What’s recently happened:
Return from winter break brought classes and extracurriculars back into full swing at Washington Township High School.
On January 15, students in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) participated in the district competition. All 10 DECA members of Washington Township – Cameron Andrews, Dylan Andrews, Gunnar Casbon, Taylor Frazier, Andrew Nichols, Addison Pantell, Shepard Scott, Adysen Straw, Jacy Schmidgall, and Josie Whitcomb – advanced to attend the state competition. Four of the members placed first overall in their events at the district competition.
As part of the Porter County Conference (PCC), Washington Township athletes competed in their respective competitions throughout January. Additionally, the basketball, cheer, and dance teams attended the PCC banquet.
The cheer and dance teams competed on January 15. During the week of January 17, the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams both fought hard during the PCC tournament but were eliminated. In an extremely close match, the girls’ team lost 44 - 41 in overtime.
What’s coming up:
The month of February gives students many varied opportunities through extracurricular activities.
Band and choir students are preparing for competitions. In February, band and choir students will compete in the district solo and ensemble competition. If they advance, they will compete in the state competition later in the month.
The girls’ basketball team only has a few regular-season games left before they begin playing at sectionals. Come support the girls’ team as they finish their season!
With the shortage of blood, the East Porter County School Corporation is coming together to host a blood drive at the Expo Center on February 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to contribute needs to schedule an appointment online through the American Red Cross website as they are only accepting people who scheduled appointments.
Staff spotlight:
As both a teacher and Key Club advisor, Barbara Rea is extremely influential within Washington Township. Rea currently teaches biology and biology II and previously offered environmental science and anatomy classes.
In collaboration with other educators within Washington Township and other schools, Rea has been able to offer the dual credit biology II class for students to learn zoology. As part of biology II, students can participate in hands-on learning through dissections.
In previous years before COVID-19, Rea also encouraged hands-on learning in her biology II classes by bringing students to a cadaver lab to connect students' learning with real-life models. Additionally, Rea brought students on a field trip to Purdue University Northwest to allow students to visit the campus and consider continuing their education there.
As can be seen in any class taken with Rea, her passion for science – especially environmental science – impacts the student’s education. By connecting the topics learned in class with current realities, students can explore ways in which they can positively impact the surrounding environment.
Rea also goes above and beyond to support students in her role as Key Club advisor. Rea is always brainstorming ideas for how to better improve the school and better serve the community. She encourages students to find projects they are passionate about and attempts to collaborate with the entire club to make projects as successful as possible.
With Rea’s experience of being a Key Club advisor, she is able to give students numerous opportunities to volunteer throughout the community. She always appreciates the Key Club members’ eagerness to serve the surrounding area.
Student spotlight:
Senior Kaela Ebeling has flourished throughout her high school career. After moving to Washington Township as a sophomore, she launched herself into the academics and extracurriculars of the new environment.
Ebeling has been a member of the National Honor society since 2019 and even advanced to become the treasurer in 2021. Additionally, her years of yearbook experience have given her a multitude of knowledge and presented her with the opportunity to be one of the two yearbook editors this year.
When talking with Ebeling, her love for music is clearly evident. Whether it be participating in choir, theater, or listening to music, Ebeling’s involvement with music demonstrates her passion. Ebeling has participated in solo and ensemble since 2019, earning a total of five gold awards and three silver awards between the district and state competitions over the years.
Ebeling has participated in spell bowl for three years as well. She was part of the 2019 Washington Township Spell Bowl Team that won second place in the Class I State Competition.
Ebeling can always be seen encouraging and helping others. Whether it be through her volunteering with Key Club or with friends, Ebeling is always supporting others. Ebeling has participated in Key Club since she moved to Washington in 2019 and attends all the events she has volunteered for with a great attitude and a desire to lend a helping hand.
In the future, Ebeling plans to attend Ball State University with a major in marketing and a minor in psychology. Ebeling also intends to still participate in musical extracurricular activities throughout college.