WSD Weekly

January 23, 2026

📅 Upcoming Calendar Events:

📔 January 23 - Records Day / End of First Semester (No School)

🏫 February 6 - Professional Development Day (No School)
🎆 February 16 - President's Day (No School)
View the student academic calendar

Panther business prowess on full display in Yakima as Wenatchee High School DECA students proved they're ready for the business world.

Wenatchee High School students competed at the Area 10 DECA Competition in Yakima, going head-to-head with over 400 students from across the region. When the results came in, WHS had reason to celebrate—nearly 40 students qualified to advance to the State Conference in Bellevue at the end of February.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitive events that test real-world business skills. Students compete in categories ranging from business management and entrepreneurship to sports and entertainment marketing, demonstrating their knowledge through exams, role-plays, and presentations before panels of industry professionals.

Only the top four finishers in each event earn the chance to compete at the state level—and Wenatchee High School claimed spots across multiple categories.

State Qualifiers by Placement

1st Place: Michael Mahuika, Dallin Bordon, Virgil Bozarth & Melani Tovar, Joaquin Hernandez Jaimes & Sam Parrish, Xane Randall & Alex Reeg, Anais Velaquez, Zach Panagiotou & Joe Panagiotou, Cici Tang

2nd Place: Abigail Brandt, Jake Berry & Matias Soto, Alexa Cantu & Azul Ocampo, Matthew Wilson, Otto Friedli, Crew Gundersen & Luke Jeffery, Luisanna Esquivel, Jack Busk & Alex Henning, Aubree Wendeborn

3rd Place: Hayden Avelar & Sofia Herrera Cantu, Lilly Arias Martin & Nari Avelar, Ben Bordon & Preston Mahuika, Cayenne Morrison

4th Place: Hannah Beckstead & Jaxen Gonzalez, John Groff & Vantage Morrison, Joselin Sanchez

These students will represent Wenatchee High School at the State DECA Conference in Bellevue at the end of February, where they'll compete against the best DECA students from across Washington for a chance to advance to the International Career Development Conference.

The transition from middle school to high school is a big leap. Freshman ENGAGE makes it easier.

Eighth graders from Pioneer, Foothills, and Orchard middle schools are invited to Wenatchee High School to explore what high school has to offer—and discover where they belong.

Explore Your Options

On March 19th, from 5:30-6:30 PM at WHS, 8th graders can discover tables representing clubs, sports, activities, and community partners. Students and families can ask questions, meet coaches and club advisors, and start envisioning their high school experience before the first day of school. Included in the event is an information session with WHS counselors about what to expect in high school.

Belonging Matters

Students who feel connected to their school are more likely to succeed academically, stay on track for graduation, and thrive. Freshman ENGAGE creates that connection before school starts.When students walk into WHS in the fall, they'll recognize faces. They'll know names. They'll have a plan. They'll know they belong.

This event transforms anxiety into anticipation and ensures every incoming freshman knows they're joining a community that sees them, supports them, and believes in their unlimited potential.

Former NWAC standout to lead Panthers beginning Spring 2026

Wenatchee Athletics is proud to announce Taylor Files as the new Head Fastpitch Coach for Wenatchee High School, effective spring 2026.

Files joined the Panthers this fall as interim slowpitch coach and quickly made an impact building relationships with student-athletes. Her transition to Head Fastpitch Coach reflects her dedication to the program and commitment to Panther Athletics.

Files is a recent graduate of Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (3.9 GPA). She previously earned her Associate of Arts degree from Wenatchee Valley College with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

As a player, Files earned all-league honors as a pitcher at Eastmont High School before continuing her career at WVC, where she was a starting pitcher who helped lead the Knights to the Northwest Athletic Conference Championship. She earned 2nd Team All-NWAC recognition during her time with the Knights.

"Taylor's playing experience at the highest levels of community college softball, combined with her educational background, makes her an ideal fit for our program," Kuntz added. "She's committed to helping our student-athletes reach their full potential."

This brand-new competitive performing arts ensemble continues the proud tradition of the GA band. Its mission is to inspire, educate, and showcase the incredible talents of Wenatchee student musicians through high-energy competitive performances across the Northwest.

The GA Indoor Percussion program will hold a Friends and Family Night on Friday, January 30th, at 8 pm in the Orchard Middle School gym.

This will be the first opportunity for the public to see the group perform its full “out of this world” completed show.

For more information about the GA Indoor Percussion program, visit their website or email goldenappleindoor@gmail.com.

NIGHT WITH THE PROS

Thursday, February 26 | 6:45 PM

Eastmont High School

Professional musicians and select students perform

Admission by donation

JAZZNIGHTS CONCERT

Friday, February 27 | 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM)

Wenatchee High School

Full school ensembles perform with guest artists

Tickets: $15 | Livestreamed

The Wenatchee Jazz Workshop is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and funded by community donations, ticket sales, and support from Wenatchee and Eastmont school districts.

Tickets available online or at the door.