Jake has long dreamed of serving something greater than himself, and yesterday officially marks the beginning of that journey. His commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to others reflects the very best of West Liberty-Salem.
We are proud of Jake for answering the call to serve our country and are excited to see all he will accomplish in this next chapter. Congratulations, Jake, and thank you for your future service! 🧡🐾
🧡🖤 Save the Date: 8th Grade Promotion 🖤🧡
8th Grade Promotion will take place on the last day of school, May 21st at 8:30 AM in the High School Gym.
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2030 as they are promoted to high school! 8th Graders will be officially dismissed for the day immediately following the ceremony.
We hope you will join us in recognizing our 8th graders as they close one chapter and begin an exciting new one. 🧡🐾
Congratulations to Corbin Wallace, who will continue his athletic and academic career at Marietta College! 🏈📚
During his time at West Liberty-Salem, Corbin was a dedicated member of the football team and also served as a student helper for two years. His leadership, hard work, and commitment to supporting others have made a positive impact on our school community.
We are proud of Corbin and excited to see all he accomplishes in this next chapter both on the field and in the classroom. Best of luck at Marietta! 🧡🐾
A special congratulations goes out to our 6th grade team, “Beauties and the Beast,” for earning 3rd Place Overall! 🎉
Team members included:
📖 Ozzy Anders
📖 Quinn Phelps
📖 Annabelle Smith
📖 Kinsley Brentlinger
We are proud of all of our students for representing WL-S so well and showcasing their teamwork, reading knowledge, and love of books! 🧡🐾
This year, Mrs. Orahood's fifth graders, Mrs. Hartshorn’s fourth graders, and Mrs. Crowder’s third graders took home the class victories and trophies, earning a full year of bragging rights! A big shoutout to the students for their effort and sportsmanship, and to our amazing crowd of families, friends, and classmates who filled the stands with encouragement and Tiger pride! Your cheers made the day even more special! Way to go!! 🧡🖤
#TigerPride #WLSTrackAndField #WLSStrong #GoTigers
Congratulations to Baileigh Engle, who will enter the workforce after graduation to pursue a career as a nail technician and esthetician! 💅✨
During her time at West Liberty-Salem, Baileigh was involved in volleyball, demonstrating teamwork, dedication, and school spirit throughout her high school career.
We are proud of Baileigh and excited to see all she accomplishes in this next chapter. Best of luck as you begin your career! 🧡🐾
Congratulations to Bradley Petry, who has enlisted in the United States Army Reserves! After completing Basic Training, Bradley plans to attend a four-year university and hopes to continue his athletic career by playing football.
During his time at West Liberty-Salem, Bradley was a dedicated four-year member of football, track, and FFA. His hard work, leadership, and commitment both on the field and in the classroom have made a positive impact on our school community.
We are proud of Bradley for his decision to serve our country and excited to see all he accomplishes in this next chapter. Thank you for your future service, Bradley! 🧡🐾
For more information visit www.bornandracedinwestliberty.com
Congratulations to Tevis Cox, who will enter the United States Army Reserves after graduation!
During his time at West Liberty-Salem, Tevis was a dedicated four-year member of FFA, demonstrating leadership, hard work, and commitment throughout his high school career.
We are proud of Tevis for his decision to serve our country and know he will continue to represent WL-S with pride. Thank you for your future service, and best of luck in this next chapter! 🧡🐾
Congratulations to Mason Helms, who will pursue a career in music after graduation! 🎶
During his time at West Liberty-Salem, Mason was a dedicated member of both the marching band and jazz band for all four years of high school. His passion for music, commitment to his craft, and contributions to our performing arts programs have helped make a lasting impact on our school community.
We are proud of Mason and excited to see where his musical journey takes him in the future. Best of luck in this next chapter! 🧡🐾
Families and students now have the opportunity to purchase professional prom photos taken during this year’s prom festivities!
Our photographer captured many special moments throughout the evening, and we are excited to offer these high-quality images for purchase as keepsakes from a memorable night.
📷 Ordering information and photo galleries can be found here:
https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001392486
Thank you to everyone who helped make Prom 2026 such a wonderful evening for our students! 🧡🖤
Maybe you are a parent of a teen… maybe you know one… or maybe it’s coming soon.
Join the Understanding Your Teen: Parent Engagement Series—a 6-part series focused on teen mental health, communication, and building stronger families. Led by parents with real-life experience, this is a safe, judgment-free space for honest conversations and practical support.
✨ What you’ll gain:
• Real conversations with other parents
• Tools to better support your teen
• Guidance navigating challenges
• A supportive, welcoming environment
🧠 Topics include:
April 14 – The Secret Life of a Teenager
May 12 – Inside the Teenage Brain
June 16 – Communication That Breaks Walls
July 21 – Root Causes of Teen Depression
August 18 – Crisis Mapping
September 15 – Building Resilient Families
📅 View details: https://www.mhdas.org/calendar.html
📝 Register: https://forms.office.com/r/fpfSD15nXK
💚 Please share—because no parent should have to figure this out alone.
#TigerPride
Congratulations to Sadie Paul, who will continue her academic and athletic career at Muskingum University where she will major in Education and compete on the bowling team! 🎳📚
During her time at West Liberty-Salem, Sadie was involved in bowling, Drama Club for all four years, Link Crew, and National Honor Society. Her dedication to academics, athletics, leadership, and the arts has made a positive impact on our school community.
