The Mustang Messenger

Quite the milestone this week! We played our last home game (2A Substate Semifinals) and used the wooden bleachers for the final time. We are really looking forward to how the gym will look when we kick off the 2026-2027 school year. On top of that, our Lady Mustangs won the game against D. West and now have advanced to the Substate Finals. That game, against the Lyndon Tigers, will be played tonight (3/6) and we wish our squad and coaches the best of luck!

The gym was really rocking on Tuesday night! It seemed our fans cheered on every point and every hustle play throughout the game. Our girls responded with an outstanding first half. They grabbed the lead and never looked back to claim the win. We are very proud of our coaches and athletes, our fans, our student cheer section, our pep band, our dance group, and our cheerleaders. You guys and gals rock! We would also like to thank the many people who step up and assist us with game management! Jordan Broxterman, A.D., district administration for supervision, our gate people, concession stand workers and sponsors, our bookkeepers and clock operators and of course, the Voice of the Mustangs, Scott Blaske. And a special shout out to Mr. Ryan Ehrlich for the livestream coverage and commentary during our games. Thank you all!

Spring sports started this week! This includes Track & Field (7-12), Golf (Boys & Girls 9-12), and Baseball and Softball (9-12). Of course, many of our athletes are finishing up their basketball season, but overall, our numbers as far as participation look solid. Be checking our district calendar for the dates and times of competition. Your child should also be checking with coaches about practice times and dates during the week of Spring Break.

Parents – Remember Spring Break is during the week of March 16th through March 20th. We are schedule for a 12:30 p.m. dismissal on Friday, March 13th. Breakfast and lunch will be served to those students who have signed up.

Go Mustangs!

Mr. Savage

Wednesday morning at 7am (by appointment) and after school Wednesday at 3:30pm

Contact Mrs. Stevenson (lstevenson@valleyheights.org) with any questions

Yearbooks are on sale for $50!

Talk to Miss Jones (ajones@valleyheights.org) or a member

of the Journalism staff to purchase yours today.

"Say YES! to a formal dress" events will held on Wednesdays after school from

3:30-5:00 pm on these remaining dates.

March 11

March 25

April 8

The event is for girls seeking a formal dress for Jr High Dance, Prom, competition, graduation or other formal event. Many colors, styles and sizes to choose from. Some new dresses with tags have been donated, others have been worn once and still look great! Simple alterations may be available. Bring a friend to try on dresses, take pics, style your hair and make-up too! Snacks will be provided.

The Forensics team travelled to Marysville last Saturday and had to overcome some last minute set backs. After 3 rounds, the following students broke into finals to compete for medals. Carter - 1st Prose and 1st Solo Acting Serious Abigail - 2nd Poetry and 4th Solo Acting Serious Julia - 2nd Informative Lawson - 3rd Original Oration Julia and Dino - 3rd Improvised Duet Acting Abigail and Guen - 5th Duet

Five students traveled to the state capitol to page for Senator Bowser on Tuesday. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn more about the senate process, have hands on experience with our Kansas Senators, and meet Governor Kelly.

As winter sports wrap up, students and athletes are preparing for an exciting new season. Many athletes are beginning practices and working hard to improve from last year. “I spent a lot of time at the golf course this summer having fun with my friends and working on my skills,” shares senior golfer Brady DeWalt. As the weather gets warmer, students are excited to see what the next three months of spring sports will bring.

The spring season includes track and field, softball, baseball, and golf. Senior baseball player Bryce Wittgartner says, “I am most looking forward to getting out in the nice weather and having a good season.” Baseball practice began Monday, March 2. Softball will also begin with voluntary practices on Monday, followed by mandatory practices starting March 9. “This season I have hopes of making it to State and growing as a team,” says sophomore softball player Teagan Spoonts.

Many softball and baseball players are dual-sport athletes, splitting their time between the ball fields, track, and golf course. Senior track athlete Violet Slifer explains, “I enjoy getting to cheer on my teammates and making new friends at meets.”

Spring is a busy and exciting time for everyone involved. Athletes are ready to set new personal records, achieve team goals, and compete outdoors in the warm weather.

Article by Mia Vermetten

This basketball season, the Lady Mustangs have worked hard to secure a number three seed for Sub-State. They had a successful win against Doniphan West on Tuesday, and had a great turnout of support from the student body and community. They will play this Friday at Mission Valley - Eskridge.

Senior Mia Vermetten says, “This year we have grown as a whole. To prepare for the post season we are focusing on our strengths, like transitioning and doing all the little things right.” Coach Jordan Broxterman says, “We are pumped for the post season because it’s what we have worked all year for. As we approach each game, we will focus on the task at hand and be mentally and physically ready to compete.”

Tonight's game will be broadcasted live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/266wxGZYc_E

The game is at Mission Valley High School. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students.

Valley Heights NHS 3-on-3 tournament is April 18th. Contact bturner@valleyheights.org for more information and to get your team registered or you can register your team using the Google Form below:

https://forms.gle/qN2HLscfd7iaipN48

Team registration due April 11th.

Check out Ms. Jayne's latest newsletter at https://app.smore.com/n/54rgj

Ms. Jayne's schedule each day will begin at the VH Jr/Sr High to meet student needs there before the bell rings. The rest of the week will primarily be:

• Monday at Blue Rapids
• Tuesday at Waterville (third Tuesday is Harvesters)
• Wednesday at VH and out and about in our community
• Thursday AM in Waterville/PM in Blue Rapids
• Friday at VH

Meet the Family Advocate, Jayne Whitson by appointment. She is available to help students and families succeed with resources, referrals and donated items to help during a family trauma, crisis or setback.

The best way to reach the family advocate is via cell, 612-202-7366.

Blue Rapids, KS 66411

785-363-2508

Principal-Mike Savage

Athletic Director-Jordan Broxterman

1. Come to the HS office between 8am and 4pm

2. E-mail Mr. Savage msavage@valleyheights.org

3. Call the office (785)363-2508

Email: vhhs@valleyheights.org
Website: valleyheights.org
Phone: (785)363-2508
Facebook: facebook.com/vhusd498
Twitter: @usd498