What’s recently happened?
The Academic Super Bowl was held April 22 at Wheeler High School (WHS). Teams from around the area showed up to compete in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts. Students are able to be on two of the teams at once.
“I’m on the Science team and the English team. I prefer science, but I am better at English,” said Sophomore Jack Gaetz.
“I’m just on the Social Studies team, but it is by far my favorite subject. I want to be a middle school history teacher in the future, so this is my scene. I love it,” said Senior Isaac Rios.
Within the competition, teams answer 25 questions, and the team with the most correct answers, or most correct in a row if there happens to be a tie, wins. The winners of certain subjects have the chance to make it to the state competition if they beat other class levels.
This occurred with WHS’ Math and English teams, which will be heading down to state on May 10 at Purdue University West Lafayette.
“I’m so proud of our team. I knew we would do well, but making it down to State is incredible. We have been working hard, and it is definitely paying off,” said Junior Luke Richardson.
“This is my first year joining the team, so making it to the State competition is really crazy to me. I love the team and meeting with them to practice for the competitions,” said Sophomore Julia Pearce.
Not only did Math and English make it to State, but Science won in its class category, and the Social Studies and Science B team received third place.
“We may not have reached the top, but we were super close and we worked for what we got,” said Junior Clara Davis.
All of the WHS teams dominated in the competition, and every student should be proud of their accomplishments. This was a phenomenal turnout for a tough Super Bowl.
What’s coming up?
Prom week is this upcoming week! This is a huge, exciting week with lots of preparations to be made. The nominees for Prom Prince, Princess, King, and Queen have just been announced.
For Prom Prince, the nominees are Luke Richardson, Titus Parrish, Christian Cutka, Tyne Vettikal, and Maddox Jordan.
“I’m feeling very prince-y. On another note, though, I’m so happy to have been nominated. I asked some people to nominate me, but I am so excited that they did,” said Richardson.
While some students, like Richardson, were eyeing a nomination, the nomination came as a complete shock to others.
“I wasn’t expecting this in the slightest, but I’m super pumped,” said Parrish.
Prom Princess nominees are Reese Reittinger, Mia Pagone, Liv Widner, Skyler Prskalo, and Briella Woods.
“Everyone on the court deserves to win. If I wasn’t on it, I would have a hard time choosing who to vote for,” said Reittinger.
Possible Prom Kings are Nick Bravo, Chase Yanek, Isaac Rios, Caleb Klimzack, and Jayden Ortiz.
“I was nominated for prince last year, but didn’t win. Let’s see if I’ve got it this year,” said Rios.
Finally, Prom Queen nominees are Abby Allen, Carmina WIlliams, Demi Tasicas, Mackenzie Jordan, and Avi Widner.
“As reigning princess, I hope I win queen, too. That would be so cool to win it twice,” said Allen.
The winners will be announced at the Grand March held in the WHS Auditorium at 5 p.m. WHS is sending a lot of luck to all of the nominees this week!
Staff spotlight:
Mark Harnew is one of the middle school social studies teachers and the social studies academic team coach. He loves teaching with hands-on activities and showing students how things apply to today.
This year’s academic subject was the history of Ireland. This influenced him to take the team to the Irish Museum in Chicago.
“I wanted our little group to see everything and really get a visual instead of just reading the book,” said Harnew.
Harnew’s classroom has been famously nicknamed “Harnewville.” His students love this and continue to make him little signs that state the name.
“I love the environment we have in my little ville. It’s never a boring day here,” said Harnew.
Harnew is loved by all students and continues to brighten up people’s days.
Student spotlight:
Junior Briella Woods is making big moves this year. She has been selected to be a part of the Kankakee Valley REMC Junior Board of Directors. This is a group of students throughout the community who make moves to improve the community and help the people within it.
“On Saturday, May 24, we are hosting a Suicide Prevention Walk at Sunset Hill Farm. We’re hoping to raise money and awareness for this cause through the walk,” said Woods.
She is very passionate about bringing awareness to causes that may usually be overlooked. She is making big steps to accomplish this.
Not only is she working towards that, but Woods will be graduating early from WHS to experience a semester at sea.
“Once I graduate after the first semester next year, I will be taking college classes on a boat for an entire semester,” said Woods.
It is not easy to be accepted into this program, but Woods had no problem. She hopes that others may find experiences like the one she will experience.
