Almost there... Bragg Elementary

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Almost there... Richland Elementary

Ready to Go... Maddux Elementary

Almost there... Weaver Elementary

5/20/17 5:40pm : NOTICE: Tonight's graduation ceremony will be held indoors in Lehr Arena.

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GRADUATION to be held in Lehr Arena

5/20/17 5:40pm :

NOTICE: Tonight's graduation ceremony will be held indoors in Lehr Arena.  

 

AWM lauds 2017 honor grads

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Thirty-seven Academies of West Memphis seniors were recently lauded at the school's annual Academic Honors Banquet.

Valedictorians for the 357-member 2017 graduating AWM class are Joshua Foster, John Haney, Allison Nanney and Austin Sudbury. The salutatorians are Kyrus Rodgers and Jason Scott.

Other honor students include Mason Arnett, Triston Banks, Tatyana Barber, Luci Blanenship, Brittany Branstetter, Jarod Brown, Tykira Bullins, Ellie Busby, Teasia Carter, Rylee Elmore, Morgan Gardner, Shanel Gray, Michael Hinson, Raven Hinton, Madison Holmes, Ervin Jeffries, Parker Jennings, John David Kemp, Byron Kirkland, Jamea Macklin, Jaterria McClure, Norris Perry, Eva Pouncey, Kayla Robinson, Mason Smith, Rileigh Smith, Zakiah Smith, Hayden Spears, Kentarious Stewart, Lara Tarr, Jasmine Thomas, Amari Turner, Laylaa Watkins, Takiyah Wesley, Madilyn Wilkerson, Kecia Williams and Riley Young.

The evening was coordinated by AWM senior guidance counselor LaTarsha Johnson and the meal was catered by Melissa's Classic Catering. The closing speech was an inspiring message from AWM principal Gary Jackson.

AWM graduates 357 on Friday night

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The Academies of West Memphis will hold graduation exercises for 351 seniors Friday at 7 p.m. at Hamilton-Shultz Field.

Four valedictorians have been named including Joshua Foster, John Haney, Austin Sudbury and Allison Nanney. Salutatorians will be Kyrus Rodgers and Jason Scott.

Other honor graduates include Lara Tarr, Riley Young, Jamea Macklin, Hayden Spears, Michael Hinson, Ervin Jeffries, Tykira Bullins, Zakiah Smith, Luci Blankenship, Brittney Branstetter, Rileigh Smith, Jasmine Thomas, Mason Arnett, Madison Holmes, Shanel Gray, Madilyn Wilkerson, Morgan Gardner, Ellie Busby, Triston Banks, Byron Kirkland, Takiyah Wesley, Raven Hinton, Kentarious Stewart, Mason Smith, Parker Jennings, Jarod Brown, Norris Perry, John David Kemp, Kayla Robinson, Tatyana Barber, Amari Turner, Eva Marie Pouncey, Jaterria McClure, Teasia Carter, Laylaa Watkins, Rylee Elmore and Kecia Williams.

Other graduates include Makyah Aldridge, Kentrell Allen, Sadarius Allen, John Allman, Thomassio Alsbrook, Dakota Altman, Kelvick Anderson, Kierra Anderson, Aijia Armstrong, Jacob Armstrong, Taneia Bailey, Kylan Ball, Joseph Barker, Javeon Barlow, Naikyriel Barrett-Brolwn, Katelyn Barton, Yakemeia Bates, Chauncey Bedford, Jakarmeney Bedford, Jackson Beech, Kierra Bell, Pierre Bell, Alesha Blakely, Christopher Blakely, Melanie Blakely, Nytoria Boatwright, Lamount Bohanon, Devontae Boldien and Keondriya Bowers.

Paige Bowser, LaKendra Bradley, Tyree Bridges, Dynitria Brisbon, Jekala Brisbon, Kayla Brock, Abrion Brown, Adarius Brown, Andre Brown, Devon Brown, Gregory Brown, Jamika Brown, Jarod Brown, Johnny Brown, Michael Brown, Monquerius Brown, Natasha Brown, Terrence Brown, Xavier Brown, Brittani Burnett, Brianna Burns, Kanya Burns, Ellie Busby, Tony Butler, Victoria Butler, Bryton Byrd, Camron Byrd, Cornecia Calloway, Xakyia Calloway and Richard Campbell.

