William Byrd High School has named its Terriers of the Month for December.
Terrier students are B.J. Cheatwood, Ashley Begasse, Hunter Burgess, and Titus Beatty. Terrier
teachers are Katie Hetherington and John Richardson.
B.J. Cheatwood is a junior and member of the football team who was nominated for his strong
work ethic and excellent participation in class. The teacher who nominated B.J. said, “He is an
exceptional student who always participates in class and is willing to help others understand the
content…he is one of the most hardworking students I have ever seen…class would not be the
same without him in it.” His parents are Arnisa and Barry Cheatwood.
Ashley Begasse is a senior and member of the girls tennis team who was nominated for her
emotional maturity and positivity. The staff member who nominated Ashley said, “She is always
smiling and saying hello to students and staff in the hallway. Her positivity is infectious and
exactly what we love to see in our young adults.” Her parents are Marta Cybulski Harlow and
James Begasse.
Hunter Burgess is a senior and member of the boys soccer team who was nominated for
showing kindness and consideration towards others. The staff member who nominated Hunter
said, “He went out of his way at the Pep Rally to greet students who might have felt isolated and
made them feel part of the celebration.” His mother is Angela Burgess.
Titus Beatty is a sophomore and member of the football team who was nominated for being
respectful and for his strong work ethic. The teacher who nominated Titus said, “Titus is a
wonderful student athlete. He is responsible by working very hard to maintain good grades. He is
always respectful to his teachers and peers…he is a role model in our class!” His parents are
Letitia and Tim Beatty.
Katie Hetherington is one of the Terrier teachers for December. She teaches Psychology and
Sociology, Advanced World History I, and World History II. The students who nominated her
highlighted her kindness, positive energy, and willingness to help students. As one student said, “She is always willing to help when students need it. Her class is like a family.” Or as another
student said, “Mrs. Hetherington is always smiling and greeting her students as they walk in the
door. She cares about every one of her students.”
John Richardson teaches Woodshop I and II, and Design and Fabrication. The students who
nominated him highlighted how much he cares for his students, as well as his ability to make
class fun. As one student said, “He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had; I wish everyone
taught and cared for their students the way J. Rich does.” Or as another student simply said, “He
is a very fun teacher and very engaged with the students in class.”
William Byrd is partnering with ALCOVA Mortgage and Vinton Branch Manager Matt Crizer
this year to recognize students and staff who “are doing great things in and out of the classroom.”
All WBHS students and staff are urged to nominate individuals who they believe exhibit the
“Terrier Way” (being safe, respectful, and responsible and embodying the best of WBHS). Each
Terrier of the Month receives a T-shirt designed by the Graphic Design classes at the high
school, and sponsored by ALCOVA Mortgage.
Interesting fact about ALCOVA Mortgage—the company was founded in 2003 by three
childhood friends and graduates of Alleghany County High School—Bobby Nicely, Billy Siple,
and Rob Lindstrom. ALCOVA is an acronym for Alleghany County, Va. The three say that
unlike most companies, their business was started not with a business plan, but a friendship. It
has grown from a local lender to a company with offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic and
Southeastern states. Crizer is also an Alleghany High School graduate.
