Preston High School Sophomore Wins National Derby Title
Preston High School sophomore Jacob “Jake” Hostutler won the National Demolition Derby Championship on October 8, 2023. Hostutler comes from a family of derby enthusiasts. His father, Jared Hostutler, is a former derby champion, and his mother, Samantha Cramer, as well as her father, have all participated in demolition derbies.
Jake has been competing 3 or 4 years now, according to his mother Samantha, who said, “as a mom it is nerve-wracking to watch him run, but I am so proud of him.” She added that Jake’s been in the garage since “before he was born” and was always helping his dad. A few years ago, Jake took interest, and his passion took off from there.
This is the first time Jake’s won nationals, and his competition was steep with a class of approximately 50 competitors vying for the national title. Jake primarily races locally and this year that included Ohio and Pennsylvania. The national championship was held in Fayette County, PA, in Dunbar.
Jake said it just takes hard work and close attention to win. He said basically he “goes out there and just drives.” Jake said he was “a little happy” when he won, but he gave a big smile talking about his win. His trophy, he said, is four feet tall, and is now in the living room at his dad’s house. He hopes he can go back to the national competition again next year. In the meantime, Jake is working on getting his actual driver’s license and taking classes at PHS including CTE classes in structural analysis and damage repair. While Jake isn’t sure what his future holds yet, he said demolition derby racing has sparked an interest in mechanics and collision repair.
Do you have a story to share? Preston County Schools Communications is always looking for story ideas about our students, staff, and volunteers. If you have an idea to share please email Lryan@k12.wv.us or complete the online form at https://forms.office.com/r/4qJsjimigF.
(photo courtesy of Hard Core Derby Promotions’ Facebook page; Jake Hostutler wins National Championship Demolition Derby Race for Youth Full-Sized 2023)
Several stories were posted today to the prestoncountyschools.com website under News on the home page. Stories include: a DUI simulation at PHS; PCS Transportation Department Mechanics place 4th in state; PHS agricultural teacher Samantha Funk receives national honor; and more.
On Wednesday, PHS students experienced intoxicated driving using the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration's DUI Simulator, which mimics the effects of driving a vehicle at various levels of intoxication. (full story at prestoncountyschools.com > News)
Looking for the PCS Live Stream Link? On the website the link is in the top, right menu bar of the home page as well as in the Menu under District, right below BOE Meeting Dates. To locate the link in the PCS App go to Events and click on the calendar date for the event.
Good afternoon. Bus 46, Gary Matthews, Bruceton School and Preston High School, will run approximately 20 - 30 minutes late today, Tuesday, November 7th. Parents please plan accordingly to be at the bus stop on time. Thank you.
Good afternoon. Bus 123 Kyle Lee will be running approximately 30 minutes late on the first run today, Monday, November 6th. Again, bus 123 in the Bruceton area will be running 30 minutes late on the first run this afternoon. Thank you.
Preston County Schools is hiring! Upcoming Substitute Classes are scheduled for aides on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 8 am and for cooks on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 9 am. Apply online at prestoncountyschools.com or call Autumn Sheets at 304-329-0580 ext. 216 for details.
A big shout out to more local businesses who have joined us in support of our K - 8 testing incentive program: Launch Pad Trampoline Park, The Wow Factory, Stone Tower Morgantown, and AntiquiTea House.
Good morning. Bus 36 Phillip Moreland for West and Preston will not run today, Monday, November 6th. Again bus 36 Phillip Moreland will not run today. Thank you.
The Preston Squires Middle School Wrestling Team will have its first practice on November 6, 2023, at Preston High School right after school. All Preston County Middle School Students Grades 6-8 are welcome to participate. Transportation has been coordinated from all Preston County Middle Schools to Preston High for student athletes who wish to participate. The bus schedule will be posted on the Squires Wrestling Facebook Page or contact your school administrator. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Jennings at squireswrestling21@gmail.com or on our Facebook Page.
