SAD During the Winter

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a very common depressive disorder that affects people mainly in gray months in the winter. Most people that suffer from SAD have normal mental health throughout most of the year but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that can actually affect your daily life. Some people refer to it as just having the “winter blues,” and are not properly treated for their depression. However, not dealing with this disorder properly can result in fatigue, signs of depression, and anxiety. Senior Sarah Slemons agreed that during the winter it is hard to find motivation, and feelings of depression do occur more often than over the summer. “It gets dark so early and the sun is never out!” comments Sarah. “The snow doesn’t help at all, either, and the fact that I’m always cold during the winter.”

Some of the obvious and common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter are hopelessness, anxiety, oversleeping, weight gain, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Amanda Keusal looked at these symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and began to realize that these symptoms do happen to her more often in the winter months. “Not seeing the sun always has affected me during the winter months. Especially with more pressure from school during this time, I get really stressed out, and I can’t find motivation when I am dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder,” says Amanda.


Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder still remain unknown. However, there are some known triggers that include a reduced level of sunlight that is commonly known to affect your circadian rhythm. A lack of sunlight in the fall and winter months disrupts your body’s internal clock, which is your way of knowing when to fall asleep and when to wake up. Disruption of this natural occurrence can cause depression. Another trigger is melatonin, a sleep related hormone that increases in your body during your sleep during the winter months. An increase in melatonin is directly linked to depression.


Many students agree that they help the symptoms that they get from Seasonal Affective Disorder by going tanning during the winter months. “Even though it’s not real sunlight, I love going tanning because I get to lie in a hot bed for 15 minutes and not have to worry about anything for that whole time” says Sarah Slemons. Some medical treatments include light therapy, which includes a light therapy box that can add light to specific rooms. However, this treatment has not been officially proved to be an actual treatment. Some doctors provide antidepressants for patients dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. One of the main treatments that doctors recommend is getting up and out of the house to exercise. Taking care of yourself is another thing that is proven to help with this disorder. Getting enough rest and a balanced diet is the key when dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Starting Fresh for a New Semester

The start of second semester usually means one thing for students: it signals one closer to summer break. With the thoughts of summer vacation in the students’ minds, it is hard to focus on the new semester that they still have to finish. After first semester finals are over and its time to go back to school to start the new semester, many students at WCHS find it difficult to find motivation to do well in the second semester. Sarah Slemons, who is now almost a second semester senior, mentions that “it’s so hard for me to find motivation to finish my senior year strong. I’ve already been accepted into the college that I plan on attending next year. so I don’t have to focus on getting exceptional grades.” Sarah’s lack of motivation as a senior is commonly known as “senioritis” and many seniors at WCHS find it hard to keep the motivation going. Even the freshman class is experiencing a lack of motivation at the end of the semester. Freshman Tyler Brown comments “I find it hard to get motivation for school sometimes. The work can be so tedious and repetitive, and sometimes I just don’t feel like doing it!”

In order to stay motivated for the entire semester, it is important to have good study habits for doing assignments at home. Finding motivation for work is the key to getting good grades and having a good attitude for the entire semester.

To stay motivated for school, it is important to plan ahead how much time you will be studying for the night. It is also vital, if you have a study hall, to use it to your advantage and do as much work as you can in your study hall. That way, you are not wasting your time and you don’t have as much work to do at home. A helpful way to get motivated is to reward yourself for finishing your dreadful homework. Any activity that you enjoy the most or anything that would make you feel accomplished can be used as a reward. It is also very important that you give yourself your reward after you complete your homework. Also, wait to talk to a friend after both of you have completed your assignments.

Breaks are also very important to have while you study. The longer you study at once, the harder it is for your brain to absorb information. Breaks are also helpful because when you come back to your homework, you have a fresh new start to your assignments. When studying for a long time, muscles tend to cramp up and get really tight. That’s why it’s a good idea to get up and walk around when you’re taking a break from studying.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to think of the consequences neglecting to study. Think about the consequences of not studying for that huge test you have the next day, or failing to turn in an assignment, and how it would lower your grade. Now is the time to be thinking about how to change your study habits and stay motivated for the new semester.

