Spokesman
Farewell to the c lass of 2 0 2 0
@WheelingXCTF
@WHSCatPack
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Photo by Santiago Cuevas
SPOKESMAN SENIOR STAFF
Courtesy of Jocelyn Beltran
Photo by Mitch Fister
Courtesy of Elizabeth Castellanos
Ethan Polak/Santiago Cuevas
The Editors Santiago Cuevas
Staff Position: Editor-In-Chief and Feature Editor Post-Secondary Plan: Attending Augustana College Major: Journalism Extracurriculars: Spokesman, Cross Country, Track and Field Favorite Movie: Perks Of Being A Wallflower Thank you to Jarexy. I have loved growing up with you over the past four years and watching us become the people that we are today. I am forever grateful for being one of your friends. I don’t know what i’d do without you. I love you. Thank you to Jasmine. I don’t know where i’d be without you. You always know what to say to help keep me in check. Eastern may be 3 hours away from Augustana, but I will walk it if I have to. I love you. Thank you to John, Julian, and Armando. You guys are the best. Thank you to the newspaper staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. It’s been fun. I am especially thankful for the senior editors that came into class for the first time this year, the newspaper wouldn’t have been the same without you guys. So thank you Jasmine,Ethan,Mitch and Rachel. Thank you to Mr.Uhrik for pushing me to become EIC and allowing for room 137 to be my second home. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’ve enjoyed every moment of being a member of Spokesman (even if it was at 8pm during a paste up night) . It’s been a pleasure to have spent my four years at WHS with you. Thank you to all the teachers I’ve had over the past four years. You guys were all amazing. Thank you to Coach Polak for constantly pushing me to be a better athelete and showing me that in order to be succesful, one should never give up. If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not having done cross country and track all four years. Thank you to my parents who constantly push me to be the best version of myself. I love you guys. Thank you to WHS. I can’t see myself graduating from any other high school (even if it is virtual). No other place can compare.
Staff Position: Focus Editor and Advertising Manager Post-Secondary Plan: Attending Eastern Illinois University Major: English, Minor: pre-law studies Extracurriculars: Varsity Soccer for 4 years, Political Action Club, peer juror with detective Britney Vore Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight
Jasmine Yusef
The past four years at WHS have blessed me with lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences and have helped mold me into the person I am today. The staff at WHS always wish the best for their students. Not only do they care about providing an educational environment where students can thrive academically, but also, they care about the overall well-being of each of their students. They are friends as well as instructors, and have left a positive imprint on me throughout my years here. Many go above and beyond to ensure the betterment of their students, and for that I am immensely grateful. My peers at Wheeling have shown me how to laugh, even in despair, and make me as though I am a part of a collective greater than myself. I will sincerely miss clear signs of come up camaraderie in the form of a simple hello, wave, or smile, as we pass on another in the hall. I wish you all happiness and success in all you hope to achieve.
Mitchell Fister
Staff Position: Assistant Sports Editor Post-Secondary Plan: Attending Purdue University Major: Neurobiology and Physiology Extracurriculars: Cross Country, Polar Cats, Track and Field, two years of band Favorite Movie: North By Northwest To start off, thank you to my parents and sisters for supporting me every step of the way, and thank you in advance for everything further down the road. A big thank you goes to my cross country and track teammates, you made every moment worth coming for, no matter how painful Coach’s workouts became. That being said, thank you to Coach Polak for never letting me give up on myself and forcing me to challenge the perceptions I had for my own limits, your shouts of encouragement will echo in my mind for the rest of my life, and for that I am grateful. Additionally, thank you to Coach Rocha for all of your support and always having the best music queued up for the weight room and long bus rides, I wish I had you as a coach longer, but I’m grateful for the time you were around for. Even though I was only around for one year, thank you Spokesman staff for the entertainment during Paste-Up, Journalism was truly the best way to end the day, and if I had known how fun it was, I’d have joined much sooner. Mr Uhrik, thank you for enlightening me on everything from Buddhism and Transcendentalism to literature and my toxic hand lotion. I no longer microwave food in plastic containers, and I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to the perfection that is classic hip hop. Overall, thank you WHS!
