What’s happened?
February is an exciting time for the Westville community. Recently, the Science Olympiad had it’s regional competition at Purdue University Northwest on February 8t. Both teams from Westville came away with a win and are heading to State. Congratulations to all the dedicated and diligent members and staff who helped contribute to this event.
One of the most beloved occasions at Westville High School is the annual Porter County Conference (PCC) tournament. During this year’s event, Westville took home the award for “Best Cheer Performance” and “Best Cheer Block” at Hebron High School. The function was filled with a tremendous amount of school spirit and support from all competing schools. The 2020 PCC tournament was a celebratory time for everyone.
Student Spotlight
For the seniors at Westville, there are only four short, yet very much anticipated months left of high school until graduation. Although the last four years have been busy, senior Zackery Mitchell finds time to balance both academics and leisurely activities.
“Work hard enough to succeed, then use the rest of the time to enjoy yourself and simply have fun,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell is an active member in Cross Country, Track, Basketball, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Yoga club, DECA, College club, and Choir. All throughout school, he has been on the Honor Roll, and meets the standard to graduate Magna Cum Laude.
In fall of 2020, Mitchell hopes to attend Purdue University to study engineering. His favorite class this year is world history, and Mitchell’s hardest class is dual credit AP calculus.
In addition to schoolwork, clubs, and athletics, Mitchell enjoys the art of music and is extremely gifted in his singing capabilities. This month, he successfully won Silver at the Choir Vocal Solo and Ensemble.
Westville is proud to have such well-rounded and talented students like Mitchell, who utilize their high school experience to participate in multiple activities.
Teacher Spotlight
It takes a lot to be a teacher. Between grading assignments, lesson plans, and managing students, an educator’s life can be quite hectic. Not all heroes wear capes, and this month’s super heroic teacher happens to be Cynthia Toth.
Toth has been a teacher at Westville for a total of five years, and even attended there herself. Toth graduated from Purdue University Northwest with a bachelor’s in English and from Valparaiso University with her master’s in Education. She taught at Chesterton Middle School for three years prior to working at Westville. Toth decided to teach at Westville in hopes of making a bigger impact at a smaller school. She teaches 10th grade regular English and Honors English, 12th grade AP English, yearbook, and dramatic literature. Her favorite class so far has been the AP English class, which happens to be her first time teaching it.
“I love reading and analyzing literature with my students. I teach to make a difference in the world and help mold young minds,” Toth said.
In her free time, Toth is a Zumba instructor and enjoys hiking, crocheting, traveling to national parks, and reading. Toth’s favorite book is “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. In the midst of her very busy schedule, Toth always finds time to walk and play with her two beloved dogs, Chopper and Chance.
Toth is a very influential teacher and individual. There is never a moment where she is not laughing or smiling. Educators like Toth never fail to make a positive impact on their students. If any students finds themselves struggling, they can always count on her to make their day better. Toth makes every learning environment a great one.
“In order to see a rainbow, you must look through the rain,” Toth said.