What’s recently happened?
This November, the Washington Township High School (WTHS) talent show was brought back after a four-year hiatus. Janet Wade, the choir director, organized this night full of singing, dancing, instrumental music, and even acrobatics.
The high school choir itself pulled off two choreographed numbers, singing “Just the Way You Are,” by Bruno Mars and “Dancing Queen,” by ABBA. The middle school choir, and other middle school participants, were able to perform as well, getting a taste of what high school music classes might be like.
The WTHS jazz band also got to perform.
“My favorite part was performing with a jazz band. We have been working on our songs for about a month now, and it is exciting to perform them in front of everyone,” said sophomore Ella Kodicek.
While the choir and band both had huge performances, there were also many individual performers, such as Alyvia Hornback singing “A Million Dreams,” Aliza Merritt singing “Making the Bed,” and Yancey Scott and Paige Hein performing a duet of “Back to December,” while playing guitar.
“It was a great opportunity to go out of my comfort zone and show off what I’ve learned in guitar class. This was my second year performing in the show and it was definitely exciting to have it back,” said Hein.
Older students can look back and remember what the talent shows were like four years ago, and many were sad when they stopped taking place. Now that they’re back, a lot of older students have taken the chance to perform again and get back on the stage. Just as many younger students were able to perform and experience the talent show now, and will hopefully carry on the tradition.
What’s coming up?
December is a big month for WTHS. Homecoming festivities will take place the first two days of December, with the basketball game being on December 1 and the dance being on December 2.
After Homecoming is over, everything turns to Christmas and finals. Christmas music starts playing, Secret Santa names start to go out, and Christmas lists have already started being made.
The annual WTHS Christmas concert will be on December 4, with all the bands and choirs performing, including middle school. As usual, the band will perform “Sleigh Ride,” among other songs.
Finals week starts on December 19, and the last day of school before Christmas break will be December 21. Students are already starting to work on final projects and studying for big tests. After the break, school will be back in session on January 8.
Staff spotlight:
Michele Jablonski has taught English at Washington Township’s schools for the past 27 years. She graduated from WTHS in 1984 and is from the Valparaiso area. Jablonski graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in English, got her master’s in curriculum design and a graduate certificate in composition from Indiana Wesleyan, and is currently working on her doctoral degree.
Currently, Jablonski teaches 11th and 12th grade English and is known to make a big impact on students.
“I like that English is more than just reading and writing. It’s about helping to prepare for the future and getting students ready for college or whatever they’re going to do in their lives,” said Jablonski.
Jablonski is a very successful teacher, and a lot of that success comes from the connections she makes with her students. Jablonski always makes class interesting, creating immersive projects to teach literature, like the “Macbeth” simulation, or talking to students about real-world issues. She ensures through personal lessons that students are thriving not just academically, but emotionally.
“My biggest achievement is all the students that stay in touch with me after they leave here. I have some students that are in their 40s that still contact me,” said Jablonski.
Jablonski puts a lot of effort into teaching and has made an impact on hundreds of students over the years.
Other than teaching, Jablonski is the English Academic Team coach and in the past has led multiple middle school clubs, such as Spell Bowl and Builders Club. When Jablonski isn’t teaching or grading, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her three grandchildren. After she retires, Jablonski wants to spend as much time with her grandkids as she can, get an RV, and travel across America.
Student spotlight:
Junior Camden Bell has attended Washington Township schools since kindergarten and is a student many would describe as hardworking and incredibly busy. At WTHS, Bell is involved in a lot, participating in activities such as the National Honor Society, academic teams, and Spell Bowl. On top of that, Bell is the Key Club president and works on a state committee, is avid at taking pictures for school sports, and is a dedicated Boy Scout working on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
“The goal of Boy Scouts is to give you skills you can use in the military but will also be used in everyday life,” said Bell.
After high school, Bell intends to enlist in the Coast Guard and wants to do something with maritime law enforcement. It is clear Bell’s dedication to Boy Scouts has helped him make this decision.
Until then, Bell is fairly content with being in high school and has had an exciting three years.
“My favorite high school memory would have to be the water balloon fight with Vice Principal Dan Leighty,” said Bell. “My close second memory would be the student vs. teacher dodgeball fight.”
Bell lives with his parents, Micah and Beth Bell, who is a math teacher at WTHS, and has an older brother in the military. When not in school, Bell enjoys activities like photography, bowling, and working at Emagine Portage.