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This past Sunday, accomplishments were celebrated and new opportunities were granted to the Merrillville High School (MHS) Class of 2021 as they walked the stage and received their diplomas at graduation.
In order to practice social distancing, the class was divided into two different commencement ceremonies on the same day: one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. Each ceremony featured final parting words from Class President Heavenly Bullard, Class Treasurer Zion Elliot, Valedictorian Salvador Contreras, and Salutatorian Jameelah Ali, who offered their best wishes and support to their fellow graduates. Principal Michael Krutz and elected speaker Heather Oestreich also spoke on behalf of all of the administration, teachers, and staff at MHS, congratulating the seniors on all of their dedication and hard work over the past few years.
The class of 2021 has faced major challenges through their high school careers with one of the most significant being the COVID-19 pandemic that altered their educational experience for nearly a year and a half. However, the resilience of these students allowed them to make the best of their unfortunate circumstances and turn their hardships into something positive.
Like many of his peers, Senior Olusoji Oduneye felt the pressure that comes along with finishing up school. Most importantly, he felt that weight lifted off his shoulders as his final moments at MHS came to an end.
“I felt a major sense of relief once I had graduated,” Oduneye said. “I had a good amount of AP exams and responsibilities at the end of the year, so it was nice to have a ceremony declaring the end to my workload. As Mr. Krutz says, ‘Graduation is a rite of passage,’ so walking that stage was a monumental moment for me as I transition into a new chapter of my life. But more realistically, I was focusing on not tripping on the steps.”
During her heartfelt and tearful speech, Oestreich offered the class of 2021 her genuine advice as they move out of high school and into adulthood.
“For my final lesson, I told them to remember that they will always make mistakes,” Oestreich said. “Some will be bigger than others. Remember that the best learning comes from making mistakes and using them to do better. Remember to always try and do better the next time, be better the next time. Remember to never stop learning and growing as a person.”
Student spotlight: Olusoji Oduneye
Graduated Senior Olusoji Oduneye possesses countless qualities of an outstanding student and person, representing Merrillville High School as a leader and symbol of success.
Oduneye flourished both in academics and extracurriculars by finishing his senior year ranking fourth in his class with a 4.417 weighted GPA. He was particularly active in eight different clubs and sports as well, including advanced orchestra, varsity tennis, National Honors Society, freshman mentor, jazz orchestra, French club, orchestra summer camp, and the youth group of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.
Oduneye has been a student with the Merrillville Community School Corporation (MCSC) since kindergarten, and has grown over the past 13 years into the accomplished person he is today. In his free time, he enjoys playing his violin, playing video games, and drawing.
Thanks to his impressive capabilities and dedication, Oduneye was awarded multiple awards and scholarships this past year. These awards included the 2021 National School Orchestra Award, Business Department Student of the Year, 2021 Distinguished Athlete Award, 2021 Math Department Award, DAC Scholar-Athlete Award, and the 2021 Christopher D. Redding Youth Asthma Foundation Scholarship. In the fall, Oduneye plans on attending Northwestern University, double majoring in computer science and psychology.
“I dedicate a lot of my success to my supportive community of friends, teachers, and family members who all inspire me to better myself personally and academically,” Oduneye said.
Although Oduneye has made countless memories over his years here at MHS, there is one moment in particular that stands out.
“My favorite memory is when I played ‘Danse Macabre’ as a skeleton during last year’s Halloween orchestra concert,” Oduneye said. “Walking around the stage dressed as a skeleton while playing a solo was probably the biggest thing I did outside of my comfort zone. It was also a surprise for my father’s birthday, because it was the first time he saw me perform as a soloist. He’s been my number one supporter throughout my orchestra career, and I’m grateful for his encouragement.”
Oduneye thanks all of the staff throughout MCSC for the unforgettable impact they have made on his life, but he specifically credits Orchestra Director Diane Rosenthal for her devotion to her class and students.
“With her diligence and love for the Merrillville orchestra program, to say that Ms. Rosenthal inspires me is an understatement,” Oduneye said. “Her unparalleled commitment to her job and the genuine bond that she builds with students at MHS are beyond commendable. Even though her job ends at 3:15 and she is only required to teach music and have a few concerts, she goes above and beyond to make sure that we enjoy what we play and that we grow not only as musicians, but individuals as well. From our Friday talks, to our post-concert vents, to our annual movie nights, room FA102 isn't a classroom, it's home to me. I confidently speak on behalf of the entire orchestra program when I say that Ms. Rosenthal has made orchestra a family. Wherever I end up in the future, I aspire to bring the same sense of lifelong dedication to my work and genuine care for those around me.”
As he reflects back on his education and moves forward to new opportunities that await him, Oduneye carries MHS in his heart and hopes to see his fellow peers find joy and prosperity as they continue to grow.
“As you enter the next chapter of your life, pursue what you love as opposed to what gives you the most stability,” Oduneye says. “I’m confident that all of your futures will be bright. It was a pleasure to grow up alongside you all and see everyone mold into great individuals.”
Teacher spotlight: Heather Oestreich
Merrillville Math Teacher Heather Oestreich has impacted hundreds of students not only through her lessons, but also with her love for her students and dedication to their success.
Oestreich attended Indiana University Northwest and graduated back in 2013 after double majoring in mathematics and secondary education for mathematics. She has been at MHS for nearly eight years and has taught numerous math courses including Integrated Math III, Finite Mathematics, Honors Integrated Math III, Integrated Math II, and more. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading fiction novels.
Oestreich knew from a young age that she had a passion for teaching, so she followed her heart to where she is today.
“For as long as I can remember, this is what I wanted to do,” Oestreich said. “A few years ago my mom was going through old school papers and found something from when I was in first grade that asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and my answer was a teacher. I remember my parents buying me teacher decorations for my shelves in my room! In middle school, I realized that I really enjoyed math and that it was fun, and that was when I knew specifically that I wanted to become a math teacher.”
Oestreich’s passionate outlook on her career paid off, as she was chosen by the Class of 2021 to be their guest speaker at graduation.
“When Mr. Krutz called me, first I panicked,” Oestreich said. “I ran a bunch of scenarios through my head and could not think of a single reason he would be calling me. I answered the phone and he said ‘Congratulations, you will be the keynote speaker at commencement!’ and I could not believe it!”
The feeling of being selected by her students instilled a sense of pride and gratitude in Oestreich.
“I felt really proud that my students would think of me. The fact that they would want me to be the last teacher to speak to them in their high school career is really a great honor, and I still cannot believe they chose me,” said Oestreich. “This will always be the greatest gift my students have ever given me, the chance to be with them one last time as a large group. I will forever be thankful.”
Oestreich says that to her, teaching is more than allowing kids to learn about math, but also teaching them to learn about themselves. What she loves most about her position at the school is knowing that each day she is able to spark change in her students and help them to grow into the individuals they are meant to be.
“I love seeing them realize they can do more than they ever thought, not just in my math classes, but in life in general,” said Oestreich. “One of my absolute favorite things is when my students graduate and they come back and tell me about their lives and how they are doing, or if they have added me on Facebook and I can see what they are doing after they leave. I really enjoy watching them become young adults and finding who they want to be in life. Teaching math is just a small part of the joy in teaching!”