April 20th-24th is National Student Leadership Week. WHS Staff would like to recognize student leadership in our school.
Mr. Majors would like to recognize Eddie Rohloff and states "Eddie started as a quiet freshman and then continued to excel to the level of becoming FFA President as a senior. He pushed himself to excel and naturally those around him are pulled into his energy level and they find themselves succeeding at levels higher than they would have imagined.”
Ms. Masbruch would like to recognize Alex Nelson. "Ferradermis Business Subteam Lead Alex Nelson exemplifies Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through confident, respectful leadership and a strong commitment to representing FIRST with integrity. They model professionalism, inclusivity, and positivity in high-pressure environments, helping individual members and entire teams feel welcomed and celebrated. Al approaches challenges with curiosity and innovation, balancing responsibility with enthusiasm. Whether volunteering at events, supporting outreach efforts, or representing the team publicly, they consistently demonstrate the FIRST Core Values of impact, teamwork, and fun. Al leads through communication, accountability, and example. They motivate others by setting clear expectations and ensuring every member understands their role in the team’s success. Al encourages participation by recognizing effort, maintaining professionalism, and creating a supportive environment. Their leadership style is organized and strategic, helping teammates feel confident, prepared, and valued both within the team and when representing FIRST."
Ms. Cunningham would like to recognize Taryn Rothwell. In the classroom, Taryn has become a natural leader. Her classmates look up to her for her collaborative spirit and her ability to engage deeply with the material. She approaches every task with incredible effort, ensuring that everything she produces is of the highest quality. Taryn’s leadership extends well beyond the classroom as well. As a leader on the tennis team, she brings that same drive to the court, putting forth her absolute best effort in every match and serving as a positive example for her teammates."
Ms. Cunningham would like to recognize Ben Crone for student leadership. Ben possesses a unique and wonderful ability to be incredibly approachable. His classmates feel a genuine sense of comfort coming to him with questions, and Ben never hesitates to offer a helping hand. Ben’s commitment to his own growth is truly impressive. He approaches every assignment with his best effort and is never afraid to ask thoughtful questions to deepen his understanding. His natural curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around him serve as a great inspiration to those around him.
Mrs. Luebke & Ms. Blain would like to recognize Melody Smith for her leadership. Melody consistently brings a positive and happy attitude to everything she does, and her enthusiasm is truly contagious. She demonstrates leadership by encouraging her peers to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and find joy in the process. Her ability to lead with a smile makes those around her feel both supported and inspired. In addition to her strong academic performance, Melody is a standout leader in our extracurricular programs. Whether in clubs or on the sports field, or on stage acting/dancing/singing, she gives her absolute best effort and sets a wonderful example for her teammates and fellow members.
Mr. Nickelsburg would like to recognize Atreya Wilson. Atreya has gone above and beyond as a leader in the classroom and as President of FBLA. Her commitment to excellence, her ability to inspire, and her desire to help others make their mark have directly led to WHS FBLA doubling in size and being named a champion chapter. She is the perfect example of a leader who leads from the front.
Mr. Nickelsburg would like to recognize Maddi Morton for leadership. Maddi brings her intellect and attention to detail to her responsibilities as a leader. She constantly looks for the best in others while encouraging them to maximize their potential. As a leader in FBLA, she has worked diligently to organize, create, and develop new ways to engage other students and create a better community for all.
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Crishna Peralta Acevedo: Crishna brings a contagious passion to everything from the wrestling mat to the soccer field. Her leadership shines through her ability to advocate for justice, as she is never afraid to use her voice to stand up for what is right while remaining incredibly respectful. When faced with language barriers or academic challenges, she proactively seeks help and works tirelessly until she succeeds. Because she is so organized and responsible, she naturally emerges as a leader in team projects, where she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the group’s success. Crishna’s drive and her commitment to excellence serve as a brilliant example that motivates her classmates to push past their own limits.
Mr. Nickelsburg would like to recognize Ema Aranda. Ema brings joy and excitement to her role as a leader. She is an example of the leader who allows others to get the accolades for success while silently putting in the work and encouragement for them to succeed. She brings a confidence which allows others to become their best and know that they have someone to back them up if they fail. As a leader in FBLA, she has sought out the best outcomes for others and created an environment where everyone has a chance to be their best selves.
Mr. Nickelsburg would like to recognize Maggie Maas. She has brought enthusiasm and energy to everything she does. Leading by example, she takes on whatever she is asked to do with enthusiasm and with her best effort which she then turns around and encourages in others. As a leader of FBLA, she led students in service projects, developing innovative and interesting ways to create a better community.
Ms. Cunningham would like to recognize Josey Davis. Josey is a bright light in our school, truly bringing joy into every room she enters with her positive energy. Josey is an incredibly intelligent student who excels in her academic work. She consistently takes the initiative to go above and beyond in the classroom, showing a level of dedication that is truly impressive. She is a fantastic collaborator who works seamlessly with her peers, always fostering a supportive environment for those around her. Her leadership and commitment extend to our athletics department as well. As a manager for the wrestling team, Josey provides vital support to her teammates and plays a key role in the team's success.