Rachel Lawson Staff Position: Entertainment Editor Post-Secondary Plan: Attending Smith College Major: Undecided Extracurriculars: Journalism, Poms/competitive dance Favorite Movie: Ponyo A lot of people have made my high school career memorable, but thank you especially to all the people that WHS introduced me to — the students & the vast majority of the staff members. Shoutout to Mr. Hauck, Mr. Scoggins, Mrs. Carro and Mr. Uhrik for going above and beyond and being my friends in addition to my teachers. Peace out wheeling :)
Ethan Polak
Staff Position: Sports Editor and Web Manager Post-Secondary Plan: Attending Butler University Major: Sports Media Extracurriculars: Cross Country and Volleyball for 4 years, National Honor Society for 3 years, Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore Wow, four years can go by so fast. Last time I remember, I was sitting at home after the first day of school during my freshman year and complaining about how high school sucked and I didn’t want to go back. Now I look back at that moment and realize how mistaken I really was because these last four years were probably the best four years of my life, and have made me the person I am today. I owe it to everyone who helped me, so instead of just thanking one person though, I decided to thank all of those who had major impacts on my life. To my cross country teammates, thank you for making running fun. As a sophomore I hated cross country so much that I quit, but as the season went on, I realized how much I really loved hanging out with the guys. From the bottom of my heart I really thank you guys for dragging me back into XC because I don’t know where I would have been without you guys. Open Gang Forever! To Coach K and my volleyball teammates, thanks for pushing me to be the best person I could ever be. From the tournament team lunches to the crazy bus rides, you guys made volleyball very entertaining. Also thanks for Coach K for giving me the chance to be on varsity. I had never been on a varsity nor a very successful team, so being a part of that 2019 team finally taught me what it feels to have success. To Mr. Reinhart and the WCAT Live crew, thanks for helping me gain the experience I needed for my future career. Being able to commentate sporting events has always been a dream of mine and I owe to you guys for making that dream come true. From commentating the Homecoming football game to commentating the Hardwood Classic championship, these experiences will stay with me forever. I also want to personally thank Mr. Reinhart for all that he has done for me because I don’t know I’d have the same passion for sports media without him. To Mr. Uhrik and the Spokesman staff, thank you for teaching me what it’s like to work in the media field, but also how to manage my time. In my one and only year in the journalism program, I learned how to write better, take pictures, create an entire web site and how to convince Santi into letting me be the sports editor. It was these skills that I learned that will be extremely helpful in the future and I owe it to all of you for helping me throughout the way. Finally, to my seniors, I just wanted to simply say thank you. It has been a wild four years for all of us, and it sucks how we have to end it without getting to properly say goodbye. However, I don’t want these last few months to define who we are as people. We shared some of the best memories I have ever had together, and I don’t want anyone to ever forget. In the end, good luck on the rest of your journeys and make sure we keep in touch every once in a while.
Faculty Farewells Ms. Emily Rodriguez
Dear Class of 2020, Congratulations!!! As you embark on this exciting journey, I’d like to share a few words of advice with one of my favorite graduating classes. Be kind. As I have told you all before in class, math is important, but when we look at the big picture, I believe that the most important thing, above all else, is how we treat others. A kind word, a sweet smile, a hug -- these are the small gestures that will go a long way. I often find myself caught up in the day-to-day grind, and just one kind word or smile from a student will totally turn my day around. Sure, grades are important, but what really matters is how kind and caring you were toward others. Treat others with kindness, and be gentle. Be open. In your future, you will be confronted with things you have never imagined in your lives before (such as a global health pandemic and two months of quarantine!). You will meet people with different mindsets and opinions than yours. You will hear new ideas, viewpoints, suggestions and criticisms. Be open to listen, to learn and to grow. Do not fear the unknown; embrace the novelty of new experiences. Learn how other people think and feel. This openness will help you grow to become someone better than you could have ever imagined. You will have a