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
Heather Jackson

Heather Jackson, VOW photography manager

Heather is a senior on the school’s varsity tennis team. Last Spring, she became a State Champion in Journalism UIL for News Writing in 6A. She made All-State Journalism Staff the past two years. She is a member of NHS and the yearbook editor. When she graduates, she plans to obtain a bachelor's degree in English at Texas A&M University and eventually attend law school. You can reach her at [email protected]

All content by Heather Jackson
AN ADVENTURE BEGINS. English teacher, Anthony Lane, plans to sail the world with his 15 year-old-son.

English teacher begins around-the-world journey in the Atlantic

May 13, 2022
STEP BY STEP. Listed are a few helpful tips to end the school year on a high note.

Students can end year successful with simple steps

May 11, 2022
MOTHERS, GRANDMAS, TEACHERS, OH MY. Students begin preparing for Mothers Day as May 8 seeks around the bend.

Gifts: not the only way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year

April 26, 2022
SPARKS FLY. During welding class, junior Dawson Killingsworth practices on perfecting his weld. Sixty members of the welding class passed their certification test.

Wildkat makes history as first female to earn welding certification

April 25, 2022
TIME TO STRESS LESS. Kats Joined 4 Hope is encouraging students to stress less, Each day next week has a designated dress up day.

From jammies to tie dye, Stress Less Week offers dress up days to promote mental wellness

April 21, 2022
NEVER FORGOTTEN. Proud of her new podium, cosmetology teacher Callie Brown poses with the furniture bearing her name. Brown who fought a valiant fight against cancer, passed away in March.

School reflects on loss of cosmetology teacher

April 20, 2022
WILDKAT PROUD. After being accepted to Ivy and top-tier universities across the nation, senior Misael De Los Reyes has a big decision to make. He will start touring the schools this month before he makes his choice.

Wildkat brings pride to Willis with Ivy League acceptances

April 10, 2022
SUBSTITUTIONS CAUSE COMPLAINTS. Supply chain shortages have caused strain on district workers and disgruntled students and parents.

Supply shortages cause demand for better cafeteria options

April 5, 2022
1, 2, 3 SWEEP. Seniors Summer Rains, Stephanie Keele and Katherine Lee took 1st, 2nd and 3rd in feature writing at the district meet. All three will represent Willis High School at the regional meet in Waco on April 23.

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

April 1, 2022
SPRING BREAK DREAMS. With just a few days until break, students would love to head to the beach or have fun at the amusement park or bowling alley.

Students create spring break plans of fun, family and relaxation

March 7, 2022
SAVE THE DATE. The school is participating in a virtual job fair March 29 and 30. This will help students find their path for future careers and opportunities.

Virtual job fair on March 29, 30

February 24, 2022
JUST SAY NO. A recent email sent by administration reminded students of the rules related to pellet and bb guns including water pellet guns known as splatRball guns.

SplatRball shut down by administration

February 23, 2022
PARTY TIME. Junior Lizzie Moore and senior Cole Arnold play a balloon game with student council.

Valentine’s Day for more than just couples

February 23, 2022
PARKING LOT WOES. More drivers and students with no parking pass are causing parking problems and tardy issues.

Parking problems could be solved with assigned places

February 11, 2022
Looking at the referees notes after match two, sophomore Owen Baker, junior Javier Banda and sophomore Hannah East compete at the FIRST Robotics meet on Saturday, January 15, 2022. The Wildkat Robotiks team hosted the meet for the Greater Houston North League. photo by Heather Jackson

Wildkat robotiks begins competition season

February 2, 2022
LET SPRING BEGIN. Varsity tennis players wait for their next match of the day. The team has been preparing for month to be ready for the competition they will face.

Tennis tournaments back with spring season kick-off

February 1, 2022
BOOK FAIR IS BACK. The library is hosting a book fair all next week. Students can attend during lunches or class with a pass from a teacher.

ATTENTION ALL BIBLIOPHILES: Willis books Scholastic fair Jan. 24-28

January 20, 2022
HELPING HANDS. As part of #WHSCARES Teresa Menges hands flowers to a patient at Willis Nursing and Rehab.

Teachers take on challenge of service, gratitude

January 20, 2022
DONATIONS, FUNDS AND FOOD. Journalism students speak to potential donors for the TLC Food Pantry at Kroger Marketplace.

