In recognition of the outstanding support that the community of Whitewater provides to the school, each year during Homecoming the WHS Student Council selects two community members to serve as The Whippet Legacy Award winners. The Whippet Legacy Award allows us to recognize all community members, no matter the age or teaching background, that have demonstrated exceptional and ongoing dedication to our students and schools. This ensures that we continue to celebrate the spirit of support, mentorship, and community involvement that this tradition was founded on—while adapting to reflect the evolving nature of our Whippet family. This year’s The Whippet Legacy Award winners are Mary Taggert and Bruce Parker.
Mary’s career has included teaching her last 27 years of her career at Whitewater High School, calling it her home. Her best memories from teaching include working with numerous remarkable students, Socratic Seminars on “Frankenstein Fridays,” participating in staff lip sync, and learning from fellow colleagues who helped her grow as an educator. Some advice Mary has to offer young people today follows:
Read 30 minutes a day. This will increase your vocabulary and reading speed for tests in upper level classes and your career.
Save your money! Learn to invest.
Don’t be afraid to work challenging jobs before discovering your career. These work opportunities will allow you to develop good communication skills and other skills that will assist you in your future.
Bruce has worked for the city of Whitewater for over 30 years and has just started his 16th year as a school bus driver. Bruce has been the driver on many of our agriculture and robotics road trips for WHS. Students absolutely adore Bruce as their driver. Why??? Bruce just isn’t their driver, but he will actually stay and cheer on the students at whatever event he has driven them to. Students really appreciate that kind of support. “Watching future leaders of the world grow up and become adults,” sums up how Bruce feels about his career.
Congratulations Mary and Bruce for your support and commitment to the WUSD Community!