Geoff Walmer, principal at Wawasee High School, recently spoke to eighth graders at Wawasee Middle School about what to expect at the high school and about the Discover Wawasee event, Jan. 18. Photo provided by Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing for Wawasee Community School Corporation.

By Mary Hursh
Guest Columnist

SYRACUSE — A small green postcard was sent to residents in the Wawasee Community School Corporation last week, which gave notice for a special evening at Wawasee High School scheduled fro 3:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. l8.

“Discover Wawasee” is the first program of its kind designed to showcase what the high school has to offer including classes, CTE, extracurricular activities and athletics. The event is open to all members of the public.

There will be refreshments available and the list continues to grow of specific items available that evening.

“This night will be an opportunity to step into the courses students are considering for the 2024-5 school year as well as an opportunity to connect with passionate teachers who breathe life into every lesson,” said Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing for Wawasee schools.

“Initially, I took the idea to the leadership team and staff. Emily jumped in once she knew we would be rolling with the idea,” said Geoff Walmer, principal.

“Henry Smith, a former principal of Wawasee in the ’90s, had the initial idea of hosting a ‘Wander Wawasee’ night to acquaint incoming freshmen and their families with the high school. We are revamping that idea now with this program to inform the community of all the offerings we have for students,” said Walmer.

The night is expected to go beyond the pages of the course description guide because students can interact with teachers, see their classrooms, and ask them any and all questions about the classes they teach, the projects they assign, the homework load they give, and the grading system they use.

Athletics and extracurricular activities will have booths set up in the Commons area and staffed by students. Guidance counselors and administrators will also be available for any questions.

Parents, guardians, and students can pick up a Pathways packet describing the courses required in designated career fields. “We want those who come tomorrow to ask us any and all questions that come to mind about classes, schedules, and the dynamics of being a high school student,” said Walmer.

Soon, counselors from the high school will travel to the middle school to begin scheduling eighth grade students.

“If these students and their parents come to the ‘Discover Wawasee’ night, they will have a picture of what the high school has to offer. There is something here for everyone,” said Walmer.