#1StudentNWI: Working for a Better World at Whiting High School

Senior Directed One Acts
The Senior Directed One Acts are a series of small plays directed by seniors.

"The Frog Princess," directed by Tara Gomez (12), tells a tale of a queen with three sons. The queen needs to give the kingdom to one of her sons and decides she will give it to the son with the best wife. The oldest sons each marry a princess. The youngest son marries a frog. The queen puts the wives through funny tests to decide who the best is. It teaches the importance of kindness.

"Sweat Bee: The Story of a Villain" is co-directed and co-written by Macie Plavec (12) and Brianna Baez (12).

It’s a comedy of a misunderstood, unemployed villain. She wants to be known as a notorious super villain, but a new villain in town makes her look like a hero. She has to come up with an unbeatable act to become town villain again.

"Seusspeare: Hamlet Hears a Who" is directed by Samanta Zapien (12). It rhymes as if Dr. Seuss wrote it.

A modern twist is cell phones. The characters wouldn't survive without them but may not survive with them either. Between college, his Starbucks obsessed father's ghost, and Ophelia's annoying calls, Hamlet must try and avenge his father's death.

David Diringer (12) is directing "Once Upon A Crime: The Trial of Goldilocks." Goldilocks is in court because she broke into the three bears’ house. The three bears are trying to get her name taken out of the title.

The One Acts will be held in the auditorium at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 1st and Saturday, November 8th.

Oilers HuRA
Oilers HuRA which stands for Oilers Human Rights Activists is a new group created by students and sponsored by Mr. Tim Hopps. Their slogan is Whiting Cares.

The idea for this group began with a World History/Geography class studying genocide last school year. Students sparked an interest in raising awareness in the school, community, and volunteering at local shelters.

"Everyone seemed excited at the chance to help," said TJ Lowe (10).

Andrea Mendez (10) took one the role of becoming president because of her passion for human rights.

"We can be the voice to the voiceless!" said Mendez.

The officers are vice president Oscar Figueroa (10), secretary Ana Piña (10), and treasurer Maggie Mills-Groninger (11).

"Our mission this year is to raise awareness that there is poverty all around the world we can't even imagine. It is hard to realize this in such a rich country, but it is happening," said Mendez.

Each year Oilers HuRA will focus on a different topic to research in order to make the biggest impact.

"To me, it's important to be a part of HuRA to help people that normally wouldn't get help," said Mills-Groninger.

HuRA wants to raise money for nonprofit organizations and needed items such as clothes, soap, coats, deodorant, and socks.

"I really believe we can make a change, and I know as the year progresses we are going to make a change," said Mendez.

Meetings take place in Mr. Hopps's room or with Mrs. Lovasko in the library right school every Monday.

Teacher Shout Out: Mr. Tim Hopps
Mr. Tim Hopps teaches US History, Psychology, and Sociology, coaches varsity boys basketball, and sponsors the class of 2019 and Oilers HuRA.

"I want to provide students with the tools for learning to be successful outside of my classroom," said Mr. Hopps.

Mr. Hopps has changed his teaching style this year to create a more student-centered learning environment which demands students do more work for preparation for lessons. Through his teaching style, students are more responsible for learning how to read and take notes which can better prepare them for college.

This upcoming season will be Mr. Hopps’ third season as varsity coach for the Oilers boys’ basketball team.

“I think we’re pretty experienced and have tremendous chemistry,” said Mr. Hopps.

In the off-season, he’s been preparing the Oilers with a workout plan a friend from college put together for his team, and the Oilers have participated in a few summer tournaments.

As the class of 2019 co-sponsor, he believes the class officers are a remarkable group, and hopes more students will participate in the future because they are the largest class size in WHS history with 128 students.

Mr. Hopps is also sponsoring a group of students that decided to start a human rights activists group. Their first goal is to raise awareness in the community about their topic of choice for the year. The second goal is to raise money through philanthropy.

While Mr. Hopps is kept busy throughout the year with all of his responsibilities, he is contributing to furthering the education of his students every day.

Student Shout Out: Samantha Diringer
During Pierogi Fest in the summer, Samantha Diringer (10) spent the weekend volunteering her time to add to the success of the event.

"It is such a big event, and I never did it so why not try to help with something better. I really wanted to help the city," said Samantha.

Samantha isn't new to volunteering, but it was her first time volunteering at Pierogi Fest. She volunteered 54 hours total which exceeded her Service Learning credit for the year.

"I loved working with all the people and meeting people from all over coming here for it," said Samantha.

Wherever help was needed, Samantha was there. She assisted in setup and takedown, running a stand, selling Pierogi Fest merchandise, working with vendors, answering phone calls and questions, refueling golf carts, supplying police officers with food, and escorting characters.

"There is nothing I like better than lending a hand, just having fun while volunteering, and seeing how happy people are when you do these things," said Samantha.

Her volunteering days are nowhere near an end. Samantha plans to volunteer her time in Whiting and any other places that are in need of help.

"It is about giving back to your community I think. That in some way everyone should lend a hand," said Samantha.