Pioneer GramGraduation Edition

Photos by Destiny Reicher-Trail Yearbook Editor

A publication of Wichita High School West

Home of the PioneersJoel Hudson, Principal

316-973-3608820 S. Osage Wichita, KS 67213

(316) 973-3600http://west.usd259.org

Core ValuesRespect • Responsibility • Commitment

Integrity •Community •Achievement

Behavioral ExpectationsPrepared • Prompt • Polite • Productive

Positive • Proud

Mission StatementThe mission of Wichita High School West

is to Instill Hope, Develop Minds, and Build

Communities for the 21st Century.

Engineering & Manufacturing AcademyBrian Gee, Assistant Principal

Bev Duncan, SecretaryDena Williams, Counselor

James Pugh, Academy Leader

Business & Culinary AcademyLarry Sadd, Assistant Principal

Julie Saffle, SecretaryLaura Barker, Counselor

Christie Ramsey, Academy LeaderAllison Stucky, Academy Leader

Health SciencesHuman Services Academy

Wendy McDaniel, Assistant PrincipalJennifer Palacio, SecretaryClaudia Griffith, Counselor

Melody Robinson, Academy Leader

Freshmen Success AcademyTravis Rogers, Assistant Principal

Denise Banks, SecretaryJill Terhune, Counselor

Darin Link, Academy Leader

Photos provided by West Journalism students

Throw in an 80% chance of rain, a highly creative valedictorian speech with a Crystal Apple Award suitedfor a volleyball coach and what do you have?

West High graduationwas recently held onMonday, May 16th at Century II arena. Hundreds of family members, friends and past/present students would file into their seats for a chance to recognize their senior of choice for the night.

Before the night even began, things would become interesting earlier in the day from a weather perspective.

An extremely high chance of rain for the eveninghad Principal Joel Hudson weighing theoption of busing 300 students or risking a torrential downpour during the traditional walk to Century II. With help from the district weather team and Accuweather, Hudson believed the odds were in his favor.

It was a risky decision, but Hudson knew the importance of keeping the walk tradition for the class of 2016 graduating seniors.

“I checked with the district weather team and we used Accuweather to help us look closely at the weather up to the minute,” Hudson said. In addition, to continue the tradition of the river walk, I incurred some extra expense to reserve and keep the buses.”

The first highlight of the night was a futuristic, creative and inspiring speech by valedictorian Matthew Kelly. His speech mentioned how social media can take away from the special moments we have in high school.

“I just feel like there’s alot of high school students that are so caught up in capturing the moment on social media that they actually forget to be in the moment.”

Next up was the presentation of the Crystal Apple Award presented by seniors Donaven Baughman and Abbagail Blick. The awardaims to honor an exemplary staff member who has made a significant and true impact on the graduating class in their four years.

Fifth year teacher Jessica Curtis would bring home this year’s award. She was humbled to be selected.

“The class of 2016 and I have special bond, primarily my AVID Class and Academy Time kids because we have grown together and created a true friendship,” Curtis said.“It has been a truly amazing four years with this group and I will always hold them near and dear to my heart.”

What will the graduating class of 2017 bring our way?Maybe we should ask Matthew Kelly on that one.

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College Career Center News1. The College Career Center will be open until Thursday, June 16th . Drop-ins are welcome & appointments are appreciatedCall 973-3676 or email WestHighCCC@gmail.com to setup an appointment with Mrs. Manley.

2. Sign up to receive West High College & Career reminders via text message or email. (see attached flyer)

3. There will be a public safety job fair for those interested in fire, law enforcement, EMS, or 911 emergency communications on May 25th, 2 – 6 PM. Dress professionally, take your resume and visit the Wichita Workforce Center at 2021 N Amidon, suite 1100 to learn more about public safety jobs with Sedgwick County, City of Wichita, Liberal, Dodge City, Derby, Andover, Hutchinson and Newton. (See attached flyer)

4. West High will be hosting the September 10th ACT test. The regular registration deadline is August 5th. Visit www.act.org to get registered for the test. Review your free ACT prep options by visiting the CCC on the Web. Try to devote at least 2 hour a week to studying for the ACT.

5. Visit the CCC on the Web to see what College & CareerEvents are happening over the summer, find & apply for scholarships, and get ACT test prep information at [college-career-center.west.usd259.org]college-career-center.west.usd259.org

Principal’s MessageJoel Hudson

Happy May parents! This is your West High Principal Joel Hudson. As we celebrate the end of another fantastic school year, I want to make you aware of several key updates concerning our district calendar.

First, a reminder that our last day of school is Friday, May 20. Our year is ending two days early this year in order to save money. As you know, we have adjusted our year-end schedule, and I know our students are excited about the end of the year being moved up on the calendar.

Second, many of you have asked about our calendar for next year, including when enrollment is scheduled and what our first day will be. Because of the question currently being considered to lengthen our school day by 30 minutes and shorten the year, I am not able to give you an answer yet. If we do make this calendar change, your student would start school one week later, finish one week earlier in May, and have longer breaks during Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday breaks. We anticipate knowing by early June how this issue will be resolved. At that point, our district will contact all parents by telephone, and will post the confirmed calendar on our district and school web site, as well as social media channels. We value your involvement and support during the 2015-2016 schoolyear, and I wish you all the best for a safe and productive summer.

West High Volleyball NewsWest High Volleyball has several events this summer for ages 12-18. There is a middle school camp for all 6th, 7th, & 8th graders planning to attend Hadley, Hamilton, Mayberry or Allison the week of June 6th-8th for only $10. The $10 pays for four days of camp from 9:00am-12:00pm and a camp shirt. Additionally – all incoming freshman and current volleyball players are welcome to summer workouts during June on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00am-11:00am. Additionally, the HS team camp is also in July from the 18th-21st for all incoming freshman and current volleyball players at West! Contact Coach Curtis at jcurtis1@usd259.net for more information!

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