Panther Nation Kicks Off Penny War for Hurricane Relief

Panther Nation Kicks Off Penny War for Hurricane Relief

 

We here at Woodlawn High School are excited to announce a fun and competitive way for students to give back!

From October 15th to October 25th, students can participate in a Penny War to support disaster relief efforts in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

Here’s how it works: During 1st and 2nd lunch shfits, each class will have a jar for collecting pennies, which add points to their total. Want to shake things up? You can sabotage other classes by dropping larger coins—like nickels, dimes, and quarters—into their jars, deducting points from their total.

The class with the most points (pennies!) at the end of the fundraiser will win a free jeans day! Let’s show our school pride and make a difference. Ready, set, start saving that change!

 

Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing Outstanding Educators at Woodlawn

Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing Outstanding Educators at Woodlawn

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.

Scott Pellegrin Announced as New Head Football Coach

Scott Pellegrin Announced as New Head Football Coach

Scott Pellegrin was introduced to the Woodlawn High School football team as their new head coach on Tuesday. Principal Michael Hilton brought Coach Pellegrin out to a rising ovation from returning Panther players in the school’s theater.

“Coach Pellegrin brings over a decade of experience coaching high school football,” said Principal Hilton. “Not only do we have confidence that he will succeed on the field, Coach Pellegrin has also proven to be an excellent teacher in the classroom. He has traits that we look for in teachers and coaches. We are excited to welcome him to the Panther team!”

Prior to his arrival at Woodlawn, Coach Pellegrin spent the last 4 years at East Ascension High School as the Defensive Coordinator.

Coach Pellegrin spent one year as the Defensive Coordinator at Liberty Magnet High School in Baton Rouge. He was part of Liberty’s football program revival.

Before coaching at Liberty, he coached five years at South Lafourche High School in Galliano, LA. During his stint with South Lafourche, Coach Pellegrin served in a variety of positions. He served as Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Prior to that, he was Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. Upon arriving at South Lafourche in 2014, Coach Pellegrin served as an offensive assistant working with the Offensive Line.

Coach Pellegrin started his coaching career at E.D. White Catholic High School where he was an assistant coach for two seasons. In 2012, he worked as a defensive assistant with the 8th grade program before moving up to the varsity ranks for the 2013 season as an offensive line coach.

“I am extremely excited to be the new head football coach at Woodlawn High,” said Coach Pellegrin. “I look forward to coaching and mentoring the young men in our program.”

Pellegrin added, “I’m also excited to be involved in the community and create excitement for our program. I’m thankful to Mr. Hilton and Coach Broussard for the opportunity. Go Panthers!”

Woodlawn High Continues the Tradition of Award Winning Student Films

Woodlawn High Continues the Tradition of Award Winning Student Films

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.

Woodlawn High School Gifted Student Wins Seed Funding at Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge’s Community Pitch Event

Woodlawn High School Gifted Student Wins Seed Funding at Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge’s Community Pitch Event

Woodlawn High School student, Inara Johnson, who is in the Gifted program, has emerged victorious at this year’s Community Pitch event hosted by the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (YEA BR). In a Shark Tank-like setting at the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, Johnson secured $450 in seed funding to launch her startup, Radiance Bakery.

The Community Pitch drew a crowd of over 250 attendees, including special guests Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and LSU College of Business Dean Jared Llorens. Since September, participating students like Johnson have been diligently developing their brands, business plans, and presentations in preparation for this momentous event.

Each student had three minutes to pitch their startup to a panel of six local executives, vying for crucial seed funding. The event not only provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas but also served as a testament to the transformative journey from student to CEO.

YEA BR’s emphasis on nurturing confident, creative leaders goes beyond just entrepreneurship. Through programs like the Community Pitch, students are empowered to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. As YEA BR continues its mission, it seeks to inspire and cultivate the next cohort of student CEOs, fostering a culture of innovation and leadership.