#1StudentNWI: In the Swing of Things at Whiting High School

Yearbook Club Starting off Strong

This year, the yearbook club is advised by Mrs. Santina Johnson. On Friday, September 25th, twenty students along with Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Harnew went to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for training on the yearbook program provided by Herff Jones. Students took notes on helpful tips given by Herff Jones employees and yearbook advisors in Indiana.

“I believe the field trip will help the yearbook members obtain the skill necessary to create a book that they can be proud of,” said Mrs. Johnson.

The yearbook theme this year is “2016 Ways to Find the Extra Ordinary!” Yearbook club members have been actively involved since the beginning of the year. Co-editors, Brianda Guadarrama (12) and Lilliana Ruiz (12) have taken on the roles to be the leaders.

“This year they [Brianda Guadarrama and Lilliana Ruiz] are bringing the experience they gained last year as well as drive and motivation to help our new members,” said Mrs. Johnson.

The yearbook club has started to raise money by hosting an event at Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Munster on Thursday, September 17th. The current project is selling yearbooks from last year for the people who didn’t have the opportunity to buy one last year. The Herff Jones field trip had a workshop for students on yearbooks sales so future fundraisers are expected to come soon.

In memory of Vic Sahagun

The passing of former Oiler football coach, Vic Sahagun, has brought the community closer together by honoring his memory as part of the Oiler family.

A picnic is to be held at Whiting Park on Saturday, October 3rd, Coach Vic’s birthday. All of the money raised will directly go into the scholarship fund.

The event will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Children up to 8th grade will pay $10 and adults will pay $20 for access to food and drinks at the event. Tasty sweets will be available for purchase along with a 50/50 raffle and “In Honor of Vic” t-shirts. Baskets will be raffled off and were generously donated by many people and businesses to support the cause. A DJ and photographer will be present to capture all of the memories.

“We’re excited about it and to be surrounded by each other with family and friends,” said Liz Sahagun, Vic’s sister.

Whiting High School students are participating in the fundraising by holding an event called “Kick 4 Vic.”

Donations goals will be set for students in order to raise money. Also, an assembly will be held on Friday, October 9th.

WHS football players have volunteered to take part by dressing in amusing costumes whenever a certain goal is reached. Some of the players have chosen to perform at the assembly in front of the student body.

The senior night football game will be in memory of Vic, and money will be raised by guessing how far a football will be kicked during halftime by one of Whiting’s football players.

Teacher Shout Out: Mr. Dennis Scott

After 34 years of teaching in Illinois, Mr. Scott retired but soon became bored with retirement and turned to the School City of Whiting to substitute teach in 2009.

In 2011, he applied for the position of Credit Recovery and Virtual Elective teacher. However, Mr. Dennis Scott does not see himself as a teacher but as a facilitator of the courses that are generated through the respective teacher and presented in a program called Compass Learning Odyssey.

Students are enrolled in his classes if they have failed a class and need the credit to graduate or take a class over for a higher grade to receive their honors diploma or raise their GPA.

In order to motivate his students, Mr. Scott believes in “Keeping it Real.” He believes every student at WHS is capable of passing their classes if they make the effort. He ensures his students are doing well by constantly checking their grades and has a conference with each student on Fridays.

He suggests improvements for students who are struggling and ends his conversation with, “You know and I know you are a better student than this and are capable of doing better. Do yourself proud! I expect to see improvement by next Friday.” Normally, students do progress after these conferences.

For the students who are doing exceptionally well, he points out their successes and praises them for their efforts. He then puts their name on the “Oiler Pride” section of his bulletin board located in his classroom.

“In ‘Keeping it Real,’ I feel it is my responsibility to my students, their parents, and to the School City of Whiting to do whatever it takes to get the best out of each student,” said Mr. Scott.

Student Shout Out: Julia Ramirez

As a freshman, Julia Ramirez (9) has become significantly involved in Whiting. She’s running cross country and playing volleyball during this fall making her a two-sport athlete and plans to try out for softball in the spring. Ramirez was voted class president and freshman princess for homecoming court this year.

School isn’t the only place Julia participates. She volunteers at the city’s animal shelter and will continue spending time with animals once fall sports are over.

“I just love to help wherever I can,” said Ramirez.

Influenced by her family of former students at Whiting High School, Julia has an enormous amount of Oiler spirit. Her parents have influenced her athleticism because of their previous participation in cross country/track.

Julia’s athletic goals throughout high school are to run varsity cross country, play 4 years of softball, and continue to stay involved in the school. Not only are sports important to Julia but also academics are key, too. She would like to get straight A’s but knows and accepts the reality of getting B’s; furthermore, joining the newspaper staff is another plan for Julia in her future years at WHS.

“My number one goal overall is to try and be as happy as possible and stay positive through anything and everything that comes my way,” said Ramirez (9).