Union High School

Student Spotlight: Honoring Friendship, Excellence, and Community at Union

Malakai is a current senior band member at Union High School. When Malakai was diagnosed with autism at three years old, his early years were marked by significant speech delays and motor skill challenges. Communication did not come easily, but through his own determination—and the dedicated guidance of key educators along the way—Malakai’s path became one of remarkable achievement.

Early Milestones and Digital Mastery

Malakai’s educational journey gained momentum at Minnick, where educator Mr. Eric Salyers provided vital early resources and support. Mr. Salyers states, “I am thrilled to see Malakai doing so well! I had Malakai at Minnick for several years. He was a joy to have as a student." In 2020, Malakai transitioned from Minnick to Union Middle School for sixth grade. There, Coach Josh Spurlock stepped in as a mentor, guiding him through school expectations and equipping him with tools for academic and personal success. Spurlock states, “Malakai is one of those students you don’t forget. When I first met him, he was shy and quiet as he adjusted to being back in the general education classroom. Over time, I had the privilege of watching him become more comfortable, build relationships, and truly find his place. The quiet young man I first met soon became someone who brought energy, laughter, smiles, and plenty of great stories. Malakai had a way of brightening the day of the people around him, and it was a joy to watch his confidence grow. I’m grateful for the time I had with Malakai and proud to have played a small role in his journey."

Outside the classroom, Malakai’s deep curiosity about computers developed into world-class technical skill. A naturally gifted typist, he achieved an astounding speed of 249 words per minute, ranking 30th out of over 5 million users on Monkey Type. His precision and speed earned him spots in competitive cash tournaments, including a second-place finish and an $800 prize on [keymaster].

Resilience in Rhythm

In eighth grade, Malakai faced a profound turning point. His closest friend, Joshua—a dedicated student, football fan, and tuba player—had often encouraged Malakai to join the school band. Malakai states, “He was one of the only close friends I had at Union. In fact, he was the only person I talked outside of school.” Following a devastating tragedy that took Joshua's life, Malakai chose to step into the band program to honor his friend's memory, taking up Joshua's instrument: the tuba and sousaphone. Through joining Union High’s band program, Malakai wanted to also honor Joshua’s love of football.

Entering the band room with no prior musical training, Malakai found an encouraging home under the direction of Mrs. Kimberly Sturgill–”Malakai refused to let any label define him, instead showing through his character, work ethic, pride, talent, and dedication that he is a stellar band member and someone we can always count on. He joined the band to honor a friend he lost, and in doing so, created a legacy of his own, touching the lives of countless students and the adults fortunate enough to work with him.” With Mrs. Sturgill’s guidance, resources, and unwavering belief in his potential, Malakai fully committed himself to the art of music.

From Beginner to Senior Soloist

Malakai’s commitment helped drive unprecedented success for the program:

2024: The band earned its first Superior rating.
2025: The ensemble achieved straight Superiors across all categories.
2026: Malakai helps lead a 120-member marching band—the largest in the school’s history in over 16 years.

From a student who started with zero musical background in middle school, this fall, Malakai now takes the field as a featured senior soloist.

Looking Ahead

As graduation approaches, Malakai is preparing for his next step, with local college options on the horizon. In addition to those aforementioned educators that played a crucial role in Malakai’s life, Malakai is supported greatly by Union High School’s Principal, Mr. Jerred Chandler, who often mentors Malakai, “Malakai approaches coming to school with an upbeat attitude, and a willingness to want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He is a great asset to Union High School.”

The Wise County Public School Division joins the Union High School community in celebrating and taking immense pride in Malakai’s achievements. We are grateful to the educators, staff, peers, and community members who have walked alongside him throughout his journey. His story reminds us all of what is possible when student dedication is met with strong school and community support.

🍎 As we welcome students back for a new school year, our schools will dismiss early during the first two days of classes to help everyone transition into new routines and schedules.

Tomorrow, Friday, August 7, 2026, all schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Early dismissal gives students and staff additional time to adjust to the new school year, helping ensure a smooth and successful start for everyone.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and success.

Welcome back, students and staff!

We are excited to welcome our students back for the 2026–2027 school year tomorrow, Thursday, August 6! Our teachers and staff members have been hard at work preparing engaging classrooms, our transportation team has serviced, cleaned, and sanitized every bus, and our division leadership has implemented new curriculum and strengthened systems to support safe, successful learning. Students, parents/guardians, and staff members are reminded that school will dismiss early at 12:30pm on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August 7, 2026. We can't wait to welcome our students back, and look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year.

We'll see you tomorrow!

The WCPS June 2026 Newsletter is now available for viewing.

You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/newsletters/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/june-2026-newsletter

Feeding Southwest Virginia is in partnership with No Kid Hungry and Amazon to deliver "Children's Summer Food Boxes" to your family this season.

Please scan QR code, or visit this link to sign up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=kRwusBkVI0KD3m1-bNPUm074_P5Gx6hEtUXll_yM8cZUM1ZYVVpGU0YxM0wyRUwzU0M4STdRV1ozMiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Reminder: Tomorrow, Friday, May 29, 2026 marks the completion of the second semester and fourth nine-week grading period. Students will dismiss at 12:30pm. Teachers may depart after assigned duties have been completed. We wish our students and staff a safe and restful summer break!!!

Students, parents, guardians, families, and staff,

Friday, May 29, 2026 marks the completion of the second semester and fourth nine-week grading period. Students will dismiss at 12:30pm on Friday, May 29. Teachers may depart after assigned duties have been completed. We wish our students an enjoyable last week of the 25-26 school year, and a safe and restful summer break!

The WCPS May 2026 Newsletter is now available for viewing.

You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/may-2026-newsletter