Spring Track

The spring is coming up soon after the winter season, and a good way to get in shape after eating all those Christmas cookies is to join the spring Track and Field team coach by Mr. Adam Heath. If you enjoy running and are not aware of the sport of Track, then here are some running events for either short distance and long distance runners. In all of the short distance running events, you have the option of starting out on objects called Blocks which improve your start in the race. The Blocks have two incline planes that support your feet.

The one that is further up than the other is to be your dominant foot; the way of finding out your dominate foot is having a friend lightly push you and which ever foot you stop yourself with is your dominant foot and is to be placed in front. All of the short distance running events never complete a full lap around the track, and if you’re a person who likes quick running and short distance these running events are the events for you. Where if you like to run long distance and you’re the kind of person in gym who always does well in the mile then you should try long distance. The most grueling long distance run that I find to be my favorite running event is the 400; it is the shortest long distance running event. The race is only one lap; now that may not sound that far but to do the race well, you should, if you have the endurance, run the entire time around the track.

There are also relays where you complete the given distance and then pass the baton to the next runner. There, of course, is the most obvious long distance running event: the mile four laps around the track, this event unlike the 400 and the short distance events, don’t have a relay. The reason the sport is called Track and Field is that, there is more just running such as the field events like shot-put, which is where you stand inside the circle and heave the shot-put, an eight pound ball as far as you can; and the winner is determined by the furthest distance. There is also discuss which another field event is, this is where you throw basically a two sided disc. Discuss is not heavy like the shot-put, however both of the throwing techniques are not easy to learn but with practice and perseverance you can master these events.

Christmas Gift Miracles

Getting the gifts you ask for is great, but the saying “You don’t always get what you want, when you want” still stands true even during the Christmas season the season of miracles. Even when you don’t get what you ask for, you still appreciate the gifts. I experienced this personally when I asked for the book Blood and Chocolate for Christmas but didn’t receive the book until my parents went to Barnes and Noble three days after Christmas. A junior student at Worthington Christian had asked for a jacket that he had been wanting for a while, but the jacket he got on Christmas wasn’t the one he hoped to receive because the item had sold out at the store; but thankfully, later that week they went to Polaris Mall and the student had the chance to purchased the jacket he had desired.

Another student, Daniel Arsenalt, asked for the Xbox 360 game Bioshock, but to his disappointment didn’t receive the game until 3 days after Christmas, when he went to the Easton Mall and bought it. Derek Brown had asked for anything having to do with Japanese culture, sadly on Christmas day Derek didn’t receive any such gift but instead that Friday his friend Mike Queen gave Derek a display Japanese sword.

Worthington Christian student Dan Beale had asked for a Xbox 360 but didn’t actually get the Xbox on Christmas, giving Dan the impression that he would not get the gift but on the following Monday a package arrived containing the Xbox 360 which he had requested. I ask Alex Sheedy, an attendant at my youth group, if there was anything he wanted for Christmas but didn’t receive till after Christmas. His response was “I asked for a new bass and amp for Christmas, but I didn’t get it till my parents took me to Guitar Center to buy both of them myself with all my Christmas money.” Another high school student Trevor Askins asked for a new paintball gun since one of his old ones broke last summer at his friend’s birthday. Unfortunately Trevor didn’t get his paintball gun till the day after, not because of shipping not because the store was out of stock, but simple because his parents thought it would make a better surprise than if they would have given it to him on Christmas Day. Even though you don’t get what you ask for you may get it later or even something better.

