SJ Schools: W. Deptford HS

West Deptford High School (WDHS), located on 1600 Old Crown Point Road in Westville, offers a comprehensive academic program to area teenagers encompassing Fine Arts, Technology, World Sciences, and a variety of other disciplines. Under the direction of principal Howard Cohen, the school serves more than 930 students in grades nine through 12. WDHS has programs for at-risk students, computer assisted skills programs for mathematically-challenged students, and a school-to-work program to help ease the transition after graduation for students entering straight into the workforce.

Technologically, the school has implemented a Video Tech program, providing their students the opportunity to use state-of-the-art-machines. The school also provides a distance-learning program to Clayton High School, offering Spanish III and IV. Students are also given the opportunity to attend the Gloucester County Institute of Technology as part of their school day for grades 10 through 12.

In addition to the academic program, students are offered several exciting co-curricular activities to develop their skills athletically and academically. The following are some of the activities WDHS students participate in to make the school and community a better place.

The Key Club is a leadership organization to develop youth into responsible citizens through various service projects. Jointly sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club, participating students plan and work several community service projects. President Jacqueline Waxman plans to hold several exciting events including a walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon, a singles night, and host a coffee house.

The WDHS Band continues to be the top of their league. The band previously performed for 1.15 million people in London at the Millennium Parade, and continues to perform at area venues to practice for their next trip. Through various fundraisers including a yard sale in May, the band hopes to fund future trips to bring more visibility to the talent of the band members.

The West Deptford Ecology Club promotes recycling within the high school, and ensures that the area is a clean and environmentally sound place for students to frequent. Under the direction of teacher Miss Beak, the club also teaches area elementary students the importance of ecology and recycling. The club hosts an annual spring clean-up with volunteers to clean the school grounds. Members also get the chance to travel to exciting places including Costa Rica to learn about ecology in other parts of the world.

WDHS students earn several academic and athletic achievements throughout the school year. Congratulations to the following students who’ve proven to be bright stars of the future:

The West Deptford softball team is off to a great start with games beginning in early April. The team recently recognized Allison Green as player of the week. Green plays second base and outfield on the varsity team, and leads in many offensive and defensive categories. Congratulations to Allison for being the player to beat.

WDHS students get to strut their stuff in writing by contributing to the largely circulated Courier Post newspaper. Students Jackie Waxman and Kate Dunn write for the St@tic section of the newspaper directed toward teens. Heather Zacharovich also writes for the Gloucester County Times teen section, Now! The articles focus on everything from op-eds to music reviews to articles about local attractions. Congratulations to these aspiring young journalists who are building their portfolio for a successful career.

WDHS student Ken Shiles may one day see his name in the paper as well, but rather in a review as a famous musician. Shiles enjoys playing ‘mellow rock’ music and listens to performers such as Howie Day and The Dave Matthews Band for influence. Shiles is also one of the representatives to promote Day’s new album. Shiles currently is recording a small album of original music and also performs at various coffeehouses, bars and restaurants in the area.

Girl’s Basketball star Sonie Quick recently achieved a milestone by scoring her 1000th point against Gateway. Quick is one of three graduating players that has achieved this goal in West Deptford history. Quick plans to attend Rowan University and play soccer and basketball in the fall.

Senior Mike Ferry enjoys displaying his creative artwork through his own personal web site. Ferry creates unique computerized graphics through programs such as Photoshop. He creates digital art in various different styles and text styles for his own site as well as the school newspaper. You can view some of Ferry’s outstanding work at www.mikehimself.com.

Congratulations to Christina Bland for winning the Miss Teen New Jersey pageant. After submitting a resume and application, Bland competed in talent, gown, and sportswear modeling categories before being crowned. Bland joined the competition more for its education and feminist value rather than its beauty role. Her duties as a winner include community service projects and being a role model to younger kids.

If you would like more information about West Deptford High School please call (856) 848-6110 or visit www.wdeptford.k12.nj.us.

For more information about what’s going on in our local schools, and what today’s students are up to, visit our SJ Schools page.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Melissa Samuelson