“A Christmas Carol”
Student
By Caleb Nichols Editor-In-Chief & Becky Hamilton Faculty Advisor
On December 6th and 7th, our school’s theater team performed “A Christmas Carol.” “A Christmas Carol” is a story about a pompous man who learns about the value of Christmas by learning about the past, present, and future of Christmas. Through learning about Christmas, the man becomes grateful for Christmas. Our school’s play went incredibly well! The student-actors represented the story’s characters with a set, costumes, and voiced lines. The play was authentic, with an audience full of smiles and laughter. The play went very well, but that isn’t to say it was exactly performed the way it was planned. The play had some little hiccups with a glass cup and some fake hair. These little hiccups only brought laughter and cheer into the audience! Despite these hiccups, the student actors remained persistent in their performance. The student-actors also rehearsed for eight weeks before their play. There is a lot of work that goes into acting. Most of the actors had dozens of lines and multiple costumes. Every student actor also paid for their own costumes. It is easy to underestimate the work that goes into the production of a play. Overall, the play was an amazing display of Jacket pride. The student-actors who were persistent with hard-work to make sure the play could be the best that it could be. Congratulations to the theater team! Your hard work brought together an amazing play for our school’s family.
Laylee Wyatt: How do you think the play went? I think it went surprisingly well. We were not completely prepared but we did good with what we had. We had a few mistakes, but it was only mistakes that
Ms. Hall, known for her love of literature. Her favorite book to teach was “The Outsiders.”
“Even though it’s over so many years old, kids still relate. Teenagers are still the same deep down,” said Ms. Hall. She is devoted to her students, not just their education but their well-being as well.
Ms. Hall has been at Williamsburg for 22 years, these past 22 years have been memorable. She has loved seeing all of the changes in her beloved school, and the advancement of technology. Her favorite memory is watching her own kids in the angel play. There has never been a dull moment for Ms. Hall especially with her most beloved coworker, Gina Lawson.
“I miss her the most,
we could notice. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the play. Everyone worked very hard and I think it all paid off.
What was your favorite part of the play?
My favorite is always the begin ning of the first act, and the scenes of Christmas past. The first part of act one is always my favorite because it is well-put together and it is where the story starts and really comes together, and the Christmas past scene is one of my favorites because I like how Cabela [Johnson] really embodies her role as Christmas past.
Abby Workman:
How do you think the play went? I think it went well. It really did. Everyone put their best effort and we had a lot of fun. It was a blast, and I believe that everyone should come to our next play!
What was your favorite part of the play?
My favorite part of the play was defi nitely the scene about Christmas pres ent. I believe that Cabela was a really good actor and she put a lot of effort into it.
Zaden Housekeeper: Tell me a little about how you and the cast prepared for your roles in the play. Everyone in our cast had to prepare a little differently because there was something that each role needed. For me, I had to practice lines over and over again. We all had to learn how everything was meant to run; from scene changes to makeup and set changes. It was team effort from everyone in the club.
Have you noticed any growth in interest for the Theater Club?
she was really like a sister,” said Lawson. Ms. Hall has seen many different faces and many different personalities. We hope she holds all of these memories close to her heart. Her advice to her fellow teachers: “Stay strong, you’re going to have good and challenging years, but always keep your family first.” Ms. Hall has two children that she adores, Erin and Cody Maxey. She was a teacher but a mother
By Caleb Nichols & Editor-In-Chief
first. “This school will always hold a place in my heart, Cody and Erin graduated here, now Aubree Purdue, my granddaughter is here. This school will always be a part of me.”
She shows true love and admiration for this school, she has Jacket Pride.
She truly has always loved this school, but what made her special was her love for her students.
“The number one thing I cared about was knowing that the kids knew I cared for them,” said Ms. Hall.
She was truly an amazing teacher and inspired so many people while being here.
Ms. Hall’s departure marks the end of an era for Williamsburg Independent School, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators.
There has definitely been some growth and development in our theater program. We started last year after Christmas as an after-school program with only a few kids able to participate and then we were able to make it a class with a lot of kids signing up and a long list of kids still trying to join in December. If you are interested, please come and talk to Mr. Wyatt and he will help you. There is a place for everyone in the club, even if it isn’t on the stage.
