Today's post is from Katey Nelson, 2013 graduate of MWHS
To say that I am proud to be a MWHS graduate is an understatement. Just last May I was speaking at graduation, reminiscing on my incredible time at MWHS, while looking out to my classmates, teachers and staff who are not just friends, but family. Words can’t describe how amazing my experience at MWHS was, which so greatly prepared me for my future at Gustavus Adolphus College.
If you don’t know this already, I’ll tell you that the first week of college is all about meeting new people, and with that comes the “where did you go to high school?” question. Of course, I say, “I went to Mound Westonka High School” with a smile on my face knowing that my high school is one of the best out there.
As in most high schools, my teachers prepared me for college by teaching me how to write an acceptable five paragraph paper (always remember a thesis) and how to find the derivative of 2x3, but I learned so much more than that at MWHS. I learned to how to balance my time between school, friends and family, how to effectively communicate what I want, how to be a leader, and most importantly how to be myself. These are skills that will help me succeed in college, and my life after.
The close-knit and supportive community at MWHS is extremely unique and although I love college, every day I think about how great it would be to walk the halls of MWHS just one more time. Coming back for Homecoming this past weekend solidified how important the MWHS community is to me. The students, teachers, staff, and parents create an amazing community that is unmatched by any other school. I am proud and honored to be an MWHS alum!
Today's post is from junior football player Shane Henry
As you walk the halls of Mound Westonka High School you don’t really see much out of the ordinary. Though when you become involved and are a student or staff member here, you come to your senses and realize what amazing opportunities and paths we have to follow as the building blocks for every single White Hawk future -- whether you’re a terrified eighth grader, or a senior excited about what your last year holds. We ALL have special and unique qualities that make me, Shane Henry proud to be a member of the White Hawk community. Growing up I looked up to what seemed like the most “amazing” and “gigantic”, though sometimes intimidating, upperclassmen. Now today, here I stand sharing with all my fellow classmates, as a now ELEVENTH grader, how proud I am to be one of those upperclassmen.
I am proud to say that I love showing pride for my school in several ways. Whether it’s on Friday Nights, on the field or court, around the community, and for that matter around the state, I take pride in representing the amazing qualities this school has to offer. As the famous quote goes: “It’s a great day to be a White Hawk.” #MWHSPride
Today's post is from senior Student Senate President and Homecoming Queen Alex Riffle
As I begin my final year at Mound Westonka High School, I can confidently say that I am PROUD to be a White Hawk. Though, I’m not only proud to be a White Hawk, I am THANKFUL to be a White Hawk. We enter this school as a small eighth grader, not quite sure of what to expect, and leave as an individual. High school is time of growth and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to go along with on this crazy journey of growing up, all while managing grades, activities, sports, and relationships.
What makes me so proud to be a White Hawk? One of the many reasons I am proud to be a White Hawk is because of all the opportunities I have been offered. At Mound, a student can pretty much join any sport or activity that their heart desires. I was able to join the tennis team last year with no experience or skill whatsoever. And when I say no skill whatsoever, I’m not kidding here. This was my first sport that required some amount of hand eye coordination, which is not my strong suit. I've also had the opportunity to compete in two International DECA Competitions, some of the most influential experiences of my life. Lastly, in my final year, I've had the opportunity to be student body president, a DECA Officer, a link leader, and a member of NHS. As cheesy as it may sound, all of these activities have shaped me into the person I am today.
All the support I have received over the years is another reason why I’m so proud to be a White Hawk and a member of the Mound Westonka community. Support from teachers, classmates, guidance, staff, and people I hardly even know, make me proud to be a White Hawk. Like the rest of us, I’ve had my share of bad days. Days where I felt like my brain may explode, days where I could squeeze a stress ball all day long and still be stressed, and days where I’ve been talked about in a not-so- nice way. Something I’ve learned from days like these is that there is ALWAYS a White Hawk who will be there for you. That's something unique that I love about this school. How many places can you identify that always have someone supporting you and wishing for your success? Not many.
But what makes me the most proud to be a White Hawk? Day by day, it’s the little things that make me the most proud. From being asked how my day is going by a teacher, to receiving a simple “congratulations!” after being crowned Homecoming Queen. Gestures similar to these make my day that much better, and make me proud to be a White Hawk.
Mound may not be the absolute best at everything, but I know one thing is for sure, Mound has some of the absolute best people. People that will stick by your side, support you in your successes and failures, and help you grow into the individual that you hope to leave this school as. That is why I’m not only proud to be a White Hawk, but I am eternally thankful.
Today's post is from David Bormann, Spanish teacher at MWHS
I have to admit that I seriously considered writing some of this in Spanish just to see if anyone would understand it. Well… here is something for you. ¡Me gusta mucho Mound Westonka!
Four years ago, I decided to move from teaching in a small farming community to the big metropolis. I was so proud I finally made it to “the big city”, only to find out that most of my students don’t even consider Mound that big! I’ve come to learn the tight knit feeling of family within the school fit both perceptions – “small schools, big opportunities.”
When it comes to this feeling of family, I have come up with a list of things that make me proud to be an MWHS teacher.
- Smiling faces
- Kids yelling across the parking lot to say hello to teachers and each other
- The community turning out to help a fellow teacher in need
- Seniors coming back to visit, excited to share how they’ve continued studying Spanish in college
- Dedication of parents
- Teachers who take pride in what they do and truly care
- Administration who work their tail off to give us everything we need
- Students who will often go the extra mile
- Opportunities in my career to dance Gangnam Style with a pie in face :)
Because of these things, I have truly felt accepted as part of this MWHS family. Coming home everyday, I have fun stories to share with my wife. This job has been fulfilling not because of what I teach but rather whom I am teaching. For this, I am proud to be a White Hawk. ¡Muchas gracias!
Profe David Bormann
Today's post is from Megan Krachmer, a sophomore at MWHS
Not everyone gets to be a Mound Westonka White Hawk. I enjoy being a White Hawk and having so much support and pride in my school. I am involved in volleyball, dance, pep band, and DECA. A big part of my high school experience is going to sporting events or even being in them. It amazes me to see how many people do the same. Even when the sports may not be the best in the conference or in the state - people still show up with hope and lots of pride. I know that when I am playing or even dancing that the more people out in the crowd and in the stands the more pumped up I get.
I think that our school does an amazing job at supporting one another and showing each other what being a White Hawk really means. I know that our school will continue to show other schools that it's not all about winning and getting the trophies or going to state, but that it is about supporting your school and showing pride in what we do. I love growing up knowing that my school is great at cheering the players on. Its a great day to be a White Hawk!
Megan Krachmer
