Portsmouth board honors state champion athletes; students present school highlights

The Portsmouth City School Board spent a portion of its March 26 meeting recognizing student achievements and hearing from student representatives.

Hajes Manor students Taylor Whitt, Journey Idachong and Kai Cuther read the Pledge of Allegiance and described school programs including PBIS, student government, clubs and community partnerships. Journey Idachong said Hajes Manor is "a warm and welcoming environment" where staff work to "help students grow academically, build leadership skills, and gain confidence." (Journey Idachong, student comment read at the meeting.)

The board recognized two state championship teams: Churchland High School’s boys indoor track team (VHSL Class 4 state champions) and Manor High School’s girls basketball team (VHSL Class 4 state champions). The board presented certificates and plaques to athletes and coaches and called teams and staff forward for photographs.

Chair remarks highlighted individual honors: Manor freshman guard Josiah Bab was named VHSL Class 4 state player of the year and Coach Roger Smith was recognized as VHSL Class 4 coach of the year. The transcript lists season statistics for Bab, noting she "averaged over 23 points and seven assists per game" and led the state final with 23 points in the championship game.

The student representative, Alexis Dory, also reported on the Thrive Together initiative and said the program now has 35 ambassadors districtwide and will produce student-created mental health videos for distribution across the division.