The senior class at Washington Township is beginning to take a look at their futures and evaluating the goals they have set for themselves after graduation. It is both a bittersweet and exciting time for these seniors, as they will be saying goodbye to Washington Township in the spring and hello to new endeavors next fall.
The end of October and the beginning of November holds great weight for the Washington Township seniors, during this given time period the Early Action Application deadlines are upon them. Applying within the given dates of the Early Action deadline gives students the chance to apply to colleges earlier in their senior year, receive an admission decision earlier than other students, and earn eligibility for acceptance scholarships.
Applying for colleges is both a rewarding and stressful time for seniors; they have been working toward this moment their entire lives. There is no better feeling, after the long anticipated wait, than receiving an acceptance letter in the mail. Whether the seniors attend universities near or far, the seniors should be proud of their accomplishments thus far and the opportunities that will arise when they embark on their academic journeys.
Student Spotlights: Ashley Porzel, Haley Clark, and Anna Penwitt
Washington Township’s first featured senior is Ashley Porzel. During her time as a Senator, she has been a four-year member of the cheerleading squad, a three-year member of the dance team, and a two-year member of the volleyball team. Off the court, Porzel has also been a part of both Student Council and Key Club.
Along with being an active member in her school, Porzel traveled to Boston, Massachusetts with one of Washington Township’s science teachers, Barbara Rea. This experience gave Porzel a glimpse into what life away from home would be like, and, by the looks of Ashley’s future plans, she fell in love with her newfound sense of adventure after leaving Indiana. Although she is looking forward to her future, she is grateful for everything that Washington Township has done for her.
“I don't think there is one specific thing I will miss about High School, all I can do is to look forward to the future and feel grateful for the past,” Porzel said.
Next fall, Porzel will begin her newest adventure 6 hours and 29 minutes away from Valparaiso, Indiana; she will be attending Murray State to major in Speech Language Pathology. In her given career field, Porzel will be studying and helping treat speech and language problems.
“I visited over ten colleges, and Murray was phenomenal to me. The campus was beautiful during all seasons. Southern hospitality truly exists, which is something we don’t get exposed to in Indiana. I chose it for the educational aspect, and the clinic I would be working at is on campus. Like most colleges where you wait until your graduate program to do hands-on training, I begin my freshman year, 2018/19. I’m really looking forward to not only expanding my knowledge but helping children and adults of all ages excel in communication,” Porzel said.
Throughout her academic career, Porzel has displayed drive and perseverance; there is no doubt that these attributes will be present as she begins school at Murray State in the Fall of 2018.
With Washington Township being such a small school, most of its students have gone to school with the same classmates since kindergarten. Although she is still sometimes considered the “new student,” the next senior, Haley Clark, did not move to Washington Township until the seventh grade.
It is hard to remember Washington Township before Haley Clark; she is extremely smart, goal orientated, and displays compassion in all things she does. Clark is best known for her contributions to the Lady Senators’ Volleyball Team, where she played one year of Junior Varsity, and three years of Varsity. This season, Clark held the role of team captain and received the “Best Defensive Player” award while making the PCC All Conference Team.
Clark was also a part of Student Council, Key Club, DECA, and National Honor Society. Clark is a friend to everyone and is never caught without a smile on her face.
“The biggest thing I will miss about high school is being with my friends everyday,” Clark said.
Upon the Early Action Deadline, Clark has applied to Purdue University and Valparaiso University.
“I’m interested in both of their engineering programs,” Clark said, “I really love Purdue’s Women in Engineering Program and their First Year Engineering, which gives every engineering student a chance to explore all types of engineering. For VU, I’ve talked to some engineering students, and they have a really good program. I like that the VU class sizes are small, so it is easier for students to get special attention from professors when needed.”
Clark is the girl everyone can count on for help with last night’s math homework, which is evident in her career choice.
“Math has always been my best and favorite subject, and I love being able to solve a problem, especially real life problems through calculations,” Clark said.
Clark does not lack ambition, and this quality will allow her to accomplish all the goals she has set for herself.
The final senior is Anna Penwitt, who has been athletically involved in Varsity Cheerleading for four years and Varsity Dance for four years. Penwitt has taken part in Choir, Student Council, Science Club, and the Lifeteen program through her church.
Deciding upon her career path was easy for Penwitt.
“All my life I have wanted to help people and always knew I would choose a profession in the medical field. At my school, I was given the opportunity to partake in the vocational programs. In my program I was able to experiment with the different aspects of the healthcare field. Through this program I was able to see all the things I could do within a healthcare profession along with how I could be successful in this field,” Penwitt said.
The knowledge Penwitt gained from her vocational program only reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in nursing. Upon selecting her major, Penwitt’s next big decision was to select what school she would attend to obtain this degree. Penwitt knew her decision was not going to be easy; she knew what she wanted, but it was not until she received a letter in the mail that she made her decision.
“I always wanted to leave home, experience campus life, and be on my own. It was not until I applied to Valparaiso University and looked at what they had to offer that I considered staying home as an option for me. I had the mindset that you had to go away to make something of yourself, but I quickly realized I could make something of myself staying right where I was without having to leave anyone or anything behind,” Penwitt said.
Getting her acceptance letter from Valparaiso University was exciting for Penwitt.
“I read the first sentence stating I was directly admitted into the nursing program, and I kept saying ‘I did it.’ I now know that hard work pays off,” Penwitt said.
An acceptance and direct admission is such an honor. Penwitt is hardworking and determined, and she will be successful in everything she does and then some.
Teacher Spotlight: Jennifer Symer
During high school, teachers play a major role in students’ lives; in Washington Township’s case, Guidance Counselor Jennifer Symer is no exception.
"Mrs. Symer is one of the kindest, hardworking, and generous people I have ever met. She works tirelessly to help us seniors every year with anything we may need, whether it be writing us a recommendation letter, helping us with a scholarship, or answering questions about an application. I have never seen her doing her job without a smile on her face," Senior Madison Batthauer said.
Throughout a student’s academic career at Washington Township, Symer becomes their confidant. When the time comes for a student to graduate, it is a milestone for both parties involved. Symer gets to witness firsthand students becoming the people they are meant to be.
Symer creates a personal, honest relationship with every student that sits in her office, and that is rare to find in most advisors. She is the heart of Washington Township, keeping everything and everyone on the right track. She does not hear “thank you” as much as she deserves, and students would be lost without her. From everyone at Washington Township, especially the seniors, thank you to our biggest confidant and supporter, Mrs. Symer.
What’s Coming Up: Stay Tuned for Senior News
As of now, that’s the 411, but stay tuned for more news about Washington Township seniors and their college plans. Many seniors’ minds are destined to change, and colleges do not expect answers until May 1. These seniors have a little bit of time before they make their final decisions. In the meantime, they will continue to spend the remainder of their senior year laughing, smiling, and making memories with one another to last them a lifetime.