GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Wheeler High School continues to strive for greatness

What’s recently happened? 

During the first week of February, the preschool and elementary schools at Wheeler were able to enjoy “Space Week”. With the schools making an emphasis on learning about the universe throughout the week.

The science class focused on astronomy, while the art class gave students the opportunity to create space-themed projects based on their grade level. Gym class was centered on space exploration games, and students sang songs that included the names of the planets and constellations in music class. 

On Thursday and Friday, students were able to experience an in-school planetarium. An inflatable planetarium was accessible to the school system through a STEM grant. 

“Who needs a helmet?” said Superintendent Leigh Barnes. 

The students were being handed imaginary helmets for their trip by Barnes. All the students pretended to put the helmets on their heads, heightening their excitement. 

Amy Asher and Melissa Anderson led the students through their activity. The teachers were able to be trained to use the systems that bring the planetarium to life. 

“The students’ faces light up every time. That’s the best part,” said Asher. 

During one voyage of first graders, the students voiced their knowledge and opinions. The students felt as if they had truly left Earth and loved looking at the planets and moons. 

“Appreciate Jupiter,” said one of the first-grade participants. 

Moving through the solar system, Anderson mentions the dwarf planet, Pluto, and its story of becoming a dwarf. 

“Pluto, our dear friend, I miss him so much,” said another participating first grader. 

Notably, Barnes, the superintendent, organized the week. Her efforts to teach the students about astronomy, while bringing fun into it is inspiring. 

What’s coming up?

The Wheeler High School (WHS) academic teams are heading off to their first competition on March 4 at Purdue University Northwest. The Academic Super Bowl is a collection of Indiana high school teams putting their knowledge to the test. The base subject is the American Revolution. 

“I’m happy my final year is a topic I really enjoy learning about,” said Senior Clara Davis.

The categories include science, math, literature, social studies, and the fine arts. With teams of three people at a time. Halfway through, two students are allowed to switch to two other students from their team. 

“I love the half and half set up. It takes away a lot of pressure and allows us to put our best efforts in,” said Senior Luke Richardson. 

After great success last year, the WHS team overall hopes to accomplish greatness at this event. 

“I have been a part of the literature team for three years, and we get better each year,” said Junior Julia Pearce. 

Each and every team has worked hard to be the best, and that is what they hope to show. 

“We can’t wait to see what these kids accomplish. Ribbon or not, I know they will do their best and that’s what matters,” said Mark Harnew.

Staff spotlight:

Lori Miller is the athletic secretary at WHS. She has pushed to enhance not only the aesthetics of the high school, but also the efficiency of our sports programs. 

“I fixed up the concession stand during the short week between fall and winter sports,” said Miller. 

Miller completely redid the look and vibe of the concession stand in under a week. She repainted the walls, organized all the items, created instructions and labels, and hung a TV to livestream the events going on. She is always looking for new areas to improve and gets it done. 

“I’m here to help the school, not just work,” said Miller. 

The efforts of Miller are not just visual. She works behind the scenes to improve the flow of sports at WHS. She even makes sure to check up on students working at the ticket booth or concession stand. 

“I love seeing my projects come together. It is as much of a treat for me as it is for the athletes and coaches,” said Miller.

Miller has been a wonderful asset to WHS staff and her kindness is inspiring. 

Student spotlight:

Jessica Surufka is a senior at WHS. She has spent her whole life within the Union Township community. She has participated in many sports and extracurriculars. Surufka played soccer all 4 years of high school, adding on to her many years in youth club soccer. She was named Captain her senior year.

“My favorite part of soccer was getting to grow up playing soccer with the same girls that I got to play with in high school,” said Surufka. 

The bonds Surufka made within her years on the team allowed for amazing seasons, winning at least sectionals multiple years in a row. 

In her junior year, Surufka chose to manage both the girls’ and boys’ wrestling teams. With multiple connections on the teams, she wanted to be within the environment without risking injury. During her senior year, she decided to wrestle with about a month left of the season. 

“I was able to wrestle seven matches. I received my first pin and won by decision,” said Surufka.

Never slowing down, Surufka is not just a member of multiple clubs, but also obtains many leadership positions within them. She is vice president of Student Council, a class officer, a World of Wheeler journalist, PEPCATS social media co-owner, Key Club secretary, a member of the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, a member of the National Honors Society, and a co-founder of the Spell Bowl team. 

Her future plans include attending Notre Dame University with a major in chemical engineering and a minor in energy engineering. 

“I chose this major because I took AP Chemistry and AP Calculus my junior year, and fell in love with the subjects,” said Surufka. 

She hopes to use her degree to better the environment with her interest in biofuels, renewable energy, and biodegradable materials. 

“I realized I would love to be within a profession that utilizes my skills, favorite subjects, and environmental passions,” said Surufka.

Surufka hopes that high school students never give up on themselves. 

“Never sell yourself short. Keep working hard and get those A’s”, said Surufka.