What was your favorite memory from the Christmas performance and
Kianna Ballew Writer
Mrs. Partin recently took up the job as Williamsburg High School’s principal. Her efforts to create a safe, effective learning environment for students need not to be taken for granted.
As soon as Mrs. Partin took up the Principal position, she displayed Jacket Pride throughout the school. When asked about her recent role as principal and Jacket Pride, her answers displayed commitment to our school’s family.
How has the transition into our school’s principal been?
I have been so blessed to be welcomed into the Jacket family this school year.
My entire teaching career was spent at the high school level so becoming an administrator in a P-12 building is very different for me and has definitely been the most challenging part of my transition, however, it has also been the most rewarding.
What is your favorite part of being our
what can we expect in the future from our Theater Club?
One of my favorite memories from this production was when we had a glass plate break during the performance along with a fake chicken leg that. We had to stop the whole performance and clean up the glass.
Some things we can expect from our theater department is our spring performance which will be Into the Woods, which follows the journey of a baker and his wife, and they explore fairy tell stories to try and achieve what they have been longing for in their marriage.
school’s principal?
My favorite part of being principal here at Williamsburg City School is the opportunity to connect with students, teachers, and families each day. Getting to celebrate students each day and build relationships that foster a love for learning in students is really special to me. I truly enjoy witnessing the growth and achievements of our students, both academically and personally. I also love that I get to serve as a support for our wonderful teachers as they collaborate to create a nurturing
environment where students feel loved and supported in their learning journey.
How is Jacket Pride displayed in our school?
Jacket Pride is displayed in our school in a variety of ways including game day spirit attire, spirit weeks, and themed events where everybody puts their best school spirit on display. Another way we demonstrate Jacket pride is through our involvement in extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, and the performing arts. Our commitment to recognizing both growth and achievement, big and small, helps foster a culture of pride. Through demonstrating Jacket pride, both students and adults model our expectations of Respect, Engagement, Accountability, Character, and Hardwork to create an environment where every member of the Jacket family feels connected and valued.
HALL
Photo by Timothy Wyatt
Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Zaden Housekeeper (RIGHT), is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, played by Lillianna Mosley (LEFT), during the musical theatre’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” earlier this month.
highlighting current events around the school
By Caleb Nichols Editor-In-Chief
Jacket pride has been displayed in Williamsburg Middle School tremendously. The hardworking students and teachers that make up our Middle School create a learning environment effective for learning. The Jacket Pride displayed in our Middle School binds the students and teachers together as family. Williamsburg’s Middle School teachers are nothing below awesome. Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Rice, and Mr. Young are all teachers who teach both 7th and 8th grade. Being asked about their teaching and Jacket Pride, their answers were nothing but inspiring.
Mrs. Cook:
What is your favorite aspect of being a Middle School teacher?
One of the things I love most about being a middle school teacher is the amazing relationships I get to build with my students. They’re going through some of the toughest transitions in their lives, and being a part of that journey is truly special.
How has Williamsburg welcomed you as a new teacher?
Williamsburg has been such a warm and welcoming school! They’ve always checked in on me and offered as much support as possible, which means a lot.
How has Jacket Pride been displayed in Williamsburg Middle School?
Experiencing Jacket Pride is truly unique. It is wonderful to see students continuing their family traditions through generations.
Greetings from the student editors
Williamsburg’s 20242025 school year has been crazy to say the least! With hurricanes, interstate craziness, and snow around the corner, our school has been per sistent with learning and content. Williamsburg’s staff is truly admirable in their dedication to provid ing a safe learning envi ronment for hundreds of students. Williamsburg’s students also work hard to meet the REACH expectations. Sports seasons are starting up as we approach Christmas as well. This newspaper aims to bring attention to the amazing staff and students at Williamsburg through. As the reader, we ask you to appreciate the work of our amazing staff and students who work together to create an effective environment for learning.
- Caleb Nichols & Laylee Wyatt
Mrs. Rice:
What is your favorite aspect of being a Middle School teacher?
My favorite aspect of being a middle school teacher is having the opportunity to build deep relationships with students during such a crucial developmental stage. Being able to see their intellectual growth and curiosity during this awkward transitional time of their life is truly the beauty of my job. I love having the potential to be a positive influence on all my students during such a formative time.
What goes into being a teacher? What comes out of being a teacher?
