The snow is slowly beginning to fall, and the weather is making us reminisce of the warm summer days. We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas break and a Happy New Year, and look forward to the upcoming year of 2016. In terms of recent news at Wheeler High School, we are beginning our academic team meetings that include Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and Fine Arts. All students are welcome to participate, so please see the teacher of the team you are interested in joining.
Additionally, any students interested in the Science Technology & Robotics club should meet in Mr. Kenning’s room #202, during first resource on Thursday December 10. Next in Guidance news, any students taking the SAT at Merrillville High School on Saturday, December 5 will need to enter at Entrance G in the back of the high school by 7:30 A.M. You must have a photo I.D. and a College Board Registration Form as well.
Moreover, students interested in taking vocational classes next year need to complete an application. The due date for 2nd-year vocational students is January 29 and for 1st-year students is February 11; vocational forms are in Mrs. Rittel’s office and should be turned into the Guidance Department. Lastly, a reminder to any students enrolled in dual credit classes 2nd and 3rd trimester need to turn in their enrollment forms to Ms. Day. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Day as soon as possible.
Wheeler High School has been active in helping their community through extracurricular clubs such as Student Council and National Honors Society. First, The South Haven Fire Department is collecting homemade Christmas Cards to brighten the day of the children admitted to the Pediatric Unit at Porter Regional and St. Mary's hospitals over the Christmas Holiday. Students are asked to make a simple Christmas card that includes a kind message.
There is no limit to the amount of cards you can make, but please turn them into the High School Office as soon as possible. Any students interested should see Carter Garcia if you have any questions. Second, Spanish Club member that would like to attend the celebration for Guadalupe Day in Des Plaines, Illinois on Saturday, December 12 should see Mrs. Norton for a permission slip.
Furthermore, Spanish Club t-shirts are selling for $10, and order forms are in Mrs. Norton’s room. Third, all French and German Club students are invited to the German Christmas Market and Science Museum field trip in Chicago this Saturday, December 12 from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Permission slips are located in Mrs. Ault’s room, and all students are welcome to attend. Fourth, any National Honor Society members interested in being a math tutor should see Mr. Boruff as soon as possible; this opportunity will be first come, first serve.
Lastly, we would like to thank all the class resources that helped participate in the Wheeler High School Annual Food Drive; all your charitable donations are greatly appreciated!
Wheeler High School Athletics has kicked off their winter season on a positive rhythm. On Thursday, December 3, the boys’ bowling team played against Chesterton and the girls’ bowling team with LaPorte. High rollers for the Bearcats were Hayden Meadows with 139-139, Cole Snuffer with 167-158, Trevor Hart with 158-141, Kyle Snuffer with 269-243, Rachel Gaylord with 149, Halie Minard with 160-169, Cassie Harris with 154-148, and Brittnie Beach with 196-215.
Their next match will be Wednesday, December 9 at Hobart Lanes. Next up, the final call-out meeting for Wheeler baseball will be on Monday, December 7 right after school in Coach Becich’s room (#404); if you are planning on playing you must attend. On December 10, the Wheeler Swim Team competed against Lowell High School.
Some of the top finishers for Wheeler were Morgan Marrs, Lilly Graske, Riley Hall, Laura Wong, Nathan Graf, Joel O’Shea, Aiden Hostetler, and Dawson Bukur.
When asked about how their swim season is going so far, Riley Hall commented, “It’s been a great season so far, I feel like everyone is improving so much.”
I would like to give a huge teacher shout-out to Wheeler’s English and Speech teacher Mr. Bock. He is a graduate of Benedictine University with a degree in English and a minor in Secondary Education. Mr. Bock has been teaching at the Union Township School Corporation since 2012.
Additionally, Mr. Bock is the head coach of Wheeler High School Boys’ Soccer Team and leads the Student Council of Recreational Events (SCORE) group at Wheeler. @WHSSCORE on Twitter is where Wheeler High School students can get all the up-to-date information on all things related to Wheeler High School. We are grateful to have Mr. Bock be a part of our Union Township School Corporation!
I would also like to give a student shout-out to Wheeler High School senior Nathan Graf. A member of Wheeler High School’s swim team, Nathan is the school record holder in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 1:59.12, 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:00.08, and is looking to finish in the top eight in both events at state this year.
Despite his personal bests, Nathan finished just behind Valparaiso’s Ian Holmes by 0.68 seconds in the 200-yard individual medley and 0.32 seconds behind Chesterton’s Andrew Gillen in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Nathan commented, “Initially I was very excited that I cut that much time, but then it started sinking in how close I came. It changed me because it made me realize what I wanted for my senior year.”
Wheeler Coach Rob Gass stated, “I remember being upset with his overall effort at practice last year and I don’t feel that way this year. I think he saw what he was capable of at Sectionals last year and it woke him up.” We all wish Nathan and the Wheeler swim team the best of luck in their season!