Apr 30, 2024
The impact of dedicated teachers and mentors cannot be overstated. At Woodlawn High, the Mentoring Matters program stands as a testament to the value of support and guidance for first and second-year educators. This year, the program has seen remarkable success, with notable achievements from both new teachers and seasoned mentors.
One standout figure among the first-year teachers is Mrs. LaGrange, whose passion and proficiency in Media Arts have left an indelible mark on Woodlawn High. Her innovative approaches have not only enriched classroom experiences but have also influenced the aesthetic fabric of the school itself. It comes as no surprise that Mrs. LaGrange was rightfully recognized as the East Baton Rouge Parish New Teacher of the Year. Her dedication and impact are emblematic of the excellence that Woodlawn High School strives to foster.
Equally deserving of acknowledgment is Mr. Lopez, who received a Certificate of Recognition for his commendable performance as a new teacher. His commitment to his students and his craft is praiseworthy, and his recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Mr. Lopez and Ms. LaGrange are all smiles as they show off their prestigious awards.
Behind every successful teacher stands a supportive mentor, and WHS is fortunate to have such exemplary figures in Mrs. Singletary and Mrs. Governale. Their guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the next generation of educators. Their receipt of the Certificate of Recognition for Mentor of the Year is a well-deserved honor, reflecting their tireless efforts in nurturing and empowering their mentees.
As we celebrate these achievements, we also look ahead with anticipation to the future endeavors of Mrs. LaGrange, Mr. Lopez, Mrs. Singletary, Mrs. Governale, and all educators at WHS. Their collective contributions form the foundation of excellence upon which the school community thrives.
Apr 18, 2024
Woodlawn High School’s Talented Theatre students have once again left their mark on the cinematic landscape with their latest creation, The Never Ending Duel. This captivating short film, written and directed by Woodlawn High School Senior Ava Jones, has garnered accolades at the esteemed Film Prize Jr. Film Festival and Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Ava Jones, a senior in Woodlawn High School’s Gifted and Talented Theatre program, showcased her exceptional creativity and directorial expertise in bringing The Never Ending Duel to life. With her vision and dedication, Ava crafted every aspect of the film, from its inception to the final storyboard. Her previous involvement as the lead character in Woodlawn High School’s 2023 Audience Choice Award-winning film, Reap What You Sow, underscores her remarkable talent and commitment to the craft.
Beyond her achievements in filmmaking, Ava’s academic excellence and passion for creative writing have earned her acceptance into 15 colleges nationwide. With plans to pursue a degree in Creative Writing, Ava has already been awarded over $1.16 million in four-year merit scholarships, a testament to her outstanding achievements and bright future ahead.
Ava Jones proudly shows off her award at the film festival.
“The students worked incredibly hard on their film; everything that you see on screen was completed by a student. Creating a film of any length is a difficult process, just completing a film is a major accomplishment. Seeing the culmination of all of their work, the final realized piece, was incredible,” stated Ms. Mullins, Woodlawn’s Talented Theatre teacher. “Being able to sit in the audience and watch film after incredible film and knowing that they were all created by the students sitting around me from all over the state was an amazing experience and one that I hope we can bring to more students next year!”
The success of The Never Ending Duel wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana Shakespeare Company, particularly the invaluable contributions of Liz Odom, the head of fight choreography. Their expertise elevated the film’s fight sequences, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
As the virtual Film Prize Jr. Festival unfolds, viewers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse array of student-created films, including The Never Ending Duel. Woodlawn High School encourages the community to watch the films and cast their votes for their favorites, supporting their quest for the Audience Choice Award.
Join the excitement of the virtual film festival by visiting https://filmprizejr.com/festival/ and exploring the 96 submissions before Monday, April 22nd, 2024. Let’s rally behind Woodlawn High School and celebrate the talent and creativity of Ava Jones and her fellow students.
Apr 11, 2024
Jiri Falowo and Devin Bailey get ready for their presentation.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s ELA Curriculum Team, in collaboration with the Division of Schools, recently hosted the 3rd annual EBRPSS High School District-wide Poetry Competition. Among the participants were three exceptionally talented student poets, writers, and performers from Woodlawn High School: Devin Bailey, Jiri Falowo, and Sydni Smith. This competition, which welcomed entries from all EBRPSS high school students, served as a culmination of the individual school-wide Poetry Slam competitions held across local schools.
Woodlawn High School hosted its Poetry Preview on March 6th, showcasing the remarkable talents of its students. Despite having only three contestants, the quality of their performances stood out, earning them spots in the District Poetry Slam held on March 28th. These three winners from Woodlawn’s Poetry Slam advanced to compete in the district-wide event, representing their school with pride and passion.
“Although Woodlawn students did not bring home the win, I am beyond elated to see these students represent our school in such a professional manner,” said Ms. Durbin, Woodlawn High School’s Literacy Coach.
Devin Bailey and Sydni Smith are all smiles at the district poetry competition.
While Woodlawn High School students may not have secured the top prize in the district-wide competition, the participation of Devin Bailey, Jiri Falowo, and Sydni Smith exemplified the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among its students. Beyond the accolades, the experience of sharing their poetry on such a platform undoubtedly left a lasting impression on these young talents. The event not only showcased their skills but also provided an enriching opportunity for personal growth and self-expression. Woodlawn High School celebrates its students’ achievements and looks forward to continuing to support their artistic endeavors in the future.
