brandt
3 Jim Wilson
4 Vicky Allison
5 Kevin Starbuck
6 Mark Plank
7 Jim Core
8 Valerie Schmitt
9 Rob Martin
10 Cheryl Graber

Class of 1980
Valedictorian Kathleen Kauffman
Salutatorian Annette Grimes
3 Corey Frost
4 Jeff Schmitt
5 Janine Albert
6 Herman Greider
7 Arnita Yoder
8 Chris Lawless
9 Lisa Yoder
10 John Steinberger

Class of 1981
Valedictorian Barry Hertzler
Salutatorian Melinda Yoder
3 Kim LeVan
4 Gail Dunham
5 Beth Newman
6 Susie Smith
7 Jay Cushman
8 Matt Brandt
9 Jeanette Ropp
10 Joni Rex

Class of 1982
Valedictorian Suzette Greider
Valedictorian Randy Kauffman
Valedictorian Martha Young
Salutatorian Burce Maurice
5 Nancy Miller
6 Melissa Connolly
7 Holly Oliver
8 Rhonda Graber
9 Nanci Martin
10 Lori Lehman

Class of 1983
Valedictorian Charles Linville
Salutatorian Joseph Turner
3 Sandra Bragg
4 Karen Yohn
5 Lynne Lytle
6 Dawn Murray
7 Jackie Tullis
8 Beth Zajis
9 James Spencer
10 Joe Helfrich

Class of 1984
Valedictorian Maria Newcomer
Valedictorian Matt Steiner
Salutatorian Truth E. Ackley
4 Alan Judy
5 Jerry Hertzler
6 Kent Smucker
7 Pamela Newman
8 Chad Plank
9 Susan Day
10 Derek Younkman

Class of 1985
Valedictorian Dan Hartzler
Salutatorian Margaret Pusey
3 Lisa Evans
4 Lisa Cushwa
5 Vince Keeran
6 Terin Markin
7 Jeff Ratliff
8 Keith Lehman
9 Patty Lockwood
10 Amy Stallsmith

Class of 1986
Valedictorian Lisa Kress
Salutatorian Steve Day
3 Karen Roth
4 Jennifer Brandt
5 Jennifer Wilkins
6 Holly Carpenter
7 Paula Rhode
8 Melanie Yoder
9 Ann Barger
10 Rhonda Watt

Class of 1987
Valedictorian Jan Snyder
Salutatorian Dina Westfall
3 Nochie Mitchell
4 Arlene Boyd
5 Anne Tullis
6 Becky Brandt
7 Tricia McDonald
8 Julie Reuter
9 Todd Newcomer
10 Angela Arms

🏈🧡 All-OHC Football Honors! 🧡🏈

Congratulations to our West Liberty-Salem Tigers who have earned Ohio Heritage Conference Football Honors for their outstanding performances this season! 🐅🔥

⭐ 1st Team All-OHC:

Reese Oder

Sam Strapp

Corbin Wallace

💪 2nd Team All-OHC:

Carson Poppe

Naaman Stidham

👏 Honorable Mention:

Dustin Bolton

🏅 OHC Sportsmanship Award:

Naaman Stidham

These athletes have shown grit, leadership, and Tiger Pride all season long — on and off the field. Congratulations, Tigers, on representing West Liberty-Salem with excellence! 🖤🧡

#TigerPride #WLSPride #AllOHC #GoTigers #WLSFootball

🍎🧡 Celebrating Our Principals During National Principals Month 🧡🍎

October is National Principals Month, and we are proud to recognize the incredible leadership of our building principals who guide, support, and strengthen West Liberty-Salem each day.

🏫 Mr. Aaron Hollar – Elementary Principal
🏫 Mr. Andy McGill – Middle School Principal
🏫 Dr. Greg Johnson – High School Principal

Their dedication to excellence, vision for growth, and commitment to every student and staff member make a lasting impact on our district. Each lead with purpose, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our Tigers.

Please join us in thanking our principals for their outstanding leadership and the countless ways they help West Liberty-Salem continue to thrive. 🧡🐅🖤

#TigerPride #WLSPride #PrincipalsMonth #ThankYouPrincipals

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆🐅

This weekend, our West Liberty-Salem Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams are heading to Fortress Obetz to compete in the 2025 State Championships! 🎉

📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025
📍 Fortress Obetz – 2015 Recreation Trail, Obetz, OH
⏰ Girls Race – 10:30 AM
⏰ Boys Race – 12:30 PM

Both teams have trained relentlessly, and their hard work, heart, and Tiger grit have paid off! Let’s pack the course in orange and black and cheer our runners across the finish line! 🧡🖤

Good luck to our incredible athletes and coaches — we are so proud of you! 👏🔥

#TigerPride #WLSPride #StateBound #CrossCountry #GoTigers

💍💒 A Wedding to Remember in First Grade! 💒💍

It’s not every day you get to attend a wedding at school… but last week our first graders celebrated the marriage of Q and U! 👰🤵💞

And who better to play the happy couple than our very own Mr. and Mrs. Hollar! The ceremony was filled with giggles and grins as students watched their principal and teacher tie the knot — complete with vows full of “Qu” words like quick, quiet, and quality! 💐

From the walk down the aisle to the laughter that followed, this annual tradition helps our young readers remember that Q and U always stick together — and gives everyone a “qu”-ite fun memory! 💌✨

#TigerPride #LearningIsFun #FirstGradeWedding #QandU #WLSPride

🏈🖤 Playoff Time for the Tigers! 🧡🏈

The #12 West Liberty-Salem Tigers are headed to the Division V, Region 20 Playoffs this Friday, October 31st as they take on #5 Carlisle!

