What’s recently happened?
On February 14, Whiting High School (WHS) Band celebrated Valentine’s Day in its own manner and gave a bag of appreciation to all the members. Made by the juniors within the band, they decorated and passed out bags full of candy and other treats for the students. Other band members brought in their own items to share amongst the rest of the crowd.
Band instructor Patrick Petcher thanked the students who participated in making their “Bandentines Day” special for everyone.
What’s coming up?
The WHS sophomore class has planned its annual winter sectionals dance with the theme Mardi Gras this year. This will be the first winter dance since before the pandemic. The sophomore class has been planning this event for over a month and has been preparing to share this event with other WHS students. They are all looking forward to this event which is to take place on March 12 at the school.
The WHS Booster Club has also been a part of this process by scheduling the spirit week leading up to the dance. The officers of the club also took into consideration spirit day ideas, as well as events for the annual pep rally on Friday that includes both the teachers and students. Both the booster club and the sophomore class hope to make both the dance and week memorable for students.
Staff spotlight
WHS's Tom Anderson recently began his first year at the high school as the assistant principal at the beginning of the second semester.
Anderson intends to help students stay on track behaviorally and guide them during their time here at Whiting.
Before coming to Whiting, Anderson worked at Chesterton High School, West Central High School, and throughout La Porte County, teaching in fields such as math, physical education, health, and special education.
Anderson gave advice for his students, and how he wishes to be able to always help and guide them in times of need.
“Your past doesn’t define you. You can always reach your goal, no matter your personal situation or where you come from,” Anderson said
He shared that his reason to work in education and administration was being able to make a difference and having an influence on people.
“I like the small school aspect; working in a smaller environment and doing the same things I was doing in La Porte, however, on a bigger scale. It was very welcoming,” Anderson said
Anderson's goals for this school year are to streamline the discipline at WHS and to continue to be consistent with holding students accountable as well as ensuring that the students at Whiting can continue to grow each year.
He also wishes to work alongside Principal Jim Polite and be able to help students maintain good grades as well as encourage them to do their best at WHS. Overall Anderson wishes to help students with their behavior and be able to guide the students at WHS to be successful.
“I like the small staff environment, and the closeness of everyone here. The school has been extremely welcoming to me. I feel as though both the students and staff, including myself, can be themselves here which is very nice,” Anderson said
Being at Whiting has given Anderson a bigger experience of getting to know students and working on a larger scale of a student body. He has always been able to relate to others and cares deeply about helping them. Which has helped him overall within his career in education.
Student spotlight
Junior Emily Bonchik is involved with many extracurricular activities for the school including volleyball, softball, booster club, and student council.
Within these activities she holds positions of vice president of the booster club and student council president, and often advocates for the students at WHS.
She also adds that she is involved in the junior class prom committee and has been helping and volunteering to make WHS prom extremely successful and a night to remember.
“I am looking forward to sports and dances within the school. Since we have been back at school full-time, sports are finally back to somewhat normal. We can officially have a full season even though we have to go through COVID protocols each practice we have,” said Bonchik.
She mentions how, despite the pandemic affecting her high school experience, she has been able to make the most her opportunities and still have memorable moments with her peers.
“I am also looking forward to the school dances that allow all the students to have one fun night of dressing up and singing and dancing to our favorite songs," Bonchik said.
Bonchik also included her favorite moments at school were attending the sporting events and being able to support her friends and fellow classmates from the WHS Oilpit, which is the school-sponsored student section.
Bonchik advised her fellow classmates and encouraged them to make the best of any situation given to them.
“Have a good structure in getting work done. Don’t wait until the last minute to do something that could have been completed a week ago. Try not to get behind in work and stay up to date on it so you can still enjoy all of the things that you can do in high school. Remember you are in high school once, so have a good time and make the best memories,” said Bonchik
Bonchik shared that being back at WHS after the pandemic has helped many students, herself included, learn and maintain structure.