What’s recently happened?
Spring sports at Wheeler High School (WHS) have officially begun with softball, tennis, track and field, and baseball. The softball team has been off to a great start this season.
“I’m so happy with how the season has started. Hopefully, we keep this up,” Senior Reagan Luedtke said.
The team played their first game at home against Andrean High School (AHS).
“Andrean is a tough match-up, but I knew my team would put in their best efforts,” Senior Abby Allen said.
While the softball team didn’t win this matchup, they did come out victorious in their game against Washington Township High School (WTHS) in the same week. They won 12-2 in the bounce-back performance.
“We worked for that win since we didn’t win our first game. Our team grows from both wins and losses, and I think that’s what will make this season good,” Sophomore Skylar Statham said.
With a hefty schedule of games, this team has so much to look forward to.
“We have game after game, but I know my girls will push through,” Coach Gianna Mortimer said.
What’s coming up?
It may seem far away, but prom is coming for the WHS students. On May 2, juniors and seniors will participate in the Grand March and then make their way to the dance at County Line Orchard.
“I have been waiting to be able to go to prom since I can remember. I can’t wait to get all dressed up and feel the excitement,” Junior Clara Davis said.
Prom is put on by the Junior Officers and their assigned teacher. This means fundraising and budgeting are big parts of this event.
“Prom has always been hyped up. I can’t wait to see what it is like for myself this time,” Junior Madisyn Rouch said.
The spring season is always the most popular time of the year for the fish fry events at WHS. On Friday, April 11, the school will host a fish fry in the cafeteria with plenty to be excited about.
“Please come to the fish fry! There will be fish, chicken, desserts, drinks, and more. Every penny counts. Come support us!” Junior Titus Parrish said.
The fish fry is from 4-6 p.m., followed by the “Sherlock Holmes” play right afterward. Show up for dinner and stay for a show, premiering in the auditorium right across the hall, for the perfect combo to support WHS.
“Be there or be square,” Junior Sadie Bolan said.
Staff spotlight:
WHS has officially welcomed its new Athletic Director Rylee Kruck. Before WHS, Kruck was originally a teacher, before becoming the athletic director at Westville High School.
“I taught at Kesling Middle School and then moved to Westville where I was the athletic director for grades K-12,” Kruck said.
She made the switch because she felt as if her abilities were meant to be shown elsewhere.
“Being an athletic director allows me to connect with students in a whole different way than being a teacher,” Kruck said.
She loves being involved with kid’s futures and their well-being.
“I will fully support any student who wants to take their sport to a college level. Being in sports and school at the same time becomes stressful for students. I love this job because I am able to be there for them and understand them. I will show them how to make colleges see them, send good emails, and make themselves the perfect candidate for what they want to do,” Kruck said.
Kruck is a phenomenal addition to the WHS staff, and she’s been welcomed with open arms. The students are glad to have her and can’t wait to see what she will do with the school.
Student spotlight:
Leilani Gaetz spent her final weeks at WHS this past month. Gaetz has been part of the Union Township School Corporation since the start of her middle school years.
To give her a last hoorah, Gaetz has accomplished so many things while at WHS. She currently holds the record for the highest pole vault.
“Leilani is such a sweetheart. I loved having her on the track team. We learned how to pole vault together. Those were the best practices ever,” Junior Gabriela Barton said.
Not only was she on the track team, but she also played soccer and basketball this year.
“Basketball has to be my favorite of the sports that I play. Soccer is a close second, though,” Gaetz said. “I played basketball for all three years I was at WHS and just started playing soccer this year. It was such a good experience.”
Gaetz is not only a three-sport athlete but also a National Honors Society member. She’s smart, athletic, and a kind soul to everyone she meets.
“Leilani has to be one of my best friends. She would never hurt a fly,” Junior Reese Rettinger said.
While many students are sad to see Gaetz go, it is exciting for her to go somewhere new where she can thrive. She has made many at WHS incredibly proud that she’s been a part of this family. Once a bearcat, always a bearcat.