Aundrea Carter, Ermisha Carter, Robert Ceaser, Jakiya Childs, Brianna Christian, Nebress Clark, Aasha Clay, Demarree Cleveland, Precious Colbert, Anterius Coleman, Arlend Collier, Ke'darrius Collins, Kevin Collins, Trenton Conlee, Robin Conley, Jonathan Craig, Johnny Craig, Joshua Craig, Taylor Crayton, Justin Cummins, Haylee Daniels, Devontae Dean, Demarco Dear, Chacara Dent, Tierra Dent, Marquis Donnerson, Brandon Dorsey, Jamerun Dudley, Montarious Dyson, Danny Ealy, Arneshia Earvin, Jack Edwards and Jerry Edwards.

Ceola Ellis, Lamiracle Ellis, Rylee Elmore, Tristian Estes, Michael Eulls, Allison Evans, Rebecca Evans, Caleb Ewing, Rayla Fair, Zachary Felton, Aerial Fletcher, Jala Fletcher, Bobby Flippo, Auston Force, Demareo Foster, Carolyn Fuller, Javen Fuqua, Kendiro Fuqua, Jaiden Gage, Paulette Gaines, Michael Garcia, Tobie Gardner, Mason Garner, Ronnie Gatewood, Anthony Gilmer, Kaylon Gilmer, Brien Glasper, Deondria Gordon, Wade Gordon, Taylor Gore, Braxton Granger, Dequarius Granger, Shanel Gray, Katelyn Green, Travon Green, Andrew Griffin and Ethan Griffin.

Margarito Gudino, Savannah Haley, Rayshaad Hall, Kaebriel Hamilton, Sharianna Harden, Terry Harper, Christopher Harrison, Dareon Hayes, Trenarius Henry, Kristasia Hernandez, Anquanette Higgs, Raven Hinton, Fa'tina Hoard, Ladaysha Hodge, Reaghan Holcombe, Frank Holliman, Tara Holt, Allyson Hoover, Raymond Howard, Damorious Hudson, Margaret Humble, Nikya Hutchinson, Karmen Ingram, Aniijala Jackson, Ladarrius Jackson, Darinae Jamar, Takayla Jeffries, Abigail Jeter, Emiyah Johnson, Erica Johnson, Kiwon Johnson, Mikell Johnson and Taylor Johnson.

Antoinette Jones, Denarious Jones, Jade Jones, Tyler Jones, Malik Jordan, Kelli Kelley, D'Cameron King, David Kohl, Merrie Lancaster, Justin Lantz, Nakelya Larkin, Mitchell Lawson, Chanteria Lee, William Lennox, Jazmine Lewis, Latia Lewis, Essynce Lockhart, Dumaurier Looney, Corteria Lotts, Quaverius Lyons, Lillie Mangum, Cory Marrs, Karneshia Martin, Eric Mastrofrancesco,

Rabecca McCleary, Courtney McFarland, Toneshia McKenzie, Javien McLaurin, Latrice McQuin, Printis Merritt, Rehgan Merritt and Destiny Milam.

Jaden Miller, Keeaubre Miller, Dymond Miree, Marquaris Mondy, Corey Mooney, Shaquelea Moore, Deroyia Morris, Jade Morris, Joshua Mosier and Anthony Mosley.

Devin Mosley, Tevin Mosley, Tiffany Mosley, Mya Moten, Cleara Motley, Monterika Motley, Shawn Murphy, Johnathan Murray, Chaqundria Myers, Kameshia Nevills, Brandon Nichols, Alyssa Norman, Celyn Osterbrink, Jeremie paige, Keira Paige, Anthony Patterson, Kerrick Paxton, Anthony Perkins, Paris Perkins, Donald Perry, Jah'tease Perry, Marisa Perry, Norris Perry, Tekoya Peterson, Kametrius Pigram, Morgan Pirani, Shakendra Poney and Dezarae Prackett.

