The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
All content by Emily Meachen
PRESS ON. At the Magnolia Silos in Waco, the UIL group takes a picture before exploring the top attraction in town. Pictured are senior Katherine Lee, Summer Rains, Stephanie Keele, Jason Clark, Reed Henderson, Heather Jackson, Danica Sunquist and Michel Schlowinski.

[Photo] UIL journalism, speech students travel to Baylor for regional competition

May 6, 2022
LETTIG THE BAT DO THE TALKING.. Headed to first, sophomore Kynlei Chapman runs after a successful turn at bat during the teams first game against Conroe.

[Photo] Softball charges into playoffs after key victory against Tigers

April 25, 2022
SPARKS FLY. Billy, played by junior Brody McNew and Candy played by senior Faith Miner enjoy a flirtatious moment during the public performance of the play.

[Photo] Award-winning cast performs encore of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

April 1, 2022
REGIONALS BOUND. Reacting to the good news, juniors Michael Schlowinski and Logan Hoover applaud for the 4th place winner in informative speaking. After not placing in the bottom three, Schlowinski realizes he is regional bound.

[Photo] Journalism UIL places first at district, eight students advance to regionals

April 1, 2022
PREPPING FOR THE LAST SHOW. Sweeping the confetti off the stage from the matinee performance, senior Timothy Brown gets ready for the last show. Brown served as the stage left manager for the show.

[Photo] ‘Grease’ crew makes memories behind scenes

February 10, 2022
GIVING IT ALL SHES GOT. In her third of five events, senior Stephanie Keele works on her feature story at the contest. She also competed in copy editing, editorial writing, news writing and headline writing at the meet.

[Photo] Journalism team places 2nd at Lake Creek UIL meet

February 8, 2022
DIAMONDS. Practicing for their first competition, sophomore Bella Gallegos and junior Faith Diaz of the guard polish their show before Saturdays competition in Katy. The guard will also host a competition on March 5.

[Photo] Band busy with competitions throughout spring semester

February 3, 2022
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[Photo] Fine arts students show off talent performing iconic musical

February 15, 2022
REDEFINING NORMAL. During the Defying Gravity number of Cabaret, the 2021 musical, junior Blake Connerly performs with members of the musical cast. Connerly was featured on a local news channel in hopes a doctor will assist him with life saving surgery.

[Photo] Junior appears on local news in hopes of life-saving surgery

December 16, 2021
DONATIONS, FUNDS AND FOOD. Journalism students speak to potential donors for the TLC Food Pantry at Kroger Marketplace.

[Photo] Students volunteer, help TLC Pantry with food drive

December 13, 2021
LEADER OF THE PACK. Filling a roll with candy, junior Ivy Nguyen works with the Interact club on their service project. Nguyen is president of the club.

[Photo] Interact creates Christmas joy for children living in poverty

December 10, 2021
NO SNACKS TODAY. An empty vending machine sits in the B200 hall. There are not plans to refill the machines at the time.

[Photo] Vending machines to remain empty

December 2, 2021
SENIOR LEADERSHIP. Giving members of the defense props for forcing a kick, senior and captain Kory Ford shakes the hands of junior Ford Ivey and senior Vincent Rye.

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MY FUTURE SO BRIGHT. Living his best senior life, senior Jose Benitez plays in the stands during the first half of the game against Conroe.

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SENIOR NIGHT TIMES TWO. Playing with band during halftime and playing varsity football, senior Jeffrey Blaker was honored by both groups on Friday night.

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SENIOR SPIRIT. Cheering for their classmates on the field, members of the student section make some noise. The theme for the week was white out for the seniors.

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WILDKATS NEVER DIE. Linking pinkies during the school song, seniors Summer Rains, Stephanie Keele and Katherine Lee take a break from capturing the moments of senior night.

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WALK THE WALK. Arm and arm members of the class of 2022 make their way across the turf of Berton A. Yates Stadium as part of the senior walk.