Students volunteer, help TLC Pantry with food drive

December 13, 2021
EXEMPTIONS ARE A PRIVILEGE. Information has been released on how to be exempt. DC, electives and some CTE classes are not eligible for exemptions.

Exemptions for students, classes that meet criteria

December 2, 2021
COFFEE CELEBRATION. At the Coffee with Counselors event, senior Maria Flores grabs a straw for her drink.

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THANK YOU. Grabbing a cup of coffee after sharing her college info, senior Elizabeth Aguillon enjoys Coffee with Counselors.

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FUTURE WAR HAWK. Stapling his name under the McMurray University banner, senior Zach Clark joins the seniors in the College and Career Center.

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[Photo] Seniors honored for college accomplishments at Coffee with Counselors

November 30, 2021
BIG SKY BOUND. After posting her name under Montana State University, senior Karlei Barrow enjoys her coffee.

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HOLIDAY CHEER. Student council created dress up days to bring holiday spirit to the campus.

Twelve days of Christmas comes to campus Dec. 2

November 29, 2021
STAR SPANGLED BANNER. Senior Kierstyn Helmer presents the U.S. flag before the concert.

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BACK WHERE HE STARTED. At the last home game of the season, Wildkat alum Morgan Luttrell was recognized at the game. Luttrell is running for Congress and hopes to replace Kevin Brady when he retires.

Willis grad throws hat into contest for Congress

November 18, 2021
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.

Senior night creates more memories for class of 2022

November 12, 2021
SO PROUD. After being annoicned as the 2021 homecoming queen, senior Melodie Medina is embraced by her father.

[Photo] Seniors crowned king, queen at homecoming game

November 8, 2021
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN. The student section explodes with spirit at the homecoming game.

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TEXAS RENFEST. School Days a RenFest tradition, is cancelled for this season.

Ren Fest slams school days

October 28, 2021
FIGHT BACK. Interact partners with Rotary International to raise funds for vaccines to battle polio.

Interact, Rotary work to fight polio

October 14, 2021
THE REAL DEAL. Gossip and false facts are dominating the world of media while hard hitting stories are pushed aside.

Journalism core shatters as media turns focus to gossip, speculation

October 8, 2021
ON ALL HALLOWS EVE. Find out what freighting movies to watch this Halloween season.

Haunted films to watch for Halloween fun

October 7, 2021
SPOOKY SEASON. Festive Halloween traditions are beginning with Freeforms 31 Nights of Halloween.

Freeform’s Halloween picks disappoints lovers of spooky-season classics

October 1, 2021
IN MEMORY OF MS. DENISE. The sudden death of long-time employee Denise Mathis has left a hole in hearts of those who knew her well.

Staff, students reflect on life of beloved employee

October 1, 2021
PURE POWER. In a game against New Caney, senior Taylor Thomas sends the ball over the net. The team swept the Eagles in three sets.

Student leaders push to make positive impact

September 24, 2021
SONGS AND SNACKS. Choir is holding a concert tomorrow in the cafeteria at 7 P.M.

Short, sweet concert provides students with an opportunity to perform

September 22, 2021
WE SAY WILLIS. Waiting for the student section to echo her cheers, senior cheer captain Mady Feist leads the cheerleaders at the game against Houston Bellaire.

Students hone leadership skills under the Friday night lights

September 17, 2021
WORK OVERLOAD. Students take several high rigor classes leading to possible unnecessary mental strain.

Unnecessary advanced courses cause mental strain on students

September 17, 2021
IT IS YOUR TURN. With politics flooding social media and the internet, the information can sometimes be overwhelming and turn people away rather than informing them on the issues at hand. With social media and influencers actively trying to form and change opinions of their followers, teens can feel overwhelmed with the amount of valid and false information.  

Heartbeat Act brings up importance of keeping informed

September 15, 2021
PSEUDO SOCIAL INTERACTION. Social media is a part of everyday life. Time, relationships and self confidence dwindle as screen times increase.

Social media creates disconnect between students, selves

September 6, 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.

New fine arts teachers foster advances in programs, talent in students

September 4, 2021
OPT IN. The PSAT will be administered this year, but only to students who opt in. QR codes for registration are posted around campus, and the deadline is this Friday September 3.

