Students Take a Stand
Students at WHS decided to make a statement to honor the victims of the recent shooting at Stoneman Douglas. Students had read about other schools across the nation who were walking out to bring awareness to the tragedy and decided to do the same.
A small group ranging between freshmen and seniors met to talk about the subject and came up with a plan.
The group decided to join dozens of other schools throughout the country on March 14th at 10:00 a.m. for a walkout. The walkout lasted for 17 minutes, each minute honoring one of the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting.
In order to inform everyone of the walkout and the rules, the school held an assembly on Tuesday, the 13th. There, the students shared the reason behind the cause and how it should be carried out. This way, the entire student body was given the same information on the walk out, and each individual was able to decide whether they would like to participate or not. The group emphasized that the walk out was a way to honor the victims of the shooting and was not a partisan issue. Students were asked to remain silent and respectful for the seventeen minutes. They were also asked to wear orange.
On Wednesday, March 14th at 10:00 a.m. the sea of silent students flooding through the hallways and out to the soccer field made a moving statement. It brought the student body together in a time of tragedy and memorial.
“This walkout, to me, is for the students who have lost their lives, the students who deserve a voice, and for change,” shared sophomore, Maddy Dominion.
Photo by Maddy Dominion
A Visit from Cornerstone
On March 5th, the choirs had visitors. The Cornerstone University Chorale from Grand Rapids, Michigan stopped by during the morning classes.
The Cornerstone University Chorale is a choir consisting of men and women who are freshmen through seniors at the university. The group is on tour throughout the midwest region, singing for hundreds of people along the way.
The chorale made a stop at Wheeler High School because it is the alma mater of member Sydney Perry, who graduated in 2016. Perry was a member of choir at Wheeler all throughout her schooling, and wanted to come back to share with old peers and teachers what she is a part of.
While visiting, the group sang a few songs for both of the high school choirs during class and held a concert for choir students. During class, the choirs were able to mingle and learn about the group’s college experiences. The Wheeler choirs also performed a few pieces for their visitors, and were able to work with the group’s director, Dr. Kent Walters.
At the end of the chorale’s concert, they asked concert choir members to join them on stage to sing their final piece, Neighbor’s Chorus. The concert choir performed this song for ISSMA weeks prior.
After the concert, the groups ate lunch together and were able to converse more. The Cornerstone University Chorale continued their tour until March 6th in Jenison, Michigan.
The choirs at Wheeler loved being able to meet and work with the Cornerstone University Chorale. It exposed them to a higher level of singing and allowed them to hear from the singers themselves.
Teacher Highlight
Whitney Maas’ first year teaching at Wheeler is winding down, but this wasn’t her first school year at the school. Maas graduated from Wheeler in 2012 before attending Indiana State University. There she studied physical education and coaching education. Maas came back to Wheeler when the health and girl’s high school gym teacher position opened up.
Athletics have always been a major aspect of Maas’ life.
“I learned so many life lessons from being an athlete,” told Maas, “It really shaped me into the person I am today.”
Her favorite memory from her time at Wheeler was winning the softball state championship in 2010, Maas’ sophomore year.
“I still get the chills thinking about it,” shared Maas.
As for how she got into teaching, Maas explained that teachers and coaches influenced her life the most. She was inspired to want make a difference in students lives just as her mentors had done for her. Her love for athletics mixed with her want to become a teacher made her career in physical education a no brainer.
This past year, Maas has been as involved in athletics at Wheeler as possible. She was an assistant coach for 7th grade volleyball and basketball and is also the JV coach for softball.
Teaching this year has been all Maas could’ve imagined. She loves creating relationships with her students and sharing her love.
Maas explained, “I get to come to work everyday and do what I love; I am very grateful to have a job that I look forward to each day.”
Student Highlight
Sophomore Maddy Dominion seems to have a foot in the water in every aspect of student life at Wheeler. Dominion is involved in choir, theatre, and GSA, is a shot put thrower for track and field, and helped organize the March 14th walk out.
Dominion described choir and theatre as being her ‘rock’ since sixth grade.
“It was always a place I could go, and I’ve learned so much about myself even just in the past year by, ironically, acting as another person,” explained Dominion.
Dominion is the fine arts academic team captain. This year, the team placed first at the practice competition.
“Winning sports and athletic competitions is exciting, but winning in a competition using your brain instead of your body is just simply more fulfilling to me,” shared Dominion.
Dominion was one of the handful of students who gathered to plan and talk about the walk out on March 14th. She felt it was important for everyone’s voices to be heard and to stand up for change.
In her free time, Dominion relaxes or spends time with her friends.
“I want to say that I take online courses or that I work to solve all of life’s mysteries, but I usually just watch Friends or Sherlock while online shopping,” told Dominion.
As for Wheeler’s small community and school system, Dominion feels it is a real advantage for her. The small school helps her and others get one on one time with the staff, whom she feels cater to students’ needs.
“If you are willing to put the time and energy into yourself, they will be more than happy to help you succeed,” explained Dominion.