What’s recently happened?
From October 18 to October 20, Bearcat Theater Company held “Goosebumps the Musical.” The cast was absolutely phenomenal. They sang and danced, all while acting and remembering all of their cues.
The main actors were Alora Applegate, Jude Richardson, and Luke Richardson. These three blew the audience away with their singing and acting.
“Watching their song about who was the phantom was the best part,” said Junior Madisyn Rouch.
All of the actors and crew members worked very hard for the show, and they should all be very proud of themselves.
What’s coming up?
Wheeler High School (WHS)’s Cross Country participated in Sectionals October 19, and three of the runners made it to Regionals: Freshmen Rowan Kruszka, Lane Goodrich, and Andrew Camp.
“I thought I had a chance, and I was 14th out of top 15, so I was really proud of myself,” said Camp.
Last year, WHS only had one runner, Elise Byers, who has now graduated, make it to Regionals. It is amazing that WHS has three new runners who have advanced this year.
The race will be held at New Prairie High School on Saturday, October 26.
Staff spotlight:
Shyloh “Profe” Deyoung is the higher level Spanish teacher at WHS. She has two twin boys named Sebastian and Jonah. She teaches Spanish II to Spanish IV.
“I love all my classes, but my favorite is Spanish IV,” said DeYoung.
DeYoung’s favorite is Spanish IV because it isn’t required for an Honors Diploma, so the students who take it are more proactive in learning the language. She loves all her students and wants all of them to love Spanish just like she does.
DeYoung lived in Spain for a year immersing herself in the culture. She enjoyed constantly speaking Spanish and learning about their culture hands-on instead of through books. She has brought this method into her teaching style.
“I realized most kids learn better when they do things, rather than just read them, especially new languages,” said DeYoung.
DeYoung gives her classes activities that allow the students to learn the language by writing, speaking, hearing, and translating it. Using all four methods really enhances how much of the language students learn.
“I loved doing all of the steps in Profe’s class. It made it so much more fun, and I actually learned it, too,” said Senior Reagan Luedtke.
DeYoung hopes that incoming freshmen do not give up. She notices that some students will give up when it gets tough, but if they persevere, it will be worth it.
“All students are smart. They just have to know they can do it and push through,” said DeYoung.
She wants seniors to go out in the world and try things. She acknowledges that she went abroad and lived there, and it was an eye opening experience. DeYoung wants students to experience the world.
“There’s so much to see. I want them to find their true passions,” said DeYoung.
Student spotlight:
Freddy Gaetz is a baseball player, National Honors Society member, and Benny the Bearcat.
Gaetz has been playing baseball since he was a little kid, along with his eight siblings. He loves the sport and his teammates. He usually plays outfield but is wanting to try something new.
“I’ve been playing baseball for so long, so I might as well try a new position,” said Gaetz.
His family is extremely important to him, as he has so many siblings. They all come to support him at his games and one of his brothers plays baseball with him.
“I love spending time with my brother, on and off the field,” said Gaetz.
Gaetz has been part of NHS since junior year and has been an avid member. He donates blood every year in the blood drive, and wants everyone who is able to donate blood.
“I think it is a really important cause that is easy to support. Just go do it,” said Gaetz.
Benny the Bearcat’s identity was a secret for a few months. It has only recently been revealed to be Gaetz. He was asked to be the school’s mascot because one of his sisters is a football manager, one is a cheerleader, and one of his brothers is on the team. His cheerleading sister was the main sibling who asked him to help out, and he gladly accepted.
“I never thought I would be the mascot, but here I am,” said Gaetz.
Gaetz wants students going into high school to get their work done and not slack off.
“It’s really important to not give up. Homework can build up fast,” said Gaetz.
When Gaetz was a freshman, he worked hard and it paid off. He believes hard work will get you where you want to go. He is a great example to his younger siblings and all students.