STATE CHAMPION // Darius Scott-Crayton // Video

The highlight from last weekend's state track meet was Darius Scott-Crayton becoming Woodward Academy's second ever State Champion, this year in the 110 Hurdles. As a returner and state qualifier from a year ago (long jump, shuttle hurdle, 110 hurdles), Darius was determined to make his senior track and field campaign one to remember. His primary focus was in his best event: the 110 hurdles.

Throughout the season, Darius battled with the defending state champion from CMB, Baxter High School. During the preliminary heat on Friday at the State Meet, Darius qualified for the finals with the second fastest time. On Saturday, he owned the competition and took home a State Championship in the event. He said he was the calmest he had felt all year before a race. The Des Moines Register caught Darius right after the race and you can see the interview and the end of his race in the embedded below. Darius also race in the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay for the Knights.

Graduation 2014 // Video

The Woodward Academy commencement ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 21 and celebrated the end of a journey for the Class of 2014. This academic school year saw 47 students either earn their high school diploma or GED certificate while attending WA.

The student body erupted once the graduates entered the gymnasium, setting the stage for the rest of the ceremony that consisted of two seniors being awarded financial help from the Lifetime Commitment Fund, two senior speeches, and the keynote address from Iowa Senator Steve Sodders of the 36th District. Read more after the jump and watch a video of the senior speeches.

Knights Scholarship Golf Tournament

The 5th Annual Knights Scholarship Golf Tournament is being held on June 20, 2014 at the Beaver Creek Golf Course in Grimes, Iowa. Fees for the tournament are $100 for a single or $400 per foursome, which includes the green fees and cart for 18 holes, dinner, 20 raffle tickets, entered into all of the pin prizes, and 1 mulligan per 9 holes.

Proceeds for the event go toward the Knights Scholarship Fund that helps students transition to life away from Woodward Academy. Recently, money has helped alumni enroll in college, help furnish independent living needs, and even assist a former student compete at the USA Track & Field Indoor National Championships. Needless to say, the money raised is genuinely helping to change a students life who has already succeeded at Woodward Academy.

If you would like to register for the event or donate to the Knights Scholarship Fund, please contact Tami Santi (tami.santi@sequelyouthservices.com).

Juggling

Have you ever thought about juggling? Perhaps you should think about it in the near future. Here is a link to an article that outlines the Benefits of Juggling. Some of the reasons include that it's a great portable workout, makes you smarter, and increases your focus and concentration. But really, it's just kind of cool to be able to do the trick on command.

Recently, WA students spent a day in P.E. getting the basics of juggling and of course they loved it. A special thanks goes out to Bruce Kelley, President and CEO of EMC Insurance Companies who connected WA with Bunny Bruning, tennis pro at the Wakonda Country Club who donated over 200 tennis balls for the activity.

Trauma Training

On Wednesday, two SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) consultants visited Woodward Academy campus for the day to provide feedback regarding trauma-informed care practices and implementing strength-based services to students. Members from Clarinda Academy and Woodward Community-Based Services also attended the training. For those who scheduled it, little was known of what to expect from the consultants but at the end of the training, every member gained valuable information from this experience. Read more after the jump.

Track Poster 2014

Pictured is the official poster of the 2014 Woodward Academy track and field team. The Knights have been off to a ridiculously good year thus far. To date, the team has won 5 of their 9 meets they have competed in and recently qualified runners for the Drake Relays. It was the first time since 2007 that WA runners have competed. You can read more about how they did at Drake here.

The team is looking to continue their momentum as they move into the final stretch of the season that includes the WCAC conference meet, Districts, and finally the state meet. The Knights hope to take another district title on May 15 where they have won 2 of the last 3. The end of the season will take place at Drake Stadium, May 22-24, during the state meet.