The Volusia County Schools website offers “Did You Know” segments. The latest has to do with student attendance, stating that the district is required by law to report students ages 14-18 who accumulate 15 unexcused absences within 90 calendar days to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This could result in the suspension of the student’s driver’s license. To have their driver’s license reinstated, the student must show proof of 30 consecutive days of attendance using the state-prescribed form. This form can be found at https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/72870.pdf.
Blue Lake Elementary School
Blue Lake Elementary School in DeLand participated in the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade. The school collected 658 food items that helped make up 25 baskets.
The school also participated in the Great American Teach-In. The students got the opportunity to explore many different careers, including CPR, police, sportscaster, flight attendant, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University education, fine-arts specialist, Master Gardener program, Lyonia Animal Preserve, exotic pet rescue, traveling nurse, and a growth and research specialist.
Enterprise Elementary School
Enterprise Elementary School also participated in the Great American Teach-In. The students witnessed and learned from DeBary Mayor Karen Chasez, Easterseals, Heartwood Events, Sanford County Fire and Rescue, and Eagle Pest Services.
Southwestern Middle School
Southwestern Middle School in DeLand will host its fourth annual Winter Wonderland 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Families are invited to take a drive through the presentation to receive gifts of learning from all subject areas. Those participating are asked to enter the campus through the parent-pickup loop and remain in their vehicle during the visit. Members of the community are welcome.
DeLand High School
DeLand High School will host its annual BulldogPalooza 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. This is so upcoming students from middle school can tour the programs and the campus, discover electives, and meet sports teams and club members.
For more information, visit delandhs.org.
PHOTOS COURTESY COACH DAMION DUNN
MAKING IT LOOK EASY — The DeLand High girls weightlifting team won a tri-meet with Mainland and Father Lopez recently. Athletes could compete in two events, either the traditional style of weightlifting or the Olympic style. In all the photos, the girls are doing the clean-and-jerk lift in the traditional style, which is two quick motions; the first is a lift from the floor to the athlete’s shoulders, and then from the shoulders to over the head locking out the elbows. Each of the girls won both styles in their weight division. Addison Ruocco, in the 129-pound division, is in the starting position of the clean and jerk. Katherin Rodriguez, in the 101-pound division, is in the middle stage of the lift. Payton Mathis, in the 139-pound division, is at the top of the lift. Katie Hulsman competed in the Unlimited Division. Elena Cruz is in the 159-pound division. Sarah Lamay is in the 169-pound division.
Pine Ridge High School
Numerous students in the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona participated in many parts of the Volusia County Fair. Billy Faulk won Best in the Show in the Engineering and Technology Competition, while Jude Parrish won Best in Show, Best in Class and first place in 3D Printing. Josh McKenzie took a second, while Zoey Gomez and Jack Wohlfarth gained thirds.
Taylor Middle-High School
Amya Ramos, a senior at Taylor Middle-High School in Pierson, has officially signed to play softball at Florida A&M University.
Middle-school students in grades six through eight can participate in a media contest by reading library books and answering questions about the books. The choice of reading includes one SSYRA book from this year’s list, one state book (requires media approval), one fiction book of your choice, one nonfiction book of your choice, or one biography of your choice. Those who read one book get a Brag Tag for that selection. Those who read all five books will be entered in a drawing for a gift card (one card for each grade level). The deadline for entering is Friday, Dec. 20.
DeLand High School Athletics
The DeLand High School Bulldog sports calendar has the boys soccer team at Oviedo at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. The girls basketball team plays at Edgewater at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Lady Bulldog JV weightlifting team goes to Spruce Creek for the JV 5 Star Meet at 7 p.m., the wrestlers compete in the FHSAA District Duals at 1 p.m., and the boys basketball team competes at University at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, has the varsity girl weightlifters at the 5 Star Championships at Spruce Creek at 5 p.m. The girls soccer team will be at Crescent City at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. that same day, and the JV wrestlers will host a JV Quad Meet with Winter Springs, Deltona, Mount Dora and Ocoee at 6 p.m.
The DeLand girl soccer players compete at Oviedo at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.
The DeLand High School Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament will take place in the Bulldog gym Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 19-21.
High-school football
The 7A FHSAA semifinals will feature Lake Mary facing Dr. Phillips and Venice meeting Columbus. Lake Mary is the team that eliminated DeLand from the playoffs. Another opponent that defeated DeLand, Madison County, in the first game of the season, will be facing Hawthorne for the Rural Class Championship. Fort Meade, which eliminated Pierson Taylor in the Rural Invitational Division, met Dixie County for the championship.
Stetson University basketball
During the Thanksgiving break, the Stetson University Hatter women played two games, winning one and losing one, in the Daytona Beach Classic Tournament. The Lady Hats lost to Bowling Green, 79-43, with Quentarra Mitchell scoring 10 points. They then stopped Utah State, 84-76, with Cameron Thomas scoring 21 points with nine rebounds. Mary McMillan made 17 points. Tiasia McMillan added 12 points with seven rebounds and four blocks.
Promise Keshi scored 10 points with seven rebounds and three steals. Jorah Eppley made 10 points, and Cristina Gil Abad also scored 10 points.
An additional note: Ten years ago to the day, the Stetson women defeated Utah State, 84-64.
The Setson basketball calendar has the men hosting FIU at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and the women greet High Point at 1:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the men are at LSU at 2 p.m., followed by the women playing host to South Alabama at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.