Teacher of Semester One

This has been an interesting semester for Worthington Christian, and the teachers here at Worthington Christian have really stepped up to the plate. My personal panel, consisting of Kyle Schmit and myself is proud to announce our choice for teacher of Semester One at Worthington Christian. Past winners of Teachers of the Month have included Mr. Roads and Mrs. Wheat, quite an elite group to join. I have been heavily questioned on my criteria for my selected teachers, and now have had to come up with some guidelines of the qualifications. When I think of a great teacher at Worthington Christian, I think of righteousness, godliness, integrity, charisma, talent, knowledge, wisdom, and patience. The teacher we select must have these traits in spades. Kyle and I have spent agonizing hours trying to choose from the staff that is filled with great teachers. We looked at teaching credentials, attitudes, and patience with the students. Most if not all teachers have outstanding credentials from respectful colleges like Grace, Ball State, and other good colleges. Thus credentials will not likely distinguish the teachers since they all have degrees from great schools. Consequently we move on to attitudes. Teaching with a great attitude can make all the difference. Not many teachers are doing it for the money, but for the love of the kids. This is especially true at Worthington Christian. I can safely say that all teachers here want the best for the students that attend Worthington Christian, and would do as much as they can to help them. The fact that all the teachers have such a great attitude will also not set apart any of the teachers from the others. Concerning Patience: any high school teacher must have patience to deal with teenage kids who want to be anywhere else in the world but a classroom all day. Just because Worthington Christian is a Christian school doesn’t mean that the students are all well adjusted, respectful students. I’m not saying we have horrible kids here at Worthington Christian, but teachers have to have patience to deal with some of our attitudes day to day.
So it is with great esteem and honor that I present you with the first semester Teacher of the Year at Worthington Christian. My panel and I have spent countless late nights deciding on this, and think we have arrived at a good choice to represent our school as the first annual Teacher of the First Semester. So give me a hand in congratulating Mr. Tom Burns as the first-ever winner of Teacher of Semester One at Worthington Christian. His constant good attitude and patience in the classroom have earned him this prestigious title.

Worthington Christian Wrestling Invitational

The 11th annual Worthington Christian Wrestling Invitational is fast approaching. This two day affair, attended by thirty-two teams, is a smooth-running, high-quality wrestling tournament that Worthington Christian hosts each year. But before the first whistle is blown on January 25, there is a lot of work that has to be done.

Set-up for the tournament begins early Friday afternoon, and both the Worthington Christian wrestlers and the stat girls are pulled out of school early to assist with the preparations. The gym and the commons area are transformed for the tournament. Five mats must be set up in the gym, each with a scoring table and a score board. Bout tickets, the papers that tell the tables which matches will be wrestled on their mats, must all be prepared. The bout board also has to be set up so that wrestlers know on which mat they are competing.

By far the most arduous task of the set-up process is the coaches’ room. In the hospitality room, all of the coaches and referees are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Volunteers, led by Coach Foley’s wife, Leslie Foley, work around the clock to keep the food coming. Additionally, a concession stand is run for the attending audience and the wrestlers. In years past, we have also provided a lasagna dinner for the entire proceeding. The hospitality room is known state-wide, and coaches have called the school to be invited, specifically citing the room as their reason for wanting to attend.

Once the tournament begins, there is hardly a moment to rest for the ones running the tournament. Stat girls and parents involved in the wrestling program run the tables, work the bout board, run bout tickets between tables, and “bop” the referees when the time has expired. The tournament runs from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, and the amount of teams competing means that nearly every moment of that time span is spent on the mats.

The invitational serves an important purpose in paying for the wrestling program at Worthington Christian. Nearly the entire wrestling budget is raised through the ads sold in the program and the money made at the door and at concessions. Without this tournament, it would not be possible for the program to purchase new singlets, mats, or even shirts for the stat girls.