“As a teacher, I pour my heart and soul into my students. I spend so much time adapting my learning environment to encourage student growth, fostering creativity, and cultivating a welcoming environment for all students. Teaching, for me, was never a career that I wanted to pursue because of the time off or the salary, but because I am allowed to be bold and silly while stimulating a sense of individuality in my students. I became a teacher because I love watching the “aha” moments in students’ eyes. I became a teacher because I am allotted a small opportunity to be a stepping stone to the amazing future of our world. My students today are the dreamers and leaders of tomorrow, and that is an incredible feeling that no other career can compare.”
How has Jacket Pride been displayed in Williamsburg Middle School?
I see Jacket Pride in the middle school hallway daily. From teachers and students greeting each other first thing in the morning to students staying after class to help a teacher tidy up their room,
NICHOLS
HERO IN TRAINING: A
Q&A with Dawson Stephens
By Becky Hamilton Faculty Advisor
The Buzz had the opportunity to interview senior student, Dawson Stephens.
What is your favorite high school memory?
Hanging with my friends.
What are your plans after your graduate?
I’m currently enlisted in the Army National Guard and will be leaving for his second half of training after Christmas break. In the fall, I will attend University of Kentucky seeking a major in Forestry and a minor in wildlife biology.
Has being a jacket influenced your post high school decisions?
Sure.
I have had a lot of great teach-
Jacket Pride lives strong in our middle school students and teachers. Students and teachers alike dawn Jacket apparel for games and competitions and support their peers and students by attending those sporting events. Our middle school is truly a Jacket Pride Family!
Mr. Young: What is your favorite aspect of being a Middle School teacher?
My favorite aspect of being a Middle School teacher is the relationships I form with the students. I love to see my students grow and prosper as the school year progresses. Middle school is a time of great change and it always amazes me to see how much my students mature as people and members of our community.
What does it mean to you to be a Jacket?
I’m proud of being a Jacket. I truly feel blessed to be a member of such a great team and learning community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the Jacket family and I strive to contribute in a positive way every day.
How has Jacket Pride been displayed in Williamsburg Middle School?
I see Jacket pride displayed in the way our teachers AND students are always willing to help each other. My teammates in the Middle School welcomed me into the fold and helped me in many ways when I needed guidance. I see the same generous support in our students as well.
Being a teacher is a demanding job, recognition and respect to our school’s teachers are important
ers to help guide me through my decision making, and not just in teaching me content, but just in talking to me about my life and my options.
Do you have any advice for upcoming seniors?
Even though it sounds a little cliché, enjoy every minute of it. Freshman year you can’t help but think that you want to get out of [school], but by senior year it really hits you that this is the end.
You look back on the good and the bad and you really don’t know that it’s gone until it is.
What does being a Jacket
Being proud of our school and honoring our traditions inside and outside of the school. Be proud of where you come from.
The staff at The Buzz would like to wish Dawson Stephens and Ethan Reed the best of luck as they pursue careers in the Armed Forces. Senior Ethan Reed has enlisted with the United States Coast Guard. You both make our Jacket Family so proud!
Elementary Student Talks about experience at new school
By Rylee Spray Writer
To shine a light on the elementary section of our school, we have an interview with fourthgrade student Izzy Spray. Spray is new to the district this year, positively diving head first into what the school has to offer her when it comes to her academic pursuits.
She was pulled aside and asked a few questions to give us some insight into herself and her transition into Williamsburg.
What are your favorite things about Williamsburg?
I like that all of the grades are together in one school. I get to be in the same school as my siblings, and see my little brother in the day.
PHONE: (606) 549-6044 FAX: 606) 549-6015
What clubs and activities have you participated in while here?
Not many, but I am doing cheer. I did football cheer and now I’m doing basketball. Oh! I also got Super Student.
What do you think you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be an archaeologist. I like digging up stuff in the back-
yard and I think it’s just cool.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
Science! I need it so I can do archaeology, and I just like it a lot.
Who is your role model?
Probably Mom. She’s always supporting our activities and us, and she loves us a lot., So, uh— yeah, mom.
A C thlete ’ s orner
By Marissa Meadors Sports Writer
You’ve seen them on the field or court, now get to know them a little better off of it. Athlete’s Corner offers a brief look at a particular team and player, by highlighting their recent achievements and looking at their future goals.
