Oiler HuRA Fighting Poverty
This year’s Oiler HuRA mission is to rid the world of poverty. Their successful efforts so far have been working to continually raise awareness in the school about local and international issues of poverty. Every day in the month of January, fact about poverty was put into the daily announcements.
Oiler HuRA held a popcorn fundraiser from January 11th until January 14th and held a puppy chow fundraiser from January 19th until January 21st.
“The ideas for these two fundraisers arose during a group meeting. "P" for poverty seemed like a catchy idea so it was decided upon to do popcorn and puppy chow fundraisers,” said Oiler HuRA sponsor Mr. Tim Hopps.
Money raised will be donated to Heifer International, which is an organization that supplies cows to families and villages in poverty stricken 3rd world countries.
“Doing these fundraisers and the poverty facts of the day hopefully will bring awareness to our school about the poverty around the world,” said Oiler HuRA member Faith Huss.
The popcorn and puppy chow fundraisers raised $157. Their goal is to purchase a goat for a third world country. To reach their goal, they have decided to sell raffle tickets for a basket with items that begin with the letter “p” such as potato chips, pop, and stuffed panda.
“I am so grateful for everyone who has participated in our event and all the people who donated; we are all making a difference in the world one step at a time. Thank you everyone,” said Oiler HuRA president Andrea Mendez.
Science Olympiad Honored in the Senate
On January 11, 2016 at the Indiana Senate Chamber in the State Capitol Building, the WHS Science Olympiad team was honored for their outstanding academic achievements through their continued success on the State and National levels of Science Olympiad. The team and the sponsors, Mr. Dan Nichols and Mr. Jeremy Long, accompanied the students on their trip down state.
“This can only boost the team’s morale. This acknowledgment of our success by the Indiana Senate only confirms to the students how special the Whiting Science Olympiad team has become not only in our school or town, but in the entire State,” said Science Olympiad Co-Sponsor Mr. Dan Nichols.
At the start of every legislative session, senators are allowed to present special resolutions before the Senate. A limited number of special resolutions are allowed making it a greater honor for the team. This may be the first time in Indiana that a Science Olympiad team has ever been honored in this way.
“Overall the experience was unreal, I mean how many schools let alone small schools like Whiting say that they were honored on the Senate floor. Being at the Senate was such a different experience and I'm so proud that we [the team] were being honored for our accomplishments and all the hard work we have and continue to do,” said senior Science Olympiad member Lilly Ruiz.
Teacher Shout Out: Mrs. Rena Mindas
Art teacher, Mrs. Rena Mindas, has decided to form her love of the Rolling Stones to influence the titles of her assignments this year.
Before becoming an art teacher, she was a commercial artist in Chicago. She was a long term art substitute which influenced her to go back to school to earn her teaching degree.
“It was a great decision because I enjoy what I do!” said Mrs. Rena Mindas.
The Stones have been a part of her life since her high school days. She feels their meaningful lyrics have shaped the person she is today.
“There are songs when I listen to when I am sad that make me smile. When I am in a good mood, certain songs put me in a great mood. I am also pleased when former students thank me for introducing them to the music of the Stones,” said Mrs. Rena Mindas.
While her art assignments haven’t changed, she is re-naming the titles of the projects to fit the song titles, lyrics, or album titles of the Stones. Some phrases she has used are, “Beggars Banquet,” “Scratch Like That,” and “I’ll be in my basement room.” The titles corresponded to the ceramic food projects, scratchboard exercise, and the one-point perspective project, respectively.
“I can’t believe it took me so long to connect two of my favorite things: Teaching Art and the Rolling Stones! Also, Mick -if you are reading this- Let’s do lunch someday!” said Mrs. Rena Mindas.
Student Shout Out: Emily Balcazar
Emily Balcazar, a freshman at WHS, has a passion for basketball. Emily is a starter on the varsity girls basketball team for the 2015-16 season.
Emily is one of four children and has attended the Whiting school system for seven years. She plans to graduate from Whiting High School.
She is a hardworking student-athlete because she finds the time to do her homework before or after practice. Balcazar has played basketball for Whiting Middle School and Indiana Elite.
“I want to play for Chicago Sky because I want to be close to my family and I just love Chicago,” said Balcazar.
Her dream is to play for North Carolina while attending college.
“Every little thing about basketball makes me love the sport. I hope to become a better, stronger, and smarter player throughout my high school career,” said Balcazar.