📍 Carlisle High School
🕖 Kickoff: 7:00 PM

Our Tigers are ready to fight under the Friday night lights—let’s pack the stands, wear your orange and black, and show your Tiger Pride! 🐾🔥

Graphic credit: Matt Hull
#TigerPride #WLSPride #PlayoffFootball #GoTigers

🏅 Tiger Athletics: Week at a Glance! 🏅

We’re wrapping up an incredible fall season and celebrating our OHC All-Stars this weekend! 🐾

⚽️🏐 Sunday, November 2nd – All-Star Games

✨ Volleyball All-Star Game
📍 Fairbanks High School
🕑 2:00 p.m.
Representing the Tigers: Naomi Cole, Lyndee Harrison, Ava Poppe, and Reagan Winters

⚽️ Girls Soccer All-Star Game
📍 Greeneview High School
🕑 2:00 p.m.
Representing the Tigers: Ellery Wygal, Jenna Cline, Arianna Weaver, Kaylee Blair, and Ashlyn Yeater

⚽️ Boys Soccer All-Star Game
📍 Greeneview High School
🕞 3:30 p.m. (following the girls’ game)
Representing the Tigers: Wyatt Longaberger, Elijah Christison, Tucker Searles, Jake Lauck, Lance Campbell, and Caleb Ling

Come out and cheer on our Tigers one more time as they take the field and court with the best of the OHC! 🧡🖤

#TigerPride #WLSPride #OHCAllStars #GoTigers

🌯🌮 Burrito, Burrito Bowl, or Tacos? The choice is yours! 🌮🌯

The West Liberty-Salem Sophomore Class is hosting a Chipotle Fundraiser TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 28th from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Chipotle in Bellefontaine!

Grab dinner and help support the Class of 2028 as they raise funds for next year’s Prom! 🎉

👉 Here’s how to help:

Mention that you’re supporting the Sophomore Class or show the attached flyer at checkout.

Ordering online? Use promo code WGKGXWK in the promo code box to make sure your order counts!

💵 25% of sales will be donated back to the class — so bring your friends, your family, and your appetite!

#TigerPride #WLSProm2027 #ChipotleFundraiser #WLSSophomoreClass

The West Liberty-Salem Leadership Council invites all veterans and current service members to a special Veterans Day Breakfast on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 8:00–9:30 a.m. at West Liberty-Salem School.

This annual event is a heartfelt opportunity to honor and show appreciation for the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in our nation’s armed forces. The breakfast is also open to students and community members who have family currently serving or who have served, as we come together to celebrate and express our gratitude for their sacrifices and dedication.

🎖️ We are honored to welcome Guest Speaker Retired Lt. Col. Douthwaite, and guests will enjoy special performances by members of our West Liberty-Salem Music Department.

🍳 Breakfast and beverages will be generously provided by the West Liberty-Salem FFA.

Attendees are kindly asked to RSVP by November 6 by calling (937) 465-1140.
For additional information or questions, please contact the same number.

Let’s gather as a community to honor those who have served and continue to serve our country. 🧡🖤

Good afternoon, West Liberty-Salem Families,
Tomorrow, during the school day, our staff and students will be participating in their annual window egress fire drill. We conduct this safety drill to practice alternative egress in the event of a fire and to ensure our students understand how to utilize the emergency egress windows in their classrooms. If you are on campus tomorrow, you may notice students exiting the building using the egress windows. it is due to the drill practice.
Thank you,
Kraig Hissong

🏃‍♂️ STATE BOUND! 🏆 The West Liberty-Salem Boys Cross Country Team delivered an incredible performance today at the Regional Championships in Troy, earning a 3rd place team finish and punching their ticket to the State Meet! 🧡🖤 The Tigers finished with 86 points, just behind Oakwood (85) and Cincinnati CHCA (75) in one of the most competitive races of the season. Their grit, consistency, and teamwork shone through from start to finish — proving once again that hard work pays off. Congratulations to our runners and coaches on another outstanding accomplishment! We’re so proud of your dedication and can’t wait to cheer you on at STATE! 🐅🔥 #TigerPride #WLSXC #RoadToState #RunTigersRun

said: 🏃‍♀️ Regional Champions! 🏆 Our West Liberty-Salem Girls Cross Country Team had a phenomenal day in Troy, capturing 1st place at Regionals with a team score of 75 points! The Tigers finished ahead of Ft. Loramie (97) and Versailles (120) in a stacked field of competition. Their hard work, determination, and teamwork have once again paid off — earning a trip to the State Championships! 🧡🖤 We’re so proud of our Tiger runners and coaches for continuing the legacy of excellence that defines WLS Cross Country. Congratulations, ladies — next stop: STATE! 🐅✨ #TigerPride #WLSXC #RunTigersRun #RoadToState

