One step closer to the finish line! 🎓✨

Last week's Junior Class Ring Ceremony was such a special milestone. These rings aren't just jewelry; they’re a symbol of all the hard work, late nights, and memories made at West Bladen High so far. We are so proud of the Class of 2027! 💍
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
A group of five high school students stands behind a wooden podium during a presentation in a school media center. A crowd of seated adults and students face them, with an American flag and purple wall decorations in the background.
A young woman stands at a wooden podium speaking to an audience. Behind her is a purple wall with a large 'Attendance Matters' calendar and an American flag.
A high school student in a graduation gown receives a small gift box from a man in a black polo shirt during an indoor ceremony. Another student stands nearby against a purple and white wall with a 'Class of 2024' banner in the background.
A young man in a grey and black tracksuit stands smiling while holding a small blue jewelry box. He is being presented with the award by a man in a black polo shirt, with another man in a pink shirt standing behind a table in the background.
Principal hands a ring to a student and shakes his hand
🌟💙 West Bladen FFA Meeting Recap! 💛🌟
What a GREAT afternoon at West Bladen FFA!
Our members kicked things off with official opening ceremonies, followed by chapter updates and important announcements. Then it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work sharpening those CDE & LDE skills!
Students rotated through hands-on practice stations including:
🐮 Livestock Judging – Placing classes of beef steers, dairy heifers, and market hogs
🥚 Poultry Judging – Grading eggs like true industry professionals
🎤 Extemporaneous Speaking – Crafting and delivering a 15-second speech on the spot
📜 Creed Activity – Building confidence and presentation skills
🐛 Pest ID – Identifying common pests and strengthening ag knowledge

The best part? The camaraderie, team building, laughter, and watching students encourage one another. These moments are what FFA is all about — growing leaders, building confidence, and learning by doing.
So proud of our Knights stepping up and putting in the work! 💪🌾
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
Five FFA members stand behind a wooden podium in a garage-style classroom, with one student presenting from a laptop while others observe and smile.

On Friday, PGC students at West Bladen High School proudly participated in No One Eats Alone Day as part of the Sandy Hook Promise initiative.

No One Eats Alone Day is designed for schools that want to celebrate the importance of connectedness, kindness, and belonging. Inspired by the peer led No One Eats Alone program, this no cost initiative helps students recognize social isolation and build meaningful connections starting in the lunchroom and lasting all year.

We are proud of our students for choosing inclusion, showing compassion, and making sure that at PGC, everyone belongs. 💜🤍

4 months ago, West Bladen High School
A group of high school students pose together in a school cafeteria area with purple columns and bright overhead lighting. Most are wearing matching gray hoodies with a purple logo, while two students lie playfully on the floor in front of the group. Other students and lunch tables are visible in the background.
The same group of high school students stand together in a cafeteria entrance area, smiling and posing for a photo. Many are dressed in matching gray hoodies with a purple logo, and the busy cafeteria with students and serving lines can be seen behind them.
Did you know that the School Resource Officer (SRO) program began in the 1950s as a way to build positive relationships between law enforcement and students? Today, we are proud to recognize and thank our very own School Resource Officer, Officer Willoughby, for his dedication, service, and daily commitment to our students and staff. We recently sat down with Officer Willoughby to talk about his role as SRO.

Officer Willoughby told us that he began his career in law enforcement to help others in a time of need and that he likes knowing that all students are safe. He told our Journalism Staff that he could not identify a single moment that stood out but that he has had many positive interactions with students due to his open-door policy. If a student comes by and seems to want to talk, he is willing to give them the opportunity. Officer Willoughby hasn't always been a School Resource Officer. His career spans other roles such as court bailiff, road deputy, and detention officer. Thank you, Officer Willoughby, for your service to our school and our community as a whole!
4 months ago, Lara Barber
A photo of Officer Wally Willoughby and his K9 officer, Orex.
We are proud to recognize Dawn Russ from Social Studies/Civics and Clayton Dowless, our Welding Instructor, as our Employees of the Week.

Mrs. Russ works each day to help students understand history, government, and their role as informed and engaged citizens. Mr. Dowless provides hands-on instruction that equips students with practical skills, industry knowledge, and confidence for the workforce.

