Lake Wales Highlanders - Lake Wales Daily News

Lady Highlanders Power Past Lake Region in 12–6 Win

Kip — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:24:00 +0000

By Kip Kirchberg:

As rockets streaked across the Central Florida sky during a Starlink satellite launch, the Lake Wales High School Lady Highlanders were launching a rally of their own, surging past Lake Region for a 12–6 home victory in varsity softball action Thursday night.

For the first couple of innings, the game had the feel of a classic nail-biter, with both teams trading scoreless or low-scoring frames and matching each other defensively.

Zamirya McBurroughs

The tension broke when Lake Wales’ #19 Birdie Cockrell stepped to the plate and delivered the night’s pivotal moment. A three-run home run that broke the deadlock and ignited the Highlanders’ dugout.

#19 Birdie Cockrell

Cockrell’s blast opened the floodgates for Lake Wales, providing both a scoreboard cushion and a jolt of momentum that swung the game firmly in the home team’s favor. Lake Region, however, refused to fold, clawing back with a rally of its own to bring the score back within reach and keep pressure on the Highlanders.

Facing that push, Lake Wales responded by shifting into another gear on both sides of the ball. The Lady Highlanders tightened up defensively, limited further damage, and continued to apply pressure at the plate, steadily adding runs until they had built an insurmountable lead. By the final inning, the early tension had given way to a confident closeout as Lake Wales finished off the 12–6 win.

Starting pitcher Zamirya McBurroughs set the tone in the circle for the Highlanders, giving her team a steady presence through the early, evenly matched frames and helping them hold firm long enough for the offense to erupt behind Cockrell’s game-changing swing.

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LWHS Running Back Running to Become Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year

Maria Iannucci — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:02:37 +0000

by James Coulter

Nashid Jenkins Jr. comes from a family of athletes. His grandfather played sports. His uncle played sports. And not only does he play sports, but he’s striving to accomplish what his family members before him could not: making it to the big leagues.

“My grandad almost made it to the league, but he got hurt,” Nashid said. “My uncle almost made it to the league, but he got hurt. So, I’m going to be the one in my family who will finally make it. I’m going to finish what my family started.”

Nashid plays as the running back on the junior varsity and varsity levels for the Highlanders football team at Lake Wales High School. He’s also aiming to become Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year.

Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a nationwide campaign that raises funds and awareness for the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation. According to their website, these non-profit organizations are “dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, empowering today’s youth to lead with a why not you attitude.”

“Through this competition, I have the opportunity to show not only my city but the world how passionate I am about making it to the next level in football,” Nashid said. “I’m passionate about the way football makes me feel, the drive and purpose it gives me. When I’m on and off the field, I walk with my head high. I know I’m making myself, my family, and my coaches proud. I lead by example.”

Nashid has been playing football on both the junior varsity and varsity levels. This season, he scored two touchdowns, including his first end field touchdown for varsity.

“It [making that touchdown] was like the best feeling ever,” he said. “It felt like I accomplished something. I just know that after I scored the one [touchdown], more is to come. I know it. It pushes me to keep going after what I want.”

His best game to date was the game his team played against Auburndale. Despite his team losing, he felt he and his teammates played their best that game.

He owes his success to the leadership of Head Coach Tavaris Johnson. He also attributes his athletic prowess to the preparation he does before a game. Before each game, he makes sure to stretch, eat well, and pray. He also watches and studies how his opponents play.

“I watch the opponent’s team. I watch my opponents. See how they line up. I see which hole will be open, how each player will react to me. I will see the defense and linebackers.”

His biggest inspiration, aside from the family members who played sports before him, is his mother. He strives to do his best both on and off the field to make her proud.

“My mom inspires me,” he said. “Every time I see her, it makes me push even harder, because I love her so much and it makes me want to do better each and every day.”

Likewise, his mother, Angie Marie, is proud of his accomplishments. She especially loves how he continues the athletic legacy of her family.

To see my son playing the sport and position my dad talked to me about my whole life is pretty amazing. To hear the people say that’s Shep’s grandson is awesome,” she said. “It’s an indescribable feeling to know that he is a humble young man who loves the Lord, and to be acknowledged for your hard work just tops it off.”

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Inductees Ushered into 2025 Highlander Hall of Fame During May Ceremony

Maria Iannucci — Tue, 13 May 2025 17:17:42 +0000

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, four talented and more-than-deserving individuals entered the LWHS Highlander Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at Webber International University. Over 100 attendees and sponsors of the program were present.

