From classrooms to the kitchen, from hallways to the office, from the start of the day to closing bell—
our teachers and staff show up every day with heart, grit, and purpose.
You guide. You support. You inspire.
And you make our school stronger because of it.
This week (and always), we celebrate the force behind our school.
Thank you for everything you do—for our students, for each other, and for our community.
#MayThe4thBeWithYou #StaffAppreciationWeek #TeacherAppreciation #TheForceIsStrongHere #BlueDevilPride
Today, St. Marys High School seniors planning to attend West Virginia University at Parkersburg this fall had the opportunity to meet with WVUP Admissions and Financial Aid representatives right here at school!
Students received hands-on support with:
✔️ Registering for fall classes
✔️ Accessing their WVUP student accounts and email
✔️ Reviewing and completing FAFSA information
✔️ Getting personalized guidance to ensure a smooth transition to college
We are proud to recognize the following students and their chosen programs:
💙 Clover Moody – Nursing
💙 Mackinzie Bennett – Early Childhood Education
💙 Addison Davis – Dental Assistant
💙 Serenity Thompson – Business
💙 Taylor Brode – Radiology Technology
💙 Kylie Sprouse – Radiology Technology
💙 Blake Campbell – Production Technician
💙 Eli Cox – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Autumn Mossor – Agribusiness
💙 Jace Larsen – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Eli Wilson – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Andrew Wriston – Education
💙 Shane DeWeese – Paramedic Science
💙 Lilian Wiley – Criminal Justice
💙 John Miller – Computer Science
💙 Kaige Winland – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Dominic Cox – Production Technician
💙 Jason Cross – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Myles Pierce – Multi-Craft Technology
💙 Mia Christensen – Cosmetology
💙 Leah Sproat – Criminal Justice/Social Services
💙 Xxavier Cunningham – Instrumentation & Electricity (I&E)
💙 Alexandra Wilson – Elementary Education/Special Education
This one-on-one assistance helps our seniors feel confident, prepared, and ready to begin their college journey. We are so proud of the Class of 2026 as they take these important steps toward their future!
A big thank you to the WVUP team for investing in our students and helping make this transition seamless and successful. 💙💛
#SMHS #ClassOf2026 #WVUP #CollegeReady #FutureFocused
Graduation Practice will be held, weather permitting on SMHS football field. Students need to report there on the following days.
May 18th: Senior awards ceremony, must attend the whole day 8am to 3:30pm
May 19th: 10am walking practice, report to the football field unless directed otherwise due to weather, please dress for the weather and bring water. This is mandatory to attend if student want to participate in graduation.
May 20th: Senior walk through, students need to report to SMHS commons with cap and gown by 8:30am. Following final walk-through walking practice will be held.
May 21st: 10am walking practice, report to the football field unless directed otherwise due to weather, please dress for the weather and bring water. This is mandatory to attend if student want to participate in graduation. Senior picnic to follow at the St. Marys Marina.
May 23rd: Alumni parade, The Class of 2026 is able to participate but must organize this on their own. Valedictorians, Salutatorian, Homecoming Queen, Mr. Sexy Legs, Mr. SM, Miss Bettie Davis Eyes and Prom Queen and King are permitted to ride but must arrange their own car for the parade. Will need to report to St. Marys Marina at 10am.
Commencement Ceremony (Graduation) May 24th 7pm Bill Hanlin Stadium.
Location: Bill Hanlin Stadium 2330 N Pleasants -- St. Marys, West Virginia 26170
-Students need to arrive in cap and gown with professional dress by 6:00pm to SMHS auditorium.
Families please be seated in the stadium not later than 6:45pm. The gates will open at 5:30pm for families to enter. A seating chart will be provided prior to the event so families are aware of where their student will be seated on the field.
There are no tickets for the event regardless of if it is held inside or outside so number of guests are not limited.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your family.
-For students to be able to participate in graduation they must meet the following:
--All required graduations academic requirements
--Completed senior interview prior to May 18th.
-Attend all required events: Awards Day Ceremony: May 18th: Attend 1 indoor practice the week of May 11th during advisory, Walking Practices and other events: May 19th, 20th and 21st.
2. Eligibility
A candidate must meet each of the following conditions:
o Be a senior, in good standing at St. Marys High School
o Plan to attend any accredited 2- or 4-year university, college, community college, vocational/technical institute, military, or other advanced apprenticeship beginning the fall of the student’s graduating year.
3. Scholarship Awards
Two scholarships for a minimum of $500 each will be awarded to the selected graduate seniors. Scholarship monies can be applied toward tuition, fees or costs associated with advanced education. To receive the award proof of enrollment or paid receipt for expenses must be presented to the Booster Club.
