What’s recently happened?
Whiting High School (WHS) Spanish Teacher Nohemi Saavedra taught her Spanish classes about DÍa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is celebrated November 1 and November 2. This year, students made their own ofrendas (altars) to commemorate the lives of loved ones, celebrities, or people that students felt close to.
Saavedra’s class learned about the history of the traditional Mexican Heritage Holiday, what each part of the altar represents, and the meaning behind the holiday.
While Dia de los Muertos is primarily celebrated in Mexican culture, many Hispanic heritages also celebrate the holiday and take the days very seriously in remembering their loved ones and family members who have passed.
On November 1-2 from 3-4 p.m., students hosted an ofrenda event where students showcased their altars which was presented by the Spanish and Art students at WHS.
Senior Shaun Former-Serrano did his ofrenda on his dog Rigley.
“I found some old pictures of Wrigley that I hadn’t seen in a long time, so it was nice to be able to see him again,” Former-Serrano said.
Juniors Alexa Guzmen and Taylor Patton dedicated their ofrendas to their great grandparents.
“I learned about the actual traditions about the ofrendas and all the historical background going into them, which I didn’t really look into when I was younger,” Guzman said.
“I learned that there are not just sad things when people pass away. You don’t just have to think about the sadness of the lost but how you can celebrate the life of people,” Patton said.
All three students mentioned that they were able to connect with their loved ones and take a moment to remember all the great times they had while making their ofrendas.
Students believe that this is something many people should learn about,
“It’s not just a Spanish project; it connects your family, and it brings a very fun aspect learning about this tradition,” Guzman said.
What’s coming up?
The WHS Girls Basketball team has its home opener November 19 against Westville High School, and the WHS Boys Basketball team follows November 24 against Hammond Academy of Science and Tech (HAST).
Dean of Students Arthur Young, also the Girls Basketball coach, is excited for his team's home opener. The team is currently 2-1 and is looking forward to another great season for the Oilers.
The Boys Basketball team is also looking forward to its season, and Coach TJ Toth is also looking forward to another season as head coach.
The WHS Booster Club is also preparing to have as much student involvement possible for the upcoming season.
Staff spotlight:
WHS English Teacher Lisa Peck is considered one of the most involved teachers by her students. Peck teaches English Literature, AP Language, Composition, and Debate Class.
Being her eighth year in education and second year at WHS, the reason she became an educator was to help her students in any way she possibly could.
“I wanted to make a difference or impact on beautiful young minds. I hoped to be of service to them and be there for them in any way they needed whether it was or was not about school,” Peck said.
Peck encourages her students not to sweat the little things in life, and to remember that they can do whatever they set their minds to.
“The world is truly in the palm of your hands, and as long as you work for it, you will receive it. I know my students will be successful in the future. I see it in every single one of them in their own ways,” Peck said.
Peck attended college at Purdue University Northwest, and majored in education, especially English, because of her own journalistic background.
“I wanted to have a career that I truly enjoyed and would make me excited to come to everyday, and teaching does that for me. I enjoy seeing all my students and the impact I know that I can make on my students' lives,” Peck said.
Outside of school, Peck enjoys the outdoors such as hiking, biking, and canoeing as well as spending time with her family.
Student spotlight:
WHS senior Jose Torres is considered to be a star Oiler at WHS. The three sport athlete does it all. In multiple extracurriculars and clubs, Torres is excited for his future.
“Being a part of the football, basketball, and baseball teams has by far been my favorite experience at Whiting High School because of the culture Whiting has built here through sports," Torres said.
Being in football, basketball, and baseball all four years of school, Torres said most of his favorite memories are from being in those sports and being able to make lifelong friendships from those practices and games.
“Some advice I’d like to give my peers about life past high school is that as long as you work hard and never have any doubt in your mind about what you’re capable of doing, you will be very successful and get to where you want to be in life," Torres said.
Torres is also a member of the National Honors Society, Booster Club, and vice president of the Spanish Club.
“Something my parents have always told me is to always work hard and finish everything I start. I’ve never been a quitter because of that advice. In times when I want to quit, I always finish what I start in my life, and I think that’s the reason why I’m where I’m at today and why I’m on a path to success,” Torres said.
Outside of WHS and sports, Torres likes to hangout with his family and friends.
Torres said some of his favorite courses were all the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) classes; the hands-on work and creative aspects of the classes was something Torres really appreciated.
Torres is preparing for the next chapter of his life next year and is eager to attend Purdue University West Lafayette to study Computer Science.