Martize Price, Selena Ramirez, Brenda Randle, Heidi Register, Erin Riley, Ted Roberson, Miracle Roberts, Prince Roberts, Jason Robinson, Kayla Robinson, Rodney Robinson, Sankadra Robinson, Tyquirious Robinson, Destinie Robinson, Ebony Robinson, Tearaney Rodgers, Jatierney Rogers, Adara Russell, Melvin Saddler, Darenique Sanders, Desieraye Sanders, Richard Santana, Azaria Scott, Essence Selph, Alexus Shell, Mercedes Shell, Jayla Shephard, Dylan Shepherd, Tyesha Simmons, Alexis Sims and Charlene Smith.

Kanisha Smith, Quintoria Smith, Decameron Smothers, Alexis Stackhouse, Jazelle Stephens, Davon Steward, Kentarious Stewart, Jaquez Stinnett, Wanya Strickland, Antonio Strong, Demitrius Sturghill, Jalan Taylor, Denisha Thomas, Jasmine Thomas, Martavis Thomas, Cortavius Thompson, Kyren Todd, Antwan Toliver, Masyia Trotter, Dekeyla Troup, Ronekia Troup, Jakerria Tucker, Erin Turner, Imajia Turner and Xavier Tyler.

Malikah Walker, Randle Walker, Krystal Ward, Dareyon Wardlow, Dewayne Warren, Sonny Warren, Takyia Warren, Burtrayvion Washington, Tamara Washington, Tia Washington, Kenaiza Watkins, Jazmine Watson, Traveshea Weatherspoon, Carnell White, Christopher White, Rashad White, Daneshia Whiting, Dakia Whittier, Madilyn Wilkerson, Henry Williams, Joshua Williams, Joshua Williams, Keara Williams, Kecia Williams, Kevisha Williams, Markquarius Williams, Malcolm Wilson, Anna Winter, Peyton Wise, Edward Woods, Jarvis Woods, Quince Woods, Emily Wooldridge, Cody Wordlaw and Kendarius Wright.

West Junior High's Tennison stands out in foreign language

Andrea Tennison of West Memphis took home 3rd place Level 1 in extemporaneous speaking and in vocabulary categories in the high school state Spanish competition held at Harding University in Searcy, AR on Saturday, April 1st. She competed in the Heritage division against all high schools throughout the state. Andrea is currently a ninth grade student at West Junior High.

AWM inducts 23 into Beta Club

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Twenty-three students were recently inducted into the Academies of West Memphis Beta Club.

The induction ceremony was presided over by the 2016-17 officers that included president Joshua Foster, vice president Jason Scott, secretary Allison Nanney and treasurer John Haney. Also present were junior representative Dawson Mathis, senior reps Byron Kirkland, Jamea Macklin and Zakiah Smith and sophomore rep Michael Skjefte.

The inductees were also addressed by AWM principal Gary Jackson and there was a charge to the new new members as well as a pledge.

The new inductees included Carlson Bennage, Makeyah Braden, Wallace Crain, Mikyah Dolnnerson, Bradley Flippo, Malia Gillum, Jordyn Haney, Olivia Harrison, Molly Henson, Boogie Jackson, Jada Jenkins, Mary Anna Merideth, Lee Pouncey, Trevor Pulliam, Michael Skjefte, Mercedes Young, Morgan Albers, Armesha Ross, Micah Smith, Amarius Stinnett, Chauncey Bedford, Teasia Carter and Rileigh Smith.
Senior sponsor for the Beta Club is Charles Foster, the junior sponsor is Asha Foster and the sophomore sponsors are Janet Laye and Melissa Hutton.

AWM artists cop state-wide honors

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The Academies of West Memphis art program has some of the finest talent in Arkansas as evidenced by a most recent state competition.

Senior Chris Blakely won first place in mixed media in the AR Congressional Art competition that was hosted by Congressman Rick Crawford. Also, sophomore Michael Latham was a finalist in painting in the same competition.