Thank you both for your dedication to our students and for the positive impact you make on our school community.
4 months ago, West Bladen High School
Clayton Dowless image Graphic with a purple background and gold accents reading Employee of the Week. A circular headshot shows Clayton Dowless, a middle aged man with short dark hair and a neutral expression, wearing a dark shirt. The text below reads Clayton Dowless and West Bladen High School.
Dawn Russ image Graphic with a purple background and gold accents reading Employee of the Week. A circular headshot shows Dawn Russ, a woman with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a light colored jacket. The text below reads Dawn Russ and West Bladen High School.
BCS Families—

📅 Calendar Update: Thursday, February 26th will now be a NO SCHOOL day for students (currently scheduled as a half day). Staff will use this day for professional collaboration.

Please mark your calendars with this change!.
4 months ago, Bladen County Schools
Graphic of a yellow sticky note pinned to a blue school-themed background with icons. Text reads “Calendar Update” above the Bladen County Schools logo.
Calling all West Bladen Juniors! 🗣️ It’s time to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and walk into the ACT ready to win.

Join us for our ACT Bootcamp—where preparation meets power! ⚡️

📅 When: February 16th & 17th, 2026
📍 Where: The Media Center
🎯 Who: All Juniors

Don't leave your scores to chance. Get ready to level up! See you there! ⚔️
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
ACT Bootcamp flyer: Feb 16-17, 2026, at the Media Center. Text: Level up and sharpen your skills to walk in ready to win.

This is Love the Bus Week, and we are proud to recognize bus driver Sandra Pone for the incredible work she does every day at West Bladen High School.

From safely transporting students safely to school each day to showing patience, professionalism, and genuine care on every route, Sandra makes a meaningful difference for our Knight family. We are grateful for her dedication to our students and for the steady, dependable presence she provides behind the wheel. 💜🤍

4 months ago, West Bladen High School
A smiling woman dressed in a red, blue, and gold superhero costume with a red cape sits in the driver’s seat of a school bus, holding the steering wheel. Yellow school buses are visible through the windows behind her, and sunlight fills the bus interior.

As we continue to celebrate Love the Bus Week, we are proud to recognize Driver Demetrius Thompson for the heroic work he does every day at West Bladen High School.

From safely transporting students to showing patience, professionalism, and care on every route, Demetrius makes a real difference for our Knight family. Thank you for your commitment to our students and for being a true everyday hero behind the wheel.

4 months ago, West Bladen High School
A three panel collage shows an adult wearing a blue and yellow superhero costume seated inside a school bus. In one image, he smiles while holding a clipboard, and in the others he is seated at the driver’s seat with hands near the steering wheel. Sunlight streams through the bus windows, and a parking lot is visible outside.
🌱 Spring Plant Sale at West Bladen High! 🌸
Get your gardens ready! The West Bladen High School Horticulture Department is hosting its annual Spring Plant Sale. Whether you are looking for fresh veggies or beautiful blooms, we have something for everyone.

All proceeds directly support our school’s Ag Department and FFA!

📍 Location
WBHS Greenhouse

🗓️ Dates & Times
March 30th – April 2nd: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
April 3rd (Good Friday): 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

🌿 What’s in Stock?
Vegetables: Heirloom & Cherry Tomatoes, Eggplant, Jalapeños, Bell Peppers, Squash, Watermelons, and Cucumbers.
Flowers: Petunias, Million Bells, Vinca/Periwinkle, Coleus, Geraniums, Wax Begonias, and Marigolds.
Greenery: Kimberly Ferns and beautiful Hanging Baskets!

Note: Prices are coming soon! Come out and support our hardworking students. 🏫🚜
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
Flyer for the West Bladen High School Horticulture Department Spring Plant Sale. The event runs from March 30th to April 2nd, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and on April 3rd (Good Friday) from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The sale takes place at the WBHS Greenhouse. Listed plants include Heirloom and Cherry Tomatoes, Eggplant, Jalapeño, Bell Pepper, Squash, Watermelon, Cucumber, Petunia, Million Bell, Vinca/Periwinkle, Coleus, Geranium, Wax Begonia, Marigold, Kimberly Fern, and Hanging Baskets. The flyer notes that prices are coming soon and all proceeds go towards the school Ag Department and FFA.
Not all heroes wear capes, but teacher and bus driver T. Wayne Young is absolutely a hero. As we celebrate Love the Bus Week across North Carolina, we want to recognize the dedication it takes to serve students in more than one role. Thank you for showing up every day for our kids, whether it’s in the classroom or behind the wheel. Your commitment and care truly make a difference.
4 months ago, West Bladen High School
Man in superhero costume
Please join me in congratulating our Certified Employee of the Month, Mr. Ron Autry.
Mr. Autry teaches Agricultural Mechanics and is highly active with our FFA program. He consistently goes above and beyond to support students through hands on learning opportunities, skill development, and leadership experiences that strengthen our school community and help students succeed beyond the classroom.
Thank you, Mr. Autry, for your dedication to our students and for all you do for West Bladen.
4 months ago, West Bladen High School
Alt text A black background filled with gold and white confetti dots. At the top, the word “Congratulations” curves in large white letters. In the center is a circular portrait of a man with a white beard, framed by a gold scalloped border. Below the portrait, white text reads “Mr. Ron Autry.” At the bottom, a gold rounded banner displays the text “Certified Employee of the Month – February 2026.”
We are excited to recognize Sandra Davis, our School Data Manager at the Castle, as Classified Employee of the Month. Ms Davis keeps our information accurate and organized so that schedules, grades, attendance, and reports are all in place to support students, families, and staff.

