Panther Print
Western High School, Russiaville, Indiana
FEBRUARY 2024
Principal's Message
Hello all,
Western High School soared to new heights this month, boasting victories across multiple disciplines. From the adrenaline of wrestling, to the grace of diving, and the melodious harmony of music, the school shone brightly in the state of Indiana.
At the forefront of the IHSAA, Mitchell Betz won the State Championship in wrestling at 157 pounds, His dedication, skill, and relentless determination took him to the top, showcasing the strength, intelligence, and tenacity Mitchell has shown his whole WHS career. Tye Linser also had a great state wrestling run finishing 7th at state, closing out his senior year. He was also chosen as an Indiana All Star.
Not to be outdone, Evan Butcher showcased his finesse and precision in the IHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championship with a 4th place finish. The top seven divers were back from last year, and Evan improved his placing by two spots this year. Evan brought his best dives and performance to the state finals. He displayed his discipline and artistry scoring a 506.90 in 11 dives, which is a 100 point increase from last year. Also, Avery Berryman, Kole Shock, Noah Broyles, and Ashton Tso swam at the state meet in the 200 Free Relay, setting two school records on their way down to Indianapolis.
Beyond the realm of sports, Western High School's music department continued to show the state how much talent comes out of our school in band and choir. Sixty-two band students received gold and 23 silver at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble. Twenty-four students qualified for the State competition that took place on February 24th. In choir, WHS received 53 golds and 11 silvers in ISSMA State Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble contest. Both Varsity Ensembles received gold at the State Finals, 8 individuals received gold, and 1 student received a silver.
As all these accolades continue to pour in and the school community honors these great teams and individual accomplishments, Western High School stands out in the state of Indiana as a school of excellence. These successes not only reflect exceptional talent within our student body, but also highlights the supportive and nurturing environment fostered here at WHS by parents, teachers, directors, coaches, support staff, and administrators.
Go Panthers!!
Mr. Edwards
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Valentine's Day Candy Grams
The Environmental Club and the Academic Teams joined forces to sell, prepare, and distribute Candy Grams to the students in all buildings, even the Elementary!
Ella Purcell wraps ribbons around soda cans.
Ms. Stewart provides supplies for the Academic Team students.
Freshman Max Milburn receives his Candy Gram during SRT.
Fun for a Cause
I really enjoyed making the Candy Grams this year. To me, it's a nice way to get people excited for Valentine's Day. I also got to hang out with some of my friends while making them, so it was a great way to have fun while doing something good for the school. Delivering the Candy Grams to all of the classes was cool, because I liked seeing people's surprise when they saw that they got candy from someone. The main reason I did this, though, was to support the Academic Bowl teams. I liked how I could do something to raise money for my team, and also for the Environmental Club. The money was needed to help the Academic Bowls get materials, supplies, and other things so we can compete. I enjoyed the whole activity, and I would love to do it again next year. Other people should join in too; it's pretty fun!
Seun Oguntoye, 11
Mardi Gras Comes to WHS
Learning French Traditions through Floats
French students were put up to the test on February 13th and the week prior for the annual Mardi Gras parade day at Western High School. Students who worked on floats shared an enjoyable experience. The event showcased many amazing creations, such as the audience favorite “Le Glacier,” which was proudly displayed in the hallway for all to see. When asked why he continues to do the parade year after year, Mr. Bowers said, “The parade connects to the Mardi Gras parades found in New Orleans, which was French originally, and we do it every year because communities need traditions! They provide a sense of belonging and pride and help build school spirit. Especially in dreary February/March, it's fun to have a parade in the hallways. And it's fun for the students who get to watch the parade and get candy.”
Jackson Reed, 9
Planning for "Tomorrow" in FACs
Mrs. Kritzman and students from the Family and Consumer Sciences class are part of the "Tomorrow’s Teachers" partnership with Indiana University, Kokomo. Several girls attended a women's basketball game at IUK to honor the program.
FFA Week Offers Food and Fun
February 17-24 was National FFA week, and the WHS club hosted numerous activities including a breakfast for the staff, a pitch-in dinner, and a school/community tailgate party.
Musical Arts Department Shines
Band Scores Gold in Regional and State Competition
February is a big month for Western’s Band and Choir. The solo and ensemble contests are a great opportunity for students to test their skills without being too competitive. In solo and ensemble, you’re not competing against other students but rather yourself. Students select a piece from ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) approved list, practice it, and then perform at the contest as a Group One or Group Two level. Once students perform at regionals, they receive a score and rating: Participation, Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Group 1 solos or ensembles that receive a Gold Rating will qualify to move to the State contest, where they’ll get judged more harshly and issued a new rating for their performances. Western’s band had 35 events at the Regional competition, with 26 Gold scores and 9 Silvers. Twenty of those Gold Ratings moved on to State competition, securing 16 new Gold finishes, nine of which were “With Distinction” and four were Silver ratings.