richness and a sincerity about yourself that will lead you to great things. Live in the moment. Unplug for a bit. Leave your phone at home one day. Don’t charge your iPad. Look at the people you are talking with. Share a meal with someone and look them in the eyes. Notice the small details of life happening around you. The time after high school is full of discovery about yourself and the world around you. Take time to see and learn everything you can. You only get to do this once, so make it count. You all have touched my life with your kindness, curiosity, diversity, and intelligence. You have made me smile, laugh and learn a lot. Continue to touch lives everywhere you go. Your future is very bright. I am proud of you, and I support you. Be your best selves ALWAYS, and don’t forget to come back and brag to us about all the amazing things you have done! Con mucho amor, Mrs. Rodriguez
Dear Seniors of the class of 2020: It is a great honor and I am deeply touched to be chosen as one of the faculty members to write you a farewell letter. I am forever grateful to have been your teacher, mentor and friend. I consider you my family, and can honestly say that I really looked forward to coming to school each day to be with you. Class of 2020 I will tell you what I have always told everyone, and that is that Wheeling High School is the greatest school anywhere because of you. Seniors, you are smart, hardworking, talented, creative, funny and extremely kind. EVERY single one of you has accomplished so much, and have made incredibly positive contributions to our community. If I had to pass along words of wisdom as you begin your posthigh school journey of life it would be three simple things: Be Respectful. Treat all people with respect including those who you disagree with or may be different than you in some way. Treating people with respect sends a message to the world that you are a person with dignity and integrity, and you play a role in making society a more decent and civil. Be Positive. Make a promise to yourself that you will be happy and enjoy life. Life is too precious to carry grudges, be angry or feel sorry for yourself. Your positive disposition will have a ripple effect of rubbing off and making those around you feel better. Be Resilient. Everyone in life experiences setbacks, disappointments and goes through difficult times. When you are faced with the inevitable challenges of life, stay strong and believe in yourself. Find something you can take away from whatever adversity you are facing to make you a better person. Class of 2020 I am so very proud of you, and I know each of you will contribute to make our world a better place. I wish you health, happiness and success.
Mr. Lou Wool
Very sincerely, Mr. Wool
Mr. Chad Scoggins
Dear Class of 2020: Congratulations on your high school graduation. No doubt you and your families are filled with pride at your accomplishments over the past four years. Though this time of year should be filled with traditions, ceremonies, and celebrations, 2020 is different. You did not get so many of the experiences attached to graduating high school. For that we all feel for you. You deserve more than this unceremonious end to your high school career. You are probably frustrated and disappointed at what you have missed in the closing months of your senior year. But what if you looked at it a different way? What if your sacrifices helped make this situation a little less catastrophic? What if hospitals were a little less crowded because of you? What if your actions (or inactions, as the case may be) saved the health or even the life of someone? It’s not always easy to think about situations like this, but this is what I argue a real education is really about—your ability and willingness to have the discipline to be able to choose what to pay attention to, and to construct meaning beyond your own personal experience. In the end, I hope your education has given you the freedom to think this way. When discussing the importance of education, the late author David Foster Wallace said, “The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day. That is real freedom. That is being educated, and understanding how to think.” Attention. Awareness. Discipline. Care. Sacrifice. Let these words guide you in the coming months and years. The world awaits you. And as you take the next step into your future, remember this moment. You are all a part of something greater than yourselves. I wish you all the best. Mr. Scoggins
Wildcats ready to leave the pack
Arizona State University -Josh Cooney
Despite the desicison day being delayed, the seniors still made their decisions on where they will pursue their future careers. Each senior will spend their 2020 Fall semester at the following colleges across the nation. The information was collected through the senior surveys, the WHS Avid Twitter and direct messages with students.
