What’s recently happened?
The West Side Leadership Academy began its Girls Basketball season this week, with players diligently honing their skills for upcoming games. The next match is scheduled for November 16 at 7 p.m. against Marquette Catholic High School, hosted at West Side. Despite not securing victories yet, the team maintains an optimistic outlook, aspiring to achieve success by the season's conclusion.
Beyond athletics, the school community actively engages with the youngest members of the Gary Community School Corporation. Senior Class President Rayven Anderson initiated a program to instill a love for reading among elementary school students.
“I just wanted them to feel more connected to us. I know how it feels to lack role models who resemble you, and I just wanted to give them that,” Anderson said.
Teaming up with GEAR UP, an organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of students, particularly seniors, within the Gary Community School Corporation, Anderson and fellow student leaders visited Frankie Woods McCullough Academy on October 26. There, they read "With Lots of Love," a bilingual book highlighting Hispanic culture, to students of varying grade levels.
The initiative aimed not only to promote literacy but also to provide students with the opportunity to seek knowledge and pose questions to volunteers.
Contributing to the community's educational landscape, the Gary Community School Corporation organized a STEM or Treat event at the Gary Area Career Center. Attracting students from across the school system, the event offered not only candy but also engaging games and food for students and their families.
Demonstrating its commitment to a diverse range of student interests, West Side recently featured Shirley Caesar as a performer. The West Side choir opened the show with a rendition of “Lord of All” by J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, paving the way for subsequent performances by emerging talent Jamey Jones and the Dance Company, overseen by Cheryl Barnes, a dance instructor at West Side.
What’s coming up?
This month is dedicated to community service, with the school system actively engaging in various initiatives. On November 14, students at the Gary Area Career Center will host a Thanksgiving food drive, a collaborative effort between the Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education programs. The aim is to provide a warm meal for students and their families, fostering a spirit of giving and community support.
Amidst the atmosphere of community service, the "Roar for Reading" event is set to take place on November 16. This event invites community members to participate by reading to elementary school children. Books have been carefully selected to align with different grade levels, ensuring age-appropriate content for an enriching experience.
While the focus is on community outreach, West Side also cherishes its basketball games. The Boys Basketball team is gearing up for the upcoming season, having recently concluded tryouts and commenced rigorous practices. Anticipation is building for the first game, scheduled for November 22 against Valparaiso High School. As the community rallies around various service initiatives, the school remains committed to fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences among students, families, and the broader community.
Staff spotlight:
Teacher Reseda Sturdivant is a cornerstone of the West Side Leadership Academy community, affectionately known as Mrs. Z by the majority of her students. While not officially holding the title of mentor, Sturdivant has been recognized as the Teacher of the Month for October and serves as the senior class advisor, embodying the role of a mentor for many students.
Sturdivant is a reliable source for students seeking a listening ear or valuable advice. She emphasizes her commitment to honesty and transparency.
"I just want students to know they can come to me and get the honest truth," Sturdivant said.
In her role as the senior class advisor, Sturdivant has played a pivotal role in organizing various events, including a Chick-Fil-A spirit night designed to raise funds and alleviate class expenses. Despite the challenges of being a teacher, Sturdivant finds motivation in her students.
"They make all of the stress of being a teacher worth it," Sturdivant said.
This recognition not only celebrates Sturdivant's dedication to her role as an educator but also underscores her impact as a mentor and advisor, fostering a supportive environment for the West Side community.
Student spotlight:
Sariah Randolph is a distinguished senior at West Side. Notably, she has been recognized as the Student of the Month for October, prompting a closer look at her achievements and aspirations.
Randolph is an active participant in various facets of her school community, contributing to the band, volleyball team, cheer team, student government as secretary, and the West Side choir. Despite her involvement in multiple activities, she adeptly maintains a harmonious balance between her extracurricular commitments and academic responsibilities.
To manage her diverse array of activities, Randolph employs effective time management strategies, prioritizing academic tasks before engaging in extracurricular pursuits.
"I balance my activities by using time management, focusing on school work first then extracurriculars after," said Randolph.
As a senior, she navigates the challenges of college preparation and life-altering decisions. Randolph's aspirations include attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), with a preference for Jackson State University. Her academic focus revolves around majoring in architectural design and minoring in business management.
Art has been a consistent passion for Randolph since her youth, serving as a means of expressing the stress associated with her various activities.
"Some things that keep me motivated are good vibration music, art, and my friends and family," said Randolph.
Despite the demands of balancing numerous activities, maintaining a personal life, and holding a job, Randolph acknowledges the importance of a robust support system. Her family, best friend, and close friends form a vital network that provides encouragement and assistance during challenging times.
"My support system is my family, of course. They, as well as my best friend and close friends, keep me on my toes when I need it," Randolph said.
West Side celebrates Randolph as a student who exemplifies dedication, time management, and a passion for both academics and extracurricular pursuits.