This past week was packed with excitement for our local high school athletes, FFA members, and Beta Club volunteers as they participated in various events that showcased their skills, dedication, and community spirit.
Monday night, our high school basketball teams faced off against Erick-Sweetwater, with the girls securing a dominant 60-4 victory and the boys winning 71-50. The teams played hard, demonstrating determination and teamwork as they continued their season.
Later in the week, the high school district basketball tournament took place in Beaver, Oklahoma. On Thursday, the Lady Wildcats dominated Felt with an astounding 91-10 victory. Friday, the boys’ team took on Tyrone, securing a solid 45-27 win. The action didn’t stop there. On Saturday, both teams returned to Beaver for the championship games. The Lady Wildcats continued their impressive streak, defeating Beaver 67-31, while the boys triumphed over Felt 57-31, bringing home district championship titles for both teams. Their outstanding performances have set high expectations as they move forward to the Regional Tournament. Regionals will be held in Arnett beginning Thursday.
FFA members hosted their annual local premium auction and dinner, a cherished tradition that brings together the community in support of young agricultural leaders. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal while bidding on high-quality projects and livestock exhibited by the students. This event helps raise funds for the FFA program and also highlights the hard work and dedication of its members.
The Beta Club this year baked and distributed 460 Valentine’s cookies. These sweet treats were shared with students, teachers, and community members, spreading joy and appreciation. Their hard work and generosity were met with gratitude from all who received their delicious creations.
Beta members Allie Tune, Harley Shoaf, mom Brett Williams, Landree Parsons, Breclyn Suthers, and Abbie Boyd prepping and cutting the cookie dough to cook. 
Breclyn Suthers decorating Valentine's cookies.
Bella Booth and Madison Haney decorating cookies also.
The weekend marked the beginning of the Woodward District Livestock Show, where local 4-H and FFA members showcased their best livestock and shop projects. This event, which draws participants from across the region, allows students to demonstrate their dedication to agriculture. Competitors eagerly anticipate the days ahead as they present their animals and strive for top honors. Saturday we had several Arnett students place in the Ag Mechanics portion. 
Ag Machinery and Equipment Division Class Winner and Champion - Truck and Tractor Accessories: Braydon Miller, Baxter Brown, Dayson West, Martin Sanchez
2nd place Livestock Equipment, Swine Nursery Pens: Trenten Haney and Monty Wilson
4th place Indoor Furniture, Wood Top Bench: Abbie Boyd
In the classroom, younger students also engaged in exciting learning experiences. The 4th-grade class explored Earth's history by creating their own fossils, gaining hands-on experience in paleontology and geology. Meanwhile, the 5th-grade science class demonstrated their knowledge of the moon phases using Oreo cookies, a fun and interactive way to visualize the lunar cycle.
James Boyd after completing his oreo moon phases.
Kaylee Walton working on her moon phases.
Wesley Wheeler with his finished fossil.
Rhett McCartor working on his fossil.
This week's Farmer's and Merchant's Bank "Banking on a Wildcat" goes to two of our Sophomores. Lincoln Coleman and Hadley Brooks were both nominated by a teacher and they had this to say about them: "A post player in basketball has to be willing to give their all from baseline to baseline, even though they might not always get the ball. They are the last one that can protect the basket. They must be willing to sacrifice their body on every play. These two Sophomores are never the biggest on the court, but often have a tough job. Not only do they work hard on the hardwood, they work hard in the classroom. Both are productive members of the Arnett BETA Club, maintaining 3.5+ GPA's, and show just how bright the future of AHS can be." Congratulations, Hadley and Lincoln!
Also, a big congratulations to Landree Parsons, Arnett Beta President, for receiving the $1,000 National Beta Scholarship. Landree is 1 of 257 recipients out of 3,500 applicants. Congratulations, Landree!!