GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Wheeler High School starts off the new year strong

What’s recently happened? 

During the annual Wheeler High School (WHS) food drive, each grade level contributed money to support families in need within the community. To bring in good-spirited competition, the school counselors usually make it a race between the resource classes. However, this year they changed it to grade levels. The seniors raised $525, the highest total of all classes.

“We knew this was our last year, so we wanted to leave a positive mark,” said Senior Titus Parrish.

Although the seniors technically won, the real win is how much the school raised overall for the people in need. The juniors raised $230, the sophomores raised $364, and the freshmen raised $220. Including the seniors, that amounts to $1,339. 

“It wasn’t truly about competing with other grades; it was about helping,” said Senior Luke Richardson. 

The outcome of the drive was outstanding, and all the students should be proud of themselves. 

What’s coming up?

On January 17, WHS will hold a winter formal. This event has been planned by the Student Council and will be held at Aberdeen Manor. This upcoming event has sparked great anticipation before it has even taken place. Its presence is already evident through talking in the hallways, preparations, and shared expectations among students. Conversations about what to wear, what music will be played, and the overall atmosphere are proving that many students are excited for the new dance.

“It already feels like an important night, even though it hasn’t happened yet,” said Senior Clara Davis.

The additional dance is popular among the senior class. As they are beginning their final semester of high school, they are attempting to soak up all the experiences they can.

”Once I heard there was going to be another dance, I immediately started dress shopping and planning. I will not miss out,” said Senior Allison Castillo. 

It is shown that the winter formal will be highly attended due to it being a new tradition for this generation of WHS students. 

“I have always enjoyed dances, but I am so excited to be a part of the first winter formal,” said Junior Julia Pearce. 

Not only does the newness and excitement bring students in, but with cold weather, students are always looking for activities to do. 

“Winter is always hard to find things to do with friends. Having a winter formal adds more than just one day of things. You get to have planning hang-outs, dress shopping days, and more,” said Junior Alora Applegate. 

WHS students can’t wait for the new dance coming soon.

Staff spotlight:

Ryan Kruszka is the new principal of WHS. Previously being the vice principal, he was promoted this year to his new position. 

”I have had plans in the back of my mind to improve Wheeler, and now I am in a solid position to do so,” said Kruszka. 

This year already, Kruszka has begun writing in the weekly newsletter. His principal’s corner lets the school community know about any changes, school updates, and his pride within the school.

”It is important to make your presence known. I want all parents to know I’m working towards improvement openly,” said Kruszka. 

Kruszka finds it important to create safe spaces for the students and break the stigma that his office is a place the students do not want to be. 

Outside of school, he has two daughters with his wife, the Union Township Middle School secretary. 

“I love keeping my things in my dad’s office and visiting him throughout the day,” said Sophomore Rowan Kruszka. 

Kruszka is a highly rated principal who is always working to improve the school environment. 

Student spotlight:

Allison Castillo is a senior at WHS. While focusing on her academics, she is an avid reader and loves everything Halloween. 

“I love it when I am able to find a book that’s Halloween-related and combine my interests,” said Castillo. 

Castillo’s favorite class is Creative Writing. She loves the ability to pick her own topics with basic guidelines. 

“It gives me the opportunity to feel passionate about what I’m writing, but still have structure and time constraints,” said Castillo. 

Along with her passion for literature, she also finds interest in science classes. She participates in Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA).

”I love the science behind different Halloween effects and movies. I want to find a way to shape my future career to fit within all of my passions,” said Castillo.

As Castillo prepares to graduate, she has not committed yet. She plans to attend a university, majoring in forensic science and minoring in literature. She hopes that other students will be able to find pathways that fit their interests.

”I never really knew what I wanted to do, but fitting it into what I love and am passionate about was really important to me. Now that I’ve found it, I can’t wait to pursue my future,” said Castillo.