“There’s no other tournament like it in Central Ohio,” says Cody Irwin, a senior on the Varsity wrestling team. “The thing that sets up apart the most is that God is mentioned.” Indeed, the WCHS Invitational is the largest sports outreach event that Worthington Christian hosts. Over three hundred wrestlers and their families attend, and the gospel is clearly presented in the gap between normal wrestling and finals by a guest speaker. In years past, the presentation has been given by alumni, pastors, and even teachers, but they all present the gospel in a way that is real and applicable to their audience.

Colin Heasley, Daniel Foley, and Cody Irwin, all seniors on the Varsity team, are expected to place in the upcoming tournament, but each of them realize that there is something bigger at stake during the tournament. Cody Irwin phrases it best when he says, “It gives us the chance to get outside the realm of wrestling, and into the realm of ministry.”

New Year, New Movies

The month of January has a small list of new movies to be released, but there is one that soaks up all the excitement. 27 Dresses comes out on Friday January 18, 2008 and carries a very high level of anticipation. The IMDB website gives us a little fact about the movie, noting that “The wardrobe department reported that their initial designs for the dresses all looked too good on Katherine Heigl because of her figure, and they were hard-pressed to design bridesmaid’s dresses that would look bad on her.” Sarah Slemons says that when she saw the preview for this movie she almost passed out because she was so excited! “This movie looks funny and heart-warming, I just hope that one day that will not be me” says an anonymous female source. Courtney Beyer says, “I am looking forward to seeing this movie mainly because of the cast. Katherine Heigl is one of my absolute favorites! She did an amazing job in Knocked Up and I can not wait to see the impact this beautiful actress will have on me from this particular film.” 27 Dresses is a movie that is being talked about currently, amongst many girls, however, those who have already seen this movie say that it is a great chick-flick for all, even guys!

Another January film that actually came out on Friday January 4th, 2008 was the movie One Missed Call. This is a remake of a Japanese horror film and is about people who get voice messages on their phone, containing some kind of a recording of their own death. One critic from the reviews of IMDB says that it was a terrible movie and was a waste of his money. These reviews also gave the movie two out of ten stars. Senior Anna Hranilovich, who saw this movie, says “The dialogue was awful and it was so cheesy… one of the worst ‘horror’ movies that has ever been made.”

To return for a moment to our December movie review, one film seemed to be talked about more than I thought it would be. I Am Legend, the Will Smith movie that was anticipated so highly, seemed to have its reputation dragged down a little. Many said that is was too “freaky” for them and not even close to a good Will Smith movie. “He is still a good actor, but this movie did not do him justice. It was not what I was expecting and I was frankly a bit disappointed” says an anonymous student.

Another movie that turned many heads and got many talking was the sweet romantic comedy P.S. I Love You. It had an unpredictable ending and would make a perfect date movie for any age. If you have not seen this movie, I recommend you make it a must see!

Adventures to Europe

Traveling to Europe is always bound to be an adventure. Experiencing the new foods, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and hearing strange accents and languages are just a few of the cultural attributes you will experience traveling to Europe. Taking a trip to Europe is a great way to open your eyes to the many different ways people live. Journeying there can fill your mind with so many great memories. Even when the material items you buy break or get lost, you will always have the memories of experiencing something new for the first time. Many students here at Worthington Christian have either traveled to Europe, have the desire to, or are currently making plans to embark on an adventure to Europe.

Courtney Beyer, a senior at Worthington Christian, is anxiously awaiting her trip to Spain over spring break. She tells us “I have never been to Spain before, not even Europe. It should be very exciting, although I am a little nervous because I don’t know much Spanish, but I will not let that hinder me from taking in and enjoying the culture and atmosphere.” Courtney leaves in three months for her trip with her aunt. She says she is counting down the days.

Many students have already enjoyed a thrilling journey to Europe. One of those students is Tiffany Helmuth. Tiffany along with twelve other students from Worthington Christian enjoyed an EF, (educational tour) of Rome, Paris, and Florence. Tiffany says it is a trip she will never forget. She recommends an EF tour for anyone. EF tours plan your day trips, hotel stays, food, and pretty much everything. “It’s a great way to see it all, with no hassle.” However, she believes one day she would love to schedule and try planning a trip there herself when she is old enough.

