🦃 Friendsgiving in Kindergarten! 🍂
Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Brittney’s Kindergarten classes came together today to celebrate Friendsgiving! We learned about the first harvest celebration shared long ago by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, and we enjoyed a fun Thanksgiving story trail mix as our feast! 💛
We are so thankful for friendship, kindness, and our wonderful Kindergarten family! 🌻
A huge thank you to New Heights and our community for their donations! FCCLA was able to send home another 221 snack packs!
Mrs. Stacy's First Grade celebrated an early Thanksgiving with some Oreo/ Candy Corn Turkeys!
November 17th through the 28th. School will be closed for Deer Season and Thanksgiving.
We hope you all have a safe hunting break and a Happy Thanksgiving. We will see you on December 1st.
We hope you all have a safe hunting break and a Happy Thanksgiving. We will see you on December 1st.
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Breiann Autumn Mays 🎓
Breiann Autumn Mays, known to her friends and family as “Bre,” is the daughter of Leland and Marlene Mays and sister to Brian, Shannon, Branden, Megan, and Brysen. Bre is known for her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. In her free time, you’ll often find her riding four-wheelers, fishing, hunting, or spending time with her boyfriend, Kasen.
When asked about her favorite high school memory, Bre recalled her freshman year Agriculture class with a smile. One thing she knows she’ll miss most about high school is getting to hang out with her friends every day.
Reflecting on the lessons she's learned during her time at Winona, Bre shared one that stands out: “Stop worrying about what others think and live by your own values.” She couldn’t choose just one favorite teacher — instead, she said each of her high school teachers holds a special place in her heart. “You all mean the world to me. Love you all!” she added warmly.
Bre's message to underclassmen is simple but powerful: “Work hard and always chase after the things you want most. Enjoy your time in school while you can — it goes by fast.”
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Bre said she wants to be known as “the girl who was always true to herself and not afraid to speak her mind.”
Bre’s goal for her senior year is to earn straight A’s. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career working with special needs children or as a NICU nurse — both careers that reflect her compassionate nature. She credits her sister Megan as her biggest inspiration: “Megan has always pushed me to do my very best, never quit, stay strong, and always be myself. I love her very much and want to thank her for always being there for me.”
There are a few fun facts about Bre that make her even more memorable. Her favorite school subject is Art, and when it comes to movies, she’s a fan of The Notebook. A plain cheeseburger is her favorite meal, and if she had to choose just one food to eat every day, it would be either a plain cheeseburger or chicken. The last book she read was The Summer I Turned Pretty, and one place she dreams of traveling to one day is the Bahamas.
Breiann, your strength, honesty, and kind heart will take you far. We wish you the best of luck as you chase your dreams — and never stop being true to yourself.
Winona FCCLA Takes on the St. Louis Zoo!
Our FCCLA members had an amazing experience participating in the St. Louis Zoo Industry Immersion Program! Students got a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s daily operations, explored careers in animal care, conservation, and hospitality, and learned how leadership and teamwork play a role in every part of the zoo’s success.From up-close encounters with animals to talking with professionals in the field, this trip was an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning and career exploration! Way to go, FCCLA members, for representing Winona with enthusiasm and curiosity. Learning, leading, and making memories along the way!
BIG SPRINGS CONFERENCE MVP ALERT!!
Let’s hear it for TAYLOR WILLIAMS !! She is your Big Springs Conference MVP! Taylor absolutely dominated this season! She lead with heart, skill, and unstoppable energy every time she hit the court. From clutch plays to fierce leadership, she set the tone and showed everyone what Wildcat pride is all about! This award is EARNED, not given. Congrats, Taylor ! You’re a force to be reckoned with and we couldn’t be prouder!
Let’s hear it for TAYLOR WILLIAMS !! She is your Big Springs Conference MVP! Taylor absolutely dominated this season! She lead with heart, skill, and unstoppable energy every time she hit the court. From clutch plays to fierce leadership, she set the tone and showed everyone what Wildcat pride is all about! This award is EARNED, not given. Congrats, Taylor ! You’re a force to be reckoned with and we couldn’t be prouder!
Big Springs Conference Standouts!!
