What’s Recently Happened:
The student section of the boys basketball game against the Portage Indians was definitely a sight worth seeing. The theme for the recent game was “helmet” and the students did not disappoint. Some donned vibrant construction hats while others sported pink bicycle helmets. The Wheeler High School (WHS) student section always comes to support their bearcats!
In other news, the student of the month program has returned at WHS. This program highlights a few students who have been recognized for their hard work and outstanding dedication to their education. Congratulations to this month's students: Peter Gudinas, Ian Doughtery, Francesca Donfrio, Toby Weitendorf, and Julissa Delgado. WHS wouldn't be the same without you!
The WHS choir held another marvelous performance led by Choir Teacher Pam Hardesty. The audience members were full of awe when the choir started to serenade everyone. There is no doubt that the WHS choir is extremely talented.
What’s Coming Up:
Chatter can be heard in the halls about prom dresses and tuxedos. With prom coming up in late April, it seems prom can’t come soon enough.
Usually, WHS hosts a winter formal dance sometime in the early months of the new year, but prom is taking over the focus this year. The prom committee has been formed and they are working diligently to make this year's prom a success. The minute details of prom haven’t been revealed yet, but it has been announced that it will be held at County Line Orchard. Students are excited as County Line Orchard is a Bearcat favorite.
Students will get to relax during the week of Valentine's Day, as it is a four day weekend following finals week. There are also candy grams being sold at lunches to send to a special someone for the upcoming holiday.
With the second trimester coming to a close, students who are graduating early will be saying goodbye to their friends. A good majority of the WHS seniors are graduating. It will be sad to see them go, but also exciting to watch them start their life outside of high school.
Staff Spotlight:
English Teacher Peter Martin is one of WHS' superpowers. During his career, Martin has provided a welcoming environment in which learning is encouraged and genuinely fun. Martin strives to make the vibe of his room comforting and relaxing as he knows how stressful school can be for his students.
Students in Martin's English classes hone their skills as writers with focus on rhetorical writing. He conferences with students about their writing, edits, revises, and teaches the important factors that are involved in writing.
Aside from teaching English classes, Martin also teaches speech and advanced speech classes where students learn to overcome their fear of public speaking. Although this may seem scary to some, it is one of the most valuable classes they could ever take. Martin teaches students to “power pose," ritual in which you stand in a superman position or stand upright with your arms raised, to allow for a confidence boost.
Martin is also the coach for the English Academic Team at WHS. During the second resource period every Tuesday, the team prepares for an academic competition in which reading and comprehension questions will be asked about passages. Martin is the perfect coach for the team as he makes sure every student understands whatever it is they’re learning.
Martin’s caring demeanor and kind heart have made him an exceptionally admired teacher.
Students in Martin's English classes, which mainly focus on rhetorical writing, hone their skills as writers.
Student Spotlight:
Olivia Makatura is a multi dimensional, star student. Makatura has been in at least one sport since her freshman year, and has also excelled academically throughout her academic career. Her dedication to soccer and team spirit allowed her to be recognized for having the most school spirit.
Along with being full of joy and cheer, Makatura is full of influence. She was the first female to join the wrestling team in 2019 and proved every doubt wrong. Even though it shouldn’t be uncommon to have coed sports, there have been no women on the wrestling team since it was formed.
Though Makatura wrestles in a low weight class, she still perseveres.
“I feel that no obstacle is too great for me to overcome. Just because I weigh less than most, doesn’t mean I can’t defeat someone of a greater size. My training and skillful technique allow me to compete in a fair and fast manner," she said.
Aside from her sports career, Makatura enjoys spending time with friends and caring for animals.
In the future, Makaturs plans to attend Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Ind. and live her life in service to others.