PSAT opt in deadline Friday

August 31, 2021
IN OPERATION. Students work while relaxing in the newly furnished area. After the new carpet was installed, the library furniture was rearranged to be the most useful and appealing to students.

New school year brings new improvements to library

August 24, 2021
SURVIVAL OF THE SMARTEST. The class of 22 is fighting to be in top of their class by taking advanced classes and working hard.

[Photo] Seniors compete for top rank as year starts

August 18, 2021
HERE EVERY IS BETTER. HEB Buddy waves at the cars as the teachers and staff drive through the HEB Texas Loves Teachers Tour.

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

May 4, 2021
GOODBYE ONLINE. Remote learning will not be an option for the 2021-22 school year. Masks are optional for summer activities, and it is planned they will be optional next fall as well.

Remote learning, mask mandate 2021-22

May 3, 2021
BATTING IN. Freshman Kynlei Chapman hits the ball to try and get on base.

LadyKats fight to the finish

April 26, 2021
FINISH STRONG. Students need to make the most of the last few weeks because they are more important than they may seem.

End of year requires new motivation

April 21, 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.

Alleykats bound for state competition

April 11, 2021
Congrats to the 2021-22 varsity and JV cheerleaders.

Cheerleaders named for upcoming school year

April 11, 2021
RACE READY. Junior Jenna Dempsey sets up before her junior drag race.

With racing in her blood, junior embraces drag racing community

March 15, 2021
SURVIVAL GUIDE. Juniors give incoming class advice to excel in their junior year.

Juniors give survival advice to incoming class

March 12, 2021
TOXIC RELATIONSHIP. Stella embraces Stanley in the dark of night after she left their home after he slapped her in an argument.

One Act Play cast tackles difficult show

March 10, 2021
EQUALITY FOR ALL. Womens rights begin in the womb and in the fight for equality.

Children suffer consequences of pseudo-feminist ideals

March 9, 2021
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FEMALE EMPOWERMENT. During the month of march, there will be a series of story posted about feminism and womens history.

Stereotypes of feminism hinder equality movement

March 5, 2021
CLOSING ACT. The Treehouse Center Community Outreach/Event Coordinator Dhelynn McClellan gives a speech about The Treehouse Center and the girls they house. The founders opened up the facility to help young girls after they are removed from unimaginable situations.

Facility brightens lives of underprivileged girls

March 3, 2021
BREAK A LEG. The One Act play public performance has been moved to Friday, March 5.

[Photo] One Act Play set for March 5

March 2, 2021
BREAK A LEG. The One Act play public performance has been moved to Friday, March 5.

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BREAK A LEG. The One Act play public performance has been moved to March 5th.

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CARING QUEENS. Past pageant queens cheer on The Treehouse Center girls during their opening number.

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

February 21, 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.

Cosmetology, volunteers doll up future beauty queens

February 15, 2021
PAGEANT READY. Cosmetology teacher, Kaitlin Hepler straightens participants hair to prepare for the day ahead.

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RECORD BREAKING. At the 16-6A District Meet, the 400 free relay broke a school record. The relay team was junior Zack Clark, senior Ollie Bowling, sophomore Peyton Sewell and sophomore Brooks Cesan. Clark also broke records for the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke at the meet.

Swim shatters records at district meet

February 2, 2021
THE OPENING ACT. Actors that were a part of the first performance were sophomore Abigail Willard, juniors Katherine Lee, Giulianna Munaretto, Serenity Alexander, Ianna Barocio, Avery Williams, Guadalupe Miramon and seniors Julianna Needham and Caleb Davidson. “Singing Seasons of Love was special because it’s a song about strife and struggle which has been apparent through the last year, and singing about love and coming together really hit home,” Lee said.

[Photo] Fine Arts department comes together to entertain with ‘Cabaret’

February 8, 2021
SPRING SEASON READY. At the fundraiser kicking off the spring season, sophomore Emma Baron, junior Zoe Picken and junior Brenan Mansker line up for medals after placing. The tennis team members have put in a lot of practice for the spring season tournaments.

[Photo] Team kicks off tennis spring season

January 29, 2021
CLEAN SLATE. The library renovations include making the space more inviting and user friendly. The space looks quite empty as after removing the bulky tables and chairs of the 1990s.

Operation Renovation

January 25, 2021
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