Bus Schedule: Aurora School: 56; TAEP: 77-16; Central Preston: 66-15; Bruceton Middle: 37-22; South Preston: 5-19; Rowlesburg: 72-16; and West Preston: 69-18.
Come to the feast at the castle! A Madrigal Dinner. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and plenty of entertainment. Friday 12/8/23. Begins at 7 pm in the PHS Cafeteria. Admission at the door, cost is $15, children under the age of 5 are free.
In honor of National Children's Book Week, the Preston County Reading Council is encouraging Preston County Schools and students to participate in the following activities next week: Monday 11/6: Sock It to Reading – Wear Crazy Socks; Tuesday 11/7: Hats off to Reading - Wear Hats; Wednesday 11/8: In Kahoots with Reading (Do a Kahoot about a favorite book); Thursday 11/9: Dress as your favorite Book Character.
Good afternoon. Tomorrow, Friday, November 3rd, Bus 123, Kyle Lee, Preston High School, will not run. Again, Bus 123, Preston High will not run Friday, November 3rd. Thank you.
Good afternoon. Tomorrow, Friday, November 3rd, Bus 46, Gary Matthews, Bruceton School and Preston High School, will not run. Again, Bus 46, Bruceton School and Preston High will not run Friday, November 3rd. Thank you.
Governor Justice announces no-cost 1-to-1 tutoring, test prep, & job search assistance. The service is provided through TutorWV.com (powered by tutor.com). Library patrons across WV can access unlimited homework help, drop off review services, test prep, and other resources.
Preston County Schools recognizes the importance of proper nutrition for our students. As part of our work to continue meeting that goal, we wanted to share that late last week, our milk vendor, Galliker’s Dairy, informed us of a severe shortage of milk cartons due to an unexpected supply chain shortage. They anticipate being able to fill 60% of our typical volume.
We are exploring other vendor options. In the event milk is not available during meal service we plan to offer juice and bottled water.
Galliker’s Dairy could not say how long the shortage will impact their supply, but we will share any changes and updates as they occur. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to feed our students nutritious and delicious meals every day they are in school.
Hello Preston County Families!
We have already made it through quarter 1! Your students (all grade levels) should receive their first report cards this week.
Students in grades K-4 are also receiving information about a survey for families. Your opinions are valuable to us! Please take a few minutes to provide feedback about K-4 report cards. Guardians of K-4 students can complete the form on paper or click the link below to complete it digitally. The survey will be open until November 8. Thank you for your help!
To complete the digital form go to https://forms.office.com/r/KKbVb5fmLY
Check out the video we shared on Preston County School's Facebook page of Central Preston Middle School Band playing Michael Jackson's Thriller at PHS theater the night before Halloween 10/30/23.
Community Post on behalf of the Passion Volleyball Club: Tryouts for club volleyball will be held October 30th for 5th through 8th grade students from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Phil Gainer Center in Elkins, WV. On Monday, November 13th, from 6 pm - 8 pm the club will host tryouts for the 18 Elite Team (10th - 12th grade), as well as a make up tryouts for all middle school age athletes and 9th and 10th grade students who missed the October 30th date. The club hopes to offer three teams this season (5th - 7th grade; 8th - 10th grade; and 18 elite/10th - 12th grade). The season runs January through mid-May. Practices will be 2 - 3 times a week and each team will attend 4 - 6 tournaments. Tryout location is the Phil Gainer Center in Elkins, WV. Tryouts are free, prices for club play range from $500 - 700 with monthly payments available. Additional make up dates and information are also available by contacting 304-841-3535.
The PHS Cross Country team competed at the WV State Championships on Saturday, 10/28/23. The girls’ team earned 4th place overall. Junior Hallie Simmons earned 2nd Team All-State, finishing 14th overall, and junior Damion Rumer finished 19th, earning 2nd Team All-State status.