Mr. Stewart would like to recognize Lilian Navejas Ortiz. During the three years I observed Lilian, I was continually impressed with her honesty and self-reflective approach to learning. She has never professed to have all the answers, but with her inquisitive nature, she loves to learn, and she certainly models ethical behavior, research ability, and collegial problem-solving. She consistently served as a dedicated student leader at our school, serving on our National Honor Society and as President of the Spanish Honor Society. As President, she led meetings and this year organized Hispanic Heritage Month events through daily announcements. As Lilian’s teacher and tennis coach, I find it easy to get students to participate in a sport. It is another thing to have a student design an elementary tennis after-school program on the east side of our town. As a tennis player, Lillian received an honorable mention from our conference coaches. She started her season with an amazing 8-2 record before injuring her ankle in her senior season. Despite all of this, Lillian was always there to support her fellow students and to attend practices and matches.
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Naymen W. Naymen is a standout student in our U.S. History class who demonstrates leadership through his exceptional ability to listen, process information, and form articulate, independent opinions. He shares his perspective even when nobody else does, encouraging his classmates to think more deeply about past events and their relation to today's world. Recently, he independently produced a professional, witty, and perfectly edited newscast project on the Vietnam War. This project was so impressive that it motivated us teachers to encourage the entire class to follow suit. By leading through his unique initiative and high-quality work, Naymen has truly enriched our classroom culture and shown other students the power of creative leadership.
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Bastian Portales: Bastian is an incredibly responsible student whose leadership is defined by his integrity and the high standard of respect and commitment he brings to every interaction and class. By pushing himself to master Spanish and expand his vocabulary, he serves as a great example of how hard work and pride in one’s heritage can lead to real growth. He leads by example in the classroom: he proactively asks questions, showing his peers that seeking help is a smart way to reach your goals. This same discipline shines through in wrestling and track, where his steady focus and positive attitude naturally motivate his teammates to do their best. Bastian is well-liked by everyone at WHS because he leads with a quiet strength and a reliable character that we truly value.
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Axel Centeno: Axel has only recently joined our school, but he has already made an impact through his confidence and willingness to speak up. In the Global Connections class, he leads by example by sharing his well-researched opinions and delivering presentations that show he truly worked hard to master the material beforehand. What really sets him apart is his leadership in Algebra Academy, where he steps up to explain tough concepts to his classmates with the patience of a professional teacher. He is always the first to offer a helping hand, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable learning. Axel’s initiative to help his peers succeed and his ready-to-lead attitude make him a fantastic addition to our school community. "
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Dominique Ross. Dominique is a very smart student whose curiosity really helps our Global Connections class think deeper. He is always dependable and gets his work done well and on time. What makes him a good leader is how he shares unique ideas that get his classmates talking and thinking. His thoughtful questions enable others to be curious and share their own thoughts. Dominique’s ability to give the class food for thought makes him a quiet leader who helps everyone around him learn more.
Ms. del Val would to recognize Victor Alvarado García. Victor is a respectful and dedicated freshman who has already made a wonderful impression on our school community. As a standout student in Spanish Language Arts II, he leads through his active participation and his unique ability to read between the lines during complex novel discussions. He is generous with his insights, which often help his classmates catch subtle nuances and meanings that they might have otherwise missed. While he is naturally quiet, Victor’s passion for art and his thoughtful contributions to class discussions show a creative leadership that enriches our daily learning. By consistently sharing his unique perspective and staying responsible in all his work, Victor serves as a fantastic role model for his fellow freshmen.
Ms. del Val would to recognize Kelly Mayorga Coca. Kelly is a remarkable student who consistently challenges herself to step out of her comfort zone, demonstrating a level of courage that inspires everyone around her. Her dedication to mastering a second language while balancing her studies and work sets a powerful standard for her peers, showing them the true meaning of persistence. As an active leader in the Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, and Lead Dogs, Kelly motivates others to get involved by leading through action and being a dependable volunteer. She applies herself fully to every academic and athletic endeavor, encouraging her teammates on the track field to always strive for their personal best. By being a kind collaborator and a respectful role model, Kelly creates a supportive environment that empowers other students to develop their own leadership potential.
Ms. del Val would like to recognize Joharsy Duarte. Joharsy is an exceptional student whose journey from English learner to fully bilingual leader serves as a powerful inspiration to our entire school community. By achieving consistent Honor Roll status and induction into the National Honor Society, he demonstrates a profound level of academic discipline and self-improvement. As a Peer Mentor and member of the Bilingual Academic Guides, Joharsy uses his firsthand experience to help others navigate the challenges of school with confidence and ease. He is a deeply responsible individual who advocates for himself and others with a balanced sense of respect, earning him the prestigious DAR Good Citizen Award. Joharsy’s commitment to service and his collaborative spirit consistently serve as an example that empowers his peers to reach their full potential.