Not all students have had the opportunity to travel to Europe. Students such as Anna Hranilovich have a strong desire to go there one day. She says “I believe it would really expand my cultural view. I would love to take a long trip there, but with school and work I haven’t had much time. Maybe in college or after college I will get the opportunity to, who knows?”

Experiencing new things is always exciting, especially in another country. Europe has so much to offer, with So many diverse cultures. Traveling to Europe has left people with unforgettable memories that they can always look back up on. Those who have traveled there relish their trips and would love to go back. Those who are making plans for spring break or summer can hardly wait to go and embark on their adventure. And those who have the desire to go will some day get there if their passion for it is strong enough.

A final frenzy

The clock is ticking and all of the students at WC are counting down the days till finals. These finals mark the halfway point of yet another year at Worthington Christian, and are the cause of much stress. For the seniors, however, these practically “final” finals will be the cause of much jubilation and a sigh of relief that will be heard throughout the school on finals day. With the stress of applying to colleges and taking finals now coming to an end, many are looking forward to a much easier time next semester.

As almost everyone knows, if one retains an 85 percent grade point average or higher (that’s a B or higher for all you who do not cling so closely to the grading scale) you may be exempt from finals during the second semester. “I think it’s one of the best things about being a senior,” says Amanda Keusal, while giving her opinion about the exemption of finals. “My next semester consists of study hall, yearbook, and senior seminar, and I will leave at 10:45 every day, so I’m exited about that too.”

Just like Amanda, many of the seniors have plans to leave school early and go to work. “There is no point in my being at school if I have no classes,” says Kyle Schmit, who will be leaving after third period to work at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He is just another of many senior students who will be taking advantage of the opportunity to get out of school and earn a little extra money this coming semester.
The combination of leaving school early and the prospect of being exempt from finals has left the senior class filled with anticipation about the upcoming semester. Despite the stress of this semester’s finals, many will get through with the hope of an easy ride through the next. As school work begins to dwindle and senioritis begins to take over, it is easy to see that the school year, for many, will soon be winding down.

Resolutions: Just A Tradition?

The New Year always brings up talk of New Year’s resolutions. People especially like to plan for what is to come for the New Year and ponder what resolutions were made from the past year. As I took a random survey of Worthington Christian high school students and staff, I discovered that my results were a little surprising.


A large percentage of the people here do not make New Year’s resolutions. This fact was astounding to me. Even among those who did do resolutions for last year, many of them only kept up with their goals for a few weeks at the most. Once the excitement of New Year’s had left them and had reality set in, people realized that wanting to learn to fly or be the world’s next super hero is a little out of their reach.
However, the few people who did make resolutions last year did a very good job with their goals. I asked people to reminisce about last year and tell me what resolutions they made and how that worked out for them. Shae Miller made a goal to start up her skating skills again and she attained this goal to her highest expectation. Cody Irwin had an ambitious goal to gain 35 pounds, and to his satisfaction, he was able to do so.

Many of our students here have not had the chance to meet our new school counselor, Miss Chris Berestecky (a.k.a. Miss B.). When asking her about her New Year’s resolutions from last year, I was touched with her response. Miss B. began to tell me that she has been a widow for about four years and it has just been her and her daughter who is currently in 8th grade. It was New Year’s 2007 when Miss B. decided to put full trust in Christ and to be content with where she was at that time. That was her goal, and that was her prayer. It was only two weeks later, on January 14, 2007, that her now fiancé gave her a call. “I think God knew that I wouldn’t last long, so he blessed me with a loving and caring man to take care of me and my daughter for now and forever as quickly as the second week of January” says Miss B. Now Miss B. is to be married on June 6th, 2008, and praises God for the blessing that He gave her and her young daughter.


