#1StudentNWI: Wheeler High School prioritizes community in challenging times

#1StudentNWI: Wheeler High School prioritizes community in challenging times

What happened 

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, many holiday charity events have had to be cancelled in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. This year, the “Lunch with Santa” program was cancelled in order to keep children safe during the pandemic. Several other events such as the clothing drive and food collection were also cancelled. Wheeler High School did not want this holiday season to pass without doing everything in their power to give these children the celebration they deserve. 

Michael Rosta, a guidance counselor at Wheeler High School, decided to raise money for the children in order to buy the presents on their lists but needed more funds. The school also wanted to help the community by sending food baskets to Union Township families. Since the students could not carry out typical fundraising activities, such as penny wars, the National Honors Society began raising money in order to help buy gifts for 10 children. Parents also began reaching out in order to assist with monetary donations. 

These charity events support the community and township immensely, especially during these unprecedented circumstances. The students have found many creative and engaging ways to serve the community in a fitting manner. The Wheeler Bearcats have and always will take care of each other in times of need. 

What's happening

Despite the safety restrictions placed on many school activities because of COVID-19, Key Club has continued activities in a safe and engaging manner. Board members have committed countless hours to reevaluating events and making the necessary changes in order to include every member. Meetings and activities have adapted to a hybrid style as a way to make them for in-person and online students. 

The events planned include the bell ringing for the Salvation Army, tutoring middle schoolers, selling tickets for basketball games, and the annual Trunk or Treat. Philanthropic activities such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) donations and creating Christmas baskets for children in need have been moved online. 

For the month of January, the Key Club has its annual Senior Project. After several weeks of brainstorming, the class has decided to knit fleece blankets as donations to the homeless shelter.

“I think this will go great. A lot of club members were really excited about this project and wanted to help those who are less fortunate,” Key Club President Jayden Calder said. 

Each individual will sew their blankets separately in order to remain socially distant, and they will donate them at the end of the month. 

Key Club and many other student organizations have remained ambitious and plan to continue supporting local communities for the upcoming months. Wheeler High School prides itself on its student involvement and hopes to continue supporting community efforts.

Student focus

Senior Emma Santos, a deeply involved and talented student, has made a consistent effort to be involved in school and community events.

Santos has been class president and a member of the concert choir for four years. She is also on varsity volleyball and tennis and is a member of multiple clubs like National Honors Society, Student Council, Project Green, and Key Club. As an active member of these groups, she has seen the effects of COVID-19 on school events. Despite recent challenges, Santos has continuously emphasized the importance of participating in school events.

“Due to COVID-19, a lot of things have changed at school. Our teachers have been working extra hard to make sure we are all successful and understanding material whether we are in person or virtual,” Santos said. “Aside from classes, our extracurriculars have still been going on, but the events that we have look a lot different this year compared to others.” 

Outside of school, Santos enjoys listening to music, writing, and cooking with family. Santos hopes to attend a Big 10 school in order to study engineering or journalism. 

“I really enjoy mathematics, problem-solving, and writing,” Santos said. “I am waiting to hear from the schools I have applied to officially decide on a major, but I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and further my education in whichever major I choose.”

Although Santos would have never expected her senior year to pan out this way, she is extremely thankful for the opportunity to finish this year with her friends and her community by her side.

Teacher focus

Melissa Pearce recently began teaching at Wheeler High School at the beginning of the second trimester. Pearce—a writing, mass media, and student publications teacher—has always had the goal of teaching at Wheeler High School because she grew up with many of the Wheeler students.

Pearce has always been persistent in her education. She is currently studying to receive her second master's degree in English. Her previous master’s degree is in literacy because she has always been interested in learning the struggles that language learners have and understanding how to help them.

Pearce has recently been focusing on making the yearbook inclusive to all students, especially virtual students.

“In my student publications class, I am really pushing them to make sure that we include every student,” Pearce said. “I’m having students walk around during the day when it is safe and reasonable to do so, as well as having teachers take pictures of their in-person and virtual classes.”

Pearce is encouraging students to send photos of them with their families and friends showcasing their traditions and explaining what makes them special.

During the pandemic, Pearce has reevaluated her goals in the classroom and adjusted accordingly, while also making many changes in her personal teaching style. 

“This pandemic helped me rethink my focus in the classroom. I don't always know what the students mean - it taught me to have more empathy and be flexible. I want the kids to know they are loved and cared for,” she said. 

Wheeler High School is honored to have such a persistent, empathetic teacher guiding students and is excited to see the positive changes she will bring to the school.