[Photo] Senior night creates more memories for class of 2022

November 12, 2021
MAMAS PRIDE AND JOY. Before the game begins, senior Tanner Hayes is escorted by his mother Jennifer Walker down the track.

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ON THEIR WAY. Walking to join the crowd on the track, senior members of the Sweethearts march to find their parents for the senior night recognition.

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HELMETS UP. Starting the game against the Tigers, senior Tanner Hayes and sophomore Cannon Roach raise their helmets for the kick off.

[Photo] VIDEO: The Battle of 45

November 11, 2021
RECOGNIZED. Walking across the stage, junior Shaela Wylie is inducted into NHS on Tuesday in the PAC.

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FOUR CORE VALUES. Explaining the foundations of NHS, AP John Patterson explains the values of scholarship, leadership, service and character.

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PROUD MOMMA. Taking a picture with his mother Kim Scholwinski, junior Michael Scholwinski smiles for a selfie for his moms Facebook.

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HONORED. Taking a moment after the ceremony for pictures and celebration, junior Emily Alexander smiles for her family.

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PICTURE PERFECT. Standing with his parents Jeff and Kahla Larson, junior Chase Larson shows off his new NHS membership certificate.

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I AM SERVICE. Reading from the program about service and how it relates to National Honor Society, senior NHS office. Glasgow was elected secretary at the end of last year.

[Photo] NHS holds induction ceremony focusing on scholarship, leadership, character, service

October 28, 2021
LIGHTING THE WAY. At the start of the program, NHS sponsor Jennifer Mitchell lights the first candle of the ceremony. The remaining 4 candles were lit by the officers.

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LEADERS OF THE PACK. Four seniors serve as the leaders of the NHS. They are Katherine Lee, president; Cole Arnold, vice president; Ryan Glasgow, secretary and Brenan Mansker, historian.

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THE COURT. The king and queen candidates are seniors who were nominated by their senior peers. Queen candidates are seniors Rachel Smith, Mady Feist, Fantasia Lawrence, Lindsey Pipes and Melody Medina. King nominees are seniors Marshal Niederhofer, Zach Rogers, Karl Azangue, Colton Land and Ernesto Telles.

[Photo] Nominees given ‘chance to shine’ under homecoming lights

October 19, 2021
PURPLES FOR VALOR. With their fingers high Nicole Utecht, Kim Eckert and Paul Bischof sing WHSs school song at the end of the 115th birthday bash.

[Photo] Foundation names first scholarship in honor of golf coach during birthday bash

September 23, 2021
ESSENTIAL HIGH SCHOOL MOVIES AND THE LESSONS THEY TEACH. Series about what movies can teach students in high school.

Classic 80s movies teach lessons on what matters most

September 22, 2021
STARS AND STRIPES. Members of AFJROTC present the flag before the game. The organization participates in the pregame activities and posts the flags near the field house.

[Photo] Wildkats victorious over Houston Bellaire

September 14, 2021
WET PAINT. The school underwent several different changes over the summer.

[Photo] School receives face lift over summer break

September 9, 2021
STARTING OUT STRONG. Before school even started, band director Joseph Dittfurth visits with the band during an outside practice. Dittfurth is not new to the students or the school. He was assistant director at the high school and at Brabham Middle School before being named Director of Bands this summer.

[Photo] New fine arts teachers foster advances in programs, talent in students

September 4, 2021
THE VOICE OF THE WILDKATS. The 2020-2021 staff of the newspaper. The staff is lead by co-editors, Summer Rains and Katherine Lee. Other members the editorial board are Jason Clark, sports editor, Hannah Hartman, features editor, Stephanie Keele, video editor, Heather Jackson, photo manager, Janice Talley, around campus editor and Brenan Mansker, podcast editor. Additional members are Lilliana Flores, Timothy Gunn, Julian Pelayo, Emma Lowe and GinElla Mire.