What do you think? Are making New Year’s resolutions a thing of the past, or an opportunity to make you a better person? It is never too late to make a goal for yourself; if you did not make one on the first of the month, make one by the end. That is my challenge that I am leaving you all with.

Ski Club

Every Friday after school – when Ohio is lucky enough to get snow – students load the charter buses. These buses, characterized by the pizza, Mountain Dew, and movies provided for the long drive, cart the students up to Snow Trails Mountain for Ski Club.

"The bus can be really nice," comments one student. "You don't have to waste gas money to get up there, and if you're with your friends, it's really fun."
Some older students would rather drive up on their own, preferring the freedom to the convenience of the bus. By driving alone, students are free to leave at any time, or stay until all the lifts have closed. The biggest danger of self-transportation is the potential of icy roads while driving home late at night.

Most students have their own snowboards or skis, which can be transported on the bus or in a ski rack. For those who do not, rental services are available at Snow Trails. The line is usually an ungodly length, so many students who do not want to invest in skis or a snowboard can rent seasonally from Aspen Ski and Board.

For the most devoted skiers and snowboarders, and those who have never had the opportunity to experience real mountains, Ohio’s small hills can still provide entertainment. Many snowboarders now consider themselves experts at finding impromptu jumps and routes through the park’s “glades.” Icy runs and dirt patches are routine inconveniences on many Ohio hills, especially when spring approaches, but many students have high expectations for the season this year because we have already had several snowfalls.

"I hope it'll be good," says Amy Mauger. "But it's Ohio. It's flat."

That is the general consensus among students, who, although they enjoy ski club, recognize that the terrain is less than satisfactory. Often times, it takes longer to ride up the chair lift than it does to get down the slope, which leaves students with the option of making their own excitement. The terrain park at Snow Trails is the popular destination for most advanced riders and skiers, who enjoy testing their skills on the ramps and rails. Another popular resort in the area is Mad River Mountain, which boasts a better terrain park, according to several riders.

Because Ohioan hills are less than satisfactory, Ski Club becomes a very social event. The slow ski lifts provide ample time to talk to your friends, and strapping in at the top of the hill allows for another five minutes of conversation for the snowboarders in the group. When the cold becomes too much to bear, the lodge is an excellent place to get food and hang out. Even watching novice snowboarders tumble down the slope can be an entertaining pastime while warming by the fires inside.

Skiing and snowboarding are great wintertime sports for staying in shape in lieu of less active wintertime activities. Through the Ski Club, students are able to experience an amazing sport to which they would not otherwise have access.

To resolve, or not to resolve?

Get organized, exercise more often, eat better, spend more time with family, help others… the list goes on and on. It’s 2008 and time to make those dreaded New Years resolutions we all find so hard to keep. So why do we continue to make them year after year? According to About.com, we typically make New Years resolutions to offer ourselves a-guilt free holiday season. We want to be able to overindulge in eating, drinking, spending money and neglecting exercise, anticipating the promise that we will pick up the slack once January rolls around.

January is here, and it’s time to pick up the pace and fulfill those New Year resolutions. “My New Year resolution is to reflect on all that I have learned in high school and what others have taught me as I get ready to start a new chapter in my life,” says senior Amanda Keusal as she shares her resolution plans for 2008. Danny Kelly wants to “stop hugging men,” and Courtney Beyer wants to exercise more often and eat more healthy, which has been a common goal echoed throughout WC by many of the students who are beginning to feel the effects of their Christmas cookies and holiday celebrations.

Despite the abundance of resolutions heard throughout the school there are many who agree with About.com’s consensus that the New Year resolution is nothing more than a petty way to make one’s self feel better. “I don’t like New Year resolutions because it’s like you are setting yourself up for failure,” says Tiffany Helmuth, another member of the senior class. “I think setting goals is a good thing, but I am not motivated by a page on the calendar,” replies another anonymous source when questioned about her New Years resolution.