Huge shoutout to our incredible athletes Lexi Lindsay, Sophie Kile, Sadie Kile, and Lauren Martin for being named to the Big Springs Conference Team! These girls put in the work day after day, grinding in practice, leading by example, and leaving it all out on the court. Their dedication, hustle, and heart didn’t go unnoticed, and this honor proves it! Way to represent, ladies! We’re so proud of you and all the energy, talent, and Wildcat pride you bring every game! 💜🐾
Huge shoutout to our incredible athletes Lexi Lindsay, Sophie Kile, Sadie Kile, and Lauren Martin for being named to the Big Springs Conference Team! These girls put in the work day after day, grinding in practice, leading by example, and leaving it all out on the court. Their dedication, hustle, and heart didn’t go unnoticed, and this honor proves it! Way to represent, ladies! We’re so proud of you and all the energy, talent, and Wildcat pride you bring every game! 💜🐾
🏆 Congratulations to Coach Jordan Denning! 🏆
We’re thrilled to announce that Coach Jordan Denning has been named the Big Springs Conference Coach of the Year! This honor is a testament to his incredible leadership, dedication, and passion for the game. Coach Denning’s commitment to his players, both on and off the court, has built a culture of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance that shines through in every game. His ability to motivate, teach, and inspire continues to make a lasting impact on the entire program. Congratulations, Coach Denning, on this well-deserved recognition!
We’re thrilled to announce that Coach Jordan Denning has been named the Big Springs Conference Coach of the Year! This honor is a testament to his incredible leadership, dedication, and passion for the game. Coach Denning’s commitment to his players, both on and off the court, has built a culture of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance that shines through in every game. His ability to motivate, teach, and inspire continues to make a lasting impact on the entire program. Congratulations, Coach Denning, on this well-deserved recognition!
The Winona High School Basketball team hosted the first annual Mother-Son Bingo Bash, and it was a huge success! Tons of families came out for an evening full of laughter, prizes, and friendly competition. Moms and sons teamed up, cheered each other on, and made lasting memories! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Wildcats and helped make this event such a fun-filled night!
We extend our sincere appreciation to all who have served our country this Veterans Day. We would like to acknowledge the following staff members for their service: Mrs. Breanna Cardenas, Mr. Preston Martin, Mrs. Sue Smith, and Mr. Josh Thacker.
Honoring Our Veterans!
The Winona Student Council invites all local veterans to a special Veterans Day Breakfast! Join us as we celebrate and show our appreciation for your service. This event is open to all veterans in our community. Come enjoy breakfast and let us thank you for your dedication and sacrifice!
📅 Date: November 11
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Multi-Purpose Gym
The Winona Student Council invites all local veterans to a special Veterans Day Breakfast! Join us as we celebrate and show our appreciation for your service. This event is open to all veterans in our community. Come enjoy breakfast and let us thank you for your dedication and sacrifice!
📅 Date: November 11
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Multi-Purpose Gym
STATE RUNNER-UP! PROUD OF OUR LADY WILDCATS!
What a season. What a journey. What a TEAM. Our Winona Lady Wildcats finished as the Runner-Up in the State Tournament, and we couldn’t be prouder! From the first serve of the season to the final point under the brightest lights, these girls showed heart, grit, and pure Wildcat pride. They took us on an unforgettable ride , one filled with packed gyms, big plays, nail-biting moments, and a community cheering their hearts out every step of the way. This team played with passion, represented Winona with class, and inspired us all with their determination and teamwork. To this team, thank you for the memories, the excitement, and the pride you brought to our town. You gave us a season to remember, and we are celebrating every moment of it with you. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!
What a season. What a journey. What a TEAM. Our Winona Lady Wildcats finished as the Runner-Up in the State Tournament, and we couldn’t be prouder! From the first serve of the season to the final point under the brightest lights, these girls showed heart, grit, and pure Wildcat pride. They took us on an unforgettable ride , one filled with packed gyms, big plays, nail-biting moments, and a community cheering their hearts out every step of the way. This team played with passion, represented Winona with class, and inspired us all with their determination and teamwork. To this team, thank you for the memories, the excitement, and the pride you brought to our town. You gave us a season to remember, and we are celebrating every moment of it with you. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!
Huge shoutout to Harper Lay for absolutely crushing it at the Class 1 State Cross Country Meet! Harper finished 33rd overall and she did it with a new personal record! Not bad for her first year running high school XC… that’s right, she’s only a freshman! The future is looking fast for this rising star. Keep your eyes on Harper !
CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH PARTY ALERT!
Winona High School fans it’s time to show up and show out! Our Wildcats Volleyball Team is battling for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, and we’re bringing the action home with an EPIC WATCH PARTY!
📅 Date: November 8, 2025
🕞 Doors Open: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Winona High School
💥 Admission: FREE
All eyes are on Harper Lay as she hits the course today for the Varsity Girls Cross Country Competition! After putting in the miles, the sweat, and the heart all season long, Harper’s ready to leave it all out there and show what true grit looks like. She’s trained for this moment and now it’s time to fly past the finish line and make her mark! Let’s hear it for Harper and wish her luck as she represents with pride, power, and pure speed. Go get it, Harper!