The Lady Jackets are kicking it off for the 50th year of girls’ basketball at Williamsburg Independent School. The Buzz wanted to shout out our two lady jacket seniors, Hannah Creekmore and Lorelei Coleman.
When asked, Coleman said her favorite memory was: “When one of my teammates slipped on a wet floor.”
Creekmore said her favorite memory was: “The running joke of telling Douglas no every chance I get and spending time with my teammates.”
Hannah has played basketball for seven years, and Lorelei has played basketball for six years.
Creekmore describes her basketball experience as fun, energizing, and always ready to improve. Lorelei would also describe her experience as good. She also said her goals are to win more games, reach the team’s goals as a whole, and play better defense.
Coleman’s goal is to have a winning season and for everyone to stay healthy. She added that, as a team, the Lady Jackets are working on boxing out more, and Creekmore said that the Lady Jackets are working on staying more focused, rebounding, and playing better offense.
The pair are great role models for the team and the community. Everyone can’t wait to see what they become. On the Williamsburg girls basketball team.
Sports can help you with things outside of school and other athletic activities. Hannah said that basketball has helped her become a better leader and has helped her be more positive. Coleman said basketball has made her a more disciplined person and a better person because it’s taught her many lessons over the years.
By Becky Hamilton Faculty Advisor
books that they might not have at home. Feel free to visit, borrow, and donate to the Little Free Library.
This year, you should support these young ladies and their team for the 50th year of Girls’ Basketball at Williamsburg Independent School. The team has been preparing for this season since this summer. Thank you, Lorelei and Hannah, for greatly influencing the school and our community. Support our Lady Jacket basketball team.
Our Nation is facing a growing literacy crisis, not just in our small community but across our country. Today in the United States, nearly 70 percent of 4th grade children are not reading on grade level.
Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. 61 percent of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home.
We hope that our Little Free Jacket Library will give students access to
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all. This is done through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.
These boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books and encouraging a love of reading in areas where books are scarce. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
LittLe Jacket Square
Photo provided
Various Williamsburg Independent School administrators, staff and students were present for a special ribbon cutting of the school’s new Little Free Library on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
By Addison Moore Writer
As Jackets of all ages leave for winter break, The Buzz finds it important to narrow our focus not only to the presents that could be provided to us, but the humbling blessings we are able to look back on. This year let us promote the joy that is found in the season and realize the remarkable ability we have to enjoy life. From a student standpoint, a variety of young adults in this generation seem to overlook the true meaning of celebrating the holiday. This holiday is so much more than ordinary. It is the day of which we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And
no matter what view or standpoint, background or ideas, an individual might have, this day should be seen as not only a day, but a lifestyle of happiness and rejoicing. In acceptance of this day, we hope that all walks of life are able to come together and celebrate the significance of Christmas and the Savior’s birth. Through this we note Isaiah 9:6, which explains, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
When reading this we hope the public experiences a positive change
in joy. A change of which, no matter what home or sidewalk you go to once winter break begins, you will be able to carry the joy and true definition of Christmas with you always. To add, we desire this Christmas to be a day of happy giving. In comparison to past Christmases it seems individuals only give to receive. Therefore, as a Jacket family we encourage all ages to give in hopes of putting a smile on others’ faces.
The Buzz also wants to note our annual Angel Tree donation. This remarkable organization provides families with holiday assistance. Contributors can sponsor a child or
“Angel” and purchase new toys, clothing, shoes, or gift cards for them. When noting this, visualizing the Angel Tree Donation should provide our school in this season with the happiness and joy of giving. It should make donors realize the humility and thankfulness that is found in their life. For that reason, we desire that each person who attends Williamsburg Independent School looks past all of their personal needs and wants, but looks toward helping and loving others in the season. Therefore, no matter what path you may be walking down this season, let us all come together in a unity of happiness and rejoicing.
had a strong presence during
Feels Like Home Williamsburg Christmas Parade. A number of various clubs and organizations strolled down Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 14 during the City of Williamsburg’s largest parade to date.
Pictured from top to bottom, left to right: Williamsburg High School Band, Williamsburg Independent’s Jacket mascot, Williamsburg Independent Future Farmers of America, Williamsburg High School Choir, Williamsburg Independent Parent/Teacher Organization.
Photos by Timothy Wyatt Williamsburg Independent School
this year’s