Mar 20, 2024
Last month, the Junior Achievement’s “Mentoring Men” Program offered high school students a valuable half-day experience focused on three essential pillars: Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and Work Readiness. A hand-selected number of our own Panthers had the chance to attend this wonderful event and represent Woodlawn High School.
WHS students learn how to tie a tie at Junior Achievement Day.
WHS’s German exchange student, junior Samuel Schecke, attended the Junior Achievement Day.
“It was a great day. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a really good experience,” said Schecke. “I learned how to tie a tie, and we did real-life activities such as financial planning and how to prepare for a job interview.”
Through this program, students had the unique chance to interact with professional mentors, gaining insights and guidance for their future careers. Participants not only received personalized attention from mentors but also gained industry exposure and networking opportunities. This initiative provided a platform for students to explore career pathways and develop essential skills for their professional journey.
Mar 18, 2024
Each week the Panther Play by Play will review the athletic contests from the previous week and look forward to the coming week’s action.
Want to come out and cheer on the Panthers? Tickets for all home events can be purchased online.
Bowling:
Our bowling team competed against Dutchtown on the 12th. While they lost 18-9, John Cador bowled a 256, 236, and 191, William McNeil bowled a 253, and Aubrey Bratkowski bowled a 170.
Four Panther bowlers, Aubrey Bratkowski, Henry Bratkowski, John Cador, and Keylen Sonnier, made it to the state playoffs in singles competition.
Next up for Bowling: The four Panther bowlers will be in action on Friday, April 5th at All-Star Lanes in Baton Rouge.
Tennis
The Panther tennis teams played Zachary to a tie on the 13th. Both boys’ and girls’ teams ended 2-2. Miriam Lindsay & Krystel Amo won their girls’ second court doubles match 6-1, 6-0, and the team of Caitlyn Gruse & Malaiya Johnson won their third court doubles match 8-4.
For the boys, Levi Lindsay won his first court singles match 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, and the team of Sam Marino & Jacob Aime won their first court doubles match 6-3, 6-1.
Next up for Tennis: The Panther tennis teams will play Parkview on the 18th and Denham Springs on the 21st. Both games will be at Highland Road Tennis Center starting at 3 pm.
Track
Our track team competed in a JV meet at Baton Rouge High on the 12th. Junior Jordan Barner came in 3rd in the boys’ 200 meter, sophomore Liam Dowdy came in 3rd in the boys’ 1600 meter and first in the 3200 meter, and freshman Charge Johnson placed second in the 3200.
Juniors Kyren Winn and Dwayne Beverly placed first and second in the boys’ shot put, respectively. Beverly placed first in the discus, while freshman James Frake came in second. Juniors Brennan Lamotte (1st), Jordan Barner (2nd), and Darius Parker (3rd) placed in the javelin.
Freshman Jaleyia Woods placed first in the girls’ 200 meter race and the 400 meter race. Sophomore Mellody St. Luce placed second in the 400. Freshman Journey Brown came second in the 800 meters.
Sophomore Brianna Graham placed second in the girls’ shot put, first in the javelin, and first in discus.
On the 14th, the team competed at Zachary. Our 4×100 relay team (Tyler Knox, Jay’Cob Jolla, Couren Norman, Cayden Randall) came in second place, and our 4×200 relay team (Couren Norman, Jay’Cob Jolla, Darius Chesterfield, Cayden Randall) came in first.
Alex Collins placed third in the boys’ shot put, Khamory Gipson placed first in the boys’ discus, and D’Kobe Chesterfield placed third in the boys’ javelin.
Mellody St. Luce broke the modern Woodlawn girls’ 800 meter record by 2 seconds with a 2:34. Junior Amijah Price also placed third in the girls’ javelin.
All times and distances can be found at https://www.athletic.net/team/18332/track-and-field-outdoor/2024.
Next up for Track: Our track team will host the LA National Guard Woodlawn Invitational on the 21st. Events will start at 3 pm.
Baseball
On the 11th, the Panthers unfortunately fell to Holden in a hard-fought game that ended in a score of 14-13. On the 12th, the team rallied to a near shutout against McKinley 21-1.
