What's recently happened?
In recent weeks, Whiting High School seniors have been on edge as they awaited the release of priority college admission decisions. Students were required to submit one or multiple applications by November 1 with the anticipation of receiving their decisions by mid-December. It's crucial to highlight that regular decisions are typically slated for release in March. This announcement set off a chain reaction of emotions, shaping the anticipation that has enveloped the school community.
As seniors logged into their status pages, reactions were diverse. Some were met with jubilation upon discovering their acceptance into desired universities, marking the realization of academic dreams.
“I feel like it’s a great time for college decisions because people can see how great we worked and what we accomplished to get into schools we love,” said Joe Quiroz, a senior at Whiting.
Simultaneously, others confronted disappointment as they navigated through rejection letters or learned they had been placed on a waitlist.
“I feel as if I’ve waited my entire life for this moment,” Senior Ava Gormley said. “I feel terrified. I’m impatiently counting down the days until I get that email. I can only wait and hope that my academic success has paid off.”
Whiting’s close-knit community played a crucial role during this emotionally charged period. Whether celebrating acceptance or providing a comforting hand to those facing rejection, the supportive environment within the school served as a reminder that individual worth extends beyond the outcome of a college application.
The release of college admission decisions marks a pivotal moment for Whiting seniors. As they prepare for the next phase of their academic journeys, the resilience displayed during this waiting period will undoubtedly shape their perspectives and guide them through the choices that lie ahead. The future for the Oilers may be unclear, but the collective spirit of this student body ensures that, like a sunrise on the horizon, their paths forward are bound to be bright and full of promise.
What's coming up?
Whiting recently wrapped up its annual blood drive on September 5, 2023 in partnership with the American Red Cross. While the event saw a turnout slightly below the average, it marked a positive note with 32% of participants being first-time donors. The 23 units collected contributed to the Red Cross scholarship for deserving senior National Honor Society (NHS) members based on their service hours.
Looking ahead, the NHS is eagerly preparing for its next blood drive scheduled for January 16, 2024. This upcoming event is crucial for replenishing blood supplies and supporting various medical needs within the community. The Red Cross blood drives play a vital role in emergencies, surgeries, and chronic illness treatments.
“It’s always a great feeling to give back to those in need,” John Janiga, a senior NHS member, said. “Just the thought of what I’m doing is helping others is what I look forward to the most.”
“I look forward to giving people in an unfortunate situation another chance at life,” Beau Harbin, another senior NHS member, said.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in the January 16 blood drive, contributing to the ongoing efforts to save lives. Despite the recent drive's outcomes, the community is rallying together to ensure the success of the upcoming blood drive and its significance in supporting the local healthcare system.
Staff spotlight:
In the bustling corridors of Whiting, Sarah Daniels serves as a dependable advocate for student success as one of the guidance counselors. Her assistance spans across all grade levels, as she remains consistently available, ready, and approachable. Daniels’ friendly demeanor ensures a welcoming presence to those seeking support. Behind the scenes, she plays a crucial role in ensuring that every student, who may sometimes be overlooked, is provided with an equal opportunity to succeed.
Daniels outlined her main duties as a high school counselor, emphasizing the importance of consistent monitoring in the role.
“My job is to ensure all students are on track for graduation, requiring me to help students fulfill all graduation requirements. Keeping students on track is my top priority and the most time-consuming part of my job as it involves constant monitoring,” Daniels said.
Daniels discussed a typical challenge encountered by students and described her collaborative approach with teachers and parents to address these issues.
“I would say the most common problem is lack of motivation. I regularly communicate with teachers and parents to try to devise plans to assist students with this, but the student is the only one who can do the work,” Daniels said.
Daniels explained her approach to balancing work and personal life, also mentioning some activities she finds enjoyable outside of her professional commitments.
“I usually unwind with hot yoga, reading, and walks/bike rides with my two kids. My 5-year-old daughter dances, and my 9-year-old son is into football, baseball, and basketball, keeping me busy shuttling them to various activities,” Daniels said.
Daniels’ approach to establishing a positive and inclusive foundation for students focuses on both academic and personal aspects.
“My goal is for all students to feel welcome to come into my office with any issue they may have. I try to interact with the students regularly and build relationships with them so they feel comfortable doing so,” Daniels said.
Despite not working on the frontlines in direct student instruction, Daniels merits acknowledgment for her dedicated support of students. She serves as a significant motivational influence on students. In the revolving door of students, Daniels exhibits adaptability while contributing to the orchestration of numerous students' futures. Daniels' unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to student well-being make her a truly cherished asset to the heart of Whiting.
Student spotlight:
Sebastian Garcia stands as a distinguished representative of the Hammond Area Career Center (ACC), an institution that provides diverse trade programs encompassing fields such as education, healthcare, and various other trades. Particularly excelling in the culinary track at ACC, Garcia has become a standout figure, deeply involved in the center's activities. Not only is he actively engaged in ACC, but Garcia is also recognized as a friendly and familiar presence within the halls of Whiting, embodying the connection between the school and the ACC programs.
Garcia has significant moments and insights from his two-year experience in the culinary program. It's remarkable considering his initial lack of culinary knowledge.
“Some highlights from my time in the culinary and hospitality program would be learning how to break down a turkey, building a whole gingerbread structure for my midterm, meeting the president of the ACF (American Culinary Federation), and everything else,” Garcia said.
The ACC's culinary program has helped Garcia foster practical skills essential for a prospective career in the culinary arts.
“It helped me develop skills like networking and working under pressure. In the culinary industry, it is very important to connect with people and businesses. In the kitchen, anything can happen. I have to be ready to adapt quickly,” Garcia said.
Garcia has a strong passion for a particular area of the culinary industry and has long-term career aspirations moving forward from high school to culinary school.
“I am passionate about the baking aspect because it is so awesome to see all your hard work enjoyed by others,” Garcia said. “My long-term career aspiration is to open a business that is relaxing to customers as they eat amazing food.”
Aside from his engagement in culinary studies, Garcia has many personal hobbies or interests that bring fulfillment.
“Other than cooking, some hobbies I find personally fulfilling are reading, collecting vinyl records, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and playing video games. All of these things I find enjoyable and therapeutic,” Garcia said.
Garcia's role at the ACC, especially within the culinary track, highlights the significance of ACC's trade programs in shaping the future of students like him. His active involvement not only showcases the opportunities available through ACC but also emphasizes the positive impact of such programs on individuals within the school community. As a friendly face at Whiting, Garcia symbolizes the bridge between academic institutions and practical trade education, leaving a lasting impression on both ACC and the school.