[Photo] About

August 27, 2019
STATE CHAMP. WIth their Leaguetown Press shirts on, juniors Stephanie Keele, Summer Rains and Heather Jackson take a picture at Cy Woods High School, a hub for the state academic UIL meet. Jackson won the 6A state championship in news writing. Leaguetown is the fictional high school that serves as the setting for all UIL journalism stories.

[Photo] Journalism student claims state championship

May 10, 2021
TEACHER GOODIES. Bags of treats donated by HEB are lined up waiting for distribution.

[Photo] HEB Texas Loves Teachers Tour stops in Willis to show teacher appreciation

May 4, 2021
THE ONE WHERE THEY WENT TO REGIONALS. The journalism team placed 3rd at regionals on Saturday at Klein Collins High School. Juniors Heather Jackson, Stephanie Keele, Brennan Mansker, Summer Rains and Katherine Lee with senior Sure Ibukun competed at the regional level.

[Photo] Two Wildkat UIL competitors qualify for state competition

April 20, 2021
LISTEN TO ME. Passing the day away with games, juniors Katherine Lee, Heather Jackson and Brenan Mansker give clues in a games of Heads Up at regional UIL on Saturday, April 17.

[Photo] Two Wildkat UIL competitors qualify for state competition

April 20, 2021
KNOCKING THEM DOWN. After sending the ball down the lane, sophomore Jaslyn Fox hopes for a strike. Fox and the bowling team are headed to state after a great regional competition.

[Photo] Alleykats bound for state competition

April 11, 2021
PERU BOUND. Spanish teacher Nicole Ibarra is organizing a trip with EFTours to Peru.

[Photo] Peru trip set for summer 2022

March 15, 2021
SPARE. Practicing hard, Senior Dawson Asher is ready to throw his ball down the alley.

[Photo] Alley Kats headed to regionals, sets sights on state

March 11, 2021
HEADED TO REGIONALS. During a practice session, junior Janice Maldonado works on getting stronger for the regional meet. Maldonado is one of four lifters competing Wednesday, March 3 in Alvin.

[Photo] Girls powerlifting send four to regionals

March 2, 2021
NEW OPTIONS. Taquitos are just one of the new items being offered in the cafeteria. They are available on Thursday.

[Photo] New year, new semester, new food

February 12, 2021
I SEE YOU. Looking through his flute-to-be, sophomore Logan Cooper learns about sound in science class. The class made the instruments to learn about sound waves, sound energy and wind energy.

[Photo] Students learn to ‘toot their own horns’

February 10, 2021
The COVID vaccine may seem like an awful idea for it is a new vaccine, but it is a way to ensure people’s safety when coming in contact with the covid virus. The vaccine is a way to help families across the nation and to prevent severe illness. The vaccine also gives a feeling of relief as it is an extra step to insure a person’s health. It is time for Americans to make an appointment to make the world a safe place.

[Photo] A shot at safety

February 9, 2021
WANTED

[Photo] New literary magazine calling creative writers, artists, photographers

February 8, 2021
STOP AND POSE. The Caring Queens put on a pageant for girls in The Treehouse Center. Each girl received a sash and unique crown.

[Photo] Cosmetology, volunteers doll up future beauty queens

February 15, 2021
CROWNS GALORE. Senior Makinzie Noska organizes the crown and sash table.

[Photo] Much more than pretty faces: Caring Queens focus on charity, improving communities

February 21, 2021
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Playing the roles of Stanley and Stella, juniors Josh Brookshire and Zoe Picken practice for this years One Act Play, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.

[Photo] ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ chosen for One-Act competition

January 21, 2021
ALL SMILES ON COURT. Being intriced with the starting lineup, sophomore Lucy Smith enters the court. This is her second year to play varsity basketball.

[Photo] Sophomore juggles three sports during spring season

January 21, 2021
TOP OF THE CLASS. FRONT: Melanie Merkley, Jennifer Garcia, Tyler Heffernan, Terri Ray, Taylor Jones. BACK: GianReo Mire, Danae Lesner, Maci Konen, Braden Kurtz, Sure Ibukun, Marissa Fletcher.