🎒✏️ Our 4th-graders had a fantastic time this week visiting the one-room schoolhouse! They stepped back in time to experience what school was like long ago—writing with slates, playing old-fashioned games, and learning in a building where all grades once learned together. The chilly weather didn’t dampen their enthusiasm as they explored, asked great questions, and made lasting memories outside the traditional classroom. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this field trip happen! 🧡📚🖤

🎉 Senior Night & Track Dedication – Friday, October 24 🎉 Join us as we celebrate our Fall Senior Athletes and honor a true Tiger legend! 🏈 Senior Night Schedule: 🕔 5:45 PM – Seniors and families arrive and gather at the east end of the track. 🕕 6:00 PM – Seniors and families move to the 50-yard line. 🕕 6:05 PM – Senior recognitions begin as each athlete and their family is announced and walks across the field. Immediately following our senior celebrations, we’ll officially dedicate the West Liberty-Salem track to longtime coach Larry Steider, honoring his 51 years in Ohio track & field—a career marked by championships, 52 state qualifiers, and decades of selfless service. 🏅 The track will now proudly be known as the Larry Steider Legacy Track—a lasting tribute to his incredible impact on Tiger Athletics and beyond. Former WL-S athletes, coaches, and community members—we’d love to see you there as we say a heartfelt “thank you” to Coach Steider and cheer on our amazing seniors! 🧡🖤 #TigerPride #SeniorNight #LarrySteiderLegacyTrack #WLSTigers

🚍🧡 Honoring Our Transportation Team During National School Bus Safety Week! 🧡🚍

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who keep our Tigers safe on the road every single day — our Transportation Department! From early mornings to late nights, these dedicated drivers transport our students, athletes, band members, artists, FFA, and musicians safely to and from school, games, events, and competitions across the state.

A special thank you goes out to Transportation Director Tyler Cordell and our amazing team of drivers for their professionalism, patience, and care. You are a vital part of our district’s success, and we are so grateful for all that you do! 🧡🖤

🛑 A Few Important Safety Facts:

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, more than 67,000 drivers nationwide illegally pass stopped school buses in a single day — that’s an estimated 39 million violations each year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that school buses remain the safest form of student transportation, but the “danger zone” around stopped buses — especially when drivers ignore flashing lights and stop arms — continues to pose serious risks.

🚦 Let’s Do Our Part:

✅ Always STOP when a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
✅ Stay alert in school zones and neighborhoods.
✅ Remember — a few extra seconds of patience can save a life.

Join us this week in thanking our incredible transportation team for their dedication to safety and service. You help keep Tiger Nation moving! 🧡🖤

#NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #TigerPride #ThankABusDriver #WLSPride

🍂🎃 Pumpkin Painting Tradition Continues! 🎃🍂

Each fall, our high school students take part in the annual Pumpkin Painting Activity—a fun tradition where creativity and school spirit meet! Students gathered during lunch and homeroom to paint their pumpkins and celebrate the season together.

Yesterday’s chilly weather may have made painting outdoors a bit too brisk, but thanks to Mr. Smucker, students were able to stay warm and paint in his shop! From witches and movie characters to princesses and playful polka dots, our Tigers showed off their artistic side in full color. 🧡🖤

A huge thank you to our Student Council Advisors, Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Johnson, for organizing and supervising the activity, and to Seth’s Produce for providing a pumpkin discount for our students this year—your support helps keep this fun fall tradition going strong! 🎨👏

#TigerPride #FallFun #PumpkinPainting #WLSPride

🧡🖤Our 8th graders are off to an incredible start in Washington, D.C.!

After an early morning departure from West Liberty-Salem, students made their first stops at the Iwo Jima Memorial, enjoyed dinner and sightseeing near the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, and wrapped up the evening with a guided tour of the Jefferson, MLK, and FDR Memorials.

Today was another full day of learning and exploration! Students began with breakfast at the hotel before heading to a photo stop at the White House and time at Lafayette Park, followed by tours of The People’s House, the National Cathedral, and visits to Ford’s Theatre, the Holocaust Museum, and the Washington Monument. The day ended on a high note with dinner and games at Bowlero Arlington! 🎳

Our Tigers are having an unforgettable time exploring our nation’s capital—learning, bonding, and representing West Liberty-Salem with pride! 🐾🇺🇸

#WLSTigers #TigerPride #WLS8thGrade #WashingtonDC #LearningBeyondTheClassroom