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

This year’s list of Hall of Famers includes April Caraway Barnhardt, class of 1994; Paul Buehner, former Athletic Director; Pat Cain, class of 1965; and Bill Marston, class of 1965. Barnhardt and Buehner were present at the event; Cain and Marston were awarded posthumously.

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

Shelli Jacobs, Highlander Hall of Fame Chair, says Lake Wales is a tremendous place to create history through sports.

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

“There are things so special about growing up in a small town that you just can’t put words to,” says Jacobs. “I will forever be proud of the place I call home. It is where I was raised and where I chose to raise my children. I am so proud to say I graduated from LWHS and truly believe there is nothing like the Highlander Heritage.”

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

April Caraway Barnhardt graduated from LWHS is 1994. She was active in the Lake Wales Little League program. While attending high school, she played varsity volleyball for three years and varsity softball for four years. She was named All-District and All-State in softball during each of her for four years. She was also named All-County and All-Area in volleyball. During her senior year, April was selected as the Lake Wales High School Femaile Athlete of the Year after receiving a softball scholarship to play, at what was then called, Polk Community College. She continued playing the game throughout her years in higher education. As a graduate of the University of Mississippi, she returned to Lake Wales to begin her teaching career at Lake Wales High School, where she has coached the girls volleyball and softball teams over several years. Barnhardt has continued her support of student education in athletics by working for the LWCS for 25 years and coaching multiple youth sports programs.

Paul Buehner has been involved at Lake Wales High School since 1985, when his oldest child was a freshman. He was named the Athletic Director in 1987. He inherited a program that was more than $20,000 in the red, and was told that his job was “to get Lake Wales in the black” in just a few years. By motivating and supporting the coaches, LWHS was able to turn that around. Every sport became involved in fundraising. He sold Highlander sweat attire and Highlander Barbecue Sauce, known as Highlander Hooch, just to name a few of his initiatives. Buehner credits the Highlander Booster Club for playing a big role in helping athletics to cut expenses. He would serve the next 26 years at Lake Wales, serving several different areas, including AD for 16 years, teaching physical education classes, and also serving as the Migrant Director. He taught in several capacities at the high school during his term. Under his leadership, Lake Wales won several district championships, along with County, regional, and state titles. He spent 43 years in the field of education before his retirement.

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

Pat Cain, who passed away in May 2024, was third generation Lake Wales resident. He was class vice president all four years of his high school career, and also played offensive and defensive line for the Highlanders football team. His senior year, his team won the SW Florida Conference under Coach Wes Abbrams. He attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship and later graduated with a major in finance from the University of Florida. He worked in the Financial industry for over 29 years. He has served Lake Wales as mayor and city commissioner, as well as had a heavy involvement in many community organizations by serving on the boards of Lake Wales Citrus Growers Association, Lake Wales Care Center, Lake Wales Charter Schools, Victory Ridge Academy, and the Lake Wales Arts Center. Cain was past president of the Lake Wales YMCA and the Lake Wales High School Booster Club.

William “Bill” Marston, who passed away in 2017, was a proud graduate of Lake Wales High School, class of 1965, and made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic legacy. He was the varsity football quarterback and punter for the Highlander’s. He also showcased his athletic prowess as a member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams. Following his graduation, Bill attended Morehead State University where he continued his football career. In 1966 he led the Morehead Eagles to an Ohio Valley Conference football championship. He holds the remarkable distinction of being the all-time leader for both Morehead State University and the OVC in two-point conversions in a career with a record of eight (4 rushing and 4 passing). He also ranked 19th in all-time passing yards per game at MSU in 1969 with an impressive average of 175.4 yards, just shy of the legendary Phil Simms, who average 204.1 yards in 13th place. Fueled by his passion for the game, Bill transitioned into coaching shortly after completing college. He was head football coach for the Santa Fe Catholic Crimson Hawks, where he led them to an impressive 8-1 record in 1972. He also served as coach at Kathleen High School and later as assistant coach at Lake Wales High School in the late 1980s.

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

Jacobs says that starting the Highlander Hall of Fame in 2019 has personally brought her so much happiness.

“Being able to start the tradition six years ago of the Highlander Hall of Fame has brought so much joy to my life,” she says. “Giving back to a place that gave me so much as a high school student just feels right.”

Photo credit: Maria Iannucci

In establishing the Highlander Hall of Fame:

Our Purpose is to Celebrate the Highlander Athletic Program, Honor the Past Success of Highlander Athletics, Inform Students & the Community about the Highlander Athletic Program’s history, Promote School Spirit & Unity, and Reconnect Alumni with the Highlander Booster Club and Athletic Program.

