WCS Board Hears Program Updates
WARSAW — Student presentations and sports recognition topped off the agenda Monday evening, April 18, during the regular meeting of the Warsaw Community School Board.
Warsaw Community High School student council representatives reported a total of $6,822 recently raised for Riley Children’s Hospital, with an upcoming “Blitz” fundraiser. During “Blitz,” students go out into the community during enrichment time and perform service activities. This is held during enrichment so it does not interfere with academics.
Coming before the board were representatives of the WCS orchestra program, which began in 2012. Back then, they said, there were 30 students from WCHS in orchestra, 30 at the elementary level, six from Lakeview Middle School and five from Edgewood Middle School.
This year, the program has grown to 43 students from the high school, 45 at the elementary level, 27 from Lakeview and 19 from Edgewood. In addition to growing, the program has enjoyed success at ISSMA and IMEA competitions. This school year, eight students participated in the ISSMA regional solo competition, all received gold ratings. In addition, 10 groups went to the ISSMA state ensemble competition, nine received gold and one earned silver.
At the state level, four soloists participated and three won gold and one received silver, while one group competed for ensemble and received gold.
In Battle of the Bands, the students reported coming in fourth of six the first year, second of six the second year and first of seven the third year.
Concerns came up about practice space, with very little room to store instruments, they said. Having only one orchestra teacher between all of the schools was another concern. The students suggested having one teacher for the high school and one for the middle and elementary schools.
They also had ideas for participating in more community-oriented events, like Symphony of the Lakes and First Fridays. They also suggested joining forces with more advanced musicians at the Wagon Wheel. The students also said they would like to see WCS taking advantage of programs offered through the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Board members listened and expressed appreciation to the students for bringing their thoughts and concerns before them.
The board recognized Lilly Scholar Audrey Rich, one of two students selected out of 46 Kosciusko County applicants to receive the full-ride scholarship. The selection is a blind process, with applicants’ identities kept anonymous until after the final selection has been made. The scholarship is based on things like community service and academic performance and not on financial need.
Rich attributes her time spent in the WCS Gifted and Talented program to her success in receiving the scholarship. She plans to major in art history and informatics. She encouraged all students to find outlets for their talents and energy.
The WCHS boys’ basketball team also received recognition for their success and pride in the team overall. Board members expressed their belief that the team members represent the community well and that their attitude and performance on the court shows a maturity and professionalism beyond their years.
WCS Superintendent added that younger generations look up to the players as role models.
Other News
- WCHS’s prom is set for 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 14.
- WCHS graduation is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 3.
- The next WCS school board work session is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. The next WCS school board meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, May 16.