[Photo] No secret to senior success: honored students give tips for making to top

January 15, 2021
Friday, May 21 is early release. Here is the new schedule including D lunch.

[Photo] Friday, Jan. 15 early release schedule

January 14, 2021
HONORED. Holding their NHS membership certificates, juniors Matthew Johnson, Brenan Mansker, Ryan Galsgow and Colton Land snap a quick picture after the ceremony in the lobby of the PAC.

[Photo] NHS ceremony focuses on core values of organization

January 12, 2021
ABUSE OF POWER. America voted Donald Trump as the leader, and the trust of the American people was abused.

[Photo] Trump’s abuse of trust results in treason against Americans

January 8, 2021
TAJE WINNERS. A list of the Best in Texas winner from the yearbook TAJE contest.

[Photo] 2020 yearbook recognized for excellence in journalism

January 6, 2021
Remember finals for 8th and 6th period are Thursday, Dec. 17

[Photo] Early release schedule for Dec. 17

December 16, 2020
ARE YOU READY? As the COVID vaccine rolls out in the US, Americans must decide if they are ready.

[Photo] COVID vaccine risks may shadow benefits

December 10, 2020
“From the awful smell of peppermint to the annoying songs people play on repeat, Christmas is horrible. In fact, Christmas is the worst holiday of the year.”

[Photo] 'Tis the season to be miserable

December 4, 2020
ROBOTICS BELLE. Senior Julianna Needham represents her organization at Fire Up the Kats.

[Photo] Clubs spotlights seniors with belle, beau honors

November 16, 2020
EVERY DAY IS COFFEE DAY. Taking advantage of the iced coffee, a students grabs his drink before class.

[Photo] Students perk up with new coffee choice from cafeteria

November 12, 2020
MOVING ON. At the first home football game of the season senior Julianna Needham sings the national anthem with other members of the choir. Needham was one of six choir members who moved on to the next round of TMEA All- State auditions.

[Photo] Six students move to next round of All-State auditions

October 27, 2020
EXAM EXEMPTIONS. Semester exams will be the last week of the semester before holiday break.

[Photo] Exemption policy set for December exams

October 28, 2020
EXAM EXEMPTIONS. Semester exams will be the last week of the semester before holiday break.

[Photo] Exemption policy set for December exams

October 28, 2020
MORE FACES. MORE MASKS. According to school administration, around 400 remote students returned to campus at the start of the second nine weeks.

[Photo] Remote learners return to campus as new marking period begins

October 23, 2020
LEADERS OF THE PACK. At the race against Magnolia West, junior Kayman Hatthorn and Braden Kurtz lead the pack of runners from the track to the wooded section of the course.

[Photo] Cross country team prepares for district while making adjustments due to COVID reality

October 2, 2020
BACK IN ACTION. At the scrimmage against Cy Falls, AT Jordan Gonzales supervises SATs. He was named Preceptor of the Year by SHSU for his involvement in their training program.

[Photo] Trainer earns SHSU Preceptor of the Year honors

September 24, 2020
VOW EDITORIAL BOARD. Carlie Rutledge, co-editor, Piper Neumann, sports editor, Katherine Lee, features editor, Heather Jackson, photo editor, Summer Rains, entertainment and fine arts editor. Not pictured: Charnell Haywood, co-editor.

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SERVE IT. SMASH IT. WIN IT. In a district match against College Park on Tuesday, sophomore Blaine Eckert prepares to serve. The tennis team plays Huntsville on Friday at home.

[Photo] Tennis team sets goals for 6A season

September 15, 2020
EARLY RELEASE THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th.

[Photo] Early release this Friday, September 4th

September 2, 2020
GETTING READY. Wearing colorful mask, members of the schools COVID Task Force, teacher Brandy King and nurse Hailey Dobraski, prepare the cafeteria for lunch when students return. Wearing mask is just one of many safety precautions in place for when students return on Tuesday,

[Photo] Mandatory mask policy gives students, staff opportunity for creativity while being safe

August 24, 2020
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