In their game against East Iberville on the 16th, the Panthers faced defeat again in a 7-4 loss.
Next up for Baseball: Our baseball team will play 4 games this week, 1 at home and 3 away. The Panthers will host Maurepas on the 18th at 4 pm. The team will also travel to French Settlement (6:30 pm start) on the 20th, Slaughter Community Charter (5 pm start) on the 22nd, and Family Christian Academy on the 23rd (2:30 pm start).
Softball
Our softball team played Glen Oaks in a double header on the 12th, and dominated both games. The first game ended with a score of 16-1 after a 3rd inning run rule. Freshman Kinsey Madison hit her first home run and junior pitcher Amy Kirk had 7 strikeouts.
The second game also ended 16-0 after a 3 inning run rule. Junior Lacie Sierra hit her first home run of the season and Amy Kirk pitched 8 strikeouts.
In a double header against East Iberville on the 14th, the Lady Panthers brought home two more wins. The first game was a shutout 16-0. Amy Kirk led the mound with 7 strikeouts. Amy Kirk and Rachelle McDowell hit 3 RBI’s at bat. The second game ended 24-9. Zyriah Williams, Lacie Sierra, and Kinsley Madison hit home runs and Aerion Lange hit a triple.
Next up for Softball: The Lady Panthers will travel to Zachary on the 18th for a game that starts at 6 pm.
Powerlifting
Our Powerlifting Team has continued to prep for the state powerlifting meet, which will be held on March 22nd and 23rd in Lafayette.
Next up for Powerlifting: The state powerlifting meet will take place March 22-23 at the Cajundome in Lafayette.
Mar 15, 2024
The ICare Club’s initiative during lunch shifts demonstrates a commitment to promoting positivity and uplifting the spirits of students. By projecting positive affirmations, encouraging students to write their own affirmations, and distributing ICare pencils while engaging in uplifting conversations, the club members are creating a supportive and caring environment within the school community.
ICare Club member Amy Kirk was asked what she believed the purpose of the activity was.
Junior Dwayne Beverly shows his positive affirmation during ICare’s lunch initiative.
“The purpose of it is to campaign and spread the word that no matter what you may be going through in life right now, you matter and you are loved and cared about,” said Kirk. “It’s about spreading positivity and reminding those around you that they matter.”
Kirk’s statement underscores the central message of the activity: to remind individuals that they are valued and supported regardless of the challenges they may be facing. The emphasis on spreading positivity and reinforcing the idea that everyone matters contributes to fostering a sense of belonging and well-being among students.
Overall, the ICare Club’s efforts align with their mission of promoting kindness, empathy, and support within the school community. By consistently reminding students that they are loved and heard, the club is making a meaningful impact on the emotional well-being of their peers.
Mar 14, 2024
Steeped in tradition and excellence, the Woodlawn High Jazz Ensemble, led by Paul Lauve (director of bands), showcased their musical prowess at the annual Loyola University Jazz Festival last Friday. With a legacy spanning decades, the ensemble continues to elevate its scores and captivate audiences with each performance.
Amidst the festival’s electric atmosphere, the ensemble had the privilege of participating in enlightening clinics led by jazz professionals and masterclasses conducted by Loyola University professors. This invaluable experience not only enhanced their musical skills but also ignited their passion for jazz.
Congratulations to the Panthers for their stellar performance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed their musical mastery!
The students of the 2024 WHS Jazz Ensemble are as follows:
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- Zack Lemoine, Alto Saxophone 1
- Aaron Joseph, Alto Saxophone 2
- Tameka Ellison, Tenor Saxophone 1
- Jemarcus Milton, Tenor Saxophone 2
- Danten Guillory, Baritone Saxophone
- Kholbie Nethery, Trombone 1
- Lillie Allen, Trombone 2
- Hunter Hollins, Bass Trombone
- Ethan James, Trumpet 1
- Bradyn Hulsey, Trumpet 2
- Michael Lyons, Trumpet 3
- Demarciya Edmond, Trumpet 4
- Brady LeBleau, Guitar
- Christian Gruse, Bass
- Xzavier Bell, Piano
- Kian Washington, Drum Set
- Tyler Lee, Drum Set
Mar 11, 2024
Each week the Panther Play by Play will review the athletic contests from the previous week and look forward to the coming week’s action.