Many feel that a New Year resolution is nothing more than an excuse to let one’s self go for the holidays. Healthy goals of self-betterment should truly be something that are strived after on a daily basis throughout the entire year, not just in the beginning of the January. However, there are many people who get themselves motivated by setting themselves a deadline and making their yearly Resolutions. Make your decision: if you have found that New Years resolutions are for you then good luck and have a great year!

Ohio Weather

We are in the middle of winter here in Ohio, and the weather can be bitterly cold. You walk outside and your car windshield has a thick layer of frost, and four inches of snow covers your entire car. The wind stings your face and makes walking across the street one of your least favorite things to do.

However, you may wake up one winter morning, step outside and feel that the air is not so cold; that the snow has melted away and your car isn’t frozen over. Ohio winters can be below ten degrees for an entire week but it also brings fifty to even sixty degree weather. We are in the middle of January, and this morning it was fifty degrees. You would think that this weather might stick around for a little bit, and be nice and sunny for a week or two. Not in Ohio: tomorrow will probably bring twenty degree weather, harsh winds, and snow flurries. January may be a relatively warm month this year just like last year, but then February will come and the weather will be so much worse. We had a whole week off of school last February because the temperature was less than five degrees. You would think that February would be a warmer month than January because it is closer to spring, but in Ohio nothing is what it should be when it comes to weather.

When the snow falls enough to cover the roads, it’s as though no one knows what to do. The snow plows wait until there are several accidents and all the schools to close down before they start their engines. No one seems to be able to drive in the snow either. When there is snow on the road, you slow down, but a lot of Ohio residents drive like they would as if the roads were clear. This causes car accidents and injuries all because people can’t drive slowly. I am originally from Chicago, were 8 inches of snow isn’t nearly enough to close the schools down. Here, 8 inches of snow will close the schools down for 3 days and car accidents would be everywhere. In conclusion, weather in Ohio is very unpredictable. You just have to hope that you will wake up tomorrow morning to nice weather instead of the freezing cold.

Seniors’ College Plans

College decisions are some of the most stressful and life-impacting decisions you will make in life. There are hundreds of questions you ask yourself, parents, and advisers, such as: do I want to go to a private or public school? How big a school do I want? What am I interested in studying? What kind of atmosphere am I looking for? How far do I want to go from home? and the list goes on.
About this time the Worthington Christian seniors are narrowing down their choices, and turning in last minute applications and recommendations. Some have even decided where they are going next year for college. All seniors agree that it is a relief once the application process is over: no more stressing over long essays and worrying about where they will apply next. Once the applications are in, all you can do is wait and enjoy the rest of your time in high school.

Senior Rachel Walton reflects on her stressful times of applying to college: “I had no idea where to start. It was very overwhelming. Luckily, I have two older siblings who have been through it, and were a huge help in the process. The worst part for me was writing the essays. Many of them were long and I just had so many of them to write. Somehow I got through and finished the long process. I have heard back from two colleges that I have been accepted to. Now I am just waiting to hear back from a couple more.”

As Worthington Christian students become seniors, the anticipation rises to get out. “I have been at Worthington Christian my whole life,” says senior Courtney Beyer. “I have enjoyed being here immensely: it’s just I am ready to experience a new atmosphere. I can’t wait to graduate and go to college.” Many seniors feel the same way as Courtney: it is a common sentiment to in seniors. They are ready to experience life without parents, study something they enjoy, and, overall, to live in a new atmosphere. Paying for college can be a huge hindrance in freely applying to the college of your dreams. Thankfully, there are many solutions that can help. Some of these options are academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, financial aid, or grants. These aids can only help so much. Unfortunately, many students are unable to attend the college that they would choose first.

