Wadsworth High School
Newspaper I/II
May 2009
The
1870 - 2008 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 138 years of Excellence in Education”
Volume XXXIV No. 8
BRUIN 625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
Finals Week Tuesday: English Math
Wednesday: Language Science
Thursday: Social Studies
$1.00
Singleton named Teacher of the Year BY EMILY ORCHARD AND KALEE CURTIN
The whole student body joined in to shout Mr. Singleton’s name as he was announced this year’s National Honors Society’s Teacher of the Year. A standing ovation accompanied the announcement as a surprised Singleton went to the podium to accept his award. A teacher for only four years, Singleton is a well-deserving “rookie” of the high school staff. Mr. Nathan Singleton, who described the honor as “overwhelming,” still manages to keep a cool head as he teaches his Honors English III and Academic English I students. He even said that winning the award “hasn’t affected my teaching in any way.” However, his students and colleagues recognize that this award was given to the right person: one who has never given up on a student and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Singleton, who knew he wanted to be a teacher in middle school, has always had a special interest in English and history. “I ultimately decided on English because of the books that made an impact on my life,” he
aspect of Singleton’s philosophy. Students recognize when they are respected by their teachers, and that, in turn, causes students to reciprocate that respect. Singleton said he wishes to be a teacher that “students respect, but feel is approachable.” Anyone who has walked by Singleton’s room after school can see the crowd of students chatting with him. They may also notice that his students “Never settle for the in fact find him exstatus quo. If you want do tremely approachable. to be different, have At the same time, his students respect him enthusiasm.” in a classroom focused -Mr. Singleton on learning during the school day. “‘Mr. SingleTee’ is extremely students to have their own opinion about whatever is done in his easy to talk to because he’s always class, while at the same time man- trying his hardest to understand a aging to make students interested high schooler’s mind set,” junior in the literature without pushing Emily Mann said of Singleton’s the information on them. Students personable nature. “He knows who have hated English before how to listen and have a mature Singleton’s class have learned to conversation without giving his love and appreciate his approach input on everything.” Singleton also strives to go to teaching. “I honestly used to hate Eng- above and beyond expectations lish,” junior Billy Campbell said, through his teaching. “Never settle for the status “but Mr. Singleton makes it fun quo,” Singleton said strongly. “If and interesting.” Respect is another important you want to be just another brick said. Now, the tables have turned and he uses literature to make an impact on his students’ lives. As a teacher, Singleton believes passion is the most important aspect of his job and never fails to relay that passion to his students. He allows students to question books they have read and to even flat-out disagree with something that was written. He encourages
PHOTO BY BRUIN STAFF
Mr. Singleton accepts his award as Teacher of the Year at the Fine Arts Assembly on May 6.
in the wall, then go through the motions. But if you want to be different, have enthusiasm.” His students can see the enthusiasm Singleton possesses and seem to gain that enthusiasm when they are in his classroom. Singleton has the great ability of
portraying his passion and love of his subject to his students and never fails to be the teacher his students need him to be. “Teacher of the Year” may be a daunting title, but Singleton is the teacher who certainly lives up to the honor every day.
What qualities earned Mr. Singleton Teacher of the Year? “Mr. Singleton brings a wonderful enthusiasm to everything he does. He is funny and clever. I love his fresh approach on discovering new things. He taught this old dog new tricks! He deserves the great honor of Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!” -Mrs. Mathews
“Mr. Singleton introduced me to so much literature, including the Southern Gothic style. Because of him, my literary analysis is so much stronger. He also encouraged me to pursue my dreams and major in creative writing.” -Kat Saunders, 12
“Singleton, or ‘Blingleton,’ has a passion for his subject and his students. He encourages students to discover themselves through the literature they study. Not a dull moment goes by in his room; there is constantly a heated discussion, a devouring of the books we read, or an opening up of students’ minds to new ideas about the universal themes of the art we read. Other qualities of course make Singleton great: patience, understanding, acceptance, and hard work.” -Sarah Brazier, 11 PHOTO BY BRUIN STAFF
Singleton talks to previous students after receiving the Teacher of the Year award.
“Mr. Singleton loves teaching. He works very hard to make learning relevant and interesting to all of his students.” -Mr. Callaghan
INSIDE THE BRUIN
“Mr. Singleton really helps students, including myself, develop our writing and prepare for senior year and college.” -Curtis Taylor, 12
INDEX
FAVORITE COACH AND TEACHER Mr. Pickard: more than just a devoted teacher -page 4
SUMMER MEMORIES Students look back on old memories while anticipating this summer -page 11
FINE ARTS ASSEMBLY Students express themselves at the Fine Arts Assembly on May 6 -page 7
SCHMELTZER’S 200th WIN Softball team celebrates major win in head coach’s career -page 18
PAGE
Editorial ............................................................................ 2 News................................................................................. 3 Community ................................................................... 4, 5 Ads ................................................................ 6, 14, 17, 20 Features .......................................................................... 7 Opinion ........................................................................ 8, 9 Picture Pages .......................................................... 10, 11 Movies ............................................................................ 12 Music .............................................................................. 13 Of the Month ................................................................... 15 Entertainment ................................................................. 16 Sports ....................................................................... 18, 19 Health ............................................................................. 21 Speakout ........................................................................ 22