Notes from Dr. Irvin
Your WGHS Weekly eNews for May 4
Hello WGHS Families,
Anthony Kennedy served as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court after Reagan nominated him from 1988 until stepping down in 2018. After retiring, he spoke of a “crisis of civility” facing our nation, a lack of devotion to responsibility and rationality. Historically when the nation has been in a real or perceived predicament, education has served to salvage our republic. Part of the effort relates to the developing character in individuals and the collective community we share. However, character cannot be downloaded; it resists swift attainment in spite of the desire by caring adults and schools. Character is "engraved," "deeply etched,” according to Kierkegaard and the product of years of imprinting through experiences, both good and bad.
That imprinting happens in small moments, guiding conversations, and in response to difficult events in life and in schools. Those moments happen at WGHS, fostered in the classroom, outside during athletics and activities, and at times, completely independent of us. This work and responsibility is so much larger in scope then preparing for an intervening period of four years to attend a university, enter a career, or calling to service. We work with our students with ambition of launching a life of purpose.
Last weekend, seniors Ian Mccann and Eric Miranda were recognized at the Missouri Scholars 100. This program celebrates “exceptional scholarship, citizenship, and reliability." Like many of our students, they have spent years devoted to service, arts, and schooling. They possess both the capacity and will to not only continue to be virtuously marked but to leave their mark on Webster and the wider community. In this week alone, we had students working to plan service events for later this month and serving our community through our Chelsea Center experiences. As we wrap up with our seniors, I am heartened by the journey our students are on at Webster Groves.
Best,
Matt Irvin
22nd Annual Jim Schoemehl Run is May 6
The 22nd Annual Jim Schoemehl Run will be held on Saturday, May 6 at Webster Groves High School. The 2023 beneficiary is Djenad Novalic and all proceeds will be donated to him, as well as his family. Participants are able to sign up, donate, and learn more about the history of the Jim Schoemehl Run at jims5k.org.
News from the Chelsea Center: WGHS’ In-house Experiential Learning Center
Anytown 7/23/23-7/29/23
The Anytown Leadership Institute, a program of NCCJ St. Louis, is a unique 7-day residential program for high-school-aged youth. Anytown's goal is to prepare youth to be effective leaders and change agents who are dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and oppression. Youth participate in experiential learning activities and dialogue sessions designed to increase their understanding of human relations issues and of their own responsibility to create a community based on inclusion, trust, and mutual respect. The Chelsea Center can provide funding for up to 3 students selected for this program who are also willing to simultaneously enroll in a Chelsea Center course.
Looking for other experiences?
If your child is looking to explore a passion area or career, have them visit the Chelsea Center to learn more about local opportunities, ways they might earn credit for engaging in these opportunities, and potential funding available to support experiential learning in the summer as well! Students can access wgsd.givepulse.com with their school Gmail account information to explore upcoming experiences as well.
Shop the Parents' Club Spirit Store!
The Spirit Store is open! Hours are 8-9:15 a.m. daily.
The online store is open 24 hours a day at https://wghsparentsclub.org/collections.
Every time you shop at the Spirit Store, you are supporting student scholarships and teacher grants!
Webster Groves High School
Email: erb.mickey@wgmail.org
Website: hs.webster.k12.mo.us
Location: 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 963-6400
Facebook: facebook.com/WGAlumni
Twitter: @WebsterGrovesHS