Spartan Spotlight

Spartan Athletes Excel

Kudos to Elaina Primozic for her VHSL Girls Wrestling State Championship win and to Nicholas Bailey for winning the Boys Indoor Track and Field 500-meter dash title! The winning continues with the Spartan Rifle Team and team member Avana Harford winning first place in their Regional Competition! Additionally, the Science Olympiad Team won first place in their Regional Competition! Way to go, Spartans!

Mark Witzel Wins Local VFW Citizenship Educator Teacher Award

We are proud to announce that Mark D. Witzel from West Springfield HS has been selected as the local recipient of the 2025-2026 Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

The VFW Citizenship Education program identifies and recognizes America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in their students. Mr. Witzel, himself a combat veteran and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, teaches World History and United States/Virginia history, and was nominated for this honor by Dr. Jim Patrick, Principal.

The Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award was established to recognize teachers who:

• Encourage and model good citizenship and community involvement.
• Utilize innovation in the classroom through new tools, resources, and approaches.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and utilize exceptional resources to facilitate learning.
• Show a deep passion for the teaching profession and a personal interest in their students' success.

As the authorized entry from VFW Post 8469, Mr. Witzel’s nomination will now advance to the District 10 competition. Winners at the District level may eventually advance to the state (Department) and national levels.

Congratulations to Mr. Witzel on this well-deserved recognition of his commitment to his students and the community!