The Mustang Messenger

Mustang Update

We are back in session! Everyone I have had the chance to visit with had a very nice Christmas break and we are ready to take on second semester! As usual, we started the year off with a very busy week and this year we added our King and Queen of Courts into that mix. This week alone we hosted three nights of basketball and travelled to an away game at Washington County!

We want to wish our Winter King and Queen of Courts candidates the best of luck tonight as we announce our 2026 King and Queen. They are Kaitlin Hemry, Stella Martin and Josie Parker. Male candidates are Chad Bargdill, Caden Weaver and Gabe Padilla. Our Winter Formal Dance is scheduled for Saturday, January 10th. Crowning ceremonies will take place during half time of the Varsity Boys game. The sophomore class will be hosting soup supper that night as well as our regular concession stand so plan on joining us for this event!

We ended first semester with our first attempt with end of the semester finals for grades 9-12. I am happy to report that with a lot of planning on the part of our Building Leadership Team and staff things went very smoothly. Students could “opt out” of finals if they met certain criteria and many of them took advantage of that and earned some extra days of vacation. The criteria included absences and tardies, current grades and office referrals. The point of semester finals is to promote academic rigor within our classrooms. We will be hosting finals again at the conclusion of second semester.

Congratulations are in order for two of our seniors who signed with colleges this week to further their academic and athletic careers. Ava Smith signed with Iowa Western Community College on Wednesday to play volleyball for the Reivers in the fall. Fellow classmate, Kebeb Zimmerman, signed with the University of Missouri – St. Louis and will run cross-country for the Tritons! Great job!

The Twin Valley League Basketball Tournament starts next Saturday, January 17th. The nice thing about the tournament this year is that it is hosted at Washington County. So – nice and close! Tournament brackets should be available on Wednesday, January 14th. As usual, this tournament will be one to watch as many of the teams are currently ranked in 2A

Go Mustangs!

Mr. Savage

All students are Welcome

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

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

Beginning Sunday, December 7, the Blue Rapids Gym will be open for Valley Heights community to shoot, work on their ball handling, or play basketball to hone their skills.

Elementary students grades 3 - 6 will have the gym from 1--2:00, & 7th grade - adult will have gym access from 2:00 - 3:00.

Students in grades 3 - 6 must have a parent/guardian accompany them. Clean Basketball or tennis shoes must be worn when on the court. All participants must abide by school behavior standards or you will be asked to leave and not return.

The following dates will be open gym:

December: 7, 14

January: 4, 11, 18, 25

February: 1, 8, 15, 22

DRIVEN BY DEDICATION

Lawson Scott Stryker was born on September 13, 2007 to his parents Rob and Lisa Stryker. He is the middle child to brothers Robbie and Jack. He grew up on a farm outside Waterville, KS. Lawson shares that his mother, Lisa Stryker, has had the biggest impact on his life. “She taught me how to work hard and to do things the right way the first time.” Throughout his four years in high school, Stryker has stayed very involved in the community, as well as in school activities including All School Play, FFA, KAYS, StuCO, Forensics, Football, and Track;all four years. FCA;three years. NHS and Basketball;two years. Band and Mustang Mentor one year. Lawson has also served several leadership roles throughout high school. He's been Class President, FBLA Vice President, FFA Treasurer and FCA leadership team member; 2 years. FBLA President, KAYS Vice President, NHS Vice President, FFA StuCO Representative;1 year.

Lawson’s biggest accomplishment throughout high school was being named TVL first team on offensive line as an undersized lineman. A piece of advice Lawson would give to the underclassmen is “Enjoy high school while it lasts, time flies the older you get.” Stryker will be remembered for his ability to impersonate certain people as well as his strong work ethic. His favorite music includes “Rockin' Me" by Steve Miller Band, “Green River" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and "Echoes" by Pink Floyd. Lawson loves trying new things when he goes out to eat. His ideal Friday night is spending time with his family and friends.

Stryker plans to attend Kansas State University at the Salina campus to become a professional pilot. His goal is to make it out of college with minimal to no debt. In 10 years he sees himself flying for a commercial airline. Lawson’s favorite quote is by 26th President Theodore Roosevelt, “The only one who never makes mistakes is the one who never does anything.”

Article by Jaqueline Sandoval

Congratulations to Mr. Ehrlich and his wife! They welcomed their daughter Eileen to the world on January 2nd.

These students conducted a science experiment in weights today. “How many balls can we get up on the goal?” They managed 11 basketballs.

Witnessing fermentation in 7th grade science while making ‘barf bags!’

Congratulations to our Winter Formal Candidates. Left to right: Chad Bargdill, Kaitlin Hemry, Gabe Padilla, Stella Martin, Caden Weaver and Josie Parker.

Staff and students had fun at the Pep Rally this Friday. The band marched through the hallways playing the fight song to usher students and staff to the gym. The cheerleaders got everyone fired up, the Winter Formal candidates were introduced, the drill team performed, a staff vs. student dodgeball game was played, and a fun game took place involving wigs. Mr. Savage fashioned his especially well!

Congratulations to Ava Smith who signed with Iowa Western to play Volleyball in the fall of 2026.

Congratulations to Kebeb Zimmerman who has signed with the University of Missouri-St. Louis to run Cross County and Track in the 2026-27 school year.

Our Staff Spotlight is shining on our Food Service Coordinator, Mrs. Mary Medina. Mary is not a native Kansan having grown up in a suburb of Los Angeles, California called Wilmington. Mary has four children - Jesse, Isacc, Inez and Janelle. Mary is also a grandparent to Wesley, Aaliyah, Jesse, Marzia, Andrew and Hazel and is patiently awaiting the arrival of a baby granddaughter. Mary notes that two of her children have gone on to K-State to further their education.

Mary originally started with USD 498 in 2012 and then left for another job opportunity in 2014. She has been a Paraeducator, Community Ed. Assistant, Booster Club VP and a member of our PTO. She was hired as our Food Service Coordinator in May of 2025!

Mary’s favorite thing about working at VHHS is the students and staff who make everyday worth walking through the doors. Plus, she gets to play with food and get paid for it. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, spending time with her family, being outdoors (hiking, walking paths, looking for rocks and other cool stuff).

When asked to tell us something we did not know about her, she responded that she was tested and found to be gifted in the arts when she was in 3rd grade. As a result, her classmates made a movie in 6th grade that she helped write and direct. She says she loves the stage and all things musical!

Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 31:25. “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future”. This scripture reminds me to face the future fearlessly, to move in confidence, and embrace my strengths. Through God all things are possible.

Welcome back to the Mustang Family, Mary!!