We are proud of Sadie and excited to see all she accomplishes in this next chapter. Best of luck at Muskingum! 🧡🐾
Congratulations to Lydia Schmidt, who will attend Wingate University where she will major in Biology and continue her athletic career on the Color Guard team! 🏳️🔬
During her time at West Liberty-Salem, Lydia was involved in swim team, color guard, Drama Club, FFA, ROX, Student Council, Spanish Club, Key Club, and Book Club. Her involvement across academics, leadership, athletics, and the arts reflects her dedication and positive impact on our school community.
We are proud of Lydia and excited to see all she accomplishes in this next chapter. Best of luck at Wingate! 🧡🐾
Congratulations to Breece Gullett, who will attend Otterbein University to major in Nursing! 🩺
During her time at West Liberty-Salem, Breece was involved in golf, Link Crew, Key Club, and National Honor Society, demonstrating leadership, service, and dedication both in and out of the classroom.
We are proud of Breece and excited to see all she accomplishes in this next chapter. We know she has a bright future ahead! 🧡🐾
West Liberty-Salem Schools anticipates the following position opening for the 2026-2027 school year:
📚 High School Social Studies Teacher
(Main teaching assignment: High School U.S. Government & Economics, including College Credit Plus U.S. Government & Economics in conjunction with Edison State Community College.)
Preference will be given to candidates who are able to meet College Credit Plus credentialing requirements.
Interested candidates holding the proper credentials should contact High School Principal Greg Johnson as soon as possible, either in person or by email at:
📧 gjohnson@wlstigers.org
📅 Deadline to Apply: May 27, 2026
Please note: Teachers hired after July 1, 2024, will be paid their full number of years of experience, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years.
🧡🐾 Join the Tiger Family!
🎓🧡 West Liberty-Salem Celebrates the Class of 2026 🧡🎓
Last Thursday, West Liberty-Salem proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during Senior Awards Night. The evening honored the hard work, dedication, leadership, and achievements of a class that has made a lasting impact on our school and community.
The Class of 2026 includes 91 graduating seniors. Of those students, 46% will attend a four-year college, 13% will continue at a community college or trade school, 36% will enter the workforce, and 5% will serve our country through the armed forces.
Academically, this class earned an impressive 1,577 College Credit Plus semester hours, equating to more than $551,000 in free college tuition savings. Fifty-five seniors earned college credit while still in high school, averaging 28 semester hours each.
The academic leaders of the Class of 2026 were recognized as:
🎓 Co-Valedictorians: Dylan King and Geneva Estep
🎓 Salutatorian: Emma Smith
Additional top ten students included Emery Longaberger, Lyndee Harrison, Elijah Christison, Levi Miller, Victoria Douthwaite, Caleb Ling, and Brevin Louden.
Students were awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships throughout the evening. Among the largest awards presented were:
💰 Governor’s Merit Scholarships – $20,000 each
Recipients: Geneva Estep, Dylan King, Emma Smith, Emery Longaberger, and Lyndee Harrison
💰 Champaign Logan Education Foundation Scholarship – $16,000
Recipient: Alayna Hackley
💰 Columbus Foundation/Mary “Betsy” E. Rueb Memorial Scholarship – $26,000
Recipient: Cooper Titus
💰 Rotary Club of Urbana Scholarship – $2,000
Recipient: Addison Hutton
💰 Springfield Foundation/John Dale Urbana Firefighter Scholarship – $3,469
Recipient: Brock Burgel
💰 Grimes Foundation Scholarships – $2,500 each
Recipients: Ava Astorino and Lyndee Harrison
The evening also recognized students committing to military service. Sam Strapp was honored for joining the Ohio Air National Guard, while Tevis Cox and Bradley Petry were recognized for joining the U.S. Army Reserves.
Several prestigious athletic awards were also presented during the evening:
🏅 OHSAA Scholarship Nominees: Brevin Louden and Victoria Douthwaite
🏅 OHSAA Scholar Athlete Awards: Geneva Estep and Dylan King
🏅 Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Awards: Garrett Wallen and Emery Longaberger
🏅 Iron Tiger Award: Brevin Louden
West Liberty-Salem also celebrated an outstanding group of student-athletes continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level:
⚾ Naomi Cole – Volleyball – Queens University of Charlotte
🏃 Chloe Griffith – Track & Field – Tiffin University
⚾ JJ Johnson – Baseball – Southern Maine Community College
🏃 Dylan King – Cross Country & Track – Ohio Northern University
🏃 Caleb Larson – Cross Country – Ohio University
⚽ Wyatt Longaberger – Soccer – University of Findlay
🏃 Elise Longshore – Track & Field – University of North Carolina Pembroke
🏀🏃 Brevin Louden – Basketball & Track – Heidelberg University
🎳 Sadie Paul – Bowling – Muskingum University
🏈 Carson Poppe – Football – Ohio Northern University
🏳️ Lydia Schmidt – Color Guard – Wingate University
⚾ Isaac Sertell – Baseball – Mount Vernon Nazarene University
⚽ Abbie Thoman – Soccer – Huntington University
🎳 Ellie Ullery – Bowling – Edison State Community College
🏈 Corbin Wallace – Football – Marietta College
🏃 Garrett Wallen – Cross Country & Track – Muskingum University
Senior Awards Night serves as a reminder that student success is made possible through the support of families, staff, coaches, mentors, and this entire community. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we especially thank the educators who have poured into this class throughout the last 13 years.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all you accomplish. For the complete list of all scholarships visit: West Liberty-Salem Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Senior Awards Night | West Liberty-Salem Local School District. 🧡🐾