Her attention to detail, patience, and willingness to help others make a big difference in the daily life of our school.

Thank you Ms Davis for your hard work and commitment to West Bladen and our Knight family. Knight Pride runs deep.
4 months ago, West Bladen High School
A celebratory graphic with a black background filled with gold and white confetti. At the top, the word “Congratulations” appears in large white curved text. In the center is a portrait of Mrs Sandra Davis, smiling, framed by a gold scalloped circle with a light green inner border. Below the photo, white text reads “Mrs. Sandra Davis.” At the bottom, a gold rounded banner reads “Classified Employee of the Month – February 2026.”
🚌 February is Love the Bus Month! 💛 We are so grateful for our dedicated bus drivers and transportation staff who ensure our students get to school safely every single day. Join us in showing them some extra appreciation this month!
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
A yellow school bus on a road with the text "CELEBRATE LOVE THE BUS MONTH WITH US!" and hearts in the background.
Celebrating the talent at Bladen County Schools! 🎨

We are so proud to announce that five of our "rising stars" have been selected to have their artwork exhibited at the Cameron Museum of Art in Wilmington! This is an incredible achievement for these young artists.

Please join us in congratulating: 🌟 Avaleen Berkheimer 🌟 Abigail Darling 🌟 Olivia Meggs 🌟 Everlee Nance 🌟 Calvin Sinclair

If you are in the Wilmington area, be sure to stop by and support our students!

📍 Where: Cameron Museum of Art | 3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC
📅 When: February 7th – March 1st
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
"Congratulations! These rising stars will have artwork exhibited at the Cameron Museum of Art Feb. 7th-Mar. 1st," with names.
🎳 WAY TO GO, WEST BLADEN MEN’S BOWLING! 🎳 The West Bladen Men’s Bowling Team rolled their way to a 2nd place finish in the League Team Tournament yesterday! With this strong performance, they’ve officially earned a spot at the State Tournament 🏆 📍 Sandhills Bowling Center 📅 February 13 | Aberdeen, NC We are incredibly proud of these young men and their hard work, teamwork, and determination. Join us in congratulating them and wishing them luck as they head to state! 💙💛👏
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
bowling team at the bowling alley
Due to weather concerns and cancellations of events at the Southern Farm show, WBHS FFA has canceled the trip for tomorrow 2/5. Refunds will be issued to students who have paid for a spot on the trip.
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
The junior class ring ceremony has been rescheduled for Tuesday Feb 10th at 5 pm in the band room.
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
Flyer announcing West Bladen High School Class of 2027 class ring ceremony rescheduled to February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. in the band room.
Tomorrow the Castle will operate on a 2 hour delay schedule. Please be mindful of class start times. There will be no second chance breakfast.
4 months ago, Lauren Sasser
ADA-compliant alt text (≤125 characters): “Table showing West Bladen High School 2025–26 two-hour delay schedule with class periods, lunch times, and staff duty assignments.”

🎓💸 Knights vs. Eagles: Scholarship Sprint 💸🎓
All February long, West Bladen and East Bladen are participating in a friendly scholarship competition--which school can submit the most scholarships? Ms. Barber will be available in the Media Center every Tuesday & Thursday to help seniors with scholarship application submissions. If West Bladen comes out on top, seniors will celebrate with ice cream 🍦 and a sweet slice of victory 🥧!
👉 Seniors should check their Senior Canvas page for more information!

4 months ago, Tamia Barber
A flyer displaying the February scholarship contest between East and West Bladen seniors