Jeff High – Page 15

Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe focuses on making his players ‘the best version’ of themselves

by Addison Fouts

Head coach Wes Briscoe is making his mark as Jeff High’s volleyball coach, bringing energy and leadership to the Red Devils’ program.

This year marks Briscoe’s’ 25th year of coaching; he has coached in five state finals, and has also been awarded coach of the year honors for both girls’ and boys’ volleyball. His girls’ volleyball team heads into sectional play tonight against New Albany.

Volleyball head coach Wes Briscoe on the sidelines during a girls’ volleyball match. Briscoe coaches both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Photo by Haliun Otgonbayar.

Briscoe’s focus, however, is on his teams’ successes.

“I don’t ever have any personal goals in coaching, because it’s not about me. I’ve done just about all there is to do in coaching high school athletics,” he said.

There is no denying Briscoe’s success when it comes to coaching.

“I want everybody to become the best versions of themselves,” he said. “My job is to figure out how to get them to see that they are more than what they believe they are.”

Pushing his players to be the best versions of themselves is just a small part of what Briscoe does for his players as a coach.

“He made me realize that I can always be better, and that I always have room for growth,” stated varsity captain Anthony Ganchuluun, a senior. “I mean without him, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as disciplined as I am.”

It’s a testament to the culture that Briscoe has built at Jeff High.

“I’ve learned a lot over the past years being a player for Coach Wes,” said varsity captain Riley Dobson, a senior. “He’s taught me that putting in the extra work does pay off and your time will come right when it is supposed to.”

Beyond the court, Briscoe’s influence is felt in the classroom and community. Players describe him as more than a coach, but as someone who encourages them to succeed in all aspects of life.

For him, though, his goal is to better all of his players.

“I just want to see people understand what it takes to play at the elite level that they think they want to be at, and just keep encouraging them to put in the work so they can get there.”

Briscoe has one goal in mind, and it is to grow his players. He cares more about his players’ integrity and leadership than how they play on the court.

Coach Wes Briscoe and the Red Devils break from a timeout using their signature hand sign during Senior Night against North Harrison. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

16 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Photography teacher Kevin Daley brings technical skills and creative perspective to his classroom

by Miaa Caporale

A photography teacher at JHS, Kevin Daley brings both technical skills and a creative perspective to his students.

“Teaching photography is very fulfilling. I enjoy seeing the growth, not just in you guys, but also in me,” stated Daley.

Photography and digital design teacher Kevin Daley blends technical skills with a creative perspective in his classes. Photo by Miaa Caporale.

At JHS, Mr. Daley is known for his approachable and patient classroom presence. He allows students to express their creativity in his classroom and encourages creativity by putting cameras directly into students’ hands and allowing them to explore. He gives students freedom to choose what they want to capture.

“I wanted to teach the arts. I grew up drawing and creating art. I went into animation and then graphic design. Then, I saw there was a position to teach photography. Many people would say ‘Mr. Daley, you’d be a great teacher.’ I enjoy teaching others. I’ve taught other organizations, and I know some photography, so I was like, ‘Okay,’ I’ll give that a shot and see if they want me’.”

Since stepping into the role, Daley has worked to create a classroom environment where exploration comes first. He encourages students to take risks, explore new ideas, and discover their own creative style, allowing students to capture the world through their own unique lens.

“I want my students to have confidence in their abilities, even if they aren’t the most talented artists. I want them to build confidence in their work,” he stated.

“My favorite part of it all his seeing the ‘aha’ moment when a students finally get it. For instance, when a student picks up a camera for the first time and you see the reaction and the excitement. I love seeing the excitement.”
Photography and Digital Design Teacher Kevin Daley

For Daley, it’s not just about taking the “perfect picture.” It’s about letting the students feel proud of what they create, no matter their skill level.

“I would describe Mr. Daley as a kind, thoughtful, funny, and a caring person who gives his students many opportunities,” stated sophomore Zoe Breeden.

For many students, it’s not just the photography lessons that matter but the way Daley pushes them to see what they’re capable of.

“Mr. Daley has inspired me to open up my perspectives of the world. I always see colors and nature differently now that I’ve been in his class. I pay closer attention to the world around me,” said sophomore Jilliann Denbo.

Moments like this show that the impact of his teaching goes beyond schoolwork. By encouraging students to look closer and think differently, he helps them grow both as artists and as people.

“He made photography interesting by giving us hands-on activities and letting us go outside to get a better perspective and pictures,” added Denbo.

According to students, having the chance to work outside and use hands-on techniques makes it easier to understand photography concepts. Through his teaching, Daley helps students grow as a photographers and as individuals.

“My favorite part of it all his seeing the ‘aha’ moment when a students finally get it,” said Daley. “For instance, when a student picks up a camera for the first time and you see the reaction and the excitement. I love seeing the excitement.”

Photography and digital design teacher Kevin Daley often takes his classes outside to help students improve their photography skills. Photo by Miaa Caporale.

16 Oct 202516 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Sara Nord continues to give back to Jeffersonville community

by Breslyn Dozal

Sara Nord — JHS alumna, Indiana Miss Basketball (2000), former WNBA player for the Washington Mystics, elected to the UofL Hall of Fame in 2015 — loves to give back to her community.

Photo by Breslyn Dozal.

