What’s recently happened?
Throughout March, students were looking forward to spring break. Students’ excitement for spring break didn’t prevent them from giving their all in their academics and extracurriculars before the break. Right before spring break, students competed in academic competitions and mock trial.
The high school academic teams competed in the Porter County Conference (PCC) Invitational on March 17. The English team, consisting of Gunnar Casbon, Drew Gschwind, Madalyn Richardson, and Adysen Straw, placed third overall. The science team earned second place with an impressive performance by Camden Bell, Isabel Gaydos, Alex Lutin, Madalyn Richardson, and Ranger Scott.
The interdisciplinary team placed second as well. Kaela Ebeling, Emma Howard, Andrew Nichols, and Adysen Straw made up the fine arts team and secured a first-place finish for the fine arts academic team. After combining all categories, Washington Township placed second overall at the invitational.
Ebeling’s love for the academic team is evident in the effort that she puts into studying.
“I enjoy being able to test my knowledge and get to know the members more. Academic team has helped me strengthen my mind and become closer with my peers. It's truly a great experience," said Ebeling.
For the first time in Washington Township’s history, the mock trial team qualified for state. They competed in the state competition, which was held online on March 12 and 13. The mock trial team was one of 24 teams in Indiana that qualified for state.
What’s coming up?
Spring sports are quickly approaching and athletes are working hard to prepare for the upcoming seasons. Baseball, softball, and track are beginning soon. The teams have been practicing for a couple of months now in anticipation of their upcoming seasons.
The softball team has its next game on Thursday, March 31. The baseball team, who were the Class A state champions last year, also has a game on March 31. The track & field team has its first competition on April 5.
Staff spotlight
Jennifer Symer is the middle and high school counselor for Washington Township. In the spring months, Symer remains extremely busy, creating students’ schedules and assisting them in choosing classes that interest them the most and will best prepare them for their future goals.
Symer assists students through multiple processes, including creating schedules, getting into a vocational program if they choose, and helping students find scholarships. The large scholarship list Symer sends to the seniors each month illustrates her dedication to helping students as much as possible. Even throughout the summer, Symer helps students change their schedules and go through the work permit process.
Going above and beyond, Symer sets up many college visits so students can learn about colleges and make informed decisions while choosing which university they want to attend. Symer played a large role in organizing college readiness days throughout the high school to promote researching professions and future education opportunities.
Prior to COVID-19, she scheduled representatives of colleges to come to Washington Township to give presentations about their schools. Symer still gave students the opportunity to learn about colleges during the pandemic by creating many virtual visits with colleges. She also supported students throughout the pandemic by creating a “virtual counseling office” so students had the same resources available to them at home.
Symer’s office door is almost always open, welcoming students to stop in and ask questions or talk. While planning schedules with Symer throughout their middle and high school years, students get to know her very well and feel comfortable asking questions and trying to figure out goals or future plans.
Student spotlight
When watching a girls soccer game, Isabella Flores can quickly be identified as a key player. Flores, a senior, has played varsity soccer for all four years of high school.
The PCC chooses a combination of the best players from each school in the conference to create an All-Conference Team. In 2021, Flores was selected as the player to represent Washington Township’s girls soccer team. At the end of the year, Washington Township typically holds a banquet to celebrate the season and present awards to players. Previously, Flores has won the defensive player of the year award for the girls team. Flores was also selected as a co-captain her senior year.
While Flores’ soccer statistics and awards are impressive, one cannot overlook her character, especially recognizing her dedication and hard work. While performing well on the soccer field, Flores also puts hard work into her academics, receiving an academic all-conference award in addition to her athletic awards.
Flores has participated in band throughout middle and high school, giving extra effort and competing in solo and ensemble competitions most years. This year, Flores received a gold rating at both the district and state competitions.
In addition to Flores’ participation in band and soccer, she has put tremendous time into Key Club activities. Flores has been in Key Club for all four years and an officer for three years. During the COVID-19 outbreak, members did not have very many opportunities to volunteer. Flores worked with other officers to create a project so members could still volunteer. Flores is an exemplary officer and member, volunteering for countless events within the community.