College decisions are hard and influence the rest of your life. The application process is a long one and is a huge relief when it is over. There are hundreds of things to consider before signing with a college. Seniors at Worthington Christian are wrapping up this process and eager to see what happens. Some students have already decided on a college to go to, while other seniors are discovering the hardship of not being able to go to a certain college because of financial dilemmas. Overall, the seniors at Worthington Christian are excited to start a new journey in college and embrace a new atmosphere.

Teacher of the Month of December

Mrs. Wheat has been chosen as teacher of the month at Worthington Christian for the month of December by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of myself and Kyle Schmit. Mrs. Wheat has been teaching at Worthington Christian for five years now and has done a marvelous job. She leads a efficient classroom that accomplishes a lot of work in one semester, and yet she has a lot of fun with her students. When I asked for comments from students about her teaching, I was always told great things: a good attitude, caring heart, intelligence, and a Godly perspective are always mentioned. She leads Accounting, Business Principals and Management, and Internship Academy and always stays on top of her work. The little things she does that make her such a great teacher, whether it is bringing in food to the students during class, helping them out with homework or answering any questions they can throw at her. She states on her web page that her goal is “to turn the students' focus from self to Jesus Christ. To get students enthused about using technology and the business concepts of entrepreneurship to develop their skill sets for the work world right now as well as after they graduate from high school.” Mrs. Wheat is from Indiana originally and has a B.A. in Business Education from Ball State University and an M.A.E. in Business Education also from Ball State University. She enjoys fishing, golf, flower gardening, photography, music, and walking with her wiener dog. Right now, she is finishing up her Accounting class and getting her Interns settled in. She starts her Business Principles class next semester and has big plans for the class. So it is my pride and pleasure to announce on behalf of our distinguished panel of judges that Mrs. Wheat has been chosen as teacher of the month for December. Be sure to read my next article on our decision of teacher of the first semester.

Dress Code in the Winter

At Worthington Christian High School, dress code is a primary focus in the disciplinary system. We have uniforms to help students focus during school and not focus so much on what everyone is wearing. It is very true that when students dress down, they are more rambunctious than normal and not as focused on school as they would be in their uniforms. “Personally, I don’t like dress code. It’s just what we do,” remarked Mr. Muschott. Some students actually agreed with Mr. Muschott. Senior Anna Hranilovich shared that, “I love having a dress down day every once and a while. However, when it comes down to it, I really don’t mind uniforms. That way it doesn’t take me very long to get ready in the morning and decide what I have to wear to school.” Mr. Muschott added that “when it comes down to it, having a dress code levels the playing field. Everybody has the same look despite how much money their family has to spend on clothes. Students don’t have to worry about the pressure of fitting in depending on what clothes they wear and how much money their family has. The students don’t have to worry about being judged by their peers. It also helps the students concentrate during their classes.”

But then the factor of winter and cold weather comes in to play and students feel very differently about dress code. Some wonder why they aren’t allowed to wear a jacket or a sweatshirt during their classes when the weather is very cold. Senior Amanda Keusal shares her feelings about the situation, “I really don’t care about the actual uniform itself and things such as tucking in my shirt. I just wish I could wear a jacket or something when it’s so cold outside! We have to cross the street in the winter so I think we should be able to wear a sweatshirt or a coat during our classes.” Senior Amy Price adds “Well, normally I wear a jacket anyways! Although sometimes I am told to take it off and when that happens I do get in dress code. I think we should at least be able to wear our coats during the first part of the day when it is especially very cold.” Junior Lexi Secrest added that “We should be able to wear our jackets in the winter because of the cold weather!” Mr. Muschott’s response to this is “The students should be obedient and listen to their teachers if they are told to take off their jackets. If the teacher feels that there is a legitimate reason for having a jacket on, then the student must get permission from their teachers.” When it comes down to dress code, the students should be obedient to their teachers and listen to the reasons why they believe that dress code is needed in our school. Even through these cold winter months, the students need to look at the positive effects of having uniforms.