What’s recently happened?
The final week before school was let out, the newspaper club at Wheeler High School (WHS) decided to put on a Spirit Week. This week included Christmas Sock Day, Christmas Character Day, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Santa versus Grinch Day, and “The Polar Express” Day.
“My favorite day was ugly Christmas sweaters because I have so many,” said Junior Luke Richardson.
Although most days were self explanatory, ‘The Polar Express” Day seemed to be a bit confusing. This meant to wear Christmas themed pajamas because that is what they do in the movie.
“‘The Polar Express’ Day was my favorite because it was the most comfortable,” said Sophomore Alora Applegate.
This is a new, fun tradition to keep the students in high spirits while the last week before Christmas break drags on. It brings in creativity and lots of enjoyment to the halls of WHS.
What’s coming up?
Once WHS students are back from break, senior nights for winter sports begin. Specifically, on January 7, the WHS Swim Team will be hosting its Senior Night against Michigan City High School.
The seniors this year are Demi Tasicas, Alexia Orosz, Emily Mistina, Gracen Herron, Riley Fox, Tommy Emery, Chris Benefit, Stephen Claussen, and Greg Gillen.
“I can’t believe I’m a senior this year. Seeing my banner hung up was a weird feeling,” said Orosz.
Whether these students are new, seasoned, divers, or swimmers, they have all put in so much work to be at the ability that they are. The team really appreciates all of them and their hard work.
Staff spotlight:
Elizabeth Laba is a new science teacher at WHS. This is her first year, and she has been put to the task of teaching Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and AP Chemistry.
So far, her favorite class to teach has been AP Chemistry. This is due to her being able to give them more elaborate labs and get into the deeper parts of chemistry. However, she loves all of her classes and teaches all of the students the fundamentals of chemistry.
Laba has two kids at home, Blake and Emily. Blake is a sophomore at WHS and Emily is an eighth grader at Union Township Middle School.
“It was fun to be able to teach my own son,” said Laba.
Laba hopes that incoming freshmen don’t give up on what they want. She hopes they continue to persevere through the tough classes and learn the material as best they can.
“There’s no easy way out. You just have to keep working for what you want,” said Laba.
She wants graduating seniors to look forward to what is to come next. It is scary to move away from home to college, or to start working in a trade, but at the end of the day, it is worth it. She wants them to do what they love, and not what they think everyone else wants for them.
Student spotlight:
Demi Tasicas is a senior at WHS. She is captain of the Swim Team, in the National Honors Society, and a huge part of the school’s media.
Tasicas has been on the Swim Team for all four years of high school. Her main events include the 100 Breaststroke and the Breaststroke in the 200 Medley Relay. However, she also participates in the 200 Free Relay and the 400 Free Relay occasionally.
“Breaststroke has always been my thing, but I like the relays,” said Tasicas.
Tasicas’ main passion is the camera. She discovered this passion in Natalie Mills’ Digital Media class at WHS. She began to understand the workings and parts of photography and editing.
“I never knew how interesting and fun this area could be,” said Tasicas.
Since this class, Tasicas has expanded her horizons. She began by taking pictures of sporting events like Boys Basketball and Girls Soccer. This led to her passion in capturing the essence of sports. She now interns for Mills.
Within this internship, Tasicas films and edits hype videos for each team at WHS. She also takes their media day photos and still photographs games and meets.
“My favorite part is seeing all of the little clips come together to create one video. I also love seeing the players' reactions and how much they love it,” said Tasicas.
Tasicas wants all incoming freshmen to work hard and be a part of things. She understands that giving up seems to be the easier option, but it is not better. She wants them to find their passion by being a part of things and discovering they may love something they never thought they would.
She wants people who might think about beginning photography to just try it. There is no harm in trying new things, and if you don’t like it, then don’t continue doing it.
“If I had never tried something new, I would never have found out how much I love photography. It was so worth it,” said Tasicas.