Tobin Johnson, 10
Choir Receives High Honors at the State Competition
Several choir students who participated in the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Contest came home with gold medals. The boys and girls ensembles (below) both claimed Gold Ratings. The Ladies' Ensemble included Kierstin Rockwell, Marianna Hunt, Emma Gibson, Cassandra Roy, Jillian Toney, Jyllian Knolinki, Elizabeth Mercer, Ayvah Scarberry, Jordyn Danner, Anna Buch, Hannah Quirk, Lauren Brantley, Audrey Adams, Savannah Hamblin, Kaitlyn Williams, Natalie Schnurpel and Hazel King. The Men's included Calvin Green, Michael Jarrell, Harrison Bohlmann, Isaiah Baker, Seun Oguntoye, Justin Cline, Jacob Boyd, Tate Holder, Christian Bangs, Cade Barney, Mason Connor, John Gilbert, Lawson Smith, Jonathan Carpenter, Levi Baker, Devpreet Singh, Jack Sheroan and Liam Paden. Several other students received Gold "With Distinction" for their solos (Anna Buch, Lauren Bradley, Jyllian Knolinski, Jovi Neuhauser and Isaiah Baker), and three received a Gold rating for their solos: Justin Cline, Cassandra Roy, and Kaitlyn Williams. One student received a Silver.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Sophomore Selected
The administration and staff selected sophomore Caitlin Sylvester as the WHS Student of the Month for February. She participates in volleyball, track, club volleyball, varsity choir, and jazz choir.
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TEACHER/STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Teacher Spotlight
CODY DEHAVEN Mr. DeHaven is another Panther who chose to come back to WHS after earning a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Ball State University. He is in his sixth year teaching and hopes to inspire students to realize “that they actually do have the power and ability to go after whatever they want in life.” He implores his students to aim high: “How will you know what answer [to today’s issues] is right if you haven't first PRACTICED thinking and reasoning through tough ideas and problems in an English class, where it really doesn't impact anyone? I hope to give my students a safe place to do that sort of work so that, when it really matters, they are able to accomplish whatever they wish--because I know they can.” He and his wife enjoy outdoor sports like fishing, boating, and kayaking. They also have a new baby girl to bring along on their excursions!
Staff Spotlight
LINDSAY CECIL Mrs. Cecil is the new Treasurer, taking over for Kathy Davis when she retired. Mrs. Cecil has been on the job approximately two months, and she said one of her goals is to “better understand every aspect of [the] new position.” She is already ahead in some ways, having graduated from Western High School and having studied business courses. Mrs. Cecil likes to do yoga, run, and travel with her family. She also enjoys the challenge of a new job and learning from others at WHS.
ATHLETIC EVENTS
Senior Betz Wins State!
Wrestler Mitchell Betz was crowned State Champion in the157 pound class! Betz also was named an Indiana All Star!
Linser Named All Star
WHS Wrestler Tye Linser placed seventh at the state final meet in the 132 pound class. He also earned a spot as an Indiana All Star and will represent Indiana when they compete against Illinois on Sunday, March 17th at Mooresville High School.
Swim Team Suits Up for State Finals
Senior diver Evan Butcher qualified for a third consecutive trip to the State swimming and diving meet and placed fourth overall. Other swimmers who competed included Avery Berryman, Ashton Tso, Kole Shock, Noah Broyles, Charlie Brewer, Wyatt Edwards, Ty Frazier, Jonah Raab, and Ashton Castillo.
Senior Signs to Run at Trine
Senior Aden Yeary signed to run collegiately at Trine University in Angola, Indiana.
Boys BB Sectional Kicks Off
The varsity boys basketball team played Twin Lakes Tuesday, February 27, in Frankfort in the first round of the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional.
THE 2023-2024 YEARBOOK ON SALE!
Don't Forget to Order Your 2024 Yearbook!
The 2023-2024 yearbook is now on sale. To order online, click on the following link: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/8741.
Also, Seniors, if you would like to place a Senior Ad in the yearbook, click on the link below, or pick up a form in Room 202. Make your last book memorable!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
SAT UPDATE
Hello from Western’s Student Services department. Just wanted to share some important information with you regarding your student. As part of a state mandate, on March 5th, Western will be giving the SAT test to all current junior students (with the exception of students who are on the certificate track).
The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice test created and administered by the College Board. The test that will be given during the school day is a digital test and students will take it on their iPads. It’s very important that the students bring their fully charged iPad on test day as there will not be extra iPads available.
The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside the high school GPA, the classes taken in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. So it’s important for your child to do his/her best on the exam. The score can also be used to meet box three of the graduation pathways requirements.
Over the next two weeks, we will be meeting with 11th grade students to help them get their iPads set up for testing. They will then be able to use their test ticket to complete a practice test. For more information now about the upcoming exam, and some practice problems, please visit this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school counselor.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Yazel
ASVAB UPDATE
The ASVAB test is scheduled for April 4.
WILL ◾ CAN ◾ DO
Western High School
Principal Steve Edwards
2600 S 600 W
Russiaville, IN 46979
P (765) 883-5541
F (765) 883-7946