Louisville University -Emily Reyes
Texas State University -Gracie Bouchard
Nova Southeastern University -Alisha Saji
University of Iowa -Ally Ferraro -Lauren Bernstein -Corina Whidden
Smith College -Rachel Lawson
Smith College -Rachel Lawson
University of Kansas -Max Pekay -Matthew Patterson
Saint Louis University -Joel John -Estephania Diaz
University University of of Mississippi Mississippi -Olivia -Olivia Chavez Chavez -Emmy Flessas -Emmy Flessas
University of California Irvine -Amber Akhter Northern Michigan University -Mason Hoffman Ferris State University -Will Snarski Western Michigan University -Tyler Johnson
Butler University -Ethan Polak Purdue University -Micth Fister -Madelyn Zussman Indiana University Pudure University of Indianapolis -Lizeth Leon
Bowling Green State University -Heidi Wenson
Enlisted in U.S. Marines -Gio Bautista -Josh Martinez -Sebastian Hernandez -Miguel Barerra
Harper College -Krystal Altamirano -Isabel Arteaga -Andrea Moreno -Katie Williams -Jason Teneyuque -Jackie Jung -Daniela Guerrero -April Wallen -Angelica Paja -John Garcia -Alyssa Monaco -Jose Sierra -Esteban Lagunes -Gregorio Sevilla -Angel Torres -John Hernandez -Armando Herrera -Kristian Curtis -Alan Nance -Mithzy Lucerito -Lesly Hernandez -Emily Van -Jimmy Harris -Cristian Lopez -Spencer Nowak -Jack Cesak -Kenia Mijango -Melanie Gurrola -Kevin Patino -Alex Miranda -Samuel Villegas -Julio Franco -Andrea Moreno -Julian Bailon -Jacob Jaji -Branner Cordon -Elizabeth Castellanos -Anaissa Guzman Illinois State University - Lilybeth Jimenez -Allie Walger -Michelle Olechno -Abigail Escutia - Veronica Camargo -Michelle Olechno -Isabelle Vallas -Christian McLaughlin -Tiffany Emery National Louis University -Casandra Sastre -Irvin Ortega -Alejandra Jimenez -Diana Hinostroza -Maria De La Torre
Marquette University -Jocelyn Beltran -Sean Pineda -Nathan Estrin -Janelle Saguiped Chippewa Valley Technical College -Cameron Daggett Concordia University Wisconsin College -Sophia Stanke
University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point -Jason Lopez Carthage College -Araceli Arambula -Alanna Chavez -Symantha Rohwedder Caroll College -Payton Newman University Wisconsin-Milwaukee -Joshua Weinstock
Bradley University -Stephanie Peterson - Jocelyn Avalos -Cecilia Campos -Max Kras -Emily Torchalski
Enlisted in U.S. Army -Matthew Rudnicki -Stephanie Diaz -Kevin Nava
Western Illinois University -Jacqueline Guaman DePaul University -Maria Dardon -Taylor Bradshaw -Peter Szczepanski -Paul Szczepanski -Jennifer Frausto University of Illinois at Chicago -Gabe Clisham -Joey Vitale -Alexis Fairweather -Daisy Antunez Loyola University Chicago -Nicolina O’Sullivan -Christopher Fink -Priya Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -Parmeet Kaur -Connor Niznik -Anthony Cruz -Muhammad-Bilal Tharwani -Angelica Kruel -Diane Purdes Southern Illinois University -Leslie Martinez -Esmerald Chavez Eastern Illinois University -Jasmine Yusef -Jason Aguilar -Samantha Heredia Augustana College -Santiago Cuevas Illinois Weslyan University -Javier Romano -Victor Gomez Northeastern Illinois University -Mayra Luna -Jackline Rufino Benedictine University -Chloe Drodz
Elmhurst College -Morgan Collar -Valencia Smith
Lake Forest College -Alana Garcevic
Northern Illinois University -Joseph Luistro
North Park University -Adriana Rivas
Wabash Valley College -Cade Zalewski
Dominican University -Jaxery Garcia
Triton College -Danny Provost -Austin Hembd Chicago State University -Grace Zambrano Columbia College -Jessica Porras -Dulce Avila
Senior Superlatives Best Hair 1. Javier Romano 2. Jason Rivas