Go Highlanders!

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Additional Details on Friday’s Ribbon Cutting of Albert Kirkland Gymnasium by Walter Clayton Jr.

Maria Iannucci — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:16:47 +0000

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

CITY OF LAKE WALES – Famed University of Florida basketball player, Walter Clayton Jr. is scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Albert Kirkland Gymnasium in Lake Wales on Friday, April 18 at 5:15 p.m.

A small motorcade will begin at the corner of Kissimmee Avenue and 4th Street at 5:00 p.m. and travel to the gymnasium. Citizens are encouraged to line the streets and follow the motorcade.

“It is exciting to see a hometown hero return to the gym he played in for years,” Stephanie Lutton, director of parks and recreation said.

More than 13,000 square feet of surface area in the gymnasium was restored to be more durable. It accommodates various types of athletic sports, such as basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

“Many generations of our citizens have frequented the facility, since it was built in the 1930s,” Lutton added. “We want it to be known as a safe space for the youth to play sports and engage with one another.”

Following the motorcade, citizens and the media are invited inside the gymnasium to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:20 p.m. A brief press conference will be held for questions by the media.

Due to time constraints, Clayton Jr. will depart the event following the press conference. Autographs will not be permitted.

Following the ceremony, staff in the parks and recreation department invite citizens to stay at the gymnasium and continue the celebration. Music and outdoor activities will be on site.

Press release provided by the City of Lake Wales.

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“Bullseye! Bok Academy-South Wins Big at Florida State NASP Archery Tournament — First-Ever State Title Secured”

Kip — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:34:07 +0000

#image_title

On Saturday April 12, 2025 NASP (National Archery In the School Program) and FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife) hosted the 2025 NASP Florida State Archery Tournament at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville, FL. This tournament consisted of K-12 Public Private, and Home-Schooled Schools across Florida. There were over 700 archers from 4th through 12th grade from 35 different schools.

Background on NASP

What is NASP®

NASP® is an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability.

It’s a different kind of team sport. It’s open to any student. Its biggest supporters are professional educators. Teams come together around one thing: Archery.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4th – 12th. And through it, students are learning focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.

School’s Journey

Last year Edward W. Bok Academy- South from Lake Wales, FL finished in seventh place. In previous years we have bounced around 4th and 5th place.

This year Edward W. Bok Academy- South came to win and that is what they did! The team finished in 1st place for the first time in team history. This finally brings the trophy back home to Central Florida since 2018.

The Coaches and Parents are all very proud of the archers for the hard work and dedication they put in to make this happen. We look forward to competing in the National Championships in Louisville, KY in May.

Side Note:

Bok Academy also place 3rd Place in 2025 Florida State IBO 3D (Animal Targets) Tournament

Edward W. Bok Academy- South Website: https://www.bokacademy.org/ NASP Program: https://www.naspschools.org/

NASP Bullseye Tournament Results: https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=13259

NASP IBO Tournament Results: https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=13266

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LWHS Students Sign Football Letters of Intent With Colleges Around the Country

Maria Iannucci — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:21:03 +0000

Credit: Maria Iannucci

This morning, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, four seniors from Lake Wales High School made big commitments to both their sports and educational futures.

LWHS football players Amanuel Tarver, Jayden Johnson, Russell Watts, and Jeremiah Telot, each signed a letter of intent for their colleges of choice in a ceremony at the high school gym.

Amanuel Tarver at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Tarver, #7, cornerback for LWHS, has signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Oklahoma.

Jayden Johnson at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Johnson, #3, who plays free safety, slotback, and running back positions, is the son of LWHS head varsity football coach Tavaris Johnson. Jayden has signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.

Russell Watts at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Watts, #57, team captain who plays center and defensive end, has signed with Samford University in Alabama.

Jeremiah Telot at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Telot, #28, who plays defensive end, has also signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.

Parents, friends, and family were in attendance to mark the occasion.

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Florida Weightlifting Championship Expected to Fuel Local Economy

Maria Iannucci — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:31:41 +0000

LWHS Weightlifting team. Credit LWHS

Some heavy lifters are expected in Lake Wales in a couple of weeks.

According to the City of Lake Wales, more than 700 people are expected to attend the USA Weightlifting Florida State Championship coming to Lake Wales on April 25-27, 2025.

Maxx Effort Training is hosting this event at Lake Wales High School.

