September 19, 2025

Victory Celebration: 1st Place at the Harrah Fall Festival!

What an incredible day of community pride and school spirit! Our White Swan wrestlers made a big impression at the Harrah Fall Festival, where their float captured the attention of the judges and the hearts of the crowd. With creative design, hard work, and plenty of school pride, the team earned 1st place in the Community Category—a well-deserved victory that brought loud cheers from festival-goers lining the streets.The float was a true labor of love, decorated to showcase both the strength and determination of our wrestlers while also reflecting the energy and unity of Mt. Adams. Students, coaches, and families all pitched in—painting, building, and making sure every detail stood out. By the time the parade rolled through, the team’s float was a showstopper, complete with spirited signs, bold colors, and the unmistakable enthusiasm of our athletes. As the announcer declared the team’s win, the pride on the wrestlers’ faces said it all. Their success at the festival is about more than a trophy—it’s about showing the community the teamwork, dedication, and perseverance that drive our athletes both on and off the mat. Congratulations to our wrestlers and everyone who supported this effort! This victory is yet another reminder that together we are living out our district theme—“The Best Year Ever.”

Our 9th-grade GEAR UP students recently embarked on an exciting career exploration trip to Perry Technical Institute, and the day was nothing short of inspiring! From classrooms to workshops, students had the opportunity to see learning in action and imagine themselves in careers that match their interests and talents. The visit included tours of programs such as Medical Assisting, Instrumentation, Welding, and Automotive, where students watched demonstrations, asked questions, and got a glimpse of the skills needed to succeed in each field. For many, this was their first time seeing these professions up close, sparking new ideas about possible future career paths. We are proud of our students for approaching the experience with such curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm. Opportunities like this empower them to dream big, set goals, and begin mapping out the steps toward a successful future. With each visit, they are building the foundation for both academic and career success—living proof that the journey to “The Best Year Ever” extends far beyond the classroom!

White Swan High School students are getting a head start on professional skills through the Intro to Veterinary Technology course, where they recently participated in a hands-on surgical gowning session. Under the guidance of their instructor, students practiced the proper steps of surgical gowning and gloving—an essential part of maintaining aseptic technique in veterinary procedures. The activity not only highlighted the precision and care required in animal health but also emphasized the importance of teamwork in a clinical setting. Students quickly learned that attention to detail and cooperation are key to ensuring both patient safety and successful outcomes. By engaging in real-world training like this, our students are building confidence and developing skills that will serve them well in future careers in animal health and veterinary medicine. It’s one more way White Swan High School is preparing students for pathways that extend beyond the classroom—making this truly part of “The Best Year Ever.”

                                 
 

Fall Baking Delights: Apple and Pumpkin Pies from the Cooking Club

The sweet smells of autumn filled the halls as the White Swan Cooking Club rolled up their sleeves for a fall baking adventure. Just in time for the cozy season, students prepared and baked homemade apple and pumpkin pies, learning the art of crafting flaky crusts, mixing flavorful fillings, and timing everything to perfection. More than just a baking session, the activity gave students a chance to strengthen their culinary skills while working together as a team. Laughter and smiles were abundant as they shared tips, swapped stories, and celebrated their success when the pies finally came out golden brown and ready to serve. It was the perfect blend of learning, creativity, and seasonal fun—proof that great things happen when passion meets teamwork. And of course, the best part came at the end: enjoying those delicious fall flavors together!

White Swan High School Featured in Changing Our Future Newsletter
White Swan High School is honored to be highlighted in the latest edition of the Changing Our Future newsletter, an organization dedicated to inspiring and celebrating conversations with leaders who are making a real difference in their communities. The feature shines a spotlight on Principal Jennifer Tenney and the entire WSHS team for their tireless efforts to support students and transform lives. The newsletter, which regularly engages changemakers in fields such as justice reform, foster care, and education, explored how everyday people can step up to protect and empower youth. In this issue, Mrs. Tenney shared the story of White Swan High School’s commitment to increasing graduation rates and ensuring that every student is equipped with the tools and support needed to succeed. This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion, and teamwork of our educators and staff, whose daily efforts are helping shape brighter futures for our students. It is yet another reminder that the work happening at White Swan is not only changing graduation numbers—it is changing lives forever.

Hope in Action: White Swan’s Student Success

At White Swan High School, graduation rates tell a story of transformation. In 2021, just over half of students graduated. This past June, 85.1% of the Class of 2025— the first group supported through the Ninth Grade Success Initiative — graduated on time, with equity gaps nearly eliminated.