Day 47 - Appreciating a Guidance Counselor

Today's post is from junior Kelsea Kern

Mound Westonka High School is boiling over with exceptional teachers and staff alike, but there is one in particular that sticks out in my mind and translates into my life. Each student at MWHS is assigned a guidance counselor by last name and let’s just say that Kern was a very lucky last name to have. My guidance counselor is Ms. Baumann and in my 17 years I have never met a more helpful, selfless, and overall caring person.

She is always ready with great advice; whether I’m asking about what classes to sign up for, how to get that math grade WAY up, or if I need guidance with the big one: COLLEGE (which we are still trying to figure out), she always points me in the right direction. She knows a lot and she wants to help with whatever I need. It’s a great feeling knowing that there is someone with answers right at your fingertips, because let me tell you, in high school those aren’t always the easiest things to find.

Ms. Baumann always does her best to make time for you. Whether I have made an appointment a week in advance or I’ve bombarded her office because of a bad grade on a test that felt like the end of the world. She always makes the time to talk with you because that is what’s important to her. It is obvious that her first priority is to make sure her students are getting the help and guidance they need.

Now, the best thing about Ms. Baumann is that she really cares. It isn’t hard to tell that she genuinely wants you to be the best you that you can be. Ms. Baumann took the time to get to know me personally and now everything she tells me is really relevant in my life in particular. And at the same time I got to know her, and truth be told, she’s actually pretty cool! We’ve been known to stray from school topics and talk about some awesome TV shows, great music and just our daily lives. More than just a guidance counselor, Ms. Baumann is a great friend to have.

I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of a school that has such an exceptional woman, whom I admire so much, working for them. MWHS is lucky to have her and so am I. Staff like Ms. Baumann make me proud to be a Mound Westonka Whitehawk!

Ms. Baumann & Kelsea

Day 46 - Teacher Appreciation Week

Today's post is from senior Emma Clifford

Note:  We are celebrating teacher appreciation at MWHS.  All posts this week will be written about our fantastic teachers!

As far as staff members goes, Mound Westonka has some of the best. I’ve seen quite a few staff changes in my almost five years here, but for the most part, these changes have been exceptionally positive. I moved to Mound the summer before 8th grade, and in my middle school, trying to get help and stick out in the crowd of thousands of students was really challenging. Here at MWHS, the teachers are more than willing to help you whenever you ask -- and they treat you like the individual that you are.

The staff member(s) that have had the most impact on me is our Social Studies department. I’ve taken a class with them for each of my years of high school (8th-12th grade), and starting sophomore year, I took AP courses. Every teacher, from 8th grade American History with Mrs. Schwartz or Mr. Humbert all the way to AP Government & Politics with Mr. Paul, are extremely passionate about what they teach, and it’s obvious that they fully enjoy it. They appear to work together better than any other department and they organize their courses to blend together in order to prepare us as we advance through the years. Mr. Doepner-Hove would explain to us the mechanics of a Free Response Essay in AP United States History, and then Mr. Hiebert would expand on that knowledge in his AP World History class the following year. Not only do they collaborate well in the classroom, but it’s also very apparent that they’re good friends outside of school too, which makes the learning environment a lot more fun.

Our history teachers are not only quality teachers, but they’re also really quality people. They each genuinely care about their subject and their students. I feel like I’ve learned the absolute most from my history teachers -- and not just about the Civil War or the 12th Amendment -- but about how to be an informed and politically active citizen, voter, and person. I’ll take these skills with me far beyond Mound Westonka, and I know that I’ll never forget the impact they’ve had on me. So, from me and all my fellow classmates, thank you for all that you do.

Mr. Humbert, Mr Doepner, Mr. Paul, Emma, Mr. Kuehl, Mrs. Schwartz and Mr. Heibert

Day 45 - White Hawk Pride

Today's post is from senior Lucas Dussaut

Throughout the Country there are schools littered about, some better than others. Some schools have constant outbreaks of violence and hate that comes as a result of an uneducated and ignorant student body and sometimes staff. When I look at these schools it makes me proud to be a student at MWHS.

MWHS gets top test scores not only in Minnesota but all throughout the country. From elementary school to high school we are consistently in the top tier of Minnesota schools and Minnesota is in the top tier of the country’s educational system. When I see our high test scores it makes me proud to be a student at MWHS.

MWHS is not only an educated school but with that education comes a level of respect for the staff and student body that is unheard of in some parts of Minnesota and most parts of the country. You may hear of a student fight once in a school year but these have always ended without bloodshed. There is absolutely no violence based on race, gender or sexual orientation and it is this level of love and tolerance for the fellow classmate that makes me proud to be a student at MWHS.

I’ve been at this school for four years now and in the district my whole life. Growing up proves to be a challenge to all children but being placed in the right environment can drastically affect the level of stress put down on your shoulders. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. I couldn’t have asked for a better village to be raised in and it is in that statement that it makes me proud to be a student here at MWHS.

Lucas and Westin

Day 44 - White Hawk Years

Today's post is from freshmen, Marrio Henderson

I am a freshman at Mound Westonka High School, and I’ve been a White Hawk for about three years. It’s been great, fun and crazy in a good way. I play basketball, football and run track. When you’re in a sport or activity it’s like adding new members to you’re family. When you’re down, the White Hawks try to cheer you up, and when you’ve accomplished something -- they praise you.