Want to come out and cheer on the Panthers? Tickets for all home events can be purchased online.
Bowling:
The Panther Bowling team competed against Denham Springs on the 6th. While they ultimately lost 17-10, several athletes had impressive scores. Freshman Aubrey Bratkowski bowled a 235, senior John Cador bowled a 279, sophomore Henry Bratkowski bowled a 237, senior William McNeil bowled a 240, and junior Keylen Sonnier bowled a 232.
On the 8th, Woodlawn faced Baton Rouge Magnet High School in a double header. The Panthers absolutely dominated in an incredible 27-0 win against the Bulldogs. William McNeil bowled a 201, 234, and a 196. Henry Bratkowski bowled a 222 and John Cador a 238.
In their second match against Baton Rouge Magnet High, the team dominated again with a final score of 26-1. John Cador bowled a 204, Keylen Sonnier a 214, and Henry Bratkowski bowled the highest match score for Woodlawn at 227.
Next up for Bowling: Our bowling team’s next match is against Dutchtown on the 12th. All matches will be bowled at All Star Lanes beginning at 3:15 pm.
Tennis
Our tennis teams competed against Parkview Baptist on the 6th. While the boys fell 4-0, the girls won all three doubles matches and defeated Parkview 3-2. The team of Lily Ingalls & Amelie Lemaire won 6-4, 6-4, Miriam Lindsay & Krystel Amo won 6-0, 6-1, and Wesley Porter & Kate Russell won 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-6).
Next up for Tennis: The Panther tennis teams will play Zachary on the 13th at the Americana YMCA starting at 3 pm.
Track
Our track team hosted a JV meet on the 6th, where our girls’ 4×4 relay team broke the school record! Angel Sanders-Green, Amari Lombard, Mellody St. Luce, and Jaleyia Woods ran a 4:17, beating the previous record by 3 seconds.
Woods, St. Luce, and Sanders-Green placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the girls’ 400 meter dash, respectively. Woods also came in first in the 200 meter dash. Amiah Lee placed first in the 800 meter race.
A’tyli Freeman placed first in the girls’ discus and Brianna Graham placed second in the girls’ shot put. For the boys, Brennen Lamotte placed first in the javelin and Dwayne Beverly came in second in the shot put.
On the 7th, the track team traveled to Baton Rouge High to compete in the Clarence Antoine Relays. The boys’ team came in second place overall and the girls came in 8th.
Freshman Raheem Gray was first place in boys’ shot, senior Khamory Gipson placed first in the boys’ discus, and senior D’Kobe Chesterfield placed first in the javelin.
St. Luce came in first in the girls’ 800, while Sanders-Green came in second.
Cayden Randall, Jay’Cob Jolla, and Couren Norman placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the boys’ 200 meter dash, respectively.
The 4×100 relay team of Norman, Jolla, Jordan Barner, and Randall came in first, as did our 4×200 relay team (Norman, Jolla, Darius Chesterfield, and Randall).
All times and distances can be found at https://www.athletic.net/team/18332/track-and-field-outdoor/2024.
Next up for Track: Our track team will compete at Baton Rouge High on the 12th and then the Zachary Track Invitational on the 14th. Both meets start at 3 pm.
Baseball
On March 7th, the team defeated Port Allen High in a near shut out, with a final score of 4-1.
Next up for Baseball: Our baseball team will play 4 games this week, 2 at home and 2 away. The Panthers will host McKinley on the 12th and Tara on the 15th. Both games begin at 4 pm. The team will also travel to Holden (6 pm start) on the 11th and Livonia on the 13th (5 pm start).
Softball
Due to weather, our Lady Panther softball team was unable to compete in any games this week. Our Lady Panthers continued to practice and work to get better.
Next up for Softball: Our softball team will host East Iberville on the 14th at 4 pm.
Powerlifting
Our Powerlifting Team has continued to prep for the state powerlifting meet, which will be held on March 22nd and 23rd in Lafayette.
Next up for Powerlifting: The state powerlifting meet will take place March 22-23 at the Cajundome in Lafayette.
