What's recently happened?
Washington High School's (WHS) orchestra, choir, and band members had been diligently preparing for their winter concert since late October. On December 6, teacher Kris Deitrich led students through their performance. The concert featured six songs, with versions from both band and choir.
In the past, band teachers have had trouble recruiting students who were interested in music. The band, orchestra, and choir haven't had a concert for almost two years. This year, Dietrich brought enthusiasm back to the talented musicians of WHS.
"It's an honor to witness anxiety and fear become confidence and joy," Dietrich said, "Our winter concert was a huge success in that we showcased the best parts of our collective interests and talents. This was my first show at WHS and many students' first time singing or playing an instrument. I am deeply proud of each person in our music department for their efforts and contributions."
The band and orchestra started with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by John Rasamond, and "Together,” composed by Deitrich. The choir continued with "My Way" by Jacques Revaux, and "Weak" by Brian Alexander Morgan. "River" composed by Chris Vivion was performed by the choir, band, and orchestra. The last song, "Oh Happy Day" was performed by the choir, and finished off the night.
Choir soloists included Students Makel Williams, Larrissa Cole, Ralaiyah Mincy, Josh Scanlan, and Christianna Taylor. Guest performers included Danni-jo Rausch and special debuts from WHS teachers and staff. After the success of their first concert, Deitrich is potentially planning a second concert for the students in the spring.
What's coming up?
Emily Cain is an English teacher and drama club teacher at WHS. She held auditions for this year's spring play "You Can't Beat the House" on December 13 and 14. Cain started the drama club back in 2020, with anyone being welcome to join regardless of acting experience.
Drama Club prepares the young actors for the stage, with the students practicing the rehearsal processes and encouraging their fellow club members. The club runs on Wednesdays after school.
"It's just a time to have fun and chill. I do a lot of improv games with them,” Cain said.
Anyone interested in theater can have a place in the drama club as a crew member, or actor.
This year's spring play will follow two burglars who break into a house that is for sale with nothing inside to steal. Shortly after realizing this, potential buyers arrive and mistake them for real estate agents. The burglars have no choice but to stay, so their identities are not discovered. Cain expects the play to run for about an hour, with around 10 actors.
Last December, Drama Club students performed their rendition of "The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower,” in the auditorium on December 16 and 19. The show was a hit, and with a new group of drama club students, it’s expected that this year's play to be just as much of a showstopper.
Staff spotlight:
Joseph Terrill teaches English 12 at WHS as well as other subjects. He received his master's degree from Louisiana State University (LSU). Terrill has spent six years as a teacher at WHS, and looks forward to many more.
Terrill covers a number of subjects in his classes, including English 10 and 11, AP Literature, and a creative writing class. He also plans to publish a school newspaper in his Media and Newspaper class next semester, with students submitting articles every two weeks to be included.
Terrill thinks it's important for students to have curiosity,
"If you don't know what something is, go find out,” Terrill said.
He encourages students to reach out if help is needed. His favorite part of working at WHS is the students.
"I love interacting with you all and seeing the ideas you come up with,” Terrill said.
Before becoming a teacher, Terrill received his undergraduate degree in international relations from Hendricks College, a liberal arts college in Conway, AR. He worked as a political research consultant for eight years, working on about 100 campaigns until 2012, when he decided to become a teacher.
Terrill loves WHS overall.
"I think it's a school with incredible potential and incredible students,” Terrill said. “Every day I come in, and I'm ready to see what the day holds. There are definitely days where I go home exhausted, but it's usually a good kind of exhaustion. I go home and think, ‘All right: what's going to happen tomorrow?’"
Student spotlight:
Samuel Strong is a sophomore at WHS. He has been attending WHS since freshman year, but just recently moved to South Bend. Strong was born in Gary, IN. He moved to Indianapolis shortly after and spent almost his entire life there before moving to South Bend in September of 2022.
Strong has a very busy schedule throughout the year—his after-school activities include football, tennis, drama club, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) club, and president of the class of 2026 representatives. He also plans to join boys golf as well as track and field in the spring. Strong works hard to keep his grades up, and makes sure to put his schoolwork before extracurriculars.
As president of the Class of 2026 representatives, Strong has many responsibilities. He records a biweekly presidential address for the sophomore class, in which he informs them about sophomore class activities and encourages them to work hard. The representatives are currently working towards raising money for class incentives, such as a trip to Chicago in the spring.
Strong brings a positive mindset to school every day,
"I like to bring smiles to people's faces. I like to make people laugh, and I like to bring joy to anyone who is having a bad day,” Strong said. “I listen to what people have to say and offer them advice."