NEWBERRY — Students from around the Newberry County School District were recognized by the Newberry County School Board on Monday for their achievements in athletics and academics.

Whitmire High School wrestlers, Garrett Davis and Alex Little were recognized for their individual achievements in the sport. Davis was named the 1A-2A State Individual Champion in the 126 pound weight class. Little was selected to participate on the North/South All Star Wrestling Team.

Each high school in the District was recognized for achievements at the State Beta Convention.

“The competitions at the State Beta Convention range from academic contests, to quiz bowls, to talent competitions. Conventions give the opportunity for members to interact, share project ideas and showcase their academic and leadership abilities. Students from across the District received awards at the recent South Carolina Senior Beta Convention,” said Pam Arrington, executive director of Human Resources.

From Newberry High School, Denise Cobon-Recinos took second place in the ninth grade division Spanish Academic Test, and Mattison Rumfelt took third place in the ninth grade division Science Academic Test.

“Denise and Mattison competed by taking academic tests that were graded on accuracy and speed,” Arrington said.

Newberry also received the GOLD growth award.

From Whitmire Community School, Alexus Sanders took first place in Oratory, grade nine Division.

“Alexus’s speech topic was about the dangers of drunk driving. The competition is designed to allow students the opportunity to gain speaking experience, as well as increase his/her confidence level. Alexus was scored on interest level, organization, level of statistical support, delivery, effectiveness, professionalism and time limit,” Arrington said.

Justin Brannon, Ben Burleson, Garrett Davis, Kyle Hunt and Chansel Minick received first place in Beta Build.

“This team competition demonstrated creative ability, collaboration and attention to detail to construct an invention in the spirit of Rube Goldberg. Teams used items from a specified list and were given an invention prompt at the beginning of the competition with two hours to construct it. The invention must have at least five steps and include a written explanation to communicate the elements of the invention and creative concepts,” Arrington said.

Mid-Carolina High School had several students place in the competitions.

Jessica Shealy took first place in ELA Division II, 12th grade. Jonah Shealy took first in Science Division II, 12th grade. Matthew Shealy took first in Creative Writing Division II, 12th grade. Bailey Stuck took first place in Quilting. Layne Cromer took second place in Acrylic Painting. Shanna Wicker, Breanna Perry, Bailey Rivas, Lauren Cope, Chloe Epting, Zach Frick, Fritz Lewis, Abigail Shealy, Amelia Shealy, Erin Ballentine, Ashlynne Waters and Koedy Longshore took third place in Scrapbooking. Jonah Shealy, Matthew Shealy, Jessica Shealy, Katie Coker, Madison Bickley and Amanda Hollowell took second place in Living Literature. Raymond Konarski, Jeremy Hollowell, Harrison Scott and Christopher Scott took second place in Robotics Club Awards.

MCHS also received the Golden Key Award for 10% growth this year.

Other business

• The Board approved the second reading of the Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Board Policy.

• Board approved the first reading of the School Calendar, which Dr. Lynn Cary noted was similar to this year’s calendar.

• Board approved the 2018-19 Textbook Adoptions.

• Superintendent Jim Suber announced the NCSD Retirement dinner will be on May 24.

Garrett Davis (right) and Alex Little (left) were recognized for their achievements in wrestling. They are pictured with Boardmember Ike Bledsoe and Superintendent Jim Suber.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_DSC_0645.jpgGarrett Davis (right) and Alex Little (left) were recognized for their achievements in wrestling. They are pictured with Boardmember Ike Bledsoe and Superintendent Jim Suber. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.