WINONA INDUSTRIAL ARTS – BUILT ON HARD WORK & PRIDE!
The Winona Industrial Arts program is in full gear, and our students are putting in the work, day after day, as they prepare for the upcoming MoTeam State Competition later this school year! From welding and fabrication to problem-solving and precision craftsmanship, these Wildcats are sharpening real-world skills that take dedication, focus, and serious effort. Every late afternoon project, every measured cut, every design revision it all reflects a commitment to excellence and pride in their craft.This isn’t just practice ,it’s preparation for success. We are proud of the grit, teamwork, and determination these students bring to the shop each day. Keep grinding, Wildcats your hard work is building more than projects… it’s building your future!
Let’s go Winona!
The Winona Industrial Arts program is in full gear, and our students are putting in the work, day after day, as they prepare for the upcoming MoTeam State Competition later this school year! From welding and fabrication to problem-solving and precision craftsmanship, these Wildcats are sharpening real-world skills that take dedication, focus, and serious effort. Every late afternoon project, every measured cut, every design revision it all reflects a commitment to excellence and pride in their craft.This isn’t just practice ,it’s preparation for success. We are proud of the grit, teamwork, and determination these students bring to the shop each day. Keep grinding, Wildcats your hard work is building more than projects… it’s building your future!
Let’s go Winona!
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… WILDCAT NATION… IT. IS. TIME.
Your Winona Lady Wildcats are charging into the STATE SEMI-FINALS and they’re going head-to-head with North Christian in a showdown you do NOT want to miss! This is high-stakes, high-energy, heart-pounding volleyball, and our girls are READY. This is where champions rise. This is where legends are made. And this is where the Lady Wildcats show the whole state just what Winona volleyball is all about , GRIT, HEART, and NEVER BACKING DOWN!
📍 VENUE: Civic Arena
100 N. Fourth St.
St. Joseph, MO 64501
🎟️ ATTENTION FANS: Tickets MUST be purchased online
On the road to STATE GLORY…
✨ LET’S GO LADY WILDCATS! ✨
Your Winona Lady Wildcats are charging into the STATE SEMI-FINALS and they’re going head-to-head with North Christian in a showdown you do NOT want to miss! This is high-stakes, high-energy, heart-pounding volleyball, and our girls are READY. This is where champions rise. This is where legends are made. And this is where the Lady Wildcats show the whole state just what Winona volleyball is all about , GRIT, HEART, and NEVER BACKING DOWN!
📍 VENUE: Civic Arena
100 N. Fourth St.
St. Joseph, MO 64501
🎟️ ATTENTION FANS: Tickets MUST be purchased online
On the road to STATE GLORY…
✨ LET’S GO LADY WILDCATS! ✨
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Sarina Elizabeth Crider 🎓
Sarina Elizabeth Crider is the daughter of Jerry and Susie Gates and the proud sister of Jerry Jr. and Jessy. Throughout high school, Sarina has been an active member of the cheerleading team—a passion she’ll truly miss after graduation. Her favorite high school memories are the moments of laughter shared with her teammates during practices and at games.
Academically, Sarina’s favorite subject is math, and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Stacy, whom she describes as kind and caring to all. A valuable lesson Sarina has learned during high school is: “Just be yourself and smile.” She hopes to be remembered as a dedicated and spirited cheerleader. Her farewell message to underclassmen is: “Keep your head up, a smile on your face, and stay positive.”
After graduation, Sarina plans to get a good job, settle down, and eventually get married. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses, cheering, fishing, and hunting.
Some fun facts about Sarina: Her favorite color is pink, and she enjoys watching The Run for a Million. Her favorite movie is After, and when it comes to video games, she loves playing HayDay. Her go-to meal is chicken fried chicken with white gravy, corn, mashed potatoes with white gravy, Texas toast, and a Dr. Pepper. If she had to eat one meal every day for the rest of her life, it would be a grilled cheese sandwich with white gravy and—of course—a Dr. Pepper to drink.
The last book Sarina read was A Dog’s Purpose, and when it comes to role models, she says her mom has influenced her the most because she’s always been there for her and pushed her to keep going. At the top of Sarina’s travel bucket list is a trip to the Florida Keys.
We wish Sarina the very best as she rides into the next chapter of her life with confidence, spirit, and a bright smile! 💖🎉
Winona High School Beta and Missouri Highway Patrol. Collecting toys for St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
