What's recently happened?
Lowell High School recently hosted Whiting High School's academic team in its first-ever competition on February 27, stirring a mix of stress and unexpected enjoyment among participants. The challenge marked an enjoyable experience for the team as it navigated through the competition's demands, testing the academic skills of members and leaving them with surprising moments.
Highlighting the team's achievements, the math team secured second place, the social studies team finished with first place, the fine arts team earned third place, and the science team emerged victorious with a first-place finish. The competition also saw its share of dramatic moments, including a tornado warning that heightened the already intense academic atmosphere.
“The first academic team competition was stressful, especially the math test and a tornado sighting. Surprisingly, it turned out to be pretty fun,” said Junior Rhiyana Player.
Despite the stress and unexpected weather events, the academic team's success across different categories highlights the resilience and determination of Whiting’s students. The lasting impression left by this experience proves that this is a memory worth cherishing.
What's coming up?
As the school year winds down, seniors are gearing up for the highlight of their high school journey: the senior trip. This year, Grad Nite at Six Flags Great America promises to be the backdrop for the graduating class's final moments together. With the countdown ticking away, seniors are preparing to say goodbye to high school with a night of excitement and rollercoasters.
“I’m feeling excited about the trip. I know it’s going to be a blast considering all of my friends are going. It’s also really exciting that the trip is going to take place during the nighttime so that adds more suspense,” said Senior Victoria Garcia.
Six Flags Great America, located in Gurnee, Illinois, is the venue for the senior class's adventure on May 18. For an $80 admission fee, the park will be open from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., providing a unique experience as the daytime atmosphere transitions into a nocturnal setting. The nighttime thrills offer an optimal environment for seniors to capture photos, socialize with friends, and enjoy their favorite rides from a new perspective.
This night at Six Flags Great America isn't just an event; it's a celebration of the seniors' achievements, friendships, and shared high school journey. With a mix of adventurous rides and the company of peers, Grad Nite is a must-attend experience, serving as a conclusion to the seniors' high school chapter.
Staff spotlight:
Kassie Brizuela, a seasoned upperclassmen English teacher, consistently welcomes her students with a warm smile. A vital figure in Whiting's educational landscape for a decade, she garners appreciation from her peers. Day or night, Brizuela offers a helping hand in crafting diverse writings, contributing to students' growth in the midpoint of their high school journey.
As an English teacher, the primary role is to inspire students to read. With 10 years of teaching experience, Brizuela recognizes the critical significance of engaging students with literature.
“I try to model my excitement for the texts we read as well as writings that offer a lot of student choice, creativity, and personal purpose. Growing in literacy means growing in our identities as readers and writers,” said Brizuela.
Brizuela has started her master's at Purdue University, bringing new concerns to her life. Despite that, she's content to keep learning.
“I love being a student again, and it has re-energized me to dive into the research centering around education and learning theory. The additional work has been a lot to balance, but I have found classes to be an enriching experience in my professional life,” said Brizuela.
For English teachers, singling out a favorite piece can be a challenge. Brizuela, however, effortlessly pinpoints her preferred book on the shelf without hesitation.
“‘Hamlet’ is a masterpiece, and I take away something new every time I read the play. Every year, the work transforms from the most feared to the most loved piece by students, and that's why I will never give it up,” said Brizuela.
Armed with a master's degree in development and serving as an AP-TIP IN teacher at the University of Notre Dame, Brizuela navigates the additional responsibility of senior class sponsorship. She finds support within her network.
“Honestly, I have great class officers. More than anything, they keep me on task and have advocated their class needs well. I have also had wonderful support from last year's senior sponsor, Ms. Lizette Munoz, and our principal, Mr. Travis Anderson. We are all in this together,” said Brizuela.
Amidst a variety of responsibilities, how does Brizuela manage? She reinforces her mental well-being by actively engaging in yoga practices.
“I regularly practice yoga, and that practice reminds me to use mindfulness when managing issues in the classroom,” she said. “Taking a moment to be present and calm is enough to figure out the tricky and unexpected moments that can happen in a day.”
Whether in her Advanced Placement (AP) Literature or English 11 class, Brizuela's sessions are genuinely enjoyable. She brings her perspective to everything from thoughtful discussions, book analysis, or just chatting about literature. Her recognition is well-deserved and long overdue. Brizuela is an essential part of Whiting, and it's hard to imagine the place without her.
Student spotlight:
Wherever you look, Beau Harbin stands out as a key figure in Whiting's thriving culture. As a straight-A Honor Roll student, Harbin is committed to securing his future. Additionally, his active participation in various extracurricular activities highlights his deep involvement with Whiting High School and the local community.
From dawn till dusk, Harbin plays a crucial role in shaping Whiting's culture. Wherever he goes, he actively contributes to both his personal growth and the well-being of his community.
“Effective time management is essential for me. With a schedule from 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. due to several commitments, I plan to complete work during school hours, ensuring I have some free time for myself,” said Harbin.
Engaging in both music and athletics might seem contradictory, but Harbin sees them as interconnected disciplines.
“Being in sports allows me to show off my fierce, competitive nature. At the same time, being in band allows me to show off my calm, artistic side,” said Harbin.
Harbin gains valuable life lessons from his extracurricular activities, particularly when navigating the complexities of group dynamics.
“I’ve learned that teamwork is key whether it’s on the stage or the court. The only way to work as a team is to have strong leaders who can bring the group together through tough times,” said Harbin.
Athletes all have their unique pre-game routines. Harbin, involved in sports since middle school, has figured out a solid routine to bring out his best performance.
“Some pre-game rituals I have involve taking a shower and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every game. These allow me to relax and feel comfortable performing when I’m out there,” said Harbin.
Harbin's demanding schedule could exhaust anyone, but he manages to carve out time for personal enjoyment.
“Some hobbies that I have are swimming, playing tennis, playing volleyball, and going to Chicago White Sox games. These hobbies allow me to relax and give me a mental break from my busy schedule,” said Harbin.
Harbin is a notable contributor to Whiting's culture, excelling academically and actively participating in various extracurricular pursuits. His achievements in academics and community engagement underscore his valuable impact, deserving recognition for his commendable contributions to Whiting. Harbin has made a lasting mark on academic and community fronts.