Additional scholarships may be granted by the organization based on available funding.
4. Application Requirements
o Must be a St. Marys High School student athlete, trainer or support staff.
o Must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, verified by transcript or signed letter from school counselor.
o Submit a completed application *SUBMITTED ON TIME*
o Must graduate from St. Marys High School.
o Essay 200-500 words on the topic of “What Athletics Has Meant to Me” or “Describe an Event That has Impacted Your Future Goals”.
o Two letters of recommendation, only one can be from a coach or teacher, the second should be from a community member not related to the student that can speak to their character.
Dear Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2026,
As we enter the final stretch of your child’s senior year, we want to take a moment to share several important upcoming dates and events. This is an exciting and meaningful time for our seniors, and we appreciate your support in helping them finish strong.
Please review the important dates below and mark your calendars:
________________________________________
📅 Upcoming Senior Events
• May 4th-May 8th: Senior Interviews, this is not formal but required for seniors to complete. A date and time will be provided to students. If your student misses their scheduled interview they will need to reschedule with Mrs. Rinard.
• May 5th: College Decision Day: Parents and families are welcome to attend to celebrate with your students. This will be held at 9am in the SMHS Auditorium. College representatives may be in attendance, so we encourage students to wear college related t-shirts or colors on this day.
• Work Force Signing: May 7th 9am in SMHS Auditorium. Families and community are welcome to attend.
• May 7th: Academic Honors Ceremony 6pm in SMHS Auditorium. Seniors will receive cords and sashes as well as National Honors Society will recognize their champions in their life.
• Senior Exams – May 11th-14th
Seniors must meet all academic requirements to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Seniors need to attend advisory during this week, as inside walking practice will be conducted.
----Half day students please see Mrs. Rinard to schedule days you are able to attend.
Senior Trip – May 15th Students who do not attend, will have to report to school that day.
• Awards Day Ceremony – May 18th. Students need to arrive in their cap and gowns with professional dress, students will report to school as normal and following dismissal from homeroom will report to the gymnasium. The ceremony will be held in SMHS auditorium and will begin at 9am. Students are required to attend and must attend all day 8:00 to 3:30pm. Students will be permitted to leave for lunch with families but must be signed out by parents and or guardian, who is authorized to signed them out. This ceremony will be honoring scholarships, academic achievements, and senior recognition, as well as senior slide show, MOVTI awards and senior special gift from Mrs. Rinard.
• Graduation Practice will be held weather permitting on SMHS football field. Students need to report there on the following days.
• May 19th: 10am
• May 20th: Senior walk through, students need to report to SMHS commons with cap and gown by 8:30am. Following final walk-through walking practice will be held.
• May 23rd: Alumni parade, The Class of 2026 is able to participate but must organize this on their own. Valedictorians, Salutatorian, Homecoming Queen, Mr. Sexy Legs, Mr. SM, Miss Bettie Davis Eyes and Prom Queen and King are permitted to ride but must arrange their own car for the parade. Will need to report to St. Marys Marina at 10am.
• Commencement Ceremony (Graduation) – May 24th 7pm Bill Hanlin Stadium.
Location: Bill Hanlin Stadium
• 2330 N Pleasants -- St. Marys, West Virginia 26170
• Students need to arrive in cap and gown with professional dress by 6:00pm to SMHS auditorium.
• For students to be able to participate in graduation they must meet the following:
• -All required graduations academic requirements
• -Completed senior interview
• -Attend all required events: Awards Day Ceremony, Walking Practices
• Families please be seated in the stadium not later than 6:45pm. The gates will open at 5:30pm for families to enter. A seating chart will be provided prior to the event so families are aware of where their student will be seated on the field.
• There are no tickets for the event regardless of if it is held inside or outside so number of guests are not limited.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your family.
________________________________________
📌 Important Reminders
• All fees, fines, and obligations must be cleared prior to graduation.
• Seniors must meet attendance and academic requirements to participate in end-of-year activities.
• Appropriate dress and behavior are expected at all school-sponsored events.
________________________________________
🎓 Final Note to Students
This is one of the most important days of your life—how you present yourself matters. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident, proud, and ready to celebrate your accomplishments.
This is a time filled with excitement, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished. Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout their high school journey.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school or email me at lrinard@k12.wv.us
Sincerely,
Loura Rinard
School Counselor
St. Marys High School
We look forward to kicking of a great night with the help of our school community!
SMHS Baseball will host Frontier, OH tonight. That game time will also now be a 6 p.m. start. It was listed as a 5 p.m. start on earlier schedules, but it is a 6 p.m. start tonight. Good luck to both teams!