Nord is the manager for the Spring Hill EnVision Center and Jeffersonville Fieldhouse. She does all that while training kids and giving back to Jeffersonville.

Hayden and Jazmin Doogarsingh, who have known Nord for five years, commented on how caring and how good of a role model she is to the people around her and great with kids.

Nord has always been a team player when it comes to sports or overall life.

“Being a team is important because you have to work with a lot of people throughout life. Have to be a team even when you’re your own boss,” she said.

Nord strives to make basketball mean a lot to people of all ages. She does a lot for a whole little and would do more if she could.

“Personable, outgoing, loyal, hotheaded. I feel like that’s who I am as a person. I meet people easily and I’m loyal to them,” Nord stated on how she thinks people would describe her.

Those who know Nord well describe her as humble despite her accomplishments.

“Very humble, very grateful. I think she knew she deserved it. She is a very gracious winner,” said close friend Greg Manor on how she was when she won Indiana Miss Basketball.

Nord always wants to make the best of people, especially when training with kids. ¨She’s selfless, she’s caring. And loves kids, she loves to help them,” said Manor.

JHS graduate Sara Nord is the Spring Hill EnVision Center and Fieldhouse manager. She does all that while training kids and giving back to her community. Photo by Breslyn Dozal.

Despite her selflessness, Nord will do whatever it takes to come out first. Whether it’s during a sport or a simple game of Uno, Nord is willing to do anything just for that game-winning feeling.

“Sara’s path to success is a true JHS story; she will be the first to open up and admit that she can identify with kids because Sara wasn’t handed everything on a silver platter. She had to fight for everything she got,” said principal Pam Hall.

She will help everyone get that feeling as well. Nord used to coach at JHS and Rock Creek Community Academy. Now she runs clinics at the Jeffersonville Fieldhouse.

“I think that her dedication on giving back to the community. She helps elementary, middle, and high school students. She is widely known — you can just say ‘Sara’ and people know who you’re talking about,” commented Hall.

Sara Nord, a strong, goodwill, selfless person. She has truly left a mark on everyone she met, and touched many lives. As Hall said, “Sara is kind to people… friendly to everyone in the area.”

“Live life with a purpose.” Sara Nord.

16 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Boys’ soccer wins sectional tournament, heads to regional tonight to face Evansville North

Red Devils win first Sectional championship since 2012 by defeating Bedford North Lawrence 5-0

Sophomore Gabriel Belandria Gonzalez stands and admires the rain during the Red Devil match-up with Jennings County in the sectional tournament. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

15 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Columbus East defeats Red Devils 28-9; JHS plays Jennings County this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad.

Senior Maxwell Schoonover looks off in the distance while the national anthem plays at the beginning of the JHS game with Columbus East on Friday. Columbus East won 28-9. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

13 Oct 202513 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

‘Chalk the Walk’ artwork: students showcase pride in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Photos by Areli Hernandez Romero

Additional editor Tyler Conley.

In honor of Hispanic heritage month, Spanish teacher Megan Cortes has shown a strong ethic for education highlighting her leadership in the community. Through her contributions, she’s been able to well represent herself and this influential program.

Junior Tony Viloria uses colored chalk to write his quote on Sept. 30 . Photo by Areli Hernandez Romero.

3 Oct 20253 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

JHS prepares to face off with New Albany tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

Both Jeff and New Albany come into tonight’s game looking to get their seasons on track.

New Albany is in the search for their first win, and Jeff has lost two straight in brutal fashion. However, a win could set their campaigns straight.

“We have to win these next three; if we do that we’ll be 5-4 and going into the playoffs, that would be a success for this young team,” said head coach Joe Washington.

This is a big rivalry for both communities, and the players are ready to perform.

Sophomore Austin Bainbridge and sophomore Jaxx Long do a pre-game handshake during the Homecoming game against Bloomington North. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“We can beat them for sure; I mean, their 0-6. We are a way better team than them,” said sophomore fullback Jaxx Long.

Jeff comes into tonight’s match-up 2-4, trying to get back on the path to prepare for a playoff push.

“I think we have a couple games down the stretch that we’re favored in, and we can win. Columbus East will be a tough matchup, but if we do what we’re supposed to we can win that game as well,” said Washington.

The coaches believe that the team can succeed, but it’s on the players if they want to win.

“It’s only the little things that we aren’t doing right. If the players come together and see the bigger picture and dig a little deeper, then I think the next three games can go in our favor,” said Washington.

Even though the Bulldogs come into the game winless this season, Jeff players know this isn’t a free win.

“We have to play determined and as a team. Even though they’re 0-6, a win is never free. If we all stick together I know we can walk out of there with a win,” said junior linemen Liam Jackson.

The team only has a handful of seniors starting on the roster, so there is some experience left to be desired.

Sophomore Andre Walker during the JHS-Bloomington North game last Friday. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

“We have a very young roster, and this is the first adversity they have seen. When we went 6-4 last year a lot of these guys didn’t play. I think they just need some ‘want-to’ so we can go out and win,” said Washington

Everybody on the team has been preparing for this game for a long time, and they’re ready to settle the rivalry for this year.

“The mentality for us is a no-brainer at this point. We know they don’t like us and we don’t like them, so there’s some bad blood, so we have to ride the wave and step up to the plate,” said Washington.