Academics is emphasized because Mound Westonka wants you to succeed in life. The teachers here are awesome. You’ve got the strict teachers who aren't trying to be mean, they just want you to succeed; and you have the nice teachers who also want you to succeed but have fun doing it.

Westonka doesn't just let you pass -- they push you to your potential. If they don’t believe you’re working as hard as you can they will push you and push you until both of you believe that you are doing your best. Like I said, they just want the best out of you if you give them your 100% they will give you their all. Overall this school is great and I'm proud to be apart of it.

Charlie & Marrio

Day 43 - What it's Like to be a Mound Westonka White Hawk

Today's post is from sophomore Holton Stricklen

I could sit here and tell you what my daily life is as a Mound Westonka White Hawk, but instead I'm going to tell you about my past. My name is Holton Stricklen, and I am early into my sopohmore year. Born and raised in Mound, I changed schools twice in my school career. In the first grade my parents had the option to have me attend the Blake School System.  I did that and then came back to Mound the year after. 

I changed again in 7th grade into Edina, and once again I came back the following year. Being in those two schools wasn't anything like Mound Westonka. I clearly remember in Edina a teacher having to ask me what my name was almost every other day. With the big school it was hard to find your way around.  We have a small school with big school opportunities. Having small class sizes, teachers get to know you, teachers actually care how you plan on living the rest of your life, and they want to help you succeed. There isn't a better feeling than walking into a class and being able to know that they want to help you. 

Playing sports is something I balance in my daily life.  The bonds, relationships and friendships you make are priceless. I will never forget this past hockey season. Unfortunately, this fall I decided to not play football for an opportunity to play hockey and be coached by very good coaches. I have had fun playing football in the past and still have the friends I made while playing. I enjoy coming to school to see all my friends every day. I hope this describes how I feel and what it is like to be a Mound Westonka White Hawk. This is my MWHS Pride!

Wilson & Holton

Day 42 - Small School, Big Spirit

Today's post is from Ashley Luehman, MWHS Sophomore

I have spent the past two years committed to MWHS. Never once have I came across a reason to dislike it. There seems to be an activity for everyone to do. Personally I participate in multiple sports. That’s something that larger schools can’t offer you because there is so much competition for even a spot on the team. Yet our small school tries to make every effort to allow anyone that wants play that option. 

People may think this holds us back but it has never been a problem. Last year for the first time ever girls hockey went to state! In DECA we send massive amounts of kids to the state competition every year. Many of those students move on to compete at DECA Internationals. Our Dance team has consistently participated in state over the past few years. In almost every sport and activity, MWHS offers students a way to excel. From trap shooting to ping pong to the Science Olympiad, we leave our competitive and skillful mark. 

What I love most about MWHS is the support that your peers give you. For soccer we wear game day shirts that let people know we have a home game that day. No matter what class I’m attending, people encourage me and wish our team good luck. That gives me pride. That is why I am proud to be a White Hawk!

Megan, Ashley and Taylor

Day 41 - Proud to be a Student at MWHS

Today's post is from Jake Tapper, freshmen at MWHS

When I moved to Mound in 4th grade I was nervous about my new school. Knowing that Shirley Hills was a blue ribbon school reassured me about my first year at Westonka. All of the staff and students including my teacher Mrs. Henkels were all very friendly and inviting. 

Now that I’m at the high school the teachers and staff are still very good at what they do. In my experience they teach their curriculums very well and in a way that makes sense. This shows by Westonka’s MCA test scores. Westonka also has a lot of elective choices that I enjoy. 

One of my favorite memories from school was the Future Cities class in 7th grade. We had to design a city that was energy efficient and unique. Our city was called Cidade do Vulcao which means Volcano City in Spanish. Our city was built next to a very big volcano that acted as our energy source. Our groups city was won our class competition and competed at a regional level.  We made a model of our city using chicken wire, plaster, and water bottles along with other household materials. 

Overall I think Westonka is a very good School District and I am proud to a student at MWHS.

Day 40 - Mound Westonka as a Student

Today's post is from Alex Wells, sophomore at MWHS

I have been a part of the Mound Westonka school district since day one of kindergarten and I have had a great experience so far - especially here at the high school. The teachers and classes that I’ve had have been great. I love the variety of classes that MWHS offers to its students from Strength and Conditioning all the way to Wood Shop. We have a large variety of teachers that make learning their subjects enjoyable. 

Also the students are very welcoming. Starting at the top with our juniors and seniors. Many of them are a part of Link Crew that helps the younger high school students transition from Grandview into MWHS.  My peers in my grade have helped me find classes or even helped with something as simple as a question I had about the homework. 

Another great part of MWHS besides the school is the incredible amount of activities that are offered to its students. We have everything from Trap Shooting to Football and even the Science Olympiad. I personally am involved in three sports; football, wrestling and baseball and I have had a great experience with my coaches and fellow athletes over the years. MWHS has plenty more to offer to students, so I think it’s safe to say that MWHS is a great school.

Alex & Mr. Wardlow