William Byrd High School has recognized its Terriers of the Month for January 2024. Eight
students and four teachers were selected, nominated by students and staff. The school is
partnering with ALCOVA Mortgage and their Branch Manager Matt Crizer this year to
recognize students and staff who “are doing great things in and out of the classroom.”
faculty named as Terriers of the Month for January included (front row, left to right) Luke
Richardson, Carson Wood, teacher Cassie Powell, and Peyton Miller; back row, Matt Crizer
Branch Manager/Loan Officer of ALCOVA Mortgage in Vinton who sponsor the monthly
recognitions, art teacher Alicia Spangler, Navy National Defense Cadet Corps Chief David
Perrin, teacher Mark Mailhot, Bricen Lancaster, and Hayden Eads. (photo by Debbie Adams)
All WBHS students and staff are encouraged 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 from ALCOVA Mortgage, designed by the Graphic
Design classes at the high school.
Student Terriers of the Month for January 2024 are:
Hayden Eads is a junior and member of the boys varsity basketball team who was nominated for
being respectful and serving as a positive role model for others. The teacher who nominated
Hayden said, “He’s always a positive influence in class…he is also a student that genuinely
seems to want to get to know his teachers and always asks how my day is going?” His parents
are Rebecca and Brian Eads.
Carson Wood is a junior who was nominated for the kindness and consideration that she shows
to others. The teacher who nominated Carson said, “She is nice and sweet to everyone in class
and she’s always willing to help.” Her parents are mother Stephanie Sharpley, and father and
stepmother Allen and Alisha Wood.
Mario Arias is a junior who was nominated for his intellect and thoughtfulness. The teacher
who nominated him said, “Mario is a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful student that always thinks
before he speaks… in addition, he is helpful to his classmates and makes others feel included.” His parents are mother and stepfather Jessica Rossello and Darell Rossello, and father Mario
Arias.
Month for January Mario Arias (photos courtesy of WBHS)
Luke Richardson is a freshman and member of the WBHS football team who was nominated
for serving as a role model for others. The teacher who nominated him said, “Luke is a great role
model for other students in his class…he is always eager to learn and complete his
assignments…he always has a smile on his face that lights up any room he enters.” His parents
are Jennifer and Kevin Richardson.
Bricen Lancaster is a senior and member of the varsity football, wrestling, and boys soccer
teams. The staff member who nominated him said, “Bricen has an outgoing and positive
personality. He works hard in the classroom and on the field and wrestling mat. He is always
polite, respectful, and considerate of others. Bricen embodies all the characteristics of the Terrier
Way and is a great role model for his peers.” His parents are Lori and Chad Lancaster.
Peyton Miller is a junior and member of Terrier TV who was nominated for his academic
achievement and willingness to help others. The teacher who nominated Peyton said, “He is
always looking for ways to help around the classroom…he arrives to class prepared to work and
he often accomplishes more than what is asked of him.” His parents are Matt and Angie Miller.
Zach Claybrook is a senior who was nominated for his willingness to help students and staff,
meaningful participation in classroom discussions, and for being respectful towards others. The
teacher who nominated Zach said, “He participates in classroom discussions and helps lead the
conversations…he works diligently and is respectful of everyone with whom he speaks.” His
parents are Elizabeth and Scott Claybrook.
Jaxon Fowler is a freshman who was nominated for his kindness and positivity, and for his
contributions to classroom discussions. The teacher who nominated Jaxon said, “I’ve never seen
this student walk into the room without a greeting and something kind to say…he’s always quick
to contribute to class discussions and encourages others.” His parents are Sarah Hackett and
Christopher Fowler.
Teachers named as Terriers of the Month for January are:
Alicia Spangler teaches Art I & II, and Graphic Design I & II. The students who nominated her
highlighted her kindness, support, and ability to make class fun. As one student said, “I
nominated Ms. Spangler mainly because her class is fun, and she makes learning fun…she also
helps me out when I feel bad.” Or as another student said, “She is the best…she helped me
through so many tough times and made me feel the best when I needed it.”
Mark Mailhot teaches Physics, AP Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology. The students who
nominated him highlighted his ability to push students to be the best version of themselves. As
one student said, “He genuinely pushes me and keeps me motivated to do great things…his
lessons keep me engaged and teach me the content as well…his class feels like it is preparing me
for my future in college.”
Cassandra Powell is a Special Education teacher who co-teaches Earth Science. The students
who nominated her highlighted her helpfulness and understanding in the classroom. As one
student said, “She is very helpful when you don’t understand something or can’t figure out what
the question is telling you to do.”
David Perrin teaches all levels of JROTC. The students who nominated him highlighted his
commitment and encouragement towards his students. As one student said, “He shows an
exuberant amount of commitment to teaching his cadets…he goes beyond and over the
expectations of teaching to ensure that his students are in the right mindset.” Or as another
student simply said, “He is an amazing teacher and makes every class fun.”
Submitted by WBHS Asst. Principal Phillip Martin