1. Gracie Bouchard 2. Ally Ferraro
Attached At The Hip 1. Tiffany Emery and Isabelle Valles 2. Ally Ferraro and Emily Reyes
Best Smile
Best Eyebrows
1. Jason Rivas 1. Isabel Arteaga 2. Michael Sanchez 2. Alexis Fairweather 1. Josh Weinstock 2. Paul Szczepanski
1. David Zelek 2. Anthony Cruz
1. Jason Teneyuque 2. Javier Romano
1. Rachel Lawson 2. Andrea Moreno
Class Clown 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Cristian Lopez
1. Katie Williams 2. Melanie Gurrola
Most Athletic 1. Jason Aguilar 2. Christian McLaughlin
1. Chloe Drozdz 2. Olivia Chavez
Worst Case Of Senioritis 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Cristian Lopez
1. Gabe Clisham 2. Anthony Cruz
1. Taylor Bradshaw 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Chloe Drozdz 2. Victor Gomez
1. Mila Tutaj 2. Laura Escoreno
1. Jorge Garcia-Ocampo 2. Javier Romano
1. Katherine Ambrose 2. Jasmine Yusef
1. Amber Akhter 2. Kelly McInerney
Best Glow Up
1. Austin Hembd 2. David Zelek
1. Isabelle Valles 2. Allie Walger
1. Gabe Clisham 2. David Zelek
1. Isabel Arteaga 2. Abigail Escutia
Most Aesthetic Instagram
1. Amber Akhter 1. Jason Teneyuque 2. Kelly McInerney 2. Victor Gomez
1. Jason Teneyuque 2. Matthew Chludzinki
1. Jarexy Garcia 2. Katie Williams
Best Musician 1. Anthony Cruz 2. Javier Romano
1. Andrea Moreno 2. Angelica Kruel
Most Likely To Become Tik Tok Famous
Most Likely To Get A Ticket For Being Outside
1. Liliana Dobrowski 1. Rene Andres 2. Javier Romano 2. Alisha Saji
1. Alyssa Monaco 2. Chloe Drozdz
Most Infectious Laugh
1. Jorge Garcia-Ocampo 1. Lilybeth Jimenez 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Connor Niznik 2. Gabe Clisham 2. Nancy Juarez
Best Snapchat Stories
Most Artistic
Best Singer
1. Alexis Fairweather 1. Christian McLaughlin 2. Yalisa Uriostigue 2. Cade Zalewski
Biggest Procrastinator
1. Emily Reyes 2. Jasmine Yusef
1. Mila Tutaj 2. Jackie Jung
Most Likely To Miss Virtual Graduation
1. Jason Teneyuque 1. Allie Walger 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Paul Szczepanski 2. Alexis Fairweather 2. Javen Reid
Most Likely To Say Hi To You in the Hallway
1. Cade Zalewski 2. Roman Chapkis
Most Likely To Work At WHS 1. Javier Romano 2. Ethan Polak
1. Allly Ferraro 2. Olivia Chavez
Worst Driver
After Dropping Them
Most Likely To Be President Most Paternal/Maternal
1. Michelle Olechno 1. Jimmy Harris 2. Taylor Bradshaw 2. Javen Reid
Biggest Overachiver
1. Jocelyn Avalos 2. Amber Akhter
Most Likely To Win The Lottery But Lose the Ticket
1. Anthony Cruz and Nicolina O’Sullivan 1. Gabe Clisham 2. Cassandra Sastre and Julio Franco 2. Anthony Cruz
Best Dressed
Most Likely To Vote For Themselves For Every Question
Most Likely To Be A Millionaire Most Likely To Pick Up Your Books
1. Danny Provost 1. Alexis Fairweather 1. Roman Chapkis 2. Michael Sanchez 2. Emily Reyes 2. Cristian Lopez
Cutest Couple
Most Likely To Fart On Zoom Call and Blame It On Someone Else
1. Amber Akhter 2. Lauryn Webb
Best Nickname
1. Alexis Fairweather 1. Danny Provost “Big D” 2. Olivia Chavez 2. Christian McLaughlin “CMAC”
1. Alyssa Moreno “Chickie” 2. Naomi Metellus “Nae-Nae”
1. Ally Ferraro 2. Ally Walger
Most Likely To Never Have A Face mask On Them
1. Isabel Arteaga 1. Cade Zalewski 2. Taylor Bradshaw 2. Christian McLaughlin
Biggest Brainiac 1. Gabe Clisham 2. Anthony Cruz
1. Cade Zalewski 2. Ethan Polak
1. Valencia Smith 2. Mithzy Ramirez
1. Ally Ferraro 2. Lilybeth Jimenez
Most Likely To Fall Asleep At 2am and Not Wake Up For Zoom Call 1. Charlie Vilchis 2. Anthony Cruz
1. Taylor Bradshaw 2. Chloe Drozdz
Best Newspaper
Spokesman!!