This three-day event at LWHS will feature more than 500 athletes competing in an Olympic-style weightlifting competition. Athletes, along with their trainers, friends and families from all over Florida will be staying at area hotels, eating at restaurants and frequenting local businesses.

“This event will stimulate our local economy,” City Manager James Slaton said. “Tourism dollars circulating through our local business and banks promotes financial sustainability.”

The mission of USA Weightlifting is to grow and develop weightlifting to support lifelong participation and achieve Olympic podium success.

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He Started Playing Soccer at Age 3. Now This 16-Year-Old LWHS Striker Has Been Honored by Sheriff Grady Judd

Maria Iannucci — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:19:11 +0000

Photo by Heather Romo Romanosky

by James Coulter

Martin Aguilar started playing soccer at the ripe age of three. Now, this 16-year-old striker from Lake Wales High School (LWHS) has found recognition from a couple of local sources.

Martin currently ranks as the leading player on the LWHS varsity soccer team. Undoubtedly, his biggest accomplishment this season was scoring the winning goal during a game on Jan. 15, 2025, which was played against the #1 seed in the district.

“With only 30 seconds left, he took on the last defender and the goalkeeper to complete the score 5-4,” read a newsletter naming him the Athlete of the Week. “Martin is now sitting with one game left in the season earning 12 goals, 6 assists, and 161 steals.”

Ever since Martin started playing at the age of 3, his father has inspired him to continue playing the game and improving his skills as a player. Being able to make his family proud has, by far, been the biggest inspiration of them all.

“I like to make my family proud when I achieve good things on the field,” he said. “The game has become a passion of mine, as it does not feel like work and has allowed me to keep progressing as a player. The more I learn the better I become.”

Martin has been playing varsity soccer in high school since his freshman year. Not only has he excelled in sports as an athlete, but also in school as a student. His coaches have commended him, boasting how his “1Q is extraordinary” and “skill set is always improving.

“He is a player that will not let you down,” Varsity Assistant Head Coach Mehki. “He is a player that drives our team.”

Recently, Martin was nominated with over 19,000 votes as The Ledger’s Top Soccer Player. He’s even been recognized by Sheriff Grady Judd for his exceptional soccer skills.

When he eventually graduates high school, Martin hopes to continue playing soccer in college.

Overall, being able to impress his family and make friends along the way keeps him motivated to continue playing hard, working hard, and studying hard. And he has a high aspiration that his hard work, both on the field and in school, will pay off.

“I am very proud of myself and the people who keep pushing me and inspiring me,” he said. “I enjoy just making new friends and playing the game because I always have fun playing soccer. My main motivation is to make my family and friends proud and to just have enough money so my family don’t have to work.”

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Lake Wales Highlander Band Reaches State Competition and End of Season; What They Have Accomplished

Maria Iannucci — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 12:13:56 +0000

Photo credit: Mr. Tommy Wunker

On November 16, 2024, the members of the Lake Wales Highlander Band, led by band director Meagan Delacerda, participated in the Florida Marching Band State Championship, held in Palm Beach, FL.

After earning a spot in the state competition, and making superiors at MPA last weekend, Delacerda is demonstrating pride once again for their performance yesterday through a social media post:

“In July, our leadership got together and made goals for themselves: Make it to State. Get superiors. Today they made their goal. Marching out on that state field. They did it and did not get last place but 11th place in the state competition,” says Delacerda.

Now that the season has ended, she’s taking time to reflect on how the band has come.

“(The members of the band) work everyday to perfect their craft and it shows. They are constantly thinking of ways to get better and better…AND managed to entertain all of Lake Wales through this season. They have mixed dedication, heart and passion with hard work and you can see that.

Photo credit: Mr. Tommy Wunker

“This show has made me push myself more than I ever have as a band director. These students have shown me what pouring into them looks like and the staff I get to work with everyday shows me how much love I am surrounded by.

“I’m sad to see this show go but I will cherish all of the memories we have made. Here’s to 2024 and the future of the Highlander band program!

Photo credit: Mr. Tommy Wunker

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Lake Wales Highlanders Varsity Football Team Playoff Game Tonight Nov. 15 at Home

Maria Iannucci — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 20:35:00 +0000

The Lake Wales High School varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. New Smyrna Beach today, November 15, 2024, at Legions Field at 7:00 PM.

Tonight’s game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships Quarterfinals.

The Lake Wales Highlanders are 6-3 for the season. In district play, they are 2-1, and they in second place. They rank 80th in the state.

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