What’s Going On?
Following along the excitement that was the boys basketball season, our very own VHS Vikings won the sectional title earlier this month. It’s been a hard fought season, with its share of surprises and upsets, but all of the student fans are incredibly proud of the boys for going as far as they did and getting the Viking name out there.
Recently, the improv comedy show Mocha Madness also took place on the first weekend of March. Students spent months preparing for the show, working with an improv coach and honing their comedic skills for three performances, one night after another. The result was all around impressive and equally hilarious, as any students who attended the performance can tell you. Seniors George Azar, Andrew Recker, and Matt Cavanaugh were among the crowd favorites for their respective teams, and Junior Josh Rappa also gave a great show.
Also, in recent Viking news, junior and senior students recently returned from the spring Natural Helpers trip. Natural Helpers is always a desirable excursion for students to take part in, and routinely marks one of the most important experiences for them. Everyone who returns has only positive things to share, as they spend time with fellow students and share stories. The trip also highlights positivity and non judgement, something that we as high schoolers can really benefit from.
The spring season for VHS is getting packed with fun things to do. And the events will keep on coming until the end of the year.
Teacher Spotlight
Mrs. Wissing’s classroom is one that immediately, as soon as you cross its threshold, gives off an aura of utter kindness. She expels an atmosphere that is very welcoming, something that is often difficult to find inside of a bustling high school.
“I have spent my entire teaching career here at VHS. This is my 15th year. I graduated from Valparaiso University with a double major in History and Secondary Education,” explained Wissing.
Ask any student who has had her and you’ll get a resounding seal of approval, citing a multitude of classroom experiences that reinforce her status as a beloved teacher. She handles her teaching with a gentle but assuring hold on what happens in the room. Class discussions are loose, allowing anyone’s opinion to be heard, and that’s aided by the occasional quick quip from Wissing herself. While her sarcasm is a main reason for the fun of her classes, it’s also her personal anecdotes and knowledge that make the classes rewarding.
“The most gratifying aspect of teaching is seeing students have that “yes” moment where they understand how important political participation is and how they can influence the future,” explained Wissing.
Mrs. Wissing pushes her students, like any good teacher should. However, coming from her, it means a lot more. She takes the time to get to know her students, to personalize their experience in her classes. The sentiment doesn’t fall flat because you know that she really, truly does care.
“I love to see students relate the class material to their personal lives, and develop their own beliefs and ideas," explained Wissing. "I get a little emotional when students tell me that they are going to major in political science or education in college because that tells me I have made a difference in their lives.“
Student Spotlight
Mikaela Karolzak is one student at VHS that always has a smile on her face. The positivity that she exudes every single day is infectious, almost impossibly so. It’s hard to fathom how one person can be so happy amidst students who are constantly freaked out about day to day stresses. But, Mikaela never shows that, even when she may be amongst those ranks. Her output of kindness and support is never ending.
“VHS gave me access to a lot of great people. I met a lot of brilliant educators there who really progressed my passion for certain classes and studies," explained Karolzak. "Secondly, I met a lot of really cool people who now are some of my best friends. The sense of community is really nice and encouraging.“
Whether she’s starting up the next Film Club meeting or preparing for the next Concert Choir performance, she grapples her stressors in a way commonly unseen in high school.
“Based on how you take advantage of it, VHS can be full of opportunities, academically or socially. I have taken way more classes than needed to graduate just because I thought they looked interesting, and some were such game-changers I considered majoring in them in college," said Karolzak. "Even now, I will continue to pursue in college some of the classes I took on a whim. Overall, I believe when I started high school I was a lot more scared and close-minded than I am now, so it is pretty awesome that over the years I grew more confident and courageous in trying new things.”
What’s Coming Up?
The spring season is kicking into high gear for VHS, and that goes for every single activity and club. After the cold winter, all of the students are eager to get back out there and do something great, have some fun, and enjoy the weather. The girls and boys track and field teams have already started their seasons, and the recent temperature rises are doing wonders for them.
Preparations for the next Varsity Singers show, which should be sometime in May, are already underway. Student performers are already hyping up their peers for one of the best shows yet, and the swan song for many of the best and brightest performing seniors.
Even more exciting, upperclassmen are getting ready for the biggest event of the year; prom. Hallways are a buzz with people planning out their prom groups, their attire, and they are all patiently awaiting this year’s theme.
Beyond that, the regular clubs at VHS are all preparing for one last big event before the end of the school year. Our music groups are all planning their own respective performances and competitions. Groups like Key Club and LEAD have been keeping steady throughout the winter, and aren’t losing steam any time soon. Although it’s already been highlighted here, it’s impossible not to mention the next Drama Club performance April Antics. Senior performers are absolutely smitten with the progress that has been made toward making their last show for VHS one of the best its students have ever seen. The vikings are teeming with excitement for this one last show, and that’s only a part of what the Springtime has to offer at VHS.