AWM art teacher Roxane Lee praised the two winning students.

"Chris and Michael are two of our standout art students," said Lee. "I've taught Chris three years. It's quite an honor to win first place in the state of Arkansas. His artwork is so realistic and it seems like he just stands out in most anything he does. He's an all-around great kid.

"Michael is a wonderful painter. Being a finalist and only a sophomore, says a lot for Michael. He has a natural ability to paint. He loves water color, but he's great with acrylic, too. I can see him just getting better and better."

Blakely's works were entitled Inward Inhabitants and Puzzled Curiosity. Latham's work was entitled Serenity.

Both students want to pursue artwork as a profession.

Blakey said he hasn't yet made up his mind where he will attend college, but it mostly likely will be in Memphis. He has interest in the University of Memphis or Memphis College of Art, majoring in either illustration or graphic design.

Blakely's interest in art dates back to six years of age.

His specialty is realism.

"I try to see my subject as real as possible," he said. "I try to use abstract components and other hidden components to try to show through the realism with a little bit of abstract."

Latham said he one day hopes to own a store and sell his own paintings.

"I love to paint," Latham said. "I really don't remember when my interest in painting started. It just seems like I've always been doing it. Practicing is something I also really enjoy. "

Both students say Lee and the art department at the Academies of West Memphis have been instrumental in developing their skills.

"(Lee) always challenges us and she has this way of communicating with each of us," said Blakely.

Rotary/Delta Arts honor West Memphis students

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The West Memphis Rotary Club recently had its first-annual Student 4-Way Test Awards event at the the DeltaARTS Glen P. Schoettle Arts Education Center.

One student from each West Memphis school was honored for emodying and reflecting the ethical elements of the Rotary 4-Way Test.

Students selected included:

--- James Perkins, sixth-grader at Richland Elementary. Perkins was selected because he possesses a heartfelt desire to give to others and has demonstrated maturity beyond his years.

--- Emma Fraley, ninth-grader at West Junior High. Fraley is committed to the enhancement of her school, participating in many school projects.

--- Abigail Pahls, sixth-grader at St. Michael's Catholic School. Pahls was selected because of her thoughtfulness, generosity and kind-hearted spirit.

--- Dylan Michelle Dodd, sixth-grader at Bragg Elementary. Dodd was selected because she shows empathy toward others and is especially attentive to new students who come to Bragg.

--- Bryce Waller, 11th-grader at West Memphis Christian School. Waller is great at problem solving and his motto is to stay calm in every situation.

--- Atesia Gordon, ninth-grader at East Junior High. As a student office worker at East, Alesia understands the importance of first impressions and greets everyone with a smile and positive attitude.

--- Laniya Brown, fourth-grader at Wonder Elementary. Brown received the STAR student award at her school and was the unanimous choice from the committee.

--- Raven Hinton, senior at the Academies of West Memphis. Hinton is an excellent student, but more than that she goes above and beyond in seeking ways to serve others.

--- Azariah Jones, fifth-grader at Maddux Elementary. Jones was selected because she has distinguished herself as bright, inquisitive and energetic along with being a phenomenal team player and group worker.

--- Nyan Ganus, sixth-grader at Faulk Elementary. Positive and enthusiastic, Ganus is an ambassador for his school in so many ways and welcomes guests to the school as well as building friendships with new students.

--- Da'Liya Anderson, sixth-grader at L.R. Jackson Elementary. Anderson has outstanding leadership characteristics, including integrity, authenticity and excellent communication skills.

--- Gavin Knowlton, pre-schooler at Steudlein Learning Academy. Knowlton walks through the doors each day with a smile on his face and a story to share.

--- Steve Spencer, ninth-grader at Wonder Junior High. Spencer shows outstanding character and is well-mannered and polite.

--- Jamar Hollins, third-grader at Weaver Elementary. Hollins is called the "turnaround kid" as he began the year with a less than happy attitude, but the staff at Weaver say his outlook is like night and day from the beginning of school to the present.