What recently happened?
Whiting High School’s (WHS) Homecoming dance took place on September 28, hosted by WHS’ Booster Club. Starting Monday September 23, students showed up in cowboy-themed outfits and began competition for the Spirit Stick.
Students who dressed in theme were tracked by homeroom teachers, with the most dressed class earning a point towards the stick. Along with dressing in theme, there were multiple chances for students to earn points, such as Monday’s hallway decorating contest. Each class was assigned a part of Disney: Seniors had the original (OG) Disney, Juniors had Marvel, Sophomores had Pixar, and Freshman had Star Wars.
The hallway point, judged by teachers, went to the seniors. As well as hallway decorating, Homecoming week was full of fun activities for students. Float decorating for the parade was from Tuesday to Thursday at the Whiting Animal Shelter.
The WHS parade was on Thursday with a huge bonfire at the corner of 119th Street to end the day. After the parade was the class versus class kickball game, with another Spirit Stick point going to the seniors.
The end of the school day on Friday was spent in the gym for the Homecoming Pep Rally to prepare for Friday night lights. The Pep Rally held the class versus class volleyball, with juniors winning overall, which included the bonus round against the teachers.
Friday night’s game was the most anticipated game of the year so far, with the announcement of Homecoming Queen Ana Fejes-Carr, and King Alfredo Marquez and a special performance from the cheerleaders at halftime. At the end of halftime was the announcement of the Spirit Stick winners, which was the seniors!
The homecoming game was a close one against Calumet New Tech High School, with a score of 36-38, a victory for Calumet.
What’s coming up?
The WHS Band and Choir are preparing for their first concert of the year. This year's fall concert will be on October 14 in the WHS gym.
WHS’ Band and Choir both work very hard under Director Patrick Petcher to create beautiful music at concerts and other events they attend. Fejes-Carr, a senior choir member, says her favorite concert of the year is the Senior Concert.
“I enjoy the Senior Concert because we sing songs that we get to pick and it is more fun,” said Fejes-Carr.
There are multiple reasons to enjoy being in these activities such as concerts, football games, and competitions. However, there are other reasons people enjoy being a part of these groups. Junior Joaquin Sanchez says he enjoys feeling like part of another family.
“I enjoy band because it feels like a whole other family to me since we all can get along together, regardless of who we are and what instrument we play. Sure, we’re tough on each other but that’s for improvement. It's genuinely fun being able to go out for events and play for people,” said Sanchez.
With this only being the first concert of the year, members can work out goals they may have for the remainder of the school year. Brisedia Lopez, a senior in the band, says she hopes to play more solos.
“I hope to be able to play more complex songs and solos this year,” said Lopez.
Staff spotlight:
Jeremy Long has been teaching for 29 years, all at WHS. Long teaches Chemistry I, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and Integrated Chemistry/Physics. Long says he enjoys teaching chemistry, but likes it the most when he gets to switch to teaching physics.
“Obviously, I love both chemistry and physics. Most of my classes over the years have been chemistry, but it’s fun when I get a chance to change gears and teach physics. I also taught Earth/Space Science for a number of years, and it’s also one of my favorites,” said Long.
Beginning at Ball State University, Long got his bachelor's in science education. He then moved on to get his masters in educational administration from Purdue University Northwest.
Long says one of his favorite parts about working in WHS is the school's small size. With a smaller school size, Long says it's easier to get to know his students better.
“One of the best things about Whiting is that its small size allows teachers and students to really get to know each other. In larger schools, students can sometimes get lost, but in Whiting, I get to teach almost everyone. There are a lot of Whiting students who really understand the value of education, and I can spend most of my time teaching, which makes coming to work a lot more fun,” said Long.
For 26 years, Long has been coaching WHS’ Science Olympiad team, helping to lead the team to major victories. Long has been involved in every level from small invitationals to Nationals, with his own team going to Nationals in 2014. Long calls it a unique chance for students to compete in the Science Olympiad, like in sports.
Coaching a team usually means having goals for them. Long says his goals are always the same, for students to learn and have fun.
“My goals for the Science Olympiad team are the same every year. I want everyone to learn some science that they would probably never learn in their classes, meet some new friends, and have fun while doing it! Yes, winning is always a goal, but winning comes from working hard and working together to achieve that goal,” said Long.
Long said his favorite part about the Science Olympiad team is watching it become a family each year. He says it's a great feeling to see positive relationships develop while having fun doing science.
Student spotlight:
Alondra Alvarez is a very active student at WHS. She's a member of the National Honors Society, Cheerleading, Tennis, Science Olympiad, Band, Spanish club, and Booster Club.
With her high academic standing, Alvarez hopes to maintain her grades by staying focused on her studies as much as possible.
“I plan to keep my academics strong by studying whenever I have free time. Balancing my academics with numerous club activities can be very challenging, but with dedication and hard work, I believe I can achieve academic success,” said Alvarez.
Alvarez says she is very proud of her ability to maintain her grades while in so many clubs. She is also a talented tennis player, this past season playing on varsity and helping lead her team to another sectional victory. She expressed her hope to move to varsity singles this year.
After high school, Alvarez plans to go on to study criminal justice at college.
