What’s recently happened?
Whiting High School (WHS) students have graduated! On June 2, WHS seniors officially graduated from high school. Many students said it was a bittersweet moment on Sunday as they waited to be handed their diplomas.
With the end of their high school years behind them, seniors share mixed emotions. Many said that they are sad that their high school years are over but also excited to start new chapters in their life.
“It doesn't feel real to me. I am happy that it’s over, but it's crazy to think I’m not coming back next year,” said Senior Sebastian Garcia.
Being handed a diploma is the goal at the end of high school. Students said that finally being given their diploma made them feel proud, seeing all their hard work had paid off. Many also said they still felt supported by members of the WHS staff.
“It felt amazing knowing that I made it this far, especially with all the struggles I faced through high school. It’s great knowing I got through it and got to that moment. All the hard work paid off,” said Senior Joccelyn Rodrguez.
During four years of high school, many memories are going to be made. Students will make lots of friends and build connections that will last forever. Many seniors said that, when looking back at their time at WHS, their favorite memories come from the friends they made at the school. However some also said the memories they made at home become more precious to them as they move onto bigger things in their life.
“My favorite memory is my baby sister being born during the COVID-19 years. I had to take a biology test in school that day,” said Senior Rudolfo Sandoval.
Seniors looking back will always have advice to give underclassmen and some things that they wished they had done to make their time at WHS easier. Most seniors will say that time flies and to embrace every moment. No matter the advice, always listen to seniors; they truly have the best advice to give underclassmen.
“Get your work done, and don’t procrastinate. The sooner you prioritize your work, the less stress and more fun you will be able to have,” said Senior Talyor Patton.
Congratulations to all WHS graduates.
What’s coming up?
The WhoaZone is coming back to Whihala Beach! For the past seven years, Whihala Beach has brought back the floating obstacle course on Lake Michigan. The WhoaZone will be open this year on June 15 through August 18 daily.
The WhoaZone is a summer favorite in Whiting. This obstacle course is for people of all ages and tons of fun. The WhoaZone in Whiting was the first of five locations in the U.S.
It’s encouraged to book your visit in advance on the WhoaZone website – different days can bring different new deals.
Those looking for something fun to do this summer should definitely come and check out the WhoaZone and Whihala beach.
Community member spotlight.
Arthur Young is a WHS coach/educator and strong member of the community. He was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama and has lived in Whiting for 23 years.
“I love the community, and I love being close to Chicago. The lakefront is beautiful. I rented here, I lived in an apartment here, and built my home here. It’s a place I would love to retire to. Whiting is a great community, and it’s nice to know my neighbors. I also like going to school and seeing kids grow up to be adults. Eventually, I get to teach their kids, so that’s really cool,” said Young.
During the summer, Young enjoys playing golf, traveling, and volunteering at different events. He says a big part of his volunteering is at Pierogi Fest.
“My teams and I like to keep the youth involved. We help work at Pierogi Fest. It's always cool to see my tennis girls rolling tables and carrying chairs, and we work hard to set up. It’s important that they understand the need to be committed to their community and take part and be proud of that,” said Young.
Young says that he feels Whiting is a very diverse community and that diversity isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Whiting, but it should be. Young knows this first hand as he has felt welcome in the Whiting community since day one.
This summer, Young is starting up his tennis camp again for kids ages 5 to 13. This helps his tennis team at the school and keeps kids active and outside during the summer.
Along with tennis camp, Young is also starting a basketball camp. He is teaming up with another coach to engage kids in playing basketball so they can be better equipped to play in middle school and high school.
Young tries to provide more for the kids. He would love to see more camps for young adults during the summer. He would also just love to give support to students during the summer with things to do. He’s hopeful that in the coming years more can be done to help keep kids engaged.
Young’s tennis camp starts on June 8 at Whiting tennis courts. Different ages will be at different times and are $50 for three weeks, three days a week.
It is a good fundraiser for the WHS tennis team and a good way to promote the sport.