What’s recently happened?
Whiting High School (WHS) Drama Club put on an amazing show, "Elf," for community members December 9-10 and 16-17 at the WHS Auditorium.
The drama club had been working extremely hard the last three months putting together the stage designs, learning lines, and making costumes for all the actors.
The play's director, Nathan Hale Elementary second grade teacher Scott Allen, helped all the students ensure the play runs as smoothly as possible. Many students and staff came out to see the play and support the students in both the middle school and high school.
Sophomore Ana Fejes-Carr played Jovie in the musical.
“The play was such a fun experience; the cast was so helpful with one another, and I learned so much from my fellow castmates,” Carr said.
Allen also provided numerous interactive aspects within the musical that brought an extra holiday spirit.
Before the musical started, Allen asked the audience to join him and some backstage crew members to sing a portion of "Jingle Bell Rock" to kick off the play and thanked the audience for their participation.
“Everyone worked well together and made it a great experience. It was so much fun watching everybody grow and work together," Allen said.
The musical featured many middle and high school students, as well as students from the elementary school who participated as elves and Christmas workers, which also featured an entire song just from the students.
What’s coming up?
WHS students are preparing for finals and the end of the semester on Wednesday, December 21, where students will be able to finish all their finals and be able to have a well-deserved winter break.
WHS is also having students get into the holiday spirit by having dress up days during finals week. Students will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite holiday character, in pajamas, and in holiday sweaters, giving them a chance to relax during the week to have fun with classmates.
Students will return to school January 3 in the new year and be ready for the next semester in the 2022-2023 school year.
Many students were very excited to have this winter break with WHS being extremely busy from sports, extracurricular activities, and community service.
“Being my last year at WHS, I really made sure to put my best foot forward for finals, and I am so excited to have a fun winter break with my friends,” Senior Stephanie Host said.
While many students have their own plans over the winter break, WHS teachers are also excited to spend time with their families and friends as well.
Junior Nicholas Davenport is excited to also spend time with his friends, and participate in the Highland Holiday Hoop Tournament with the WHS basketball team over the break.
Staff spotlight:
Kelly Morando is a science teacher at WHS and teaches Biology, AP Biology, as well as AP Environmental Science.
Morando has been a teacher for 14 years and began her career at WHS, starting as a paraprofessional and eventually working her way up to a licensed teacher.
“In college, I worked as a substitute teacher, and I liked the atmosphere of being in that role,” Morando said.
Morando is also the varsity softball coach, National Honors Society sponsor, and Science Olympiad coach for WHS.
Being so involved within the school community, Morando encourages her students to branch out during high school and not be afraid to get out of their comfort zone once in a while.
“I enjoy seeing the growth within the students in and outside of the classroom. It is so exciting to see. Being able to see how much someone can grow in just a few short months makes teaching that much more worthwhile,” Morando said.
Morando enjoys being able to see her students grow and succeed both in and outside of the classroom.
Student spotlight:
Vanessa Gonzalez is a senior at WHS and is involved in many aspects of the school community. She is also involved in the Hammond Area Career Center (ACC) dental program and is currently studying to become a dental hygienist.
Gonzalez is also a part of the WHS varsity cheerleading team, National Honors Society, Technical Honors Society, and Spanish Club.
“I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in my life after high school. I really am excited about going to college, and gaining more independent experiences,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez wishes to study dental hygiene in college and be able to take all the knowledge she gained at the ACC to her future endeavors.
Gonzalez hopes to attend a university in Indiana and continue her pursuits in the dental field as far as she possibly can, and be able to help people within her own community in the future.
“Don’t stress on the little things in high school or with academics. Just because you may mess up on one assignment doesn’t change your entire life. Try not to overwhelm yourself and instead take everything in at each moment” Gonzalez said.