What's recently happened?
Washington High School (WHS) seniors recently held their annual senior walk through local elementary and middle schools. With the school year quickly ending, seniors reminisced at their childhood schools and received congratulations from students and staff.
On Wednesday, May 15, students walked through six different schools. Over 120 seniors attended to walk, proudly wearing their green caps and gowns. Students along the route happily gave the seniors handmade gifts and signs, and many greeted them with smiles and high-fives.
Although not all seniors went to all of the schools on the walk. They were welcomed to Navarre, Dickenson, Harrison, Wilson, Warren, and Coquillard Elementary and Middle Schools where students lined the hallways and cheered for the graduating class as they walked.
Some soon-to-be graduates were emotional when returning to their childhood schools, but happy to be congratulated by younger students who will be in their shoes one day.
What's coming up?
As the school year comes to an end, the class of 2024 is looking forward to its graduation in June. Graduation is a turning point in their lives. It will open their eyes to a world of new opportunities and experiences.
WHS seniors have been preparing for graduation in the last weeks of the school year, and many are excited and emotional. Graduation will be held in the Notre Dame Compton Ice Arena on Friday, June 7 and begin at 5 p.m.
Graduating high school is such an important day in students' lives, and provides young adults with a chance to start their lives. While graduating can be sad, most seniors have big plans for the future.
“My ever onward moment after high school will be graduating from college, getting my degree in psychology, becoming a therapist or possibly a crime counselor, and making money,” said Senior Cerenity Williams.
Some plan to attend college, travel, start businesses, or begin their careers. Whatever path they choose after high school, graduation is just the first step towards their ever onward.
Staff spotlight:
Scott Albright has been working at WHS for two years. He has been a great addition to the social studies department and a huge influence on the musicians of WHS. Albright teaches Geography and History of the World, Psychology, and the History of Mass Media.
Albright also sponsors the Guitar Club at WHS, where students learn music together and practice songs. He played for the Panther Pep band in the fall and has participated in multiple concerts at WHS, such as the Winter Concert and the High School Music Fest.
Three years ago, Albright completed his student teaching at WHS before coming to work there full-time. He attended Indiana University (IU) Bloomington originally to study psychology, before getting his degree in general studies from IU South Bend. Before pursuing a career in education, he managed a fine-dining restaurant.
Albright is known in the community for his strong talent in music and his upbeat attitude. He started playing guitar in high school and joined a band in college which he played in for three years before eventually parting ways and becoming a teacher.
“It's just a sense of community that you don't get anywhere else in life,” Albright said. “Real life is not like it is in high school, you feel like you can help somebody.”
Outside of school he keeps up with housework and spends time with his wife. While Albright has his own busy life, he still has a deep consideration for his students at WHS.
“Sometimes they make you crazy, but you get a real sense of accomplishment when you see people grow up. Hearing their problems and seeing them a year later and watching how they've grown and overcome their adversity – that feeling is hard to come by anywhere else.”
Student spotlight:
Markiya Bishop is finished with her junior year at WHS and is excited about what the next year has in store. This was her first year at WHS, and she has felt very at home with students and staff. She spent her first two years of high school at Career Academy, but never really felt at home until she came to WHS.
“Some of the staff members truly care about me and truly look out for me.” Bishop said, “The best part is just being around these people who I know look out for me and who push me to go hard when it comes to anything.”
Since coming to WHS, Bishop has become more involved in school activities, especially photography. She likes to capture photos of people, nature, and sports. This year she took pictures for Prom and attended WHS basketball games throughout the winter.
“I feel like I'm a different person behind the camera, it makes me feel more confident in myself,” Bishop said.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her dad, watching movies, or spending time at home. This summer Bishop is taking the opportunity to prepare for her senior year and getting her license. She plans to go to college after high school and works hard to keep her grades up with help from her counselors and teachers.
“It's been a great year and I feel like WHS really did change me.” Bishop said, “I see that the school is trying to make me come out of my shell more and be more involved, but this school has also changed my positivity and my peace. It makes me more happy.”
